Fantasy World Creations

You had been deep into meditation, or at least what you thought could be passed as such. The people around you were indeed trying their best to be quiet and silent as they went about their own preparations, but you could still hear them bustle around. You heard the jingles of pots and pans, along with the sound of pouring water at times. Sounds of quick chopping, then the sound of fire being created. Throughout it all you continued to feel the little girl's presence as well. She stayed silent, but continued to huddle close. Altogether, it was hard to concentrate at all.

Eventually, a familiar voice rang out, interrupting your attempt at meditating.

"Attention everyone!" Lai Fen said loudly who had climbed on top of a crate.

When you opened your eyes, you noticed that there were a couple of new faces in the group as well. Along with a few more men who seemed to gather around Wen Chaoxiang《The Silent One》. There was around 50 altogether who were in the room. Lai Ju was standing just behind Lai Fen to the side.

"First off, we lost a few of us earlier in the raid... I think you guys had been talking about it already, and there are a few who are still missing. I had both Eris and Han Tu continue the search above."

"Next, We have a new member, even if potentially temporary. Or maybe two..." Lai Fen said, pointing her finger towards both you and the little girl beside you.

"We all know Fred. But the little girl beside him, for those who weren't with us on the raid, is one of the daughters of the ex-emperor. Her name..." She paused for a moment.

"Hey kid, what's your name?" She asked, not expecting any sort of answer. Indeed, the little girl just seemed to huddle closer to you.

"Well kid, til you give us a name, we'll call you Mei." Lai Fen said simply, rolling her eyes.

"Eris and Han Tu have also reported that the rest of the royal family had been hunted and killed once we let them go. The rioting up in the city is still fairly bad, and from the report, a good chunk of the city is already up in flames." Her eyes fell on the little girl.

"That said, the kid, Mei here, will be the newest member of the Dark Ravens until we can find a place for her once the fighting's calmed a bit, so everyone, I expect you all to make her feel comfortable."

She paused for a moment, looking at each and everyone of the members of the Dark Ravens.

"The last announcement is that I'm stepping down as the leader of the Dark Ravens. The replacement..." Then finally having her gaze fall on you. Before your eyes, the title that once adorned her as Lai Fen 《Leader of the Dark Ravens》, changed into Lai Fen 《Dark Raven》

"... will be Fred."

Fred smiled with Lai Fen's arrival. He still wasn't sure what the tears were for earlier, but couldn't help being impressed by her posturing. Despite her actions during battle, she definitely had the bearing of a leader. He kept nodding along, munching on small clusters of bird seed, not mining when 'Mei' stepped closer. If anything he was already getting used to it. But then, the unexpected occurred.

"PFFFFFFFTFTFTFT!" Fred directly sputtered out whatever seed was in his mouth, coughing and standing up. "WHAT!? NO! REJECTED! VETOED! WHY!?"

When Lai Fen spoke, she didn't directly answer you.

"I didn't really take the reigns when our old master died... This mantle of leadership. It was more like everyone just went along with what I did. Everyone just went along with things that I wanted to do. My own goals. My own desires. My own vengeance. My own anger. My own hatred. Do you guys remember those days? When that bastard of an emperor came, when so many of us lost are lives? And even the master? He and the others died protecting all of us..."

"Don't think I've forgotten... I screamed the most out of anyone here! I wanted to march straight to the emperor, to kill everything and anyone I can. I was prepared to, he already took my first family, and I did not want him to take any more. If it wasn't for you, Jed, I probably would have been dead too by now. But you held me back. Everyone did. And thinking back on it, it was probably for the best."

"And do you guys remember what we did for years after? We plotted and planned. We schemed here in our hideout, like little vengeful brats. And for the most part... most of us were little brats!" She grinned slightly.

"But all of you just went along with what I wanted. You do remember that it was me making most of the plotting and planning. I wanted to kill him. It was the only thing driving me. But he had too many followers and supporters. It was hard to find the right time..."

"The bastard continued to mess with the people. Han Tu... Lin... Heng... Many of you joined us after. We took you in. And that's when I realized that it was more than just the emperor that I wanted to kill. It was the nobles too. The people behind powerful sects who think they can do whatever they want. I hated them all."

"Then do you remember that day when I told everyone, we're going to be killing them all? No one opposed it. We all felt it too. That anger. That hatred. The plotting and planning that I did suddenly became a lot more tangible. We went on raids, hunting down the lesser of the nobles that were corrupt. Killing them one by one. Then taking their things and handing them out to people."

"We're all branded as criminals, and in all honesty, we're probably a large cause of that fighting going above us right now. But you know what? The bastard is dead. Wasn't it revenge that we were seeking for in the first place? I'll never forget what he did to master. Or all the atrocities the rest of those in power did. Han Tu, do not forget your mother. Or Chaoxiang, your daughter. Or Lin, your brother."

"For me, that bastard emperor took almost everything I cared about! I hated him the most! Believe me, I would kill him over and over again if I had to! He deserves death a thousand fold!" Lai Fen had been yelling, but she paused to calm herself.

"And look... we've finally did it. That bastard emperor is dead! But also... but also the city above us is in turmoil for things that we've set in motion. I know there are innocents up there being killed right now. I know there'll be more people like us... without anyone to turn to. I know more will be living on the streets. Master probably would have told me that what we did was wrong too."

"But... but this is what I wanted to do! And everyone just went along with the vengeance that I carried with me for years! And now... and now it's complete. That bastard is dead, but for some reason... I don't feel complete."

"There's nothing more I want from the rest of you guys... You've done enough for me, and I'll forever be in your debt for letting a kid like me get you all caught up in my vengeance. But you all stayed with me. It's why..."

"It's why everyone here is family."

She finally turned towards you, her eyes meeting your gaze.

"Fred. I find it laughable that so many give the heroes honor, when there are already other heroes in this world who haven't done anything for us. The Baolong Dynasty, that country everyone turns a blind eye to on the horrors their government commits. Including you heroes... But, you're also a symbol of hope for many of us."

"Me? I'm just a nobody who wanted to kill the emperor. I'm probably the one who gives the Dark Ravens a bad name anyways. But you, Fred, you're different. Even if you were some sort of bird back in your own world, which, I still find hard to believe... Here, you are something else. If there's anyone who's going to pull the rest of the country out of this turmoil, it's going to be a figure they all believe in and turn to..."

"And that's you, Fred."

Fred's panicked, rejecting stance slowly eased as Lai Fen carried on, detailing her actions since taking the leader's mantle. I knew she had her vengeance to settle with the emperor guy, but hearing how almost everyone here had suffered a similar loss...she hadn't been joking that he was an awful human. Seeing how much she was getting out of her head, Fred let her continue without any interruption, even when he was addressed.

"...Fine, I'll take the mantle. You're logic is sound enough, but you forgot one thing..." Fred paused before giving a meaningful smirk, "Nothing goes entirely to plan when I'm involved!" He turns to address everyone else, "Everyone! I don't know what the rules were before I was leader- hell, I don't even know much of anything about you all- but I've decided my first action as Leader of the Dark Ravens. I'm going to need some extra support before I can hope to lead you all, so we'll be having TWO vice-leaders now."

Fred turns back to Lai Fen, "Let me ask you a quick question, 'VICE-LEADER' Lai Fen. If people here stopped you before when they thought you were doing the wrong thing, why didn't they stop you at any other point? That whole 'going along with your whims' thing? There's a word for that: LEA-DER-SHIP. They agreed with what you were doing. And the work isn't done! We have an empire to pacify. I look forward to working with you-" He spins a little to gesture his arm to the rest of the room, "And all of you to make that happen. I hope a great family like this will welcome me."

"Oh, and Lai Fen? I wasn't just 'some sort of bird'."

"I was a raven."

(https://static.zerochan.net/Kassim.full.1513430.jpg)

[info]Heroic Action Point Earned[/info]Notifications appeared in your head, a new title, along with another stat increase.

[okay]You have gained a new title『Leader of the Dark Ravens』
You have gained +1 CHA[/okay]Upon your words of there being two vice leaders, there were a murmur of support from the rest. The other members of the Dark Ravens had been shocked at the announcement, some of them still attempting to process what had just happened.

