Legends of the Fifth Crusade, A Wrath of the Righteous Gestalt Campaign

Game Master Divinitus

I dot this thread with my Abyssal power! *FIERCE DEMONIC ROAR ACCOMPANIED BY LOTS OF FLAMES!*

This thread is now dotted; "I'll show the demons what true ferocity is!" *BRIGHT GREEN PSIONIC ENERGY BURSTS FORTH*

Chi was in the sewers of Kenebras, surrounded by small rodents that called her sewer hideaway home. She was swirling the latest concoction back and forth. Trying to make sure it was stable when some loud noise made her jump, causing the concoction to become dangerously volatile...

Her ears went flat as she knew what was coming next. "Ohnoe, not again...."

The explosion was missed by those on the surface, a small smoke cloud escaping from a sewer drain was the only indication of what happened below.

"Dotted, yes yes."
DOTDOTDOTDOTDOT.

Just a heads up when im using differant fonts, [ b ] and "" are what Lune is saying, [ I ] is what she is thinking, and [ b ] and [ I ] at the same time is what Loth, the Urge, is thinking.

Dot. Also, I follow the basic outline for text formatting, though I usually do "<Words>" when speaking in a strange language like Aklo - I've found that it helps to provide everyone else with more of a visual clue when my characters' speech would sound strange.

Very good point. Most of the time I would use Google translate and Latin or something fitting and them paste the original text in the spoiler. And leave the different language in my post like normal but <.> would make it easier for sure. :)

Chi, I was, of course, assuming PCs actually sounded out the strange language, like "Ihraek sothin veritiis, no mek saarkhot neemrehk bodasu!" and yes, I just made that up lol!

right on will do so then! :)

Yvulgtlagln r'luhor orr'e - stell'bsna ee. ^^

For decades, demons have ruled the Worldwound. Fearsome fiends of every stripe—their mottled skin harder than iron, teeth like serrated blades, and eyes burning with Abyssal flames—roam the ruined lands that were once known as Sarkoris, leaving their mark wherever they go. Four crusades have attempted to cleanse the land, but each seems to meet a worse fate than the last. Were it not for the line of magical wardstones along the eastern and southern borders, the demons would have long ago overrun northcentral Avistan and beyond.

But all hope is not lost, for in the city of Kenabres, one of the last bastions of civilization before the seething corruption of the Worldwound, a group of unknowing heroes stir, their souls burning brightly in the darkness. Though the Fourth Crusade is in its last, dying moments, these heroes will arise to combat the darkness... unlikely heroes chosen by fate to be the vanguard of the forces of light. Whether they succeed and stand as the saviors of Avistan and Golarion itself or die and join the fields formed from the copses of slain crusaders, this is their story... the story of the Fifth Crusade.

Details on this day in which the story begins! For several weeks, excitement has been building in Kenabres... Armasse is coming! Traditionally an opportunity for scholars and priests to come together to study the lessons of history from wars past, since Aroden’s death, this holy day has become more about training commoners in weaponry, choosing squires, and ordaining new priests.

Over time, Armasse has grown to encompass jousting competitions, mock duels, battle reenactments, and other festival events. In Kenabres, the festival (which takes place on 16 Arodus) is eagerly anticipated, for it provides distractions from the horrors of being on the front line of the war. Smiles on faces normally marred by downcast eyes and furrowed brows do wonders for city morale in the weeks leading up to the event.

Armasse is a citywide celebration, but the majority of the event, including its jousting matches and other entertainments, takes place at Clydwell Plaza, just west of the cathedral.

Introduce yourselves and RP what you are doing. Once everyone is acquainted, we will begin the story in earnest!

Korina smiled slightly, as if listening to a sound nobody else could hear as she watched the celebration begin. It was quite nice to have been released from that cell in time to endure the festivities - she did enjoy a good party, especially when better food and drink were involved. Unfortunately, Thuaarlla couldn't really come out and enjoy things - she'd had quite enough of questioning and inquisitioning and such for quite some time, even if she did have a natural capacity to easily recover from such ordeals.

