Path of Glory (Original / Quest)

[Happerry]

So, why are people voting against the foxes? We already found some very nice rare minions here who we can be sure of trusting. Why are we turning down loyal effective minions in exchange for things that aren't loyal effective trustable minions?

 

[ReinZero]

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

[X] No
[X] 'Household Blessings'

Click to shrink...

"Erisalia, Helion, Serianna, and Arianna," you say with finality. After all, when dealing with assassins, one has to be prepared for the worst, and thus the more the more reliable your countermeasure against them. Furthermore, finding such ensured degree of reliability is rather difficult. "That will be all."

You do suppose that Helion and Arianna were a bit… eager about it? Oh well, the more enthusiastic one is, the more likely they'd do their jobs well, isn't that what they say? Or was it something else? "In other words, except for Felix."

"Well then that's 24 Gold and 50 Silver," says the shopkeeper. "And of course, we have some contracts to be signed. Nothing complicated, just your name."

He produces four sheets of paper. One for each of the girls. "Well, I'll be back in a moment while you sign it."

You blink as you note the lack of anything to write with. "Nothing to write with?"

"There's no need for anything, just your finger will do," replies the geezer. "Or rather, if it isn't directly done, it won't count."

"I-is that so," you stammer for a moment as you try to make sense of how that works. "Ho-"

You notice the shopkeeper's already started heading off in the direction towards the girls. Oh well. You look to your Mother for advice. "Is that how it is?"

Your Mother frowns, "...so it'd seem."

Sighing, you glance over the terms of the contract again to be sure of things. All of them are identical with minor differences, for instance, Helion's....

By signing this Contract, I willfully, knowingly, and with acknowledgement by that I will fulfill the terms of agreement that Helion agrees to.
By signing this Contract, I will not, to my knowledge, intentionally commit: abuse, mistreatment, give suicidal orders, commit unwanted sexual advances, cancel the Contract without just due cause, and other such misdeeds to Helion. The exception is if the other party has acknowledged that the respective item/matter is acceptable.
By signing this Contract, I will treat Helion properly and as due proper towards a Human.
By signing this Contract, I will pay the agreed upon amount set by Helion.
By signing this Contract, Helion will cooperate to the fullest extent as per terms of her Contract, with due respect to relations between both parties.
By signing this Contract, Helion will not, to her knowledge, knowingly nor intentionally, commit treason or other such acts to the other party.
By signing this Contract, Helion will not sign any Contracts of nature that would bring into conflict with priorities and duties to the other party.
By signing this Contract, unless agreed upon by both parties to make alterations or the like to it, the Contract extends until both parties cease to exist entirely. Should both parties agree to make alterations or the like to the Contract, [ ] Must be contacted and a party with proper capability to handle the matter, under Contract, will handle the alterations and the like as per that Contract. One can Contract [ ] for the task as well if they so wish.
By signing this Contract, both parties will not disclose of each others skills, abilities, history, etc. to others should the contract be concluded due mutual agreement.

I ___________ agree to the terms of the Contract and forfeit my right to renegade upon it.​

Click to shrink...

You pause as you notice a rather strange fact. The shopkeeper-geezer, his name is... absent. No, rather, it's a blank. As if... no name? Maybe that'd explain why Lena and Eria address him as 'Boss' instead- or at least Lena does.

Well, there's no point in backing out at this stage. Besides, none of the terms on there are things you would think of violating anyhow. Never mind the fact that said terms do confirm what matters of importance to you. Though the part on 'with due respect to relations' is a bit worrying, but seems to make sense in context with how the geezer can consider people to be pets... and not slaves.

Thinking on the whole thing, it was rather bizzare, but well, it'd seem that the shopkeeper did sign an agreement of sorts with someone higher up that was to Mother's agreement. So you pass the papers over to your Mother to look at. Just in case.

"Its fine," replies Mother. "Just do take proper... care, of them."

"I understand, after all: A Noble is nothing if one does not hold to a higher standard, one that is above what is merely set before them by others," you recite from memory. A smile crosses your face for a brief moment as you realize the implication of it in this instance. Not a complication, not a problem... but a leap forward.

After all. It is not merely a standard of the public you must meet. Your maids and griffin are your responsibility. It is not a matter you could shrink from, no. It is one you cannot shrink from. Further, your Mother's expectations and standards she holds you to upon taking up them is not the same as that of the public. You will not- you cannot disappoint her. It would be unbecoming of a Noble- or rather, abandonment of your position as a Noble. But you will not let such occur. The reason is but clear as day, you will hold to a standard far enough that others will strive to meet.

Without a second thought, you sign the papers, each of them in a manner as elegant as you can manage. Surprisingly, the 'ink' appears on the paper to match your finger's movements.

You feel nothing happen. Is that how it's supposed to be? Or is there some trick to how it takes effect? Glancing to Mother, you speak, "I don't feel anything...."

"You only do if its something that would be of significance to you that would breech the contract or immediately recognize the loss of it under the contract." The reply isn't from your Mother. Instead, from the geezer.

