naga&#x27;s light;

neon 80s workout montage

aglaean

Her ally revives, though unsteadily. Waving away students, she sits near the felled girl. Her partner is hardier than she looks, but a hero recognises someone in need. So she sits, and offers her deified companionship.

To presume that this companionship would be silent is a fault of those who did not know her better.

'It is no trouble so long as you emerged unscraped!' Julia's hand is warm, and delicate - even interlaced with the imprints of grass-blades. Her exercise partner comforting her is strange, and it simply wouldn't do! 'But of course. Take as long as you need.'

#wc:100 #t:neon 80s workout montage #s:l'arachel #aglaean #((this limited word count has been a really fun challenge))#sp:heavy armour #m:snowglobe

Breath returns to her lungs, yet her limbs still ache from all the exertion. Yet the bright, warm face and sparkling gooseberry eyes of Princess L'Arachel bring a smile to her face. Julia pulls herself back up to her feet, L'Arachel's hand still held tightly in her own.

She feels much better, although the idea of performing more jumping jacks makes her physically recoil.

"I think that's enough aerobics for one day. At least for me! Would--" Julia hesitates, their acquaintance so fresh and green. She truly wants it to blossom though, "would you like to join me for tea?"

tea time pop quiz

continued from here! @indevouement

Her own cake fork, laden with chocolate sponge and cream is a hair's breadth from her mouth when he asks her the questions. Ten seconds to think. Not enough time to savour the cake first. The corners of Julia's mouth dip into a frown as she places the fork down for the time being.

"I would equip Nosferatu and attack the Sniper, pre-emptively. If I had more training with daggers and short swords, I'd consider that for the strength they sap, or the potential to induce poison," her hands fold in her lap, resisting the urge to indulge her sweet tooth. That can wait, at least until she's explained her reasoning. Julia meets Jakob's gaze inquisitively - whist she's certain of her own answer she's sure that there's always more to learn, to understand. Of course, she wants to impress him, to live up to her father's pride in her. But more importantly, his response could save her life, or another's. It's valuable and so he has her undivided attention. "I am very confident in my abilities with magic, especially faith magic. I do not wish to sound arrogant - I aspire to improve. But I am certain that, even if I couldn't kill the Sniper in one hit that I'd disrupt him. Buy a few moments of time."

"At that point I'd make my way to my ally, moving to make a clear hit even harder. If I take a hit, Nosferatu should allow me to recover enough health to adapt my plan. I would sincerely wish to help my ally, no matter who they are. Yet do we have access to other recovery staffs in the convoy? Besides that, there's another factor," No matter how genuinely she means this, Julia is well aware the battlefield is not an ideal situation. If she is there to provide healing as Jakob states, and as she always endeavours to do, she must prioritise her own safety. The truth is uncomfortable and a bitter pill to swallow, but she cannot protect an army if she risks her life recklessly for the sake of a single person. "If the Sniper is still after my head, and a genuine threat, I would have to accept the reality of the situation. I would face them head on and take the initiative. My heart would feel great sorrow, but I would take out the Sniper to keep myself alive and well."

"Alive, I can still heal my other comrades. Dead, even if I healed one person, the rest of my regiment is in grave danger as the battle continues. If possible I would heal everyone but the reality of war is not so rosy. I am far more useful to the army alive than dead. I cannot always save everyone, so I would place the needs of many over those of a few."

Finally she can enjoy her cake! She needs it after such a grim discussion. The sweetness on her tongue lightens her mood enough for her to press Jakob for answers.

"What would you advise? I take it you're a veteran of the battlefield. I'm always eager to learn. Another perspective could potentially save a life. Oh, I did assume I was a member of an army rather than in service to an individual. If it was my liege injured then their safety would be my priority."

#s:jakob #indevouement #t:tea time pop quiz #toabaldrsbounty #((she really wants a good grade!!! she knows his standards are strict but))#((a b... she can take a b grade here please dont laugh and fail her))

While she's making her rounds greeting guests and handing out party favors, Ethlyn stops and stares at one particular attendee. A young woman, probably close to Leif’s age, but she has that same mysterious, ethereal presence as Deirdre. She looks like Deirdre too and Ethlyn is almost certain she knows who this must be.

“Hi, welcome! Ethlyn Chalphy Claus,” she introduces herself, offering a hand to shake before gifting what must be Deirdre’s daughter with a bag of a plush sapphire velvet with braided gold drawstrings. If she is tempted to peek inside, she will find the festive goodies of the typical Chalphy holiday season: roasted nuts coated in a caramelized warming spice mixture, a hand-pulled twisted peppermint stick, decadent candied orange peel, and a holiday cracker to be pulled later with little knick-knacks within. “It’s…nice to meet you.”

"Ah! Thank you Lady Eth-- Lady Claus," Julia corrects herself with a bow of her head. She may know and care for Leif and Altena but it's presumptuous to assume their mother will be as comfortable and open with her as her children are. Especially with the shadow of her father, lingering close at hand. Best to tread carefully, her hosts have welcomed her more graciously than she deserves. "I'm excited to be here, thank you kindly for the invite."

Her fingers fiddle with the golden drawstring in her hands. She restrains from opening the velvet bag right this second, despite eagerly anticipating whatever sweet treats may be waiting inside.

"It's really nice to meet you as well. Thank you for hosting such a lovely event for us all. I-- I have to go powder my-- speak to the uh... birds outside. Have a lovely evening!"

With frosted cheeks and another bow of the head, Julia quickly makes her exit. The tension in the air was palpable enough to make her head swim and heart race. Oh, she really hoped her presence wasn't going to bother anyone tonight.

#s:ethlyn #ladyleonster #((she doesn't dislike u ethlyn she's just scared u maybe dislike her))

november activity check; passed!

total skill points: 17 -> 19 faith rank up! c+ (2/2) -> b (2/2) from monthly activity and arena participation. spells learned: warp, valaura

#toaactivity

　sainthood, weeping.　|　team 15∶gold

the roar of distant, sorrowful wind is not what she expected to come to next. to silence — gaping and expectant. to darkness, illuminated in patches of orange glow from pupil-like torches aligned upon the walls. a cave, she realizes. no, a cavern system; five openings stare at them like mouths directly in front, and then, six, seven . . . nine in total, if she counts their back.