On the bright side, her many of her well-wishers (mostly people distracted by her appearance before she'd been brought in for questioning) had shown up to greet her, and she'd spent the day renewing her social connections, charming just about everyone she met, and generally making nice. A little bit of flattery was often all she needed to get practically anything she wanted... so it was probably fortunate for the city that she didn't have much in the way of worldly desires.

For now, however, she'd casually wandered over to where the sporting events were happening. In a city under a constant cloud of war, people gathered together to cheer while watching their soldiers work to bash each other around! Indeed, there were often more cheers when the soldiers fought each other than when they fought the enemy, regardless of who won. People were so odd, weren't they? Oh, well.

"Hmm, maybe someone would be willing to give me a lesson in dancing..." she mused thoughtfully as she passed into Clydwell Plaza. That could be helpful in the future, particularly if she ever attended a high-society event.

Chi stroked the head of a dire rat as she mixed together another concoction of chemicals. She had tried to ignore the ever gor thunder of voices from her hovel in the sewers of Kenebras. But it was growing more and more burdensome to remain ignorant of the celebration of Armasse.

"Wondering ifn' glass items will be half off eh Jitters? She scratches the dire rat under his chin as other rats and mice approach and try to snuggle up again her bent legs. "Not now everyone. Its time for a trip to the surface. Gotta get my shopping done while there is things left to buy." She wondered where Pun could have gotten off to but she knew most likely it was something sort of mischief that Chi wanted to be left out of.

She stood, gently scattering the amassed rodents as she rose to her full height. She picked up the concoction and tucked it into her belt before heading towards the closest sewer grate. A tucked away place in an alleyway sheused often. Despite the familiarity she had though she wasn't a fool and made sure to bring her weapons this time. Packing up her backpack in case she got a really good deal.

Before climbing up she focused on the woman from a few years ago, trying her best to visualize her features. When she opened her eyes her ratfolk form was replaced by that of an elven woman with flame red hair and purple eyes. The form would have been beautiful if not for the burns that still marred a good portion of her left side.

"Dont be afraid. They take pity on the injured here... Chi has to fulfill her promise... " She pulls out her symbol of Deana and quietly prayed before releasing it and climbing up to the street. Once at the surface she quietly slipped into the crowd...

Skirting about underneath the busy and happy streets above Lune was all too eager to peer out of the runoff grates above that enabled a good view of the rabble's shoes, and occasionally a few dropped coins within tail or arms reach.

Getting caught up in the mirth above she can't help but to begin singing along with the people above, the dancers and instruments players, the tricksters and the partygoers, the children and the drunkards.

Perform (Sing): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

As she opens her mouth what comes forth at first is more of a croak and the sounds of glass upon stone before fading to a demure voice that fitted more along the lines of singers rather than beasts.

She continues her daily inspections of the drains and sewer ways as she goes about her song, careful to duck down even more out of sight if she thinks someone above starts to pinpoint where the sounds might be coming from.

While avoiding those above her singing does attract the attention of one below, deep beneath her thoughts.
The fools dance until they're dead
Whether on the battlefield or in their bed
The dance all day, the dance all throughout the night
The fools rush in where angels dare to tread
Dancing, until they're dead

Khayalani walked the streets unhindered by the mirth the others experienced. To her today was a rest day, no more and no less, and even on a rest day she'd practice with her blade. It was strange to see such festivities when one knew what lurked on the other side of the walls.

The thought of the Worldwound alone was enough to make her want to go out there and kill demons and cultists until she was felled. The one reason she did not do so was because she knew that that moment would come to soon to do any real damage. That saddened her but the only thing she could do about it was train more and train harder. Eventually, once she was comfortable in her own strength, she would go out there and kill as many as she could, plugging the Worldwound with corpses.

