When the Blessed Returner first looked down on the world below, she found the Tolinakka beautiful in form and word; but her attention wanders as she does, and she has grown bored of the limitations of the first mortals. Now she searches the young world for fertile ground for a new race of travelers under the moon.
Create Race (3):
Anyone who creates a race this turn may include 3 points from Siarruk provided 1 or more of the following are true of the new race:
They have exceptionally fine vision at a distance.
They walk sideways like a crab, brachiate, or otherwise have unusual means of locomotion.
They have great powers of speech and song.
They leave their birthplaces young, but return to reproduce.
They clean themselves often with water or other substances.
Regardless of the above, their eyes will be beautiful to Siarruk in some way: very rounded, faceted, and/or having many colors.
Seeing that there were hardly any takers of his beckoning, he'd exhale a brief scoff until he noticed the veil of ink creep and cover over his screen. For a moment, he had made no sudden moves as the great eye on his shoulder darts its gaze toward Vainglory ; it's iris shrinking in the process. Did they actually think he was none the wiser?
To match the ink's efforts, vines would suddenly burst apart from where they were before darting towards Vainglory and ensnared the ink with the foliage constantly wrapping around them - the point of trapping them in a hollow ball of plant growth.
Before he could make an attempt to scratch off the remaining residue left on his screen, a resounding CLANG!! Echoes across the stadium, as Revak had crashed down and struck true with his attack.
However, not even that had made the titan flinch with how the impact never registered. The only thing it did though was infuriate Johnny even more. With the half-ling near his presence, the best course of action was to dart his right hand up and snatch Revak once again, rearing back the ensnared fist to set one more example but before that could happen...
Paul
"Wait!! Wait! Timeout, timeout!" Paul rushes forward and ahead of the group, proceeding to gesture his hands to form a 'T' while calling out. Clearly, he needed to put in the moment of sparing his friends from Johnny's out of control attitude. Though, he blinks, not sure as how to respond to the other...Giant appearing behind Johnny. Nonetheless, a quick redirection was in order!
AlphaJohnny
Johnny blinks, easing his tension as he looked down at Paul and for a moment caught sight of the shoe's imprint on his red cap. Though, with his trained and steeled gaze masked the grimace he wanted to share as he acknowledged that he had got caught up in the moment and kicked his friend. "...What?"
Paul
"U-Uh..." He quickly darts his eyes from to and fro, thinking of a quick excuse in order to sway Johnny's decision.
"H-How about I- uh, talk with 'em! Y-Yeah! Maybe they can totally see your reasoning!" Hopefully, the others would catch on to his white lie.
AlphaJohnny
For a moment, he was beginning to weigh on the decision whether he should let his best friend give them a good reasoning. Hell, so far, maybe they got scared and hid behind him thinking that was the only reasonable conclusion he'd come up with. A mental note was made, since harming Paul wasn't something he'd like to do but with the rest...He knew, KNEW that the others weren't strong enough. For all intents and purposes, if they could hardly make a dent in this body then how could they survive if they met a common enemy with that strength alone? Regardless, Johnny proceeds to lengthen his right arm back in front of him, with Revak still held and lightly tossed them forward, knowing that they could land without being damaged further. "Alright, you have your time. If you can convince them then hopefully, we could all take a moment to explore my home."
Paul
"Y-Yeah! Sure! Th-That's totally great!" It wasn't. With a hesitant nod, he looks back to the group and proceeds to jog back to the exit of the coliseum, ushering the others to follow as they needed to discuss the matter at hand and possibly work on a new tactic.
Revak
[Revak landed with a slight roll, still admittedly disoriented from being snatched out of the air, but still recovered to his feet fairly quickly, giving a quick sideglance to Johnny before hobbling over to Paul, rubbing his arms gingerly.] * ...Thanks for the save, Paul. I'm pretty sure I was about to be "example number 2" there... [
He collapsed onto his butt with a small huff, looking up at the self-proclaimed future champ.] * ...So... this isn't exactly working, huh?
Paul
"Wait...Wait not here, let's go back to the lobby." He makes sure to gesture a glance to Johnny, so as not to be within hearing distance.
Vainglory
Vainglory let out a surprised squawk as vines consumed his sight, leaving him blind and in unknown territory. He fell over and was now laying on the back of his stem in literally nature's hamster ball.
He swallowed, looking around nervously and well, to say the least, he doesn't like being alone in dark, cramped spaces. He began to panic, rolling his foliage hamster ball around in a circle.
"G-guys? Fight companions? W-where did you all go?!??" He heard Paul's muffled voice trailing off and tried rolling in the direction he heard it from, before bumping into one of the coliseum walls.
"GUYS? M-MUSHROOM ALLY??" His voice was muffled and the source of his jittery yelling was the panicking, foliage hamster ball.
Revak
[Revak, noting the screeching of a frightening ink, he quickly stood up, rushing to pick up the vine ball, carrying it back towards the group.] * ...H-hold on, we're gonna get ya out of there, Vainglory. Let's just get to safety first.
Lilith
[* Good, a timeout. Something they needed at this point to do some SERIOUS planning. Lilith would follow behind Paul as he beckoned. She wouldn't protest against the idea of moving elsewhere for the short break. THe only question on her mind now was.. How the hell were they gonna go about this now?..]
