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Post by Delta on Oct 20, 2023 18:27:48 GMT -5
The dawn cast its glow across the chilled desert air, heralding in the promise of a great and terrible heat. The wind picked up to comb and smoothed over dunes, and what little foliage there was bent and snapped under the weight of their own desiccation. A hawk cried out as if in fair sport and warning to the game below, its star shaped shadow disappearing into the void of the cracked earth that made the Devil’s Ridge. Caked and dried earth cracked open to reveal mesas, harsh ridges, and a dark corridor of sand and stone.
It was here that a blue and gold skinned fellblood spoke to a cadre of criminals under the dark embrace of the pre-dawn twilight.
“You got the Solars?”
The question was more of a casual greeting than a demand to Dante’s trained ear. Yes, these same brigands might brandish blades before a tourist. But Dante was a true blooded Ash Lander. He had the sense of speaking with their leader beforehand about their arrangement. With his employment, he needed to solidify his contacts and play the part of the crooked devil born. He wore it well, and the sheer ease he displayed before the rugged highwaymen conveyed that this wasn’t his first rodeo.
”Was my chest not recompense enough? I tease of course: I’ve got it at the drop point. Don’t fret: I know better than to play fellow Ash Landers for fools.” He grinned, knowing full well they wouldn’t let their irritation get the better of them. If he died, they would be out of a payday, and there was no guarantee if he died that he told them the truth. It was a dangerous game, but one he played well.
”I have to say Mister Discreet, you got balls coming out here by yourself.”
Dante chuckled and said, “Oh stop! My brain is bigger.”
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Post by Vernon on Oct 20, 2023 18:45:42 GMT -5
In the midst of the precarious Devil's Ridge, a young elf embarked on a solitary journey. The rugged terrain stretched out before him, a treacherous path only a few dared to tread. The air was laden with a palpable tension, as if the very land beneath his feet were holding its breath, waiting for the next adventurer's step.
The elf's movements were cautious and deliberate, his lithe figure gracefully navigating the jagged rocks and steep cliffs. As he made his way along the ridge, he was reminded of the sunsets he's spectated where the sun cast long, eerie shadows, painting the world in hues of crimson and gold. It was a breathtaking scene, and the elf's demeanor mirrored the awe-inspiring nature that surrounded him. Regardless of the opacity the sun has brought, its magnificence brought along memories that stay with his heart.
Rather than merely stating his emotions, one could observe the young elf's reactions to this magnificent view. His eyes widened, and a slow, appreciative smile played upon his lips. He reached out a slender hand, fingers outstretched, as if yearning to touch the very heavens. It was as though he had been ensnared by the ethereal beauty of the view, unable to resist its siren's call.
As he stood there, overlooking the vast expanse below, his chest rising and falling with each breath, his body language alone told the story of a young elf captivated by the grandeur of the world around him. He was a wanderer in a realm of wonder, his heart and spirit inextricably entwined with the Devil's Ridge, a place where the ordinary became extraordinary, and emotions were woven into the very fabric of the landscape.
Suddenly as he continued his trek across the ridge, he heard a few voices. Vernon slowly continued while raising his awareness and preparing for a fight if one was going to occur. Soon enough, overheard to people talking. One of them sounded like a guard for quite a particular place, while the other sounded a bit like a knowledgeable person. If you excuse his choice of words. Unsure whether they are dangerous or not, Vernon begun motioning closer to the speakers ever so slightly in hopes to gain more knowledge of what type of place they belong to or are entering in. That is, until he accidently kicked a tiny pebble.
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Post by Delta on Oct 21, 2023 8:19:45 GMT -5
"What was that?"
The already anxious thieves snapped their heads towards the sound and drew their daggers. Dante lofted a brow as he instinctively looked in the direction of a wayward elf who was soon accosted by the men. Their leader turned to Dante, but before he could hurl accusations, Dante said, "I can't say I know There was a pause, and then he said, "Please. Look at him. Does this look like a serious attempt at betrayal?"
"What it looks like is our deal is off. You've screwed with the last of the made men."
Dante smiled a row of straight teeth and said, "Made men you say? Well, then I suppose your loyalty was forfeit anyways. After all, I have a bit of a grudge with your paymasters."