Yet today was a day of happiness, the eye of the storm. Slowly a small smile crept on her face. This was good, these people needed to relax. Some times the bow needed to be unstrung to spare both the string and the wood, releasing the tension before either would break. She smiled and then made started to make her way to Clydwell, the centre of the festivities.

Ellismus leaned up against the wall, taking comfort in the shadows of the alley, as he watched the revellers pass by on the streets. He shrugged his pack to shift it on his back to a more comfortable spot. It contained everything he owned, having just been ejected from his home by his mentor, and effectively ejected from the small church of Kelinahat. Cast out on the day of Armasse... How fortuitous... Perhaps I should hop the wall and head into the Wound... The thought of entering the Worldwound gave him pause, the memory of the beautiful woman who had saved him those years ago flashing across his mind. Why am I thinking of her after all this time... He sighed. Looks like I'll not get an opportunity to brood and sulk today.

The fetchling slipped out from the alley and wove his way silently through the crowd, making his way towards Clydwell Plaza where most of the party-goers were headed. He shook his head to himself at their giddiness and blissful ignorance. Even if an event such as this can be helpful towards maintaining morale, there should be some limitations. We need to be ever vigilant with the tainted so near.

Tryggves expression held an annoyed grimace, even as he made his way to the festivities. He had come to Kenabres to fight demons and enjoy the festivities currently taking place, not to be accosted at the front gate and interrogated.

"But really, what did I expect from a crusader city?"

After all, his appearance and size were enough to draw the wrong type of attention at times. He was actually concerned that the interrogators would try to get rough with him at one point, which would have resulted in a very unpleasant reversal if they did. Thankfully he didn't have to cause trouble for himself, they had released him after an hour and allowed him to wander the city, telling him to return the next day once the festivities had ended.

Even so, the bright music and energy surrounding him did help to lessen his annoyance, and as he made his way to the Clydwell Plaza, he couldn't help but feel the energy and excitement of the people affect him. Dancing, food, tests of strength and knowledge, and the smiles of the city folk as they enjoyed good food and company were all infectious to him. Under the cover of his hood, Tryggve allowed himself a small smile.

"At least I can enjoy myself before we jump into the Abyss..."

Continuing to the plaza, the near-Albino scratched his back; his scar was beginning to itch again...

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

A faint hum came from Korina's mouth as she continued through the streets, listening to the surprisingly excellent singing she could occasionally hear from below. However, she was nothing if not whimsical, and she paused in her steps as she moved along, then quietly circled around someone else as he reached to scratch his back. She hopped forward a moment later, tilting her body a bit and smiling as she looked at Tryggve. "Hello." she said, giving him one of her better smiles. Of course, a man in his position might be one of the relatively small number who weren't immediately captivated by her appearance. Well... all of her appearance, anyway. Her appearance was similar to his in several ways - she was much smaller overall, of course, but her abnormally pale hair and vividly red eyes were actually quite similar to his. "Hmm... tall, tough, healthy... how very interesting. People with our hair and eyes don't usually get so big. Are you part giant, perhaps a few generations back?" This seemed to be a completely serious question on her part.

While scratching the damn scar, something caught Tryggve's attention; a small flash of white out of the corner of his eye. This wouldn't be something to usually catch his attention, since there were many who chose to wear white clothes today, but something about it was...strange. He turned his head to where the quick flash came from, but found nobody. Brushing it off, he turned and conti-

"Hello"

Looking down, Tryggve's heart stopped for a moment. The resemblance was uncanny at first; snow white hair, pale red eyes, and the smile were the same that she had. Mind going blank for a split second, he quickly recovered, remembering that it couldn't be who he was thinking of. Her face and structure were different, and the smile she had was more cordial than innocent; not that it didn't have kindness in it. He shook his head and cleared his thoughts, focusing on the present again.

It was odd that someone Tryggve had never met was paying attention to him, even if she seemed like an odd individual herself. With her own abnormal looks, he guessed that she was no stranger to abnormal attention herself, though probably more friendly than he was used to. Scratching his head curiously, the near-Albino thought on the young woman's question.

