#s:forsyth

[nagargent]

Just when she thinks the flames that ought to be her birthright will consume her, return her to ash, he saves her. Sir Forsyth offers her hope, salvation, bathed in the glow of the divine. Perhaps she's being a touch wistful and dramatic, but in that moment he really appears as the perfect hero to her.

Her stance is poor, clutching her injured side as she rises but, like a phoenix she does rise. Given a new lease on life, a second chance to prove herself useful. To protect those who need her.

"Sir Forsyth I--" words don't do him justice. They elude her, leaving her stood silent, eyes wide and filled with awe. "I cannot possibly thank you enough."

She will however try to express the depth of her gratitude with her deeds and actions.

Out of the corner of her eye, she catches the glint of an axe in the harsh sunlight. Instinct kicks in, spell already tumbling from her lips as she turns to meet her foe head on. Horror slices through her stomach as she realises this is no enemy but Lady Freyja, who misses her by a mile. It's too little too late however, the spell has been cast and it finds it's mark. In spite of Freyja's considerable defences, her magic slips through the shields, targeting her weakness.

Julia's Zealotry activates. Freyja 10/10 HP attacks Julia 6.5/10 HP with Swordreaver. Roll d20: 6! Miss. Julia counterattacks with Seraphim. Roll d20+8: 10+8 = 18! Hit! -3 HP Freyja has 7/10 HP remaining. Freyja has been burned.

"No... my lady! I'm so sorry," Julia's voice cracks as she resists the urge to cry. She's too used to the battlefield to break down like this but it brings back uncomfortable memories. Of a living puppet, attacking her own friends, yet this time no one is pulling the strings. Her actions, terrible as they are, are entirely her own will. If Freyja will let her get close enough, maybe she can at least make this better. "Please, let me heal you. It's the least I can do."

Gofannon uses Wind Caller. Roll d4-1: 0! No damage. Outnumbered activates! Gofannon uses Wind Caller again. Roll d4-1: 1 (x2) - 2 damage Julia has 4.5/10 HP remaining.

A tempest whips around them, silencing her voice upon icy winds. The first phase she endures but the longer they rage the more Julia finds her strength being sapped. It seems like an age before they die down to a gentle, pleasant wind. Shaking her hair out of her eyes, her heart sinks as she sees the state of her comrades.

"Caeldori, Freyja! Please, stay back," Julia pleads with them to take care, to stay out of range of their foes. "We can get through this if we--"

This time she really doesn't see it coming.

A lance pierces her side, sharp and vicious like a wasp's sting. It draws her attention away from her allies, from the giant bird, from the other warriors that await them. There's no defence offered, just the sickening crunch of bone beneath an axe.

Sreng Lance activates Backup. -1HP Sreng Warrior 9/10 HP uses Smash against Julia 3.5/10 HP. Roll d20: 15. Critical hit. -7 damage. Julia has been defeated. Sreng Warrior has been burned.

Like a marionette with it's strings cut, Julia crumples to the floor in an instant. She lacks the strength to resist, darkness already pulling her into it's velvet embrace. There's nothing but an empty abyss, calling out to her, urging her to leap into it. To be swallowed whole and disappear. Put an end to the searing pain, the flames licking away at her skin, peeling it from bone. Let hellfire wash over her, cleanse her to be reborn anew.

Yet fear squeezes around her heart, hope having long flown. When she falls her hand seeks purchase, stability. It catches on Freyja's sleeve, tugging ever so slightly before slipping through her fingers like sand. A plea for forgiveness, come all too late for it to matter. Julia knows she's about to die and the thought terrifies her. There's so much left undone, so much left unsaid. She always thought she'd face the end with more grace and poise, but as she drops, face ground in the dirt she whimpers like an injured kitten. Tries to speak, to cry out for her father to hold her hand, for mother to wipe the tears away. For her dear brother to tell her it's okay to let go, to close her eyes and rest.

No one comes to save her, her voice quakes and moans but she cannot form words. Forsyth's voice registers briefly but it's so quiet now. So very distant. Her hearing is muffled to the clatter and cries of battle, as if her head is being held underwater.