With that, he palmed the man's chest and fired off a Chromatic Blast of lightning to shock him out of the incoming fight. The others turned to regard Dante, and many broke off to engage him. Dante laughed and drew the band away from Vernon who had a sparse few engage him. Well, he thought, I sure hope he knows how to fight. Otherwise this was going to be a bit of work. Dante ran through the gorge and created a Replicant to continue running away while he ran towards the bandits. It was a mind game to get them to believe he had sent a clone their way. They ignored the real him at first, but when he bumped past them they turned around in confusion with one still chasing the Replicant.
Properly scattered, Dante had created an opening where they could fight fewer men and dispatch threats more easily.
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Post by Vernon on Oct 21, 2023 15:59:43 GMT -5
Looking ahead towards the incoming enemies, a light sigh escapes from Vernon. "Listen here. I would prefer to be on my merry way without any altercations, the fact is that I truly do not know that individual from earlier". While speaking towards his assailants, he readied his spells. Alighting them along his fingers.
"Do you think we'll believe you, when you so 'coincidentally' came along this specific road at this specific time? You're obviously with the one earlier." One of the thieves who appeared to be a leader among those who chased spoke sarcastically. He then beckoned the other few thieves to approach together.
Shaking his head, "I may not like violence, but it does not mean I'll shy away from a fight if necessary." As soon as he finished his words, Vernon pointed his right hand towards the leader and casted Tri Beam and three colorful orbs containing the elements of fire, water, and wind appeared. As soon as the orbs fully condensed, the orbs flew on a straight path with one destination, the thief leader. All the orbs targeted different parts of his body, as Vernon had aligned his fingers along a vertical line.
The thief leader hurriedly dodged out of the way of the elemental balls, although he was still hit by one of the orbs on the leg. An aggressive pain assaulted him, but the leader knew he had to move otherwise he was dead meat. During the time, he was dodging, his companions were assaulted by lightning bolts to the chest as Vernon had closed the distance between the two parties. As the leader attempted to rise, he stared in fear as he saw the young elf create those three orbs once again. The only difference this time was that his adversary had six orbs, three per hand and with a gap of a few seconds. The elemental orbs flashed with vibrant colors, flew with fatal attraction and ending two of his companions lives.
Vernon approached the last one alive with a small smile on his face. Although he appeared to be a non-violent scholar, the leader only saw a devil's facade. Then the smile vanished from his face, replaced by a mournful expression. Quickly, a lightning bolt spell was headed in his direction. As they were only separated by a few meters, he was only able to barely avoid. In that time, Vernon prepared another tri-beam and timed his casting to when his adversary was avoiding his lightning bolt. Leaving him wide open to be assaulted by the three colorful orbs.
"Finally some peace and quiet". He quietly shook his head and thought to himself, Well, now I'm curious as to how that fellblood is faring? Some debts must also be paid, for making me kill.
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Post by Delta on Oct 21, 2023 19:40:32 GMT -5
Dante's feint had done wonders to set the thieves up for failure. He didn't even need to do all that much as they were far more concerned with the newcomer than him. He watched as the remaining couple of brigands left saw the remains of their leader and fled, quitting the field before Dante could say something quippy. Dante took a deep breath and sighed.
"Well, that was exciting for a good twelve seconds. A shame, though I suppose if they could be dispatched this easily then they weren't really worth my time."
He turned to face the newcomer and smiled, saying, "Much appreciated friend. I'll admit, I didn't think anyone still wandered through these parts by themselves. Then again, you don't seem like you're from around here. You'd tread a lot more carefully if you were. Oh, where are my manners!"
He gave the elf a sweeping bow and said, "Dante Discreet. Master of Ceremonies. Then again, anyone who's anyone has heard or will hear of me unless they have a strong opposition to experiencing the best that life has to offer. Who might you be stranger?"
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Post by Vernon on Oct 21, 2023 20:06:46 GMT -5
Purveying the rest of the battlefield, eyes resting towards the fellbloods side. It appears he dispatched them quite quickly. A capable man, perhaps. Advancing closer to his partner for this battle and with a right arm placed across his chest, Vernon performed a bow. "Quite right you are sir. This is the first time I have traveled to these parts. So I am quite curious in regards to everything that this land has to offer. Dangerous or not, though preferably not."
