Souls of the Lost DE

[Ludwig Verrlicht]

Name: - Souls of the Lost

Participants: - Who can participate?

2 or 3 Class 5 - Class 3 characters as the players

4 Class 2 - Class 1 characters as thread assistants 

Location: - Where does this take place?

The remnants of a citadel in a distant land

Difficulty Level: - Easy, Medium, Hard, Extreme. How difficult is this adventure?

Hard

Setting: Is this DE or NDE? Death Enabled or Non Death Enabled?

DE

Plotline: [Insert Here] - Explain the plot of your adventure.

Estimated Enemy Strength: Estimate the strength of the NPC's people will fight in this adventure. Class 7-1, what is their strength on average?

Stage 1: Class 4

Stage 2: Class 3

Stage 3: Class 3 - 2

Stage 4: Class 2 - 1


Estimated Time Until Completion: - How many pages do you think this adventure will run for until it is over?

A lot honestly.

Starts: - When does the adventure begin?

Once people we meet the minimum player characters. The assistants can join up until 4 assistants have joined.

Special Conditions: - Any special conditions, limitations, or other things.

- Step techniques can only be used once per post and with a maximum distance of 5ft

- Players will start with a certain amount of techniques, their release, or with certain items depending on their “starting class”

- Characters will relearn their abilities, including release, with in game currency

- Characters can class up if they meet the necessary CTP mid thread and can use new learned techniques (after purchasing them in game.)

- Racial abilities are negated (this includes HSR earned from high HE)

- Players have 3 “lives” total before dying

- Stat boosting techniques will be allowed on a case by case basis, unless it is apart of a release

- The goal is to get a post out every 2 weeks once this thread is started.

[Ludwig Verrlicht]

Classes to pick from - Benefits



Soldier - shield, their release weapon with overall ability only, and 1 non-release technique

Knight - Shield, Release weapon overall with 2 release techniques

Hunter - basic weapon, release weapon with overall and one release tech

Priest - healing consumables, release weapon with overall ability and 1 non-release tech

Magician - 5 non-release techs and basic weapon

Wanderer - Extra consumables, release weapon (with no release), 2 non-release techs

Barbarian - Full release and a shield

Thief - 2 special items, extra consumables, 2 non-release techs

Royalty - 1 special item, 2 non-release techs, basic weapon





Extra info:

-Shields are means of blocking damage completely. Shields however can only fully block an attack that has less OS than it’s Item power. Shields also have only a limited number of uses.

-”Relearning” techniques costs in game currency to relearn. This is based on the class of the technique in question. Costs are as follows:

Class 1: 550

Class 2: 400

Class 3: 300

Class 4: 200

Class 5: 150

Class 6: 100

Class 7: 50



-”Relearning” your initial release costs a flat 300 for the overall ability (Also gives the applicable weapon. I.E. gaining shikai gives a zanpakuto). Techniques cost 200 each. Add 100 to overall and technique cost when relearning for a higher release (I.E. Bankai)

- The currency in the game is called “Soul Dregs” and each player will earn some depending on what enemy is killed. For every enemy killed all players will receive Soul Dregs. These can be used to relearn a tech, release, or release tech at will. Otherwise they can be spent on weapons, consumables, weapon upgrades, and special items from the vendor.

- All players share their consumable items and can use them at any point.

- Weapons bought in game will have static Item power and durability. These can be increased by upgrading them via the vendor. If you're not using a release weapon your weapon’s power is the item power. Maximum level is +3.

- Strength applies to only one’s fists or their in game weapon (if it’s higher than their item power)

- All RPC’s will have HP. HP is equal to SPPR + STR / 2.

- Air ground is not usable without an item.

[Connor Greaves]

I'm sold. Connor is joining as a Hunter.

[Abaddon]

Abaddon will join in as a royal 

[Irina Davayte]

I'm bringing Irina as a soldier.

[Edward]

Edward will come in as a thread assistant.

[Kitai Yoru]

KITAI WILL ASSIST IN THE CHAOS!

[Ludwig Verrlicht]

“Hmm. . . Another day passes and yet no further “heroes” dare stride through the fog. Has my master’s creations finally consumed all that was the world of man?” The aged man’s eyes narrow while he rests his right hand against his cheek. The possibility was not out of the question as it had been a small eternity since the last warrior made their way to his gates. And even before that final warrior had arrived, it was quite likely that the world had finally been consumed, as that final warrior was nothing more than a momentary breeze against what monsters remained. The true, final warrior that was actually something to be worthy of his attention had long since passed. And he was fortunate enough to have been the main reason for that individual's passing. Now however, there was only silence. A peace not unlike the final passing moments of life. Sure the lessers and remnants of the humans that once guarded this place still interacted or more accurately fought with one another but even that was a seldom event and held not the spark that a true fight had. It was hollow just like their soulless husks.

