Southern Astorea, near the border of Norfolva which is basically a wasteland of mountains, on the border, it's valleys in the deep heavy forests. Vartock remained silent most of the journey till they reached the small town of dawngrave and vartock was not surprised of its size. Vartock quickly assumed he was going to jump right into training at least he had hoped. After his sparring session he sure as hell would have loved to take another 5 more swings at seto if he had nobody else to train him. Vartock always loved fighting masters, it excited him for it was a challenge he had trouble competing with which gave him fireflies inside. If vartock was given an assassination mission he would squeal like a little school girl, if he was given an order to kill, he would not hesitate. He was now the server of this duke and no matter what he had to do to prove loyalty he would do it as long as it helped his cause. It wasn't much to look at, the town of dawngrave but what do you expect out of an incomplete southern city in the middle of nowhere. Beauty and art take time and energy and patience to build, and then you can admire it for a lifetime, vartock thought to himself. Vartock was very eager to start training immediately as they entered the town following Seto into wherever he was taking him. Vartock remembered the first time he ever set eyes on a small town he never really cared for its small infrastructure. He also believed all women should be his sex slaves to but beggers can't be choosers.

Vartock

"Well what say you my master? shall train or eat first I am starving, our fight drained me I could eat a whole castle full of pussy and animal meat if given the chance, oh sorry for my slang use of eating pussy, just trying to live up to the man's code, *vartock pats seto on the shoulder gently* but seriously where is the toilet I have to take a shit before I eat tends to settle well while training "

Vartock was ready and eager to see how everything was going to turn out but waited for seto to make his move so they could do what was next. @Seto Kurama

 

It was only a few weeks since the invasion when Fedleran invaded Astorea, he had honestly didn't think he would be returning so quickly to his Duchy located down south near the border of Norfova. He didn't mind staying at Dawngrave for a number of reasons such as helping in the reconstruction efforts by protecting the town and going out on monster hunts that were threats to Dawngrave but getting there was a different story. Geting to Dawngrave by foot was perhaps the biggest pain in the ass on Terrasphere since Astorea as a whole was almost entirely filled with heavy denses of forests and vegatation akin to a jungle and this certainly was no different for Southern Astorea. To get to the Duchy, you would need to tavel through Southern Astorea which was heavy forest with dangerous wildlife living inside of it and that was without a path or road to follow. In southern Astorea, ther was almost no civilization down so It only made sense there was no road system or newtwork but it only made their job harder.

Under normal circumstances, Seto had decided he would visit Dawngrave every mouth or two instead of a few weeks due to the journey required and the importance he held when it came to the rebuilding of the Captial. This time however was different from his normal journey's, infact this time Seto had decided to travel to Dawngrave on the simple fact Vartock was now with him whom need training in combat and smithing greatly If he was going to be any use to him and himself. After leaving doromont, the coming week came and gone mostly without incident, leaving their journey to Dawngrave for the most peacful peaceful which was a nice shift in pace due to what had transpired lately. Seto knew they were close since he could see the mountain ridge's of Norfova in the distance, If that was true than Dawngrave would be at the base of the Valley's. After spending a god knows how long cutting through tree branche's and heavy brush with his Odachi's blade, Seto leading wtih Vartock eventually found themselves at the newly built Tori Gate of Dawngrave that desginated the enterance of Dawngrave. Letting out some air out from his lungs, Seto sheathed his Odachi in it's saya on his back before looking over his shoulder towards Vartock.

Seto

"Ugghh.....Finally here we are, We've finally arrived at Dawngrave, my hometown. As you can see obvously, the townspeople here are rebuilding the town in my land since it was destroyed by Fedleran crack troops in Brisshal. I have brought you for two things Vartock which include training so won't be bored here unless you go out of your way to be so.

I'm sure you have figured it out already but the two reasons you are here is simple, first Dawngrave is still being built so in an effort to increase your skill in blacksmithing, you will help in the reconstruction efforts by smithing components and equipment needed for the reconstruction and eventually weapons and armor so the people can defend themselves here, there is no need to attempt high tier for equipment here for them.

