The Escapist Avatar Adventure: An Open RP (Now Re-Opened!)

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

"...What next step?" Rugal asked before the sound of all the lights coming on then turning off rang out and the room went mad again.
"Oh for the love of....Teri, Come on." He said as he picked the writer up and held her tight, hoping to ensure that any of the stray projectiles would hit him rather then her.
"When you can, direct me to the exit, just make it before the arrows show up again!" He said as he madness raged on around them.

 

[bluecrimson]

She looked the gun over, taking a good deal of interest in it. "Hmm, I think I have an idea. If you could hand me one of these Colts, I could do some tests and see if I could work on making an alloy that could stand up to it, or maybe something that could absorb the blow from what I have. Would that be okay, Mister Fionn?"

He could see a glint in the girl's eye, showing that she was confident in her ability to make something like that.

 

[Ninjamedic]

"Hmm, I think I have an idea. If you could hand me one of these Colts, I could do some tests and see if I could work on making an alloy that could stand up to it, or maybe something that could absorb the blow from what I have. Would that be okay, Mister Fionn?"

Fionn smiled at the girl, he was impressed at the Melethia's apparent expertise at smithing. "Well, its certainly a good offer. But I'm afraid that the weapons the men of this world wield are far in technological advance of mine. Although...."

He removed his Gauntlet, revealing the many scars on his hand, he'd seen far more battles than then most would expect, and more than he would like to admit. "If you could create a Mythril version of this gauntlet, fixing most of the issues with it". He handed it over to Melethia to inspect for a moment, taking back Sandy and holstering her. "I'd be most grateful".

 

[bluerocker]

Hell on the Rising Dawn: AKA, Slindis' training room

"Ah! Mr. Bernstein, you're leg is hurt! Please, put me down, I can attend to it better that way! Also, duck!"

An arrow flew over their heads after Teri's warning, and the madness continued.

"I can't see the door either! Let's try to keep following the wall and see if we can find our ways out!"

Angelus

The blonde's face twisted in a mixture of horror and anger at the mere mention of the being; and bit her lip. To Tajuh, it looked as if she was trying very hard not to yell out something; most likely out of want to not awaken her pact partner. After taking a few deep breaths, she very calmly asked Tajuh, "What happened to Teri?"

"You tell me. You know more about this man? Creature..? Whatever, than I do."

Angelus, gave a soft sigh; and pointed at a pair of chairs in the hallway, and slumped in one of them; "Ugh.. Where do I begin? Well, I suppose it would be in Kanto. As you can imagine, this crew has had it's fair share of strange occurrences, one of the more frequent ones being dimension travel. Some time ago; we landed in a region known as Kanto; a world populated by strange and powerful creatures that were captured and trained to suit human needs. I suppose, as the reality of that universe was trying to stabilize our arrival; I was transformed into a being known as a Dragonite. Later on, I was capture because, in that world, I displayed a different set of coloration than was the norm of that species, and I was able to speak with the humans; as most of the creatures could not.

That was when I met Bruiser."

She gave a light shudder, and continued, "He was a part of a cruel syndicate that stole the creatures from their owners, ones who cared about these animals, and used them for... Nastier deeds. In this realm, the creatures are used for labor or for sporting events; or sometimes as simple pets. The more humanoid ones can even communicate; albeit a bit differently, than the ones who worked with them. The system was not cruel to them, and they did not seem to mind their work. However, the group I was captured by used them for thievery, extortion, and even murder. Using force upon those captured, including torture and forced control of the mind; the Syndicate was able to enslave me and several others into doing their bidding. My 'jailor' so to speak, was a perverted member of one the animals. I'd rather not speak of his deeds, for I am certain his list of victims is lengthy, and his crimes are that of humans, regardless of his species. Forced coupling, physical and mental abuse, murder, the list goes on. Bruiser is all that his name implies, and he was a wicked sight to behold...

Even after escaping the syndicate's hold; and only bearing bruises to my name; no don't give me that look. He did nothing to me like that. He only administered physical pains to me. Anyway, myself and Caim would clash with him several times after that incident; and each time I would leave burns on his skin. The one before... the giant beasts I think, regarded me burning him alive until he was only a husk of a living thing. I wanted him to suffer as I did... Unfortunately, it did not take as planned, and he had walked again; even after has limbs torn from him by a resident telepath, Jenny."