"what is this place?" she asks aloud, posing the glaring question. maybe it didn't need to be answered, exactly; it's all illusory, isn't it? but this chamber, clearly man-made to some degree and inhabited; something about it feels . . .

the low, sonorous sound of humming voices infiltrates the space suddenly, with a drawn-out tenor that completes the thought for her — it feels mournful.

but she's no longer as concerned about that. a hand immediately goes to the sword at her back as approaching shadows flicker on the tunnel walls. ( at her back? like the shinobi clans of hoshido. ) "something's coming." and just as she says that, three figures emerge from the far left, straight ahead, and far right caves — colorfully robed, bearing candles, matching white metal in the shape of serpents wrapped about their throats that look at first real with the torchlight playing over them. priests?

are these their enemies?

one of them — the woman in the middle, stops her low humming to look up at them with a warm smile. "thank you, all of you. our prayers have been answered. your blood will nourish our guardian. leto will be here soon."

what she means clicks in place when she lifts her arm, siphoning magic. caeldori lurches — "no!" — moving before she thinks.

CHAOS STYLE activates! CAELDORI hits BISHOP with CINQUEDEA ( 12 ). BISHOP 6/10. BISHOP IS INFLICTED WITH TOXIC POISON. BISHOP critically hits with VALAURA ( 12 ). WARDING BLOW activates! CAELDORI 10/10. CAELDORI is inflicted with TOXIC POISON.

a flash of light, blinding in the torchlit darkness, but when she lets fly her dagger from where she's rolled on the ground, she hears a cry of pain.

"watch out!!"

in this open chamber, with the columns and darkness and so many figures, it's hard to tell where her allies are. julia? forsyth? she thinks she catches a glimpse of tall white in the sudden bedlam. shouts, steel, spells: all magnified in the hollow space.

hand closes unexpectedly around hard metal — her dagger again? — and she launches it a second time at the visible robed target without questioning how it'd returned. "hagh!"

PURSUIT (7), success! CAELDORI hits BISHOP with CINQUEDEA ( 20 ). BISHOP 2/10. UNTARGETABLE: 3, fail.

even she can start to smell the iron of blood, and a hard curdle of guilt knots in her gut: she'd just acted in self-defense, and these were people—

but as she scrambles onto her feet, sudden hot abrasion over her front draws her attention briefly down, glimpsing now the dark toxin blistering over her upper arms from beneath her sleeves. when had that happened? . . . sky knight swallows a lump and refocuses on the chaos. poison here, too.

　´ ✱ ‾‾‾‾　@rafent ・

Tip-tap-tip-tap. Icy droplets struck the floor with stark individual beats counted between each birth and demise. The unstable flames of torchlight juddered against shadow-painted walls. Before Rafal stretched a cavernous subterranean realm that marked a world of its own and two possibilities. Subsisting off infertile ground and minimal sunlight, whatever ecosystem resided here inspired speculation toward the unorthodox means required of it to survive. The other theory was simple: a place for outlaws and cultists to convene away from prying eyes.

'—something's coming.' Greater certainty ended - or rather confirmed - his brief period of reflection. More than sight it was hearing that proved more reliable. Within Caeldori's voice sounded a fraught note of danger and conflict followed like the natural next course. Robed individuals with intentions of human sacrifice revealed themselves; such an outcome unlike the fear it posed for others simply ushered in another day for Rafal. A shade of the Fell Dragon's ploys in distant Elusia.

For that, attention flickered without distress toward the hostiles, one then two. Three. Or was it more? He trained his sights on the vivid stream of red flailing on the ground, a glint of silver following the presumed throw of a hand. His pupils dilated in measure of chiaroscuro, light and dark - fingers clenching. Where was his weapon? Absent said the space at his flanks, but no matter. A true Fell Dragon availed himself of all the tools at his lengthy disposal. Even those unseen.

"You. I will take what is mine. Your power."

[Roll: 3] Battalion whiff! Rafal does not summon Shadow Puppets. Untargetable, 3. No activation.

Our power. A nameless figure scrambled past him in the chaos who Rafal attempted to conjure. Before a full image could be drawn, it disappeared beyond reach of the torches and the more limited reach of his vision. He grunted at the inconvenience - reasonable yet no less disapproved.

"Five among our count and is there no-one with a source of light?" Rafal hissed amidst the amorphous clamor of a battle aided by little visibility. Not that it would be heeded. Still his voice traveled, a beacon to distinguish known from unknown.

@nagargent @viridescent-lance @foreversnightmare

#toaarena2023fall #t:sainthood weeping #s:caeldori #venalier #s:forsyth #viridescent-lance #s:freyja #foreversnightmare #s:rafal #rafent

Each droplet of water echoes throughout the cavern, sorrowful teardrops, the image of a mother weeping. It put hers on edge, even the walls around her seem to expand and contract moment by moment. The darkness feels like a endless abyss, shifting in closer, closer, making her head spin with claustrophobia. The torch light is dim, sometimes she thinks she can make out someone's figure but it is by voice that she is led to Caeldori and Rafal.

"I'm coming closer. Freyja, Forsyth, can you hear me?" Julia urges the griffin she rides onward, the beat of its wings almost louder than her own voice. Her newest ally takes instruction well though, leading her further into the cavern until she's by Caeldori's side, face to face with a robed figure. Their face is gaunt and haunting, leaving her stomach doing flips. They're fighting against people, a thought which unsettles her despite understanding the illusory nature of this exercise. Wordlessly, she reaches for her dagger and prepares to fight.

Julia 10/10 HP attacks Bishop 2/10 with Dagger. Roll d20+4: 12+4 = 16! Hit. - 1.5 damage Bishop has 0.5/10 HP remaining Bishop counterattacks with Valaura. Roll d20: 11! Hit. -1.5 damage. Julia has 8.5/10 HP remaining. Julia is inflicted with Toxic Poison Galeforce activates Roll d4: 1! Untargetable lifts. Leto is vulnerable for one round.

"Ah! I think I've found our true foe," Julia calls out to her allies, although she's not sure how useful it will be with such little light. Still, the dragon inhabiting this cave is surely central to this illusion. Their human foes perhaps guardians or worshippers. "The bishop is nearly down! Freyja, do you think you can take care of it? I'm going to try and disarm the Warlock."

