Ruins of the Ancients - Battlemamono RP

[Firedragon]

Xander, the Bouldacaea smiles at you and answers, "I'm Shanika." After a moment, she asks, "So how exactly did you end ip here? You look as if you're with the legion, but you don't have the look of a legionnaire - or are you as stiff as they tend to be?" Her wink when asking that last question isn't exactly unexpected - after all, her kind tends to have a somewhat... earthy... sense of humor - but you really have more important things to worry about right now, don't you?

Quite a few eyebrows are raised at your statement of a '89% certainty' (if you want eyes to glace over, you'd probably only have to explain how exactly you arrived at that number...), but your conclusion of a possibly uncontroled or awakening elemental node being the reason - or at least one reason - for the recent events earns nods all around. It also creates a sense of urgency, since whatever the specific situation might be, if you're even close to correct, it would mean serious trouble...


Giovanni, when you mention your bonding ceremony, Ilaria whispers, "I somehow can't remember that many details about the ceremony... But I remember what happened afterwards well. Very well..." With a grin (and a hand slowly creeping where it really doesn't belong right now), she continues, "I really liked your... enthusiasm..., you know. And the whipped cream..."

Fortunately, nobody notices Ilaria's actions (or at least everybody pretends), so your question about the logic behind ignoring potentially important ruins this close to Nu-Rome's sphere of influence gets you some answers.
For instance, so far, nobody actually knows whethere there really are ruins - as Magnus said, it's just a rumor. And if every such rumor about some 'ancient ruin filled with the secrets of the ancients' was true, there wouldn't be many secrets left. There's also the fact that actual ruins of the ancients for some reason tend to draw loci beasts, especially if large groups of people stay there for a long time. Spending a night or two in a ruin, for example, while waiting out a storm, is usually fine, but making a methodical search of a ruin with a large group of mages is a recipe for desaster. Thus, ruin hunting is almost exclusively the province of small, specialized harems.


Itami, you hear Magnus' command to stay away from the foxgirl, but whether you intend to obey or not is really beside the point, since you quickly lose her among the wagons, merchants and legionnaires (and you get the distinct impression that nobody would be inclined to let a random stranger search the caravan).

When you return to the others, you hear Giovanni suggest investigating the ruin assumed to be nearby. Closed in, tight spaces with short lines of sight aren't exactly the ideal environment for an archer, are they? Of course, you're basically out of arrows anyway, so that's not really a concern, is it?

Thinking about what you've picked up about ancient ruins, you remember that most if not all of them are reportedly protected by traps, strange devices, supposedly even some kind of guardian creature. And since every really important ruin discovered has been a veritable death trap, there's a reason any large one is commonly referred to as a 'Tomb of Horrors'...


Magnus, for a moment you wonder what it would be like to be bonded to Ylva. You can't suppress a small shudder at the thought - for starters, you'd almost certainly lack even what little ability you have to keep her somewhat in line...

In any case, when you recount the myth about men coming 'from the stars' and point out that supposedly there's a ruin to be found in the area, Giovanni asks if you're going to explore it (assuming there really is a ruin in the first place, of course...). Apparently, he's... unaware... of the dangers of ancient ruins, though he is certainly right in at least one aspect - if there is a ruin that just might be connected to the loci beast attacks, it's most definitely your job to find out.


Lumen, the owlbeast is definitely dead, but what looked like some kind of necklace at first actually is somehow part of the loci beast. A metal part that has been... implanted...? But if so, by whom? And for what purpose?

One thing is certain, though. There is no trace of magic, and you've never heard of anything even remotely like this being done without the help of a powerful mage or two. For that matter, you are looking at a loci beast here, which is inherently magical anyway, so there should be some trace of elemental energy on it's body, even after its death. But there isn't. It's as if the owlbeast never was the least bit magical, so what in the elements' name is going on here?

[TehDanimal1]

Xander, the Bouldacaea smiles at you and answers, "I'm Shanika." After a moment, she asks, "So how exactly did you end ip here? You look as if you're with the legion, but you don't have the look of a legionnaire - or are you as stiff as they tend to be?" Her wink when asking that last question isn't exactly unexpected - after all, her kind tends to have a somewhat... earthy... sense of humor - but you really have more important things to worry about right now, don't you?

Giovanni, when you mention your bonding ceremony, Ilaria whispers, "I somehow can't remember that many details about the ceremony... But I remember what happened afterwards well. Very well..." With a grin (and a hand slowly creeping where it really doesn't belong right now), she continues, "I really liked your... enthusiasm..., you know. And the whipped cream..."