The man frowned, eyes continuing to narrow as he pondered just what would come next if all were devoured and offered up their master. Surely there was someone. Something out there. His sensory faculties were second to none and he could sense all the “individuals” in his citadel. If he could expand his sight perhaps he could find someone that could challenge the gauntlet he called his domain. Perhaps if he were fortunate he could find a small collection and pick the most promising. For a moment his frown eased into barely a smirk as he chuckled softly to himself. “Such a luxury is highly unlikely. However our task is to cleanse this world of all souls. Perhaps if I petition my master, they may see fit to allow my gaze to expand beyond my domain’s horizons.” It was impossible to rid himself of his doubts but with no further tasks to complete this was the only path that lay before him.

The man rose from his shattered marble throne and proceeded drawing a sword of pure ebony color out from its sheath. He couldn’t help but let out another hollow chuckle rise from his chest. Contacting his master was always something of a curious affair as it was more akin to prayer to the “god” the humans used to worship. The difference being his master was very real and far more active than the false idol that was formerly worshiped. “Ironic that I should be calling something “false” considering my former purpose. Perhaps that is all the more reason I am the one should know what is truly false. No matter.” Without delay the man stabbed his sword into the floor in front of him, cutting into the marble as though it were nothing more than thin sheets of paper. It’s aura slowly but surely changed from his own monstrous but contained energy to something far less malevolent and far more potent. Within moments even the aged man couldn’t have told you where the aura ended only that it emanated from his sword, Soulbrandt.

Once he was certain his master was “present” he kneeled before the sword. His right arm crossed over his chest with his left remain at his side while one knee on the floor and his other bent at a near perfect 90 degrees. He remained like this until finally the mysterious aura began to ebb away. Words had never needed to be spoken between the two. His master could through the bond created at his birth understand his intentions so long as a line of communication was made between them. And very rarely did the aged man call upon him for anything short of a necessary request. Perhaps that was the reason why this specific request was granted. Afterall if the world had been cleansed his master would have known and would have denied it. Unless it was expanding beyond the remaining borders it knew of. A curious thought indeed if this was to be the case.

Fortunately the man would not have to wait long for an answer for upon grabbing Soulbrant he instantly felt a surge of power that made his own feel infinitesimally small by comparison. His lips curled upwards bringing up even his facial hair as his smile grew. “And with this power I shall see past the boundaries and find what remains of this world. May those who remain be strong enough to endure the challenge lest their lives be cut short”. With his eyes closed, he brought up his left hand before his face and drew deeply from the energy given to him. Then condensed it and collapsed it into a tiny orb of pure white energy, shining nearly as bright as the sun that had been hidden behind the thick cover of clouds. He then placed it between his pointer finger and his middle finger and crushed it mid snap. The orb collapsed before sending out a shockwave of energy so fast that even the man himself barely caught it as it moved past his citadel’s outer walls.

For several moments after the man waited sensing nothing he didn’t already know. A few more moments and still nothing. Truly the world was just as empty and consumed by not just the fog but by his masters servants. However just as he was about to cease his search that’s when his eyes suddenly burst out with the same energy he’d sent off. It burned and clawed at his vision but eventually albeit very murkily he could “see” the souls his energy pulse had registered. Souls that were filled with an abundance of energy and power similar to individuals when the fog first took over his lands. The first looked to have a multitude of souls that were bound tightly within his own, the second markedly different as it seemed to burn almost as bright as his orb had been with a speckle of foreign energy about it, and the last that looked remarkable human but held something akin to a small blizzard within it. To say the man was intrigued would be an understatement however this personal intrigue was nowhere near as important when he realized his task of cleansing the world of souls was not yet complete with these potent individuals yet still alive. Thus it was his job to ensure their souls were ripped from their bodies and brought before his master.

Without further hesitation and using the remainder of his master’s energy he channelled it into his right arm as well as his still shining eyes. Though he still saw the souls of these individuals he slowly but surely began to see small strings coming together eventually forming a tether. These tethers would appear upon the chests of the individuals in question regardless of where they were and they would form in the color of their reiatsu. Once fully formed into tangible strings of spiritual essence the man grabbed all three at once and with all the strength imbued into him ripped them from their current residence wherever that had been and began to forcibly and painfully draw them to his citadel. The pain the individuals would feel would be nothing short of agonizing as it was their very core of their souls being drawn with as much care as chainsaw going through a tree.