"Part Giant...how many times have I heard THAT question..."

"I don't know, a lot of people have asked me the same question...I'm just a pretty big human, I guess." With a curious glance toward the young girl, he continued, trying his attempt at a friendly joke; they had only just met, but see seemed friendly enough.

"And don't kids usually not talk to strangers?" He was fairly tall, so she only came up to about his shoulders, even if she was rather tall for a young woman.

"I suppose we all look like kids from up there, but I'm old enough to drink alcohol, fight as a soldier, and get married. Probably in that order. Most cultures consider anyone who can do that to be an adult, and nobody ever advised adults to avoid talking to strangers. Besides, you seem lacking in companions, and what is the purpose of a social festival like this one if not to share it with the company of others? I'm afraid that most of my friends are a little over-eager for my company, so perchance we could both benefit from exploring these entertainments together."

She had a... slightly odd way of choosing her words, didn't she? All of them were delivered very seriously, however, but the crux was simple: she'd be happy to stay with him throughout the day's activities (as a companion, if not a friend... yet), and might possibly ask him to intimidate anyone who bothered her too much. Being attractive had its uses, but it could also be dreadfully inconvenient when others took their responses too far...

"Uhhh..." Tryggve was taken back by the straightforward answer the young woman gave him. Her logic wasn't wrong, but it was blunt and to the point, killing his small joke before it had a chance to breath. In any case, he had to agree with her; it would be nice to have a companion to spend the evening with. But for someone to suddenly want to spend time with him of all people...there was something a little too strange about it, even if the person in question was incredibly attractive.

"Then again," he thought, "It does seem like she wants me around to keep these over-eager friends away. I guess I can understand." He smiled softly; even in peaceful situations, people usually liked him around for his ability to scare off others. Still, he would take what he could get.

"Sure," he replied with a small grin, "Why not? Besides, you seem like someone who's lived here a while. Maybe you can show me around?"

Korina smiled brightly, then stepped to Tryggve's side and began pointing out the major attractions of the area. "Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions. The city has grown very quickly over the years, and any information you received before coming here may be wrong." she observed, indicating the area of the plaza. "The festivities will be taking place across much of the city today, but we're actually very close to the interesting events. I do not understand why watching men fight each other instead of demons brings so much celebration, but the benefit to morale is surely worth it." She was actually quite cheerful while talking, though most people probably wouldn't have described jousting tournaments in that particular way. "Ah, is there anything in particular you are interested in seeing, or would you prefer a more general tour?"

Chi made her way into the plaza, uncomfortable with the crowded area and so many bodies she had to bump against in her attempt to make it through. One person even so much as knocked her hood off, thankfully they were quick to apologize and gave her a wide berth. Her burns had that affect on people, they looked so fresh that it made people grimace even though the injury was years old now...

She kept her eyes open for decent glass wares and other bottles and baubles for sale. She could barely resist her basic nature wanting nothing more than to snatch up every shiny bauble and thingamajig in sight. But logic thankfully prevailed, better to have shiny useful things then lots of shiny useless things...

"Thank you, I think the general tour will work; I don't know jack about this city, to be honest...y'know, besides the crusade stuff. I'm Tryggve, by the way." He held his hand out to her in greeting, still slightly grinning.

After said greetings, Tryggve felt somebody bump into him from the side. Suspicion and a deadly serious glare entered his expression, his head whirling around and his body quickly jumping away to see who it was; he was no stranger to pickpockets or those attempting to sneak attack him, so his instincts kicked in almost instantly. Red eyes caught sight of a cloaked woman; a red-haired elf, to be precise.

"Hey, how about y-!" he was about to tell her to back off, still not knowing what her intentions were, when he noticed the burn marks across the left side of her face. He didn't levy his suspicions for a bit, but he couldn't help but ask.