The second reason you probably enjoy alot more so than the first. Here in Southern Astorea, the Brisshal Pigmen is common in these parts, they are.....essiently humanoid pigs or humans and pigs mixed together. Unless someone is adapt or an expert in combat, they are quite challenging to kill due to their physical struture. They can wield massive humans for human standards and can take far more punishments. That in itself isn't the worst part, they only reproduce with human or elvan women so they will never destroy a human settlement, only raid it for food and women for reproduction. This is where your training comes in, when it is deemed you are no longer needed Dawngrave for a time being, you will train in the forests here and slughter those pieces of shit.........There not taking the women of this duchy without dying first If I have anything to say about it.

Oh and a word of advice, the people here honest and honorable folks, you show them respect here and you get the same in return and more, they help those in need and are kind so there's no need to be an ass here."

Seto crossed his arms after he spoke, waiting for Vartock to respond when Seto caought a men running towards them from the edge of his eye. At first he thought the man could have been a threat but Seto didn't move once he realized it was just one of the villagers of Dawngrave, one of the survivors who defended the barricade during the defense of Dawgrave. When the man reached Seto and Vartock, his hands fell on his knee's as he breathed out of exhaustion. "You...Your'e Grace? You returned to...to us?....Do you need to see Christina again your Grace?....This way." He was surprised the man already knew what he was going to do once they entered Dawngrave. The man gestured Seto to follow with his hand which Seto did with a nod from his head to follow. The man led the two into the town itself, one could the town was far from completed so far with only a Inn and a dozen of hourses or so built so far but that was alright as long as Seto was concerned since construction had only started a short time ago. Seto was cought off guard when the man took them to a bigger house in the center of Dawngrave that look more on par as a small, primitive keep. The man held the door open for Seto and Vartock before returning to his work. Once inside, Seto saw a familiar face whom wasted no time in approaching once they saw him.

Christina

"Seto...errhh I mean your Grace, I wasn't expecting you to make a visit to Dawngrave for at least a few other weeks, why did you return?"

Seto

Seto took a setp to the side and pointed to Vartock with his hand as he spoke.
"This is the reason Christina, Vartock introduce yourself. He has recently entered my employment and will be a great help to you and Dawngrave as a whole since my Wive isn't present unfortunately, she must take of.........other business at the moment."

 

Vartock walked in through the gates admiring the unfinished town as it reminded him of his nightmares he had at night. The nuke, world war 3, the memories never fade, he dreams about them almost every night. then he caught wind of everything vartock said to him about the way he needed to behave. Vartock just shook his head and nodded in agreement as he kept his face blank and cold as usual. Vartock was more eager to fight than work but then again that is something he was not being fully honest about from the beginning.

Vartock

" I have a confession to make, I may have stretched the truth a little bit to get here but just a little I forgot that I have changed my mind on my master's but not to worry I have a friend who works specifically for blacksmithing and artisan but I am truly a pure warrior at heart and that is where I would love to stay and not to worry the tools I have are his and he is actually on his way to brisshal as we speak he will be here once season 4 starts :)"

 

Seto and Christine looked at Vartock at the same time with a puzzled gesture on their face's once Vartock finished telling them he wasn't a blacksmith, Seto tilted his head towards the ground and smacked the palm of his right hand against inbetween in his eyes, Christina responded with as she laid her right hand on her cheecks. He couldn't believe this, If there was one thing Seto couldn't stand besides idiots and whores, it was lying and Vartock had lied straight to his face and for a few days no less. At that very moment Seto had the urge to cut him down where Vartock stood but thankfully Seto had a change of heart. Yes Vartock did lie but at least he was honest with him which for now would save his new ass, he didn't really care If he had a friend or not with blacksmithing and artisan abilities, he would take that with a very big grain of salt. When he raised his hand off his head, Seto couldn't help but notice Christina was speechless and confused at Vartock's words so Seto gave her a nudge with his hand and raised an eyebrow at the sight of looking at her.

Christina

"Ohhh.....I am sorry your Grace but I do not understand what this man is speaking of? What is this he calls Masteries? And Season four? Is he talking four years from now? Or four seasons away from now? Is he someone of my world or is he like you your Grace?