She descends into darkness. Into silence. Desolation.

I'm sorry.

◜  ₊  —  𝓡  ˚  ₊ 𝐍𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒; team 15, bronze round.

[luneirika]

raiden turn the game console off right now! | team 9 iron round

Feathered wings beat rhythmically beneath her, keeping her both afloat and her nerves from fraying. The arena hasn’t changed at all but where one foe once stood now are four. Her head still aches from the cold and the deep slumber she had been pulled beneath. One she feared would never end. Her right hand clasps around the weapon she holds, not her reliable, trusted sword but a lance. Just like Ephraim and Tana. 

She can do this, she’s sure of it. The lance seems to respond to fond thought of her brother and best friend as warmth surges through her hand and into her body.

Blessed Lance restores 1 HP to Eirika Eirika has 6/10 HP remaining

With a steadying breath, she urges her pegasus to fly forward, carrying her over to Odin. Equipped with healing magic, she wonders if this too, is something she can make use of.

Eirika casts Recover on Owain Roll d20: 5! 3HP recovered Owain has 6/10 HP remaining

Eirika frowns, despondent and irritated by her meager display of skill. She’s never used white magic before but it feels as though the spell is trying to taunt her. Regardless, some of the colour returns to Odin’s face, a sign that his wounds are healing at least. “I’m sorry, that seems to be the limit of my ability right now,” Eirika confesses, struggling to look the man in the eyes. “Please, be cautious. We cannot do this without you.”

@making-dough, @viridescent-lance & @teneguine

[nagargent]

tinsel town

closed starter for @viridescent-lance

Yuletide is the season for giving, so Julia had decided to bring some festive joy to the monastery’s reception hall. A pine tree had been placed in the centre, completely bare. Sad, lost and alone.

Her first order of business was to place presents beneath it. Mostly books, as she spent most of her time shopping in bookstores. She’d been careful to throw in some other gifts like puzzles, games and soft toys too. Each was wrapped in lilac paper with a gift tag attached. None had a name on but rather a description. Not of an individual person but of the kind of person who would likely find joy from each present. Anyone who came by was more than welcome to take whatever they needed.

That done, the next task was decorating. Adorning the tree with silver and gold tinsel was simple enough, at least half way up. The top half seemed... a little haphazard. Garlands of foil simply thrown up as high as she could reach.

Baubles, round and glittery, shiny and festive, were a much harder task. Again, it was a simple enough task decorating the lower half of the tree but she simply couldn’t reach high enough to place them all over. The angel she’d crafted lovingly in the image of her mother was never going to reach the very top either.

Crossing her arms, Julia huffs and pouts. If only someone was willing to help her.

[nagargent]

She doubts she'll ever get used to the sensation of dark magic, clawing it's way through her veins and twisting, turning in her blood. The pain is almost unbearable, Julia grits her teeth, trying to stay conscious and upright on her feet. She stumbles forward, lurching in the throes of death, seeking the light once more.

Alligatorid Husk 21/50 HP attacks Julia 10/10 with Death. Roll d20+2: 19+2 = 21! Critical hit! -9 damage. Julia has 1/10 HP remaining. Alligatorid Husk has 20/50 HP remaining.

Then she comes up for air, gasping for breath, in pain but alive and aware of her surroundings none the less. Outlasting the beast seemed far easier said than done as she limps closer to her allies. A stiff breeze could probably knock her over and her chest aches with every breath. What's worst of all is she's not the only one in such a sorry state. They can't last much longer but maybe there's another way.

"I-- I think we need to burst it down. We're in no position to outlast it," Julia interjects, preparing to cast Physic once more. To keep Forsyth by their side a little longer, though she doubts it will do much good unless they act swiftly and decisively. "We simply can't out heal the damage it's inflicting upon us. But... oh, it's risky.

Julia 1/10 HP casts Physic on Forsyth 1/10 HP. Roll d20: 12 +4 HP restored. Forsyth has 5/10 HP remaining.

"Oh Caeldori, I'm so sorry. The last thing I want to do is pressure you but," the talisman reacts to her once again, lighting up around them. A seal of protection that might just be their salvation. "I don't think anyone else can overwhelm this monster. It's not on you alone, we're by your side."