She gets in closer, this time. Face to face with the witch, she cannot allow the fact it's eyes burn with the same fire her father's do lead her astray. These are not real people and even if they were, her loyalties lie with her friends. Her allies need her. Swallowing the lump in her throat, Julia strikes the Warlock in the side at close range.

Julia 8.5/10 HP attacks Warlock 10/10 HP at melee with Dagger. Roll d20-4: 20-4 = 16! Critical hit.! -3 damage to Warlock. 7/10 HP remaining. -1 damage to Cavern. 9/10 HP remaining Roll d2: 1! Stun activates. Warlock cannot counterattack or attack for one round. Julia takes damage from Toxic Poison. 7.5/10 HP remaining.

"Oh no! What's that rumbling? Is the cavern going to collapse?"

@foreversnightmare

you, me and our trusty friend the light rune (team 15 silver round)

right on the heels of her warning, another one rings out in julia's smaller voice — the ground? caeldori's body moves on its own, product of a lifetime of training and of birth into war.

one seismic overturn of the darkness around them; heart in her throat, she wishes sorely she had belle. no. this was an arena, a trial; she'd prove herself worthy enough in her own right, without a mount to help her.

another quake; caeldori tastes a bitter tang on her tongue from biting her lip in concentration. legs tremble faintly when she lands again, but she is death-defyingly in one piece, with such exhilaration than she feels lighter than air for it even as her own vulnerability beats at the fore of her heart, hot on her skin and rice paper-thin against this monster's magic.

the others, too, are rallying: a relief, however hesitant and unsure, in the wake of the previous fight's disastrous start. their praise and fragile hopes encircle julia, flitting between them like a lilac moth, casting magic and granting boons. caeldori can understand her strategy; it's a precarious one, requiring foolproof precision and with her abilities at its center, but it's a strong one if they can see it through.

but it does require each of them. her spells, forsyth's healing, rafal's rejuvenation, and herself and freyja on the front line.

"mm," she agrees quickly with a nod, both hands folding about the sword's hilt as the shield of the light rune encloses over her. "just need me to hit it as hard as i can, right? stand back." brave, she'd called her? it makes caeldori smile. i am my father's daughter, after all. and on top of that, it makes a little more sense now, why this sword is in her hands for this battle, before she'd even known the enemies they'd face. she'd gotten a sense of it when it'd struck that titanus again and again, as if it'd found its own mark each time independent of her, needing only her arms to guide it. the sword of the sineater. kadrian's fabled weapon, ferreting out darkness and consuming it. if she was going to be honest though, she wasn't much of a swordmaster here.

really, it was wielding her.

CAELDORI crits ALLIGATORID HUSK with SWORD OF THE SINEATER ( 11 ). ALLIGATORID HUSK 27/50 HP. ALLIGATORID HUSK counters with DEATH ( 7 ). ( RESONANCE activates! ALLIGATORID HUSK 26/50 HP ) CAELDORI is protected by LIGHT RUNE. CAELDORI misses ALLIGATORID HUSK with SWORD OF THE SINEATER ( 0 ). POISON STRIKE activates! ALLIGATORID HUSK 25/50 HP. CAELDORI takes damage from TOXIC POISON! CAELDORI 9/10 HP.

needle-like blade cleaves through strange flesh — its consistency unlike that of any human or creature she's ever felt before, and toxin bubbles in the wake of muscle and sinew. tangled teeth snap as the beast twists around and she lurches back, feeling rancid breath billow inches from her face; the stench of death, rotting and stale, corrodes at the barrier that holds true, but in her instinct to dodge, she'd misplaced her footing and follow-up swing misguides. the sword pulses at though in admonishment for her mistake.

but the brief exchange had hardly been useless. already, the reptilian monster looks much worse for wear than before.

"i think there's— it takes up its own life when it casts magic!" she calls while hurriedly backpedals out of immediate harm's range, keeping her eye focused and stance ready, sensing more impending retaliation to come soon. "if we put our focus on outlasting it, it should take care of itself sooner than later."

#t:you me and our trusty friend the light rune #toaarena2023fall #s:caeldori #venalier #s:forsyth #viridescent-lance #s:freyja #foreversnightmare #s:rafal #rafent

She doubts she'll ever get used to the sensation of dark magic, clawing it's way through her veins and twisting, turning in her blood. The pain is almost unbearable, Julia grits her teeth, trying to stay conscious and upright on her feet. She stumbles forward, lurching in the throes of death, seeking the light once more.

Alligatorid Husk 21/50 HP attacks Julia 10/10 with Death. Roll d20+2: 19+2 = 21! Critical hit! -9 damage. Julia has 1/10 HP remaining. Alligatorid Husk has 20/50 HP remaining.

Then she comes up for air, gasping for breath, in pain but alive and aware of her surroundings none the less. Outlasting the beast seemed far easier said than done as she limps closer to her allies. A stiff breeze could probably knock her over and her chest aches with every breath. What's worst of all is she's not the only one in such a sorry state. They can't last much longer but maybe there's another way.

"I-- I think we need to burst it down. We're in no position to outlast it," Julia interjects, preparing to cast Physic once more. To keep Forsyth by their side a little longer, though she doubts it will do much good unless they act swiftly and decisively. "We simply can't out heal the damage it's inflicting upon us. But... oh, it's risky.

Julia 1/10 HP casts Physic on Forsyth 1/10 HP. Roll d20: 12 +4 HP restored. Forsyth has 5/10 HP remaining.

"Oh Caeldori, I'm so sorry. The last thing I want to do is pressure you but," the talisman reacts to her once again, lighting up around them. A seal of protection that might just be their salvation. "I don't think anyone else can overwhelm this monster. It's not on you alone, we're by your side."

"You should be safe again. Just... give it your best shot, okay? Whatever comes our way, we'll deal with is as a team. You have my utmost faith and admiration."

Julia casts Light Rune on Caeldori. Renewal activates. Julia recovers 2 HP. Julia has 3/10 HP remaining.

you, me and our trusty friend the light rune (team 15 silver round)

From the dry mountain bed surfaced a mysterious sludge, defying all expectation with both the transformed environment and the sinister new enemy awakened from its depths. Others defied expectation, too.

