Mystics Apprentice

Fanservice in anime. It just annoys me all to pieces and ruins the experience for me.

Tibarn huffed as Eva chose to ignore his business proposition, though truthfully he didn't know what he'd expected. He'd just have to wait for Daniel to work his way into her mind, though he was mildly surprised when this was instead shifting toward an assault by the flayer. "Now this is more like it!" Tibarn managed a grin as he leapt up onto the bar, kicking the drink of a random person as he went. He snatched up two throwing knives from the inner pockets of his jacket and flung them in the direction of the tentacles making their way to Adamina. The brunet then twirled himself midair and landed merely a couple feet from the Loft, bearing his dagger in a defensive stance in front of the medic. "You're welcome," he said facetiously, shooting her a sideways smirk.

I'm sorry if I left things in a confusing state. That plot point was probably the only one that could've been expanded upon, and I wanted to wait until things were more resolved but I knew everyone else was ready. I apologize. So what I was thinking was this: Henry and Elia overheard Nergal and Yevgeni talking about the Source of All Life and are determined to go after it. Yev left Eclaire in charge of the castle when the two left. However, Henry and Elia found Eclaire and Aqua at the gates and told them of Yev's plan, thus the four decide to follow them together, eventually losing them but finding their way to Isopolis all the same. Does that work? Aww, I think you're doing fine. Jynn will have plenty of other opportunities to prove himself.

We could continue that scene through flashbacks, if you'd like, but everyone else was pretty much ready to move forward so I thought that it was time. As for Eclaire, I assumed that she would probably want to come to Isopolis rather than guard the castle after she learns that they're tracking down the Source of All Life (I'm thinking Henry and Elia would tell her and Aqua about it). I could, of course, remove Eclaire from the scenario if you'd like, but I'm rather loathe to do it because there won't be much going on at the castle and I'd hate for you to miss out on Isopolis.

I just wanted to add a couple of quick rules that I intend to implement for Isopolis, similar to the special wars rules: 1.) The two-week response time is not in effect. Instead each player will be given three days to respond before moving on. 2.) All NPCs will be controlled by me (and in one instance, Endless). 3.) If you solve a puzzle, please place your specific answer in a spoiler tab so that others can try to solve it as well. 4.) I'll be setting the stage for the next trials and if your character has succeeded or requires further trials before progressing. 5.) Feel free to work together as a team throughout these trials, as that is what will make it fun. . You are also welcome to work off of others with answers that they place in spoiler tabs, though do note that they may not always be correct. My characters will be following along with the group to provide clues if necessary, but in general I will keep my characters silent and just work on the scenario for you all. I hope that you all enjoy what is in store!

Isopolis: The Forbidden Shrine The evening air gently caresses the faces of Odin's companions. Perhaps excitement fills your heart, or fear, or a bit of both. Isopolis, the forbidden shrine, lays mutely before you on a bed of assorted boulders. The terrain is a rocky one to climb, though with proper footing you should have little difficulty accessing the front gates. The shrine rises high into the sky, its levels impossible to discern from the outside. Its windows glitter like many emeralds along its gray stone walls. There is a large set of gates leading into the shrine, guarded by two heavily-armored men. They do not look in your direction or seemed bothered by your closeness, though they might decide to make use of those long katanas at their waists should you approach. Footsteps fall from behind you, which reveal the arrival of four individuals that had not traversed with your party: Henry, Elia, Eclaire, and Aqua. You have not seen these individuals in quite some time, though it would seem that they have an interest in joining your plight. The end is nigh; you have reached the final destination . . . . How will you choose to proceed?

I think we're as close as we're going to get to moving forward, so I'll go ahead and initiate the time skip now. If anyone would like to continue in the form of flashbacks they are welcome to do so. Don't despair, as both of your characters would actually be great prospects for main characters. I'm intending not to have any rulers be the main ones, leaving a lot more openings for other characters. I do not know who will comprise the main cast yet, but chiefly I'm aiming for an individual from each angle of the story. If your character(s) don't end up as a main character, however, please do not feel bad. There are at least 50+ characters in this role-play that are fantastic, and while I wish I could lay heavy emphasis on all I can only choose a few to designate as main characters, which makes things very difficult. I still think that I will try to give most characters a random chapter, but we shall see. I still have a lot of planning to do to work all of this in the form of a novel. This sounds excellent; I can't wait to see what you have in store. . If there's anything I can do to help toward this sequel please feel free to shoot me a PM!

Quick question: can others hear the sounds from the flayer, or just Daniel?

I'm not familiar with her, but I'm going to have to go hear a voice clip of hers now that you've mentioned it. I hadn't really given much thought to voice actors that I'd choose for my characters (and then of course there's English and Japanese VAs to consider), though I would certainly love Shiva's voice actor to be Kari Wahlgren who played Saber from Fate Stay/Night and Fate/Zero. Liam O'Brien would also be awesome for Alderon.

