Mystics Apprentice

--Alderon, Athena, Everyth, and Elia-- Major Test of Strength-- "What is that?!" Elia cried around the same time that Jynn was flung to the side. She hurried over, readying her hands to cast a healing spell over him. An amber orb began to form in her palms, as she chanted an ancient cleric verse over the prince's form. "That should help," she murmured softly, placing a hand on Jynn's shoulder. "Are you alright, Prince Jynn?" Meanwhile Everyth unsheathed her silver sword, twirling it in her hand before brandishing the blade with both. "The glowing appendages, huh? I think I can manage that." She kicked off the ground, hovering over the dragon momentarily in a cloud of dark magic. She landed on the dragon's backside, stabbing her silver sword in the direction of one of its glowing appendages while shooting three small orbs of darkness toward its head, hoping to blind it at least temporarily. Athena stood alongside Arthur, fingering the sword at her waist. Now would be the time for her to put her skills to good use, though never in her wildest dreams did she imagine facing a monstrosity of this caliber. She nodded at Dawson's command, looking for an opportunity to charge at its glowing places, though was caught in the line of the beam's fire. A piercing scream escaped her as she held up her arm to defend herself, bracing herself for impact as the light grew in intensity. "Athena!" The princess felt herself flung to the side, her face scratching the coarse cavern floor as her hand was spliced open by a sharp crystal shard. She ignored the intense throbbing in her fingers as she turned to glance behind her. King Alderon stood in Athena's place, arm raised to take the majority of the blast. A large shield rested on his shoulder, seeming to absorb the majority of the blow. He was, however, still taking a heavy hit, and Athena could see the burnt flesh on his leg from the parting blast. He turned his gray eyes onto her, urgency within them. "You need to take shelter while we handle this. Athena. Now is not the time for you to be practicing your sword fighting skills."

I'm considering giving this a try, though I do have a question: what are vampires on the spectrum of good and evil? Would a vampire character automatically become a villain, or are they in league with those entering the Black Castle?

Did Alastor invite him?

I notice a huge difference in my ability to sleep when I limit my screen time. If I read before bed instead of get on the computer, play games, et cetera I'm able to sleep much better. I also don't do well if I get overtired, strangely. Hope that helps some.

Tibarn quickened his pace as The Rose's Grace loomed into view. There were some patrons scattered outside, but for the most part it seemed people were entering or exiting quietly, or at least to him. He did notice with a sharp eye that surveillance cameras all seemed positioned away from them, but he didn't want to rely on not being seen. With the right technological advancements it were possible that they would still get picked up on film, and perhaps the cameras were merely a diversion to give them a false sense of security. Once he reached the entrance he smoothed down his shirt, tucking a hand into his vest to ensure that his throwing knives were in place in case he needed them. He gulped, taking a quick glance at the building's logo, and then back at Daniel and Adamina. He really hated being there. "C'mon, slowpokes. Let's . . . get this done with," he called to the psychic and Loft, making quite a show of themselves if anyone were watching with a wary eye.

Okay, and we are on to the third trial! For those who haven't completed their trials in the Hall of Illusion feel free to do so at your leisure, and you can join the fight through the Final Door when you are ready. Endless has graciously offered to host the Trial of Strength for us, so please be on the lookout for his updates throughout the battle. He's also posted a few special rules for this battle at the bottom of the intro post. : ) As such, my crew will be partaking in the battle as well. Now, let's see what this dragon is made of!

That would be wonderful, if so.

I was getting ready to respond, but then I realized that I'm not certain how Jake and Eclaire's location is being transmitted to the others. Do they have some kind of tracker map device, or is it something else? I wasn't sure if I was allowed to give Tibarn any additional equipment.

Sorry for not replying sooner; I'd missed this. I wish that I'd thought about Ren's necklace sooner, but sadly it didn't even occur to me until you mentioned it. Great idea, nonetheless. The key that Helios found is actually the solution to the door. I think I mentioned it within the initial post long ago, but there is a keyhole at about eye level upon the door. Excellent! I look forward to the read.

The rogue blinked rapidly upon Daniel's action, linking their minds so that Tibarn could hear whatever Daniel was through the comm link. "Thanks, man." He offered Daniel a thumbs up, while in his mind he wondered what happened if Daniel misheard the information that Solomond offered. Would he mishear it as well? That could get a bit messy, but he tried to focus on the positive aspect of it. At least he didn't have to mash his head up against anyone anymore. After hearing Solomond's message, however, the brunet was skeptical. The Rose's Grace? Tibarn had heard of the establishment, chiefly during his time in the bars, though it was one that he preferred to skirt around as much as possible. Could it really be a secret entrance to Captain Greyhawk's ship? He rather doubted it. After all, how could a wanted man have that much of a hold on the space ship? "I don't know about all this," Tibarn exclaimed loudly, cramming his hands in his pocket. "I feel like all of this is just a wild goose chase. 'Bout ready to wash my hands of it all, head back to the ship." He didn't particularly enjoy the fact that they had been nearly killed by a flayer, only to come out empty-handed with no further information that could aid in the criminal's capture. Sure, they had Solomond's new lead, but hadn't the Serpent's Envy been one of their leads as well? Tibarn locked eyes with Daniel, awaiting to learn of the captain and Eclaire's whereabouts.

I'd like to see more info, but this sounds intriguing.

The topic isn't exactly befitting for the video game and media section, as it isn't a discussion topic pertaining to a specific media platform. It almost resembles a role-play but it isn't quite there in terms of formatting. I think it would need to stay in Random. Sorry. The views also may have something to do with bots, including Bing, Google, etc. I believe they access topics for their search engines which bumps up your view count, but I'm not 100% certain.

The trial that I set for Aqua is one of self-reflection in the hall of Illusion. Essentially it is something conjured from Aqua's mind that she has a personal struggle with. This would be a great time to reveal more on her parents or her past. The main group will probably be moving on to the next trial soon, though, probably this weekend. Will be looking forward to it! Please take your time if needed, however. We all understand what it's like to be busy.

Helios joins the group at the Final Door: The False Queen: (Mikhail, Jynn, Alicia)

I really don't want to, though it is looking a bit grim. I have wanted to post but I feel that I can't post for Tibarn without first having Daniel respond. I could post anyway, though, if it'd help matters.

Would it be best if I wait for the holidays in hopes that there's a price drop? I'm thinking to get one next month, but I recall someone telling me that it may be best to wait for Dec for deals. I'm greatly looking forward to trying out Odyssey, Octopath, and FE Three Houses.

Does it play at your work, too?

Ugh, I forgot about that. Are the servers better than those for the Wii and Wii U, at least?

Thinking about getting a Switch as a conglomerate birthday present for me and my spouse next month. Hmmmm . . . .

Coffee is indeed amazing. I like a bit of it with my cream.

Generally when it's about to end, though I'm thinking to break this trend with the Switch because there's several games that I'd like to get for it.

This is not surprising.

Yikes, good luck with it. Who are you cosplaying as?

The potion riddle and the Final Door: (Odin, Alastor, Dawson, Sifrei, Xion, Rhaedyn, Mariel, Typhon, Eclaire, Arthur, Rabiyu, Aura) The Hall of Illusion (Helios, Rufus, Soren, Aqua, Henry): The False Queen Battle: (Jynn, Alicia, Mikhail)

Indeed. It would be very beneficial to spend some time outdoors and just enjoy the fresh air. You may find that it really is uplifting and makes a person feel good. I also, interestingly, find my dissatisfaction with life linked to my time spent with electronics, so I think you're onto something about not spending all your time indoors with the computer and phone.