Path of Glory (Original / Quest)

[ReinZero]

Well, this isn't so much for the combat as much as enough to get by in combat while having loads of bullshit noncombat uses. The ability to subtly curse rivals, make potions to help allies, and other such things is quite useful in politics, and Aether is rather rare as an affinity. Having our enemies suffer loads of "bad luck" on their investments in ways they cannot prove our involvement in seems like a useful way to pay people back for the assassins they send.

Click to shrink...

I'm pretty sure you're forgetting that to maintain effects of things, it will continually siphon off your corresponding pool, thus it cannot replenish to full while in use.

Also I never said it was rare as an affinity. It only said that ways to improve its pool was difficult to obtain/etc.

And how do you figure to target people whom you have no clue of both IC and OOCly?

Magic Theory at A Rank also seems of questionable use when you are not planning to raise anything to A.

Click to shrink...

Yup....

I'm not too oposed to a focus on indirect stuff, but Enchantment seems a rather poor choice without any Elements to use it with.

Click to shrink...

We have C rank Elements.

Click to shrink...

Which is kind of not very good at all.

Click to shrink...

Click to shrink...

C Rank is as in Average. Which is based off the general population as a standard. All of said population. That means, mostly using Commoners as a standard. Of course, there could be other ways of making do... but... can you guys figure out how?

 

[Robotninja]

Hmm. Lets drop Enchantment and bring up elemental magic. We can also drop Curses. That gives us seven points to spend, allowing us to bring three elements up to A rank.

 

[Pipeman]

Mirroring my vote and arguments here.

Right, been talking with ReinZero and here is finally my vote.
Full conversation is here for those who care.

Basically, first of all we need to consider both our situation and current build.

As far as I understand it, the basics of our current build are as follows.
On the physical side of things we lack some strength but that honestly doesn't matter that much at this point.
On the magical side of things we have a boost to Magic Theory, which is good to have but doesn't do much but unlock the higher ranks of other stuff.
Our Aether affinity means we have a larger Aether pool and are more efficient at using magic that draws on Aether.
The last part isn't that good since only potions and curses actually draw on aether and potions are made out of combat which makes the magical cost negligible.
Still, it does mean we can curse the fuck out of things which is rather neat.
Otherwise we don't really have anything of note except our Magic Analysis and Conversion.
That said, those things are rather neat to have.
Our bullshit Conversion allows us to basically draw on all of our pools for any type of magic.
The strength of our spells is still limited by our skill in that particular magic but odds are we can keep casting for a while since we can actually use our ridiculously large Aether pool for other types of magic.
Analysis has less combat applications (aside from giving the option to earn Awesomeness by Analysis) but is still valuable.

That said, the main problem we currently face is that we have no real way to actually do anything with our magic.
And Assassins are out to get us.
And we are alone.
And only 11 (almost 12!) years old.
So we really need immediate applications, especially since the assassin thing is more or less going to be a permanent issue and the fact that we're in constant almost war with out neighbours doesn't help either.
Going for the long payoff, is likely not going to suffice to keep us alive and unharmed.
What we more or less need is a couple of Skills that can directly help us now.

Runes, Enchantment and Alchemy are all very interesting but Enchantment is heavily reliant on the Elements, meaning we'd have to buy two things up for it to be really worth it, Runes are capped at C Rank which means they can't really do more than C Rank effects and Alchemy is both capped at a low level and so expensive as to seriously cripple our other options.
Healing on the other hand is simply not going to do much at the lower levels and is also capped.
Not to mention that Potions should be able to substitute for a lot of it if we prepare ourselves properly.

That leaves us with Elements, Curses and Potions.
Improving Magic Theory is basically a must because trying to survive against an Assassin with skills ranked barely above those of a commoner is folly.
Maxing out Curses is also sensible since it's the only thing that really benefits from the Aether magic discount.
I'm also planning to max out Potions in order to make up for the loss in utility and out of combat uses we suffer by not having any of the other stuff.
As I said Potions and preperation should probably make up for a lot.
That leaves us with 3 points to spend on Elements.
Now given that we are an 11 year old child, our priority for combat should probably be overwhelming offense combined with speed.
Odds are we just aren't going to take any hits well, but unbalancing the opposition and getting the fuck out of there is probably somewhat doable.
For overwhelming offense I'm seeing Fire and Lightning as the main candidates.
Both can probably be used to blind opponents but since Lightning also gets us Lighning Step at Rank A and is significantly less likely to cause colateral damage when being a guest, I favour that.
The other Elelment should as far as I see it be Wind.
Might give some general speed boost and has rather good utility for distraction and offense that does not draw as much attention.

The last and rather interesting advantage of this build is that, as far as I understand it, each of these things boosts our Aether by 1/3 rank and Aether is not capped due to us having an affinity for it, meaning we get Aether up to even bullshittier levels at which point we'll have a truly ridiculous amount of mana to throw around thanks to Magic Conversoin.
Full powered Lightning blasts for everyone!

As for what to do with this build in the long term, well by boosting these two elements we get a strong magical offense and a massive boost to speed and mobility.
Furthermore our Curse debuffs will likely become rather crippling in short order, meaning we can dart around and take advantage of the openings those provide.
Lastly, we'll have our potions to provide buffs to constitution and other areas of weakness, to more or less deal with healing and to do make flashbangs, gasbombs, poison coatings for weapons and generally cover utility stuff we'd otherwsie be somewhat light on.
We can of course also pick one of the other things up later but this should give us a rather decent (and survivable) base to build on.