"You should be safe again. Just... give it your best shot, okay? Whatever comes our way, we'll deal with is as a team. You have my utmost faith and admiration."

Julia casts Light Rune on Caeldori. Renewal activates. Julia recovers 2 HP. Julia has 3/10 HP remaining.

you, me and our trusty friend the light rune (team 15 silver round)

[nagargent]

Each droplet of water echoes throughout the cavern, sorrowful teardrops, the image of a mother weeping. It put hers on edge, even the walls around her seem to expand and contract moment by moment. The darkness feels like a endless abyss, shifting in closer, closer, making her head spin with claustrophobia. The torch light is dim, sometimes she thinks she can make out someone's figure but it is by voice that she is led to Caeldori and Rafal.

"I'm coming closer. Freyja, Forsyth, can you hear me?" Julia urges the griffin she rides onward, the beat of its wings almost louder than her own voice. Her newest ally takes instruction well though, leading her further into the cavern until she's by Caeldori's side, face to face with a robed figure. Their face is gaunt and haunting, leaving her stomach doing flips. They're fighting against people, a thought which unsettles her despite understanding the illusory nature of this exercise. Wordlessly, she reaches for her dagger and prepares to fight.

Julia 10/10 HP attacks Bishop 2/10 with Dagger. Roll d20+4: 12+4 = 16! Hit. - 1.5 damage Bishop has 0.5/10 HP remaining Bishop counterattacks with Valaura. Roll d20: 11! Hit. -1.5 damage. Julia has 8.5/10 HP remaining. Julia is inflicted with Toxic Poison Galeforce activates Roll d4: 1! Untargetable lifts. Leto is vulnerable for one round.

"Ah! I think I've found our true foe," Julia calls out to her allies, although she's not sure how useful it will be with such little light. Still, the dragon inhabiting this cave is surely central to this illusion. Their human foes perhaps guardians or worshippers. "The bishop is nearly down! Freyja, do you think you can take care of it? I'm going to try and disarm the Warlock."

She gets in closer, this time. Face to face with the witch, she cannot allow the fact it's eyes burn with the same fire her father's do lead her astray. These are not real people and even if they were, her loyalties lie with her friends. Her allies need her. Swallowing the lump in her throat, Julia strikes the Warlock in the side at close range.

Julia 8.5/10 HP attacks Warlock 10/10 HP at melee with Dagger. Roll d20-4: 20-4 = 16! Critical hit.! -3 damage to Warlock. 7/10 HP remaining. -1 damage to Cavern. 9/10 HP remaining Roll d2: 1! Stun activates. Warlock cannot counterattack or attack for one round. Julia takes damage from Toxic Poison. 7.5/10 HP remaining.

"Oh no! What's that rumbling? Is the cavern going to collapse?"

@foreversnightmare

　sainthood, weeping.　|　team 15∶gold

[nagargent]

"I won't squander this chance, sir. I promise." Truly, Julia has no intention of doing so. She has a plan in mind, one that should allow her to keep her allies safer and take advantage of the Titanus before them. Yet the battle progresses at such chaotic pace that before she's even certain of her next move, the metallic behemoth has been replaced by a reptilian husk, snapping it's jaws in her direction.

Rafal's tone is pointed, barbed at the edges and cold but she'd hesitate to describe his words as unkind. It isn't her place to pry but she wonders what hardened his heart so. Hopes in her heart that even if they don't leave here as friends, that he comes to understand her care and consideration is genuine.

Unfortunately, she goes and let's him down. Not just him but the kind and generous Sir Forsyth, who so readily took her under his wing.

Julia casts Physic on Forsyth. Roll d20: 1! 1 HP Restored. Forsyth has 6.5/10 HP remaining.

"Sir! Please, step back," Julia implores him as she rushes closer to him. She casts Physic before she makes it to his side and perhaps that's where she goes so wrong. Her spell finds its mark at least but her focus falters. It's weak, pathetic really - barely doing anything to help the knight who had gone out of his way to try and protect her. "I'm sorry. That's not nearly enough. Let's-- let us both retreat to the backlines for now."