"Victor, please go on ahead with the shopkeeper," says your Mother. "Just a few words in private with your girls."

"Ah, understood Mother," you say with a nod, before turning to head out first. There's no need to ask of course. Your Mother wouldn't do anything to them... after all. No need to eavesdrop on the girls after all, it's unbecoming of a gentleman.

---​

You're greeted by the sight of Lena, seated in the shopkeeper's seat still, and Eria at the counter still. Neither seem to pay much attention to the geezer's return. Well, more like sheer apathy about him.

"Managed a sale?" asks Lena. In her hands seems to be a book, not that you could make out what seems to be the worn out letters of its cover.

"Yes in fact, four," replies the shopkeeper as he closes the door behind you. "So, Lord Dallon, would you be interested in Eria?"

You're not sure why he's trying to make a pitch for Eria's contract after her term's up. But well, maybe you could consider it. But that's down the line from now. Given his insistence on trying to garner your interest towards her, you figure he's having no luck whatsoever with his other customers. Oh well. "Somewhat, but... my apologizes, some other time."

"Ah well, alright, just don't burn the mail then," grumbles the geezer.

"They don't respond because you're too naggy," retorts Lena. She looks up from her book, "Well, don't worry Baron, he's just sore he ca-" she pauses mid-sentence for a moment. "Ah right, my bad."

"The contract's like that?" you ask.

"Yeah, the one you signed should have a part on relations right?" says Lena. She continues upon a nod from you, "That just now was also a possibility which is superseded by other clauses. As such, you don't need to worry. This guy on the other hand... well, it's obvious right?"

"Hey hey... what's with that?" replies the shopkeeper. "I did get it done, so up now."

The door opens behind you and your Mother steps out with the girls after her. There's no need to bother with actual armaments given Alchemy can provide it rather easily. And free of cost as well.

With that, you head on out to your next destination.

---​

You simply head on over to 'Household Blessings' and open the door. Only to find it held open for you the moment you made to do so. Ah, right. It's only proper for it to match with... maids and butlers.

Oh joy. And you just got maids. Yeah, probably might be a waste of time. After all, there is nothing resembling actual wares present, except for what seems to be a counter with a number of posters up on the wall with some descriptions for each. In other words, a household hiring center. And you were worked up about it.

[ ] Stay and look around. Maybe it's more than what you expected?
---Roll 4d20. Five sets (one per person). Invisible Castle please, Name must include your SB name and PoG. (ie. ReinZero PoG)
[ ] Leave, go somewhere else. (3 Hours remaining.)
------[ ] Explore the rest of the shops area.
------[ ] Explore the Festival Stalls
------[ ] Go to the Citadel Keep (Additional 1 Hour Cost)
------[ ] Go to where the Tournament's being held! (Opens in 1 Hours)
------[ ] Somewhere else? (Write In. Subject to GM approval.)

 

[kinglugia]

[X] Stay and Look around.
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4400475/

 

[Malcolmo]

[X] Stay and look around. Maybe it's more than what you expected?
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4400662/
Also, what do you mean by PoG?

 

[EagleBlue]

[X] Stay and look around. Maybe it's more than what you expected?
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4400662/
Also, what do you mean by PoG?

Click to shrink...

Path of Glory = PoG

 

[drake_azathoth]

[X] Stay and look around. Maybe it's more than what you expected?
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4401520/

 

[ReinZero]

Given the Votes on both QQ and SB tallied... it's a tie. Between the only 2 things with votes.

 

[ReinZero]

Vote Locked. Festival Stalls it is due combined votes.

Minor Notice (since people seem to outright ignore things): I am switching to giving weight to arguments and discussions. Planning and the like as well. Bandwagoning without anything of the above or contribution will weight less.

 

[ReinZero]

[X] Leave, go somewhere else. (3 Hours remaining.)
------[X] Explore the Festival Stalls

Click to shrink...

You idly consider staying to look around for all of a brief moment before turning to leave. "Eh, let's get moving shall we, girls?"

There's no verbal response, but nods all round.

As you leave the 'Household Blessings' shop behind for your next destination, you idly wonder for a moment why the door opened by itself. The lack of a greeting in that case would lend itself to the possibility someone automated it… though how if so? You don't consider it likely, which means someone? If there was, you'd hear a proper greeting then, no?

Though you do wonder why the tense look they were giving in direction of the shop… or was it the door? Oh well. No point in dallying about it. Hm… then again, if that shop was so dull, then probably 'Meetings of the Heart' is also the same. But still… is it? Nah, it'd be a waste of time.

Shaking off the thought, you decide on your next destination, the Festival Stalls it is then!

---​

The stalls are… well, set up and manned, but the place isn't very active today it'd seem. Not that there isn't activity, just not the kind you were expecting. There are quite a number of people that don't seem to be locals though, including ones running stalls. So you turn to the girls, "Is this normal?"

"I… wouldn't know," says Helion, sulking as she speaks, "never had the time for it…."

"That's… a shame," you reply, while refraining from patting her over the back. Mostly, because it's not proper, and especially, not in public. In private, maybe. "Maybe some other time…."