Regarding the weapon, I'm thinking Shield because we don't have to learn an entirely new weapon, we have lightning Blasts and so many pools to draw from to fuel them for ranged combat and since heavy armour isn't really a thing here we'd still retain decent mobility.

Regarding where to go, since I'm taking potions, I'd like to see if we can find neat things in the marketplace.
Exotic ingredients and stuff may only really be needed when you're pushing the boundaries of what you're capable of, but when you have A-Rank stuff that pushes the boundaries is probably rather awesome.

[X] Shield

[X] Improve Magic Theory to A Rank (Cost 1 Point)
[X] Improve Lightning by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
[X] Improve Lightning by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
[X] Improve Wind by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
---Capped by Magic Theory. Can take multiple times/elements.
[X] Learn Curses (Costs 2 Points; Gain at C Rank)
---[X] Improve Curses by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
---[X] Improve Curses by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
[X] Learn Potions (Costs 2 Points; Gain at C Rank)
---[X] Improve Potions by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
---[X] Improve Potions by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)

[X] Check out the Marketplace. Hm… maybe you'll find something here given the wide variety?

Click to shrink...

 

[Robotninja]

[X]Pipeman
Your vote make's sense.

 

[Happerry]

[X] Shield

[X] Improve Magic Theory to A Rank (Cost 1 Point)
[X] Improve Lightning by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
[X] Improve Lightning by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
[X] Improve Wind by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
---Capped by Magic Theory. Can take multiple times/elements.
[X] Learn Curses (Costs 2 Points; Gain at C Rank)
---[X] Improve Curses by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
---[X] Improve Curses by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
[X] Learn Potions (Costs 2 Points; Gain at C Rank)
---[X] Improve Potions by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
---[X] Improve Potions by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)

[X] Check out the Marketplace. Hm… maybe you'll find something here given the wide variety?

 

[ReinZero]

[X] Shield

[X] Improve Magic Theory to A Rank (Cost 1 Point)
[X] Improve Lightning by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
[X] Improve Lightning by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
[X] Improve Wind by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
---Capped by Magic Theory. Can take multiple times/elements.
[X] Learn Curses (Costs 2 Points; Gain at C Rank)
---[X] Improve Curses by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
---[X] Improve Curses by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
[X] Learn Potions (Costs 2 Points; Gain at C Rank)
---[X] Improve Potions by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)
---[X] Improve Potions by 1 Rank (Cost 1 Point Each Time)

[X] Check out the Marketplace. Hm… maybe you'll find something here given the wide variety?

Click to shrink...

So you head to the marketplace first! It isn't a very long walk, but the sights. The sights are rather... different. Unlike the usual solid, complex buildings or solid, proper buildings you see around the family holdings, the marketplace is filled with stalls, tents, and other such manners of simple 'structures', but they seem rather practical for their simplicity. Even if they seem a bit too fragile. A small accident and they'd be done for.

But the decorations... well, you're sure those are decorations, after all, who drapes upon them fancy banners and other gaudy cr-things. Yes things. Your Mother would be most displeased if you swore or uttered other profanity. So you try to keep it out of thought- not that you always succeed.

You stroll down the street with your Mother, taking in the sights as they come. A first experience one might say, with seeing transactions made for food. Books. And other things. But those items in question don't catch your eye. Though, that's not to say you don't pay attention... just that, well, half the items either look insignificant while a third you've seen or can find on the family holdings. Though, the last one sixth is rather unusual but you recognize it, scouters looking for prospective candidates to either take under their wing or simply recruit for their guild.

Which... you then realize something strange. Business doesn't seem to be any more lively or busy despite the festival starting tomorrow, even if the ones manning the stalls and all, are excited about it. At least it doesn't seem to entirely be your nagging suspicion. Though you look to your Mother to be sure.

Sure enough, she seems to be on her guard. Not entirely so, that you know, but rather 'ready' in the event something occurs. Nothing about her movements gives it away- from what you know- as she simply smiles back at you and rubs your head. "Is there something you want?"

"Eh?" You blink as you run her words by your brain again. "But Father-"

She places a finger over your lips. "Your Father will understand."

You blink again as you take heed of the emphasis in your Mother's tone. Certainly she'll make your Father agree if he won't agree immediately. "N-nothing right now... I'm still looking."

"Take your time, just don't dally too long," reminds your Mother, "Time flies when you're having fun."

Heeding your Mother's words, you nod and turn around and proceed to search for things of interest with renewed enthusiasm and determination. That means, naturally, with greater attention to your surroundings. Though consequently, you overhear a pair men dressed in rather simple, but attire that appears to match the image of 'mercenaries'.

"...just a pair of guards?" says a gruff man.

"Yeah, that Marquess seems to be that way," replies his companion.

"How ni-"

You don't hear the rest as you've already started on to your next stop. It isn't a easy job finding things that you wouldn't be able to find normally and of interest to you. After all, you have to make up for lost time! Besides, you don't know when you'll get such a chance again.

As you continue, you come across a pair of girls dressed rather unusually. One has shoulder length blond hair, light blue eyes, and appears to be dressed in a manner akin to a knight- or rather, her clothes appear to be styled after a knight's. Dark blue colored attire with a sword at her waist, though, a lack of a helmet of any kind. The other girl appears to be of Far Eastern ethnicity and wears some kind of white attire with red pants or something, your Mother would probably know.

"So you going to watch the tournament today?" says the Far Eastern girl.