When it was all said and done they would realize that they were on a bridge to the front gate of the citadel. There were bodies strewn all over the place with several burnt and charred, while others were simply torn to shreds, but all of them appeared dried out as though all the water from within them was wrenched out of them. Fires littered the bridge as well as the fronts of the massive gate in localized campsites. The bridge and the outer wall was made of stone aside from certain “additions” such as towers and catapults on top of the wall that were made of wood. The sky if they looked up would be heavily clouded with sunlight peeking through dimly enough to allow everything to be visible but not bright enough to convince anyone looking around that it was the middle of the day. If the individuals looked down the bridge aside from the fires, bodies, and various piles of shittly made wooden shields they would spy several “bodies” roving around aimlessly. Their skin grey, their faces covered in wood, and their “armor” if you could call it that ragged leather with holes that showed old wounds. In their hands were broken short swords or equally shoddy wooden shields that looked to be held together by worn rope. But despite their roving they never drew towards the individuals they simply roamed more than 300 feet away.

Meanwhile the individuals were on the ground next to a broken fountain that had long since ran dry of water and was now being covered in grass and other plant life. Granted the plant life looked dried and barely alive but nonetheless present. They would smell the stench of death and burnt flesh. But most importantly they would recognize that each individual was not alone as they slowly came to. And in fact each had a small collection of different items on their person. Irina would feel a weight on her left arm and quickly realize that she had a small shield about 2 feet in diameter with leather straps wrapped around her arm. It was a simple small metal shield that surprisingly wasn’t in bad condition. Worn sure but not damaged. If she checked herself Irina would quickly notice that her rapier handle was still on her person and it resonated with her reiatsu faintly.

Abaddon would realize as he was getting up that he was on the ground between his two companions. Irina on his left and Connor on his right. The first thing Abaddon would readily realize is that he would have a long bow on his back coupled with a quiver of 40 arrows next to it. Neither were terribly unique and were standard medieval military issues. His arrows had steel heads and were otherwise made of wood as was his bow’s body. They resonated no reiatsu whatsoever. However what would resonate reiatsu would be a small ring that Abaddon would have no recollection of ever acquiring. The ring was a gold band that wrapped snuggly around his finger with it’s only defining feature being that it had flowing lines engraved in the outside and the inside bearing writing that he could not recognize due to how worn it was. This ring would be the only object outside of Irina and Connor’s respective weapons that would resonate with any reiatsu. Thankfully however unlike the other two Abaddon could readily draw the reiatsu stored within if he so chose.

Lastly would be Connor. For him there would be a number of things that differed and the first and foremost being that he was no longer spiritual. Instead he had a fully fleshed out human body. It held his appearance but it was very easy to tell this was no simple gigai. He had in the time he was under excruciating pain been stuffed into or had a body form around his spiritual body. The next big thing to take note of was that on his back was a very heavy weight. This would make sense as the object in question was a shield that was 3/4’s his body size and it was thick. At least 6 inches of solid steel was present and with a few spikes on the front it was just as useful for defense as it would be for offensive given the ends of those spikes were sharpened. Most importantly however Connor would realize he still had his zanpakuto strapped to his side completely unmarred and still radiating his own reiatsu faintly.

From afar, beyond the outer perimeter of the citadel and at the inside of the castle the man gasped and breathed deeply as he shakily sat back down onto his broken throne. Using as much of his master’s energy was exhausting that didn’t include his own inherent abilities to manipulate an individual's soul. Combined it would make any lesser entity pass out or even die from sheer exertion. He was neither of those however and through sheer willpower alone had managed to remain conscious. He wasn’t able to bring the individuals in question to his throne room but he had placed them at the front door to his “house”. They’d have to travel within to get to him but by that point he’d recover and be more than willing to offer up their souls as tribute. For now though he’d let them struggle and worm their way through his citadel while he watched. If nothing else it would provide him with something to watch which would bring a spark of life his citadel hadn’t seen in ages. “Let the games begin. I hope for all of your sake you’ve the strength to endure.”

