Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Fellblood
173 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ube Calisto on Jun 15, 2023 6:52:33 GMT -5
Under the burning sun, the dry breeze rolled through the desert. Rosen was regretting their decision in coming here. He needed to learn more about the world and while the sun was enough to keep him fueled, water was scarce. He desperately needed to drink something, anything. "Y'know we probably should've asked Thalia what deserts were like before we left huh... Hey, I only knew about the plains and forests when I was alive!... Forget it, we're close to the city." Rosen spoke, seemingly to himself. As he neared closer to the city, Rosen could feel it in the breeze as the air began to go from dry to slightly humid. Finally, something to drink. With the last bits of his strength, he began sprinting through the city gates, ignoring the guards who angrily called out to him. He'll deal with the backlash later, he needed to quench his thirst. But before he could go any further, a door swung wide open in front of him as an arm pulled him through into the building.
Stumbling in, Rosen checked his surroundings in confusion. Across the other side of the room, a counter with a few glass cases containing bottles of different liquids. In fact, the walls were lined with different shelves and bookcases containing a plethora of filled glass bottles, each having a label on them. Rosen looked to the person who had snatched him from the streets. A light skinned lady dressed in a overalls and simple pants. Though her apparel held the least of Rosen's interest as he took notice of her hair, appearing to be made completely out of water. She smiled excitedly at him with bright baby blue eyes, getting uncomfortably close.
"You're an undead right?! You're perfect! Please let me run tests you! Wait, shut up let me get my other test subject." The lady eccentrically spouted at Rosen before immediately turning around to go towards a room in the back, behind the counter. "Yo! I found another person. Lets get started!" She called out to someone in the room. Just what did Rosen get himself into?
Quest Name: Drink Up Participants: Two or more Location: Anywhere Post Requirements: 5 post per person, 200 words per post Reward: +1 Renown Description: A local potion maker has crafted a set of new potions, many of them aimed at helping people, even if in strange ways. They are in need of a few testers, brave heroes willing to take a chance and test some of these potions. They are willing to pay a small fee and spread your name across Charon. Be warned however, these are untested potions and alchemist are known to try wacky things.
|
|
Mage's Guild
IS OFFLINE
28
Renown
Crescent Isles
623 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shitakibo on Jun 16, 2023 5:37:17 GMT -5
Rina and Kamina came soaring into the room, carrying a letter. "Miss! Miss a letter for you." Exclaimed the flitten, excitedly bouncing around the room. She handed it to Taki, who looked at it cautiously. She wasn't familiar with the seal, but it looked to be some sort of business or medical seal. Slipping a blade beneath the wax, she broke the seal and opened the envelope. Inside was a piece of fine vellum paper, scrawled in a lavish ink that read:'Miss Shitakibo, your presence is requested in Zeinav City for an important scientific breakthrough. I have been given your name by a colleague who is aware of your unique talents and exploits, and request your services. Please come to the Center for Alchemical and Scientific Research near the East Gate at your nearest convenience. Best Regards.'
The letter was not signed by an individual, but Taki wasn't sure beyond that what to make of such a letter. She folded it and slipped it into her traveling gear before turning back to Rina and Kamina. "Please tell Shion to meet me at the stable, we're taking Hanehiko traveling. I'm not sure how long we'll be gone, but I'd like you all to look after each other while I'm away. Yukina is in charge, if she asks it of you, treat it as if I have."
"Yes miss."
"Of course, we will be alright here. Safe travels Miss."
After finishing her preparations, she saddled her Celestial Manta with a similar rig to Keiga's albeit tailored to her. Shion settled in behind her, tucked into the traveling carrier made for her companions. The group took to the sky, Hanehiko's large wings pumping huge amounts of air beneath her in wide sweeps. As they slipped through the lower layer of clouds, they found a calm layer between and leveled off to cruise over the world. Below, she helped navigate according to a simple map and the landmarks she could recognize. They came down near the coast outside of the city, Hanehiko hovering gently above the sand while the shaman unhooked her saddle. She gave the Manta a pat, and instructed her to keep safe along the coast while they were away.