"E-eh?" Helion blinks as she seems to fail to understand. "Th-that…."

"So, Serianna, Arianna?" you continue. After all, someone's bound to know something.

"Well… it's a bit lacking for a place the size of this," replies Serianna. She frowns, "though it's closer to the norm after the peak of the festival, once everything's died down."

"Is that so? From what I've seen, this is fairly normal before the day of the festival," says Arianna, "That's if they're even open in the first place."

"You mean festivals from where you're from tend not to open before the day of the festival?" asks Serianna. She tenses slightly.

"Yes, why else would they be called festival stalls then?" says Arianna as she blinks, tilting her head to the left as she considers Serianna's words.

"... but just doing business for a day then would be far too busy, no?"

"No, it's over several days, they don't do that there?"

"Correct…."

A silence settles upon the group, not the surroundings, just amongst them. Immediately, as if in unspoken agreement, the girls and your Mother all give due pause for a brief second, before picking up speed slightly while scanning the surroundings. No, not just the stalls themselves, the people present in general. You hurry a bit as well to keep pace with them.

"Erm," you begin, "what's the-"

"Ask later, move, now," replies your Mother. She didn't even bother calling you by name….

Where do you arrive at…? (Approximately 2 Hours & 30 Minutes Remaining)
------[ ] Go to the Citadel Keep (Additional 1 Hour Cost)
------[ ] Go to where the Tournament's being held! (Opens in 30 Minutes?)
------[ ] The meeting place your Mother arranged with your Father.
------[ ] Somewhere else? (Write In. Subject to GM approval.)

 

[fitzgerald]

[X] Go to where the Tournament's being held!

 

[Malcolmo]

[X] The meeting place your Mother arranged with your Father

Somethings not right here. I'm not sure wheter this is something to do with assasins but if everyone in our party who has combat experience of some variety thinks something is off I'd say we'd be better off regrouping with our father just in case.

 

[ReinZero]

Vote Locked. Winning vote is bolded. Update already in progress... will finish it tomorrow, about 1/3rd through.

[7] Go to where the Tournament's being held! (Opens in 30 Minutes?)

vs

[1] The meeting place your Mother arranged with your Father
+Logical IC statement reason (from Malcolmo).

---

Aside from being out voted that badly, if it were a close (by 1 vote), the statement reason in this case, would shift it barely over to meeting place instead. Just noting as an example for future reference for people.

 

[ReinZero]

[X] Go to where the Tournament's being held! (Opens in 30 Minutes?)

Click to shrink...

As the group slows down, so do you. It's only then that you notice where you've arrived at in your haste. You arrived… at the tournament area? Well you can't mistake it with the large clearing booked out to a reinforced assembled enclosure with obvious accounting for seatings and.. simple stands. It doesn't seem to be open yet.

Glancing around your immediate vicinity, much the same as the girls were doing, you note that it'd seem there's a bit more than a few people who would seem to be participants in the tournament, though the state of more than a few- their exhausted appearance, tattered or recently worn out clothing, and other such things- clearly indicate something had happened.

A trio catches your attention for a brief moment. A certain black haired Far Eastern girl from before and her blond companion that you heard about the tournament from are a short distance away, though they seem to be speaking with someone else of whom is dressed similarly to the girl in dark blue attire, but with a crimson color scheme instead.

With that in mind, you simply stride forth towards where the counter is. "Was there a change in schedule?"

You don't bother pretending you know what's going on. But all the same, you don't act in a way that screams that you have no clue what you're talking about either. After all, what you're saying does make sense in light of the surrounding area. With the girls behind you and your Mother's, probably, imposing figure... there's no way this can possibly go wrong.

"Ah, Baron, Baroness." The attendant quickly makes a half bow- as much his stand would allow him- before replying proper, "Yes, the Lord requested that the affair be resolved due haste due to some urgent circumstances. Of course, the semi-Finals and Final round will still occur. Currently, the quarter-Finals should be resolving itself right about now."

"I see," you say, and nod for him to continue.

"If you'd like, the Marquis has granted permission for Nobles to freely attend it, even with the adjustments," informs the attendant as he turns to motion for another employee. "Hurry up and get over here, don't make the Marquis's guests wait!"

"Y-yes," a second attendant, a female in about her mid twenties, scrambles out from around the corner and quickly bows- slamming her head into the stand in the process. Yeah, it's not low enough to bow around. "O-ow- ah, my apologizes. Please, if you'll follow me."

So you do, while beckoning for her to lead your little group forth.

The poor woman seems to shake a bit for a few seconds as she leads you towards the booths reserved for wealthy..., high class..., guests, and the like. The booths are constructed in a manner akin to a room with a open view directed towards the arena floor, and also made to a rather... sturdy grade via alchemy.

Seemingly having regained her composure, the woman speaks, "We have several booths available still so you can pick the angle you're viewing from."