"Nine Hells, you alright there?"

Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

It felt like she had ran into a wall, she staggered though as the wall turned revealing itself to be a thickly built, lean muscled and staggering tall human in front of her. When the angry words started she wilted visibly at first. When his tone changed she realized her burns were visible again and quickly moved to cover the left side of her face.

She looked at him as she tried to answer. "Very..." Looking away with a well executed cough, followed by a ruffling of her cloak as she looked away from him this time. "Yes, it is an old injury, demons fire doesn't heal well. Sorry for running into you." She makes to move past then. "Enjoy Armasse."

Lingering on one view for a little longer than the others she catches a sight of people bumping into each in the frenzy of festival. She doesn't think anything of it until she notices burns running up the side of the female in the altercation.
"Ch-Chi needs help!"

Brute who picks on the wounded
Grind his bones into dust
Gobble him up and s%$! him out

Scurrying over to a ladder leading to one of the manholes she quickly dons her thick Shelynite vestaments. Double checking to make sure none of her anatomy is peeking out from under the folds of the robes she begins her ascent into the happenings of the humans above. Propping up the cover slightly she takes a quick 360 scan around the area, a simple barren alleyway at the moment. Climbing out and replacing the cover she does one final inspection of herself before moving into the crowds.

Covered in robes blue and white with trims of silver she moves about the outskirts of the groupings, though her priestly gains her only a slight berth and a few bows from the rest of the common folk which she returns with a humble but anxious grace. Finally spotting the legs belonging to the man involved in the scuffle with Chi the seemingly squat, rotund priestess in very baggy robes points an accusatory finger at the man as her eyes narrow, at least that is what one would infer, as the sleeves of the robes drape long past her hands.

And now we have his face

Putting aside the ruffian for the moment she begins to scan the crowds for the burned women.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

"Ah." Korina said, nodding as she looked up at Tryggve, then back at the priestess. "Religious tolerance is such a wonderful thing. I'm glad that so many of our clergy remember to keep kindness, charity, and understanding at the forefront of their thoughts even as they work to protect us from demons. It is most inconvenient when they leap to conclusions and so disrupt our contributions to the war effort." she said blandly. The pale-haired girl moved on to the rest of the festival a moment later, apparently not even slightly bothered by the encounter. "...And these are the food stalls, where numerous unsuspecting birds are butchered and roasted for the festival, their lives used to strengthen our efforts against our enemies..."

"Ah, wai-" But the woman was already gone. Tryggve quickly padded himself down, realizing that nothing was missing. Realizing he was harsh with her when she hadn't done anything, he clucked his tongue in annoyance. It was pure instinct and reflex, but that didn't make him feel any less guilty about it.

"Damn it, now I feel like an ass." Tryggve shook his head in disappointment. When Korina spoke of the Priestess, he glanced over to a small break in the crowd, where a woman in priestly robs was pointing and glaring at him. His expression was quizzical, surprised by the weirdly hostile motion, but then narrowed his eyes and glared in return as the woman walked away.

"The hell was that about?" He thought, eyeing the crowd carefully. He could understand what Korina was talking about, since her own similar appearance probably gave her the same kind of trouble, but something told him that the priestess wasn't exactly pointing at him for religious or discriminatory reasons. Satisfied that nothing else about the crowd seemed odd, he began following Korina as she began to show him around.

As Tryggve listened to the pail-haired girl as she showed him around the various stalls, he couldn't help but quirk an eyebrow. He had met some strange individuals, but nobody this straight forward in general conversation. It was no wonder why she had a lot of over-enthusiastic friends that she'd rather avoid; they probably hung around her for her beauty rather than her whole company itself.

"You're pretty grim and blunt when making a point, aren't you?" He asked this in a matter-of-fact manner; he didn't mind, but he just wasn't used to it, and there were plenty of people who would find it disturbing. Her whole attitude was, in all honesty, rather entertaining to him. It was certainly more interesting than the concerns of most women or men he met, who were interested in the next crop harvest or scandalous town rumor.