SPOILER: Click to show

{Irinas shield}
Soldier shield

Defensive OS - 350
Number of attacks it can block: 8

SPOILER: Click to show

{Connors Shield}
Steel Greatshield

Defensive OS - 500

Number of attacks it can block: 16

SPOILER: Click to show

{Abaddons items}
Longbow:

OS - 400
Range - 120 feet



Arrows:

40 total
Standard arrows



Replenishment Ring:

Allows the wearer to regain 400 reiatsu every other post. User must draw the reiatsu from the ring and focus on it alone for the process.

[Abaddon]

Abaddon was reading over some notes about the people he had met, Elke, Cecelia, Shizuka and another naka quincy in New York. It was strange that given how long he had been in the world of the living he was now meeting tons of quincy. Had the Vandenreich lost part of their iron grip on the free quincy? Or was it that they just didn’t care about all of the Naka and weaker quincy? This was something that he had to figure out while he was working for Shizuka. While she wasn’t a quincy honestly he was shocked how close her powers were to a quincy. Fullbringers came in all shapes and sizes and for her’s to be a ranged weapon that changed ammo was really quincy like.

It was while he was reading over all of his notes that he felt something in his chest tighten. He could feel his soul being pulled from it’s body and slowly being forced somewhere else. The pain caused him to scream out in agony and black out, not before he could see his body consumed in black flames turning it to ash. Without provocation he awoke in a strange land, filled with ash and death. The smell of decay and the sight of death was clear to him. In all of his travels he had never been to a place like this. Was this hell? No… nothing that the naka and other sinners said about hell match this place….. where am I? Abaddon thought as he slowly stood up.

The motion of standing up caused him to feel the wooden bow on his back and the quiver. At first he thought it was odd that he had been given this weapon as he had his own bow. Out of instinct he tried to summon it and then nothing, he couldn’t summon a basic bow. This was getting stranger and stranger. It had been a while since he had used a real bow and arrow, however he did know how to use it. Still, he had no plans as to staying in this place and trying to use a bow and arrow. He saw the other two slowly getting up and rising from the ground.

“Hello, I don’t know how we’ve arrived here, however I don’t plan on staying long. My name is Abaddon and if you do wish to leave please follow me.” Abaddon said as he ripped opened a hole in reality creating a garganta. It seemed that the residual power of Las Arenas in the fragment around his neck was still there, it was still enough for him to leave this place. Without waiting for a response from the other two he stepped into the garganta with the image of Karakura town in his mind. However as he stepped through the portal trying to head home the end of it opened right behind him causing him to simply move backwards five feet.

Abaddon stopped for a moment and tried it once more to the same result, this time arriving three feet to the left. He let out a subtle growl of annoyance, it seemed that whatever had brought them to this place was keeping them from being able to simply leave this world. Letting out a sigh he turned to the other two. “I apologize apparently I spoke too soon, it seems that whatever took us is planning on keeping us here.” Abaddon wasn’t too keen on being stuck in a strange place without being able to use his power, yet he wondered if he couldn’t use his bow and arrow could he still draw in reiatsu?

It was at this time that he tried to draw in reiatsu with his cross, but nothing came in. This was also a bad sign, it seemed that his only weapon was a bow with fourty arrows, not the best option really. Somewhat defeated he pulled on the string of the bow to test the strength of the bow. It was at that time that he noticed the ring on his finger, it seemed to have some sort of reiatsu in it. Not knowing where this had come from and where the reiatsu was from he focused his own on it and then suddenly he felt his body filling with more reiatsu. There was still a faint signature from the ring that was slowly getting stronger and stronger like before. So this ring acts like my cross…. So why is it that it can draw in reiatsu, but my cross can’t?


Remaning reiatsu
1600/1200

[Irina Davayte]

Smiling to herself as she added some sauce to her lunchtime stir-fry, Irina had the thought that she would actually have some free time this evening, for once. She'd had time to run home for lunch after her morning classes and whip up something healthy for lunch. After that, she planned to go back to school, write a quick report on her team's latest findings about the lubricants they were testing for airplanes, then go on a long run. That would get her home by five, with nothing else to do for the evening. That was a rarity for Irina, and she wasn't even sure what she would do with the extra time on her hands. Turn her evening workout into an even longer run? Nah, she had logged plenty of miles already this week. Studying for her graduate classes? Nope, she was pretty well caught up there. Did anything need done over at UE? Nothing that couldn't wait until tomorrow.