There was another pause, and Tajuh decided to ask the million dollar question,"Okay, so where does the Author come into the equation?"

Angelus covered her face with a hand, and gave another sigh,

"After the fiasco with Red Mage was cleared up, we thought the Authors were safe in their dimension. We were wrong... Dead wrong. Somehow, he traveled to the Author's Universe, kidnapped Teri and held her hostage until I arrived there as well. She had not been fed, nor watered, and had to rely upon her powers of apparation to sustain herself. You see, when the Authors use their powers, particularly to make something 'change', it drains them of their energy. In Teri's case, it was a knack for calling in needed supplies. However, I could see Bruiser over-exerted her limits. Furthermore, she was exposed to the bitter cold of fresh snow, without any regard for her safety. She was scared, and alone. I even learned that she willingly gave up her freedom to protect her friends from his wrath. Apparently, he had been tracking them for some time, and they were wounded from his last assault.

This was all to draw me out, for his dark revenge against what I had done to him. That much I understood, and I knew he used her powers to call in various implements of torture. Oh, I certainly thought he meant to re-inact our previous interactions... No. It was far worse."

She stopped again, and her fists shook in anger, "He seeked to use those items upon the Writer, who started it all. A simple girl; no power, no worth to him. He almost did too, and had the board ready to start de-nailing her. Were it not for these,"

She showed the burnt flesh on her arms,

"And our allies timely arrival; I-.... I do not like to think of what could have happened. So now you know. Now, tell me, what happened for you to ask me this?"

 

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

Rugal cursed as the writer was unable to find the exit and seemed more concerned about his minor arrow to the knee then getting the hell out of this madhouse.
"Don't you worry about me. Plenty of time to see to that Aft-*Wince*-Wards...." He grit though his teeth as the pain became briefly accute following a mis-step caused by the moving floor.
"Blast it, I swear, that woman will be the death of me!" He shouted in anger as he pressed his back to a what felt like the wall of the training room.
He released his grip on the writer and said "We should be on one of room's actual walls now, can you make anything out?"

 

[bluecrimson]

Hell on the Rising Dawn: AKA, Slindis' training room

The quaking of the room grew immensely, and the rods seemed to come from every angle. Judging from how they were able to do that and seeing how the arrows could flu through the room unhindered, there had to be holes in the walls. However, the two could hear a faint whistling about 30 feet to the northwest of their current position.

Could that be the way out?

Angelus

Tajuh leaned over in the chair and propped his head with his left hand. "Fuck, I thought it might be some sort of trauma. She must have been caving from the aftereffects of it. Now Angelus, I'm going to have her with you, your partner, Melethia, and any others you wish to have along. Before you criticize me, her inner demons would eat at her if she were forced to stay on the ship, and she may fear getting captured again. In addition, sticking close to you may reassure her that it'll be safe. I'm not doing this out of any sense of hatred."

He hoped that Angelus trusted his judgement. Although this was the first case where an Author had been hunted down in their home, there were plenty of cases where people who were extremely creative had been swallowed into games they had liked, and not many in the Guard liked having to clean up after those messes.

Canteen

She nodded. "Okay, so this is your hand size... are you gonna be wearing a leather glove underneath, or should I make one out of Chainmail to wear under it as well?" The young girl went into one of the pouches, pulling out some Mithril sheets and some sheets of a purplish metal. "I'll see if I can use this stuff as a base, then work the Mithril into it to give you a light and durable gauntlet. Or maybe an alloy?"

The girl began heating up the samples of metal with an ebony wand, taking great care to control the rate of the fire. Before long, both metals were hot enough to begin working with them. "SO, Mister Fionn, which one would you want more? The first one's a bit better for casting although it's only mildly stronger, the other gives a bit of casting away for a lot more durability."

 

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

Hell on the Rising Dawn: AKA, Slindis' training room
Rugal felt the wall behind him with his hand and found a small hole.
It'd purpose became clear once a arrow raced out of it.
And they were right in front of it.
"...Oh great. Teri, Away from the wall!" He said as he moved her away from it just a another arrow passed by.
"Christ, we are like sitting ducks out here! Come on, *Wince*." The fighter said before his wounded knee flared up again.
"...Wait....think I hear something....Wind?...There! in that Direc*Wince*ion!" He said as he pointed north, towards the source of the sound.