Though begrudged to admit it, Rafal's observation of his allies yielded a rare change of heart. Those he'd pronounced weak now fought with a ferocity and determination that attested differently. Perhaps he would have offered up a word or two toward Caeldori's relentless barrage of attacks, or even appended his strength to that of Forsyth's as he faced the husk alone, though in the end these paths were only hypothetical. There could be no further contemplation when the earth ruptured beneath his feet.

[Roll: 2] Alligatorid Husk 45/50 HP uses Quake. [Roll: 5, 4(-2), 8(-2) 15, 11(-6) ; -0, -0, -0. -5. -0] Alligatorid Husk 44/50 HP, Rafal 5/10 HP

Uprooted by the seismic commotion below, boulders and rocks had been tugged loose from the planes they clung to. One such boulder transformed the prideful Fell Dragon. His arrogance quieter. His voice weaker.

". . .A bold strategy backed by even bolder attitude. I presume you are confident in your ability to pull it off?" He lifted away the fallen debris, arm curled around his wounded side in the application of pressure, but his stare nevertheless traveled down the length of his nose toward the girl who addressed him with her ambitions. "—and aware of what consequences will follow, should any stage of it fail?"

On one hand a threat; on another, an objective naming of actions and consequences that even a child could confidently point out. Silent deliberation followed the words, as if allowing time for sobriety to sink to its deepest depths. In those few seconds of his silence nested a seeming eternity, until at last the tension released on a sigh.

A sound which did not symbolize rejection.

Rafal 5/10HP refreshes Julia 10/10. Julia gains an additional turn.

The steps of his previous dance were replicated in wordless acquiescence. His gaze trained steadily on Julia throughout the sinuous display of whirling motions, brows knit together in steel-clad focus. He stylized it, at the end, with the standard flourish of hands fanning outward from center point that he prior omitted. A full routine this time; not one done in half-measures, half-beats, or half-steps. For victory Rafal would dance like a puppet on strings so long as that victory was clearer than defeat.

"Very well, Julia. I will lend a hand to your ambitious scheme, but know that I do not weigh failure lightly." The pale dragon stood at rest now, gauging her, expecting a future filled with results. For that was the crux of it; Rafal measured himself by the truth laden in more concrete actions and did so of others equally.

foreversnightmare

It seems so ridicous to have such petty argument's in a battle, but who is she to judge how a human reacts? Miss "Wouldve ended the world for her brother" certainly cant. Freyja had used her shield as a way to balance herself while the earth was shaking, She ws wondering if it was even worth attack such a creature until she felt the chilling blast of ice magic breeze past her.

"Lady Freyja, I've provided you an opening. I trust you to take full advantage of it."

Freyja looked back at where Julia was and gave her a small smile before quickly turning to give her attention to the monster, her hands squeezed the throat of the axe-handle

Freyja 10/10HP misses and critically hits a Alligatorid Husk 44/50 HP with Brave Axe Roll: 9(-4), 16(-4) = 3 damage!

Despite feeling the axe strike against the enemy.. she notices it did really do much against it, perhaps its armor is just to much for her to be able to break through normally, the frozen creature trembles beneath her hit as it slowly thaws out "You are truly putting in the work Julia, I doubt we would be able to hit this thing without you."

#t:you me and our trusty friend the light rune #s:caeldori #venalier #s:forsyth #viridescent-lance #s:freyja #foreversnightmare #s:rafal #rafent #toaarena2023fall

"It worked! Excellent form, Freyja!" Julia cheers, eyes glimmering with joy as Freyja makes her way back to them, safe and sound, proud and strong. The woman's praise makes her heart feel lighter and brings a rosy hue to her cheeks. She can't quite help herself, practically buoyant with pride - not just in her self but in their teamwork. Her faith been well placed and well rewarded. "No, no - it's a team effort! We couldn't do this without everyone's efforts combined. Thank you. Both of you."

After all, none of this would have been possible without Rafal's faith in her. She spares him a quick but gentle smile and a brief bow of the head before getting back to work. Her deeds will express her gratitude far better than words and pleasantries.

"Sir Forsyth, before you go help our friend, let me aid you. You are just as vital to our success and wellbeing as anyone else," Julia understands the importance of faith when it comes to healing. What she lacked before wasn't belief in a higher power however, but trust in herself. That had held her back but with an unfettered heart she casts Physic once more. "Let us return to the fray, shall we?"

Julia 10/10 HP casts Physic on Forsyth 5.5/10 HP. Roll d20: 12! 4 HP restored Forsyth has 9.5/10 HP remaining

Ah, she's starting to feel tired and sluggish but she cannot - will not stop now. Not whilst she still has work to do, a role to perform. Julia makes her way to Caeldori's side. Fleet of foot and terrifyingly effective with her blade, Julia is glad they're on the same side. They'd accidentally traded blows earlier and she had no will to do so again. Alas, her speed, strength and finesse came at a price - even her own robes would prove more durable against a blade or spell than Caeldori's lacking armour. A risky trade off but perhaps...

Julia takes the talisman out, letting it rest on the palm of her hand as her fingers unfurl from around it. She focuses on her dearly held wish, that no harm would come to Caeldori, who had shown her nothing but kindness and warmth. Once more it reacts, glowing in shimmering silvers and golds in a sigil that surrounds both young women for a few moments. Then it dissipates, fading away into starlight. She can tell the charm has worked, that, at least for a little while her magic will provide Caeldori safety from their foe's rage.

"That should do. Can you feel it, too?" She asks softly, hopeful that this warm, safe feeling was something shared. It was too precious to be kept selfishly to oneself. Julia meets Caeldori's gaze fondly, assured in her faith. Together, they could overcome any hurdle. "You're so brave, Caeldori. I-- no, we all have your back. The beast can't hurt you, so give it no quarter."

you, me and our trusty friend the light rune (team 15 silver round)

viridescent-lance

Forsyth awakens in a large, near-empty space, clad in the robes of a bishop with light magic itching at his fingers. Julia shares this, Freyja once again is heavily armored, Caeldori dons her typical swordswoman's attire, and Rafal is a...dancer? Serves him right, perhaps the arena is trying to teach him a lesson or two.