Corrupt
[Corrupt Sighs, Half Relief and Half Frustration, as He Turns to Paul's Direction. He Stood and Watched for a Moment Before Walking to the Meeting Place. At least it was a Break from the Chaos.]
Vainglory
Vainglory let out a shaky gasp when his hamster ball was lifted off the ground and he immediately lurched up off of the back of his stem, curling into a ball. "Revak? Is that you?" He was happy about not being alone but being shrouded in darkness still wasn't fun for the ink.(edited)
Happy
Happy put his viney fists down and followed the crowd. He was grumbling so loudly it wasn't hard to hear a profanity or two in his speech.
Revak
[Having carried the floral prison over to the rest of the group, Revak brought the ball of foliage over to his allies.] * Yeah, it's me... I'd get ya out myself, but my claws wouldn't cut it. * My only other skills have the unfortunate possibility of damaging you too, so I'm getting someone to help.
AlphaJohnny
As Johnny watched over the group, he'd go ahead and turn his back on them once they had left to give him his space. If he were to trust Paul, then this was the right time to do so.
Though, despite not noticing Malevolent arrive, he had not given them a hint of acknowledgement
Paul
He'd nod, taking a moment to exit on back as the group had been lead to the lobby. As Paul stopped in his tracks, he'd take a moment to groan before it was soon replaced by a low wailing, going so far as to grip and pull at his cap and hide his face under it as this situation had just become even worse then before, bringing about an immediate stress upon the mushroom. "I don't know...I don't know what to do here...I want to help him but he can't just do this...!"
Vainglory
Muffled chatter came from the hamster ball in response to Paul's tone.
"Do not fret, 'shroom pal! Vainglory and all of these friends of yours are here to assist! They all will surely talk some sense into your titan friend, whether it be through violence or serene methods." His tone was surprisingly reassuring, instead of the usual vainglory in his voice.
"Besides," he added, "Vainglory just met you and he can already tell that stress isn't a good coat of paint on you. Lighten up!"
Hollow
Hollow watched everything go on. The entry of a larger entity. The actions of Alpha and Paul...he was glad for the break, not really wanting to fight. So he followed along, keeping silent until they we're away from Johnny. "First off, I can help the trapped one... either burn the plants or cut him out with my trident. Second...if we can avoid fighting I'd prefer it, but I doubt that'll happen. Last...if we have to fight, my magic may help once I recover from my entry."November 13, 2017
Sela
"I would think that trying to show him that he's putting us in the same damn situation he was in would make him be like 'Hey maybe I am being the alpha male asshole throwing my weight around' like a boy who went to the gym a few times and thinks he's tough shit. Only problem is, he's actually physically fucking tough."
The demoness put her hand on her hip with a growl. "Hit him directly in that snotty TV face of his and it did nothing.
"He grabbed me like I was paper, and for a moment--yes I was worried about what the fuck he'd do to me."
Paul
Paul...Would begin to weep right then and there, restraining some effort to not baul out but instead destress themselves. It took a few seconds for the mushroom to acknowledge the comforting comments which did add on to his emotional breakdown.
Releasing his grip on the cap, he then straightens up before planting his wrist against his face and quickly swipes away any left over tears as his expression had immediately changed to a hardened look.
"Okay...I got that out of my system..."
Once he goes ahead to look at the group once more, he's more or less trying to boast an optimistic outlook despite this huge set back they were dealing with.
"So...Let's figure somethin' out. I'm not sure why but...Seeing how he brushed off those attacks like they were nothin'..." He scratches at his head for a moment, weighing in on the evidence from what just happened. "Do you think he's...Invincible?"
Sela
Sela felt bad that he cried, but sometimes you gotta just let it out. At his other question, she sighed. "no."
Revak
[Revak could only nod softly, a softened look in his eye, viewing Paul's destressing attempt before giving a soft smile when the mushroom man calmed himself.]
[The dragon scooted the ball of vines over to the towering other boss monster.] * ...C... Please just... use the trident.... Gently though. I wouldn't want him getting hurt.
[He turned back to Paul, listening to his question; scaled brow furrowing in concern.]
* I don't think so. Everything has at least some kind of weak point. What Johnny's might be, I have no clue... But we may need to find it.
Vainglory
Vainglory shook his head but of course, no one could tell, as he was still in a ball of vines.
An ink tendril surfaced from the cracks in the floor and shook left and right as if it was saying no.
More muffled comments came from the foliage hamster ball, "Well, there's no way he's invincible.
And if he is, then the best strategy would be keeping him locked up or something. At least until mushroom pal and company figure out a solution.
"Uhh, Alpha did mention to Vainglory that he was once a flower but now isn't, or something like that. Is there any chance you guys know what he means by that?"
Revak
* Before he becoming a hulking, 15 foot wall of a beast, Johnny was something... similar to what mighta appear to be a mix of human and plant, with a flower for a head.
[A small flame-breathed sigh escapes the dragon. He resists the urge to glance at Corrupt, admittedly curious as to potential similarities between Johnny and the other beings similar in appearance to him...]
* Apparently he only became this after absorbing human souls.