"That's a marvelous idea oh handsome hero! ☆" Jed was the first one to break the silence. "You hear that my honeys? The Handsome Hero himself will be our new leader!"

"Fred! There's nothing else left for me to want to do... Look, the death of my master has been avenged. I never wanted to be the leader in the first place."

"I thought so, too, Jed." He gave a bright, semi-mischievous smile at his actions. "And that's not true, whether you know it or not, Lai Fen. You're just as upset about demi slavery as the rest, right? And you'd like to live in a peaceful town, yes? Well, those are two things I see above ground that still haven't been accomplished. If you're not going to step up and do it, then you're going to help ME as I do. Like it or not, you're the most experienced at leading this group. And if you're signing me up for this, I'm dragging you in with me!"

"Now, on to my second request as your leader." He scanned the room. "Teach me." Fred casually sat down where he stood, taking a relaxed position while the group mulled over his statement. "You're all combat experts in some form, and know the inner workings of this empire much better than a newborn like me. I need information if I'm going to help you all. What weapons am I best suited to wield? How can I use Ki like the rest of you? Are there any other abilities I should be aware of, and try to learn?" He paused to then switch information topics. "And socially, what should I NOT do? Are there people I should avoid? Do we have allies? How does this slavery work? Who are the enemies of our agenda?"

He bowed his head in a semi-pleading manner. "I don't even necessarily know how to act around people in general. I need guidance if I'm to lead you all. Please, teach me whatever you can that will help me lead you."

Lai Fen looked like she wanted to say something, but she couldn't find the words.

"Ehehehe... My brother! H-hehehe... My brother.... m-my brother..." Deng Lin《The Bloodied》 said, as her memories came flooding back in. Her demeanor changed. "Hero Fred is right though..." She said a bit more calmly as she covered her face with her bandaged hands.

"You pulled me out of it Lai Fen... hehe"

"Mmm, it's... true." Duan Jun《Dark Raven》continued as she stifled a yawn.

"You've been the one guiding us for all this... time..."

"Hmph! All this talk... It's not like I personally wanted to be here! This place is just... comfy!" She paused as if trying to find the right words to say, she continue in a quieter voice.

"Having you lead us was comfy, is all."

Cai Yuhan《Mass Killer》 spoke next.

"I will kill again for this family."

The masked Wen Chaoxiang《The Silent One》, along with the other men who surrounded him nodded in agreement at Cai's sentiments.

"We looked up to the few adults who were with us... but it was you who lead." Duan Cai《Dark Raven》 as she saluted Lai Fen.

Jed strode up to the crate Lai Fen had stood on. Being as tall and large as he was, they were eye-level. The large man proceeded to grab and lift Lai Fen in a large bear hug.

"Jed... You know I don't like to be touched." Lai Fen said dangerously, but she let herself be lifted up and squeezed in the man's embrace.

"You must help our hero and new leader my honey. ☆ Stay as his vice-leader." Jed said as he let go of her. Lai Fen groaned and rolled her eyes.

When you asked the room to teach you, Abrielle Moreau《Cold-Blooded》 spoke up.

"My, my, my, not only is the hero good-looking, he's quite respectful too." She smiled. "Chin up. you're the hero, you bow to no one."

"Fred..." Lai Ju said again, this time, not quite as bashful. "Of course we'll teach you..."

The Hudson sisters, Moliane and Oliana came in then, bringing a cart full of various foods, along with dishware. The fires that were stoked earlier had been cooking a large cauldron which was filled with soup.

QuoteWe can either paraphrase, or RP out the scene, while food is consumed and questions answered.

"That title means nothing to me until I can back it up. And right now, I can't." Fred said bluntly to Abrielle, standing back up. "I may have been summoned as a hero, but other than supporting the combat, I've not done anything noteworthy. I can recognize my own weakness compared to everyone else."

He then nodded to Lai Ju, "Thank you, I look forward to it. Oh, by the way, I tried sensing 'Ki' earlier, when you all left for a moment. There was some strange...well, I feel like it's best described as a lake, inside me. I know I never felt that in my other world, is that it? Did I manage that 'meditation' you mentioned before?"

Fred noticed the food being carted out before him, and his eyes immediately began to shimmer in excitement. "I've never been able to eat like this before! It looks delicious, thank you!" He began to gather food and take his seat like he'd seen in his past life. Both actions proved a bit more difficult than he'd expected, but thanks to his dexterity, he managed to adapt to the actions after a couple attempts. He purposely left space next to him for the little girl that wouldn't let go of his shirt, as it'd be too awkward to just have her standing behind him.

"So first, tell me about yourselves! Dreams, aspirations, hobbies, likes and dislikes. Take your pick! And feel free to ask me anything."

Finally, a normal, calm group conversation! It's a dream come true! Thank you, God!

"A lake? It's not something like a lake when I picture it... It feels more like a steady stream, that if I take from it, more gets refilled quickly."

Eris Alaster《Dark Raven》 perked up, hearing your description.

"That description sounds like mana actually... When everyone else was first trying to teach me how to use Ki, I just assumed it was the same thing."

"Ms. Eris... you just learn way too fast..."

---

When the food was delivered, the little girl sat beside you and peered at the contents too. She seemed to have made a face of disgust however.

You noticed Oliana Hudson《Knife Juggler》kneeling behind you.

"My lord, your ordeals to get here must have been harsh, please allow me to ease you." With that she began to place her hands on your shoulder.

"If there is anything else you need, please don't hesitate to ask." The other sister, Moliane Hudson《Dark Raven》, said.

"My! It looks like our new leader is already trying his best to get to know everyone.That's quite commendable of you, hero." Abrielle Moreau《Cold-Blooded》. "Then... I shall go first. My name is Abrielle Moreau, I am... or... was a noble in my own country, before joining this band of merry thieves. Like the old leader, I watched over the many here... There is no home that I have to return to, so the Dark Ravens have become my family."

She smiled wistfully.

"Actually! Why not introduce yourself? A couple of us saw you being summoned... appearing out of nowhere, but how was life in your previous world?"

"A stream, huh? I'll keep trying, then." Fred noted thankfully to Lai Fen. "And mana? I do have a skill called 'Mana Sensitivity', so maybe the reason I can detect it so easily is related? How do I use mana, Eris?" Fred asked excitedly.

---

Fred was surprised by Oliana's offer, enjoying the light massage. Admittedly, it felt a bit awkward to be the only one receiving it, but he wasn't about to pass up the experience. I had no idea humans could enjoy something like this, I always thought the best feeling was a good scratch with the beak or talon. This is so...calming. He couldn't help a light sigh. I most certainly won't, but I won't be greedy either. After all, I still feel it's unfair to get preferential treatment when I'm a skill-less as I am now."

He immediately began to try the food before him, doing his best to recall how these utensils were used. His grip was awkward, to say the least, but he did finally manage to get a morsel into his mouth and chew. His face immediately lit up. "Mmmf! Delicious! I can't believe I've missed out on something like this all my life. What is it!?" Of course, Fred had eaten human food before, but it was usually cold, and bird taste buds worked differently. Thus even the least exceptional food was acceptable, or even gourmet compared to what he'd tasted before.

"Country? Hmm...Ah, I remember that word now. Then I take it you're not native to this land, Abrielle? I suppose that may actually be true for many of you?" Fred spoke his internal question aloud as he worked out what he'd been told. "As for myself, well. There's not too much to really speak to that you'd understand or be interested in. I was a bird, a raven actually. Pretty coincidental, right?"

"Mostly everyone uses it for spells... But I have this special ability that makes use of my mana too. How magic works is invoking one of the elements, then chanting some words to give it form."

"At least that's how Jed taught me."

---

"My, my, my, the leader of the Dark Ravens was..." Abrielle furrowed her eyebrows.

"... a raven?"

A couple of the others too looked at you curiously.

"Truly? Is that even possible? Why are you a human now...?"

Abrielle looked on you, but continued answering.

"I am not from this country! My, it was years and years ago now that I think about it... I was in fact from a different world too, much like yourself. This phenomena called the 'Shifting' has been occuring here for over a hundred years now. Why... for me, I was travelling to visit my relatives, when the shifting occured, and I suddenly found myself... here. I didn't know at first, when it happened, I thought the skies had just briefly darkened and shimmered. It wasn't until the road I was travelling on suddenly stopped, as if the land itself was cut with a blade, then placed right on top of something else, that I realized something was wrong!"