Vernon took a quick scan of the one named Dante Discreet, Master of Ceremonies? I've never heard of such a title. "I would say that it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, but it's hard to say so when I became embroiled in your squabble. Though I will say that it is only proper manners to greet you. My name is Vernon Gracewood and I unfortunately do not have a title myself. In the future, I hope to endeavor that achievement. I am a scholar of sorts, I am in search of many new knowledges. Whether it be in arcane arts or of geography of the lands or the history behind this vast expanse we call Charon".
"I do have to say. The environment enclosing this ridge is quite interesting. If it's not too much of a bother, may I ask for some information of the surroundings? Seeing as though, you are quite familiar with this place."
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Post by Delta on Oct 22, 2023 14:48:12 GMT -5
Dante chuckled and said, "Well, as far as the region is concerned I could give you a full length university degree course on the matter, but I don't think either of us have time for that. The three things to remember most is bring a thick blanket for the cold nights, don't drink the water in the cactuses, and line your coin purse with razorblades if you don't want to lose your Solars. Those tips should be a good start."
He sighed and looked above at the vultures circling ahead. He said, "Such a shame that these were not better contacts. I really do need to find a better vetting process. I was sure I was onto something, but it can't be helped. Well, if you don't want to catch vulture shit, best we get a move on." He turned and walked back the way he came.
"As for knowledge? Forgive me for saying this, but if you're someone that doesn't like looking over their shoulder constantly then you might have been better off reading about the Ash Lands in a book rather than travelling to it. We had the misfortune of a dragon god awakening under a volcano and wiping out a good bit of what was Ash Land civilization. Darkveil is still around of course, but the scenery has had some landscaping done by a battle I'm sure the bards will be pining over for centuries."
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Post by Vernon on Oct 22, 2023 21:34:33 GMT -5
"I will thank you for the knowledge you've provided then". Their faces shining with the assistance of the sun, ensuring their sight can reach farther along the paths. "Line my coin purse with razors, huh? Maybe I should. Quite an interesting method to stop thieves. Is that experience from being a thief or being a victim?" His voice held steady as if he were asking seriously with no joking intent. Fully facing Dante, with his eyes trained on him.
Walking closer to the fellblood, "I suppose you are going to find more brigands for your dealings?". A smile forming on Vernon's face, his pearly teeth partially exposing themselves to the sun and wind. It could be interesting and who knows if I'll find an object worth keeping around. I would also be able to gain access to more knowledge of the surroundings, whether it be factions or more notable figures. The information with regards to Dante may be of use to understand what he is after and if he could help me in the future.
"Would you be willing to allow me to follow you to achieve a better understanding of the Ash Lands?" In this same instance, this allows me a chance to distinguish him as a friend or foe. Vernon swiftly approaches Dante with his outstretched hand. "Well?"
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Post by Delta on Oct 23, 2023 9:19:24 GMT -5
Dante blinked and shook his hand, saying, "I suppose you can join me for a bit. At least until we're in Darkveil. I do have business to attend to, but I can get your feet wet at least. Come along." He turned and walked out of the ridge and into the desert proper. He gestured towards the surroundings and said, "As you can see, there is a lot of sand. And heat. And scorpions. And all sorts of nasty things that want to kill you. It gives the desert a kind of charm you won't find anywhere else. The most notable bit of news is one aforementioned Vulcadraeus. It was some sort of god that woke up with a headache and wanted to make it everyone else's problem. Something to do with a conspiracy within the Ashen Fathers."
He paused and said, "Ah that's right, the Fathers. They are the... government of Darkveil you could say. A rather thin veil to hide the fact that they are a syndicate of crime families.. and apparently cultists. Well, some of them. From what I've gathered the cult operated under the Ashen Father name to hide their nefarious dealings. At least that's what I've heard so far. I think you'll find the political landscape to be more conspiracy than fact, but it's not like the story is unbelievable. That, and people need someone to blame for the dragon god blowing up their homes."
