(IC) The Awakened Ones

[Eternal-Heart]

The long awaited gathering is finally here. As the masses swarm towards the Capital city of Fairview. The gates packed full with city guards. Taking your info down. For those trying to Awaken. The guards claim the gold as the fee at the gates. While giving you a metallic onyx token necklace. Indicating putting it on. Afterwards they led you into a side door off of the main gate. Walking forward see on either side of the pathway lines of militia. Holding back the crowd that gathers. Some of them being nobles granted a wide breath of the common folk. With an aura of deterrence. Of clear power and rank. Eying you as you pass by. This sight is common. As if you Awaken your life is forever changed.

Proceeding further forth on the sides are schools of beggars. Begging for coins. Some being small children. While the militia mercilessly knocks the pests back. Keeping them from breaking rank.

Arriving at the large church there is a podium in the center with a crystal pillar adorned on the stage. The Awakening Pillar. Before you are hundreds of people shaking nervously hoping that they can awaken. As a steady trickle flow down the pathway you just took. As the nervousness being infectious. Even with someone with strong confidence feel it. As the day grows longer. When midday arrives. A voice travels down from the stage.

Today you change your fate. For better. Or for worse. The elderly priest adorned with thick expensive robes. That shines brightly in the daylight. He gestures for the first in line. Asking for the mans name and age. Before telling him to place his hand on the stone. With no change in the stone. Solemn the priest says. "Your fate has been cast. You are destined to remain unawaken. May your next life have fate. With a gesture the guards around grab the stunned motionless man dragging him off the stage. The people all around don't even look at him. As if he is nothing. While looking eagerly towards the next person called on the stage. Time passes as dozens of people left either in tears, anguish and rage. Failing to awaken.

Finally the stone lights up. With a single glow of light. As the person is bathed in its glow. You see her hair change from a dull brown to a shining white. We have a single star awakened! The crowd shouts in excitement as the woman falls to her knees crying in joy. The nobles look slightly interested but hold there tongue. Two guards carefully lift her up while guiding her into the temple to rest and guard her. The treatment worlds different than those who have failed to unawaken.

More time passes as the crowd starts to thin. Some being one star awakened some even being one and a half stars. Only one being two stars.

As your turns are approach.

Tarian Looking towards the half clothed youth in front of him with slight disgust in his eyes seeing the barbarian offspring. After placing his hand on the alter it shines brightly covering the entire stage. As five glows of light appear on the pillar. Fi..Fi..Five star awakened! His eyes bulging in shock and slight horror. The crowds screams deafen the area. The nobles standing up with clear greed on their eyes. Seeing this rare spectacle the guards hesitantly lead him up to the church.

Robert Placing your had on the pillar two bright glows and a faint third glow appear of the pillar. Two and a Half star awakened! The crowd cheers as nobles also write down your name. With interest in their eyes. While six guards escort you to the temple.

Sasha You red hair and eyes drawing slight attention. After touching the pillar with three bright flashes of light drawing some gasps from the crowd. THREE star awakened!With interest of the nobles you catch more nobles writing your name down. As you have your six guard escort towards the temple.

Cassian Placing your hand on the pillar with it lighting up with two bright glows. Two star awakened The priest shouts. As four guards lead you up to the temple. With your name being written down as well.

Entering the temple you notice the Onyx necklace changed color while you were encased in the light (5s= Dark Red. 4s=Gold 3s=Purple 2s=Blue 1s=White.) Symbolizing your rank. In the temple you see multiple guards inside on the walls. Heavily guarded. Making sure that you well protected.



In the temple you see only a dozen or so white necklaces with only another single blue. The white necklaces on side and the single blue sitting in the front row looking smug.
OOC (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?634891-(OOC)-The-Awakened-Ones&p=25152287#post25152287)

(What are you doing?)

[Forsaken]

Tarian walked towards the guards helpless as his father casted him aside due to his weakness. Handing the bag of gold to the guards. He put on the necklace. Walking barefoot half clothed due to the sudden banishment he arrives at the gathering. Looking over the hundreds of people around him all hoping to get stronger. He looks forward awaiting his turn.

As more and more people fail to awaken Tarian's will holds firm. Not letting himself get saddened by it. Telling himself he has a chance. Walking calmly onto the stage he says "Tarian Grandhammer. Age 15 without waiting for the priests prompt he places his hand on the crystal pillar before being engulfed in bright lights. Followed by his body changing. Feeling stronger faster and refreshed. Now free of worries he opens his eyes as the glow fades before the shouts roar around his ears. Seeing the stunned nobles and priest he walks towards the temple. With the hesitant guards following him.

Looking at the small crowd in the temple with white necklaces he looks down seeing that his own turned into a deep red. He saw another with a blue necklace. Sitting smugly in the front row. Tarian walks towards the front and sits furthest to the side of the room opposite of the white necklaces. Sitting in the second row to rest his legs on the first one. Stretching's his arms out he closes his eyes to think while awaiting for whatever is supposed to happen next.

[QuadraticGish]

After his long venture to the Capital, Robert provides the guard with their fee with little issue and follows the guards through the city. He watches the parted masses on each side eye both noble and peasant alike. Part of him wished to pass some gold to some of he children, but seeing the mobs of them made him change his mind as he imagined them piling onto a poor child in an attempt to take the gold. As he enters the church and wait in line, Robert can't help but feel bad for those that are pulled away from the priest for having failed to awaken.