"Not long after, some hooligans had found us... My dear coachman tried to put up a fight of course, along with the guards I had hired, but the rascals threw balls of fire and bolts of lightning at us! Imagine my surprise! People throwing around balls of fire? Quite ridiculous, wouldn't you say?"

"Needless to say, they captured me, drugged me, brought me here, sold me, and after I killed the degenerate that claimed me as a slave, I found myself in with the Dark Ravens."

"Ohhhh~? So Jed can cast magic? And you as well? Can either of you show me something basic? If can feel this energy, I want to try." Fred says, his curiosity building even further.

---

"It's the truth! And I'm just as surprised as you are that I'm human. After all, I'd just died. But the guy I met just kinda...made me into this when I was 'summoned'." Fred said with a shrug of confusion himself. "And 'shifting'? You were from another world, as well? This place is just getting stranger and stranger. Showing up from different worlds. Throwing fire and lightning. It's been a lot to take in, I tell ya."

"Oh honey! ☆ I can cast magic as well as anyone else! Earth magic is what speaks to the heart! If you'd like handsome hero..."

"I can give you private lessons later." Jed winked at you.

"I can cast all four elements... along with darkness. Everyone tells me that's rare, but, I don't actually use it very often. I haven't really taught anyone before hero... but I can show you a bit of what it's like."

The moment Eris mentioned showing it off, the room erupted all at once.

"That's a little dangerous?"

"Ohoh, Eris dear, please don't!"

"Oh honey ☆, maybe we can do that outside..."

"Ehehehe... Do it! Boom!"

"Mmm, if you... are... I'm... going back to... sleep..."

"Eris! I just fixed my dress. Hmph! If you're burning more, then you're in charge of stitching everything back right up!"

"Please do! This is a perfect time to test your spells..."

---

"A guy that you met? You mean the emperor?"

"I very well was in a different world, dear hero! Some of us here have similar stories... Especially those who come from worlds when only a village or town was taken, and everything else was left behind. They made the perfect targets for raids, where everyone would be sold as slaves to the war effort, or any of the other countries."

For some reason, a shiver went down Fred's spine. His gut told him that Jed's offer was not an entirely good idea.

Taking a hint from the crowd, Fred realized that she probably didn't use magic often for the sake of her allies. Whatever it is, it sounds dangerous, and hard to control. He chuckled nervously as he responded. "We can save the demonstration for later. How about just finding out what my potential is? You both said you have specialties; it sounds like you can't just choose your affinity, so how can you tell?"

---

"No, no, not the dead guy. This was before being summoned here. Like in between my world and this one. I think he called himself...'God'?" He waved his hand dismissively at the thought that it was the emperor.

"Sold to other countries? So slavery isn't just an issue in this place, but the whole world? That's a bit sickening." Fred couldn't help but frown. He didn't fully understand the concept of slavery, but he at least realized that it was basically forcing someone to live lower on the 'food chain'. Like a lion being treated as a hyena. "Well, let's try to change that as much as we can."

"From what I was told... normally one is to train for awhile attempting to use magic, then 'feel' within, for any change. Normally this helps the person figure out where mana is and how it feels like. This step is actually the hardest for most people... Sometimes even a mage can take months to learn to even sense mana in the first place. But... from your description, it looks like you can already sense mana? It's... actually similar to me when everyone first found me..."

"After that, is being able to move and manipulate the mana you sense inside you. Again, moving mana is a different thing that being able to sense it, and this step usually takes another few weeks or months of attempting and application... For whatever reason, it came naturally to me too though, and I was able to move it without much problem... Mana itself is invisible to the naked eye, even if one can sense and manipulate it, it's only after it's turned into a spell, with an actual manifestation, that you can make use of it."

"You're the handome hero of the Dark Ravens! ☆ I'm sure you can do it... Let's see, you can sense that large pool in you? Imagine... grabbing it with an imaginary set of hands, cupping it so that it won't spill, and moving it out of that pool, into... here."

QuoteDue to having techniques Sense Mana and Use Mana, you are able to do this just fine, feel free to describe it. You are able to see it as motes of light.

---

"God?" Filiane Darkspinner《Dark Raven》asked in amazement. "You mean... the goddess? Aren't the summoned heroes said to be of the goddess herself..?"

"It's a sad state of affairs, it truly is...! There was slavery in my world too, though my family treated ours well, and we didn't many of them... We even paid them too."

"Huh...grab it and cup it in my hands...?" Fred had a pensive expression on his face as he closed his eyes to focus on the lake once more. Take a handful out...how? Could he just make hands? It seemed strange. Hands can't hold water well anyways...why not a bowl? It's easier to imagine holding something in that. Fred mentally imagined a bowl being dipped into the water, lifting up and carrying the contents back to himself. Looking into the bowl, Fred could see the beautiful white light within it, slightly dimmer due to lacking the density of the lake. His mental body dipped its hands in a stirred, trying to feel out the contents. Strangely enough, a few things happened. Some of the light stuck to his hand in very small amounts, while others became small wisps that floats out of the bowl, lighting up the immediate area like fireflies. It was one of the most enchanting sights Fred had ever seen, even if it was a mental image.

Externally, Fred had his hands cupped, as though he was physically holding the mana in his mind. Though he could not see with his eyes closed, he could feel wisps of energy moving around in his hands. It was a peculiar feeling, to say the least, like there was a small whirlwind of static caressing his palms warmly.

---

"I don't know about any goddess, unless she felt like looking similar to an old, wizened man from my home world. Perhaps she pulled me into this world, but I don't believe I met her."

"And that is good to hear, Abrielle. Perhaps that is a first step we could take in this world. At least give the people some comfort, and not live as a lesser creature. But for now, I suppose we have to focus on surviving and getting stronger."

There was some excitement in Eris' voice.

"You did it! Open yours eyes too... maybe..."

In you palms, was the same sight you had seen earlier as a mental image in your mind. But this time, it was actually real. The motes of light danced around your fingers, and you noticed that Eris was gazing intently at your hand as well. The others around you seemed to focus their gazes at your face instead however, as if they didn't see or notice at all any of the motes of light that captured Eris' attention.

"Eris, you see...? Oh! As expected of our handsome hero! ☆ I can't believe this was your... first time." He winked slyly.

"Now my handsomeness, imagine fire sprouting from your hands, words would come to mind the moment you do so... Speak those words, and that is how you can cast a spell... Don't worry if nothing happens when you first try though, or if no words come to mind, it usually takes practice, and at least until Eris over here, I always thought that it takes a few weeks or months to learn..."

QuoteCasting spells in the setting is a few steps:

1) Imagining the spell
2) An 'incantation' comes to mind. This is in the form of:
(Invoked Element). (Incantation). (Keyword or Spell Name). Examples can be found in probably Pringer's RP.

Keep in mind, there are limits to number of free spells I'm giving out, new spells afterwards will have to be learned.

For actual mechanics, spell creation can be found under the Elemental Magicka System doc (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/index.php?topic=1859.0). If you want a quick example, check out the known spells list that other players have created so far for the Elemental Magicka system spells (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OLFwp87Sb8QyBDr2aWMkM3g21hB-OIwiKjQRIeHjvDE/edit#gid=0)

---

"That is intriguing... one of the common things among the countries in this New World is the belief in the Goddess of Light, or at least, most of the countries anyways... It's said that heroes are from the goddess herself, though... Now I wonder if that's not always the case, or something else." Filiane eventually shrugged.

"But I am called Filiane... It's good to meet you, hero." The pointed-eared girl bowed her head.

One of the maids behind you spoke as well, the one who was giving you a shoulder massage.

"I am Oliana... I exist to please our leader and... of course you, the summoned hero."

"They are one and the same now. So that's double the reason." Moliane piped.

"Whoa~" Fred's eyes glittered in awe as he stared at the motes. "It really is just like I imagined it!"

"Try to make fire sprout from my hands!? Well, Abrielle did mention it was possible here,-" He turns to her "Didn't you?" It was less of a question, and more of a recognition of what was possible. Fred quickly turned his attention back to the mater at hand. Well, in hand.