Your booth is on... which 'floor'?
[ ] The one on the third 'floor'? Sure it's a good angle view, but maybe it's a bit too high?
[ ] The one on the first 'floor'? It's down to earth, a good feeling under your feet, but the view is a bit limited.
[ ] The one on the second 'floor'? It's not too high, not too low, but maybe it's like a target sign.

---​

The girls entered first. Serianna taking the lead, and beckoning the others to following in afterwards, with Helion entering after you. After all, someone has to take up the rearguard. She seems to trust Helion enough with that, why, you're not sure. You make a note to ask on that, or to that effect, later.

"The Semi-Finals will begin shortly after a ten minute break after the Quarter-Finals are complete," says the attendant as she stands outside the door.

"Thank you," says your Mother simply. "Please, leave us."

"Understood Baroness," says the woman. She bows again, this time not slamming her head into anything. "We hope you enjoy the tournament." She turns, and leaves, but not before closing the door first.

As if on cue, all four take up positions. Erisalia positions herself towards the front right of the booth before laying down in a 'seated' position with her head in a position that would not obscure your view. All the same, it would at least give her a passable view of the tournament area. Serianna to your right, with Arianna taking up position to the front left of the booth. Helion on the other hand, takes up position behind and slightly to the left of you, about in position right between the space behind you and your Mother.

Of course, its time for a quick briefing up to date on what exactly was the due cause of the immediate movement. So you say, "So, details?"

Serianna turns to face you and makes a bow. "My apologizes for earlier. I've seen more than a few instances where such oddities in a local area resulting in... problems if one hangs around there a bit too long."

"How so?"

"Well, in about half of them, they were directed at my Lady at the time," replies Serianna. She frowns as she speaks, "though the other cases were incidents that I had the misfortune to have dallied too long in the area."

"I see-," murmurs Arianna. She blinks and turns, bowing in the same movement, "My apologizes for the interruption."

"It's fine," you say, waving off her interruption. "I don't suppose you've had anything of the sort happen before Arianna?"

She shakes her head. "Unfortunately, I haven't encountered such before. That's not to say I haven't seen such in the texts in the Academy."

"Experience and textbooks are different," replies Serianna. "It's a lot harder to attempt to protect your charge when you're in a disadvantaged situation set up to the assailant's wishes. Generally, unless you're on about par with say, one of the North West region's Light Knights or the like, and the attackers lack such knowledge, you'll be neck deep in trouble."

"That is, speaking if it's just by yourself, correct?" says Arianna.

"Correct, my Lady was attempting to slip out from under pursuers without too much attention to herself. As such, a large entourage would have given it away. Instead, that was done as a decoy." Serianna shakes her head. "They didn't make it. As expected."

A moment of silence. Two. Then, Helion speaks up, "If I may-"

You nod.

"Thank you, My Lord," says Helion. "Serianna, is... your Lady fine?"

"Last I saw, yes," replies Serianna.

Helion sighs, a relieved sigh you think. "That's good to hear. Thank you, Serianna." "So it's possible huh...."

You don't interrupt their explanation and discussion. It's easy to make out, for you, that Serianna's previous employer at the time was a rich fellow, or connected to someone who was. For a definition of rich of course, since slipping by with just a single escort means you would take the best you can that you can also afford to pay. That aside, given the difference in situtation, heritage, and more... well, you're in a far better position.

"So girls, I would not be wrong to presume that Serianna is the most experienced in actual combat?" you say, mostly, for confirmation. It's better than just assuming it is.

"Yes." / "Correct."

That easily confirms things. No wait, Erisalia hasn't said anything. You glance over at Erisalia. "..."

You see a small sheet of metal or so, with markings on it, positioned facing you on top of Erisalia's back. It's obviously her own doing. Except, you can't make heads or tails of those... scratch marks. Or whatever they're supposed to be. Why isn't she speaking?

"Erisalia? I can't... read what you're writing," you say. "Rather why ar-"

"My apologizes My Lord, but...," interrupts Helion, "technically speaking, most Monsters can't... speak the human tongue. I'm not familiar with which can... but I do recall reading somewhere about those that are related to them... yet can speak the human tongue despite being Monsters."

Your Mother sighs and shakes her head. "So the education around here is lacking in regards to those of such heritage. That's understandable."

Just depressing. You understand as she was listening to the conversation... but refraining from commenting as there was no need to demonstrate her knowledge of it. Rather, her lack of participation in it was to allow for them to show you what they know. After all, first day on the job, a good impression is ideal.

"Hybrids are the exception to the rule, of course, the Church likes to deny their existence as it meshes well with their prosecution of Monsters. Furthermore, it also is in line with their presumption that all Monsters are inferior than humans intellectually. If anything, they and Mixed Bloods descended from them due interbreeding with humans, are more akin to those with Lineages." Your Mother frowns for a moment at the comparison with Lineages. "They have their own benefits, but they're nothing in scale with a Lineage. Do not forget that."

The girls nod. It's not a threat. It isn't a statement. It is but a pure and simple fact.

"Monsters of course, have their own language and tongue. A Hybrid can understand it and the human tongue. And from what I recall...," your Mother pauses for a moment, "there are ways to learn the tongue of a Monster, of course, there's no such need in the Far East."