Their opponent is...something, a large, animated suit or armor with a dangerous-looking sword and towering shield. It seems nigh-impossible to get past its defenses, but Caeldori, imbued with the protective powers of Julia's Light Rune, dives in faster than the eye can see like a woman possessed, her sword hacking mercilessly until the monster falls to its knees, some sort of toxic sludge spewing from its innards.

"Caeldori!" Forsyth tries for a healing spell, but the magic refuses; he has not been granted relief from poison this round. He turns to face the monster rising from the ruins of the previous one, the many-toothed beast that snarls toward his ally. Quickly, he steadies himself, chanting words he does not quite understand as magic gathers at his fingertips.

Forsyth 10/10HP crits Alligatorid Husk 50/50 HP with Valaura [Roll: 12 (-4) autocrit, -1, Alligatorid Husk 49/50 HP]

...and hardly scratches its hide. It is annoyed, yes, lets out a strange growl of pain and sets its sights on him. But it hardly seems daunted, and Forsyth barely has time to react as it sends its own magic hurtling toward him.

Alligatorid Husk 49/50 HP counters with Death (Resonance activates!) [Roll: 10 (+4 -2), -4.5, Forsyth 5.5/10HP, Alligatorid Husk 48/50 HP]

Forsyth is knocked backwards, barely on his feet; this opponent is strong, not even needing to use its hulking form to batter them. It stumbles a little, damaged by its own onslaught about as much as Forsyth's spell had scathed it. This will be a war of attrition, and between Rafal's oh-so-helpful dancing and he and Julia's healing spells, they can make it. They have to.

Forsyth 5.5/10HP follows up and misses Alligatorid Husk 48/50 HP with Valaura [Roll: 1 (-4), -0, Alligatorid Husk 48/50 HP]

Forsyth's unsteadiness proves costly, and his spell flies wide of the foe by a clean margin. He just knows that dastardly white-haired man will have a comment for him, and frustration builds knowing he was distracted by his venomous tone towards Julia. Still, he stands tall, steeling himself and allowing his confidence to remain outwardly intact.

"You've got this, Julia!"

@nagargent

#t:you me and our trusty friend the light rune #s:rafal #rafent #s:caeldori #venalier #s:freyja #foreversnightmare #s:forsyth #viridescent-lance #toaarena2023fall

"I won't squander this chance, sir. I promise." Truly, Julia has no intention of doing so. She has a plan in mind, one that should allow her to keep her allies safer and take advantage of the Titanus before them. Yet the battle progresses at such chaotic pace that before she's even certain of her next move, the metallic behemoth has been replaced by a reptilian husk, snapping it's jaws in her direction.

Rafal's tone is pointed, barbed at the edges and cold but she'd hesitate to describe his words as unkind. It isn't her place to pry but she wonders what hardened his heart so. Hopes in her heart that even if they don't leave here as friends, that he comes to understand her care and consideration is genuine.

Unfortunately, she goes and let's him down. Not just him but the kind and generous Sir Forsyth, who so readily took her under his wing.

Julia casts Physic on Forsyth. Roll d20: 1! 1 HP Restored. Forsyth has 6.5/10 HP remaining.

"Sir! Please, step back," Julia implores him as she rushes closer to him. She casts Physic before she makes it to his side and perhaps that's where she goes so wrong. Her spell finds its mark at least but her focus falters. It's weak, pathetic really - barely doing anything to help the knight who had gone out of his way to try and protect her. "I'm sorry. That's not nearly enough. Let's-- let us both retreat to the backlines for now."

Alligatorid Husk 48/50 HP takes 1 damage from Toxic Poison Alligatorid Husk 47/50 HP takes 1 damage from Psychopomp Roll d5:2. Forsyth 6.5/10 HP is targeted by Psychopomp and loses 1 HP Alligatorid Husk 46/50 HP remaining Forsyth 5.5/10 HP remaining

The beasts strange, umbral magic saps Forsyth of what little strength she'd managed to restore to him. Julia makes a point of stepping directly in front of him, one hand reaching behind her and rested on his forearm. With neither shield nor sword in hand - not even a tome or spell prepared, there's little she can hope to do right now, other than take a hit for him. Her gaze focuses upon the Alligator-shaped monster, watching for it's next move. The beast itself seems to pulse with, sing with dark magic. It doesn't look interested in attacking them, instead staring at the toxic swamp below it's feet. Then she feels it, an ever so gentle rumble beneath her feet.

"Quick! Everyone get down," shouting is so foreign to her that it physically hurts. Her voice manages to carry far enough to alert Caeldori, Freyja and Rafal, even if it doesn't quite sound like her own at such volume. "The earth itself is about to attack!"

Her instincts prove timely - it takes Freyja, encased in armour longest to get to the floor but the Light Rune Julia granted to her works it's magic.

Alligatorid Husk 46/50 HP casts Quake. Resonance activates. Roll ul 5d20: 10 (light rune), 8(-2), 1(-2), 2, 5(-6): 0 damage to party! Alligatorid Husk has 45/50 HP remaining Outnumbered activates Alligatorid Husk 45/50 HP casts Quake. Resonance activates. Roll ul 5d20: 5, 4(-2), 8(-2) 15, 11(-6): Rafal is hit and takes 5 damage. Alligatorid Husk has 44/50 HP remaining Rafal has 5/10 HP remaining

For a moment they can breathe again, some amongst their number rushing to their feet. Julia moves hesitantly, uncertain of why she feels so fearful. Then the earth begins to shake again, throwing them all to and fro. It's only powerful, fell magic that could tear the earth itself asunder. They're lucky, for the most part, having already braced for the last quake. Yet the ground rages, spits and screams so violently that Rafal ends up far worse for wear because of it.

"Sir Forsyth? Could you please heal him?" She's aware of the animosity brewing between the pair, realises that this might not be what Forsyth wants to do. But it may heal the wound that has been formed between them too, help them at least respect each other as allies. Her tone is kept soft, so as to not be overheard by anyone but her knight in... well, not shining armour but the robes of the clergy. "I understand that's he's prickly but his actions speak to a far kinder nature than his words may suggest. I think both of you want to see us thrive. Even if you are much nicer about it!"