"Yeah, in two hours right?" replies her companion.

"Yes-"

You continue on pass them without stopping to hear the rest. You did, after all, already hear something quite nice to begin with. A lucky encounter you'd suppose. If you'd follow up on it that is. But that isn't your goal right now.

With failure twice over, you realize finding things of interest isn't a particularly easy task. So you resort to a extent to using your Innate Magic Analysis, set to filter out anything short of superior magic. To which the result is rather... unusual actually. A fair number of weapons and equipment on people seem to stand out. Ten... twenty-two? No, wait, thirty-four. Huh? Did someone hire so many people armed to such an extent? Well, at least they don't seem to be assassins-

You blink as your eyes come across something most unusual. No, that's wrong. A strange sight. You recognize the sign of magic... behind several overlapping coverings. You think its several layers anyways. Immediately, you switch back to normal vision. Risking being noticed by whoever's there would be troublesome you think- mostly due the strangeness of it all. You've never had a case where you could manage to see past physical objects if you've filtered out that. Which simply makes no sense.

"Victor?" Your Mother says with a hint of worry in her tone.

"I-it's nothing, I was just lost in thought for a moment," you say. You put on your brightest smile for your Mother. "I'm fine."

"That's a relief. Everything in moderation or you'll exhaust yourself before the time's over," replies your Mother. She smiles, "I'm sure your Father will understand if you arrive back tired. Just don't forget about tomorrow."

"I know, Mother."

You glance back at the place that caught your curiosity. It seemed to be a stall connected to a shop.... The only one like that actually. You figure you should take a closer look, after all, it won't do to enter from the rear.

So you make your way closer, while keeping an eye on things. Naturally, it'd appear you're right. It'd appear the stall was a... employee only entrance. What. The sign mounted over the top of the doorway seems to be a temporary store sign, so you'd suppose there's the possibility its- Ok, it is rented out. You thank your good eyesight for catching that minor detail the store sign failed to obscure. Right.

It'd appear the name's... 'The Fair Pet Store' ? What. Who the- Ahem. Who names their shop- store- whatever that? And at that, why wouldn't a proclaimed pet store have pets on display outside. That aside, it doesn't seem to really make sense for the place to be rented out for that either. After all, how would a person have the funds to relocate their store repeatedly on any basis? How?

You sigh and shake your head for a moment to clear your mind. Right. Mustn't get obsessed over the bizarreness of it all. Even if you haven't seen too much outside, you are dead certain about the bizarreness. After all, you did have books for company and word of mouth by the household staff to go by.

The two shops- well, one shop and one 'stall', next to it seem somewhat interesting as well. The 'stall' to the left seems to be one that's actually a shop, but modeled after a stall. The sign there says 'Household Blessings' with a smaller sign next to it saying 'For all your Staff needs!'

The other, proper looking shop appears rather elegant, almost as if its been styled after a mansion. On second glance, it actually appears rented... just... well, the paint and all appear to be at least a week old. You recognize it from one instance of watching fresh paint dry over the course of a week after damages done by a reckless assassin, an idiot by some standards. The sign clearly says 'Meetings of the Heart' with a smaller sign saying 'Worry naught for Love'.

As you glance back at the dubiously named 'The Fair Pet Store' you manage to make out faint, scratch marks- correction, badly written words. 'Contractually Guaranteed'. You're not sure why someone would have to emphasis the fact its done by contract. No, that's not the matter. Why is it guaranteed by contract! Or rather, how does it have anything to do with pets!

Nursing a growing headache, you consider your options carefully. You notice a familiar voice... chuckling. "Mother!"

"Hm?" she stops and feigns innocence. "Is something the matter Victor?"

"That's not funny," you say, attempting to keep your voice from being too loud. After all, causing a scene would be... bad.

"Now now, I wasn't laughing at you...," replies your Mother. "Your Father had the same exasperated expression too."

Gah! You sigh and resign yourself to endure it in silence. And work on work on a poker face. It'll come in handy, if at least so to avoid this again!

Well then, so which shop will you view? Or will you just go somewhere else?
[ ] Go to 'The Fair Pet Store'
[ ] Go to 'Household Blessings'
[ ] Go to 'Meetings of the Heart'
[ ] Scr- Ahem, never mind them. Let's be off somewhere else! (4 Hours Remaining.)
---[ ] Explore the rest of the Shops
---[ ] Explore the Festival Stalls
---[ ] Go to the Citadel Keep (Additional 1 Hour Cost)
---[ ] Go to where the Tournament's being held! (Opens in 2 Hours)
---[ ] Somewhere else? (Write In. Subject to GM approval.)

 

[Happerry]

[X] Go to 'The Fair Pet Store'

 

[Chibi-Reaper]

[X] Go to 'The Fair Pet Store'

Sounds fun.

 

[ReinZero]

[X] Go to 'The Fair Pet Store'

Click to shrink...

Of course you must get to the end of this no? Or well, it seems like a good place to start a pet would be nice to have after all. So you head over to the store, open the door for your Mother like a gentleman... then enter after her.

"Hello." / "Welcome." / "Oh, a customer."

Respectively a pair of girls, one with short brown hair and dressed in rather appropriate attire for handling animals, pets, and whatever. Ok, so its a glorified work clothes of matching color. If you had to sum up her appearance, she appears rather dull and plain compared to the other two.