In other words, you'd probably have to do it yourself without outside assistance. Then again, you could try to make sense of what Erisalia wants or tries to convey, but that poses a lot of problems on its own. As you think to yourself on how to deal with the matter, the next part interrupts your thoughts.

"Those of said heritage do posses both forms, with some exception. Those descended from those however, lack such entirely. So you'll have to make up your mind," concludes your Mother. "Now then, Victor, Maids, why don't we view the matches. The Marquis is sponsoring it after all."

You nod, along with the girls and do so. After all, you have something to think on later. If you keep this up, then you'll miss out on the tournament! Well, the rest of it anyways. Glazing over at the tournament grounds, you note there isn't much left that's happening down there. Only three quarter-Finals matches are ongoing still. Of course, you only have one set of eyes to focus your attention on. So which do you pay attention to?

One appears to be a Church Knight, or whatever they're called, you're not sure on the name. You recognize him due to the x shaped symbol accompanied by a star on each of the two upper legs and one in between the two, positioned akin to a 'head'. The knight is simply matched up against what appears to be a rugged looking guy whom you guess to be physically twenty-three in appearance. The way he handles himself is kind of like how your Mother does in the few instances you've seen her handily dispatch an assassin, then again, those were just very late coincidences you walked in on, cleanup that is.

The second appears to be an Alchemist or so, judging from the exact appearance of the weapon he's wielding. His opponent however, seems to be just a magic knight... then again, those are a dime a dozen. From a certain point of view that is, that is in comparison to every other profession that is both of better renown, ability, skill, or more. A simple comparison of their ability isn't need as their ability with a weapon is about the same.

On the other hand, the third is... probably a bit more interesting. Like the first one, there's a Church Knight. The second combatant, however, is a woman, whom of which seems to be on a receiving end of some kind of... fury by the Church Knight, or something. It doesn't seem to be shaping up very well for the woman.

Which reminds you, you could get a better view if you say, mounted Erisalia. Though, it's not needed, just maybe it'd help given the added height.

Mount Erisalia?
[ ] Yes
[ ] No

Which Match do you Watch?
[ ] The Church Knight and rugged fellow.
[ ] The Alchemist and magic knight.
[ ] The Church Knight and the woman.

 

[gibbousmoons]

[X] The one on the first 'floor'?
[X] No
[X] The Church Knight and the woman.

The first floor offers the best chance of surviving if something goes wrong. The third floor is isolated, true, but that also limits our options if we need to disengage, and in the event of fire or some other disaster we'd be the last ones out. The second floor seems like a good compromise, but offers an added risk of attack. The first floor, on the other hand, is crowded, true, but if we get attacked we can take the fight into the arena to get more space, and between us and our new servants we'll probably have the advantage of numbers.

Mounting Erisalia without knowing for sure if she'd consider it out of bounds is probably a bad idea.

 

[Happerry]

[X] The one on the second 'floor'? It's not too high, not too low, but maybe it's like a target sign.
[X] No
[X] The Church Knight and the woman.

 

[ReinZero]

[X] The one on the second 'floor'? It's not too high, not too low, but maybe it's like a target sign.
[X] No
[X] The Church Knight and rugged fellow

Click to shrink...

The view is good enough, there's no need to mount Erisalia. After all, would she consider it... well out of bounds of what's agreed upon? You can check with her on that later in private. With that decided, you shelf the thought and gaze over at which you've settled on viewing: The match between the Church Knight and the rugged fellow.

The Church Knight, dressed in expected light armor that would not impede movements, yet due consideration of its projected heavy usage, is far more durable than it'd appear. He wields a great sword of mundane design, fitting his hair style, eyes, and general features: forgettable. Switching between one and two handed style, he attempts to press his advance.

His opponent, the rugged fellow- you'd suppose you'd just address him as fellow, easier at that- wields a short sword in one hand. The fellow's clothes are simple, but clearly chosen for both weathering the elements, in nature. In other words, one could say he entirely forewent defensive precaution.

---​

To the left, a earthen spear. The right, a great sword strikes out vertically. The fellow sidesteps to the right, sliding his short sword in, flowing into a charge. A dozen lances of fire matching- no, exceeding his movements- aimed at the Knight.

The great sword snaps around in one hand, sla- just missing the short sword. Without pause, a earthen wall shoots up the lances impacting into it. Harmlessly. But enough.

Immediately, the fellow gestures downwards, a few dozen icicles- ice lances, rain down on the Knight's position. He vanishes near afterwards. An impact resounds from the arena floor. Twice. Thrice.

The fellow lands skidding backwards, and pushes forward, vanishing again.

The Knight, unscathed, emerges from the far side of the wall- from your view- his sword slightly scratched in a few places. His armor, untouched by all but dust. And smoke.

Then, their area explodes. No, that's what it appears to be. You switch to your Innate Magic Sight, filtering to ensure you're not blinded, yet can pick up on a few things. Or more.