"Am I? I hadn't noticed." she said, upbeat and cheerful as she snagged a skewer of meat and tossed a coin to the stall's owner. "Of course, many people find the truth to be grim and depressing. They would rather comfort themselves with lies than find ways to make the truth happier, even if this is not an adequate long-term solution to their problems. People are very strange this way." Korina... probably had no right to say that about others, but she did seem to be having fun. "Ah, and these are the open contests. If you wish to contribute more to the war, doing well in these may get you noticed by the Knights and offer you a greater chance to do harm to our enemies. This festival is one of the best times to be noticed, so I recommend seriously considering entering here if fighting demons is what you wish to do."

She bit off a large piece of the meat and swallowed, then hummed slightly. "On the other hand, I do believe some of the most interesting events of the day will be starting soon, so you may wish to hold yourself back from committing violence against your fellow man. For the next hour or so, anyway. People might riot if they stopped the matches entirely."

"Yeah, I'll skip the tests of strength. I haven't practiced with another person since I was a kid; y'know, too risky now." Tryggve left his answer at that. Besides, after the negative attention from the front gate and with the street priestess, he didn't want to make his life any more hassled by revealing his 'gift' to a whole town of people. Shrugging, he continued.

"I do agree with you. I was never much for the 'good things happen to good people' morals or crap like that. Sometimes all you can hope for is to make your life worth something before you're six feet under." He paused, considering the kebab stand as they passed it, before stopping quickly to get one. After taking a bite, he continued."You know what they have planned for the main events, or are they different each year?"

Even while he conversed with the girl, the red-eyed man continued to scan the crowd, always being observant. After the last two encounters, he didn't feel exactly ready to rest. Did someone with a grudge tail him to the city? Recognize him? Or was it just a coincidence? Either way, he wanted to keep track of people who stood out from the crowd.

"The details may differ, but the idea behind the events is the same." Korina explained confidently. "In the end, their goal is to locate new warriors who can take the fights to the demons, and martial competitions are both socially popular and an effective way of measuring skill. In fairness, I must admit that any warrior who struggles against a normal human is unlikely to be very helpful when fighting demons, so the excessive violence of this festival may actually have a purpose." Either that or people just thought it was fun. Many humans were all too happy to veil their real intentions with something that sounded good on paper.

"Of course, I've always believed that we should simply be ourselves. The gods do not grant us equality in life, but people in any position will be equally welcomed to their afterlife." Well, most people would, anyway. The vast majority of Kenabres' residents were certainly going to end up somewhere reasonably pleasant unless the demons swooped in and stole all of their souls or something.

She tried to avoid running into people again this time. Running into that man was embarrassing to say the least and he quite frankly didn't appreciate it either by his initial tone. She chided herself for only a moment or two before catching sight of what she was looking for.

Glasswares...

After the recent explosion she found her alchemical supplies were low. So to speak. Damaged, broken and needing some replaced would be the more appropriate term. However all of it was expensive...

She picked up some sturdy looking vials with her free hand and kept the cloak tucked around her with the other. She haggled with the glass blower on his prices as Armasse continued on around her.

Wait! She likes the shinies! Yes, yes she does. With that thought she sets about looking for the place in the area containing the most "shinies" which, considering the festival going on, was harder than one would think. Eventually finding a shop filled with glass she has a small moment of glee as she notices Chi haggling over the shiny glassware. Approaching behind her she doesn't sag anything to interrupt the haggling but does give occasional quick glances to the side incase some uncouth ruffian tried to attack Chi again.

"Again, full agreement there." Tryggve glanced down, padding the part of his backpack that held his treasured ocarina. He certainly believed the same, but he never let himself completely assume that the afterlife would be paradise or at least relatively safe; at least not until he got there himself. He mumbled, red eyes glaring intently at the ground.

"If that's not the case, I'll have to make those changes myself..."