On witnessing a woman awaken, Robert was in awe of the sudden change and pondered if such a change would happen to him as well. And then he hoped it wouldn't in the case that he suddenly turned into some weird demon thing because of whatever his family had done in the past. After that, Robert just moved with the line, only really paying attention when someone awakened due to his patience wearing thin.

On reaching the pillar and being prompted for his name, Robert responds.

"Robert of the house Coerthas, age 22."

He then places his right hand onto the pillar. As it glows, Robert grows a couple of inches as his muscles burst with strength, power of the earth leaking into his veins. The raw strength overtook him as he had never felt better in his entire life! As he was taken up by the guards, he noted that he could feel every step nearby him if he focused enough. As he rose up the stairs, he decided to go and take a seat next to the man with the dark red necklace.

"So, do you feel any different after awakening?"

[Forsaken]

Opening his eyes faintly looking towards the man who addressed him I feel... I feel stronger. he pauses his eyes turning sharp as his thinking speed increase. Closing his mouth. A voice raises from inside your head I feel more control over myself. How about you. the voice fades away from your head.

As he rotated his arm while looking at your Purplish blue necklace. With a slight nod.

[JNAProductions]

At the last moment they can be with her, Sasha hugs Velguardr and Laughter goodbye. "Thank you," she whispers to them, before making the lonely walk to the temple.

She divests with her coin as needed, and closes her eyes at the screams over Tarian's Awakening. People don't need this to be strong, she thinks to herself.

"Sasha Sinclair, 17," she announces as she approaches. Despite her earlier thought, when her Awakening comes and she sees the excitement among the crowd, she can't help but smirk a little. She heads for where the rest are.

When Robert asks how they're feeling, Sasha shrugs. "I guess... I dunno. I'm breathing easier-but whether that's the nerves being gone, or something to do with a new power... I couldn't say," she comments. Looking down at her slightly red-scaled skin, she sighs. "I guess it was foolish to hope that my father's heritage wouldn't be so apparent after this."

[MCollarsen]

Cassian took the onyx necklace from the guards as they led him through the side gate, sincerely hoping that he hadn't just given all that coin to an enterprising con-man.
As he stumbled after a few others, also wearing the necklaces and into a pathway lined with militia his anxiety lessened, a conman couldn't have prepared this.

He glanced at the crowds, peasants and common-folk, filled with beggars, a standard sight he supposed, then there were the nobles, he had to work to keep a sneer from his face as he watched them survey the line of applicants waiting to be awakened. They were examining them like livestock for slaughter, making careful tallies of their health, height, hair and gods know what else. All in the hope that they'd be able to buy a piece of the upcoming power.

As much as he hated thinking about it, Cassian knew that he'd sell them his power if the opportunity arose, wealth was power, just as much if not more than the power itself.

They had all the wealth, they could control all the power. But they would squander it on inter personal fights and shows of frivolity, Cassian hoped that if today went well, he'd be able to secure a worthwhile contract to do something meaningful and not become just a peacock for some portly noble to show his friends.

He watched with interest as the first few awakened were led into the church, and with as much interest as the crowd when the "Fiver" was awakened. He surveyed the unrepentant greed of the nobles as they watch Tarian enter the temple, thinking to himself, "Kid I hope you know what's about to come your way, you're undoubtedly the champion prize this year."

Finally when it was his turn he answered the priest's question - Cassian O'Reese, 23. As he touched the pillar, he felt a ripple through his body. He felt a surge of strength, and refreshed as though he hadn't been standing in a crowd for hours, he also felt like something inside him had woken up, something primordial.

He let the guards escort him inside where he saw the other awakened, deciding the whites were a bit boring, one of the blues looked so smug Cassian was resisting walking over and bashing his teeth in, he decided to sit near the others who'd awakened just in front of him, the Red, the purple and the other blue.

Hearing the question as he approaches he waits to listen to the others answers, shaking his head slightly as he hears a voice in his head...."did i imagine that..?"

"I feel stronger as well, and....well different.." he ended lamely, how did one describe the sensation in his gut, wild & feral? best to keep it to himself.

[Eternal-Heart]

A few minutes pass as only two more white talismans entered. Looking both nervous and excited. Seeing the room divided between the two groups of elite and the single stars. They go towards them. With an audible sneer coming from the first 2 star that entered here.

In comes the priest with a heavily armored man and a smaller man with cloth robes. There eyes focusing more heavily towards yourselves with tinges of envy. Percival of house Malcom, Sir Tarian, Robert of house Coerthas, Lady Sinclair, Sir Cassian The priest says with a bow. This is One Star Lord Theobald McLeod he gestures towards the armored man. and One Star Lord Aldous Quinten gesturing towards the clothed man.

They will lead you to our training camp. turning towards the one star awakened. You will be guided to the guild hall where you can find teachers for you. As a few guards politely gesture for them to follow them.

You hear a grunt of dissatisfaction. I am a 2 star noble! How can these 1 star rabble teach us? I demand a 2 star this instant otherwise my family won’t let you off! shouted Percival. As you clearly see Theobalds anger slowly showing on his face but suppress its and grinds his teeth while saying.We are just letting you know the basics and familiarize yourself with your powers. Then lords will hire and train you. Or you can return to your own families and set off on your own. He turns to exit another side door. Leaving the priest and Aldous behind. Waiting for your decision.