Alligatorid Husk 48/50 HP takes 1 damage from Toxic Poison Alligatorid Husk 47/50 HP takes 1 damage from Psychopomp Roll d5:2. Forsyth 6.5/10 HP is targeted by Psychopomp and loses 1 HP Alligatorid Husk 46/50 HP remaining Forsyth 5.5/10 HP remaining

The beasts strange, umbral magic saps Forsyth of what little strength she'd managed to restore to him. Julia makes a point of stepping directly in front of him, one hand reaching behind her and rested on his forearm. With neither shield nor sword in hand - not even a tome or spell prepared, there's little she can hope to do right now, other than take a hit for him. Her gaze focuses upon the Alligator-shaped monster, watching for it's next move. The beast itself seems to pulse with, sing with dark magic. It doesn't look interested in attacking them, instead staring at the toxic swamp below it's feet. Then she feels it, an ever so gentle rumble beneath her feet.

"Quick! Everyone get down," shouting is so foreign to her that it physically hurts. Her voice manages to carry far enough to alert Caeldori, Freyja and Rafal, even if it doesn't quite sound like her own at such volume. "The earth itself is about to attack!"

Her instincts prove timely - it takes Freyja, encased in armour longest to get to the floor but the Light Rune Julia granted to her works it's magic.

Alligatorid Husk 46/50 HP casts Quake. Resonance activates. Roll ul 5d20: 10 (light rune), 8(-2), 1(-2), 2, 5(-6): 0 damage to party! Alligatorid Husk has 45/50 HP remaining Outnumbered activates Alligatorid Husk 45/50 HP casts Quake. Resonance activates. Roll ul 5d20: 5, 4(-2), 8(-2) 15, 11(-6): Rafal is hit and takes 5 damage. Alligatorid Husk has 44/50 HP remaining Rafal has 5/10 HP remaining

For a moment they can breathe again, some amongst their number rushing to their feet. Julia moves hesitantly, uncertain of why she feels so fearful. Then the earth begins to shake again, throwing them all to and fro. It's only powerful, fell magic that could tear the earth itself asunder. They're lucky, for the most part, having already braced for the last quake. Yet the ground rages, spits and screams so violently that Rafal ends up far worse for wear because of it.

"Sir Forsyth? Could you please heal him?" She's aware of the animosity brewing between the pair, realises that this might not be what Forsyth wants to do. But it may heal the wound that has been formed between them too, help them at least respect each other as allies. Her tone is kept soft, so as to not be overheard by anyone but her knight in... well, not shining armour but the robes of the clergy. "I understand that's he's prickly but his actions speak to a far kinder nature than his words may suggest. I think both of you want to see us thrive. Even if you are much nicer about it!"

Julia giggles, sharing a light hearted moment with Forsyth. They're rare in such chaos and rather fleeting but worth cherishing all the same. She turns and makes her way to Rafal's side, wishing she could heal him right here and now. It's a natural reaction, she thinks, to seeing someone in need. But if she does, then no one will heal Sir Forsyth, their foe will still rampage - it will do them no benefit in the long run. So Julia clears her head, focuses on how best to keep everyone as safe and well as can be. If she can stop the beast in it's tracks and Rafal so permits, she could act again to heal or cast her protection rune upon one of their own.

"Professor Rafal, sir? I'm terribly sorry. I wasted the last opportunity you gave me. But victory is closest to our grasp if all five of us stand tall together. I have an idea but I'll be needing your support to make it happen." He's intimidating but her resolve is steadfast and she refuses to falter. A warm, friendly man he is not but she is certain he will be persuaded by reason. That like her, he'd rather none of them fall today. "I'll use this staff to try and Freeze the beast. If you're willing to aid me, I can heal Sir Forsyth and cast my protection spell again. I've already petitioned him to take care of your wounds."

"Watch my back. I'll show you what I can really do."

Julia casts Freeze on Alligatorid Husk. Roll d20-4: 15-4 = 11! Hit. Alligatorid Husk is Frozen until next hit.

