"Sir Ryo, do you wish to call the patrol or a cleric? Or, keep this quiet?"
"Remove the writing and we can tell the guard someone has been murdered. Without the writing, they'll think another animal attack has occured. I'd prefer not to cause a wide spread panic where anyone traveling at night is a suspect.
Kannic Orefinder wrote:
"I know a little of undead 'complications'. Will your friend's corpse require special handling?"
"None of the others have risen. I beleive the creature that attacked us was used to kill her. The nosferatu is... young, so it may not be bold enough to attack directly."
The odd-looking thing attached to his belt can also be seen now. It almost looks like a hand crossbow by the grip that is visible, but it has no bowstring to speak of.
Careful, he'll think you're hitting on him if you mention it!
Kannic nods in agreement, his face still in the shadows. This lad is unlike the seers he has met before, but he knows what happens to people that fall out of favor with others. He knows too of the undead Ryo has described. The tunnels Below hold many secrets. It is unlikely that the covens he has crossed before would be so brazen.
"The people in The Above called them nosferatu, vampire was a more common term. They are creatures that are not alive, but they are not dead. They drink the blood of live beings, blood is to them as water is to us. We must find, destroy it, and then ram a stake through it's chest. Or expose it to sunlight. The light-crystal that provides us light is different from the light-crystal in the world above us, and at best made it uncomfortable."
He turns to look away, staring into a dark hallway. Suddenly, he pushes everyone back and holds a card in front of him.
"Shield!"
A pinkish-bubble appears around him... just in time to stop the huge, shadowy lupine that leaps from the shadows of the hallway. He yells again as he holds up another card, though you can't hear him from within the bubble, and a armored warrior weilding a blazing sword cuts down the creature. As it fades away, the bubble and tha warrior fade with it, though they seem to flow back into the cards.
"He knew I'd be here. Coward. What I just did, you must not tell anyone about. Each of you have either never been to one of the cities or have been gone for a long time. People like me, who can do what I did, are not trusted by many, and some have been executed in the fringe-cities. To everyone but you four, I am a simple Seer."
I'm assuming our (non gun-slinging)arcane party member is here as well.
Ryo walks out the door, taking a side street to bypass a group of drunks, and leads them to a house a few blocks away. Despite the urgency he had earlier, he now walks slowly, and his eyes don't seem to really be seeing anything.
"This is -was- my friend's house. If any here are faint of heart or stomach, do not go in."
He opens the door an walks inside. Those who follow him find the dessicated corpse of what was once a beautiful women, her throat torn out. One the wall next to her, in what may very well be her blood, is writing.
"Okay, kidnapped family is a good reason to find whatever's causing trouble and stop it, but do you think you can stop whatever this thing is by yourself? I can understand wanting to keep a low profile so you don't tip your hand, but it sounds like you're a bit outnumbered at the moment..."
"If only he had been kidnapped..."
"As far as I know, the creature works alone, save for it's summoned animals. Come with me if you want..." He trails off as his hand goes to his tattoo again.
"The less people involved, the better. There is an evil previously unknown in Agartha, in this city, and I am trying to end it's existence. It has already taken my brother, I do not want any more people to suffer. It is bad enough the creature is using surface animals to attack during the day..."
"If I had seen such good food and company in my cards, I would have walked faster. Tonight is one I shall remember for a long time."
As the night begins to grows colder, Ryo begins warms up to everyone. Guessing games soon come to an end, for Ryo has the strange ability to guess correctly everytime. Jokes though, manage to catch him by surprise.
Not soon after he has finished eating and has sobered up, he winces and places his hand on his facial tattoo. His other hand dives into his cloak, and pulls out a strange deck of cards. Clearing a spot on the table, he shuffles the cards and places three face down on the table.
"Show me."
His tattoo glows as he flips the cards over. One shows two people next to each other, an arm on the other's shoulder. Another shows a cloaked figure with a scythe, and the last shows a person hidden in shadows. He stands, quickly collecting his cards, and places some coins on the table.
"Thank you for the wonderful evening, but I am afraid I must leave now."
Though he has a smile on his face, it is easy to see it is forced, and his eyes are grim as he turns to leave.
The cards are The Friends, Death, and The Secret. If no one had stopped him earlier, this would have happened anyway. Ah the power of divining cards...
She paused her eating for a moment. "I did not wish to travel either. I was sent away." She shrugged. "I was just looking for somewhere to be." And with that she returned her attention once more to the food in front of her.
"Ha. You could say I was dealt bad cards and my hand was forced. It's not by my own will I'm here either."
Ryo eats slowly, savoring the tastes and smells of the food.
"Well, a few thousand feed above here, to be accurate, but who's counting..."
A light chuckle comes from Tamrin's left.
"The flying creatures you almost hit on the way down?"
Having finished his soup and drink(and in a better mood because of it), Ryo has walked over to meet him. He is holding a very old looking book in his arms tightly.
"Hello mi'lady." He hands Aananda a small paper square. It reads "Ryo, the Card Seer." "If you ever need a Seer's help, rip the card and I'll know to require my services. Tamrin, there is a hotel up the street, if you need a place to stay. I'm going to see if I can stay with a friend. Good day to you both."