The second girl had a light shade of blue mixed into her rather mundane looking chestnut colored, shoulder length hair. Her yellow eyes seem to stand out somewhat, though, that's probably because her attire is predominantly black and gray with white highlights and styled somewhat after a mix of a student uniform... and a maid attire. You're not sure which it resembles more due to the bucket load of possible student uniforms, though you're sure its a South Central influence if not uniform directly.

The third is what appears to be a man in his mid-late 20s but dressed in a manner that would give the impression he's trying to look like an old geezer. The somewhat faded colors on his rather dark themed color clothing rather gives a sense that he's trying too hard and thus failing miserably. He appears to be reading a book or something.

"Boss, customer," says the short haired girl.

"Yeah yeah, handle it will ya?" replies the geezer.

"Boss! No-"

"Ahem, my apologizes for their... rowdiness," says the student-maid-whichever girl. "I take it you're one of the guests of the Marquess?"

"... and you would know that because?" replies your Mother.

"Contract boundary."

"..." Your Mother's silent for a moment. "I see. So just the Marquess?"

The girl replies in turn, "The Boss can produce the document stating permission from the-"

"I see, that'll suffice," interrupts your Mother. She taps your shoulder for you to continue.

"So what do you have in stock?" you ask, as the stock doesn't seem to be out in the front of the store.

"Griffins, Sea Serpents, Wolves,-"

The door opens- or rather, slams open and a boy probably about your age or a slight bit older not by much, steps in. With a bodyguard or something, the guy looks rather weird given a warped looking helm seeming fused to the body armor which itself seems to have been patched over once too many times then set on fire until it fused together. On second thought, no, there's something that seems to be holding the helm to the armor.

As for the boy, his short brown hair seems far too overly done, and dressed in rather gaudy clothing. Most definitely not a Proper Noble. Or even one that's remotely trying to improve their lot through actual effort, but instead through money. Fits the image after all. "Hey you there, who's the shopkeeper?"

"-... though we're a bit short stock on some options presently," continues the girl without pause.

"Boss! Stop fooling around!" shouts the short haired girl.

"Yeah yeah, I'll think about it," replies the Geezer.

"Don't ignore me slaver!" shouts the boy. His face contorts in annoyance, and pulls something- a chain?

A girl of about 16 years stumbles into view out from behind the bodyguard. Her hair seems rather messy and doesn't seem to have been properly cleaned in at least a week, though her state of dress is... poor to put it politely. Rags. Or close enough to it, with little enough to be considered sufficient to pass as clothing... yet little enough to show scars, bruises and the like.

"You have a problem with me boy?" the geezer snaps in turn. He stands, pocketing his book and fishes a pocket book from a pocket in his clothes while fixing the boy with a glare.

"Do you or do you not have something better than this piece of crap," the boy gives the chain a tug- which given the extent its connected, the girl nearly falls over.

The geezer flips the pocket book open to a page and quickly scrolls down it with his finger. "Arient Belfora, third son of the head to be, Adrian Belfora. A Nobility ill gotten through means of monetary support to the Empire. I do not dapple in Slaves you foolish brat. There is a FINE DIFFERENCE between Pets... and Slaves."

"Hmp, it's just a matter of perspective," retorts the one called Arient.

"Leashing, collaring a Pet but implies the Owner is lacking. All the more so if one considers there no difference between a Pet and a Slave! You who does not simply understand but treats them like trash are but the sort I refuse to do business with!"

Ok, he's being overly passionate and dramatic about it. You blink and just stare at the lunacy going on before you.

"Is it now? A commoner sho-"

"Girls, kick him out. Now," orders the shopkeeper.

"Gladly." / "Understood."

"Wa-"

One moment the student-maid girl is behind the counter. The next, she's hauling Arient out by the cuff of his cloths and the bodyguard with her other hand. The short haired girl, on the other hand, has the door opened and just finished retrieving the chains that the boy had been holding on to, and passed it back to the victim.

"Y-you can't do this to me!" stammers Arient.

"I can and did," replies the shopkeeper. "Don't come again."

With that, the student-maid girl simply tosses them out the shop. With heed to the people outside, understandably. She gestures to the slave the boy brought with him to follow the boy out of the shop. Technically speaking there wasn't much they could do about that per say without complicating matters. Hesitantly, the slave leaves the shop, but not before making a quick bow and what seems to be a stammer of thanks.

As the door closes, the two girls and the geezer return to their prior positions, except with the short haired girl trying to prevent the geezer from doing so by occupying his chair first. "Customers first Boss."

"What is this about 'pets and slaves' again?" says your Mother. Her tone is rather frigid, though from the lack of a very specific intent, you think its more she's fairly displeased. To put it mildly of course.

"I can assure you Baroness, that I do not deal in slaves. Though that is why its as the sign says, 'Contractually Guaranteed'. Besides, I can absolutely guarantee everything was done with absolute fairness. Which, admittedly, some would claim is a horrid policy to work with," replies the shopkeeper with surprising confidence. And seeming attempt at politeness. "If you wish, I can show you the terms of contract I'm under in regards to such operation in the empire."

"Yes, please do," your Mother says. She motions for the proof.

"All right," says the geezer as he picks a seemingly thick, but paper-like object out of his pockets. Its color is rather gray in appearance, and from the way he shows it to your Mother, you can't see the words.

But... should you try to see if that's the reason you picked up the pet shop?
[ ] Yes
---Increase filtering measures as a precaution? [Yes / No]
[ ] No

"... I see, then you will abide by the fullest extent of your customer's needs or wants?" your Mother asks as she motions for the geezer to put the proof away.