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Post by Vernon on Oct 28, 2023 1:39:20 GMT -5
Catching up to Dante, briskly walking closer to the fellblood. Quite a knowledgeable person, or rather knowledge of the darker sides of the surroundings. "I can say at the least, that my journey in the area has been what you've described. Although, I will add on that the environment is a new and fresh element for me." A quiet smile appeared on his face, appearing to reminisce about the past. "Quite different from where I've hailed from. Dangerous, yes. But, the danger includes intrigue and new aspects to learn of. Good or bad puts something on display. Is it not wonderful to learn of new things and people whilst traveling the world." Looking at Dante and slightly nodding, Just like learning more of the desert or of the underground community in the vicinity.
"Ha, you seem quite accustomed to not just the danger which the desert's nature reveals. But, the danger of the people who hide among the shadows or perhaps those that have gained power through various means." Taking in the scenery changing as they continue down the path. "Let it be known, that I've not accused you of anything. Merely pointing out your capabilities. I've overheard there are many different knowledges in the desert. Some such arcane knowledge as well. Thus, having a person with deep knowledge of the less favorably looked upon parts of the world may be able to help gain a few tomes. Would you heed my request and help me?" The young elf appears very humble from his facial gestures as well as how he gracefully bowed towards Dante.
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Post by Delta on Oct 30, 2023 21:21:19 GMT -5
Dante shrugged and said, “I’ve got nothing better to do until Darkveil. Gods above if you learn one thing about this place it’s the answer to the question ‘How do I get to or away from Darkveil from where I am right now?’” Dante grinned and shrugged, saying, “Though I suppose you can add a few things here and there. Nothing a good tent and water can’t fix. Being a fellblood helps too. We tend to shrug off the heat of the sun better than most. Could bask on a rock like a reptile after a good meal.”
Dante took a moment to look around before picking a direction at what seemed like random and continued on.
“You’ve got some moves big man. I imagine a learned man like you has a well rounded education to say the least. They teach that kind of magic where you’re from? Or was that something you picked up along the way? You’d think I’d be more flashy with mine, but no; subtly is far more my speed. Tends to do better for you in places like Darkveil. Crime bosses don’t like it when you accidentally blow up some of their turf in self defense. Like they would ask about the circumstances in the first place.”
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Post by Vernon on Oct 30, 2023 22:19:54 GMT -5
Smiling amicably towards the fellblood, "you've quite the humor, don't you? I do wonder how you have survived thus far with a mouth like that." Chuckling quietly, with a clasp over his mouth. "I can't say I don't understand the attraction of this region. The environment is definitely unlike the rest of the regions, but I suppose crime and intrigue are more commonly seen here." I can't tell if Dante is a rogue or not. He definitely performs activities which are in the range of rogues, but he holds himself with a charm that comes from many social activities. Perhaps he needs both sides to survive in this world.
Walking along the path with Dante, a seemingly random path. Walking around has had Vernon begin to accrue more and more dust as well as sand upon his apparel. Causing him to dust off his clothing, though not much had parted due to his action.
"Well what can I say? I've picked up this magic along my travels and as trouble kept appearing before me, these arcane arts became more flexible with each use. In a sense, there is a certain comfortability with the magics I hold currently. It would be an overstatement to say I can utilize each of these as an extra limb or as if I have mastered it. Also, I never quite thought I had a need to be less 'flashy' when it comes to fighting. Though I suppose that would be helpful for the future. Regarding your magic, how have you learned it and become accustomed to wielding such power? And if you are that powerful enough to blow up those crime bosses turf, why don't you fight against them?"
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Post by Delta on Nov 1, 2023 15:54:17 GMT -5
Dante smiled and said, "You pick up things when you know the right people. Having natural talent doesn't hurt either."
He looked towards the sky at a flock of vultures circling ahead. They had spied a fallen camel and were beginning their descent, the dirge of their cries heralding the natural process of life and death. Dante said, "Though I never explicitly said I was capable of such power. As for toppling who's in charge? Well, ambition is good in proper doses I suppose but the Ashen Fathers have been at it for quite some time and are ruthless against the competition. Then again, having some of their circle actually be death priests does put a stain on their reputation whether they had a hand in such occult activities or not."