Fortunately, nobody notices Ilaria's actions (or at least everybody pretends), so your question about the logic behind ignoring potentially important ruins this close to Nu-Rome's sphere of influence gets you some answers.
For instance, so far, nobody actually knows whether they really are ruins - as Magnus said, it's just a rumor. And if every such rumor about some 'ancient ruin filled with the secrets of the ancients' was true, there wouldn't be many secrets left. There's also the fact that actual ruins of the ancients for some reason tend to draw loci beasts, especially if large groups of people stay there for a long time. Spending a night or two in a ruin, for example, while waiting out a storm, is usually fine, but making a methodical search of a ruin with a large group of mages is a recipe for disaster. Thus, ruin hunting is almost exclusively the province of small, specialized harems.

My face was a little red, some intimate details should stay between couples. Those of us that were talking seem to be giving me a look as if I didn't know how dangerous Ruins could actually be, both me and Ilaria heard the rumors at the bar. Whole harems disappearing, some coming back tainted in untold ways. Some even lose their husband. The thought of losing Ilaria made me pull her closer and brush the fur from her face, "Not now love, when we get back from our duty." She frowned a little and fidgeted with her tail.

I turned myself toward the new mage that we picked up, Lumen it was, while walking towards him I adjusted myself, hopefully nobody saw or at least were kind enough to pretend not to notice, then straighten up my gear, and began walking towards one of the dead Owlbeasts "So with 89% certainty there is a large source of Element magic of some sort from where the caravan and those Owlbeasts came from, which is signified by this damned buzzing?"

I kicked the bastard to make sure it was dead, I grimaced at the sound of it thumping against my boot. It didn't move, yep sure was dead. I knelt down, seemed like Lumen was saying something was weird about the Owlbeasts, other than the fact that they were in a rampaging army beforehand. There was something strange embedded in its neck, "Knight-Crusader, Xander take a look at this!"

[KillMoves]

I heard Magnus order me back. I planned not to follow that but then I could not find the fox lady as if she and her kids disappeared in a puff of smoke as soon as I took my eyes off them. "Dammit." I silently whispered. I guess the mystery of the wooden coin will be solved later. Probably much later.

So I stayed with my buddies. And by 'stayed' I meant I was at the maximum distance from them to be considered still part of them. I overheard one of them, Giovanni I'm pretty sure his name was, suggest that we investigate some ruins. If I recall correctly, those places were filled to the brim with traps. And traps meant someone seriously did not want anyone to find the dirty little secrets hidden in those ruins. If it's a large ruin, people usually call 'em 'Tomb of Horrors'. Very apt and straightforward.

I saw Giovanni walk over to the mage boy who was not Xander, both of them examining the dead Owlbeast. He called over Xander and Magnus and, despite not being called, I came over too to find out what was up.

As soon as the gang was assembled, I decided to put a question out. "Are we seriously going to a ruin? 'Cause we're going to need to properly prepare if we are." I assumed the motion was not cast in stone yet. After all, the guy calling the shots here was Magnus.

[DogKama]

Magnus' thoughts came inward as more pieces came together to create the picture he didn't want to see. Against his wishes the trail was becoming a path that lead right into the very forest he had been warn not enter, and as if by fate he found himself in a position that allowed him to do just that. Right now, has he looked around only reinforced the notion he had to make the call against his best wishes.

"5! You all have 5 minutes to finish up before head back to town." He glance over to Xander who was currently a Bouldacaea not caring if he heard the ultimatum.

Magnus briskly walked to the small gathering before taking a kneel over the dead owlbeast.

"Make this quick." He commented while a finger made a small circle in the around the beast's neck." What about this old wound is so important?



(Been busy lately and will post a proper response soon. Magnus isn't too profound with magitek and given everything that has happen thinks its part of a blade stuck in the owlbeast's neck.)

[TehDanimal1]

"Sir as you can see it is not no ordinary wound, nor was it caused by any of our weapons, it is almost like some sort of collar like you would put on a pet, only it seems this collar was fused with the poor bastard," I said tracing out the metal. "This seems kind of interesting, it's a little beyond me how you would charge it and I'm only making a logical guess at it," "Maybe either mage could give you more info." I shrugged, "I will say though, if these things came from some nearby ruins that you are talking about, then it's all the more reason to do our new job given to us," "As well as before going we should properly equip ourselves, I myself don't have all of my equipment on me and I doubt you have all of yours as well, sir." If we're going to go exploring, I needed to get my rifle and several of the back up crystal essences I have for the rifle, it would also be smart to grab some camping and first aid gear as well, for that I'll hit up the barracks.