[QuadraticGish]

Robert is shocked for a moment as Tarian speaks to his mind, but quickly recovers.

"I feel like I'm in the best shape of my life to be honest."

Roberts goes to respond to Sasha's comment about heritage, but his train of thought is interrupted by the outburst of the two star noble. Robert shoots the man an annoyed look.

"I feel sorry for your mother, she must have needed to wear a blue necklace all the time to teach you anything." he responds disapprovingly to the noble.

He then gets up from his seat to go follow the one stars to the training camp.

"Better to know what I'm doing on the way home."

[JNAProductions]

Feeling a little awkward, like a kid asking permission from their parents, Sasha asks one of the escorts "I came with two injured folk-Laughter Gembright, an elf; and Velguardr, an orc. Can they come with?"

[Forsaken]

Seeing that my super senses cost 5 pp per minute I think I'm going to have it constantly on. Since my regen is 37 a minute.

Standing up his eyes turning slightly sharper as his senses strengthen. He first looks at the girl Your father doesn't have control over your fate. It's all in your hands now. My father says that I am too weak. I will be proving him wrong. What about you? He voices powerfully in her head.

Looking towards the loud noble he speaks. Silence. If you refuse there offer to become stronger and gain control over yourself leave. If you stay hold your tongue. Looking towards the two One star tutors. Lead the way. He says as he walks towards them.

As Tarians telepathy spreads over the other elites excluding Percival. Letting you feel a small pry over you. Like he is reading you. Do you know what is happening with the nobles outside? Their stares have been bothering me. As he continues walking acting like nothing is happening. His sharp eyes looking at the three men in front of him waiting for them to lead the way.

[JNAProductions]

The hell? Sasha thinks back. She does startle a little, but maintains her composure as best she can. This... Which one are you? Tarian, right? It sounds kinda like you.

My father... Well, take a guess, she adds, thinking about her scaled skin. I wasn't lucky enough to have one of those noble dragons as a parent. No, I got a tyrant, and my mother, bless her, was run out by fearful villagers after my birth. I've nothing to prove to him besides vengeance. Her mental voice is bitter, but Tarian can tell there's a well of sadness behind it. I shouldn't burden you with my tribulations, though.

[Forsaken]

With a casual glance over his shoulder as he makes eye contact with Sasha as his voice clearly enters her mind. A Tyrant Dragon sounds like a fun challenge as a strong wave of desire to battle comes through the link. Before a brief feeling of disappointment. Do you want to kill him?

[JNAProductions]

Those paying close attention to Sasha can see her hands ball up into fists, and a small amount of smoke trails from her nostrils. I want him dead. I don't care how. He hurt my family.

[Forsaken]

Turning his head to hide the small grin on his face he replies Sounds like fun. Tarian's thoughts thinking of following her. As to killing a dragon could prove to himself that he is strong. It will also be a fun fight.

[Eternal-Heart]

Hearing Sasha's request you see two guards rush out before the priest even says anything.

Roberts response makes Percival's vein's in his forehead swell as he gets ready to retort he hears Tarian's command of silence struggling to whether explode with his rage he suppresses it seeing the Dark Red necklace he is wearing and looks meekly at his feet. Theobald looking extremely pleased seeing the sight has a large grin on his face. Even the quite Aldous has a slight grin. Both bowing towards Tarian. They walk towards a side door of the temple. Opening it you see a dark corridor leading downwards.

As the doors of the temple open up abruptly you see the two guards returning while panting slightly sweat dripping down their faces. Behind them are two people an Elf and an Orc. Sasha easily recognizes them as her companions. Who both look both at her in slight shock due to how many stars she awakened but more in happiness.

Percival seeing them he snorts condescendingly towards them but says nothing as he follows both behind Tarian without uttering a word. The priest seeing both injured unawaken frowns slightly. Clearly expecting noble personas due to Sasha being a thirty star. Looking at the girl with a wide and 'kind' smile he waves his hands as a golden glow covers them. As it fades you see all their injuries removed. (But all of you sense through Tarian's link his feelings of disgust and anger of having to use some of his power to heal them.)


Theobald is clearly very happy at Tarian and in slight awe at his power of being a 5 star awakened. You clearly feel his anger towards Percival being restrained by a slight fear. Not directed at him per say but towards nobles in general.

Aldous is happy as well and has hidden excitement towards being able to use his power to help train figures that can sway the world. Clearly he is looking forward to the future bragging rights!

The Priest has clear deference towards all the 2 star and higher in the room. Towards the one stars no hostility or worship. Just acceptance. But towards the unawakened you feel clear disgust. As if he is looking at insects beneath his feet and wants them to leave his temple. But he is hiding it perfectly under a warm façade mask on his face. But you clearly feel his repulsion. Trying to increase your favorability with him.

[MCollarsen]

While he'd been silent for most of the existing conversation, he was slightly discontented with the feeling of irritation towards Sasha's friends, "non-awakened shouldn't be looked down upon just because they were....non-awakened....hells if that was the case then everything i've witnessed under Gadeon's leadership of the lions was an outlier, not the standard actions of the awakened," his thoughts jumbled together as he tried to hold on to them, that combined with the obvious superiority Percival was demonstrating...... maybe this process wasn't going to be that pleasant.


Increasing his step, he approached Aldous, "Excuse me Lord Quinten, I'm Cassian, I was wondering, is this number, gesturing at the group travelling to the training hall, is it fairly standard of the size or number of people who awaken each cycle? or does it vary?"