Just as Irina thought that an evening at home watching TV might be in order, she felt strings of energy pull her from her kitchen. She tried to resist, not least because her stove was still on, and if she was going anywhere, she should shut that off first. Instead, she was yanked into another world. She felt like she was being squeezed through a straw, but the straw was on fire, and she was on fire, and everything was on fire. She felt all of her muscles tighten. Is this what dying feels like? I must be dead, she thought right before she lost consciousness.

...

The problem with being dead, she noted a bit later, Is it still hurts. I wouldn't have expected that in this less-than-corporeal state. Why do I still feel like I've just been on fire, and why does it feel like I'm lying on my arm? She stirred a bit. She was, in fact, lying on her own arm. Ah. Not dead then. Her other arm had a shield strapped to it. A couple feet in diameter, it would large enough to protect her vital organs. This is handy. Why don't I always have of of these? Irina mused. She shifted herself to a sitting position. The scene around her matched the scent of fire and death. Some sort of battle must have just ended...or had simply relocated. As she shifted, she felt her rapier hilt jab her in the hip. Her back pocket was not the best place to keep it while she cooked, she realized, but if that had allowed it to come with her wherever she was, apparently it wasn't the worst place.

Irina jumped to her feet when she noticed the two men on her right, both about two feet taller than her. One had gotten up and was examining the scene, then began plucking at the air as if he had a bow, which wasn't there, even though he still had a very physical bow on his back. Must be a Quincy. Or crazy. This is fine. There are other people here. You've been teleported to strange places before, Irina, this is nothing unheard of. Just don't die, she coached herself mentally.

The other man was still prone, so Irina leaned over to check him out. She pressed his neck with two fingers, but couldn't find a pulse. "Hmm. He might be dead," she said aloud. She turned to Abaddon. "But I don't know, to be completely honest, I'm bad at these things. You don't know this guy, do you?" She hoped not. If he did, she'd just pronounced his friend dead. That'd be an awkward way to introduce herself. She was wrong though; Connor definitely was not dead, and would join them in consciousness shortly.

The first guy introduced himself. “Hello, I don’t know how we’ve arrived here, however I don’t plan on staying long. My name is Abaddon and if you do wish to leave please follow me.” It sounded like a good plan, and Irina was all for getting home ASAP to check on her stove, but Abaddon just zapped himself around their immediate area, not making any real progress towards leaving. “I apologize apparently I spoke too soon, it seems that whatever took us is planning on keeping us here.”

"It appears so," she nodded. "Hi, my name is Irina. I have no idea where we are or how we got here. Do either of you know more than I do about this mess, or shall we go find out?"

This must be why my grandmother always said 'Idleness is the beginning of all vices,' Irina thought as she looked around at the scene. Karma was probably punishing her for not having any plans to be productive for the evening.

[Connor Greaves]

A shinigami stood before a large gate, with two guards standing on either side of it. Connor had been getting angsty lately, feeling trapped in the Soul Society. He had volunteered himself to be a guardian of a city in the human world for awhile, like he's done many times before. Currently, he was wearing his usual shinigami robes, with his cursed blade hanging on his right hip, and a mask covering his face. It was a special one he found in Japan a while back, but had never gotten the chance to wear it. It was a cartoonish skull, with two large eyes, and a triangle for a nose hole. At the bottom of the mask hung three large points in place of teeth. Apparently it was from one of their cartoons, and the character in the show was called Shinigami as well. It brought a chuckle out of him.

He was about a moment away from being within earshot of the guards, when he felt a painful tug on his torso. Looking down in a way that prevented the points of his mask from jabbing him, he saw a thread attacked to his chest. It... hurt. It hurt a lot. He made to try and grab it, when it sharply tugged him forward. The pain was unbearable. He let out a pained yelp, before he vanished before the eyes of the guards, who raised the alarms. Connor would not learn of this until later, if there even was one for the masked reaper. The world twisted around him, as it felt like his very being was on fire.

He could hear nothing but screaming, perhaps his own, before everything went silent. He felt himself impact against what he could only assume was stone, before passing out. Something grabbing his wrist roused him from his bout of unconsciousness, and he awoke with a startled gasp. He pulled his arm back towards him, and tried to get to his feet. Unfortunately for the reaper, something heavy was lying on his back, keeping him pinned to the ground. Collecting his bearing's, the Soul Reaper managed to push the heavy object off his back. It made a metallic thud as it hit the ground, before scraping against it.