She headed towards the East Gate, letter in hand. After addressing the guards and being given permission, she entered the city and started looking for the designated facility. Upon entering, she was met with an excited lass who bombarded her with strange questions before disappearing from a sterile room. Still unsure what in the world was happening, who this person was, or how they'd come in contact with the shaman, she did her best to keep her calm. After a few moments, she heard a call from the other room.
"Yo! I found another person. Let's get started!" Called the strange woman. Taki stood up and strolled out into the room to see another person, though she wasn't quite sure what to make of them at first. This whole situation continued to get stranger by the moment and the shaman grew more frustrated with it by the second.
"Slow down lady, you've not explained anything... from who you are, to why you've called me here. Nothing will be starting until you stop what you're doing and explain yourself... I will happily walk out of this chemically saturated debauchery, for your supposed research does not appear to be official, scientific or even safe. This is your one chance..." Warned the shaman, who didn't have much social patience and less tolerance for people who wished to exploit others for personal endeavors.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Fellblood
173 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ube Calisto on Jun 17, 2023 14:52:03 GMT -5
This strange alchemist showed no concern nor worry. In fact, she laughed in response to the threat of her subject leaving. She grabbed a couple of bottles that were on the counter, mixing them with the skill of a decade worked bartender. ”Relax relax! You must know when it comes to making ground-breaking magic, its hard to keep your composure.” The potion brewer said, now pouring the mixture into a small vial. The liquid was a bubbling red, smoke coming out of each bubble popping. She turned to Rosen, a wide grin on her face. ”Name’s Phina; You don’t have any connection to the fire domain right?” The undead sylvan backed away, uncomfortable and most definitely scared for his safety. “Uhh, no-“ Phina shoved the vial into his mouth, forcefully pouring the drink down. Rosen gave muffled screams and writhed in fear as the liquid left a burning sensation. He could actively feel it moving down his throat. The taste was bitter, only coupled with pure heat and a bubbling feel. Phina finally backed away, still grinning as if she had done nothing wrong. Rosen coughed violently, grabbing the counter for stability as he sunk to the floor. “What the hell did you gi-“ Before he could finish his sentence, a strong force began to rise from the undead’s stomach. It rose, holding itself within his throat. He covered his mouth in attempt to hold whatever was trying to escape from leaving. He clenched his teeth but it was all for naught. Heat began to form at the very back of his mouth, an orange light began to shine from behind his hand and teeth. It felt like his tongue was burning. It was starting become too painful to hold back. Rosen moved his hand away as sparks seeped through the space between his teeth. A loud hissing sound, reminiscent of a kettle boiling, came from the poor boy. Phina, as if expecting this, tossed over a metal dish at Rosen’s feet. He quickly crouched down to grab it, holding it in front of his face. He opened his mouth wide open as an eruption of flames spewed out of his mouth, colliding with the only thing preventing the flames from setting this place ablaze.
A few seconds of a constant flame breath being shot out, Rosen was on the floor with tears in his eye. The thin metal slab he held was sightly melted. Phina simply stood over him taking notes. “Ok ok, hold out your hands and imagine a ball of light.“ She said, showing no concern for what occured. Rosen, completely over what has happened, obeyed in hopes that it was over. Still face down on the floor and not bothering to move, he raised his hand up and cupped it as if holding a ball. Without warning, trails of flame left the fingertips of the sylvan, coalescing together in his palm. Phina’s smile grew brighter and she shouted in celebration, jumping around like a child. ”I’m so god damn smart! See?! See that?! Magic he has no familiarity with and without any practice! Even those with the magic curse should be able to cast!”
|
|
Mage's Guild
IS OFFLINE
28
Renown
Crescent Isles
623 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shitakibo on Jun 17, 2023 15:22:41 GMT -5
Taki backed away from the spectacle, and the mad alchemist who forced the liquid on the poor man, watching in a mix of shock and horror at the results. Instantly on the defensive, she called her guardians from the realm of spirits. The room filled with a soft, misty energy that coalesced into a pair of glowing spirits who flooded the room with their auras. The man could feel any lingering effects and damage begin to mend while Phina seemed to have trouble just moving about. Their auras sapped her strength, speed and any magical ability she might have.