Julia giggles, sharing a light hearted moment with Forsyth. They're rare in such chaos and rather fleeting but worth cherishing all the same. She turns and makes her way to Rafal's side, wishing she could heal him right here and now. It's a natural reaction, she thinks, to seeing someone in need. But if she does, then no one will heal Sir Forsyth, their foe will still rampage - it will do them no benefit in the long run. So Julia clears her head, focuses on how best to keep everyone as safe and well as can be. If she can stop the beast in it's tracks and Rafal so permits, she could act again to heal or cast her protection rune upon one of their own.

"Professor Rafal, sir? I'm terribly sorry. I wasted the last opportunity you gave me. But victory is closest to our grasp if all five of us stand tall together. I have an idea but I'll be needing your support to make it happen." He's intimidating but her resolve is steadfast and she refuses to falter. A warm, friendly man he is not but she is certain he will be persuaded by reason. That like her, he'd rather none of them fall today. "I'll use this staff to try and Freeze the beast. If you're willing to aid me, I can heal Sir Forsyth and cast my protection spell again. I've already petitioned him to take care of your wounds."

"Watch my back. I'll show you what I can really do."

Julia casts Freeze on Alligatorid Husk. Roll d20-4: 15-4 = 11! Hit. Alligatorid Husk is Frozen until next hit.

Resolute and with renewed purpose, Julia trusts in herself. Believes in her own abilities and spellcraft. This time, her magic shines, following her will as it hits her target, pinning the husk in place.

"Lady Freyja, I've provided you an opening. I trust you to take full advantage of it." The smile on her face can't be restrained as she turns out and calls to her ally. Her eyes meet Rafal's for a moment and she nods, freshly assured of herself and her contribution to their team. Hopefully he'd feel the same way and place his faith in her one more.

you, me and our trusty friend the light rune (team 15 silver round)

#toaarena2023fall #s:rafal #rafent #s:freyja #foreversnightmare #s:caeldori #venalier #s:forsyth #viridescent lance #t:you me and our trusty friend the light rune

Julia awakens in a strange, unrecognisable landscape that seems to warp and shift the longer she gazes into the distance. At first the shapes of trees are discernible yet soon they shift to mountains and valleys. It makes her head spin. She gets to her feet, stumbling slightly as she looks out at her teammates. Their last fight had been so chaotic, friend turning foe in an instant. Her stomach turns at the thought. Time for her to lay down her weapons.

She vows to protect them from harm this time. No matter the cost.

Before them stands a hulking, metal behemoth, sword raised high. It pulsates with a foul, dark magic that immediately catches her attention. Something about it makes her skin crawl. A sword. A magical one at that. One amongst their number stands out to her as the obvious target.

"Lady Freyja?" Julia keeps her head bowed as she approaches. The memory of her own magic, beautiful in it's radiance yet just as deadly, piercing the woman's shields still lingers in her mind. A regret lurking in the shadows, she had failed to even stay on her feet long enough to attempt to make amends. That is not why she acts now - her actions are with the intention of keeping the proud, majestic woman safe from harm. Yet part of her hopes that it will at least help her atone a little, bring them closer as allies. "Our foe is powerful and dangerous. As are you but... it may try to take you out of the equation with that sword. I have something that should help."

Julia clutches the golden talisman in her hand, closing her eyes and whispering a prayer to Naga. For all their safety but especially that of the Lady of Nightmares. The rune inscribed upon it glows brightly before four identical copies burn around Lady Freyja for a moment before fading. The barest hint of a smile tugs at Julia's lips. That should do the trick.

Julia casts Light Rune on Freyja! Freyja is protected from attacks and counterattacks for one round.

"You should be immune to even our foe's fiercest blows, at least for a little while. So please, strike with fury and abandon! My spell will keep you safe, I swear it."

@foreversnightmare

you, me and our trusty friend the light rune (team 15 silver round)

◜ ₊ — 𝓡 ˚ ₊ 𝐍𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒; team 15, bronze round.

viridescent-lance

"Julia! No!" He hears Julia's screams too late; the girl falls at the edge of an axe, her body crumpling to the ground in a lifeless heap. He knows that this is merely an illusion, that the next round she will be awake and her silvery hair will not be stained by blood. But now, he has failed Deirdre, he has failed her daughter, he has failed.

But he cannot fail the rest of his comrades in his grief. She would not want this for him.

Forsyth 6/10HP critically heals Freyja 1/10HP [Roll: 20, +8, Freyja 9/10HP]

Forsyth imbues Freyja with a newfound strength that flows freely from his fingertips, and the horned woman rescues Rafal from his cage with an expert cleave. The irritable man heals them after an amount of beratement Forsyth does not feel is particularly appropriate, though he can understand a level of it. Things have been...less than organized, and spells have been flung in the faces of allies.

Gofannon 8/10HP is afflicted with Burned! [-1, Gofannon 7/10HP] Gofannon 7/10HP barely hits Forsyth 6/10HP with Sickle-Like Talons [Roll: 5, -1, Forsyth 5/10HP] Forsyth is inflicted with Burned! Forsyth counters with Blessed Lance [Roll: 3 (-6), -0, Gofannon 7/10HP]

"Gah!" Forsyth stumbles back, Caeldori's infectious flames licking up his armor. He grits his teeth, pulling himself up. There is no time to rest, no time to slip up. "It'll take more than that to take me down!"

Sreng Warrior 8/10HP is afflicted with Burned! [-1, Sreng Warrior 7/10HP] (Backup activates!) Sreng Lancer hits Forsyth [-1, Forsyth 4/10HP] Sreng Warrior 7/10HP misses Forsyth 4/10HP with Killer Axe [Roll: 2, -0, Forsyth 4/10HP] Forsyth counters with Blessed Lance [Roll: 12, -1.5, Sreng Warrior 5.5/10HP]

An opportunist mercenary approaches Forsyth, smashing the flat of his blade into his side. The followup axe strike cleaves thin air where it aimed for his skull, though, and Forsyth is able to get a solid jab in as he regains distance.

"Things have been chaotic and this environment's rules tricky and foul. We must cool our heads." Rafal's venomous words, Caeldori's visible stress--he worries things will fracture before the enemy even has the chance to strike again. "Frustration is understandable but the enemy will take advantage if we sow more discord!"