Sela
"If you look at Paul here, but imagine slightly taller and with a flower head, then you get the idea." A sigh.
"Johnny's weakness is probably emotional, but I'm sure we all know how bad it is to smack at someone when they're that emotional..."
Malevolent
Well, still quite confused, it seemed the others were going off to talk? After a moment Mal opted to take on a much smaller form to follow after the others (Now being more around 5'6" instead of the full 47 feet he once stood). Instead of the massive screen for a head, he now had a more flower-like one.
Although not too much seemed to change otherwise, aside from a few minor details. He quickly ran after the others to properly figure out what he had missed and what was happening. "Hey- So ah, if you don't mind my asking, why exactly was Johnny fighting all of you? What is going on anyways-”
Revak
[Revak's horned head whipped around to spot what was once the immense monstrosity that the dragon totally hadn't been violently ignoring the presence of for the sake of his own sanity, but relaxed a bit upon seeing they were now in a far more managable size for his mind to digest.]
* Long story short, he absorbed some souls, became that, we get called by Paul here to help, then he denies our help then tries to trap us here "for our own safety" in what can only be referred to as terrifying.
Lilith
"And even trying to literally knock sense into him hasn't worked.." [* She'd add to Revak's explanation.]
Vainglory
Vainglory wasn't exactly following along. Humanoid flora? Absorbing human souls? All this talk was making him dizzy. He remembered his host reading about human souls but he also remembered his host putting the book down after the first page, so he didn't exactly have that much to go with.
"Uh-huh.." He mumbled, before hearing a new voice.
The ink wasn't exactly thrilled about newcomers but since he was sitting in a hamsterball of vines and foliage in pitch black, this person could've been here the whole time and he just hadn't noticed. More muffled chatter came from the ball of vines that Revak was holding,
"Well, newcomer, as dragon friend Revak just said, he apparently absorbed souls! Vainglory wasn't exactly called to help by mushroom pal but he did stumble into here through that portal just like you did. Vainglory can confirm that the titan wants to force us to live here because the Underground is dangerous and, well, since you're here too now, he'll probably force you to move here too."
"But! With the wonders of rebellion, mushroom pal and company can overcome this.. people-hoarding mayhem! And put a stop to Alpha! And possibly make him un-absorb those souls!"
Malevolent
"Yeesh... Well, from my personal experience at least, things that have absorbed souls are a lot more durable than normal. I mean I figured he had some souls from when I first visited him, the altered form and screen was kinda a dead giveaway... That seems to be a reoccurring theme... ANYWAYS- From the sound of it, it seems like the power might have gotten to his head a little- that's rather common for recently absorbing souls."
Mal makes a soft hum, thinking this over and briefly wondering exactly how many souls Johnny had absorbed, he didn't really ask when he first visited, not one to pry.
So much for being impressed over Johnny's seemingly good self control for not letting power get to him, couldn't really fault him for that though. Forcing people to stay though? Definitely a flawed plan...
Revak
[...Huh. So the hybrid's hunch was correct. Either way, this still left the question of wtf the fuck they were expected to do about it?]
* ...Well... that's a start, but is there any kind of way to help him come to his senses that won't result in one or more of us becoming a dusty smear on the wall?
[...Rather morbidly put, but not inaccurate, based on what had nearly happened to him just now.]
Vainglory
"So you know about soul absorption?" Vainglory spoke up while accidentally rolling his hamsterball-made-of-vines out of Revak's hands, landing on the floor with a light thud. "Do you know if there's a way to undo the effects of absorbing souls? Or at least.. remove the souls?"
Paul
"Mmm..." Paul had been idling with trying to figure out the major powerhouse that Johnny was while trying to listen in on the group's retrospective of all this. "Can I ask...What else these uh, souls can do exactly? I dunno if it's a hunch but I kind've wanna get an idea."
Malevolent
"Know? Granted you can't see" he chuckled slightly "I happen to be an omega myself, I have seven souls to be exact. Anyways ah- At least from my expereince, if you wanna remove the souls, you gotta get them to rebel, call to them or something. If you can get them all worked up they might try and help you fight him, like make it easier to deal damage or something. How long it takes to do that and if it even would work on him are different matters entirely... And then there's the matter of do the souls want to leave. That's entirely up to them once you do some real damage. Though removing them might not be necessary in the end" he shrugs "Again, for all I know things could be entirely different so don't base all the things to try off of what I'm saying"(edited)
Hollow
"I know about soul absorption." The ex king finally spoke up after listening to the banter for so long. He was still trying to come to grips with everything, given that his prior conversations with Alpha didn't seem so bad, but the fight clearly showed where the problem was.
"Depending on how long they've been there, the host can willingly give up the souls....otherwise someone has to Save them. But, even that has a limit...." He stated, looking towards the ground briefly, before turning to the omega. "Seven? One more than myself."
Revak
[He stares curiously at the immense boss monster, similar in appearance though perhaps an alternate of the king.] * ...Either way, it's the one lead we've got. I say we should try it.
Sela
"... From what little experience I had with one human soul, they might have some level of communication with him, but if he's not listening to them and drowning them out, then they might want out just as much..."
Paul
"...I...Think we should ask him if he can talk to the souls. Maybe that'll give us a way to scope for somethin' at least?"