[QuadraticGish]

Robert watches the conversation unfold before him and awaits the answer from Quinten.

[Eternal-Heart]

No normally we wouldn’t see a three star here let alone a five star awakened. Generally we about 40-50 white necklaces with 2-3 2 stars. In other capitals they tend to have a higher yield. This year we didn’t get as many whites as normal. But the quality was raised so high that we are very happy with it. Quinten replied with a smile looking at you all.

[JNAProductions]

Grinning widely at her friends, Sasha gestures Laughter and Velguardr towards her. She takes a moment, and introduces her companions. "Fellow Awakened, and nobility of the land, I present Laughter Gembright and Velguardr of the Screaming Eagles."

My family, she adds mentally. "Laughter, Velguardr, these are my new friends. Except Percival-he is rude and unbecoming of what his stature should be."

Velguardr, still visibly burnt from the Eagles' encounter with Crimtain, waves hello, slowly and carefully. While normally they're much less reserved, their time in the city has taught them that many folk aren't so trusting of orcs, and so they're careful to not make any too sudden movements. Besides which, that helps keep the burns from hurting. Laughter waves with a more jaunty motion, though she quickly lowers her hand to cradle her more injured arm.

Not sure how much control I should exert over my backstory's NPCs, but I figure dictating their injuries and having them wave should be fine.

[QuadraticGish]

Roberts gives a small wave to Sasha's friends before giving his own short introduction.

"Robert, of the house Coerthas."

[Forsaken]

Tarian nod's at Sasha's family while walking down the staircase not caring about how ominous it looks.

[JNAProductions]

Velguardr offers their hand to shake for Robert, as they and Laughter walk alongside the group. "It's a pleasure. And it's good to see Sasha making more friends outside the Eagles."

Chuckling, Laughter adds on "Better than last time-how long did we have to spend rebuilding?"

"Okay, thank you Laughter!" Sasha cuts her off. "We don't need to repeat that story. Anyway," she says, turning to their instructors, "How do we start? Do you have anything for us to attempt, or learn, or anything?"

[Eternal-Heart]

Theobald leading the way with you following him down the stairway. As Aldous places his hand under his chin for a moment before fishing out a small handfuls of light blue stones and offers for you all to pick one up. These are mana stones. If you focus on them while channeling your willpower through them. You will be able to absorb the power within them. Strengthening your Star powers. Generally it would take about 10 of these crystals to make a One star’s power to grow to the next stage. We awakened generally keep this knowledge to ourselves and make it a taboo to be spoken of. He looks towards Laughter and Velguardr I trust you will not speak of this. As it can be dangerous towards if you spread it. With a slight wave towards Percival that went unnoticed as he was trying his best to stay close to Tarian. Looking like he is one of his lackeys.

You may each try to absorb one generally it takes almost two hours for these common ones to be absorbed but since you have multiple stars it should be faster for you. But please don’t take more then one as they are relatively expensive. As he says with a thin bead of sweat on his head. As Cassian due to his friendly band of awakened he lived with told him. This lesser crystal is worth about 1000 gold coins to those who know of their value. This even being the cheapest ones available!



Absorbing process for lessers take roughly 100 minutes. (1minute per exp.) These crystals grant exp that you can use to speed up your exp growth or individual power.

The time it takes is your Will modifier (min 1) x number of stars awakened. A common white star with basic will power is (1x1=1 exp per minute so 1 h 40mins for a common one to absorb it.)

You each received 1 lesser mana crystal (100exp)

Note: nonawakened can’t use them. But the awakened have a monopoly on them as most common people just think of them as a nice marble they can sell for 50g each)


These crystals are only found while killing Dangerous beasts in the wild. Common animals don’t drop them sadly. Most adventures know that turning them into their guilds or adventure halls would pay double. Of 100g which are later made for us to pay. So if you find them use it. As selling it is only beneficial to unawakened. . You see Laughter and Velguardr clench their first slightly while looking towards the floor. Knowing that they were getting underpaid for their dangerous work but couldn’t do anything about it.

As you finally reach the bottom of a seemingly long stairway. (Almost a half hour walk) You see a bright room. The walls a mixed of blackened steel. With slabs of earth mixed into. Making it really reinforced. In the field you see other stone like pillars. An opening field with strange runes carved into the ground. With different sources of energy floating around the room. An ideal room to train in. Theobald walks up next to one of the stone pillars while drawing out his sword. You see a faint glow covering it. Haaaaaa![I] He shouts while moving at a rapid pace towards the pillar. Almost too quick to catch with the eye. As his blade slashes into it with sparks flying.

[56]

A number appears one the stone. With a slight smug grin appearing on his face he turns to look at you hiding it. These are strength pillars. The stronger the attack the higher the numbers! This room is designed to let you try and experiment with your powers safely and without commotion. The runic field is a containment area. If your powers go out of control no damage will be caused in the area. A barrier will be enacted while helping you to either regain control over it. Or stop it. If you want live action combat talk to Aldous. As he finishes his mini speech Aldous claps his hands as you see the shadows of the room flicker briefly. Become they turn into a solid mass. Lining up you now see roughly ten shadow warriors standing before you.

Dont worry they won’t harm you unless commanded. Aldous says while walking over to them and patting one of their shoulders.