As the shopkeeper does so, he nods readily. "Correct. Of course, if there's a... problem with them due my side of things, I will take responsibility. Though, that shouldn't be a problem- rather I should say it was a rather painful lesson I refuse to repeat."

"And those two?"

"Contracted assistants. They're properly compensated for their time and effort," replies the shopkeeper. "Speaking of which, Eria, how long until your contract's up again?"

The student-maid blinks and closes her eyes for a moment before replying as she opens her eyes again, "Three years barring renewal. Though, per renewal is in three year intervals."

"Lena here though, is on for a longer period, so I can't offer to arrange her end," replies the geezer. He seems to notice a look on your Mother's face. "I don't deal in that kind of thing like that boy was wanting. What a waste of good potential."

"Proof then?"

"Ah right, this kind of thing's pointless without showing," says the shopkeeper with appearant realization. "Right. Lena, keep an eye on the store, Eria, make sure no one causes trouble in the shop."

"Yes." / "Understood."

"Well then, follow me." The shopkeeper motions for you two to follow after him. Which, you do of course, as does your Mother.

He leads you to a door which he then opens and steps in and proceeds onwards. You follow with attention to your surroundings where you then notice a rather... notable variety. From simply the kinds that the student-maid- er, Eria, listed, to others like foxes to name one. Like the shopkeeper said, there are no signs or sorts of restrains shown and they seem to be in fairly good health, if ambit limited in space due to the building size. A bit further down and you see what appears to be a number of people dressed rather... 'simply' would be wrong to say. Varied, proper attire, yet nothing particularly expensive, gaudy, or valuable. Though, none of them appear armed in any way, then again, they do also appear to be in good health and physical condition.

"What?" The geezer raises an eyebrow for exaggeration, "As I said, I don't deal in Slaves. Thus why would I treat them as such?"

"Then why not a more proper location?" your Mother asks in turn.

"Another job from above. This isn't my actual place, just a temporary thing for the week," says the shopkeeper. "I can't exactly close shop entirely while I'm out can I?"

"You could," replies your Mother, her tone a bit less frigid than before, but still with some dislike in her voice. "And the monsters prior?"

"Don't worry, they're proper for the matter. I have to work with consideration for due customers as opposed to profit for the sake of profit. I have standards after all, not like some of those bastards," says the shopkeeper.

Your Mother fixes him with a glare.

"Ahem, my apologizes for that." The geezer sighs and shakes his head. "So, I suppose it's acceptable if your son chooses so?"

"Yes, but if you fail to adhere to it...."

"I'm aware of the consequences," affirms the shopkeeper.

Your Mother nods and relaxes her glare. She pats your head. "Victor, just remember not to follow in that fake's footsteps."

Nodding, you consider what to do... (4 Hours remaining.)
[ ] Browse around. (Write In for what you want basically.)
---What do you want in a Pet? In more ways than one.
---Monster or not?
---Can consider more than one.... (Will use up the current Hour.) Too many and you'll eat into another Hour~
[ ] Decline.
---[ ] Go browse another store.
------[ ] Go to 'Household Blessings'.
------[ ] Go to 'Meetings of the Heart'.
------[ ] Explore the rest of the shops area.
---[ ] Go elsewhere.
------[ ] Explore the Festival Stalls
------[ ] Go to the Citadel Keep (Additional 1 Hour Cost)
------[ ] Go to where the Tournament's being held! (Opens in 2 Hours)
------[ ] Somewhere else? (Write In. Subject to GM approval.)

 

[ReinZero]

Eh, forgot to put up an example list of possible options... Just keep in mind the more exotic and what not, the higher the odds of it being 1) Not Present, 2) Too Expensive, or 3) Not in stock....

Do keep in mind you do not specifically have knowledge of say, Far Eastern terminologies....

Example Valid Monsters~
Griffin
Sea Serpent
Wolf (Direwolf technically included)
Liger
Fox
Wyvern (Various kinds)
Lindworm

Example Invalid Monsters~
Harpy
Manticore
Werewolf

---

Example Valid Non-Monsters (By Profession)
Swordsman
Archer
Student
Maid
Butler

Example Invalid Non-Monsters (By Profession)
Anything of Eastern/Far Eastern specific origin.
Anything of North Western specific origin.
Warlock

---

Example Valid Non-Monsters (By Skill)
Ex.1) Primary - Runes / Secondary - Shield / Tertiary - Wind
Ex.2) Preference - Sword/Shield/Spear + Potions/Healing/Fire

Example Invalid Non-Monsters (By Skill)
*Insert extremely detailed demands*

 

[Silversun17]

so what does student mean? magic user? scholar?

 

[ReinZero]

so what does student mean? magic user? scholar?

Click to shrink...

Varies widely.

As noted in the update itself, its possible to find a very wide range of students... like a student-maid... or maid-student depending on interpretation and maybe circumstances.

A Student is classified as a person who attends an Academy in the South Central. That's one of the attached meanings, which is relevant whenever classification is mentioned as Student in the South Central.

 

[Robotninja]

Hmm. Someone with a Runes affinity would be awesome support, if they are available.

 

[Chibi-Reaper]

[X] Browse.
-[X] Maid.

No regrets.

 

[ReinZero]

Hmm. Someone with a Runes affinity would be awesome support, if they are available.

Click to shrink...

Possible~

 

[Xicree]

[X] Browse.
-[X] Maid.

 

[Robotninja]

[X]Browse
-[X]Maid
-[X]With Rune Magic skill and affinity.