Sela
"I doubt he will listen, honestly."
Malevolent
"Souls sometimes don't like to talk if they don't agree with your actions anyways"
Hollow
"I have a question for you, other Omega and little mushroom guy." His attention was on them for a moment before he remembered something he was supposed to do. With a flourish, Hollow conjured his trident, almost as big as himself. "Someone hold the ball still...I need to aim true."
Revak
[Revak, with a shock, quickly dropped to his knees and braced Vainglory's prison in his hands.] * Vainglory, brace yourself, you're gonna be free in a sec.
Malevolent
"You can call me Mal by the way, but go ahead, ask whatever"
Paul
The mushroom blinked as he looked up to the goat monster, though grimaced with the sudden introduction of their weapon.
Lilith
"I would hope if we bring their voices to his attention, then perhaps they can persuade him further. Hopefully..." [* Lilith meanwhile eyes the ex king a few folks over. Careful with that buddy.]
Hollow
Hollow made his way over to the ball containing the one he heard was called Vainglory, tappng on it with a claw on one side. "Press as far away from my tapping as possible."
Corrupt
[Corrupt Quietly Listened to the Talk Around Him as He didn't have Anything to Say. The Talk of Souls Rang up a Few Personal Questions of His Own Existence and His Own Silent Souls.]
[The Summoning of the Overgrown Goat's Trident Caught His Eye Though. Oh. That's Something He would Want for His Own. A Giant, Red, Three Pronged Weapon of Power. That would have to be for Another Day.]
[But for Now He would Watch in Silent Curiosity as They Tried to Free the Ink from its Plant Prison.]
Vainglory-Yesterday at 6:52 PM
Vainglory could barely hear what they were saying through the viney walls of the vine hamster ball, but he had a good understanding of what they were saying. All he heard was "Vainglory, brace yourself" and immediately tensed up, curling into a ball against the side of the vineball furthest from the side Hollow tapped on, and began preparing for the worst.
Happy
Happy watched all the talk of the souls and Johnny rather quietly, but still grumbled every now and then about what had happened earlier with the fight. He didn't plan on making any convo himself about the souls because it would only lead up to a rather awkward convo to him about himself that he'd rather not focus on.
Heck was it already getting a bit weird for him to see a goat king right now. He stopped thinking about that rabbit hole of awkwardness when he'd notice them now trying to get the mouthy ink out.
Oh. Happy quietly wondered if this was going to get bad really quickly for them seeing what Hollow was going to do.
Hollow
After giving it a few moments, trying to ignore the others who seem a bit...distressed at what he was preparing to do, the goat monster raised his trident into the air, pointing it straight down.
Memories of certain fights crept into his mind, but he managed to cast them away as he slammed the trident down, trying to cut off the end of the ball of vines.
The ball of vines were easily torn up, releasing the small ink from their prison without damaging the hostage.
Vainglory
He gasped for air, almost falling out and onto the ground as he was released from his prison of vines.
He got up out of his curled-up-in-a-ball position and sighed with relief.
"Oh thank the stars, Vainglory is free!" He made dead eye contact with Hollow, and continued, "Vainglory would like to say th.. tha.. t..th.. th.. you.. th.." He seems to be struggling with his words, hesitating as if he doesn't know what to say.
Revak
[Revak couldn't help but smile at the ink's struggle to thank Hollow. It was clear he was impossibly grateful, even if he didn't know how to express such.] * You're free now, bud.
Hollow
The trident vanished in a puff of red magic, the king moving away to sit in a slightly isolted spot. "No need to thank me....just trying to help. Sorry for scaring everyone."
Vainglory
"Yes, it would be best to save the gratitude until the war is won." He piped up, his face scrunching up as he looked in the direction they came from.
"Now that all assets in this battle are free of shells of vines, it would be best to come up with an actual strategy, whether peaceful or not. The more time wasted stalling, the more Alpha will get impatient, and Vainglory has a feeling that Alpha isn't any better when he's grumpy." He turned to Paul. "Mushroom pal, do you have any ideas?"
Sela
Sela huffs. "It's not that he would get impatient, it's that some of us might. After all, Johnny technically has what he wants, and that's us being here."
Paul
At least that was fixing something, but the true problem awaited them and they needed to dilly dally no further then this. Straightening up, he'd take a deep breath, pumping both fists in front before smacking them down onto an open palm.
"...I know he's my best friend but bottom line is...He's become his own worst enemy. This is kinda, bigger then we expected and I'm really sorry for bringin' you into this mess."
A brief hesitant sigh, solemnly looking down for a moment. "We've always had a great connection, sticking up for him...A lot of the time, I've been helpin' him when we were growin' up and in a way, I look up to him - technically before the big guy phase - but still! We need to save him before he does somethin' a lot worse."
With a new goal in mind, motivating the mushroom to gaze back up and for a moment, a grin had crept in to show that he was determined enough to get through this. What would prompt his next action is to take a few steps forward and extend out his hand. "Let's do this, for freedom."
Hollow
"I brought myself into this mess...I wanted to fix things here, it's what I do. And now that I'm here I'll do whatever I can to help you guys. There are two of us here who haven't fought yet...perhaps with our added strength we can topple him, and knock some sense into him. If we can find an opening, I think the little mushroom can Save him."