 

[bluerocker]

Hell on Rising Dawn

With a wistful sigh, Teri grabbed onto Rugal's arm and began running towards the sound of wind,

"You're right, under these conditions, treating that wound will do you ill. Let's get you out of here quickly! To the wind!"

There was a panicked moment of running from the arrows, as well as a few painful bumps on Teri's part for being the lead, but the duo found themselves surrounded in light. Although temporarily blinded, Teri looked around for a chair or something to which she could seat Rugal. Upon finding on, she sat him down quickly and began her medical duties; the new light making it much easier for the girl to take a looksie at her medical book.

Angelus

"WHAT?! I... I knew that the events that occured had rendered her mute; but I had no idea it had this level of damage.... Are you sure she can handle fieldwork yet? I understand the Paladin is training her; but I do not think her current skills will enable her survival out there. We're dealing with the fallen Divine! I understand her God is the same as the ones the host used to serve, but I don't think that will give us an advantage. Don't get me wrong, I don't want her to suffer any more than you do, but... I worry the battle will not do her any more good than the Rising Dawn will."

 

[bluecrimson]

Outside of Slindis' training room.

As Teri mended to the injuries that Rugal incurred, Slindis walked into the area ans shook her head. [color=c20000]"Disappointing. Teri, one simple spell from your part would have made that half-hour exercise a five-minute jaunt. Now step aside so that I can fix Rugal up."[/color] It was clear in her tone of voice that this had taken much longer than she had thought was necessary.

Tajuh and Angelus

He sighed and began speaking in an even tone. "She's going to have to adapt, Angelus. One of my former colleagues was first met no more than an hour after her brother was killed. Was she ready at the time? No. A trial by fire eventually made her the person she was, but she didn't get there because me and the man I was with thought she needed coddling." His memories flashed back to the fiery brunette when he had met her with that friend of his and paused for a moment before continuing with more anger in his voice.

"And it's because we are dealing with the Fallen that makes me want her in the temple. If he were to attack the ship while we were gone and find her, what's stopping him from using her to his ends?! Tell me, Angelus! This isn't easy in either case, but she's here, and I'm not going to have her pulled out of here and tip off our hand well before it's ready and get us all killed!"

 

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

[color=c20000]"Disappointing. Teri, one simple spell from your part would have made that half-hour exercise a five-minute jaunt. Now step aside so that I can fix Rugal up."[/color]

Rugal seemed...less then pleased to have been subjected to that entire exercise without a single word of warning.
He flinched and gasped in pain as Slindis checked the arrow in his knee.
It went clean though the knee-cap and out the other side, She had to admit, most men wouldn't be able to sit upright let alone walk with a wound like that.
Then something happened.
"....Heh.....hehahahah..hahahahahah-Ahahahaahah! Oh lord...You know when you survive some god-awful event like that....and there is a little part of you that says "Let's do that again"? I just heard that. Something has been knocked loose, that's for sure." He laughed, the anger seemingly fading from his system.
"Still, despite her lack of preparation, I will admit Teri held up better then most. Esspecially for someone who not been our line of work for long." He complemented the writer, something to ease the pain of her master's lesson.

 

[bluerocker]

"Disappointing. Teri, one simple spell from your part would have made that half-hour exercise a five-minute jaunt. Now step aside so that I can fix Rugal up."

"Still, despite her lack of preparation, I will admit Teri held up better then most. Esspecially for someone who not been our line of work for long.

Teri winced and facepalmed when she realized what spell her teacher was speaking of "'Light the way!' Of course! Duh! Mhn... I definitely need to study my book harder..."

 "I understand my lack of preparedness made things go longer ma'am, but I thought that having a large stock of healing spells would, generally speaking, be better off. Is there a general ratio for healing vs. non-healing spells?"

As she waited for her teacher's response, the young cleric brightened up considerably from Rugal's praise. If a (crazy) professional martial artist thought that she, an inexperienced Cleric, did well in the situation, it was one hell of a confidence boost! This too reflected for Rugal's end, when he sensed the smallest "flare" from the trainee. Obviously, to him, his words had a positive effect on the girl.