"Well, at least the folks here respect you," Tibarn responded casually, taking an opportunity to steal a glance around the room. Everything seemed relatively normal for a bar setting presently; he wasn't too concerned about an unexpected attack. "And nah, I wasn't looking for a job as much as curious if you wanted one." He gave her a wink, smirk stretching one corner of his mouth. There was a chance that she'd tamper with his drink as well, and thus he chose that he would play it safe and not drink it either. Besides, he'd had plenty of liquor already earlier that day; anymore and Adamina would likely rip him a new one. Yes, please, Tibarn responded to Daniel telepathically. Work your magic; just don't let her know that we're together.

It's tough because I feel that the entire cast is important and it's difficult to limit myself to a few. I'm probably going to have most characters have a random chapter outside of the main characters. While Raiden and Shiva are important to the plot I'm thinking that they will be seen through the lens of others, so that way less of the vital plot is revealed. These are good choices. I'm thinking instead of Raiden I may choose Rabiyu, and I think Nergal would need at least a few chapters to his name. I probably will not use Alderon for the same reason as the other rulers, though I do need to choose a human alongside him to write for. Arthur or Raleigh may be good choices. There's just too many amazing characters.

If I could I would've loved to make a TV live-action or anime series based off of this. I suppose a novel adaption will have to suffice. I'm trying to plan out how the novel will be written out. I'm intending to choose about 5-8 characters who will be the main characters, each chapter alternating from their viewpoint in third person. I'm pretty sure that I want Helios and Jynn to be main characters. Beyond that, I'm uncertain. It is really hard to believe that we're this close to the end after two years. I'm so pleased that this RP has managed to last this long. It's all thanks to you guys and your dedication to your characters and the story. Without you this wouldn't have been possible, so I extend a huge thank you to each and every one of you! This has been such a wonderful experience, and honestly it has been a great creative outlet for me with friends that I really enjoy the company of. I'll be sad to see this end, but I figure that just means that it'll be time for the next project! And I agree with Scrap; here's to many more years of successful RPing with you guys! *raises imaginary wine glass*

I hope that my earlier post didn't sound too accusatory, as I hadn't meant it that way at all (sometimes I'm in a rush and feel that I'm not great with words). Thank you for your guys' responses, and your explanations do make a lot of sense. I agree that the means of the attack is up for scrutiny and suspicion, but just in assuming that he's a different man somehow when there's little evidence to suggest it seemed to be going a bit too far. I'm glad that you guys are understanding, though. On another note, I think we're about ready to wrap things up and move forward to Isopolis. How exciting! I'll give everyone a few days to get caught up and conclude anything that they wish, but I'll get things rolling in a forward momentum quite soon. . So on that note . . . .

One thing I wanted to bring up is everyone seeming to notice Raiden is different, and some even thinking he's untrustworthy. I feel that this isn't knowledge that everyone should have, as some of the things that others are supposing are not even confirmed to be true. For one, the merging took place in a room with a magical barrier, so others couldn't really sense it, and Raiden essentially merged with his other half, becoming whole which is now Odin. It hasn't been revealed as to how much Odin is still Raiden, nor where he lies on the spectrum of good and evil, though Shiva had loved the man who was Odin (not exactly Raiden, though he was the closest she had, and she didn't know of his splitting of the soul) and trusted him. However, I feel it is really too early for anyone to detect that he has changed, and I find it especially curious that everyone assumes that he is now untrustworthy. While Teshub indeed was a bit mischievous, he was never actually evil. The only difference, or at least from what I can tell, is the eye patch that he now wears, but that can be explained from the attack. I could understand if perhaps, after spending time with him, people such as Mariel and Alastor may sense something different about him, because they have known him for a very long time and could probably notice that he isn't quite himself. I feel that the characters are sort of seeing too much into this, and making assumptions that aren't even existent yet. Anyhow, I just wanted to bring this to light in hopes of rectifying this misconception.

(Tibarn actually already offered money and placed an order for a drink when he first approached the bar, but let's just pretend that didn't happen and move on, perhaps) Tibarn scrunched up his face and leaned away from the bar, shaking his head. He appeared wounded. "Why is it always the same with you lovely ones?" he groaned. "It's always about the business. And the money--the money! Doesn't anyone value true genuine dialogue these days?" He slid a few credits across the bar in Eva's direction. "A mojito, please, Eva dear. And that is a lovely name, might I add. Means 'full of life,' if I remember right, which it seems that you live up to." He offered her a wink. "So tell me, Eva: you like working here? Do the people treat you well?" He had to get her to start talking, though he didn't know if it would do any good. She was so uptight and nervous, and she seemed about ready to spit in his face if he kept this up. If this didn't work he thought that he may have to snatch Daniel by the arm again and try to inquire elsewhere. However, he knew that this bartender knew something, and he was bound and determined to get it out of her.