Revak
* We can do this. And once we do, all of you get one item from my shop free of charge. [Honestly, Revak was just eager to get back to Solo.]
Sela
This situation was feeling too... anime right now. Her hand finds it's way in her pocket and she sighs. "We might as well go back with some sort of game plan."
Revak
[Revak, of course, relishing the sheer amount of anime, places his hand on top of Paul's like the weeb he is.]
* Our one chance is to try to get the souls to rebel. If they help us, we can possibly do enough to save him, whether it's by knocking him out of the power trip forcibly, or convincing him that he's gone too far.
Corrupt
[Corrupt was Slightly More Pumped to Smack Johnny in the Face. With How Great the Want of going Home was Growing and How Many People Wanted to Kick Johnny's Ass Right Now, Those Internal Battle-Enthusiasm Levels were High. Only Internally.]
[He just Stares at the Hands. What is This? What is This Ritual? What was going on? What?]
Hollow
The former king looked at the hands being put together. He didn't belong there, and didn't feel right putting his own in, so he just stood aside. "When you're all done being all cheerful and friendly...we need to talk tactics."
Malevolent
Y'all can be party crashers but Mal is gonna join this anime moment, extending his arm and placing his hand in unlike SOME people. He grinned, this could be fun, he hasn't had a proper excuse to fight in a while. "I'll help the best I can, maybe I can help y'all get a hit on him. Sometimes all it takes is a good few smacks to knock some sense into people."
Corrupt
[He just... Awkwardly Puts His Own on All the Hands. He doesn't Know What He's doing but He's doing the Thing of Touching Hands Now too.]
Vainglory
Vainglory lets out a sigh, all four of his mouths smirking. He definitely felt wholesome, getting to be apart of something. Being apart of an actual team made the ink feel alive. He finally spoke up,
"That titan, Alpha, may be a powerhouse wall who's set on hoarding visitors. He may be fixated on keeping mushroom pal and company out of the Underground, and he definitely has the strength and willpower to back that up."
"This team's chances may not be the best and they may not be the brightest.." "But Vainglory has faith in you all. He knows that mushroom pal and company can overcome the wall that is Alpha."
"So, from now on.. Vainglory can.. no, everyone here can beat that titan! Vainglory is sure of it!" He extended an ink tendril to join the group cheer.
Revak
* Well said, Vainglory.
Sela
"...." Well now she was feeling like an asshole on top of slightly awkward. Stepping to join the group, she puts her only hand down. "Whether we talk him down, or beat his ass into listening to reason... So we can all get back to where we need to be."
Happy
Happy put his vine on Corrupted's hand to join the group cheer. He look's very... eh about it but his "hand" is there. " I still vote on kicking his ass. Even after all of this."
Lilith
[* Lilith nods, having been listening to everyone else. They could do this. They'd bring him back no matter what. She places her own disembodied hand down.]
Paul
One way or the other, either tactic was welcome. Paul wasn't sure why but maybe this different approach he was having in mind may just work. Whether it be physical or mental, some would call his action stupid but that was for later. "Alright..." He would then lower his hand before raising it up, to let the others disperse. "Brea-!!"
Suddenly, a ring tone would alert Paul, causing him to immediately jump up in surprise. "A-Ah!!" The mushroom wasn't focused on saving face as he was busy fishing through his pockets before procuring Johnny's phone from his pockets. What he didn't take into account that he accidentally pressed speaker on the phone, to which, everyone could hear a rather angry person on the phone.
🌹 "Paul! I swear to- Do you know where our son is!?"
"M-Mr Rajotte!? Uh...F-Fancy talkin' to you here..."
🌹 "Oh yeah it's pretty great knowin' that our son has disappeared and you hung up on me. For cryin' out loud, if that boy is doin' somethin' illegal..." The voice would drop down in volume indicating they had stepped away, probably to vent some stress, to which Paul had began to sweat slightly.
Oh boy.
Sela
".... Is that Johnny's dad?"
Hollow
"Well this is going to cause a delay...but it sounds like we have all the more reason to Save Johnny. Perhaps we should wait until this call is over before we talk about how though."
Paul
"Ah- Ah ha...Uhm, that was his dad."
Revak
[Revak couldn't help but sweat nervously himself.] * O-oh no... Should... Should we tell 'em...? I mean... T-they'll have to know eventually...
Hollow
"They deserve to know about what he's done...but not what is about to happen."
Malevolent
"You make it sound like we're about to commit a murder"
Paul
"S-Shhh! Don't make it sound wo- I...Ahh...."
Revak
[Well... he couldn't help but snort at that.]
Sela
She sighs. "Paul if you want, I could talk to him."
Vainglory
Vainglory winced. "Wait.. is Alpha actually called Johnny??" The inkling gasped, having just now realized no one else was calling Alpha "Alpha".(edited)
Lilith
[* Lilith's .... keeping out of this part. She's no good with parents of other folks. Keepin' to the shadows so to speak.]
Corrupt
*...We're going to Kick Their Son's Ass Though, Not like That's Better... Except it is but I Don't Think You could Say That.
Malevolent
"I mean, you could although whether you should is a different matter entirely"
Corrupt
*...I Guess.