[Zadocfish]

Lumen couldn't help but remark on the nearby soldier's comment. "I'm not sure 'charging' is right. There's no magic in this corpse. That should be nearly impossible for a Loci beast. I think the medal might be some kind of conduit; it might be used as a focal point in a draining spell or something to that effect. Or, it could be involved in how they were controlled. Maybe both; it could be that they were drained of magic, then some signal controlled their bodies once they were devoid of will... but that would mean that traces of the control spell had to be cut off immediately after death, otherwise it would leave some kind of magical signature. Either way, it has something to do with the device in the ruins."

Lumen carried no large blade, only a little traveller's knife. Even as he spoke, he began sawing away to remove the metal bit. "It needs to be investigated... by real experts, and I would have it investigated BEFORE you try for the ruins. Whatever this is, it could give a clue about what you'll find there. I would see if there were any badges on the other owlbeasts, too, and maybe take some of their corpses back for a full autopsy." The military man probably wouldn't be interested in the word or advice of a mere bystander, but he had to speak just in case. Though he had never been in one, he had read enough to know that ruins are no joke. He finished, thoughtfully, "An expedition is probably going to be necessary... but it could waste resources or even lives if you go without examining every scrap of information you possibly can."

[Animajunki123]

(this first half is before my last post)

"I'm Shanika." After a moment, she asks, "So how exactly did you end up here? You look as if you're with the legion, but you don't have the look of a legionnaire - or are you as stiff as they tend to be?"

"eh... he he he..."

I laughed nervously to myself, but I continue by answering her.

"Not really... I'm not really part of the legion, but at the same time... I guess I am? it's kinda complicated... but the gist of it is, I kinda just joined today, so woo hoo I guess."

I notice that Magnus was freed up at the moment and I take a moment to put this conversation on hold.

"Sorry, give me one second."

(refer to the previous post to see what is said next, and then assume the rest of the post happened after the conversation with magnus)

I watched the group for a moment, I had nothing to offer to this conversation outside of what was already said. Magnus gave us five minutes to finish up what we where doing, so I decided to ask a question before he walked off to examine the owlbeast.

"Sir, will we be escorting the merchants and innocents back to the city? this could simply be the first of many attacks that could transpire along the way. If we won't personally, I can understand."

Regardless of the answer Magnus gives, I turn back to the Bould- ... Shanika and nod my head.

"Sorry about that. Anyway, I thank you for the help... if it's not to much trouble, would you mind keeping the Caravan safe for a little while longer? even one more person could help a lot. I'd be willing to see if the Legion could reward you for the effort. if not them, then I'll see if I can come up with something myself."

[Firedragon]

Xander, when you promise to reward her yourself for her help if necessary, the Bouldacaea raises an eyebrow and grins, though she doesn't say anything about it. Instead, she simply shrugs and says with a nod, "Sure, I'll keep an eye out for trouble. But that's going to cost you dinner whether you can convince the legion to fork over any money or not."

You also remember that all the texts you've read about harnessing elemental nodes stressed the need to constantly 'finetune' the energy flow. In other words, any elemental node 'in use' is guarded and manipulated around the clock by specially trained mages working in shifts. So unless there's a large number of mages secretly living in a rumored ruin (after all, Magnus said this supposed ruin is only said to be located somewhere in the hills), something doesn't sound right...


Itami, the caravan is already starting to move towards Septencusto under the guard of the legionnaires, and Magnus orders you to pack up, so you're all going to return to town before you go looking for trouble - more trouble, that is.

In any case, during your time in the village, despite your best efforts to drown what's left of your mind in strong liquor, you couldn't help but notice the large compound of a family of weaponsmiths located near the eastern gate. From the looks of it, they had quite a selection of enchanted weapons for sale, so - provided the legion is actually going to pay you - it might be possible to restock with relative ease. Maybe you could even pick up another weapon for when you run out of arrows again. And considering the luck you've had lately, you're almost certainly going to. Heartening thought, isn't it?


Giovanni, Ilaria sighs but seems willing to curb her instincts for now, though she stays close to you. But then again, that's not exactly unusual for her, is it?

The mage who was with the caravan suggests taking back a dead owlbeast or two for a full autopsy, which doesn't sound like a bad idea. Your wife at least agrees with him, so she loads two of the corpses onto an empty wagon with your help. Along the way, you notice that the loci beasts do seem to all have this strange device fused to their necks.
Suddenly, you wonder whether these devices - whatever they may be - would also work on humans and mamono. What if this whole thing was just some kind of test run (assuming these devices did control the owlbeasts)? Or could these seemingly random attacks actually have been intended to provide whoever is behind all this with... test subjects...?