Closing his eyes, Fred probed the lake for knowledge of fire, looking within that bright light for an energy specific to flames, even mentally calling out for it. Finally, a whisper began to echo out from within the 'waters', and specks of golden red light began to gather from various places onto the lake's surface. They suddenly sprouted from the lake in a line, snaking around him an a loose, conical coil, seemingly ready to launch out at a target of his discretion. It was a foreign, but incredible feeling.

It's time.

Fred's eyes quickly opened in determined focus, the words at the forefront of his mind, and the motes turning red in hue and collecting toward his hand.

"Great spirits of fire, coalesce before me and writhe, encircling me ready to strike at my enemies. Flame Serpent!"

[blockquote]Spellcraft:  1d20+5 : 2 + 5, total 7[/blockquote]

---

"Huh, if that's how it is here...maybe he was the god of my world? After all, our two worlds might not be directly connected like it's made out to be. And it is a pleasure to meet you, Filiane." Fred gave a small, warm smile, before turning to the two maids beside him, "And of course, an equal pleasure to meet the two of you, Oliana and Moliane. Though you need not expend so much energy, I'm but a simple man. Good food and company to converse with is plenty."

[info]New Spell Learned
Name: Flame Serpent
Details: Tier 2; Fire; Transforming; Form 1: Single-Target, Fire Damage vs Attacker's Touch AC; Form 2: Single-Target; Fire Damage vs Touch AC
Base MP Cost: 4[/info]"Amazing... As expected of our handsome hero! ☆" Your display of magic caught the attention of the others too, and you began to hear murmuring among them. You managed to catch most of what  they were saying, it was primarily about how rare it was for someone to be able to cast a spell successfully on their first try.

"My oh my, quite jealous, it took me a couple of years to cast my first spell after being taught... There really is a difference between a hero and everyone else..."

"... That's... amazing." The girl, Han Tu《Covert Ops》, said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

---

"Other gods? One of your world... My, my, my, the world is an interesting place. How many gods did your people worship? Or... if you were a raven, perhaps there was no worship..."

"Of course theirs other gods! As much as some churches refuse to believe. In my country we have 7 of them!"

"Stop talking about gods and goddesses, they do nothing for us really. All this religious talk makes me sick." Lu Zhihao《Sadist》said.

"Oh! Another killer talks back! Besides, Fred is from the goddess, or at least... a god of some sort. I saw you bowing earlier too Zhihao."

The girl shrugged.

"We're all killers. Everyone else was, figured I'd do the same." She stood up and made her way towards you.

"Oliana, stop hogging the new leader all to yourself, let me get my hands on him too." Without waiting for a confirmation, she placed herself behind you. She planned to wrap her arms around you.

"Our leader, well, old leader Lai Fen absolutely loved pain." She continued to glide her arms around you, ignoring the protests in everyone else's eyes. "How about you?"

QuoteFeel free to take actions to interrupt anything above

Fred was stuck laughing to himself with glee, motioning widely with his arms almost dance-like to move the serpent of fire through the air near him at his whim. "As much as I want to, I'm guessing I shouldn't target this at anyone down here...is there a safe way to cancel this spell? I'd rather not set something on fire."

---

"Since I was a bird, I didn't actually know there was a god or goddess. Though...if I equate how people here act toward gods and goddesses to how people I observed in my old world acted, I believe there was only one. It's hard to say since I didn't understand any of them very well."

At Zhihao's approach, Fred got a slight chill down his spine. Why am I so anxious...

Quote
"Our leader, well, old leader Lai Fen absolutely loved pain." She continued to glide her arms around you, ignoring the protests in everyone else's eyes. "How about you?"

Oh, that's why...she's dangerous. Fred swallowed nervously as he replied, "I'm not partial to it." His instincts were screaming at him to get away, but he could tell that, being in her embrace already, there'd be no escaping. Plus, she wouldn't actually do anything here and now, right?

"That's a good question..." Eris echoed your sentiments looking at Jed. The large and muscular man frowned.

"Spells normally dissipate with enough time... You can think of it as using spells to create or bend the elements to your will, like a force to move them. After you take away that force, it might still be lingering around. Cancelling a spell would instead be figuring something out to cancel it. For that fire spell of yours, using water, for example. ☆"

---

QuoteI keep having to make disclaimers, lol, but feel free to interrupt any action that I write from here on out, I find it easier/faster to proceed with scenes this way, rather than getting feedback after every sentence.

You felt the dark-haired girl bring her head close to yours from behind. Her tongue flicked out, aiming to lick your cheek.

"Who knows, pain might just feel real good."

---

During the dinner, Wen Chaoxiang《The Silent One》, moved himself to behind you, then dropped himself in a bowing pose, with his forehead touching the ground. There were other men beside him too. Chaoxiang had been wearing a mask since the beginning, but the other men around him weren't. Most of them were younger than him. Apart from Jed, who seemed to be the oldest in the group, most of the other men and boys were behind Chaoxiang in the same bowing position.

It was then that Lai Fen spoke.

"Fred, meet Chao. He doesn't talk much, but the other guys in our little group follow him more than they follow me at times... That's his way of paying respect to the new leader."

"Huh, I was hoping to be able to just kind of halt it, without using more mana. That's a shame. Well, I guess I'll go ahead and have some fun while it lasts!" Fred shrugged, then began directing the serpent with his hands, waving them to and fro as the creature of flames danced through the air around him, leaving a dazzling trails of embers in its wake. Finally, after some time, it fizzles out into a trailing cloud of sparks. Fred nods his head contentedly.

[info]Done with this one if you are.[/info]

---

Fred quickly dodges to the side, breaking free and standing up a short distance away, "I think the word you're looking for is painful. Real painful."

---

Fred did all he could to stifle a groan. Again with the bowing!? And this is even more severe than the others...

"Please, comrades, stand. Respect has been paid, and is appreciated. But I'll say it again, I've not done nearly enough to deserve this yet, and this whole 'high status' thing is unnecessary among friends to me. Maybe once you've all taught me I'll finally accept these gestures more naturally."

"Pain could be good too..." She pouted.

---

The moment you asked him to stand, the masked man stood up, his intense gaze looking upon you. He grunted at that same time, and the other men behind him who had been prostrating themselves, stood up as well.

Wen Chaoxiang then foled one hand over the other, and raised it above his chest in a saluting manner. The rest of the men too, followed suit.

"He's pretty loyal, but he doesn't talk... They kind of have a very... hmm... chivalrous attitude when it comes to everyone else."

[info]Ready to move on from meal/intros. Let me know what I need to do.[/info]

QuoteNote that there are ~50 Dark Raven members, but I didn't give every single one an image and a name. In summary, Jed is the eldest male. Everyone else is from 15-25. There are some men who follow around Wen Chaoxiang like puppies. Also, since you should have seen this long ago. The little girl's name is Sio Ai《Princess》

When the meal was over, you managed to get an account of everyone's names. So far, no one really talked about your powers as a hero, though they did all see that you were able to strip people's clothing off. Each of them introduced themselves properly, the little kid however, continued to hide away from the rest, and wouldn't really talk with other people, though some of the members of the Dark Raven had teased her.

One of the individuals however, seemed to give you a different name.


Though you see Mo Ruogang《Red Hand》, she introduced herself as "Lei Lingxin".

Apart from that, Lai Fen had lit some incense, and as a group, they mourned the losses of a few members that day as well.

QuoteIt is around 7 PM, you can fit in any sort of Training for the rest of the evening, unless there are specific things you want to do.

"Lei Lingxin? It's a pleasure to meet you." Fred offers his hand for a hand shake. After waiting until she takes his hand, he firmly grips her hand back and follows up with a probing question, "So tell me, how is the Red Hand treating you?" He gives a knowing look directly into her eyes.

I hope there's a good explanation for this. We're already about to mourn loss, and I don't wish to start another fight. But if she's really with Red Hand now, it's safest to expose it now.

---

QuoteI'd like to train to gain Qi/Martial abilities. But I'm rusty on the training mechanics. What's the duration I can go for, and what do I roll?

The girl furrowed her eyebrows, but shrugged a moment later.

"Strange question you would ask, but pretty much the same as everyone? They're a thorn on our side for sure." She said simply as she nodded to herself. Her eyes noted the fact you held her hand firmly, though her eyes slowly moved to meet yours instead. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, hero."