Connor managed to get to his feet, before realizing something unbelievable. He was human. He took a deep breath, and he could feel how different the air felt. It was putrid and nasty, but it also felt more real. Every sensation felt more real, like waking up from the longest dream of one's life. He wanted to bask in the sensations a little longer, but it was apparent that he was far from the only person here. What appeared to be two humans were alongside him. One was a sandy blond man, while the other was a platinum blond woman. The man declared himself to be Abaddon, while the woman introduced herself as Irina. He might as well be polite and do the same. "My name is Connor Greaves." He nodded as he said his name, standing there awkwardly.

[Ludwig Verrlicht]

*CHOP* A head rolled onto the ground with the owners blood following suit almost immediately after. With a small grunt of effort the executioner of the moment pulled his great axe from the ground. The thing was as tall as him and had it’s head connected at the top third of the staff. The blade was massive, slick with fresh blood, and nicked from various encounters with other fools who’d dared to defy him or the “king”. He chuckled happily to himself as he began walking away from the execution site using his great axe as a walking staff for the moment. “Ahh what a glorious day. One more mindless fool slain and my blade’s thirst is quenched for now. Still my poor axe is hungry for something more than just a simple peasant’s execution. Hehehehe what she wouldn’t give for a stronger more fit cattle to kill. Isn’t that right my dear?” The individual in question glanced at his axe’s head as if he expected an answer. His smile only grew as he already knew the answer even if his axe couldn’t answer for obvious reasons. It was a weapon. A weapon always wanted to be used and fed other’s blood, it was simple.

“Still where could we find such a morsel for you my dear? The humans have long since been slain and their souls long since consumed. A shame really. I greatly enjoyed lashing the masses and seeing you slick with their blood. It’s really not the same when you kill soulless husks. One day though my dear we will move on, and once we do I shall make you wet with the blood of the masses yet again. For now stay patient.” He glanced back once more checking to see if he’d forgotten anything at the executioners stand. The body didn’t count. The various “peasants” would eat it within the next few hours so that wasn’t a concern.


Everything else seemed in order however, a simple wooden execution site with a surprisingly large amount of crucifixion posts, some with partially eaten bodies still nailed on them, placed throughout the small hill. The official shook his head as he continued walking down the steps of the execution site. Really though couldn’t there be ANYTHING more to kill that ISN’T completely mindless? What I wouldn’t gi- And that’s when the man in question sensed them. Souls, multiple and they weren't the paltry ones that your average pissant peasant had. No, these were worthy of his attention, worthy of being sacrificed, but more importantly worthy of his axe. “My dear I think we may just have something to truly satisfy your thirst for blood. Hehehe let’s go visit them shall we? It would be downright rude if the hosts couldn’t greet their guests afterall hehehehe~.

The official quickly placed his axe in both hands and burst out running from the execution site to the gate nearby. Blessed be, these morsels are right next to my little getaway. Who would have thought that I’d be so fortunate to have such a far off sanctuary? That’ll teach the lesser officials about who is really the leader amongst them. Why they’ll go red from their jealousy hehehe. Quick legs, run faster I MUST meet them! Still despite running as fast as he could his legs were short and he was a very rotund individual it would take him a moment without any magical assistance. But he couldn’t show off that just yet. No no no, that might scare them away or alert them to his presence. He couldn’t have that yet. He wanted a moment to gaze upon his prey before making his appearance. Excitement coursed through the veins of the official the closer he got, especially when he started to sense one of the newly arrived energy flaring, disappearing, and ultimately reappearing nearly in the same spot. Oh how fortunate he was indeed as they had magic of their own! Oh he bet their blood would look particularly beautiful on his axe and their souls. Oh their souls, he might be tempted to consume them himself if he wasn’t careful. Calm down self, please. The time to be hot and bothered will be once we’ve killed them. Until then I must remain as calm as possible. Ooooh but I can hardly wait!

Before the official knew it he was already at the bridge and at the small doorway that connected the bridge to the nearby hill. Once there he took a deep breath and calmed himself some, realizing some of his killing intent had been let loose. It'd be easily sensed if any of the trio was paying attention. “Damnit.” He quickly stopped that before turning around and locking the gate he came through. Couldn’t let his little morsels escape to his getaway spot. One more moment of deep breathing and he was back to his earlier calm self. Alright let’s get a glance at them shall we? I do hope they don’t mind the fresh blood on my clothes. Ah well it adds character, it should be fine. The official walked up the stairs and with as large a smile as his face could make he made his way towards the trio. Try as he might to look at least, not imposing the official was very obviously not here to aid the trio. His skin was grey to the point it looked like well worn concrete. His clothes while they would have been elegant on anyone else looked stretched to their limit and had blood all over them. Hell it wasn’t even that hard to see the man’s massive gullet poking out and hanging above the belt loops his trousers had. And let’s be honest, no one in their right mind wanted to look further down. His thighs were massive and it was simply a miracle movement didn’t rip his trousers, his boots looked actually alright and even in a pretty well maintained condition if it weren't for the blood on his right boot. The last but most noticeable features were the would be pure white ruff around his neck that had specks of blood on the right side, his teeth which were perfectly organized and pristine, and his top hat.