It's not a explosion you deduce. Smokescreen. The Knight's doing.

The fellow's movement slows near immediately, preventing the movements from blowing too much smoke from his position. But he motions, a dozen, two. Five dozen lances including- wait, is that lightning? No, its not. Plasma. Yes, that seems right. Except wind.

The Knight moves, moving to slam the ground. But he never hits it, but spikes erupt outwards from his position. The lances slam into them. A futile act. Tendrils of smoke encased wind lash out in the fellow's direction.

None reach. Not even halfway. A single motion, severing them near immediately. A second motion- mirrored by both- and the smoke slams outwards, clearing the area of it.

A metallic clash, and the great sword snaps , a quarter of the blade shattering due lightning speed clash. The short sword, discarded immediately- a second in hand. Another clash. The the ground spikes upwards- but he's gone.

Dropping forth from above in front of the Knight, the fellow kicks forth, crashing through a hastily raised earthen shield. The Knight skids backwards, untouched if barely. A layer of addition earthen casing over the front of his armor. He scowls.

The fellow, kicks backwards, almost smiling. A flash shimmers behind the Knight. Immediately the Knight moves invoking Lightning Move again, mere split second before the rune ignites. Slamming him into a trio of flame lances.

He crashes, dragging his weight through several meters of dirt before his momentum gave out, courtesy of a earthen wall by the fellow. The Knight doesn't stir, nor do you see any sign of any other magic being done- except for a cursory healing by the fellow. And removal of what appears to be string- wait, when did he do that?

You blink and immediately glance back at where the 'explosion' had been. Ah, so that's what it was. There was no explosion. It was a flash rune, timed to go off immediately after the actual rune went off. A complicated one it isn't, in execution. In theory and execution however, it's a utter mess. Deliberate mess.

Blinking again, you switch back to normal vision and rub your eyes for a moment as the darker shade of reality hits you. Ow. You hadn't realized a proper match would be a strain on your eyes when switching back from it. At least it seems to be fading pretty quickly. You mentally adjust your notes to incorporate practice with it into relevant areas and cases. You look back over at the others.

"That was... interesting," muses Serianna. She seems a bit happy about the outcome. "Given due limitations in combat zone and other factors as due standards of a tournament, it's nice seeing others have as much a chance at teaching egoistic people like them a lesson."

"So short, did it have to be wrapped up that quickly?" says Arianna, a hint of annoyance in her tone. "The other one ended only seconds in, the church boy pretty much went all zealot on the poor woman."

"Eh? That was short?" Helion blinks as she tilts her head slightly. "If you factor in the general speed of the participants for half the battle, and the exchanges that never got as much off the ground due to increasingly quick reactions, I don't think 'short' is accurate in any way."

"..." Arianna just stares at Helion. "What."

"The match between the Order Knight and the woman was already a given. She was already on her last legs by the time we arrived, courtesy of the horrid match up, pitting a Witch against a Order Knight," answers Helion.

"Indeed, that makes sense." Serianna nods. "What of the other match?"

"It was plain, the Alchemist is of some skill, but doesn't seem to be one of those 'Alchemical Knights'. The Magic Knight though, is just a normal par course one, except just competent is saving his own hide."

"In other words, a coward," concludes Arianna.

"That's a bit harsh." Serianna frowns at Arianna's words. "Making such a judgement without knowledge of why is both hasty and liable to rub others the wrong way."

Arianna blinks. ".... My apologies Serianna."

With that, a brief silence rears its head. Taking opportunity, you glance back at the field.

The participants are about done making their way off the field, unassisted by magic. After all, an accident would be problematic. The Church Knight- or 'Order Knight' as the girls were referring to them- seem to be of the same group, with the one that flattened the Witch carrying his fellow Knight. They're joined by two others, none of them seem particularly pleased by the turn of events.

The Alchemist on the other hand, seems to be helping support the Witch over to the latter's friends. You know they're not participants as they're waiting near the entrance, the most those with relation to the participants but weren't participants who made it to the quarter-finals or were waiting for the tournament to open proper to see them. They all seem younger than the Witch, all three of them. In terms of dress, they're nearly identical, with some minor differences, though a common trend in their clothing is their resemblance to a Student uniform.

On the third hand, you see the Magic Knight limping off to the entrance. He's pretty much all alone by his lonesome. Apparently, no one cares about him. Or no one bothered to come watch as they knew he wouldn't make it. A saving grace maybe.

Lastly, there's the rugged fellow, who seems to be simply waiting in the participant's area. Well, the far side of it, and seems to be making his way out of sight into the private area for participants. Oh well.

As you glance over them, you hear a knock on the door.

"This is the attendant," announces the knocker. The same voice from before.

So you decide to ask. "How long is the semi-finals and Finals projected to be?"

"About an hour Baron," replies the attendant.

Hm..., you'll have to consider whether you'd want to stick around longer to view the rest of it. Or head off elsewhere, as you'd only have an hour or so left if you choose to continue watching the tournament.