---

QuoteRegular session: 4 hours
Expedited session: 2 hours, but increased DC (+4 DC for Basic Techniques)
Training steps:
1) State who the mentor is that is teaching you (if available)
2) Roll training check: 1d20+6.

"Oh really? I thought they would treat their members differently...Mo Ruogang." Fred stated in a hushed tone, laden with his suspicion. Fred prepares to clamp down on her hand at the very moment she shows intent to withdraw. Though he hopes to avoid a conflict, his time here has shown him such things are unlikely.

---

[info]Fred doesn't really have a preference in a trainer. As he's the most familiar with Lai Ju or Lai Fen, most likely one of them. But since they could probably be busy, anyone willing to take a moment to show Ki basics will do.

[blockquote]Training Ki 1d20+6 : 13 + 6, total 19[/blockquote][/info]

QuoteRoll for initiative!

Let's handle this before moving on to Training.

[info][blockquote]Initiative:  1d20+9 : 11 + 9, total 20[/blockquote][/info]

You see the girl about to pull her hand back, as her other arm began to move to her side, you clearly saw her attempt to start reaching for a knife.

Without a moment of hesitation once he noticed her trying to arm herself, Fred uttered a single word, tension visible on his face.

"Destroy."

(http://www.anime-evo.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Magi_17_2.jpg)

[info]Fred uses Destroy.

I wanted to avoid doing something like this in a crowd of new allies, but...not much of a choice.

To be fair, Fred doesn't see anything socially wrong about it haha.[/info]

At that moment the girl's clothes exploded off her body. For a brief moment she lost her composure as she stood nude among the crowd of other Dark Ravens.

"Oh honey! ☆ Save that for after he buys you dinner."

Eris however, drew her own blade up. "Jed, it's not that. Lingxin pulled out a knife on our new leader. I wasn't fully paying attention though." Eris continued to eye both you and Lingxin.
















"Lei Lingxin, explain yourself. Fred is the new leader of the Dark Ravens." Lai Fen said sternly, though, her eyes went up to you questioningly as well.

Lei Lingxin however, had eventually pulled out her knife, with her legs tight against each other to prevent herself from exposing herself, and one arm covering her chest. Her last remaining hand held the knife up in front of her. With as much dignity as she could manage she spoke.

"Isn't it obvious, my clothing suddenly removed itself?"

"We can see that. Fred did that before when we were last at the emperor. What's this about the knife?"

Lingxin didn't respond however.

QuoteTemporary out of combat, if you decide to act, we'll use the same initiative order, and you'll be able to move first in the scene.

"She's not Lei Lingxin, she's Mo Ruogang, a Red Hand member. When I confronted her about it, she went to pull a knife on me. So I did what I could to get rid of any other weapons she had." Fred shortly explained, trying to wrack his brain for anything he could do in this situation.

There's got to be some way to restrain her, but I don't have anything other than Destroy and that Flame Serpent spell....wait, spell? Didn't they say you can do basically anything with magic? I need a lot more training, but maybe I can manage something in a pinch. Just focus! What's a strong binding feeling I've experienced...

Fred quickly scans through his mind before quickly realizing the only oppressive thought he could remember was falling to the earth before death. He couldn't shake that thought, no matter how much he tried, as he hadn't yet had a chance to confront that trauma. He almost began to shake and lose himself in that moment before a thought occurred.

Wait, rock doesn't budge...can magic manipulate the ground and rock?

Fred tried gathering his magic, using it to feel out the ground in the room, focusing below Mo Ruogang's feet. With a steady, quiet tone, Fred verbally exercised his will to the best of his ability.

"Durable earth spirits! Rise and lend me your stoic strength to restrain my foes. Earthen Tomb!"

[info]Fred tries to cast an earth element binding spell on Mo Ruogang.[/info]

Your spell triggered then, however, due to the fact she had to cover herself, she couldn't get out of the way fast enough at all. She had attempted to stumble backwards, but the earth had risen up and held her down. She tried to get herself out, but she failed.

QuoteShe'll be attempting to get herself out each round.

Fred let out a sigh of relief that his spell worked. "Thank you, spirits." He muttered under his breath while stepping forward. "Someone prepare a more permanent restraint for her, this magic may not hold long, since it's my first time using it."

Fred then turned to Lai Fen, "How long has she been in the Ravens?"

As an after-thought, Fred also called out to the group, "Oh, and I suppose we should get her some new clothes, too. Though I really don't understand why it matters..."

QuoteDialogue color change for readability.

"A couple of years." Lai Fen said. It was Lu Zhihao who decided to be the one to strap her more securely. She pulled a set of chains from her clothes, for some reason, that didn't really surprise you.

"She doesn't need clothes." Lu Zhihao said as she brought the chains up to her mouth, and seductively licked them. "She should be bare, like her sins, for all to see." With that, Lu Zhihao began to tie the chains securely around her.














Gritting her teeth as Lu Zhihao began to secure her tightly, Mo Ruogang shot a glare towards you. "Let me go! If you don't, I'll-"

"I think she'll tell us all we want to know. That's what she'll do." Fred said, meeting Mo's glare while answering Lai Fen. "After all, pretending to be an ally to your opposition is one of the more cowardly things that can be done, so I'm sure she'll act the coward when questioned."

Fred then kneels down beside her, continuing to meet her gaze, "Though the first thing that I want to ask is why? The Ravens accepted you with open arms, I'm sure. That's my first impression of them. After all those years being treated like family, you chose to become, and continue being, an ally to the same people that would continually kill those that took you in? Did you feel no kinship at all? Granted, I only really know animal culture well, but even for animals that's seen as low."

QuoteRoll some sort of social skill.

[info][blockquote]Diplomacy:  1d20+4 : 12 + 4, total 16[/blockquote][/info]

Instead of responding, she bit into something in her mouth. Her body stiffened.

QuotePutting it back into initiative order for actions. Long dialogue will increase number of rounds, so short commands and actions.

"Hey, she just did something! She bit down and her body seized. What was that?" Fred asks in obvious confusion, hoping someone can clear it up for him.

Weird that she wouldn't even say a word...

"Damn it! Quick!" Lai Fen called out. "It's a poison!"  The rest of them exploded into action. Lu Zhihao had pushed the spy down, at the same time opening the girl's mouth, and trying to reach in and pull out whatever it was. Lu Zhihao's face scrunched up slightly, as pain wracked her body.

"Contact poison. It hurts. It feels good." Zhihao's movements slowed as she shivered.

QuoteRound 1
Mo Ruogang poisoned herself
Zhihao attempted to remove poison

[include u=2]Leng's Tears   contact   18   1 rd.   1/10 min for 1 hr.   1d2 Wis dmg and Paralyzed 10 min   1 save

Moonberries   contact, ingested   18   1 rd.   Once   3d6 Con dmg   

Tears of Death   contact   22   1 min   1/min for 6 mins   1d6 Con dmg and Paralyzed 1 min[/include]

"Poison? She poisoned herself!?" Fred was horrified. "Is it that normal? I've never heard of killing yourself on a whim like that..."

After experiencing death himself, Fred had a very close attachment to life, holding it extremely dear. Before becoming human, he'd already had a strong survival instinct; but that instinct had nothing on the subtle, philosophical thoughts human minds could entertain. There was so much more to cherish as a person from his short experience, even with the chaos. Seeing someone waste that ignorantly instead of at least trying to survive with all they had upset him greatly.

And worse yet, he was helpless to stop this woman. He had no way of stopping toxins; his general knowledge of the human body was severely lacking. All he could do was grip his fists and watch.

"Is there anything I can do?"

"You don't happen to have any ability that can remove poison? If not, there's nothing much we can do."

"You have to do something. Lingxin was one of us." As Jed spoke, Mo Ruogang gagged as foam bubbled from her mouth. Though Zhihao was evidently in pain from the contact poison, the girl continued to attempt to pull out whatever was left in her mouth.

It was then that Eris spoke.

"I think I can save Lingxin. A darkness spell..." She glanced towards Lai Fen. Lai Fen shook her head. "You could die Eris. Even if Lingxin stayed true to us, and even if I was still the leader or our merry band, I have no right to suggest that kind of action."

Eris' eyes moved towards you. "I can take in her suffering. She... she is still family."