Lumen, a closer look at the item after you've managed to saw it off reveals that it wasn't just fused with the loci beast. It also had some... wires? extensions? tentacles? wrapped around the owlbeast's spine (you've sawed off most of them while removing it). Examining it for a while makes your hand holding it feel cold and leaves you a little lightheaded. It's almost as if this... thing... was somehow draining your arcane energy despite it clearly being not functional any longer.
You know that many people have very little in the way of magic (at least as far as versatile spells and powerful attacks go), but you've never even heard of something that drains magic like this. Sure, there are a few spells that let you interrupt another's use of magic or even 'steal' the energy and use it yourself, but they are either far beyond the abilities of all but the most powerful and experienced mages or have such a minor or short term effect that they can't be compared to this...

Be that as it may, the caravan is continuing on its interrupted journey to Septencusto now, and since a full century of infantry and a squadron of centaurs is guarding it now, you should get to the village without further trouble. Of course, you should probably start thinking about what you're going to do when you arrive.


Magnus, if what you've found here is any indication, you should definitely get more information from some specialists back in Septencusto. Of course, this will also mean 'officially' calling on the resources of the legion. And when while you've been told to do exactly that when necessary, there's also the matter of this whole thing being closely watched...

And as if that wasn't enough, it seems as if 'your' mage is in the process of making a new friend. From the looks of it, she's already thinking about sticking around. And then there's this other mage who most definitely is not part of your team but seems to have at least some idea of what might be going on.

Fortunately, the presence of your century and Flavia's squadron makes sure nothing bothers you on the way back to the village, where the caravan quickly splits up. Ylva hands you the merchants' signed statements for the files and a note detailing where they can be found for the next few days if anything else should come up.
Flavia leads her centaurs towards their barracks, while your legionnaires return to their normal duties at your command, which leaves only your squad, the Bouldacaea and the mage from the caravan still standing in front of the gate to the legion's compound.

[Animajunki123]

"Sure, I'll keep an eye out for trouble. But that's going to cost you dinner whether you can convince the legion to fork over any money or not."

I simply smiled at her for a bit. Just dinner? I'm sure even I could do something about that. I had a bit of money saved up so I don't think it would be a problem... though something tells me just the dinner isn't what Shanika is after here if the grin on her face was any indicator.

"Alright, that's a deal."

With that out of the way, we where on our way back to Septencusto, though something was on my mind as we walked. It seemed to revolve around the concept of the elemental node and what I knew of them. those things took a great deal of effort to keep running, a team of fine tuning mages needing to be kept around to keep it going and to prevent any sort of issue or magical hiccup. The thing is, if what Magnus was saying was true, the ruins in the distance didn't have a whole team of mages over there, if that was indeed where it was coming from. Something about it didn't sound right to me, and in truth, I think I'm either overlooking something, or I'm completely off the mark. Letting out a sigh, I decided I should mention this to my commander, so on the way back, I tail Commander Magnus for a bit before I draw his attention and begin speaking low so as not to be overheard.

"Commander... I have to tell you something. Something about this whole situation. I know I said earlier that an elemental Node might be the cause of a lot of what was going on, but a great deal of manpower from specialized mages is required to keep something like that running around the clock. Unless there have been a great deal of mages goign missing somewhere, I know most of the ones in Nu-rome have been there the whole time minus a few who went out into the world... I know we don't have a lot of information at the moment, but I wanted to bring that to light. Something about this seems off and... well... I think we will need to be very cautious when we decide to proceed sir. Also, if you don't mind, I need to go and talk with... Lumen? was that his name? I need to talk with him. I think he might be able to help me shed some new light on the whole idea we have here."

[KillMoves]

Whatever my buddies were up to, we soon found ourselves heading back into town. Probably a wise choice. We've already had our day's worth of carnage today and if we wanted seconds, we'd all need a breather. Or in my case, a bottle or two of my most and least favorite drink

So there we were, in the entrance to the Legion's compound trying to figure out what to do next. The other guys seem to be on to something about the strange behavior of the Owlbeasts earlier. I... I really couldn't keep up with what they knew. But if we were to mobilize again, I needed to get back to my inn and restock my quiver. Today's incident cleaned me out and I need a fresh batch if we were to do something similar later.

I remembered seeing some blacksmiths and weaponsmiths with some sweet gear on the way here. But I really wasn't interested. Money spent on preparations is money not wasted on my vices.

[DogKama]

Magnus, if what you've found here is any indication, you should definitely get more information from some specialists back in Septencusto. Of course, this will also mean 'officially' calling on the resources of the legion. And when while you've been told to do exactly that when necessary, there's also the matter of this whole thing being closely watched...

And as if that wasn't enough, it seems as if 'your' mage is in the process of making a new friend. From the looks of it, she's already thinking about sticking around. And then there's this other mage who most definitely is not part of your team but seems to have at least some idea of what might be going on.