He turns to leave, weaving slightly.
There is a link in his profile of what I think Ryo looks like.
Finding the place easily, Ryo walks in and takes a look around. He spots Tamrin over by the fire talking to a women, and decides not to disturb him. He finds an empty booth, and orders a large bowl of soup and a drink that would make a white dragon breath steam.
Ryo grows pale as he reads the ancient tomes, so ancient that they were made on the surface and came down here with the rest of Mentor. Though probably outdated, all the information matches what is occuring.
Checking out the book, Ryo sees the note Tamrin left and decides to get some food as well. He really wanted a strong drink right now...
"Come along then. This place hasn't changed too much since my last visit, so I should still know my way."
With only a few moments of confusion, Ryo manages to find Mentor's best library easily.
"The index can be found over there, or you can keep going this way to the front desk."
Seeming a bit preoccupied, Ryo goes down the rows of book seemingly at random. It isn't long before he can be found at a table with four large books.
It occurs to me Ryo seems a bit rude. I'm going to have to say it's the whole "My kid brother's a vampire and is going around using his summoned creatures to kill people for their blood" thing.
"The only reported creatures attacking are wolves and winged blood-sucking rodents. There are also rumors of smaller, wingless rodents with hairless tails. I have a theory, but I need to do some research into ancient lore in order to make sure."
"Unless you are in dire need, do not summon Rune. The latest attacks have happened here, and seeing him may cause a panic. And possibly your death."
Psychic abilities, they make others uneasy! In order to keep him from eating something deadly or stepping in the wrong place, a slight connection needed to be made. Of course, it will be broken once they enter the city(and possible go in different directions).
"You got it, Ryo - if anybody asks, you're normal. So what's the name of this place?" Tamrin asks as he nods towards the approaching city.
"It's real name is Lemuria. It was originally a continent on the surface, but a cataclysmic event caused it to sink into the earth, what you see before you is what is left. Most people call it Mentor, because it is the place of scholars. It is said you can learn anything here, given time."
He continues along a path that doesn't seem to be there, warning Tamrin against eating something or stepping in the wrong place without even looking back at him. After a few hours, a city looms into veiw.
"Fair enough then. Well, if you can point me to the nearest town or city, I'll move along and let you get back to....whatever it was you were doing out here all alone. Ships or gates won't find themselves, you know? Heh..."
"I am heading for the nearest city right now, in search of someone. If you wish, you may accompany me. I warn you though, not everyone.. tolerates me once they find out what I am. I am Ryo, apprentice Seer rank 3."
Ranks:
[ooc]When it comes to Seers(at least in Ryo's case) there are 4 'ranks'. Rank 1: Your abilities have only just awoken, and your divinations are weak. 1's are normally apprentice quickly. Rank 2: 2's have gained control of the power, and it becomes stronger. 2's learn to channel the powers through objects(usually cards, quiji boards, and crystal balls). Rank 3: 3's are able to practice on their own, and have chosen the medium they will use from now on(see Rank 3). They are almost considered full fledged Seers. Rank 4: Seers are now at the pinnacle of their power. Only the most powerful of magic can block the phychic abilities.ooc]
"It's hidden because this was to be as close to a utopia as possible. At least, that is the rumor I heard. As for the Imperial you talk off, I have not heard of it. I won't deny the existence od dragons, some travel here through the other planes. As for your 'date' comment, I was talking about the strange wand on your belt, next to those weird sling bullets."
"Did you get hit on the head? You are not on a planet, you're in one, and you're in deep. This is Agartha, The Hidden Realm. Your 'wolf' isn't native to this world, and the only others like him are attacking and killing people in cities all around the Underground. Since he doesn't look like the ones killing, I would prefer it if you were not blamed for something someone else did."
"I suggest you send that creature back where it came from. The others being called into this world are attacking people, and I wouldn't want people thinking you are behind the attacks."
Standing under a tree is a red haired man wearing a billowing cloak. A strange red glyph has been scribed onto the left side of his face.
The Weather Consortium provides a balanced environment to all the regions. Providing, of course, that they pay their dues on time. If not, then well.......
Trying to determine if I should save Tamrin or not. His intro seems to have him on the surface, but if it's cold he could be in the north, in which I or Aananda might be able to keep him from serious injury.
Cardcasters. Relatively new to Agartha, they are the result of conjuration magic mixing with the slight psychic ability of certain people. Regarded with suspicion and fear by some, they are usually loners, choosing to practice the 'Art' in secret. Able to seal energies, items, and willing creatures into the cards the wield, Cardcasters are able to call upon them at will. This ability develops at random, so you could be a normal psychic of some skill one day, and calling fire and lightning from a seemingly ordinary card the next. Not much more is known, and that is part of the reason they are not trusted by many.