"Share pain...?" Fred said with a slight realization. "If it's burdensome, can the burden be shared? If so, let's do this." Fred says without hesitating, offering his hand hopefully.

Eris took your hand without hesitation, seeing your own resolve had her begin. She too knew that time was of the essence. For every second that ticked by, the higher and higher risk that the spy would die from her self-inflicted poisoning.

"Oh Darkness. Tear down the walls between my prey. Let them feel the same pain and torment as the beckoner of the blackened snake. Shared Suffering." Immediately a dark glob that looked almost viscous liquid appeared from Eris' hands. It started to engulf you.

QuoteYou can roll Physical Resist if you want to resist, or purposefully fail your save, I'm assuming you're failing your save purposefully.

The dark liquid started to engulf your entire body, and it was then that Eris turned towards Mo Ruogang, who, at this moment in time was continuing to gag. The spy's eyes had rolled upwards through it, and even now, only the white of her eyes could be seen. The girl was already on the floor, with bile and remnants of poison spilled out in front of her. Zhihao continued to pull what she could from the girl's mouth, but even she had started to realize it was a futile effort. It was then that Eris' voice spoke out again.

"Oh Darkness. Make thy nihility consume my body and take it's place within, take the one who indulges themselves in such wretched desire suffer for their sins. Torment Acceptance." Not even a moment later Eris covered her mouth as she too began to froth at the mouth.

QuoteYou are both poisoned. Three Physical Resist (PR) checks requested.

Fred was awed at the strange feeling of being engulfed by Eris' magic, and could tell that he was feeling some sensations that weren't his own after its success. But just as quickly as he was enveloped, a new sensation quickly spread through him. Pain. A hot, boiling pain worse than the heat of the African sun. If was pushing out from within his bloodstream and muscles, as well as immediately giving him a nauseous feeling. He did his best to hold it down and stay conscious.

[info][blockquote]Physical Resist 1:  1d20+7 : 18 + 7, total 25[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Physical Resist 2:  1d20+7 : 20 + 7, total 27[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Physical Resist 3:  1d20+7 : 19 + 7, total 26[/blockquote][/info]

The pain continued to assault both you and Eris.  Mo Ruogang was suffering the worst of it, but Eris was next. Eris was already on the ground, coiled into a fetal position. Jed had went up to her in an attempt to comfort her, but of course soothing words didn't do much for the pain. Due to the link from Eris to you, you continually felt the sharp points of pain. Though, gauging from the reactions of the other two, you had it the easiest.

Lai Fen decided to stand by you. Lai Ju bit her lip in worry, though Lai Fen had a comforting hand on her sister's shoulder. "Fred... hang in there..." The vice-leader said worryingly.

"He'll be fine. Aren't you, Fred?" Lai Fen asked, there was a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

---

Soon enough the pain dissipated, Mo Ruogang was completely still and moving. But Zhihao was constantly checking up on the girl's vitals. "She's still alive... I could tell from when I jammed my hand in her mouth, but the poison had a paralyzing effect. My hand's still a bit numb just by touching it, and she swallowed whatever she was keeping."

"Someone get her a stretcher. Some water too, and a towel. Eris, Fred, you alright?" She paused for a second as she glanced towards you. "That's right, sorry, habit." Lai Fen shrugged.

"I can move, it's just the pain. Not feeling any of the paralysis, but I don't think my spell transfers that." Eris said.

QuoteCheck the Play tab on your latest sheet to see your CON damage. Mo is severely damage, Eris is a bit damaged too.

"Just a bit sore. From the looks of it I got the least pain of the three of us." Fred stretched a bit, rubbing his muscles and letting out a sigh in relief. "Glad we kept her alive, I hate seeing life thrown away like that."

Fred then started walking off slowly, clasping Eris' shoulder as he went, "Great work, Eris. I'm going to sit down now." He wanders over to the background, seeing the little rescued princess still in her shocked state. He couldn't hold back from sighing again, this time out of helplessness. Now what am I to do with this little one?

Plopping down beside her, and realizing there may be some more additions in his stat screen, he mutters quickly to himself, "Status." While perusing the windows, he gives the princess a sidelong glance momentarily, then puts a hand on her head after a pause, attempting to comfort her. Suddenly, he has an idea, thinking maybe a new shock could shake the girl of her current one "Sio Ai, do your best to relax, and let me know if there's anything you need."

[info]Fred goes through all the '?' in his status window, and checks if he has gained anything else lately.[/info]

[okay]Fred Pragtige
Appreciated
Level 20

Condition: Slightly Injured, Slightly Tired

HP: 36/36
MP: 48/48
STR: 16
DEX: 28
CON: 12
INT: 11
WIS: 22
CHA: 15
MAG: 19

Blessings: Quick Learner, Mana Sensitivity, Translate Languages, Personal Status, Status, Destroy[/okay]Going through your Status window, you managed to get a couple of new titles. Most of them had descriptions, however, there was three that still had the question marks.

[okay]Focus on 『Summoned Hero』
You are a summoned hero.

Focus on 『From Another World』
You have come from another world.

Focus on 『Uncanny Understanding』
You have the Status blessing.

Focus on 『Clothing-Bane』
You have the Destroy blessing.

Focus on 『Traitor』
You betrayed the person who summoned you.

Focus on 『He Who Knows of Status』
You know of Status.

Focus on 『No Clothing in My Presence』
You stripped someone's clothing.

Focus on 『The Graceful』
You are dextrous.

Focus on 『The Chosen of a God』
You are chosen.

Focus on 『The Quick Destroyer』
You can use destroy quicker.

Focus on 『Leader of the Dark Ravens』
You are a leader.

Focus on 『Spellcaster』
You can cast spells.

Focus on 『Tier 2 Elementalist』
You can cast tier 2 elemental magic.

Focus on 『The Silent Destroyer』
???

Focus on 『Update Viewer』
???

Focus on 『History Viewer』
???

Focus on 『Appreciated』
You are appreciated.

Focus on 『Liked』
You are liked.

Focus on 『Tier 1 Elementalist』
You can cast tier 1 elemental magic.[/okay]

"It's more than that, Lingxin... Or... Ruogang? Is family too." She turned towards you. "The Dark Ravens have been my family ever since I can remember, and... we've never had to deal with... a mole like that. Thank you, hero for helping me back there." She bit her lip as you saw her glance towards Lai Fen. "I hope Lai Fen won't be too hard on her, but... you're the leader now. So I'm going to ask that you please be lenient."

---

Once you left, Eris helped the others with the stretcher that was brought. Lai Ju accompanied them as well along with a few others. The rest of the Dark Ravens began their own businesses, though, many of them had begun to retreat to other interconnected rooms.

With you being one of the only few she felt comfortable with, she sat next to you close, keeping an eye on everyone else. Like usual she kept silent, and her eyes widened as Lai Fen neared.






"So the kid's name is Sio? She told you? I haven't heard her speak a single thing since. What's your impression of us? Finding a traitor in our midst in the first day, too."

Hmm? That's strange. Do I have to somehow use these without knowing their description to show them? This is the first time titles haven't given info directly.

Quote

(https://i.gyazo.com/17bd22844f62f79975b1e2514ec2dde4.png)

"So the kid's name is Sio? She told you? I haven't heard her speak a single thing since. What's your impression of us? Finding a traitor in our midst in the first day, too."

"Oh, no, she still hasn't spoken. I just...know her name. It's another hero thing I guess. It's what I used to know who to take out when we were ambushed running here, too. And how I knew that that woman was with the Red Hand." Fred scratched the back of his head in thought. "It's an odd ability, I'm still figuring it out. I guess it suits me, though. I'd always been an observer in my past life, so seeing more than others makes sense. Destroy, on the other hand...I have no idea."

"Hmm... So what does that ability say about me?" Lai Fen asked, not really expecting an answer. "And I don't know, destroying the clothes of the emperor was pretty fitting." She continued callously. She paused though, realizing the kid was still around. "Little kids like her isn't anything I've been good with. Got any plans for her? Or even Ling- well... Ruogang was it?"

"Like it or not, that kid you have with you... She's..." She paused again as she looked at Sio, the little girl of course wouldn't meet her gaze. "In a way, she was just like me."