Shaking off old memories, he continued. "Anyway, I guess I'll wait until the main event to prove anything. Might as well enjoy myself for now, right? Do you know what else they-" He paused for a moment, smacking his forehead as if he realized something important.

"Jeez, I nearly forgot to ask, but what was your name?"

"I am Korina. I believe I have a last name, but I do not know what it is." This didn't seem to bother her very much - rather, she was simply answering a question before it could be asked. Chances were it was a perfectly ordinary last name... but who except their own would know what the Seekers called themselves in private? Ah, well. That wasn't a particularly large concern at the moment. As far as mortals went, a name was just something you called yourself, not the kind of Name that mattered to something from beyond the Material Plane. Even 'Korina' was nothing more than an approximation, but that was more detail than she needed to share with someone she'd just met, even if his presence was proving quite useful.

Chi completely her bargaining. Replenishing her supply of glasswares so that she could continue her alchemical research. The only downside was no one sold Demon body parts. A pity really. But she knew eventually she would face them again and she'd acquire...

She meeped as she turned to find Lune standing just behind her. She juggled her glassware and thankfully avoided dropping any. At least this time none of them were live mixtures...

She composed herself, tucking the glass tubes into her already bulging side pouches as she spoke. "Lune you are far too good at moving quietly. Shockingly so..." She adjusts her cloak. "Have you heard of anything interesting during Armasse?" Chi was lost as to what to do with all this uplander celebration, it was more loud than amusing but

"S-saw the big man picking on you. Won't let him. No. No. " The roughness in her voice fades as she speaks, her throat and mouth seemingly having to adjust itself every time she wishes to speak.

"Ack-choo!" Tryggve rubbed his nose, wondering where the sudden sneeze came from.

"Huh, I usually don't get allergies; that's weird." Shrugging it off, he turned his attention around to the stalls as they came upon a small opening. Red eyes scanned the contents of a fruit stand they passed buy, widening suddenly as they fell upon a small section. Tryggve stopped dead in his tracks, whole body seizing up as he locked his gaze upon the target. Diverting from the path he and Korina walked, the towering figure stood before the fruit seller, crimson gaze still filled with intense concentration.

Lifting his hand, the near-albino pointed to a section of the stand, asking quietly.

"How much for the strawberries?"

Lol and my response post was eaten,... sigh.

Even after days spent together Chi had to watch and listen carefully to process Lune's words correctly lest she accidently, again, misunderstand her. She couldn't help but blush with embarrassment as she spoke. "The big man... um... OH! He wasn't picking on me, I walked into a tall wall... uh. Muscul- Him! I think, that he thought, that I was trying to do something untoward though. He seemed angry for a moment until... But he wasn't picking on me Lune. Besides-!" She tries to change the subject as she remembers the white skinned, red eyed, muscular. Tall...

Her blush deepens as she reveals some of the shiny glass vials she acquired. Showing them to Lune as she smiled using the elven womans face. She ignored the sting as her burns cracked but it was a pain she had grown accustomed to. "I got these to replace the ones I destroyed accidentally."

I will have to hide them from mister Jitters, lest he try and steal them. Again.

"Oohh, nice shinies. Are they for Booming or Drinking?" As she lets her sight get lost in the glazed glass she instinctively pins her wrapped around tail to her side, lest its wagging give her away and bring undue trouble to the both of them.

Chi pauses, a little unsure how to answer for a moment before smiling and jingle them carefully as she responded. "Both~ ♥ I love alchemical mixtures it is so relaxing and the explosions are like firing my rifle. So exhilarating! ♥" Chi's unturned cheek becomes red as she she blushes at the thought of her first experience's with guns and alchemy.

The odd girl smiled slightly as the request for fruit was made. She was quite fond of most fruits, actually - at least, those that weren't acidic. Strawberries were the perfect size for eating on the go, though - and she enjoyed the fact that they matched her eyes. "You are fond of these." she observed. "Satisfying the cravings of your tongue now is a good plan. The food available while fighting against the demons is... less than delicious. Those with the magical talent to conjure better food are much beloved by our soldiers." she seemed quite amused at the thought.