Giving both options consideration, you decide to...
[ ] ...continue watching
[ ] ...go elsewhere

IF ...continue watching
Given the time between matches, you decide to...
[ ] Go see the Witch and the three... Students with her?
[ ] Go pay the Alchemist a visit?
[ ] Go give the Magic Knight some company?
[ ] Something Else? (Write In. Cannot Pick Order Knights.)

IF going to see someone...
Also, who do you bring with you? (Pick any number of them.)
[ ] Helion
[ ] Serianna
[ ] Arianna
[ ] Erisalia
[ ] Your Mother

IF ...go elsewhere
Where do you go then? (Approximately 2 Hours & Under 15 Minutes Remaining)
[ ] Go to the Citadel Keep (Additional 1 Hour Cost)
[ ] Somewhere you already went? (Provide reasoning.)
---OFF LIMITS: Marketplace and Festival Stalls
---Acceptable: Household Blessings, The Fair Pet Shop, Meetings of the Heart, and Shops Area
[ ] Somewhere else? (Write In. Subject to GM approval.)

---
Note: Invalid vote combination will be ignored entirely.

 

[kinglugia]

Giving both options consideration, you decide to...
[X] ...continue watching

IF ...continue watching
Given the time between matches, you decide to...
[X] Go give the Magic Knight some company?

IF going to see someone...
Also, who do you bring with you? (Pick any number of them.)
[X] Helion
[X] Serianna
[X] Arianna
[X] Erisalia
[X] Your Mother

 

[Malcolmo]

Giving both options consideration, you decide to...
[X] ...continue watching

IF ...continue watching
Given the time between matches, you decide to...
[X] Go see the Witch and the three... Students with her?

IF going to see someone...
Also, who do you bring with you? (Pick any number of them.)
[X] Helion
[X] Serianna
[X] Arianna
[X] Erisalia
[X] Your Mother

 

[Happerry]

Giving both options consideration, you decide to...
[X] ...continue watching

IF ...continue watching
Given the time between matches, you decide to...
[ ] Go give the Magic Knight some company?

IF going to see someone...
Also, who do you bring with you? (Pick any number of them.)
I have no bloody idea what would be best here.

 

[ReinZero]

(Tally) Current Votes Seem to be...:

[5] ...continue watching

[1] Go pay the Alchemist a visit?
[1] Go give the Magic Knight some company?
[3] Go see the Witch and the three... Students with her?

[1] Helion
[1] Helion & Serianna
[3] Everyone

With one Vote in the above with dissenting opinion and favoring revisiting Household Blessings.

Oh and keep in mind the small issue that may just occur if everyone goes along. Or if it would or wouldn't have any... affect on things....

 

[UrsaTempest]

Giving both options consideration, you decide to...
[X] ...continue watching

IF ...continue watching
Given the time between matches, you decide to...
[X] Go give the Magic Knight some company?

IF going to see someone...
Also, who do you bring with you? (Pick any number of them.)
[X] Helion
[X] Serianna
[X] Arianna
[X] Erisalia
[X] Your Mother

 

[ReinZero]

Finished Stat sheets for the girls~ (Maid trio and Griffin) Based on what you'll be informed of... at the end of today. Or have enough info to pin down.

Personal Subordinates~

Vote isn't locked yet (because I've been busy irl). Current tally now is....

[7] ...continue watching

[1] Go pay the Alchemist a visit?
[2] Go give the Magic Knight some company?
[4] Go see the Witch and the three... Students with her?

[1] Helion
[2] Helion & Serianna
[4] Everyone

With one Vote in the above with dissenting opinion and favoring revisiting Household Blessings.

Just a note, keep in mind the small issue that may just occur if everyone goes along. Or if it would or wouldn't have any... affect on things....

---

Comments, reactions, etc. on the sheets is welcomed... anyone?

 

[kinglugia]

Wait a sec, EX rank on an element is a thing?

 

[ReinZero]

Wait a sec, EX rank on an element is a thing?

Click to shrink...

Yes. As long as your rank in magic is below or equal to your rank in Magic Theory its a thing if you work up to it then. If its the element/skill that you have an Affinity for, Magic Theory doesn't cap it.

So it is possible for say, a person with Fire Affinity to have L Rank in Fire... yet S Rank in Magic Theory. It only means the rest of their skills is hard capped by Magic Theory.

Oh right, and Magic Theory only caps on magic.

Personal Skills tend to cap at EX Rank or have N/a for Rank. Instead they can increase/decrease in scope, effect, etc. Personal Skills are stuff that are reality-enforced, and not exactly everything one knows/is capable of/is like.

 

[fitzgerald]

[X] Continue Watching
[X] Go see the Witch and the three... Students with her?
[X] Helion & Serianna

 

[Robotninja]

What are people with L/EX rank anythings needing to sell themselves into slavery for? Shouldn't people be fighting over them?

 

[ReinZero]

What are people with L/EX rank anythings needing to sell themselves into slavery for? Shouldn't people be fighting over them?

Click to shrink...