Fortunately, the presence of your century and Flavia's squadron makes sure nothing bothers you on the way back to the village, where the caravan quickly splits up. Ylva hands you the merchants' signed statements for the files and a note detailing where they can be found for the next few days if anything else should come up.

Flavia leads her centaurs towards their barracks, while your legionnaires return to their normal duties at your command, which leaves only your squad, the Bouldacaea and the mage from the caravan still standing in front of the gate to the legion's compound.

The march...the trudge back to Septencusto weighted heavily on Magnus' mind as it carefully shifted through the days events and revelations. This whole attack- the day entirely seemed too carefully laid out. Magnus Caelum felt the dancing fingers of fear climbing the very length of this spine as his childhood fascination with the unknown and hidden mysteries flared and flooded his mind with the silly notions of secret orders and creatures from the sky.

"Stop." he told himself. His thoughts slowed but still carried with them their conspiracies of new orders raising and the end times. Magnus stifled a breath.

It was this precious reasoning his parents had put an end to this hob..obsession with searching for meanings that weren't there. But how could he not be fascinated with the thought? He grew up in a literal mansion that held secrets and truths the general populace would claw their own eyes out before accepting such a thing. Damn it, it was his family's military roots and this obsession for the unknown that drove him to seek officer status. Where else could he garner the power and status to turn over any rock he wanted without raising questions?

Were his motives selfish? Sure. He had figured that part out long before he was exiled from the Caelum House, but the true question he pondered was if/once he had his fill just what would he do with this knowledge? Magnus had one idea but it frighten him just considering the negatives, and how would he tell let alone convince his wife to go with it?

This train of thought ended when the someone grabbed his attention, and for that Magnus was thankful for the distraction.

"Commander... I have to tell you something. Something about this whole situation. I know I said earlier that an elemental Node might be the cause of a lot of what was going on, but a great deal of manpower from specialized mages is required to keep something like that running around the clock. Unless there have been a great deal of mages goign missing somewhere, I know most of the ones in Nu-rome have been there the whole time minus a few who went out into the world... I know we don't have a lot of information at the moment, but I wanted to bring that to light. Something about this seems off and... well... I think we will need to be very cautious when we decide to proceed sir. Also, if you don't mind, I need to go and talk with... Lumen? was that his name? I need to talk with him. I think he might be able to help me shed some new light on the whole idea we have here."

"Xander wasn't it?" Magnus asked. "I'll learn the names eventually, and thank you for the insight." he added and without meaning to once again dove back into his previous thoughts.

Somewhere. Somehow Magnus blinked and found himself back within the town of Septencusto, just a few steps away from the gates with his team(including a few hitchhikers as well) gathered all around waiting for him to give the order. He would but only after he gave his cliche parting speech.

"I know after today we all want to take a seat and rest, and you deserve it, and because of that I'll be quick. In three days, just before the sun breaches the horizon we'll meet here..." Magnus' finger point straight down "...in this very spot before we set off for the forest. I don't care what you do during this time since it's meant for you but if suddenly feel this isn't the career for you than don't show, but by all means don't stay in the town. If you need room and board or some sort of supplies than simply state you're with the legion and mention the phrase 'Air under the wings is pleasant.' That should be enough, and I'll take care of the rest."

He paused for moment seemingly waiting for any questions but than added one last line, while looking at Xander and the Bouldacaea.

"And please don't use that line at any Companion Hotels would you? That'll be a hard one to explain."

[TehDanimal1]

"Commander... I have to tell you something. Something about this whole situation. I know I said earlier that an elemental Node might be the cause of a lot of what was going on, but a great deal of manpower from specialized mages is required to keep something like that running around the clock. Unless there have been a great deal of mages goign missing somewhere, I know most of the ones in Nu-rome have been there the whole time minus a few who went out into the world... I know we don't have a lot of information at the moment, but I wanted to bring that to light. Something about this seems off and... well... I think we will need to be very cautious when we decide to proceed sir. Also, if you don't mind, I need to go and talk with... Lumen? was that his name? I need to talk with him. I think he might be able to help me shed some new light on the whole idea we have here."

"I know after today we all want to take a seat and rest, and you deserve it, and because of that I'll be quick. In three days, just before the sun breaches the horizon we'll meet here..." Magnus' finger point straight down "...in this very spot before we set off for the forest. I don't care what you do during this time since it's meant for you but if suddenly feel this isn't the career for you than don't show, but by all means don't stay in the town. If you need room and board or some sort of supplies than simply state you're with the legion and mention the phrase 'Air under the wings is pleasant.' That should be enough, and I'll take care of the rest."

He paused for moment seemingly waiting for any questions but than added one last line, while looking at Xander and the Bouldacaea.

"And please don't use that line at any Companion Hotels would you? That'll be a hard one to explain."