(What’s shall you guys want to do?)

[JNAProductions]

Looking at one of the pillars, Sasha begins breathing deeply. She's noticed, subtly, but she's been breathing easier since the Awakening-nothing major, but enough that she wants to see how it affected her already existent abilities.

She exhales a gout of sticky flame into the pillar, enraveling it in winding trails of fire and smoke.

[roll0] Fire Damage from an Entangling Exhalation, assuming the pillar auto-fails a DC 17 Reflex save.

It is then entangled for [roll1] rounds, taking an additional 1d6 Fire Damage at the start of each of its turns while entangled in this manner. Not that I expect it to move anywhere.

With the pillar alight, Sasha tries something unexpected to even herself. She reaches out and touches the flames. Velguardr winces, and Laughter looks to be about to say something, but stops, as Sasha takes a small mote of flame and holds it in her hand. She pulls her hand back, carrying the small ball of fire, and concentrates on it. It shifts, from a blob to a perfect sphere, then a cube, then a small pyramid. "Hey hey, that's pretty cool!'

[Eternal-Heart]

[5]

Appears on the pillar as the flames seem to bend to your will. You feel as if you can make the fires even stronger if you had to. As Theobald and Aldous look at you all with interest as they stand to the side.

[JNAProductions]

[roll0] lingering damage

Another number appears above the pillar, as the flames linger for now. [1]

Sasha lets the flames die down, save for the ones in her hand. She throws it into the air, and it turns into a small snake, wriggling above the other Awakened and the Eagles. It sprouts wings and flaps them, raining a small amount of harmless sparks onto the crowd. Laughing brightly, she says "This is amazing! This is-I don't even know what to say! As the winged snake worms and wobbles its way around Sasha's head, it starts to take a more definitive shape. The body thickens, and four clawed limbs form, before landing on Sasha's shoulder. She looks to the now-clear dragon at her side.

The flames she is controlling suddenly die out entirely, leaving the room ever-so-slightly darker. Not really used to the telepathic contact, Sasha's thoughts are loud, if jumbled. Like father like daughter-not like him-not him-can't be him-is it him?-am I safe?-are Laughter and Velguardr safe?-what did I do?-why?

[QuadraticGish]

Robert take the stone and looks at it with interest before putting it away to begin absorbing its power. He follows others to the mysterious pillar where he witnesses the number pop up.

"Alright, let's give it a try. This looks like fun. Hmm... let's try this."

Robert extends his hand out and focuses. From the stone ground beneath his extended hand, a hilt up large blade made of the same stone of the church quickly grows out of the the ground to meet his waiting hand. In a swift motion he grabs the blade and hefts its upward focusing on the target before him and then bringing the blade down to strike a perceived weakspot.

"Emerald Razor!"


After the strike, he hefts the stone sword in front of him to get a real look at it; however, Sasha's sudden thoughts interrupt him, making him turn his attention to her. He begins snapping his fingers in front of her, trying to distract her from the troubling train of thought she was having.

"You can just dismiss it right?"



100 exp to Control Over Earth
Move: Create an earthen greatsword. [-5PP]
Standard: Initiative Emerald Razor: Attack: [roll0] Damage: [roll1] + Punishing stance: [roll2]

[Eternal-Heart]

[24]

Pops up on the pillar. As they seemed a bit shocked by the dmg caused from a newly awakened.

[Eternal-Heart]

Cassian stood 30' from the statue, he let the bud of energy within him flow into his left hand, he felt two stages of power as he waited a brief moment, then a few seconds, each time he felt the power reach a threshold, pause, then resume growing. After a few breaths, he felt the power plateau, "interesting, I could maintain this for a while" he mused. Then he turned his attention to the pillar Robert had attacked a few moments earlier, he suddenly dashed forward moving at the pillar with all his momentum, when he was 10' from the statue, he let loose a punch more powerful then he'd ever done before, it combined with his tactical charge, sent a ram of air towards the pillar in shock-wave.

As he walked back from the pillar from where he'd started Cassian was nodding, already thinking of how he'd change he fighting style to accommodate his new ability. As he did his eyes saw Sasha' focusing on her crystal, still flustered about the dragon a moment ago, her words while still a jumble to him conveyed her obvious distress. He started towards her a cheerful jibe rising on his tongue before he caught himself..... This likely isn't the time or place for that you idiot....a few seconds later he realized that again he'd heard the thoughts of another....**** are my thoughts being sent out?


With that disturbing thought, the odd feeling in his gut twanged....... turning his attention from the power in his hands, to that in the center of his being, he began to investigate his second ability....




As a [35]appears on the pillar.

Making Theobald look towards you with great interest.

[Forsaken]

Listening in to the conversation taking place on the steps while looking at the small crystal in his hands. Thinking to himself that these can make him grow stronger. Memorizing the look of it he starts to absorb the crystal while watching the others around him in interest. Seeing their strong powers he wonders secretly to himself why isn't his powers as strong. As he wipes his hands free of the crystal that is now fully absorbed.

Seeing the large numbers appearing on the pillars he walks up to one and places his hand on it. As a light pulse of energy flows out. A brief red glow before.

[3]

Internally worried about the low number he memorizes the flow of energy before closing his eyes while focusing on the pillar again. Feeling the flow honing his senses on it. Speeding it up. Removing the limiters set upon his body. Taking a deep breath while opening his eyes sharply. A powerful force exploding out of his hands tearing apart the veins in his arms as his skin is ripped apart.