As he walked closer to the trio he glanced them all over individually. It was not a stretch to say he was both sizing them up and looking them over as though he was deciding who to eat first. His eyes said everything about his intentions and yet his stride was confident and even. He only stopped about 60 feet from them just to ensure if any of them tried anything that he could react with something. Assuming he wasn’t attacked on site alone he’d give a deep but mocking bow using his left arm to go across his stomach and holding onto his great axe with his right hand. Once done he’d stand at his full height of 5ft 3in and continue to smile at them like the deranged monster he was. Thoughts swirling about from different methods of cutting them to who would he keep for himself to consume.

“Good afternoon! My, it has been sometime since we’ve last had visitors. Obviously the current state of the bridge could tell you why but hehe, well that shouldn’t be a problem anymore. No need to worry however the remainder of the beings here are soulless husks so as long as we remain on this side of the bridge none will harm you. Or attempt to. So do tell, what brings such deli- sorry intriguing mortals such as yourselves to my king’s humble domain? Do you perhaps intend to play hero like the others in the past have? Or perhaps, are you here to submit to my lord? My that would be far less entertaining. In fact it’d be down right boring, please don’t submit. Trust me this place could use a bit of “life” hehe.” So long as the trio didn’t make any obvious moves of aggression the official would remain still and patient. Hell he didn’t even bother to interrupt any of them if they spoke to him, giving each their turn to speak. But before he allowed any to speak he simply laughed to himself before quickly adding one last detail. “My apologies I forgot to introduce myself. My what a foolish thing for a host to do. My name is Official Marus, I am the king’s primary official, his right hand if you will. May I know all of yours?”

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reference for Marus}

[Abaddon]

Abaddon offered his gloved hand out to Irina to shake it as she said her name and did the same for conner when he said his. At the very least the three of them seemed to be in the same position and it would be beneficial for the three of them to work together. “Sadly I have no idea as to where we are or what brought us here. It seems as if something pulled us here by force and gave us these garments and armaments.” Abaddon said motioning to the ring and bow and arrow he had and the other items that they had. Abaddon noticed how quiet conner was and how awkward his standing position was, it was clear that the man wasn’t exactly comfortable with the situation, but Abaddon couldn’t blame him no one should be given what happened.

“Good afternoon” A voice said snapping Abaddon’s attention over towards the bridge and to the man who the voice belonged to. Abaddon studied both the man and what he was saying as the man spoke. Everything that came out of the man’s mouth made Abaddon question his intentions, especially given the way the man presented himself. Abaddon had worked with royals before and he knew very clearly that appearance was everything, the way this person carried themselves, the way they acted, even the little manors that the man had seemed off. Even if this person was telling the truth Abaddon didn’t want to meet the king that would employ such a subject.

The fresh blood stains on both the man’s axe and his clothing gave Abaddon everything he needed to take a defensive stance. The clothing being suited for a less rotund person, the dirt and grim on it, the skin of the man being grey and ashen, the choice of words and the lack of real information given by this man. All of it made Abaddon wary, especially given how the man wanted them to resist joining the army of his king. That in and of it’s self sealed it, this man was a foe and whatever king he served was also a foe, at least for the time being.

Abaddon held the bow tightly in his hand as the man interrupted them from speaking and said his name. It was then that Abaddon struck, pulling an arrow from his quiver Abaddon pulled back on the string and fired off an arrow right into the back of the man’s gaping maw. To call the massive orifice the man had a mouth was an insult to mouths. With that simple action the fight would start and Abaddon would move backwards hoping that the other two would follow up with their own attacks and stop this man.