1) The shopkeeper would like a word with you on the term 'slavery' to describe this.
2) This case isn't actually slavery. The contract basically bleeds that fact all over.
3) And what makes you think that didn't happen at one point or another? Their short 'prior history' segment should be telling.

Reminder 1: L Rank is not the cap, it is just the last letter Rank. Everything above that is factored in +s. Also, Ranks do use overall population. But still, getting from EX to L Rank is much harder than S to EX Rank.

Reminder 2: Pure Lineage > Mixed Lineage > No Lineage.

Oh right, and robo, I don't think you've voted yet this time? And do remember people, I am giving arguments, discussions, planning, etc. more weight than just votes....

 

[Robotninja]

[X] Continue Watching
[X] Go see the Witch and the three... Students with her?
[X] Helion & Serianna

We don't need to drag everyone around as a group. Our mother can take care of herself just fine, while the two people with us can keep us safe from anyone trying to kill us.

 

[ReinZero]

Vote locked.

Winning vote is:

[X] Continue Watching
[X] Go see the Witch and the three... Students with her?
[X] Helion & Serianna

Doing update atm. Also, fixed link to sheet on QQ. Hadn't noticed the link was broken.

 

[ReinZero]

[X] ...continue watching
[X] Go see the Witch and the three... Students with her?
[X] Helion & Serianna

Click to shrink...

Making up your mind, you nod to yourself before turning to your Mother. "Mother, I'll be going over to speak with one of the participants in the rounds just now, I'll be taking Helion and Serianna with me. Is that ok?"

Mother smiles, an understanding sort of smile. "Just do not take too long. You would not want to miss the next match right?"

"Yeah!" you exclaim with glee. After all, it'll be the first instance you're outside without your Mother's supervision. Not unsupervised at all in sense, but still. "Helion, Serianna, let's go!"

"Y-yes~" / "Understood."

Serianna turns to your Mother for a moment and the two exchange an agreement of silent nods. Arianna on the other hand, seems to be attempting to distract herself with what appears to be an attempt at looking as if her attention is preoccupied. Erisalia on the other hand, seems to be nodding for some reason, though you don't think there's any reason behind it that should concern you. With no apparent complaints about your choices, you proceed on your way.

---​

The distance was rather fortunately close, taking merely a minute or two for you to make most of the way over to the Witch and the trio, of whom appear to be Students, with her. Each of them appear to be of differing ages, and their appearances are markedly different despite their identical uniforms, a pointed coned hat and clothes styled in the manner akin to robes, though they could be mistaken for actual robes at a distance, ankle length skirts, and boots- all of which are blue with black and white highlights.

One appears to be Far Eastern, though she appears about your age, and the youngest of the group. Long black hair down to her shoulders, brown eyes, who seems to be pouting. Maybe she's not that mature for her age. Or just upset at what happened.

Another appears to be a North Western girl with brown hair tied into a ponytail, and what appears to be emerald color eyes. She seems to be about seventeen... you think. A small reference pool doesn't help matters unfortunately.

The third of the trio appears to be wearing a pair of compact glass... wait, is that what they call 'glasses'? Well, in any case, aside from that oddity, she seems less interesting than the other two, what with short brown hair, pale yellow eyes, and probably advanced age compared to the other two.... Of course, judging a book by its cover is just wrong.

As for the Witch herself, you're pretty sure her appearance doesn't match her age. Entirely that is. Sweet, chestnut colored hair that's about down to her shoulder, topped by a stereotypical pointy hat of a dark blue shade of cone that can be mistaken for black. Her eyes a shade of delicious orange- no wait a moment, stop thinking about food!

While your head processes the information, you come to a stop a short distance away from them- rather, about six steps away. Mostly, as it'd be rude to barrage straight into their conversation as is.

"Mu... Senpai, why is it that the others get off so easily and only senpai who gets stuck with such an unfair matchup," complains the youngest Student.

"Now now, it was bound to happen sooner or later," replies the Witch. She doesn't look as fine with it as her words would imply.

"It's a bit too much to expect a Order Knight-" the girl with emerald eyes practically spits the word. The venom in her tone is frankly, blatantly hostile, "- to show manners to a lady. Even those Alchemical Knights have finer manners despite their complaints about Witches."

"But still," the Far Eastern girl says with little indication of giving up the matter.

"Well, look at it this way, that guy who beat the other Church member will probably further wound their pride," remarks the third girl. "After all, losing to a complete nobody would sting, no?"

"That's if he's actually a complete nobody," says the Witch. "Do you honestly believe what he claims to be?"

"..." The trio of Students are rather silent as they mull over the point- and fact.

It seems like a good time to step in.

How will you do so though?
[ ] Greet them properly.
[ ] Answer the question for the girls.
---[ ] Your answer?
[ ] Have Serianna do it.
[ ] Have Helion do it.

Speaking of which, what would you wish to speak on or ask of them? (Pick any number of them and priority. questioning will end automatically if you run out of time. If not, you'll get additional chances to ask things.)
[ ] The Witch's match
[ ] The Order Knight
[ ] The Students
[ ] Why are they here
[ ] Something Else? (Write In.)