66

Not bothering himself with his injuries he looks at the number. Firmly remembering it. Looking down at his arms. He see's the skin start to mend and repair as he walks over to the side of the room to think a bit. Listening to his link he set up he replies briefly.

Your power's are your own. If your worried that their his. Make yours stronger then his. That way you rise to a place he can never reach. Showing to yourself that they're only your powers He said to sasha.

To Cassin Thanks for the tip. his sends over with the memorized observation of Cassian charging his powers and making it stronger.

Tarian didn't show how he removed his own limits. Just how he channeled his own PP as efficiently. As his arms fully recover in about 3 and a half minutes.

[Eternal-Heart]

Towards Tarian’s initial attack Percival frowned as the two instructors followed suit as well. Thinking how can a 5 star awakened be that weak? Aren’t they supposed to be unstoppable? As they watch Tarian with his eyes closed. Percival almost getting ready to act smug starts to walk closer as the way of energy was unleashed. Sending him flying back ten feet as the large [66] appears on the pillar.

Aldous shocked at tarians wounds. While Theobald shocked by the power. Aldous running over saying Are you okay Sir Tarian? as he is panicking seeing the blood and torn flesh. But then is quickly shocked as he see’s your wounds that would take days to heal recover in mere minutes. Then recalling to how fast he absorbed the lesser crystal sighed to himself while thinking. 5 star awakened do indeed live up to there potential.

As Percival struggles to stand up. With slight blood running down his nose. Looking at Tarian in both anger and submission making a strange sight. He walks to a pillar to try and show his own might. Pointing his hands forward he releases a sharp blue streak of lighting hitting the pillar.

[9]

He turns looking smugly at Sasha beating her score. Strangely he still hasn’t spoken a single word since after Tarians decree.


Feel free to keep playing with your powers and asking questions since after this it will be time for an adventure!
Spam the sub IC as much as you want. Afterwards it will keep moving forward

[Eternal-Heart]

Aldous leading your newfound party into the Teleportation circle you see the runes light up around all of you. The light glows brightly as even the smallest sources look stretched out. Before disappearing you feel a gut wrenching pang as waves of nausea appear. Before arriving into a brightly lit room with small buckets on the side of their circle. With a foul stench in them.

(DC 15 Fort save to resist puking/gagging from the teleport.)

After the nausea passes you see a door with a window in place. Looking into a slightly loud corridor. A notice board on the right side of the room. With paper and documents pinned up. The rest of the room had some cozy looking sofas, nice rugs and an above average rich vibe to it.


You have arrived to Virwall Star Hall. A bit higher end then your pay grade. You see a handful of white necklaces loitering about. Behind the counter is an Elderly woman with a blue necklace. While a few serving girls attend to the people in the room either getting beverages or food. (Expensive looking meals.)

(What shall you all do?)

[JNAProductions]

"Blech," Sasha lets out as the smell hits her nostrils. She stomachs it, though, and perseveres through the assault on her sense. She looks over the notice board, seeing what's listed on it.

[QuadraticGish]

"Ergh."

Coming through the teleportation, Robert felt ill for s second, before shaking it off. He notices Sasha look at the board and walks over to her.

"What are you looking at?" he asks as he glances at the board himself.

[Eternal-Heart]

On the board you see a guild line posted.

WARNING The missions towards the top are the most dangerous.

Ranks go from Star Fledgling, Warrior, Knight, Lord, Master, Grandmaster. Do not take missions higher then your rank!

If you don’t know your rank go to the counter and get yourself appraised. Newley awakened all are at Star Fledgling ‘s. They still must register before taking a mission.




After that glancing at the board to the very top going down you see missions

Explore the Rift in the Rastissia Mountains Rank Master. 50,000p 100 Grand Crystals

Slay the Rogue Star lord Darius Rank Master. 7500p 100 Great Crystals

Discover the cause of the Plague is Laos Rank Lord. 2000p 20 Great Crystals

Slay the Red Dragon known as Crimtain Rank Knight. 3000p 40 Great Crystals

Seeing more then a dozen rank Knight missions you look further towards the bottom.

Eliminate the Goblin Nest. Rank Fledging-Warrior. 50p 5 lesser crystals.

Eliminate the orc Warband Rank Fledgling-Warrior. 100p 10 lesser crystals.

Travel to the town of Drumrane and defend them from the demon beast attacks. Fledgling-Warrior. URGENT. 125p 15 lesser crystals.

A handful more that your not qualified skill wise.

Monster subjugation 1p a head per grade. Urland forest.

[Forsaken]

Looking at the board seeing that a dragon is only on the knight level he turns to Sasha and says. Is that the Wimpy Tyrant Dragon? Only at a knight level. Interesting. He says looking up towards the master and lord level wondering there strength if a dragon isnt worth while to them. Looking towards the bounties on the board stopping on the urgent one he sends a message through the link.

Seems like this one gives the most reward and Aldous said demon beasts have crystals in them? With a nice fight also. It's a win win for me Tarian says while thinking of how fun the fight will be. As he heads to the counter to get registered as the notice says.

[MCollarsen]

"Drumrane? How isn't that a few days from here? That or clearing out some goblins and orcs, either way sounds like an easy enough set of things to do."

Stretching Cassian glanced around, then headed with Tarian to get registered.