Angelus

The dragon gritted her teeth, but could see the point Tajuh was making, *sigh* "Damn it all... You are right. If she was taken hostage, Caim, myself and the Tonberry would be helpless; and we'd lose a somewhat competent medic. Very well. I'll keep her near, as well as with Ton Ton. He seems to have a positive effect on her as well. We'll see how it goes."

 

[bluecrimson]

Outside the training room

Slindis quickly tended to the wounds, talking to Teri while doing so. [color=c20000]"Teri, if you're a cleric, it would be best for you to not prepare any healing spells. I've worked with plenty in my time, and even the most basic cleric can convert their spells into positive energy spells at any time. Keeping that in mind, it would be better to spread out into utility spells, since you can always convert them later."[/color] In less than five minutes, she sealed up the arrow wounds on Rugal and spread out her Lay on Hands to ease the bruises.

Angelus and Tajuh

Tajuh calmed down. "I can understand your concern as well, Angelus, but she's a grown woman. You have to let her stand on her own two feet. Although it sounds cruel, throwing someone into the fire does make them tougher. Who knows, she may surprise the both of us. I've seen as much before in my time." He sighed again, calming himself down. But had Angelus detected a hint of concern in the man's voice for Teri?

 

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

Rugal remained completely still during the procedure, merely wincing every once in a while during the removal of the bolt.
Great....now I have to get this pair of trousers repaired... He thought, wondering if there was anyone who was good at sewing on board as the Drow finished up.
"Right, Thank you, though please inform me beforehand if "Training" Consists of being shot at while you watch. I understand the value and the reasons behind it, just would like to keep this suit intact. It was hard enough to send this one." He said as he got up, testing his new knee, leaning on it.
"Impressive, good as new. Tell me...What magic is that exactly? Might come in handy."

 

[bluerocker]

Outside the Training from Hell

[color=#0E59E4]"Yes ma'am! Focus on utility! I guess that means more homework for me... >_<; "[/color]

Teri perked up at the question,

"That would be Divine Magic, sir! As the name implies, by praying to a god, in my case, the Christian God, or Ms. Slindis' The Silver Flame, we're able to use our spells! However, I did hear of some clerics that just worship an ideal, and they get spells that way.... But I've no idea how they do that. Lots of determination, I guess...."

Angelus

Angelus shifted uncomfortably, and spoke again, "Believe me when I tell you this, I am not one usually one to coddle; but the fact that her existence is what it is; the idea of the possible death of a young girl will turn my world upside down is... Nerve-wracking. She's nice enough, but I do not like the idea of putting an Author in harms way; especially my own. The consequences could be dire, as you just said....

But that makes me wonder as well; do you always worry about those whom are your crew so acutely? You've latched onto the idea of the girl rather tightly it seems. I'd have to warn you; an open heart is only trouble. It will lead you to your own destruction."

 

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

And I'm off

Goodnight everyone

Rugal processed this new information and couldn't help but let out a small grin.
"That's all? And there was me thinking it was something that would take years of training and focus." He laughed as he got from the chair he was sat on.
"Right, I'd say that's enough excitement for one day. I'm going to retire to my quarters before you come up with another mad exercise that nearly gets me killed. I'll meet with you all later." He said as he walked off to the Captain's Quarters, the tapping of his cane sounding though the hallways.

 

[bluerocker]

Not Quite...

Teri nodded along, and then froze, realizing the mistake she just made; she tried running after the Cartel owner, and yelled

"No, WAIT! It DOES take work and effort and all those other things! I just meant how Clerics and Divine casters got their-

As she turned the corner, Rugal was already gone. Pretty deft man, for recently being blinded.

"...Spells... Oh, FUDGEMONKEYS! Why can't I do anything right?!"

 

[bluecrimson]

Outside the Training from Hell

Slindis nodded. [color=c20000]"Now you're starting to learn. I know that you can do far better, so pick it up. Complacency is not the goal here, Teri. You can always improve. Take a look at Rugal. He thought this would be simple for him, and he quickly learned otherwise. For now, use some of your magic to heal your wounds."[/color] Although her training was harsh, Teri could see how this Paladin was an effective teacher. Even if it did leave her with bruises all over again.

The paladin placed a hand on Teri's shoulder, since it hadn't been hit in the training. [color=c20000]"Let him think that. If he can accomplish it with knowing nothing of the subtleties of magic, let him. You don't have to concern yourself - you can pick up on them, even if you don't know it."[/color]

Teri has reached level 3! Teri can now use Level 2 spells! But she still can't wield simple weapons...