"Heh," I smirked. He can be funny at times it seems, although looking at how that Bouldacaea was eye Xander and he not giving a no, I wonder if it was meant to be more of a warning towards the mage. I suddenly felt a little heavier, "A shame we can't get a hotel on the house," Ilaria whispered in my ear with a little nibble. "Since when did we need a hotel?" I asked jovially with a huge grin, as I grabbed her legs and picked her up. She giggled as I carried her off towards our place in the barracks for some well deserved 'one-on-one' time, we can get prepped and geared up later.

[Animajunki123]

I wasn't quite sure what Magnus was getting at when he mentioned 'Companion Hotels' But that only lasted for a second before the realization hit me. Aw Gods above everyone thinks I'm flirting with her aren't they? Well... dammit. Attempting to dissuade everyone from the thought seemed almost impossible at this point, and truth be told, I don't think Shanika would be willing to take no for an answer anyway...

I could only internally sigh at the outcome of what happened between myself and Shanika. I honestly was still a little wary of her to be honest, but she has been proving herself far more... tame in comparison to what I know of in regards to others like herself. maybe I'm just being to narrow minded...

Giving the Commander a nod, I reply quickly.

"I'll see that it doesn't happen sir... Also, I'll see what I can learn from Lumen and maybe with the both of us, we can come up with something more concrete then a mages gut instinct."

I give Magnus a salute, feeling a little more comfortable with and and then make my way back to Shanika and give her small smile.

"Anyway... I didn't ask, but I'll see about that dinner come sometime today. If you don't mind though... would later on tonight be alright with you? I have a bit of investigation to see to first... as for where... any place is fine with me to be honest. I'll meet you back here sometime around... 6 or so if that's okay?"

(Next bit will assume the 'date' with Shanika has been established.)

With that out of the way, I spot the mage named Lumen and his interest in the small metallic device in his hands that he extracted from the Owlbeast.

I make my way over and Call out to him to gather his attention.

"Excuse me... You're Lumen right? I saw you out there today. Very niffty work you pulled off. I also happen to be a mage much like you, My name is xander and I happen to have been a part of the Mages association in Nu-rome... a graduating student to be precise. I didn't say anything earlier since you where occupied with the Commander, but do you mind if I get a good look at that device your holding?"

[Zadocfish]

Lumen showed Xander the device. He imagined that a member of the Mages Association would be a great help... in many ways. He said, "Here. I think it's a channeling, or a draining device. It had wires leading into the creature's body, even round to its spinal cord. Careful with it, too- if you hold it for a bit, you can feel it sapping your life-force, I believe. That, or just your magic. The creature hadn't any life-force when I checked for it, so that's a big hint. If that's the case, it probably has a hand in controlling the drained husk... I get the feeling the monsters were either dead long before they got to us, or the draining effect works really fast after death."

It was a lot to say at once, but when Lumen got a magical conundrum on hand, it was difficult to contain his curiosity and guesswork. He tried to hand the device to Xander, finishing, "Glad to meet you, by the way. I'm a student of magic, myself, though I don't have any proper schooling."

[Animajunki123]

I nodded my head as Lumen explained himself. Everything he mentioned was quite mysterious and interesting to say the least. I then carefully take the device. wrapping it in something to prevent it from coming into contact with my skin, and examine it for a moment. I couldn't honestly say I had ever seen anything like it in my life.

However, I could get a feel that this... device was something very advanced. In what way, I could not be sure, but my thoughts would fall along the lines of a magitech device, and that fell a little outside of my expertise seeing as I was more the 'traditional' type of mage. For a moment, I placed a single finger on the device to see what would happen, and I could instantly feel a drain on my magical reserves. It was quick, and it was dizzying, and I removed my hand so as to prevent myself from feinting. I had no doubt that prolonged contact with this thing would no doubt drain my of magic... and disturbingly I had a feeling that it wouldn't stop there if what Lumen said was true.

"This... device needs very through research done on it. I don't know by who or what, but this is something beyond my ability currently. However... I'm going to throw a guess out here... but this device... it sounds like some kind of... energy storage device? Couple that with the fact that it seems to drain arcane and life energy from a target and thats all I can come up with at the moment... it also seems to have some kind of necrotic property if the Owlbeasts where still moving despite the drain to there beings... I honestly don't know though. All of this is beyond me currently and I would need more info before I could even begin to get an accurate postulation... However... one thing is clear. This thing can be made, meaning we can expect a Hell of a lot more attacks like the one we just experienced if we leave it unchecked... Actually would you mind coming with Me Lumen? I want to take this device to the closest Aracaenium and get it looked at by a magi-tech specialist."