I'm sorry if we spoiled things for you. I still disagree that these things are considered spoilers worthy of spoiler tabs, but I respect your viewpoint. Cardcaptor Sakura is an awesome series, though I too haven't had the chance to finish it (I may never get around to it, but you never know!). It's tough on the Internet because there are so many spoilers for so many things tucked everywhere. Also, I didn't mean to make it sound like you should be able to just go out and watch these things personally--it can be hard sometimes. What I meant was, generally speaking, spoilers are only good and considered spoilers for the first few months of the release of something, and then after that they're fair game, even if they still spoil it for some people. It's a complicated situation. Again, I meant no offense, and I apologize if I ruined things for you.

--King Alderon and Princess Athena -- Raiden's Villa-- The king had just finished outfitting himself in fine mythril, when Rabiyu's knock sounded upon his door. A frown furrowed his brow. Were more people coming to proffer their condolences? He'd had about as much pity as he could take. The human king began to make a motion for the door, but before he could do so the door swung open for him. For a moment he stood stock still, face slackened and a blank slate. There she stood: his beloved daughter, silk dress tattered and auburn hair matted, but it was his beloved daughter all the same. And no longer cursed at that! His jaw dropped, entirely lost for words. "Father!" He nearly fell to the floor when the princess tackled him in a bear hug, sobbing deeply into his chest plate. It took him a moment to respond, though when he had tears fell from his eyes as well. He wrapped his arms tightly around his daughter, kneeling so that she no longer had to stand on tiptoe. "Athena . . . ." he eventually voiced. "You're alive, and look at you"--he ran his gauntleted fingers through her hair, patting at her scalp where her ears had once been--"your curse has been broken." "These wonderful people helped me," Athena responded, pulling away from her father enough to nod in Rabiyu, Aura, (and Rufus'?) direction. The king's gray eyes followed her motion, bringing his gaze up to meet with the others. "Hisie, Aura," he managed, shaking his head in disbelief. "You have no idea what this means to me. My dear daughter, my . . . ." He was unable to finish as tears consumed him again, causing him to shake violently. Athena tenderly patted him on the shoulder, offering Rabiyu and Aura an apologetic look. "My apologies," she murmured, biting her lip. "He is not normally like this." Her words seemed to bring Alderon back to his senses, as he regained part of his composure shortly thereafter. He rose and moved over to Rabiyu, (Rufus?), and Aura, only to kneel once more and kiss each of the ladies' hands. "You have returned to me that of which I hold most dear," he said. "And for that you have my eternal gratitude. I will reward you handsomely once my kingdom is restored, as well as grant you both any wish that is in my power to grant. You need only say the words."

They're not really considered spoilers because it is not new content. If it's something that everyone has had the chance to see it is fair game. Kind of like spoilers for KH titles. We remove our spoiler policy after about a month or two after release, because by then everyone has had the chance to play it if they really wanted. Otherwise, almost anything would be a spoiler and it would get very hard to speak.

So what I meant by reincarnation is that Shiva's spirit has been reincarnated upon the world, within a new individual and living a new life. I was honestly thinking about (don't laugh) Seto Kaiba and Priest Seto, who share the same spirit but are totally different individuals. It would be very much like that.

In that case, I shall strive to write it well should the opportunity arise.

The thief watched as the Yian-Ti filled his partner's drink, admiring her sleek black locks and how they swayed with her movement. She was rather pretty for a reptilian woman, though Tibarn didn't think he'd be able to get over those eyes anytime soon. A slight motion. What was that? Tibarn sat up straighter in his seat, watching as the bartender extended the drink to Daniel. Was she onto them? Did she know Tibarn was involved? It took all his energy to pay attention to the Yian-Ti alone, forcing himself not to glance in Daniel's direction. A playful grin crossed his face as he propped his elbow onto the bar, resting his cheek in his open palm as she asked her question. "Me," he said simply, as though that should be all that mattered. When she glanced back over toward the flayer he reached out and lightly brushed her hand with a forefinger. "Hey, why are you so uptight? You look as though something's going to bite you." Daniel, Tibarn thought desperately, noticing the psychic from his peripheral vision, Don't drink it. Please don't drink. Whether Daniel would hear him above all the noise he didn't know. It still puzzled him on how all this psychic stuff worked.