Angelus

Tajuh closed his eyes. "Angelus, I fully understand the situation here. You think I'm comfortable saying that the best choice is sending Teri through hell? The options before me dictate my current choice. And if you would say that having me shut off and be a cold man because of what I do is the only choice before me, then I'll make my own path. You don't know a goddamn thing about my life, where I've been, what I've seen, or how much I've had to sacrifice for it all to be how it is right now. So don't you dare tell me to give up anything else when you know as the ant does of the furthest depths of the cosmos, Angelus of the Scarlet Flame."

 

[bluerocker]

Outside of Training from Hell

Teri was still deflated by not being able to rectify her mistake in wording with Rugal; but with her teacher's words, decided to listen to her advice.

[color=#0E59E4]"Well, if you say so Ma'am... But I'd hate to think I'd lead anyone astray. Who know's he might even want to serve a-"[/color]

She stopped in mid thought, and gave a laugh,

"Oh, who am I kidding? He's like Caim, all fight and 'my own strength' and stuff like that. Hmph, I wonder if he even has the patience for it... Oh well. So, what's next, Ma'am? Back to the Infirmary? Spell review?"

Angelus

At first, the dragon felt anger for the insolence of the human before her, but decided to hold her tongue. A dragon has to keep her dignity about her; after all. Instead, she only gave a laugh and said,

"So quick to offend, aren't you? I was not commanding you to do anything. No man or beast can make you do anything; save for those that reach into the mind and forcibly control others... Well, that's aside from the point. I was merely giving you adivce. To constantly worry about the needs of the many will lead you into misery. However, that does not mean I told you to be COMPLETELY heartless. Don't take my words so harshly, human.

Now, all I've to say is; when I ask why you're interested in my Author and you go on a triad about your life. And you call me ignorant or foolish. Perhaps you are the one in need of some guidance as well, if your past distracts you so much..."

The dragon knew her barbs were a bit harsh; but she could tell that the man before her had just as much baggage as any other. The sooner he let it out; the better, she figured.

"Like draining pus from a wound..."

Funny Captcha strikes again!: Thank you

"You will later.."

 

[bluecrimson]

Outside of Training from Hell

Slindis nodded. [color=c20000]"We can review effective spell combinations in the Infirmary, Teri."[/color] She led the way, and Teri noticed Slin moved a little bit slower to allow the author to keep up.

Angelus

Tajuh took a moment to collect himself. If this were any other situation, he'd already be gone. After all, who in the hell was this Dragon to tell him to be callous? "You tell me to go against everything I've done for the long time I've lived and you expect me to brush it off. Amusing, that. I was concerned about your author as I would be for any one of my allies. Nothing more, nothing less. SWhy is it so wrong for me to be concerned about her well-being?" As he tried to cool down some more, his memory went back to that last time he saw his two old companions.

Look, you don't owe me a damn thing. You and Sam can't keep living like this, and I've already talked with him.
Tajuh, what the hell? You were supposed to be the best man at the wedding!
I know, but the terms were really clear on this. Justin, you deserve a lot better than this. After all, you're getting it fixed as well in the deal. Jump in a cold pool when you arrive if you don't trust me.
You're kidding me. You're fucking kidding me!
I'm not. Well, there's the portal. Be a good father, man. I already know you've got it in you.
You don't have to do this, Tajuh! You're giving up way too much for us!
I don't really care what this means for me as long as you two are happy. See ya.

He opened his eyes and remembered that it was the anniversary of that last meeting, blocking out the memory with a voice dripping with sarcasm. "So then, deign this puny mortal with your infinite knowledge and guidance, because I clearly don't know what the hell I'm doing." It wasn't Angelus, but anyone that had acted like they knew everything about him from the moment grated on the man.

Angelus could tell from the way that he held himself that his life span wasn't nearly the same as any regular human.

 

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

Rugal soon found his quarters, all fixed and cleaned up after he ordered that Drop Pod there.
It was as if Dillon had never been in this room, just how he liked it.
Finding his way to the kind-sized bed, He sat down and laid back, thinking about what Teri had told him about that spell Slindis used.
Belief in a idea in order to heal? Tsh, child's play.... He thought as he held his hand in front of him and focused, spending the rest of his time trying to get it to work.