"This is no scientific facility, but rather the lab of a mad woman too wrapped in her own follies to respect the lives of others. Do not think you can shove your brew down my throat lady, or so help you, it will be the last thing you do. Your lack of respect for others and incompetence are going to kill people senselessly. I knew this place felt off..."
Her guardians stepped forward as the shaman's magic flowed through her body, the group moving to block her path towards the man as he recovered and pinning her near the door to the other room.
"I will not relax simply because your overly nonsensical way of thinking commands it, in fact... I suggest you calm yourself or I will turn your lab to dust and ensure that you are unable to ever touch another beaker or reagent again... No more warnings or playing nice, gather your wits and suppress your madness or I will do so forcibly." Taki was clearly enraged by her actions, her eyes glowing with a similar effect to the presence of her companions. She hadn't drawn a weapon yet, but one of her free hands rested atop the now open pouch that held her shurikens. What kind of person was incapable of the most basic scientific and ethical processes, yet still claim to be such, she couldn't possibly understand... and if things continued to escalate in such a way, she would act with magic of her own.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Fellblood
173 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ube Calisto on Jun 17, 2023 18:54:57 GMT -5
Phina fell to the floor onto her knees, feeling suddenly weak. However, her crazy and wide grin was still on her face. "Alright alright relax pal. You act like I'm some sort of crazy person. No more forcing potions into people's throats. Though, you're forgetting-" She looks towards Rosen. "-That thing is a zombie. Not like I won't do any more damage than it already has." Rosen cleared their throat, the burning feeling now going away thanks to the stranger. He raised his hand that held the flame, the fire now snuffed out. It was an odd occurrence. It didn't feel like magic at all, rather something biological. He looked a little upset, however, at how Phina called him a "thing" but... That potion was interesting to say the least. Even with her unorthodox methods, maybe she was unto something. A change was definitely necessary before she continued anything. He stood back up looking towards the two, a little worried about the sudden tension and spirits surrounding the room. "Oi uh, miss. Its fine really. I'm tougher than I look." Rosen assured the shaman. He walked over to her and faced Phina. "I do agree though. I'd rather not take random liquids from strangers. I'm fine helping with whatever you're trying to do but we need to do this in a much safer way." Phina raised her hands in defeat. "Ok, we'll do this the slow and careful way. I'll explain everything, sooo can you let me get up and do so?" She says to Taki.
|
|
Mage's Guild
IS OFFLINE
28
Renown
Crescent Isles
623 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shitakibo on Jun 18, 2023 0:21:18 GMT -5
"Zombie or no, when someone shows up to help you with your experiments or any other task, you respect their life as if it were that of royalty... This man did not deserve you shoving various fluids down his throat, no matter what reasons your own mind might come up with to ignore this." She backed away as the man stood up, calling her guardians to the other side of the room. There were many reasons she loathed the bustle of cities and this was added to the list. Her lower pair of arms crossed, she watched the situation like a hawk and waited patiently. She let out a soft whistle, calling Shion from the other room. The fuzzy, iridescent spider with a bright blue carapace pushed it's way through the door where Taki had before all this began.
The spider said nothing, only walked over to the shaman to stand in the midst of her guardians and keep watch. Taki ran one hand over the spider's carapace, doing her best to quell the fury within. She took a few deep breaths, centering herself for a moment. She let the emotion, and magical energy flow away from her body. Once calmed, her guardians' aura dissipated though they remained at her side. The alchemist loosened from the grip of their presence could fell her strength return. Sighing heavily, the shaman waited for Phina to recover and explain herself properly this time.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Fellblood
173 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ube Calisto on Jun 18, 2023 12:15:16 GMT -5
She rises slowly, grabbing one of her many potions off the shelves. Popping the cork off the bottle of green liquid, she quickly drinks the entire thing whole as an enchanting green glow envelopes her. She gives a relaxed sigh. "Thats the stuff. Now, the reason I've called you here today and kidnapped this dude is becauuuuse-" Phina pulls 4 more potions from behind her back from seemingly nowhere, the bottles being of a larger size to that of greater potions. "I've been researching ways to conduct magic for those who have the mana curse. The type of experiments I do is purely beneficial for all of Charon. I'm not exactly one of those big nobles but your friends at the Center for something or whatever thought my work was cool so they wanted me to get a 'professional' opinion as well as live testing viewed by said 'professional'. I did some digging and found that you were probably the best for the job. Apparently those big shots want to patent these out and I figured if it would help some people and get my name out there more, I may as well." Rosen was absolutely intrigued. He had never heard of such exploits when he was alive. Hell, this kind of thing would have been a huge help in the Rune Wars. The sylvan undead looked excited as they turned to the aforementioned professional. "I don't mind helping out. Though its up to you miss, considering she needs your approval." "See? The guinea pig's up for it, cmon! Not like I can do any more harm to it than it has already. And I promise on my shop I won't do anything you think is crazy. Fair?"