[Irina Davayte]

Abaddon's approach wasn't one that Irina would have chosen independently, but she definitely didn't hate it. If this wasn't an appropriate time to shoot first and ask questions later, she didn't know what was. Better join in and help out. The two guys with her seemed less sketchy than this Marus, who seemed wat too calm for someone who was covered in blood. And to be fair, he had practically asked for a fight. Instinctively, she summoned her Fullbring and tried to cast a blast of snow from her hands. If it hit its target, the blast of snow would unpleasantly sting the average person. It approached Marus at 300 stat speed and 200 strength. She didn't know if it would work wherever they were, so in the same movement, she used the shield on her arm to cover her core. "I almost never try to murder people," she said almost apologetically to her companions, "But something isn't right about that guy."

Remaining reiatsu: 4200 - 50 (snow blast) = 4150

[Ludwig Verrlicht]

Marus’s smile never faltered as he rose from his bow though his eyes did glint a bit showing off a bit more aggression than he had intended to reveal. He’d already messed up a couple times already at holding himself back so what did it matter at this point? He was certain his new arrived prey knew this as well as he did. They were just playing a game before getting to the main event. Marus noticed as he rose up that Abaddon was tightening his grip on the longbow he held. This only had Marus smile a bit wider, if that was even possible. Ahh so they will be resisting. This will be great fun then. I cannot wait to see how they squirm beneath my axe and my magic. Thus when Abaddon shot off the arrow it came as no surprise to Marus, even less so that it was fired at his head. It made sense from a logical standpoint and even Marus had to admit he might not deal well with an arrow directly in his skull. That’s when he realized that Irina was also playing her card and had a curious magic Marus hadn’t seen since their takeover of the northern lands. Ice magic.



Marus swore to himself he’d laugh but first he needed to deal with these pesky attacks barely worth noticing. That was easy however as he simply brought up his hand and snapped a large flame into existence. The snowball and the arrow never stood a chance. The flame was a brief explosion but it was intense, enough to even cause some singe marks on the ground in front of Marus. “Yes, yes that’s how it’s done. Attack the demon before you. That is a hero’s job is it not? Alas simple arrows and ice will not be enough but I invite you to try regardless. However, the turnabout is only fair!” With the same hand that snapped the explosion into existence he swiped it to the left and produced three small fiery orbs. Said orbs shot out without hesitation at each individual at 800 speed. “Let’s not forget you my favorite companion. Vita~”



Without delay the weapon hummed with Marus’s energy and enough of it that the weapon visibly showed an aura. It was deep crimson and it flowed out and over the weapon from the axe head down to the base of the shaft. Anyone who looked at it could tell it was the equivalent of a release weapon with the way it radiated energy, the only difference was that it wasn’t reiatsu per say. Instead it was another energy source but the effect was nevertheless the same. Marus stroked his chin afterwards as he glanced between all his “combatants”. The female is certainly the most interesting as she has magic from a realm banished to the fog long ago. And the male with the bow certainly has it in for me hehe, though I cannot say I’m terribly upset at that. However. . . the last of them hasn’t responded at all. He’s just sitting there open jawed and dare I say not present mentally. He’s like them. The soulless husks. I will not let him ruin my fun so let’s take him down first. Savor the time I’ll have with the others.



With mind made up Marus simply ran over to Connor but while it started within reason (300) after the third footstep he suddenly blurred out of sight at least to those watching him. In reality he had just made himself move faster via an acceleration spell. (900) Simple but effective as was the attack he was preparing to throw at Connor. With his great axe held high and in both hands he simply wanted to cut Connor in two and given the axe was his size, chances were if it landed he absolutely could. Still as much as he wanted to give his complete attention to Connor he was outnumbered and thus had to keep an eye on the other two. How he did was easy though it was not readily apparent to anyone. He could hear their blood coursing through their veins and while not quite as specific as telling him exactly what they were doing he could give a general estimation of their position. And since the other two needed to deal with his miniature fireballs he felt confident he had just enough time to execute the man who now stood before him. As his spell ended he spoke a few parting words and brought his axe down from overhead onto Connor. “This is for getting my hopes up. May your husk never rise again.”

SPOILER: Click to show

{Marus Reiatsu}
-300 for releasing Fullbring lvl 1
-150 for fire spray (bala equivalent)
-100 for ignite
-25

2,680 - 575 = 2,105 reiatsu remaining

SPOILER: Click to show

{Marus stats/skills}
Str: 400
Speed: 300
RS: 675
SPPR: 268
Senses: 150
Instinct: 100
ES: 175
HE: 0

Skills:

3 - Magic: Pyromancy
3 - Weapon: Axe
2 - BA
2 -Bleeding Tolerance
3 - Heat tolerance
2 - Poison tolerance
2 - Strength of Will
2- Analyzing