Resolute and with renewed purpose, Julia trusts in herself. Believes in her own abilities and spellcraft. This time, her magic shines, following her will as it hits her target, pinning the husk in place.

"Lady Freyja, I've provided you an opening. I trust you to take full advantage of it." The smile on her face can't be restrained as she turns out and calls to her ally. Her eyes meet Rafal's for a moment and she nods, freshly assured of herself and her contribution to their team. Hopefully he'd feel the same way and place his faith in her one more.

you, me and our trusty friend the light rune (team 15 silver round)

[nagargent]

Julia awakens in a strange, unrecognisable landscape that seems to warp and shift the longer she gazes into the distance. At first the shapes of trees are discernible yet soon they shift to mountains and valleys. It makes her head spin. She gets to her feet, stumbling slightly as she looks out at her teammates. Their last fight had been so chaotic, friend turning foe in an instant. Her stomach turns at the thought. Time for her to lay down her weapons.

She vows to protect them from harm this time. No matter the cost.

Before them stands a hulking, metal behemoth, sword raised high. It pulsates with a foul, dark magic that immediately catches her attention. Something about it makes her skin crawl. A sword. A magical one at that. One amongst their number stands out to her as the obvious target.

"Lady Freyja?" Julia keeps her head bowed as she approaches. The memory of her own magic, beautiful in it's radiance yet just as deadly, piercing the woman's shields still lingers in her mind. A regret lurking in the shadows, she had failed to even stay on her feet long enough to attempt to make amends. That is not why she acts now - her actions are with the intention of keeping the proud, majestic woman safe from harm. Yet part of her hopes that it will at least help her atone a little, bring them closer as allies. "Our foe is powerful and dangerous. As are you but... it may try to take you out of the equation with that sword. I have something that should help."

Julia clutches the golden talisman in her hand, closing her eyes and whispering a prayer to Naga. For all their safety but especially that of the Lady of Nightmares. The rune inscribed upon it glows brightly before four identical copies burn around Lady Freyja for a moment before fading. The barest hint of a smile tugs at Julia's lips. That should do the trick.

Julia casts Light Rune on Freyja! Freyja is protected from attacks and counterattacks for one round.

"You should be immune to even our foe's fiercest blows, at least for a little while. So please, strike with fury and abandon! My spell will keep you safe, I swear it."

@foreversnightmare

you, me and our trusty friend the light rune (team 15 silver round)

[nagargent]

"It worked! Excellent form, Freyja!" Julia cheers, eyes glimmering with joy as Freyja makes her way back to them, safe and sound, proud and strong. The woman's praise makes her heart feel lighter and brings a rosy hue to her cheeks. She can't quite help herself, practically buoyant with pride - not just in her self but in their teamwork. Her faith been well placed and well rewarded. "No, no - it's a team effort! We couldn't do this without everyone's efforts combined. Thank you. Both of you."

After all, none of this would have been possible without Rafal's faith in her. She spares him a quick but gentle smile and a brief bow of the head before getting back to work. Her deeds will express her gratitude far better than words and pleasantries.

"Sir Forsyth, before you go help our friend, let me aid you. You are just as vital to our success and wellbeing as anyone else," Julia understands the importance of faith when it comes to healing. What she lacked before wasn't belief in a higher power however, but trust in herself. That had held her back but with an unfettered heart she casts Physic once more. "Let us return to the fray, shall we?"

Julia 10/10 HP casts Physic on Forsyth 5.5/10 HP. Roll d20: 12! 4 HP restored Forsyth has 9.5/10 HP remaining

Ah, she's starting to feel tired and sluggish but she cannot - will not stop now. Not whilst she still has work to do, a role to perform. Julia makes her way to Caeldori's side. Fleet of foot and terrifyingly effective with her blade, Julia is glad they're on the same side. They'd accidentally traded blows earlier and she had no will to do so again. Alas, her speed, strength and finesse came at a price - even her own robes would prove more durable against a blade or spell than Caeldori's lacking armour. A risky trade off but perhaps...