Hollow
"I could talk to them. Maybe the voice of a King can settle them. Even if I'm not anymore."
Revak
* I doubt they know who ya are.
Vainglory
Vainglory shook his head. Now wasn't the time to think about what to call Alpha. He turned to Paul, narrowing his eyes. "Quick, come up with an excuse before this "mister Rajotte" guy comes back to the phone!" He whispered. "Tell them Johnny is super sick and at your house or something!"(edited)
Malevolent
"A familiar voice is probably for the better, and making up lies wont make things better"
Vainglory
"So mushroom pal should just blatantly tell them their son turned into a monster and is hoarding people so they don't leave?" He retorted with a snort in Mal's direction.
Sela
"Considerin how mad the voice sounded at Paul, wouldn't it be better for someone level headed to talk?"
Malevolent
"I mean possibly, although it could be worded better"
Revak
[His tail flicked anxiously behind him.] * We may need to answer fast. I dunno how well he might react to being kept waiting...
Paul
"No I...I'd rather them...Get settled down, don't let this be too fast. I'll try and speak in his defense at least" By then, after a few seconds have passed, a new voice comes in, though more comforting to the reciever since they were currently trying to adjust to the shocking idea of their son running off.
🌻 "Hello? Paul? Are you there?"
"...Hi Mrs. Rajotte..."
🌻 "It's okay, we're both...Stressed right now. I don't want to get mad at you, I just want to know if you've seen our son. I want to know why he's ran off."
"Y-Yeah about that..."
Sela
Sela can be a cutthroat when it comes to being direct about things, but doesn't argue.
Hollow
Hollow just listens and waits in silence. Speaking up right now could cause a problem.
Vainglory
Vainglory listens intently, preparing for the worst. How would they react? Would he hear sobs over the phone? Glass smashing? Chairs flying? He scrunched his face at the thought of it.(edited)
Paul
"Something has...Well, happened, and..." He paused, trying to figure out how to word this without freaking them out. "Okay...I can't keep this hidden for too long but Johnny's...Undergone somethin' way worse and he came to me for help but..."
🌻 "...What? What are you talking about? Is he going through something that he's kept a secret?"
"S-Somethin' like that, yeah."
"..."
"You all didn't notice the...uh, new tree right?"
🌻 "Well...Sort of? Most of the- James, gimme a moment...You'll what? Police? Just, let's try and figure out what Paul's getting at."
🌻 "I'm sorry...But, this talk of the tree, I was just thinking it was usually some of Ellinia's students being taught new lessons in magic, why?"
"...Uh...Johnny did it."
🌻 "Excuse me?"
"He's more, uh, how should I put this? Changed? in some senses?" There was a brief pause for a moment, which felt all the more nerve wracking given how Paul was beginning to sweat nervously.
🌻 "Changed? Wh- that doesn't make any sense. Did he get injured? Has he eaten somethin' foul or-"
"Johnny'stransformedintoabiggiantguyandimtryingtogethimbacktonormal!" Whoops, he just blurted that right then and there.
🌻 "...What?"
Revak
[He pinches the bridge of his snout.] * Ooooh boy...
Lilith
[* Just. Sloooow facepalm.]
Sela
"Oh my ... fucking god..." She mutters low enough so the phone wouldn't pick it up, putting her face in her hand.
Hollow
"I recommend plugging your ears for this next part..."
Vainglory
Vainglory started fidgeting with his spiked collar nervously, glancing left and right at the others around him to see their faces. "Damnit, here comes the glass breaking and the screams and sobs and the chairs crashing.." He let our a shaky sigh, looking back at Paul and the phone.(edited)
Paul
🌻 "I-...T-that doesn't make any sense."
"I know! I...Please bear with me, We-er, I! Found him and- He's...Okay! ...For the most part." Another pause, much to the inaudible argument serving as background noise before Mr. Rajotte returns to speaking.
🌹 "Paul, elaborate. Now."
The mushroom takes a moment to swallow down his fears, as he drew in a deep breath before exhaling. "Johnny's...Look, I don't know what else to say but he's...Changed, it's hard to describe real-"
Sela
The demoness straight up walks over and takes the phone from Paul with ease, who was probably not expecting anyone to do that.
Paul
"Aaa-!!" Paul immediately jumps, putting up both hands in surrender while watching her in surprise.
Revak
[Just... Blinks. Revak has no clue what's going on anymore.]
Hollow
He wasn't sure what the demoness had planned, but it was better than watching Paul stumblr through everything.
Sela
She puts the phone to her ear. "Hello, is this Mister or Misses Rajotte? You have to forgive Paul, as you can tell he's a bit flustered. My name is Sela, I'm one of Johnny and Paul's friends. Paul called us for help after Johnny ran away."
Vainglory
Vainglory muttered a quick, "Ooooh, snap!~" under his breath when Sela snatched the phone.
Paul
🌹 "Wh-...We've never heard of you before. Though...The kid did pull a reasonable thing, can't blam- Ugh, okay. Do you know WHAT happened to Johnny? Why does Paul have his phone? And what about that tree he mentioned?"