|
|
Mage's Guild
IS OFFLINE
28
Renown
Crescent Isles
623 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shitakibo on Jun 19, 2023 1:40:39 GMT -5
Taki holds up a hand for a moment, thinking about the implication of her words. She wasn't sure alchemical processes would do well for her own body, since it had become so heavily infused with natural and spiritual magics. "You're welcome to your experiments, though I think your concoctions would greatly interfere with my own abilities and cause unforeseen outcomes. In light of this, and something you mentioned before your earlier... actions, I shall act as your observer and take notes. This serves the dual purpose of allowing you to concentrate on your work, and I will be able to scribe an official report to send to your superiors. Not that I'm adverse to your experimentation, but I think it would have a very uncontrolled reaction with my own magic. Will you accept this compromise?" Asked the shaman, who wasn't keen to be spewing flame or have her body frozen from the inside out because her own magic would try to act in defense.
Her companions watched, though she could tell Ryu was far more intrigued at this idea than Keta, who was just as unsettled by it all as she was. If this man agreed to be the alchemist's subject, Taki would pull out a scroll of paper and her writing utensils, carefully cutting a page's length from the wooden spool in her pack. If he didn't, she would step forward once again, and ensure they were able to leave safely and with minimal harm. Phina reminded her a bit of Ryu, but with a level of zeal and disregard for her subjects that still unnerved the shaman. Undead or no, no life should be taken for granted or mistreated by others. While she understood it was a lofty and outlandish ideal, she strived to protect any and all she could from the machinations of others seeking to harm or manipulate.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Fellblood
173 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ube Calisto on Jun 19, 2023 7:50:25 GMT -5
Rosen was quite surprised to see someone so defensive over him, granted the wild alchemist was something to be wary of so he didn’t blame Taki for being so ready to shut this whole operation down. Rosen stepped forward, putting his hand out to receive a potion. ”Look, as long as I get some water after this, I’ll be fine. Lets get this done.” Phina looked delighted, handing him the yellow potion. The liquid appeared to jump in the bottle, lines of the stuff flying out and hitting the glass.
“Ok ok ok, take a swig of that and grab this.” She instructed as she handed out a metal rod. With plenty of reluctance and hesitance, Rosen thumbed out the cork with his fleshy hand and, with a short pause, down the liquid. The drink itself tasted heavy of fish, in contrast the feeling of it going down his throat was something akin to pop rocks. It tickled and almost sparked as it went down. At the last drop, Rosen’s body began to emit a bright yellow light, an aura of static surrounding him. The air in the apothecary/lab felt charged, as if a thunderstorm were to begin at any moment. It didn’t hurt the sylvan in any way, rather it left tingling feelings all over with pins and needles in every corner of his body.