”Why me?” Ryo says to himself. “Why did this happen to me?” Just a few days ago Ryo, a young man in his early twenties with potential as a Seer, had picked up his divining cards and watched as energy flowed through him. The Fire card(representing new growth after hardship) had burst into flames that lept around the room to light the candles he had set up. But that wasn't to worrying, plenty of people could light candles with their minds. No, what was terrifying had happened next. He had just picked up the Gate card(representing leaving something behind or giving something up) when his younger brother walked in. Energies surged around them, and they found themselves in a strange new world. The giant light crystal they had known all their life was gone, replaced by a huge pale white disk. Air moved freely about them on it's own, sounds of strange creatures echoed around them, huge plants seemed to reach for the tiny gems in the black ceiling that held the ivory disk. A snapping sound from behind alerted them to the presence of a stranger. Black hair hid most of his pale face, and his dark clothing was unknown to them. Ryo didn't feel the man's evil until it was too late. The man lunged forward, mouth open and filled with fangs, and bit into his brother's neck.
Without thinking, Ryo drew a card from his divining deck, drawing the Guardian(representing protection from an unknown source). A suit of armor appeared, wielding a blazing sword. With a single slice, the fanged man lost his arm and fled. Ryo rushed over to his brother, staring in horror at the large bite wound on his neck. When he finally managed to stop the bleeding, his brother was barely alive. It took even longer for the Gate card to work again, and days for his brother to have the strength to get out of bed. The bite mark vanished, not even leaving a scar. But his brother started acting strange, craving uncooked meat and hissing when the light crystal's glow was let into the house. Then his brother was gone. Ryo didn't know how, why, or when he had left. And he worried that he may hurt someone. The only thing his divinations could tell him was that Keaton was in a dark place. People started disappearing, strange creatures with long fangs were seen in packs around the city, while other, smaller ones that looked more like winged rodents swooped down on unsuspecting passerby.
Ryo stared at his cards, cursing them for causing so much trouble. But he would need them if he was going to find Keaton and end the evil he was spreading. Picking them up and putting them in the inside pocket of his cloak, he stood and went to look for his brother again. The cards had said he was somewhere in the north, and that's exactly where he was heading...
Sounds cool. I like the cards mechanic. Kinda Yu-gi-oh, but with a twist. I like your version better. :)
Actually, I was watching the Card Captor Sakura when I got the idea.
Haven't seen Sakura yet. Any good?
The 2 movies are good, it's been so long since I've seen the show I can only remember that I liked it. The show has been off the are for years now, so you may have to go to youtube to watch it.
Cardcasters. Relatively new to Agartha, they are the result of conjuration magic mixing with the slight psychic ability of certain people. Regarded with suspicion and fear by some, they are usually loners, choosing to practice the 'Art' in secret. Able to seal energies, items, and willing creatures into the cards the wield, Cardcasters are able to call upon them at will. This ability develops at random, so you could be a normal psychic of some skill one day, and calling fire and lightning from a seemingly ordinary card the next. Not much more is known, and that is part of the reason they are not trusted by many.
”Why me?” Ryo says to himself. “Why did this happen to me?” Just a few days ago Ryo, a young man in his early twenties with potential as a Seer, had picked up his divining cards and watched as energy flowed through him. The Fire card(representing new growth after hardship) had burst into flames that lept around the room to light the candles he had set up. But that wasn't to worrying, plenty of people could light candles with their minds. No, what was terrifying had happened next. He had just picked up the Gate card(representing leaving something behind or giving something up) when his younger brother walked in. Energies surged around them, and they found themselves in a strange new world. The giant light crystal they had known all their life was gone, replaced by a huge pale white disk. Air moved freely about them on it's own, sounds of strange creatures echoed around them, huge plants seemed to reach for the tiny gems in the black ceiling that held the ivory disk. A snapping sound from behind alerted them to the presence of a stranger. Black hair hid most of his pale face, and his dark clothing was unknown to them. Ryo didn't feel the man's evil until it was too late. The man lunged forward, mouth open and filled with fangs, and bit into his brother's neck.
Without thinking, Ryo drew a card from his divining deck, drawing the Guardian(representing protection from an unknown source). A suit of armor appeared, wielding a blazing sword. With a single slice, the fanged man lost his arm and fled. Ryo rushed over to his brother, staring in horror at the large bite wound on his neck. When he finally managed to stop the bleeding, his brother was barely alive. It took even longer for the Gate card to work again, and days for his brother to have the strength to get out of bed. The bite mark vanished, not even leaving a scar. But his brother started acting strange, craving uncooked meat and hissing when the light crystal's glow was let into the house. Then his brother was gone. Ryo didn't know how, why, or when he had left. And he worried that he may hurt someone. The only thing his divinations could tell him was that Keaton was in a dark place. People started disappearing, strange creatures with long fangs were seen in packs around the city, while other, smaller ones that looked more like winged rodents swooped down on unsuspecting passerby.
Ryo stared at his cards, cursing them for causing so much trouble. But he would need them if he was going to find Keaton and end the evil he was spreading. Picking them up and putting them in the inside pocket of his cloak, he stood and went to look for his brother again. The cards had said he was somewhere in the north, and that's exactly where he was heading...
I have a character idea, and may get around to writing up some intro/background tomorrow. Monday at the latest. Because apparently last night there was room in my head for one more. ;)
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