Sela
"Yeah, sorry we had to be introduced like this but that's besides the point." She shifts her weight on her feet,
"Johnny was trying to help his friends out by messing with some magic he didn't really understand and it's backfired a bit on him. I imagine he ran away because he was afraid of what you guys would think of, er... what he looks like right now. The tree is an after effect, sir. Paul has his phone because Johnny dropped it at one point."
During the whole time she's explaining, she's holding the phone up with her tails to her ear to ... check her nails while talking.
Hollow
At least someone was able to explain clearly about the whole ordeal. Though he was worried about just how much Sela would reveal if they kept asking questions.
Vainglory
Vainglory watched Sela intently, impressed by her multitasking ability.
Paul
🌹 "...Well...Never thought he was the one to get into magic. Must've been good at hiding it apparently because we've never saw him get interested into it."
🌹 "Okay uh...I'm not sure if I'm able to wrap my head around this. So the tree is his idea of testing it out? Ugh...When I get my hands on him..."
🌻 "James! Don't imagine disciplining him, that's just gonna make you more angry!"
🌹 "...Right, sorry honey. Anyways, just...Is it possible to speak to him? Paul mentioned that he found Johnny."
Sela
"We did find Johnny, but he's not really... listening to anyone right now. With the changes, honestly, he probably couldn't... hold the phone." She frowns a bit, holding the phone properly with her hand, "Other than his stubbornness getting worse and the effect of the magic, he's physically okay. We're going to try and reason with him, but it might not be a good idea to come and try to see him right now... He's all over the place emotionally. I'm sorry to say it."
Paul
🌹 "...Fine...As long as he's okay. Swear to hell if he's gettin' into some Black Mage nonsense I'm gonna flip more then just tables..."
🌹 "Thank you Sela, give Paul my thanks at least."
After stating that, there was a moment before the phone would be hung up as Mrs. Rajotte would come back on the line.
🌻 "Please be careful, I don't want my sunshine to act as if he's alone."
And with that, the conversation would cease as they had hung up, much to Paul's relief of Sela steering the situation to something they could understand. "...Dude, thank you so much...”
Lilith
[* Thank god that ended MUCH better than it started. A small 'breath' of relief.]
Hollow
"That went a lot smoother than anticipated....good work Sela. I'm glad I saved you, or else you might be unconscious right now."(edited)
Revak
[A small relieved sigh escapes the dragon, a clawed hand placed lightly on his chest.]
Sela
Sela clicked the phone with a sigh. She's not surprised it ended that way, though thankful it was a bit easier than she thought. The phone is held out to Paul, her expression casual. "They're parents, they're worried so it's understandable... I didn't tell them exactly everything but just enough that they got some ease. Just a matter of staying calm so they pick up the vibes from you." She gives Paul a pat on the cap.
Vainglory
"Yes, staying calm seems to have made that go much better than expected." The inkling smiles at Sela. "You have a way with words.. 'Sela', was it?"
Sela
Her head turns to Vainglory. "Yeah, it's Sela. And it's hard to think on the fly but even a brief moment to take a breath can help level things."
Paul
Paul only hums for a bit while appreciating her gesture, receiving the phone and placing it back into his pockets. How Johnny knew all these cool people, he'd never know.
Vainglory
Vainglory nods at Sela, before turning his gaze in the direction of the arena. He fidgeted with his collar nervously as soon as he started thinking of fighting Alpha again.
He knew that this time would be different, for he would have to trust in the others, as well as himself. It was somewhat reassuring to have other people backing Vainglory up this time, even if it's more like he's the one backing them up. A nice thought indeed.
Hollow
After a brief moment to collect himself after it was all over, Hollow decided to speak up. "Now that that's over, we need to discuss how to save Johnny, for his parents. We can't just go in there fists blazing..."
Revak
* Excuse you, sir, my fists are currently not blazing at all. [He's joking of course.]
Lilith
[* She... can't really help her flaming wrists. Just subconsciously rubs the wrist portion of her gloves.]
Hollow
He pauses for a moment before sighing, once again having to collect himself. As he looks around, there's a orange sparkle in his eyes,"Right, everyone tell me your strengths and weaknesses. If we pair the strengths up correctly we can do some damage, and we can cover for each other's weaknesses."
Malevolent
"You're making this sound like some elaborate battle plan, man, honestly all we need is the basics as far as i'm concerned. We're not playing chess"
Paul
"...I'm not sure if we want to make this complicated but I'll try again and talk to him. Maybe...Try and make myself assertive besides you guys? He'd usually trust any of you right?"
Lilith
"Assertion would be advised. After all, you are closest to him, are you not?"
Revak
* I'd assume he'd trust us...
Hollow
"I had a chance to talk to him before all this happened. We seemed to get along, so there's a chance I can still do something in that manner. He did let me leave without hassle..."
Vainglory
"Vainglory isn't so sure Alpha trusts him since he hasn't known Vainglory for very long. Plus Vainglory made him trip and tried to blind him." He lets out a sigh, before shuddering
"Also that big eye keeps looking at Vainglory funny.. as if it has a concious.."
Sela
"My right side is a bit of a gap in my defense." And that's all she'll reveal about her weaknesses. "You guys seem to be forgetting, he wants us to go at him and fight, so that it proves his point even further."