"Glad to meet you, by the way. I'm a student of magic, myself, though I don't have any proper schooling."

"Also a pleasure to meet you Lumen. Also, don't worry to much about not being officially trained by a mages association. Many mages who where not found tend to be self taught, and it's never really been a problem in this wide world of ours."

[Zadocfish]

Actually would you mind coming with Me Lumen? I want to take this device to the closest Aracaenium and get it looked at by a magi-tech specialist.

Lumen beamed at this, and after Xander had finished, he happily agreed to come along. "I would love to come. I was hoping to get an opportunity to look closer into this thing."

[Firedragon]

Xander, Shanika nods and waves as she turns away. "I'll be here," she says as she disappears into town. You're not sure if she's caught Magnus' words about the 'code phrase' and not using it at any companion hotel, though something tells you she notices a lot more than is apparent.

Asking the gate guards for directions, you're sent to the laboratory situated near the barracks and told to ask for Selenia (though the guards warn you not to accept any drinks she might offer you...). Approaching the building, you wonder why it looks as if it was heavily armored with multiple supporting struts - almost as if whatever (or whoever...) is in there shouldn't be let out...


Lumen, the other mage asks you to follow him to examine the device. Following the directions from the gate guards, the two of you enter a somewhat strange building, where a small mamono wearing robes and a pointy hat is busy running some kind of tests with a dizzying array of bubbling liquids in glass beakers, copper tubes, open flames burning in different colours and so on. Whatever she is doing there looks very advanced and complicated.

When she notices you two, she points at a side table with several cups and a dekanter with a clear, light green liquid. "Help yourselves, I'll be with you just as soon as I've adjusted a few things here."


Itami, you return to your inn and sit down to prepare more arrows. After a few hours, you have finished about three dozen arrows when the memories of Pauline become too much and you start drinking in earnest. With your 'experience' in drowning your sorrows, you quickly manage to forget everything.

Who knows how many hours later (it's still dark - or it is again...), you wake up with a hammering headache. It takes you some time to get your bearings, but then you notice that the token the foxgirl gave you earlier is giving off some kind of glow. Great. Now you can't even enjoy your hangover in peace...


Giovanni, as a bonded couple, Ilaria and you are affored a small private room in one of the barracks buildings. On the way there, you're admonished by the corporal sitting at the front desk in the building, "Try to keep things reasonably tame, will you? We've just finished renovating the third floor after that incident with the Twasen, the Nekokop and the catnip..."
You only heard about it (you were out of town at that time, though Ilaria might know more), but as far as you remember, a visiting scout and his two wives went a little overboard and broke more than a few things during their 'private time'. That had some serious repercussions, if you're not mistaken. While there are allowances made for things getting a little wild on occasion, there are still limits to what is considered acceptable, especially when you're in the legion.

Be that as it may, when the door closes behind you, Ilaria pushes you away, turns around and begins to slowly take off her clothes, partially blocking your view with her tail. When she is finished, she very slowly turns around, keeping her tail in front of her legs and looks at you with a grin. "So, what are you going to do now?" she asks.


Magnus, once the members of your squad are going their own way, you look in to Ylva's office to make sure everything is alright (it is) before you return home to Isadora. Your wife is in the kitchen making cookies, and from the look of things, she's gone a little overboard again - you're not sure who's supposed to eat all the cookies she's already baked. Still, it's something she truly enjoys, and she has a real talent for it.

"How was your day, love?" she asks with a smile, putting another tray into the oven. Turning around, she walks up to you for an embrace and a kiss. "How long until you're off fighting loci beasts again?" While her tone is light, you know that she feels bad about the fact that she can't fight with you and that she's secretly afraid that another centaur might win your love. She's aware of Ylva's flirtatious nature, but for some reason, that doesn't seem to worry her half as much as the fact that you're also working closely with Flavia. Isadora actually likes the other centaur, but she's always comparing herself to the strong Centaurion.

[KillMoves]

Back at my 'home', it was time for some R and R. The only way I knew how: Couple of bottles, a glass and some medicine. As I did that, I also decided to prepare some magic arrows. Just so I could sleep knowing I did something remotely productive. I think I did about three dozen. Not bad. I just hope that my next showdown doesn't use all of them up.

After putting away the last Dark arrow, I downed the last glass of alcohol for the day. 'Last' since I collapsed after that one and felt churning in my stomach and something going out of my throat. I barely made it to the toilet before I threw up everything that I had ate for the day, which wasn't much.

And with that, I guess I was ready for bed.

---

I woke up like how I always wake up, with one nasty headache. I glanced to the window to get a sense on how much time I spent passed out. It was still dark which means I slept for a few hours or a s*** ton of hours. I looked around to see if there's anything wrong. I wish I hadn't so I could be blissfully ignorant of the glowing token the fox lady had given me earlier. Now I had no choice but to investigate.