#t:no prisoners #s:rafal #rafent #s:forsyth #viridescent-lance #s:caeldori #venalier #s:freyja #foreversnightmare #cw: burning/injury description

Just when she thinks the flames that ought to be her birthright will consume her, return her to ash, he saves her. Sir Forsyth offers her hope, salvation, bathed in the glow of the divine. Perhaps she's being a touch wistful and dramatic, but in that moment he really appears as the perfect hero to her.

Her stance is poor, clutching her injured side as she rises but, like a phoenix she does rise. Given a new lease on life, a second chance to prove herself useful. To protect those who need her.

"Sir Forsyth I--" words don't do him justice. They elude her, leaving her stood silent, eyes wide and filled with awe. "I cannot possibly thank you enough."

She will however try to express the depth of her gratitude with her deeds and actions.

Out of the corner of her eye, she catches the glint of an axe in the harsh sunlight. Instinct kicks in, spell already tumbling from her lips as she turns to meet her foe head on. Horror slices through her stomach as she realises this is no enemy but Lady Freyja, who misses her by a mile. It's too little too late however, the spell has been cast and it finds it's mark. In spite of Freyja's considerable defences, her magic slips through the shields, targeting her weakness.

Julia's Zealotry activates. Freyja 10/10 HP attacks Julia 6.5/10 HP with Swordreaver. Roll d20: 6! Miss. Julia counterattacks with Seraphim. Roll d20+8: 10+8 = 18! Hit! -3 HP Freyja has 7/10 HP remaining. Freyja has been burned.

"No... my lady! I'm so sorry," Julia's voice cracks as she resists the urge to cry. She's too used to the battlefield to break down like this but it brings back uncomfortable memories. Of a living puppet, attacking her own friends, yet this time no one is pulling the strings. Her actions, terrible as they are, are entirely her own will. If Freyja will let her get close enough, maybe she can at least make this better. "Please, let me heal you. It's the least I can do."

Gofannon uses Wind Caller. Roll d4-1: 0! No damage. Outnumbered activates! Gofannon uses Wind Caller again. Roll d4-1: 1 (x2) - 2 damage Julia has 4.5/10 HP remaining.

A tempest whips around them, silencing her voice upon icy winds. The first phase she endures but the longer they rage the more Julia finds her strength being sapped. It seems like an age before they die down to a gentle, pleasant wind. Shaking her hair out of her eyes, her heart sinks as she sees the state of her comrades.

"Caeldori, Freyja! Please, stay back," Julia pleads with them to take care, to stay out of range of their foes. "We can get through this if we--"

This time she really doesn't see it coming.

A lance pierces her side, sharp and vicious like a wasp's sting. It draws her attention away from her allies, from the giant bird, from the other warriors that await them. There's no defence offered, just the sickening crunch of bone beneath an axe.

Sreng Lance activates Backup. -1HP Sreng Warrior 9/10 HP uses Smash against Julia 3.5/10 HP. Roll d20: 15. Critical hit. -7 damage. Julia has been defeated. Sreng Warrior has been burned.

Like a marionette with it's strings cut, Julia crumples to the floor in an instant. She lacks the strength to resist, darkness already pulling her into it's velvet embrace. There's nothing but an empty abyss, calling out to her, urging her to leap into it. To be swallowed whole and disappear. Put an end to the searing pain, the flames licking away at her skin, peeling it from bone. Let hellfire wash over her, cleanse her to be reborn anew.

Yet fear squeezes around her heart, hope having long flown. When she falls her hand seeks purchase, stability. It catches on Freyja's sleeve, tugging ever so slightly before slipping through her fingers like sand. A plea for forgiveness, come all too late for it to matter. Julia knows she's about to die and the thought terrifies her. There's so much left undone, so much left unsaid. She always thought she'd face the end with more grace and poise, but as she drops, face ground in the dirt she whimpers like an injured kitten. Tries to speak, to cry out for her father to hold her hand, for mother to wipe the tears away. For her dear brother to tell her it's okay to let go, to close her eyes and rest.

No one comes to save her, her voice quakes and moans but she cannot form words. Forsyth's voice registers briefly but it's so quiet now. So very distant. Her hearing is muffled to the clatter and cries of battle, as if her head is being held underwater.

She descends into darkness. Into silence. Desolation.

I'm sorry.

◜ ₊ — 𝓡 ˚ ₊ 𝐍𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒; team 15, bronze round.

these training simulations are becoming more and more like the real thing. the cold, benthic depths of the monster's lair last time, and now the beating, dry sun of the desert steppe. dagger-like rocks dig even through the soles of her boots as she runs, gritty sand threatening to stick to the insides of nose and throat with every labored breath. and this heat, baking under a cloudless and unimpeded sky, threatens to play tricks on the eye.

"there!" the camp just ahead, she announces to her teammates. and inside it somewhere, rafal. "let's find him and get him out of there!"

already, they've been spotted; there's no cover in this featureless dune of cracked soil except the tents these bandits can hide behind. because what else could they be, to capture someone innocent? —simulation or not.

PSYCHOPOMP activates! 2 → SRENG WARRIOR 9/10, CAELDORI 9/10.

she fights off a strange dizziness that's been leaning on the edges of her mind since arriving here, not having had time to decide if it was the setting, the heat and brightness, or something else. in fact, though she'd come into this tournament at first with determination, it'd quickly put that very confidence to the test, seating her with the bound weight of a tome in her arm and not the comfort of steel and sharpened blades. but ugh, it wouldn't be the first time — she recalls the wind spell that'd been briefly assigned to her in one of the previous iterations, and . . . well, she'd made it work, hadn't she?

regardless, there isn't any time at all left for uncertainty when they reach the camp's perimeter, launching into its heart. shouts and cries ringing out around them — angry men surging their way.

caeldori grits her teeth, ducking around the wild swing of the first man and pausing, head swiveling back and forth. where are they holding rafal? hastily-searching eyes flick from one erected structure to the next. and then, sensing a threat at her back, she swerves, breaking finally into a sprint to outflank her pursuer. she can't just stay in one place and think — she'll just have to — go from tent to tent and find him.