"You have no idea," Tryggve replied, exchanging some coin for a small box of the delicious red fruit. His eyes nearly sparkled in anticipation; to him, strawberries were the one godsend in his life.

"I never had strawberries growing up. But once I started traveling several years ago, I happened upon a caravan of food traders who were transporting them cross-country." His eyes welled up in joy. "I never tasted something so sweet, yet thirst quenching. It was like nectar from the heavens themselves, blessing my tongue with pure satisfaction."

Thanking the merchant. he turned and opened the box, revealing the glittering forms of the soft, crimson fruit. Tryggve already felt his mouth begin to water, licking his lips in anticipation. It was almost comical just how seriously focused on the fruit he was. Grasping one, he gently cradled it in his hand as he lifted it up to his lips, and took a slow, smooth bite from it.

Closing his eyes and savoring the taste, a look of pure satisfaction spread across the near-albino's features.

Chi couldn't help but remind herself of her goals, walking along and turning to walk backwards as she looked back at Lune. "I know that one day I will discover the answer I seek. Maybe even a cure for what that creature did to me but more importantly I must find my kind and..." She paused as memories of only a few years ago surfaced. "... her."

She shakes her head before replacing her sudden worrying frown with a smile on her now elven face. "What do you plan Lune? What will you seek?" She continued to walk backwards, using her heightened sense to feel out the crowd and avoid them.

"Demons." her reply is flat and matter of factly.

The festival continues onward for another hour or so before everyone sees mounted knights riding slowly through the crowd and shouting out, "Hear ye, hear ye citizens of Kenabres! Within the hour the honorable Lord Hulrun, governor of this shining city, shall give give his speech and Arnasse can truly begin in earnest! Everyone, make your way to the cathedral to receive the Lord Inquisitor's blessing for the days to come!"

"Ah, yes. There it is." Korina said, nodding. "The time in which those who conform to the stated ideals are granted blessings by those in power, while those who have other ideas and ways of doing good in the world feel very awkward and pushed away by those who should be their allies. Let us proceed with boldness in our steps." She hummed as she made her way towards the Cathedral, ready to hear the Lord Inquisitor's words.

Though not exactly sure of what Korina meant, Tryggve didn't look forward as much to receiving a blessing from the Lord Inquisitor...whoever the hell that was. After his run in with the Inquisitors at the entrance and the rumors that surrounded them, he cared very little for them and their zealous methods. Still, getting a blessing wouldn't hurt. He followed behind Korina as the crowd made their way to the cathedral.

I'm guessing this Lord Inquisitor isn't actually that pleasant of a person either? Are ALL inquisitors such...well...jackasses?

Ellismus, having already been moving towards the Plaza where the throngs of people were to listen to Lord Hulrun's words, got to the area early enough to find a suitable location off to the side, away from press of people, and in the shadow of the cathedral.

Lune response was as she expected but before she had a chance to respond the criers words interrupted her thoughts. Chi tilted her head and listened, Lord Hulrun. An interesting name, one she heard before but never met the man in person. Probably for the best.

She shifted her direction, heading towards the square. "Let us see what this Lord Hulrun has to say on Armasse eh Lune? Besides I still need to get something for Mr. Jitters~" The crowd didn't bother her too much, she was used to places with less space. She only worried about being jostled and revealing her burns again, that bothered her...

"I suppose they are often as stubborn as donkeys." Korina mused. "Of course, dedication to their ideals appears to be a job requirement. In my experience, they are primarily concerned with the end result, and will accept most actions as long as they feel they can justify them somehow." Well, that was the kind of thing that happened when people tortured out confessions for a living... however, the girl didn't seem too bothered by it, despite her own history. She didn't see these things in the same way most people did.