[JNAProductions]

"Drumrane? How isn't that a few days from here? That or clearing out some goblins and orcs, either way sounds like an easy enough set of things to do."

Stretching Cassian glanced around, then headed with Tarian to get registered.

"It would give us more of a chance to get used to one another's talents. Oh, speaking of which," Sasha says, and moves to lay hands on them. "This will keep you safe from my breath attacks, regardless of what kind they are. It lasts about a day, so make sure I reapply this at night and in the mornings."

[QuadraticGish]

Robert looks at the order demon extermination.

"Drumrane? I think I passed by it on my way here. Looks like a good place to start."

Robert goes to the desk to get himself registered.

[Eternal-Heart]

As your group moves around the hall the chatter dies down quickly. As your blue purple and red necklaces draw in crowds of attention. Approaching the counter the elderly woman doesn’t seem to take her eyes off Tarian’s necklace. Until she snaps out of it when he says he wants to register.

Uh..um…yes yes! As she grabs out papers with what looks to be a wristband with the words Star Fledging engraved. I’ll need your name. With your awakened level she stares again at your red necklace in slight doubt. With any mission that you would wish to accept.

As she fills out the papers with your information you see the wristband and necklace flicker slightly before turning into the same colors. The band having your name engraved into it.



While off to the side you see Laughter and Velguardr look slightly worried about the demon beast mission. But calm down slightly as your all are powerful awakened.


If your inquire where drumrane is you realize it’s actually closer then it should be roughly 3 days away. The teleportation taken ing you to the next city out.

Also for those who know what demon beast are. They mutated animals like a dire wolf is to a normal wolf level.

[QuadraticGish]

After getting himself registered, Robert asks "Can you write down directions to Drumrane for us? Are there any threats we should beware of on the way there aside from the threat that the down is dealing with?"

[Eternal-Heart]

She pulls out a small map from the counter 5 Gold pieces. while pointing at where you are and we’re drumrane is. It’s about 3 days to the south. On the other side of the town is a deep forest that leads into the Rastissia mountains. For the road just petty unawakened bandits. Wouldn’t be any trouble.

[JNAProductions]

Sasha has an odd look on her face. She's not shocked that the people here are fawning over the Awakened with their words, but it still rankles at her that the unAwakened are dismissed so easily.

[Forsaken]

Tarian looks at her and says boldy Tarian Grandhammer. 5 Star Awakened. We're are going to slay some demon beasts. Tarian seeing how well they treat Awakened. Through the link he says I don't have any gold and cant buy the map.

When he is registered and equips the wristband. Looking at it with interest as it changes to a dark red color matching his necklace. [B]The Blood Mountain God continues to look after me. [/I] he thought to himself.

[MCollarsen]

Pulling a group of coins from his pouch, Cassian flipped them to the attendant and took the map in exchange. Cassian O'Reese, I'll be joining Mr. Grandhammer. - He kept his opinion mental regarding the treatment variation - Gadeon never looked down at anyone for being un-awakened.....or had he? In truth he didn't know, of the other awakened in the company, they'd been officers.....any treatment he'd discerned he'd always attributed to military rank, not status.

[Eternal-Heart]

After leaving the Virwall Star Hall. Cassian following the map led you towards Drumrane. As you come to terms of being newly awakened you ventured to Drumrane. Laughter and Velguardr decided to leave Sasha as to not hold her back letting her learn and embrace her awakened powers without them getting in the way.

Laughter says. Sasha Velguardr and I decided to return to the Screaming Eagles. We don't want to hold you back. But don't think this means you don't have a home. Don't forget to visit us soon. We will tell Rick the good news. But don't keep us waiting to long. I don't know what he would do.
While Velguardr gave you a strong Orcish bear hug with a pat on your back.


The journey seemed relatively calm. While occasionally Tarian picked up movement from the bushes and spotting men by the roadside. You see them visibly pale at seeing your wristbands and necklaces. Clearly they have experienced being attacked from awakened before as they go further deeper into the forest hoping as to not be seen. Other then a few occasional groups of small bandits that basically run away at the site of you. The forest is eerily quite.

Arriving at Drumrane you notice the heavy atmosphere easily. With nervous militia manning the poorly made wooden walls with crude spears in there hands. Looking nervously towards the forest and the mountains. Small children peeking out of run down houses. Looking scrawny and frail. Wanting to play. But the firmly latched door keeping them inside. As you get closer to the small town you hear a slightly quaky and young voice shouting down.

Halt! State your purpose of coming here or be refused entry! The youth clearly not knowing that an elite group of awakened fledglings came to their gates to help drive back the beasts plaguing them.

[Forsaken]

As they journeyed towards Drumrane. He kept replaying the flows and patterns of everyones powers. Finding ways to make them smoother and faster. As he kept memorizing and adapting while comparing them to one another. Finding ways to further adapt them. Until his head started aching. As they continued to walking he grabbed his head. He stops walking. Through his telepathy which he has been using more then his own voice as he finds it more convenient he says.

There are ways to improve our powers. I've been studying it over the last few days. I found out ways to make it stronger and easier to use. While sending out the perfect flow patterns he learned while using extra energy to implant the patterns (Like when he made Percival a mute.) So that using it and learning it would be easier.

In a separate link Sasha I don't know your other powers so I couldnt figure out anything for the others. If you would like to show me later I can try to see if we can further improve it later.