"... st you will know what to do."

huh? didn't that sound like—

without stopping, she veers toward the voice, calling out when she catches the telltale striking colors, tall form, white head: "rafal!" any surprise that he wasn't being kept further in is discarded as she races up to the enclosure ( which is exactly what it is, she realizes; myriad other cages are scattered around this pit, the rest of them open and uninhabited. but even in an illusion, that's still not encouraging. ), reaching instinctively for where a spear would be before remembering she already holds the weapon she'd have to make do with.

it's fire magic, right? "hold still—"

( ZEALOTRY activates! ) CAELDORI hits JULIA with SEA FIRE. ( 14 ) JULIA 7.5/10, inflicted with BURNED. JULIA counters with SERAPHIM. ( 11 ) CAELDORI 6/10. POISON STRIKE activates → JULIA 6.5/10.

she thinks she knows what mages must feel now, the instant before their spell goes awry.

a collision, sudden and stupefying, sending her staggering backwards and coughing the sense of burning smoke from heaving lungs, processing the angry sting across her arms and front. what in the dragons just—? then she catches sight of lilac hair and delicate features pressed in pain, embers catching on clothes, and dread strikes caeldori like a lance. no, she couldn't have— where did julia— had she been following just behind her?

mouth opens to apologize, try to help; but at that moment a rending shriek fills the sky overhead, resounding off the distant outcrops. and the arrival of something massive blankets them in shadow.

#toaarena2023fall #t:no prisoners #s:rafal #rafent #s:caeldori #venalier #s:forsyth #viridescent-lance #s:freyja #foreversnightmare

Julia's chest heaves as she turns the corner as fast as she can, following Caeldori as they weave between tents and dunes. She isn't used to running, especially in such heat but one of their own is captured, at the mercy of their foes. Her mind pictures shadowy figures like Manfroy, a stark contrast to the bandits around them but-- if someone needs her she cannot turn away.

"Professor?" Julia calls out, catching the man's voice. Overzealous and desperate to prove herself useful, she rushes in headlong. Determined to help she doesn't notice what's going on around her until it's too late. "Professor we're here-- AAAH!"

The world around her sets ablaze in an instant, blinding her as she screams out in agony. Flames crackle and roar all around her, everything being too bright, too loud, too much to bear. Instinctively she flings out a Seraphim spell in the opposite direction, hoping to prevent whatever attacked her from giving chase as she rushes away from the flames. Her clothes still burn but a few feet away she can breathe without acrid smoke filling her lungs.

Julia 7.5/10 HP counterattacks Caeldori 9/10 HP with Seraphim. Roll d20+4: 7+4 = 11! Hit. Caeldori takes -3 damage. (6/10 HP) Caeldori's Poison Strike activates. Julia has 6.5/10 HP remaining and is inflicted with Burning.

"Caeldori? Oh no--" Oh gods, she'd attacked her ally in the chaos. Guilt presses on her chest as she turns away in shame, instead facing their professor. Maybe a strong enough spell could break those bars at least... "I'm so sorry. Please, don't worry, I'll heal you once we get Professor Rafal out safe and sound."

Julia 6.5/10 HP attacks Cage 5/5 HP with Seraphim. Roll d20+4: 15+4 = 19! Hit. -3 damage. Cage has 2/5 HP remaining. Gofannon (10/10) counters with Serrated Beak. Roll 2d20: 16. 12. Crit and Hit. -5, -2.5 Julia's miracle activates! Julia has 0.5/10 HP remaining. Gofannon is inflicted with Burning.

It happens so quickly. The bird screeches, it's wings beat out a death march as it descends. Faster, faster, a blur of motion until suddenly it's upon her. Clutches her tightly in it's talons the way her mother does. Snipes and snaps at her with it's beak, sharper than any blade she can recall striking her in the back. It's wings fan the flames around her, burning her skin ever deeper. Blistering, searing heat that overwhelms even the mighty beast that sets out to end her life. Perhaps saves her from the jaws of death, and not a moment too soon.

Fire had always been warm, gentle and keeping her safe in it's tight embrace. A soft caress, her father's hand ruffling hair far shorter than it is today. Tying her hair in bunches with great care, pressing a soft kiss on her forehead. Fire had always kept her safe, yet now she cannot ascertain if it means to be her salvation or downfall.

If it spared her just to have the satisfaction of leaving her as mere ash upon the wind.

"S-sorry. I'm not strong enough--" not for any of this, Julia thinks as she wilts in the searing heat. Collapses on her knees as if in prayer. As if she can appease the gods, beg for a miracle. Her vision blurs and the icy tundra and burning fire licking at her skin make her wonder if this is hell. If she's finally been forsaken by the divine. "I can't..."

Naga, save her soul.

@viridescent-lance @foreversnightmare

✧ the whipgraft delusion: the phenomenon in which you catch your reflection in the mirror and get the sense that you're peering into the eyes of a stranger.

A TALE OF OBSCURE SORROWS

The first time she fails to recognise her reflection, Julia find herself in an unknown land. She does not know where home is, simply that it's not here. A little girl, all alone and far from home - she wants her mother.

Somehow, she knows that she will not come no matter how loudly Julia cries out for her. There is no one coming to rescue her.

It would be a waste of breath, so instead the child sniffles, wrapping the silk nightgown around herself more tightly. At the time she has no idea how out of place and extravagant her clothing is, layers of rich purple satin and silk making her stand out as she wanders the snow-covered landscape alone. There is no destination in mind, other than a mother's warm embrace.

Years later, Naga's tome in hand, she catches sight of her reflection as they leave the castle, ready to march. Once again, she does not see herself. Instead, she sees what everyone else seems to when they look at her. Not a stranger but a shadow of the woman who came before.

Julia sets her jaw. She is not Lady Deirdre and will not hide behind her mother's legacy. There's something today that only she can do, and she will. For the sake of that lost girl who only had herself for comfort.

#idk i had something in mind and it went an entirely different way and idk if i like that or not but

we do what we do in the dark

No matter where you go, everyone seems convinced that these are unsafe times and everyone wants a little extra security— some want it directly in their hands even. It’s no shock then that there are rumors of an arms dealer smuggling weapons through the port. If left unchecked, something could happen between civilians or worse, all these weapons could be used to outfit a nearby noble’s independent army, giving an opportunity for a more widespread assault. Finding out where these weapons are coming from and who they’re going to might be in the continent’s best interest then. [Grants Reason +1]