 

[ReinZero]

Current Tally~

3 for griffin
1 for Quick, Eye-Catching, Quiet, Tall and can fight. female gender if possible.
1 for swordsman
1 for scholar
1 for lindworm
1 for wyvern
2 for fox
3 for maid

...

Yes you can vote for multiple things....

@ Robo, I did file yours under maid, don't worry about your specific end.

 

[Malcolmo]

But... should you try to see if that's the reason you picked up the pet shop?
[X] Yes
---Increase filtering measures as a precaution? [Yes]

[X] Quick, Eye-Catching, Quiet, Tall and can fight. female gender if possible.
[X] fox
[X] griffin

 

[fitzgerald]

[X]Browse
-[X]Maid
-[X]With Rune Magic skill and affinity.

 

[ReinZero]

I'll be closing voting in about 2 hours from now, or when I get back on.

 

[ReinZero]

Tallied Vote... All non listed options locked. Griffin & Maid locked for primary viewing. Everything with 2 votes or less has been eliminated from the list~ Though, if anyone wants to push for the other, underlined options that they haven't already voted for, feel free to do so.

[7] Griffin
[7] Maid

Prospective secondary viewing. This is open until the primary viewing is posted. Must hit at least 6 votes (existing votes counted), only highest vote option(s) will make the cut off for secondary viewing.

[5] Fox
[4] Phoenix
[3] Quick, Eye-Catching, Quiet, Tall and can fight. female gender if possible.
[3] Scholar
[3] Wyvern

[1] Chimera
[1] Lindworm
[1] Swordsman
[1] Swordswoman
[2] (Dire) Wolf
[1] Cockatrice
[1] Nemean Lion

 

[ReinZero]

[X] Yes
---Increase filtering measures as a precaution? [Yes]

Click to shrink...

You adjust the filters to account for a potential significant increase that could otherwise overload it. After all, if it can penetrate through hefty obstacles, then without those in the way, you would get overloaded from viewing it. Then you switch to- OH MY- BLAZING GO- you switch it off immediately. Sure it didn't overload. But seriously. What. The. Hell!

The thing was simply blinding. Stupidly blinding as if you'd been staring into the sun... except black, more than merely pitch black. A light in the darkness? No, that's not right. More like, absolute emptiness.... Maybe, maybe if you hadn't taken such precautions it might have had... consequences you feel. Where that feeling was from, you're not very sure... just... a gut feeling? No, it isn't, rather, instinctual? Then how did you recognize it as pure emptiness?

You shelf the thought for the time being.

---​

[X] Browse around.
---[X] Griffin
---[X] Maid

Click to shrink...

"Then... let's start with Griffins?" you say after some thought.

"This way then," says the shopkeeper as he takes the lead. "Though I'll have to apologize, due to constraints, only two are here."

"Only two?" You repeat as you consider it in your head. "The others?"

"About a dozen in total, including these two. It isn't as if I'm as free as some of those others, after all, having standards means some things just can't be done. Like compromise on moral and ethical grounds," replies the shopkeeper.

Your Mother scoffs, "That, coming from you."

"Well yes, it's understand that others wouldn't share such views," replies the geezer as he comes to a stop and proceeds to fetch a few pages from a container of sorts. "It's easier when they stay in a general area when customers are in. Here."

He passes a pair of pages into your hands as he glances off the names of the two Griffins from the top of the pages. "Ahem, would the Griffins please come over for a moment? Erisalia, Felix?"

Griffin Favorance = 7 ; 4

A few scant seconds later a pair of Griffins come into view, one is white and gold whereas the other is white and crimson. From the papers, you affirm that the gold one is the female, Erisalia, and the male is the crimson one, Felix. Both look otherwise mostly similar- as much as one human looks to another.

Felix affixes the shopkeeper with a rather fierce glare, as if demanding to know why, whereas Erisalia comes rather closer but... seemingly just to 'look over' you. Like how one gauges the value and intentions of another. After a few moments of inspection, Erisalia nods her head and slip strides back away while motioning to the shopkeeper with one of her wings.

"So acceptable eh?" says the geezer while raising an eyebrow at Felix, "You then?"

"I refuse."

What. You blink.

"Why should I lower myself to the extent of a pet of a mere human?" demands the male Griffin.

"Because of the contract, Felix, though with your attitude, I don't see how you'll ever meet your end of the bargain," says a female voi- says Erisalia. Yes, that's right.

"Hmp, he doesn't even know, how could you even be agreeable towards such ignorance?" retorts Felix.

"It's merely the result of choice views in the greater scheme of things," states Erisalia. "I would suppose that's correct Lady...?"

"Yes, unfortunately that's how it is elsewhere," replies your Mother. She shakes her head. "A real pity."

"... fine!" snaps Felix. "However, you geezer, you better have kept to your word on that!"

"Well yes, though you will try to be cooperative if one can meet the price," says the shopkeeper. It isn't a question, not a fact either, but a declaration.

"Hmp, what do you take me for!"

"A fool." - Erisalia

"Yup." - Geezer

"Indeed." - Mother

"... Just call me if he does then," spits Felix as he begins making his way out of sight.

"Well, I would apologize for his behavior but.... well, it is rather unbecoming due representation for his kin," says Erisalia. She makes a bow- or what passes for one for a Griffin. "Unfortunately, I must take my leave before he does something... stupid, to vent."

"I AM NOT STUPID DAMN YOU!"

---​

About a minute later....

"I suppose you have maids...?" you ask after much hesitation. Mostly, as it would seem closer to slavery as opposed to what it so claims to be.