Sela said nothing when the others remarked on Johnny's trust or feelings toward them. The last time she saw Johnny... It ended pretty poorly. She frowns, wondering if he was being more aggressive because of her presence.
Paul
"We're all strong in our own ways. Just that...Whole soul thing and uh...'Bastion' entitlement isn't giving him a good way to gauge it."
Hollow
"About that soul thing....what do you know about that, Paul?"
Paul
A shrug, "Honestly, I'm just gettin' this whole info from you guys."
Revak
* Yeah, the whole "living wall" thing is kinda a hinderance... though, as far as the "souls" thing, I like Mal's idea of seeing if we can get a response from them.
Malevolent
"I mean, if you CAN get a response from them, you can usually tell at least"
Hollow
"That's why I wanted to know more, if anyone knows perhaps where the souls came from? Mal and I both have a...fair few souls ourselves. We might be able to use that to reach Johnny's."
Lilith
"We just have to either gauge a response from his or get him to listen a bit more closely to them. "
Paul
Another shrug, this time only giving a meek expression to their statement. "...I just wanna ask him a few things. I'm not gonna be scared this time."
Malevolent
"I ain’t gonna do anything that risks my souls I'll have you know, so whatever you have planned better not be something risky. But yeah, for now maybe we should start with a verbal approach"
Hollow
"If he stays calm...maybe he can tell us a bit more. And don't worry, I'll do the brunt of the work if necessary, i don't mind risking myself."
Paul
"Well...I guess we should just face the fireworks at least, eh?" Regardless, Paul would decided to trod his steps over to the entrance leading to the arena
.With that said, most of the group would follow suit with the mushroom taking the lead. Now more organized in their thoughts and perhaps a plan in mind, maybe, just maybe that the calm atmosphere now would lead to a possibly better outcome.
(Aatos starts his turn with 2d6 + 2 (leftover) + 2 (rebate) -> 2,1+4 = 7 power.)
Shape Climate (-2): A massive storm settles between the continents.
While it would be an age before anyone other than the Gods themselves would travel between the northern and southern lands, the central island would be a critical stop for those intending on navigating the seas between. This cannot be.
Clouds darkened the region as lightning struck without warning, the winds became violently erratic and the rain perpetual. A nigh-ceaseless storm covered the island and the surrounding oceans, only rarely and briefly breaking thrice a century into an odd and unearthly tranquility.
Create Race (-3): Aatos lends his tools to a new project.
A quivering rumbles through the land as a new project is embarked upon by the Gods. Glad to contribute, Aatos provides 3 points to the creation of a new people, assuming 1 or more of the following are true:
… they are notably tribalist and prone to in-group/out-group thinking.
… they desire permanent settlements and prefer to live in cities (starting in the 2nd Age).
… they favour innovation, experimentation, and industry.
… they experience euphoria when separating living or dead flesh, whether by butchery, vivisection, execution, or self-mutilation.
… they prefer to construct their dwellings out of inorganic materials like stone or metal.
… they are unharmed by flame and heat but quickly become sick when exposed to the cold.
… they petrify into iron as they age, starting at the tips of their limbs and spreading inward.
A kingly hoard of dust and rock once collected in the eternal tread of the world-shaper Kirrik. When this hoard, which is called Akhu, was struck out of its path by the hand of the heavens, vast swathes of matter were cast out into the abyss. This was the bride-price of the world. But there is a realm for those who pass beyond, and the court of the King Irradiant receives the grave goods of mortals; why not also of worlds?
So, for time unnumbered (rocks do not keep time), the impact-spoor drifted idly among the stars. In the course of centuries the dust of Akhu recollected itself; with every passage through the far side of the sky and every hand that traded it among the court of stars, it remembered, and drew closer together.
Siarruk, who will be called Abhorrer of the Straight Path, Peregrine Sister, Mistress of Ablutions, Many-Faced Coin, Blessed Returner, and more, was born from this remembrance. In a flash, she clothed herself in the accreted moon-treasure, and when next she passed out of the harsh light of the sun she stole out of the court of the dead, whispering falsehoods to the passing spirits and making long the ways of her watchers. She hid for six months in the space behind Akhu before the King Irradiant discovered her disappearance; what words passed between them none can say, but she kept the secrets of His realm, and now she dances among the paths of the sky, guiding the dead to him on infinite roads.
It is said that she wishes all mortals to remember their role as travelers between worlds; she detests direct routes and opposes permanent settlements. She flees the light of the sun, preferring reflections, and troubles simple divisions. Oratory and song, and the translation of tongues, are her arts; and with the knowledge of the King's court she teaches medicine and cleanliness, and grants visions of the future and glimpses beyond death.
I did a thing. Winning basically amounted to how many rotoswipes were randomly dodged :,) the amount of times I got to the final dreadnaught and died pretty much left me foaming at the mouth.
Into the Teeth of the Storm
Active, Unity ✦ Aspect (Doom) + Class (Knight), Desperation, Weapon
Trigger: The Knight or the Doom Player are facing Defeat.
Speed: 10
Effect: Both players turn their weapons on the target which threatens them. Imbued with unholy strength, they attack for Heavy Damage, which is not mitigated by armor or other effects. This Fraymotif is usable even if one or both combatants is too injured to fight (at 0 HP).