Julia takes the talisman out, letting it rest on the palm of her hand as her fingers unfurl from around it. She focuses on her dearly held wish, that no harm would come to Caeldori, who had shown her nothing but kindness and warmth. Once more it reacts, glowing in shimmering silvers and golds in a sigil that surrounds both young women for a few moments. Then it dissipates, fading away into starlight. She can tell the charm has worked, that, at least for a little while her magic will provide Caeldori safety from their foe's rage.

"That should do. Can you feel it, too?" She asks softly, hopeful that this warm, safe feeling was something shared. It was too precious to be kept selfishly to oneself. Julia meets Caeldori's gaze fondly, assured in her faith. Together, they could overcome any hurdle. "You're so brave, Caeldori. I-- no, we all have your back. The beast can't hurt you, so give it no quarter."

you, me and our trusty friend the light rune (team 15 silver round)

[nagargent]

Julia's chest heaves as she turns the corner as fast as she can, following Caeldori as they weave between tents and dunes. She isn't used to running, especially in such heat but one of their own is captured, at the mercy of their foes. Her mind pictures shadowy figures like Manfroy, a stark contrast to the bandits around them but-- if someone needs her she cannot turn away.

"Professor?" Julia calls out, catching the man's voice. Overzealous and desperate to prove herself useful, she rushes in headlong. Determined to help she doesn't notice what's going on around her until it's too late. "Professor we're here-- AAAH!"

The world around her sets ablaze in an instant, blinding her as she screams out in agony. Flames crackle and roar all around her, everything being too bright, too loud, too much to bear. Instinctively she flings out a Seraphim spell in the opposite direction, hoping to prevent whatever attacked her from giving chase as she rushes away from the flames. Her clothes still burn but a few feet away she can breathe without acrid smoke filling her lungs.

Julia 7.5/10 HP counterattacks Caeldori 9/10 HP with Seraphim. Roll d20+4: 7+4 = 11! Hit. Caeldori takes -3 damage. (6/10 HP) Caeldori's Poison Strike activates. Julia has 6.5/10 HP remaining and is inflicted with Burning.

"Caeldori? Oh no--" Oh gods, she'd attacked her ally in the chaos. Guilt presses on her chest as she turns away in shame, instead facing their professor. Maybe a strong enough spell could break those bars at least... "I'm so sorry. Please, don't worry, I'll heal you once we get Professor Rafal out safe and sound."

Julia 6.5/10 HP attacks Cage 5/5 HP with Seraphim. Roll d20+4: 15+4 = 19! Hit. -3 damage. Cage has 2/5 HP remaining. Gofannon (10/10) counters with Serrated Beak. Roll 2d20: 16. 12. Crit and Hit. -5, -2.5 Julia's miracle activates! Julia has 0.5/10 HP remaining. Gofannon is inflicted with Burning.

It happens so quickly. The bird screeches, it's wings beat out a death march as it descends. Faster, faster, a blur of motion until suddenly it's upon her. Clutches her tightly in it's talons the way her mother does. Snipes and snaps at her with it's beak, sharper than any blade she can recall striking her in the back. It's wings fan the flames around her, burning her skin ever deeper. Blistering, searing heat that overwhelms even the mighty beast that sets out to end her life. Perhaps saves her from the jaws of death, and not a moment too soon.

Fire had always been warm, gentle and keeping her safe in it's tight embrace. A soft caress, her father's hand ruffling hair far shorter than it is today. Tying her hair in bunches with great care, pressing a soft kiss on her forehead. Fire had always kept her safe, yet now she cannot ascertain if it means to be her salvation or downfall.

If it spared her just to have the satisfaction of leaving her as mere ash upon the wind.

"S-sorry. I'm not strong enough--" not for any of this, Julia thinks as she wilts in the searing heat. Collapses on her knees as if in prayer. As if she can appease the gods, beg for a miracle. Her vision blurs and the icy tundra and burning fire licking at her skin make her wonder if this is hell. If she's finally been forsaken by the divine. "I can't..."

Naga, save her soul.

@viridescent-lance @foreversnightmare

◜  ₊  —  𝓡  ˚  ₊ 𝐍𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒; team 15, bronze round.