"Hmm? About you? Well, it currently just says your name over your head, along with the 'title' Vice Leader of the Dark Ravens." Fred said dismissively, but then stopped himself with realization. "Wait, let me try something." Looking directly at Lai Fen, Fred stated his new skill names. "Update Viewer. History Viewer."

"And no, I don't have any plans. I'm just waiting until she recovers from her shock. It'll be a while before she's able to do anything, so for now I plan to just make sure she survives. If for anything, because of how similar she is to you." Fred says as he waits for his powers to hopefully activate. "As for Ruogang, that depends on what happens when she wakes up. She tried to pull a knife on me, so I can only imagine something has happened to make her dislike the Ravens. We need to see if we can resolve any issues while she's recovering. Hopefully our hands aren't forced."

The moment you spoke those words, the title above Lai Fen changed. Instead of a title it become something more akin to a menu.

[okay]Lai Fen《Vice Leader of the Dark Ravens》
Title History
Name History[/impact][/okay]At that moment you received a title.

[okay]You have gained a new title 『Inspector』[/okay]At that exact same time, a notification appeared right above Lai Fen.

[okay]+Title: 『Inspected』[/okay]"About that..." Lai Fen said uncomfortably. "I didn't want to say this in front of everyone. But the moment you said her name, Mo Ruogang... It sounded familiar, the Mo clan was one of those we targeted early on, after we lost our master and most of the adults of the Dark Ravens. I can... probably imagine why she turned out the way she did. But yes, it's been about three years since Mo Ruogang joined us, Lei Lingxin... We found her wounded one day at one of our outposts in the city. We thought she was just someone who had no home, looking for a place to live in. At the time, she claimed that she had escaped from her master, so we decided to take her in. She had no skills with the blade then, and we all just assumed she was a fast learner, or something akin to a prodigy to have become so proficient with it, so fast. She wasn't exactly a kid, but she showed more skill than some normal commoner. She participated in several missions with us these last few years, too."

Lai Fen sighed.

"My hands are stained crimson through the years I've lead this group. Everyone's is, but mine's the worst." She proceeded to stand and then make her way towards you and Sio, specifically stopping in front of Sio and crouching down in front of her. Sio Ai tried to scoot back further, but of course she was already against the wall. Instead she clutched to your shirt even more. "Hey kid, when the time comes, and you're big and strong, you can have your revenge, alright?"



Lai Fen reached out to ruffle the kid's hair, though Sio Ai only flinched. "As princess to a fellow princess. That path of bloodshed, you'll eventually regret it. And when you're ready, I'll be here, waiting."

While listening to Lai Fen's tale of the past, Fred selects 'Title History' from the menu. However, the more Lai Fen went on, the more attention Fred had to devote. The usual 'tough' Lai Fen began to soften further and further as she spoke; it was obvious that the recent events, especially her losing control in the emperor's throne room, had begun bringing her regrets to the surface. This reflection was a necessary and important one.

At her ending request to the little princess, Fred had no response, all he could do was try to comfort her. He carefully placed a hand on her shoulder, "Fen..."

A list of titles appeared then. It looked to be sorted from oldest to newest.

[okay]『Princess of Baolong Dynasty』
『Appreciated』
『Liked』
『Loved』
『Well-Appreciated』
『Dark Raven』
『Thief』
『Adopted Family』
『Vermin Slayer』
『Basic Martial Artist』
『Knife Juggler』
『Well-Liked』
『Tier 1 Ninja』
『Expert Disabler』
『The Graceful』
『The Bloodied』
『Tier 2 Ninja』
『Covert Ops』
『Intermediate Martial Artist』
『Leader of the Dark Ravens』
『Tier 3 Ninja』
『Human Slayer』
『Idolized』
『Well-Loved』
『Cold-Blooded One』
『Disliked』
『Hated』
『Toastmaster』
『Teacher of Men』
『Advanced Martial Artist』
『Mass Killer』
『Well-Disliked』
『Well-Hated』
『Teacher』
『Tier 4 Ninja』
『One Slash, Four Kills』
『Has Seen it All』
『Agile Overkiller I』
『Vice Leader of the Dark Ravens』
『Inspected』[/okay]One thing you noticed was that when you first met her, she had a title of 『Leader of the Dark Ravens』, however, according to the history, she earned that much longer ago.

"It's fine, Fred." Lai Fen said, though, she let you put your hand on her shoulder.  "I already broke down once today so I'm not going to start that again." She flashed you a grin.  "Once a day is probably more than enough. Besides, we just uncovered a traitor, Ling-... Ruogang's at her deathbed, and Eris didn't look so great either. We just caused the fall of our country up there, the Baolong hero was finally summoned, and it wouldn't surprise me if there's nothing but chaos rampaging in the streets above. I have no time for feeling sad."

She sighed.

"There is one thing though that concerns me Fred. It's Ruogang... And her affiliation with the Red Hand." She glanced at you. "Weren't they chasing us through the city? Aren't they... looking for us?" Lai Fen asked.

Fred gave her an acknowledging nod and smile, clapping her on the shoulder before withdrawing his hand. "'At her deathbed' is a little extreme. She's not going to die, just needs a long rest. Same with Eris. I suppose I got lucky. And if losing one person causes a whole city to fall apart, then it needed to fall apart. That's not a stable community, it's one rotting from the inside. What matters now is making sure the same thing doesn't happen again so that the things that you two princesses experienced don't happen again. Not that I know how to do that, people are way too weird and unpredictable."

When she brought up the Red Hand and having a spy, the hair on the back of Fred's neck stood up. "No, they aren't looking. They know exactly where we are." Fred looked back at Lai Fen meaningfully. "If this is the Raven's only major hideout, we need to leave and find a new one. Unless you want to try to stay and defend. But from what I can tell, all of you are crafty, and running away would be easier. Though if we're surrounded already, then it's too late."

In as hushed a tone as possible, Fred whispers to Lai Fen, "Also, I think I may need to check the rest of the group. It seems my 'Status' power isn't perfect at a glance. We should probably check if anyone else is a spy, using what I just did to you. I can see every major achievement you've ever accomplished, and that includes joining the Ravens."

Lai Fen shook her head. "She's been with us for three years. Who knows what kind of information they have. We have multiple bases, and since Ruogang accompanied us on most of our missions, she knows our hideouts that we keep across the city... Most of them are all connected with the underground labyrinth-like tunnels. However, I'm not sure if she's managed to figure out all the routes between each site. We have a map that our old master left behind, but it's only a handful of us who memorized the layouts."

She grimaced. "The Red-Hand shouldn't know that we've caught their spy. But how long has it been since we lost them in the city? A few hours at most... Tharielle and Filliane haven't came back either, but I assumed they were simply having dinner at the other sites. We don't have a way to contact the others quickly except through runners. Tharielle and Filliane are one of our best ones, so I'm hoping they are still okay."

---

QuoteSpecify if you are rushing, or if you're going about this at a normal pace. The Dark Ravens are spread throughout the complex. It'll take a round or two to scan through each person's status.

You eventually make your way around, using your ability to now read everyone's titles. There were a few things that you learned. Although many times it was the latest title that a person earned which was displayed above their heads. There were some cases where their displayed title was a title they had earned long ago. This was most evident when it came to look at Jed's status. The moment you used your ability on him, he got the expected "+Title: Inspected", and for a brief second his title was Jed《Inspected》 , but a moment later it had changed back to Jed《Exhibitionist》. The man himself noticed you staring at him, and he gave you an obvious wink.

QuoteNote: Almost everyone have similar titles, including: From Another World, Ninja, Dark Raven, etc. I'll mention unique things. And giving a random few of their titles as well. If you want a more thorough list from a specific NPC, let me know. Pictures here from CH 4. (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/index.php?topic=1875.msg15870#msg15870)

[info]Lai Ju: Similar to Lai Fen. Managed to avoid any of the Hated titles.

Deng Lin: It seemed she suffered something life-threatening before she had joined the Dark Ravens. The Bloodied, The Endurer, Survivor, Mage, Spellcaster, The Magical, The Tough.