--Elia Cabret -- Kilkis Seres-- A frown pinched Elia's brow as she scrunched up her nose, curious as to what Henry beckoned her for. She carefully rested an ear against the door, eyes growing ever wider as she listened in. Eventually the fairy backed away, looking at the door as though it had fangs and venom. "The Source of All Life," Elia whispered, gaze shifting to Henry. "This sounds powerful, and like it will end in a mess unless we do something." The conversation inside began to wrap up, and Elia and Henry hear footsteps approach the door. Yevgeni announces that he needs to speak with Eclaire, and it is presumable that he is getting ready to leave. Elia jumped, grabbing Henry's sleeve and tugging on it. "Quick, someone's coming!" she hissed. "We can't be seen here." The young fairy slid behind a column, expecting Henry to do the same. Her eyes fall to Henry as she says, "Let's follow them tonight, when they plan to go. We can't let them get away with this." --Yevgeni Malachite -- Kilkis Seres Palace Gates-- The elf parted ways with Nergal to see to the late queen's retainer, as he'd promised to do prior to meeting with the Queenslayer. He approached the rose-haired cat woman tentatively, surprised to find her in conversation with his former pupil. He glanced to them both, golden hair gleaming in the brilliant sunshine. "My apologies for keeping you, Noble Retainer," Yevgeni said at last. "I had some other urgent business to attend to. Sadly, however, I must make our meeting brief. I have to be somewhere later this evening and must depart from Kilkis Seres shortly. Might I entrust the palace and its people to you in my absence? I feel you would be a good fit." His emerald eyes turned toward Aqua before offering her a respectful nod. "It has been some time since I have seen you, Aqua. I feared that the war had scarred you permanently. It is good to see you again, and doing well, I trust?" --Alderon Niles -- Raiden's villa with Bherna-- The king's face tightened at the mention of his pain which he endured at his daughter's loss. "I do not like talking about it," he said dismissively, tone far from warm. "But I appreciate your condolences. Now, if you'll excuse me I have a battle to prepare for." Whether mental or physical even Alderon wasn't certain. No one was quite certain what the Isopolis trials would pertain to, which unnerved him slightly. He bounded up to his quarters for a change of clothing as well as retrieve his weapon, feeling that he would be needing it. --Athena Niles -- Raiden's Rooftop-- The girl felt relatively the same, which troubled her. Did Rufus' magic work? Was she back to her old self? She held out her hands in front of her; they seemed normal enough. She then moved on to patting her head, which must've looked quite foolish to the others. She let out a small cry of joy, clapping her hands together before flinging her arms around Rufus' neck in what might've been an unbearably tight hug. "Oh, thank you ever so much!" she cried, eyes filling with tears. "You've no idea how much you've done for me." After composing herself the princess turned toward the elf and fellow human, offering them a curtsy. "Thank you, both of you. I had nearly forgotten what it felt like to be truly human." She clasped her hands in front of her, offering Rabiyu a soft smile. "I should like to see my father now, please, if you would be willing to take me to him."

Tibarn cocked an eyebrow at the bartender and leaned in. "That's generally why someone comes into a bar, yes." Little did she have to know that it wasn't his sole intent. The brunet noticed a few things about his surroundings, one being that the Yian-Ti waiting on him seemed to be on edge and glancing at someone behind him. His guess was that it was the hooded figure or one of his affiliates, but he wasn't going to turn around to show that he was on to anything. He heard Daniel's familiar voice alongside him and realized that the psychic followed him. Good. For the most part everyone seemed to be having a good time. It was loud, drinks were plentiful, and laughter carried itself decently throughout the entire bar. This was nicer than some of the outlets that Tibarn had been to, except for the Yian-Ti and the fact that there were probably at least a handful of people in the room interested in killing them. Tibarn idly traced a finger on the countertop, eyeing the bartender serving him. "So, do you have a name, O' Fair One?"

Would Umbra take an interest in Shiva's reincarnate (whose name will likely be Solstice), since the girl possesses Shiva's soul? That would explain why some ordinary girl gets herself involved with the new cast.

What I had in mind was a young girl (equivalent to an 18-year-old, anyway) living in the north who has had far from a privileged life. She would have Shiva's appearance and soul, but she is not Shiva. She would be her own person, though I was thinking that occasionally a bit of Shiva would shine through. A fondness and trust for Eclaire even if they barely met, for one, and perhaps being one of the few to be able to create a blood seal with Maxis due to Shiva's spirit living within. I was planning for her personality and temperament to be rather different, however, potentially being more like the reckless Princess Shiva that we haven't really gotten to see. It would be very fun, at any rate, and like Elrandir suggested it may give people some closure on the queen's death. Not that a sequel is confirmed; this is just a character that I'd love to bring on board if a sequel does happen (which I very much hope does). I just can't help but muse over possibilities for a sequel in the North. I actually agree with you in that character revivals often cheapen a death. It really depends on how it's done, though, and what overall effect it has on the rest of the cast of characters, in my opinion. I do get where you're coming from. . I don't really intend for Shiva to be revived, though, so I think it would be different.