I got up from the bed as best as a drunk, groggy man could and shambled my way to the table where I put the token and inspected it. I wish this was just my vices doing tricks on my head so I'd know I can just brush this off without consequence.

[TehDanimal1]

Giovanni, as a bonded couple, Ilaria and you are afforded a small private room in one of the barracks buildings. On the way there, you're admonished by the corporal sitting at the front desk in the building, "Try to keep things reasonably tame, will you? We've just finished renovating the third floor after that incident with the Twasen, the Nekokop and the catnip..."
You only heard about it (you were out of town at that time, though Ilaria might know more), but as far as you remember, a visiting scout and his two wives went a little overboard and broke more than a few things during their 'private time'. That had some serious repercussions, if you're not mistaken. While there are allowances made for things getting a little wild on occasion, there are still limits to what is considered acceptable, especially when you're in the legion.

Be that as it may, when the door closes behind you, Ilaria pushes you away, turns around and begins to slowly take off her clothes, partially blocking your view with her tail. When she is finished, she very slowly turns around, keeping her tail in front of her legs and looks at you with a grin. "So, what are you going to do now?" she asks.

A smile crept across my face as I undid that straps to my leather, tossing it to the side. "I know what I'm not going to do," I slyly say as I slid off my boots. "I'm not going to have a quiet evening with my wife!" I said mid pounce. Knocking her down on top of the bed, Ilaria let out a little murf. I nuzzled and kissed her neck. My hands slowly creeping down her body, caressing and massaging every curve.

Slowly is kissed down her chest, until finally I planted one on each of her breasts, Ilaria let out a soft purr. as my fingers steadily played their way down to her warm nethers. She whimpers softly, "Lower," she places her hands on top of my head, gently pushing me to where she wants. I began nibbling on her in slight protest, "Naughty," she started to push harder. As soon as I was face to her pussy she wrapped her luscious -soft thighs and her tail around my head, surrounding me in her lusty warmth. My tongue danced and teased her nether lips, she just pressed my face harder into her. I then started to nibble and tease her clitoris, I was rewarded with her tightening her grip on me, giving off a lusty moan. Since I wasn't using my hands, I decided that maybe I should start pulling off my pants.

As I was pulling them off, I pressed my face into her. I used my tongue to penetrate in and out, she let go as her back arched. I took this opportunity to pounce on her again, this time taking my reward of her lips. My tongue playing with hers, I flipped us over. I sat her in my lap, giving her ass a nice audible smack. She yelped a little, and with a lusty growl she gave me a nice love bite on my shoulder.

But that got her hips moving, I pulled in tight with every thrust of her hips. With a lusty yell she orgasms, but we were not done yet. With a horny growl she had pin me to the bed, "Now this reminds me when we first got married!" She licked her lips like a starved beast that spied a delicious meal. Tonight was going to be fun.

Several love bites, scratches, lusty-beastial screams and orgasms later. I was exhausted and Ilaria had a satisfied smile, I pulled her in to cuddle. An arm wrapped around her waist and the other wrapped around her chest. With a peck on her cheek I whispered, "I love you Ilaria, my soft little love-fluff," she twitched a bit, then wrapped her hands around my arms and sighed, "I love you Gio."

[Animajunki123]

Thankfully, the directions and the means to get them where of a painless variety, and it didn't take us very long to find the Facility we needed to get to. We even managed to get the name of someone who might help us. Selenia... though the warning that came with that name left me a little wary as to what we might be getting into, the look of the place not doing much to alleviate that fear.

However, I (and hopefully by extension Lumen as well) was a man of curiosity and thus sought to find out the riddle to this mysterious device. Upon entering the facility, I found my nose assaulted by a multitude of smells from the dozens upon dozens of glass beakers, tubes, and other contraptions used in magical formulas and alchemy. The Mamono sitting in the middle of it all, the one we had been told about, was busy concocting something and seemed rather focused on it at the moment. Knowing that even the slightest noise might cause a horrid effect to occur, I kept quite for a bit until she seemed to recognize that she wasn't alone in her laboratory. However, she still seemed intent on her current project and didn't turn around. That did not mean she didn't acknowledge us though.

"Help yourselves, I'll be with you just as soon as I've adjusted a few things here."

I looked to the side to see that she had something in a glas beaker... cooking? something to drink I supposed. However, the warning that one should not take drinks from this woman crossed my mind and, not trying to be rude about it, I politely declined fro the moment.

"Ah, thanks... but I'm not that thirsty right now. Maybe in a bit."

I then take a moment to observe her as she worked, keeping as quite as possible as she did.