"Yes, and if you're concerned about how it is... well, there isn't a problem," replies the geezer. "As they're Humans, you are responsible for paying them in addition to the 'usual'. Though in this case, matters like loyalty, being uncooperative, and what not are simply not a problem. Of course, they can also very much as well opt to be paid less... or not at all."

"But then...," you trail off as you try to make sense of it in this context. Then a thought comes to mind, "Like Eria?"

"Like might be too strong a word, Eria is... a interesting case," replies the shopkeeper. "But that's for another time. Though to an extent they are... similar, yes. One only needs to look at what possible needs a household could encounter that such mundane staff cannot handle."

You wince at that. Indeed, you've seen at least a few servants in the residence, murdered due collateral damage. Unfortunate incidents, but those really couldn't be helped, those were the most reckless yet crude assassins. Bloody mess and loss of good men and women. Certainly you did want to avoid such repeats but... with the potential odds of an assassin sneaking in through employment requirements is a risk too many for your parents. A welcome potential reprieve indeed.

---​

Maid Favorance = 22 ; 7 ; 17

About two or three minutes later, the shopkeeper has three girls gathered, and three more papers passed to you. From one perspective, they all seem about the same ages, but they're not. And their backgrounds as well further emphasizes it. But you're pretty sure they aren't all the ones in the lot present, just... the ones that are most likely to meet your Mother's standards. After all, it'd seem good customers are hard to come by, so ensuring your Mother's at least content or happy appears to be a priority for him.

"Starting from the top...," the geezer gestures towards the first of the three, a girl with black hair arranged into a twin tail and dressed in a fully black uniform, her yellow eyes the only deviation from the uniform color. "Helion, graduate of Leforia Academy and the first of her Academy during her time there. Yes, even over her seniors."

"... That, is nothing," replies Helion. She shakes her head, "If anything, they were the ones... lacking. Most of them, though it is hardly their fault."

She pausing, she makes a quick bow before asking, "My apologies, Sir...?"

"Victor Dallon," you supply helpfully.

"...Eh-" Helion blinks as something seems to click. "Eh?" She spins on the heel of her left foot and faces the shopkeeper. "Why did you not say anything about such important information!"

"Oh, I forgot."

Helion sighs and turns back towards you, bowing and holding it as she speaks, "M-my apologizes. My Lord."

You simply blink in confusion. After all, Leforia Academy is in the neighboring Academy State of Leforia, its National Academy at that. It does border the Aries Confederacy at one point, but their relationship is rather neutral, but their mutual border is closer than Leforia's location from your area. In other words, it shouldn't be likely a graduate from Leforia to wind up in the Brockton Empire... looking for employment. Or whatever. Never mind being aware of stuff like history or local politics. "It's fine, though if you will, may we continue with the others?"

"Thank you, My Lord," says Helion as she stands. "Shopkeeper, you have no problem with an adjustment do you?"

"Hm? What do you have in mind?" replies the geezer.

"To a tenth," answers Helion. "Is that fine?"

The geezer raises an eyebrow, "Well yes... if it's fine with you. Of course, you're sure you wish to reduce it to a tenth, right?"

"Correct." Helion nods. "My apologizes for the delay My Lord."

"Well... next we have Serianna," says the shopkeeper as he motions to a girl with shoulder length fiery red hair bound in a pony tail, matching crimson eyes, and dressed in a red and blue uniform with white highlights- different in design from Helion, "graduate of Aries Academy-"

"Wait, from Aries? Explain," interrupts your Mother.

"Well, post-graduation, her employer seemed to have ran into some kind of trouble which necessitated a immigration to the Empire. The problem though, seemed to have followed after them, thus I was contacted to resolve the matter. Given overriding arrangments, I'm rather unsure if there's still any pursuit, though the odds do exist even if they're rather slim. You'd have to get the details from her... if you take her on," explains the shopkeeper.

"I see." Your Mother frowns. After all, it wouldn't do to take on additional problems... but then again, its only a slight chance of it, thus the shopkeeper must've gauged it unlikely enough to be worth presenting her.

"If there's nothing else, let's move on to our third member, Arianna," says the geezer. He motion to the third girl, a girl with what seems to be shoulder length hair encased in pieces of amber colored armor- likely of alchemical origins- brown eyes, and a green and brown colored uniform with white highlights. The design is somewhat familiar, but the key factor you recognize is the Empire's crest. In other words- "a graduate from Grande Academy."

An Academy situated in the northern area of the Empire, the area Academy one could say- even if it is all but informal as such a position doesn't exist. Each area does have its own, but most tend to change in supposed representatives of their area. Only Grande remains consistent, with extremely few off years due to a combination of poorer than usual graduates that year and excellent graduates from other Academies in the area.

"So why is she all the way out here?" you ask in due curiosity.

"If I may," begins Arianna, "My Lord, that is... due... an incident with the fourth son of a Baron in the area. He had intended on hiring me but... his actions and other deeds had been rather swept below the rugs until that point, thus I refused and left. However, he was insistent about it, but soon resorted to threats... and actually attempting their execution. He happened to be in the area after about a two weeks in and offered a contract in regards to it. The matter's been mostly settled, though as an added measure, avoiding contact is ideal. Thus why."

"... my apologizes for your troubles," says your Mother. "I can assure that no such thing occurs in the house of Dallon."

"Thank you, My Ladyship," says Arianna as she makes a bow. "If you would, I will have the shopkeeper cut it to about a fifth."