To Roberts With the improvements to your powers could you hone the blades even further for more strength? This blade is a bit unwieldy.

(After arriving at the gates to Drumrane. Tarian sadly speaks. As using his telepathy might further scare the villagers. We are a party or Awakened. Here to help you fight off the demon beasts. But if you no longer need us we can go. Tarian says waiting for a reply. While sending out a pulse to see if they been getting attacked before they arrived.


So I believe with the +5 upgrades you should also get +25 exp to each of your powers.

for the pulse its mainly like a massive sense motive and spot checks.

sense motive
[roll1] spot
[oll]1d20+22 listen just for the heck of it.

Superhuman senses are nice.

[JNAProductions]

"Get home safe, you guys," Sasha tells her family. "And let Rick know I'm doing well. I'll get back when I can, but I've found some more friends, and I'll be with them too."

As they travel, Sasha does some minor experimentation with her other powers. She talks over what she finds with the others, especially Tarian.

"What he said," she adds to Tarian's words. "We're not here to cause harm-only to help."

[Eternal-Heart]

You feel the young militias nervousness increase as he rapidly as he opens the gates. Lord and Lady awakened. Sorry for my ignorance. I’ll lead you to the Elders house right away! As his head is still bent down not daring to look at your eyes.

Towards the center of the village is a slightly larger wooden house with some militia standing their. Your escort quickly runs up to them and speaks quickly. Before one looks to you in slight fear but more in awe as he goes into the building. While a young woman walks out.

“Hello Lord awakened and Lady Awakened she says while bowing towards all of you respectfully. I am the Elder of Drumrane Galiena Gracey. Thank you for agreeing to help us in our time of need. She says bowing again being really polite. For a seventeenish adult. We have been getting attacked by demon beasts everyday. First it was only one but recently it was five… you see a faint hint of sorrow on there faces. We can’t hold out any longer. Brave Lord and Lady awakened please help us! She says while getting onto her hands and knees putting her head to the ground. The militia seeing this also get down on there hands and knees. As the people in the houses around you come out and follow suit. Very quickly you have about 50 people of different ages and race around you begging for your help.

(What do you do?)

[QuadraticGish]

Robert travels with the party, being amicable during the trip and more often than not volunteering for the first or last shifts at camp. Other than that, he has mostly been enjoying the company and telling tall tales about the might of his once good and mighty draconic house before it was ruined.

On reaching the doors, he introduces himself.

"I am Robert of the House Coerthas. I and my friends has come to aid your town against the threats you face." he proclaims proudly.

As he follows the escort inside, he takes a silent mental, note of the state of the town.

"You don't need to kneel," he begins looking down at the elder, and then all other around him.

"For we have come here with the intention of helping to solve the demons that plaque you!" he shouts proudly.

Any sense motive checks on Robert's stories basically succeed and are tall tales.

[JNAProductions]

Sasha fiddles awkwardly with the hem of her tunic. She is in no way, shape, or form used to this kind of response.

What do I do? she asks Tarian mentally.

[Forsaken]

Tarian seeing the display and hearing Sasha's questions replies. Just be yourself. Don't worry about the small things. Looking at everyone around him that is kneeling. He sends out a strong pulse with one command. STAND

You don't have to kneel to us. We came here with the intentions of helping you fight off the beasts. As Roberts mentioned. Tells us what you can about the beasts so we have a better chance in helping you clear them out. making a connection to Roberts Do you think you might be able to make a wall or reinforce there town slightly? Might help them be more at easy. Maybe even a fall back shelter in case things get bad?


Don't know how much pp that command costs but lets see what it can do.

As for the walls I'm not sure if were doing a tower defense scenario or if we are doing a hunting scenario? I feel like defending first might be better as we can see what we might be up against so we can combat it easier.

[Eternal-Heart]

The commoners have a brief flicker of fear hearing the voice inside of their heads as they start to stand up. Calming down only slightly. The Elder Galiena says”They have been wolves. All coming down from the direction of the mountains. We were able to driven back the few. But now they’re coming down in large packs. Last time we were attacking there was even a bear in the group. We lost a lot of our militia trying to drive them back. We were planning to start evacuating our town but they’re have been to many bandits and we don’t have enough fighters to protect everyone. So we pooled together all our gold to try and hire the powerful awakened to help protect us.



Further questions reveal that they lost about 80~ militia in the few attacks that happened. Losing 4 of their skilled fighters. Even their previous elder as well.

[MCollarsen]

Listening to the pleas of the villagers, Cassian chuckled at his recollection of Robert's stories during the previous day's travel, careful not to broadcast his thoughts, "he certainly has dreams of being from a noble & mighty house." Remembering his combat with the shadow dragon, "good thing he fights better then he tells a tale..... maybe he'll make that house noble yet."


Returning his attention to the moment, he raises his voice asking a series of questions -
You said they were growing in size, how many during the last attack?
Do they always come from the same direction?
Are they due to attack again soon?
Do you know how far their den is from here?

Mentally relaying to the rest of the group, Not to overstep, but if we could either take the fight to the demons or stagger ourselves out and break their incoming attack it would likely give the villagers both a much needed respite & shield them from the brunt of any future attacks.

I'm not crazy about leaving them undefended unless we know the beasts won't just circle around us, but going to their den would be, in my opinion the best & safest way to deal with these things.

[QuadraticGish]

Robert patiently awaits the answers to Cassian's questions before making any judgements.