Doing as told, he reached for the metal rod. As he did, it felt almost as if he was violently pulled towards the rod and upon grasping it, the rod began to also glow a bright yellow. However, that electric aura that covered Rosen swiftly moved to the rod as the sounds of violent electricity emit from it. The rod shook and wiggled before bursting to Rosen’s shock. He immediately let go and covered himself with his arms, worried he would be hit by the shrapnel… He peered from behind his arms, noticing he wasn’t hit as he saw the wondering sight in front of him. The metal rod’s pieces were being seemingly held together by lines of electricity between each of the shattered parts. He lowered his arms and in doing so, the floating pieces lowered in kind.
|
|
Mage's Guild
IS OFFLINE
28
Renown
Crescent Isles
623 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shitakibo on Jun 20, 2023 3:57:21 GMT -5
Taki took notes, observing the effects of the concoction. It was a fascinating effect, watching the shattered parts hovering in the air. Turning her attention back to the man, she did her best to note the effects it had on him. Observing such experiments gave Taki a bit of insight into the workings of alchemy and science. Each brew held a different liquid, and she noted the things she could about each one. Colors, smells, consistency and effects were all written down in her report. It made her hands sore to scribe at such a pace, but the results would benefit both Phina and the community at large should they be shared.
While she knew she didn't have a mind for such processes and methods, the idea that one could take natural substances in the right combinations to replicate magical effects without the prerequisite years of study was fascinating. The problem with this was readily apparent, as it could easily be abused by those with self serving purpose. Caution when handling such experiments and information was paramount, or it would quickly spread beyond the ability to contend with the outcomes. Luckily these potions seemed to have a short term effect, and would need immense amounts of study and refining before they would last any amount of time or be much more than a brief spectacle. She did her best to keep her report free of opinions and misinterpretation, hoping that she remained impartial to the experiment as an observer. She understood that any bias in such a report would skew the end results and possibly increase the overall difficulty for others to replicate the experiment taking place.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Fellblood
173 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ube Calisto on Jun 20, 2023 12:29:37 GMT -5
Rosen and Phina continued to go through the potions she wished to test, each having their own adverse effects. A liquid as cold as the Frost Gale, an almost weightless white liquid that would float when let go, and a potion that literally tasted of mud. Respectively, Rosen was able to conjure objects made of ice that would hold the same strength as steel, create small clouds that could spur upon natural phenomenon such as snow or thunder, and lastly, shape the very earth around them as if it were a part of Rosen’s body. With each taste test and experiment, Phina began to be even more ecstatic. She would clasp her hands around Taki’s, jumping with joy whenever her concoctions did exactly as she planned.
After all was said and done, she sat down and wrote her own notes with all her thoughts on the tests and test subject. Rosen himself had sat in the corner of the room, enjoying a tall glass of ice water. He felt nauseous with all the different tastes, feelings, and reactions he had in rapid succession. Though, he was glad he could help out a bit. “Hmmm, ok looks all things are in order. Thank you for your cooperation you two. As a reward, you can have this.” Phina hands Taki a tiny vial, comparable to a fingernail, that was attached to a chain like it was a necklace. The vial itself contained a shimmering gold substance within it, though it was unclear of what it was exactly. ”Do whatever you want with that. Toss it for all I care.”
|
|
Mage's Guild
IS OFFLINE
28
Renown
Crescent Isles
623 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shitakibo on Jun 20, 2023 16:27:47 GMT -5
As things came to a close, she completed her report and made a copy to send off to Phina's superiors while the man was recovering. As the alchemist was wrapping up, she handed Taki a small concoction on a chain. She placed it over her neck, and while curios, something in her intuition told her it was something she should save for an occasion to try. With a small bow, she dismissed her guardians and packed her gear to go retrieve Hanehiko from the coast for the journey home.
"My thanks for your understanding, I hope this has been a learning experience for you as well Phina. To you sir, my name is Shitakibo, my home is on the coast of the Bamboo Forest in the Crescent Isles. Should you ever have need or seek shelter in the area, make your way there and my companions and I will do what we can." With that, she turned and left, Shion skittering out the door beside her. The pair were hasty in exiting the city, making for the East Gate they'd come in through and heading to the coast.
As they reached the shore line, Taki cupped her hands and dipped the edges into the salty waters. With a reverberating, low tone, she called signaled Hanehiko to come pick them up. After saddling her Celestial Manta once more, they took to the skies. The desert slowly vanished beyond the horizon, the lands growing greener and more fertile as they approached home. Taking wide, slow spirals, the group descended into the river that ran along side Taki's home and came to rest. She took care of the gear, stowing it for later use after cleaning off the salty seawater and made her way back indoors to rest ponder the adventure.
|
|