They continued on for some time. Dante made small notes about flora and fauna, the proper clothing one should wear in the desert, and how best to conserve water.
Eventually they crested a hill where Dante pointed and said, "There she is. The jewel of civilization out here in the wastes."
The volcano commanded far more attention than the city itself. The peak had been blown away like a cracked open egg. Jagged igneous rock and long glass shards of obsidian marked the fresh battle sight of Vulcadraeus' rise from slumber. Walls of the city bore holes and thick cracks, and while much of the rubble and debris had been cleared out, the construction equipment, stone blocks, and piles of lumber suggested a more ambitious attempt at repairs.
"She's on the mend poor girl, but at least the engineers will have an opportunity to put up newer and better defenses."
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Post by Vernon on Nov 6, 2023 16:10:50 GMT -5
"By the 'right people', you are implying those of knowledge on a specific topic. Correct?" Vernon sways his head left and right in a small lapse of a daze. A single finger of his hand taps the bottom of his jawline. "I think that natural talent can be a gift and a curse depending on the scenario, but it should help their future." He quietly sighed.
Coming upon the city, the construction of various buildings are underway, though it appears as if they have only started for the day. Within the view of the volcano, an incredible sight of the voluminous natural wonder ensures the young elf to take note of the incredible volcano. "To be completely honest with you. I have almost no knowledge of these parts, so I am unable to say if this city were to be in splendor for those days past. Though for a 'jewel' of civilization in the Ash Lands, I cannot believe how much damage this place has sustained. If you do not mind answering a query of mine, would you tell me how this place has become this?" While Vernon points towards the damaged parts of the city.
He paused slightly before looming closer to the city itself and those who inhabit it. "So how dangerous is this city? Worse or better than the ridge from before?"
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Post by Delta on Nov 7, 2023 10:13:32 GMT -5
Dante chuckled and said, "I wish I could say the city's history is rich and long, but the actual city proper was built inside of a century ago. My parents knew this land before there was a city. Common interests and resources were the typical reasons for setting up shop here. The people themselves carry a far more robust culture in that regard. Living in the mainland was harsh enough to consider a city rooted at the foot of a volcano a reasonable alternative. Indeed, for all my time here it has assuages my fears; it's difficult to live her and not be accustomed to danger. Some are ground down by the anxiety, but I've learned to thrive in that uncertainty. What's the worst that could happen? I die? Utterly laughable."
They passed through a grate in the wall rather than take the front gates. He whispered, "I'd go through the gates normally if I were you, but it's okay today since you're with me. I threw the guards a birthday party for their kids. Really went a long way with building rapport."
He allowed Vernon to step into the tunnel and shut the grate behind him. It smelled of an old sewer, and Dante warned as much saying, "Pardon the smell, but it skips the line and keeps prying eyes off us. Some of the local gangs like to watch the front gate to pick easy targets, and first timers are almost always their preference. A courtesy this tunnel I assure you."
The trek was brief, and the wafting desert air muted the sewage smell significantly once they were on the streets. Cracked stone and clay housing sat packed along wide streets and tight angled alleyways. Food stalls and other merchant stands hocked wares, and darkly clothed figures ambled about.
"Normally we have a more colorful cast of characters walking about, but dragon gods and volcanic eruptions harms the tourism business. Ah here we are."
He turned the corner and towards a somewhat larger building with a soft purple light coming from the front door. A hostess smiled at Dante and said, "Welcome back Dante. You brought another friend?"
"Oh yes, I crossed paths with this little gem on the road home. Do be kind to him. He's here to learn the local culture."
She chuckled and ushered him in. Inside there were several low wooden tables with mats and cushions in abundance compared to wooden seating. Much of the wall space had gaudy decor of gilded brass lamps and old tapestries. A set of stairs led upward, and some of the wall space even had curtained off rooms in the back. Dante took a seat at one of the hookah tables and said, "You don't have to partake, but between you and me this place has good food on the cheap. It's also a good spot not to get hassled; the gang that owns this turf knows me and plays nice with tourists. Please make yourself comfortable. We can speak freely here for the most part."
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