"Well, in any case, take your time and decide boy," says the geezer. "No take backs after you affirm your decision. If you want to see anything else afterwards, we'll get to it then."

---​

Griffin Info Papers​

Name: Erisalia
Race: Griffin (Hybrid)
Age: Refused (16)
Primary Element: Wind
Secondary Element: Water / Lightning
Notable Skills: Alchemy
Affinity: Wind / Water
Other Notes: Wind / Lightning Resistance
Personality Notes: Conservative
Appearance: Normal White-Golden Griffin

Name: Felix
Race: Griffin (Hybrid) - Subtype: Flame Griffin
Age: 22
Primary Element: Wind
Secondary Element: Fire / Lightning
Notable Skill:
Affinity: Wind / Fire
Other Notes: Wind / Water Resistance
Personality Notes: Large Ego
Appearance: White-Crimson, with the Crimson replacing the usual Golden.

Maid Info Papers​

Name: Helion
Age: 24
Class: Combat Maid / Leforia Academy Student Maid (Graduate)
Primary Element: Wind / Earth
Secondary Element: Fire / Water
Notable Skill: Aether / Alchemy / Runes
Affinity: Stardust
Other Notes: Commoner / 1st of her Academy during her time there. / Planned service to Nobility in the Brockton Empire.
Personality Notes: Hates mockery or the like of her profession & insulting the effort she puts into it.
Prior History: Thoroughly planned immigration to the Brockton Empire. Some sort of complication arose and she contacted for arrangements due witnessing a prior case.
Appearance: Black twin tails about shoulder length, unbounded portion reaches the waist. Yellow eyes, slim physical build. About 5' 6". Uniform is entirely black with varying shades at best.

Name: Serianna
Age: 27
Class: Combat Maid / Aries Academy Student Maid (Graduate)
Primary Element: Fire
Secondary Element: Water
Notable Skill: Runes / Enchantment / Grimore
Affinity: Runes
Other Notes: Commoner / 1st of her Year / Complicated relations in Aries / NOTE: See Prior History
Personality Notes: Hates Politics.
Prior History: Moved across borders while employed post-graduation. Some complication or matter arose that followed across borders. Contacted for resolving, though the case appears mostly resolved, it is suspected there is a slight possibility of pursuit after her. Details available upon deal resolution from her.
Appearance: Shoulder length fiery red hair often bound into a ponytail and matching crimson eyes. Her uniform is scarlet and blue with white highlights. About 5' 9"

Name: Arianna
Age: 22
Class: Combat Maid / Grande Academy Student Maid (Graduate)
Primary Element: Earth
Secondary Element: Wind
Notable Skill: Alchemy
Other Notes: Commoner / 2nd of her Year though par with 1st under normal circumstances / Brockton Empire native, northern area
Personality Notes: Fairly… normal actually. Often adds personal preferences to her things.
Prior History: Nothing of particular note until post-graduation. Due local problem with the fourth son of a Baron, contacted to resolve the matter without further problem. Potential issue if recognized when a meeting occurs between the two.
Appearance: Light Amber colored shoulder length hair coated with alchemical armor pieces of the same color. Brown colored eyes and of about 5' 8". Her uniform is green and brown with white highlights.

---​

Spending Budget - 50 Gold, 20 Silver
Purchase/Hiring Costs:
Erisalia - 11 Gold
Felix - 17 Gold
Helion - 15 Gold 1 Gold, 50 Silver
Serianna - 10 Gold
Arianna - 10 Gold 2 Gold

---​

Who do you wish to purchase/hire?
[ ] Erisalia
[ ] Felix
[ ] Helion
[ ] Serianna
[ ] Arianna

Afterwards, look at the foxes as well?
[ ] Yes
[ ] No

If not, where to? (3 Hours Remaining)
[ ] Go to 'Household Blessings'
[ ] Go to 'Meetings of the Heart'
[ ] Explore the rest of the Shops
[ ] Explore the Festival Stalls
[ ] Go to the Citadel Keep (Additional 1 Hour Cost)
[ ] Go to where the Tournament's being held! (Opens in 1 Hour)
[ ] Somewhere else? (Write In. Subject to GM approval.)

 

[Happerry]

I call upon people to come and vote! Preferably for all the maids and the nicer Griffin. We've already had assassins try to hire on as servants, and we can be sure we can trust these ones, and it's effecticly pocket change. So I call upon you all to vote so we can actually get them all!

 

[Silversun17]

most of us voted on the other thread.

 

[Happerry]

Not everyone. And with the current votes we won't get all the maids, much less the rare griffin with a subtype of extra rareness that isn't a female conservative who may or may not enjoy being ridden by a male.

 

[Chibi-Reaper]

[X] Erisalia
[X] Helion
[X] Serianna
[X] Arianna

[X] No

All the maids. All. No regret.

..... Also I kind of like the lady griffin. She can work on stuff with the alchemy-talent maids I guess. Huzzah, alchemical jubilations!

Don't really have an opinion on where to go, though. Twenty four and a half gold is a bit pricy, though. But yeah.

 

[Redon]

[X] Erisalia
[X] Helion
[X] Serianna
[X] Arianna

[X] No

 

[Robotninja]

[X] Erisalia
[X] Helion
[X] Serianna
[X] Arianna

All the maids.

 

[ReinZero]

Vote... Locked. For purchase/hiring that is.

Feel free to discuss/plan... change where you're going if you will... etc. Or if you change your mind on viewing the foxes or not.