Zhan Jian: She seemed to work for a brothel for a time. Rogue, Fighter, The Strong, Alluring

Oliana Hudson: Knife Juggler, Maid, Twin, Dearest, The Graceful, Chef,

Jia Zhenya: Fighter, Swordswoman, The Strong,

Cai Yuhan: Mass Killer, Ninja, The Graceful,

Quan Heng: Rogue, Fighter, The Wise,

Han Tu: Covert Ops, Ninja, The Graceful,

Zhong Xinyue: There were titles related with using 'guns'. Rogue, Gunslinger, Whipmaster, The Tough,

Bethany Claw: There were titles related with military training. Soldier, Ninja, The Graceful,

Duan Jun: Anemic, Sleepy, Dreamer, Mage, Spellcaster, The Magical,

Wen Chaoxiang: The Silent One, Papa Dog, Appreciated, Liked, Loved, Idolized, Well-Appreciated, Well-Liked, Well-Loved, Well-Idolized, The Graceful, The Wise,

Abrielle Moreau: Her titles she earned early in life were simple non-combat related ones, but after she earned the title 'From Another World', her life started to become filled with events. Cold-Blooded, Mage, Assassin of Red, Spellcaster, The Magical,

Jed: Exhibitionist, Social Butterfly, Well-Endowed, Appreciated, Liked, Loved, Idolized, Well-Appreciated, Well-Liked, Well-Loved, Well-Idolized, The Tough, The Strong, The Charismatic

Edyth Razorfang: One Slash/Four Kills, Samurai/Swordswoman, The Graceful, The Smart,

Fan Yang: Bookworm, Stave Master, The Graceful, The Smart, The Wise,

Cora Bouvier: Rogue Knight, Swordswoman, The Strong, The Tough,

Gu Bai: Looking at her titles, the timid girl had something you didn't expect. Ninja, The Timid, The Clumsy, The Airhead, Red Hand, Spy,

Moliane Hudson: Maid, Twin, Dearest, The Graceful, Chef,

Tiffany Ninetail: Noble, Mage, Spellcaster, The Graceful, The Charismatic, The Smart, The Magical,

Eris Alaster:  Looking at her titles, she had a few that you yourself had. Summoned Hero, She Who Knows Status, Spellcaster, Elemental Fusion Caster, Ninja, The Graceful, The Tough, The Magical

Lu Zhihao: Sadist, Ninja, The Graceful, The Tough,

Kong Zhi: Swordswoman, The Graceful, The Strong,

Mo Ruagang: As you had suspected. Mo Ruogang had joined the Red-Hand before earning the Dark Ravens title. Red Hand, Spy, Ninja, The Graceful,

Duan Cai: Ninja, The Graceful, The Strong, The Tough, [/info]

[info]Fred takes his time, as rushing around while having just being injured would be suspicious.[/info]

Fred is pleased to see that no one else has any other strange affiliations, Except for a very unexpected member, causing his heart to drop. So there really was another...but her? I thought she was just a klutz.

Fred carefully began whispering his earth spell, purposely avoiding eye contact until the last second, when he commanded the elemental magic to strike. "Earthen Tomb!" Fred immediately looked around for any allies, shouting out while running toward the girl that would hopefully stay captured. "Secure Gu Bai! She's an accomplice! And make sure she can't bite down until the poison is out!"

The moment the earthen tomb appeared from the ground, Gu Bai's eyes widened in alarm, though she must have reacted too slowly as she was easily captured.

"N-no...! I c-can explain...!" Gu Bai called out immediately. Lai Fen, who had known you were looking for traitors in the group, was the first one to make it to your side. Her stare was chilly. The rest of the Dark Ravens who were around the area looked towards the rest of you.

"What's happening?" A couple of them called out, the memory of Lei Lingxin turning out to be a Red-Hand spy, named Mo Ruogang, still fresh in their memories.

QuoteColor change for Gu Bai, as orange was too similar to another one of your NPCs.

"I figured out something new with the ability that let me pick out Mo Ruogang, and wanted to check everyone else to be sure there were no others. I didn't think there would be more, but surprisingly Gu Bai has contact with them." Fred said tersely, trying not to give out too much info in front of a spy. "Can someone quickly check her mouth for poison? No matter who she's allied with, like Ruogang, I don't like seeing senseless death."

One of the Dark Ravens started to go up to the girl.

"N-no...! I wouldn't poison myself... I wouldn't poison anyone... You have the wrong person... You have the wrong person..! I'm not- mmph mmm-" Gu Bai's voice as muffled as one of the Dark Ravens, one of the followers of Wen Chaoxiang, a boy about 18 years of age , roughly opened the girls mouth, and forcing it open looked around.

"Can't find the poison yet boss. Not in the usual place anyways. We can gag her though." He suggested. It was Jed who looked to be the most shocked of all.

"Oh honey... Not you too..." Jed grimaced. "First Ling, and now you?"

"Mmm mm mhhh mmf!"

"Wait wait wait, don't gag her. She seems eager to explain herself." Fred leans down and removes the gag. "Sorry, Gu Bai. We're on high alert with the whole spy thing. I'm not trying to suppress you, just restrain until I figure out what's going on. Why does my ability tell me that you're a spy? What's the situation that you want to explain?"

Fred trusted that there was no poison this time around, with both Gu Bai's assurance and his ally's initial search for poison. His gut told him he may be pushing himself too far and needed to stop here.

The Dark Raven took out the gag, and immediately Gu Bai started to explain.

"I'm sorry Fen..." Gu Bai started, but Lai Fen held her hand out.

"Bai, no lying." Lai Fen said, her voice having an edge to it. Gu Bai nodded her head in response.

"The truth is I am from the Red-Hand... and I was sent here to report on your activities..." Gu Bai explained. Lai Fen only raised her eyebrow.

"How does this help? The hero Fred already figured this out."

"N-no.. I mean... I like being part of here, more, it's... nicer... A-and... I only reported information at the minimum I could..."

Fred took a moment to compare Ruogang to Bai. Sure, both were spies, but one had actually intended to be aggressive, while the other was open to questions and explanation even before restraint. Not to mention, her 'titles' were a lot less threatening.

"...Alright, I believe you, Bai. After all, I'm not trying to aggressively hunt down people, I just want to protect my new family." Fred motioned to the Earth Tomb to release the spell, and helping her up. "I'd just like to know what the Red Hand's goal is right now, and what kind of people we're dealing with. If you can tell us that, as well as the kind of info they know about us, I'll let the past be the past, and work to keep you safe from whatever they'll try doing to you. Deal?"

[info][blockquote]Requested Diplomacy Roll:  1d20+6 : 20 + 6, total 26[/blockquote][/info]

Notifications appeared in your view.

[okay]You have gained a new title 『The Charismatic』
You have gained +1 CHA
You have gained a new title 『Diplomatic』
You have gained +1 CHA[/okay]Once she was released, Gu Bai looked nervously between Lai Fen and you. Eventually she spoke. "W-well... I came to join the Dark Ravens about four years ago... I would report to the Red-Hand once a month about the actions the Dark Ravens were doing. I never knew they sent a second spy to keep watch on things... But I never gave them anything too sensitive! Well... that is... after I got to know everyone a bit more."

"I knew I couldn't just stop giving information, otherwise the Red-Hand would probably send someone to kill me, so..." She glanced worriedly at Lai Fen. "I've been feeding information, just little things here and there... Like nobles or corrupt merchants we would go after, after we kill them."

"And their goal right now? I'm not sure... the emperor had ties with them and used them often. But with his death, I'm not sure what the rest of the Red-Hand are planning. But as for our hideouts... They know plenty of them at least... At least I think they do."

Fred nodded along, then froze at the part where she said they'd kill her if she failed to report. "Does the Red Hand have so much hatred for us that they'd kill former comrades over information? Or is that normal? That's madness to me, if it is." Fred had to hold back his disgust. Are humans so malevolent and careless about life? It's such a waste.

"Well then that means we can't let them figure out that you're found out. Once we're out of this crisis, until we can guarantee protection, we'll create bait information you can report on. It'll cost us some supplies, but I would consider it worthwhile. Fred clasps Gu Bai's shoulder, "Thank you for your honesty."

Fred then turns to address the rest of the group, "For now, I think it's best that we flee into the tunnels and find a defensible location, maybe with an exit to one of the lesser known locations. The kinds of places you all hardly use or talk about. If you're this well organized as far as bases, then there has to be a good escape route in there, right?"