Seto

Seto Closed his eyes as he sighed at Christina's remark, she was asking far more questions than he was really willingly to answer and considering the fact she most likely wouldn't understand anyway made it pointless to explain. Seto opened his eyes and laid his hand on her shoulder.
"I wouldn't worry about it or give it too much thought Christina or else you may injuring your own mind. Even If I was to explain what you ask, there would probably be more questions than answers. What you need to know is that the man before you is a mortal from a different plane of existence like myself and is immortal as well."

Seto than turned his attention to Vartock, staring into his eyes with a grim expression on his face.

I'll let it slide this time but I would appreciate If you don't lie to me again. I may be a necessary Evil, I know what I am and I know the atrocities I have performed in the name of peace but even I have a code that I live by, I do not tolerate those whoe lie, who are imbecils, those who are whores and those with no honor. It would be best to remember that now.

With that Seto, gestured the two to follow him into Dawngrave with his hand.

Come let us enter mine and Alia's hometown, I could a hot cupe of tea after such a long journey."

 

Vartock didn't regret lying to seto nor was he intimidated by the man, Vartock doesn't fear anybody or anything for that matter. Vartock however is not a fool he knows how strong seto is and he wasn't exactly willing to pick a fight with him over nothing. Seto was right I did lie, and I was honest about it, but then again all humans lie, but to seto I will be honest. Vartock rambling on inside his head, his expression remained blank and still his eyes glaring into seto's as he always does. he figured seto was the kind of guy that uses people then why would he care so much about lying.

Vartock walked and started to talk to seto but walking right beside him his focus remained forward.

Vartock

" With all do respect I am not apologising for lying to you my grace, but, you're a duke, and you're a user, I found that out the day we fought, which is why I prolonged telling you the truth, you only use people that benefit your needs and wants, and why shouldn't you? you're a powerful man in this world, but in my world you wouldn't be hack the amount of shit I have been through nor would you be able to live with yourself afterwards, I will share my visions with you and my nightmares *Vartock curves a dark smile across his face* "

Vartock continued...

Vartock

" you're not a person who likes close friends and family, and hey that's totally fine I get it, because I am cold and calculated, which is why I am not sorry, not married, or with anybody, however if you and I are going to trust each other, and I am to serve you then you're going to have to be honest with me as well and god forbid but the devil approves us being friends, real friends, friends who can succeed in reining hell on terrasphere and one day you will be the king of astorea and I will do everything in my power to help you reach that goal, I have your back and you have mine I'm honest with you and your honest with me see how that works? equal treatment, it's not ignorance or arrogance or pride it's a matter of whether or not I can trust you to be there to return the favors I have done for you, and trust me, my friend is very good at what he does you will not be disappointed by his resolve for you, he does everything I tell him to do, so if he serves me who do you think he is going to serve like a slave labor? You just because I told him to."

Vartock paused as they walked through the town of people to go sit at the pub and order some tea. Vartock sat down with seto and christina, and kept his face blank and cold showing no emotion.

Vartock

"Besides you need someone who can assassinate people for you if you do not agree with them when I vowed my oath to you my grace did more than kneel before you out of respect, my life is your life now, I will do anything for you, someone needs dead, their dead, someone needs food, I will kill millions of pigmen and we will cannibalize their corpse's with our undying will to destroy them, you want to raid and take plains over, then you tell me where to go and what my mission is and it will be done no questions asked, I'd much rather be one of your knights if anything, and with all do respect my grace I do not fear you or anybody because you have seen my smile when dead looked me in the eye, it's something that I crave for, now after we are done having our little tea party I suggest we begin training immediately if your up for it, and out of respect for you I know another that will serve you like I will. very trained very skilled much like yourself."

Vartock remained silent the rest of the time ignoring christina and anything she had to say while they sat at that table. Vartock was not a person easily to get along with due to his dark nature. He never once pleaded for his life and vartock was not about to start now and of all places to someone he barely knows and holds a title that is far as Vartock's concern is meaningless.

Vartock

"Face it my grace, only the weak minded die in this world, the weak die and the strong survive, and your strong and you have so much potential as well as I do, we both do, with us working together nothing can stand in our way, not death, not the gods, not the demons or the angels, we will rise and rise and conquer because that's what dukes and pawns do they strive and fight to become kings of their world, you and I together will be unstoppable for anybody who thinks of looking at you the wrong way will die. I can instill fear and respect into others and I have no fear of dying, you can utulize alot of my cold calculated skills. *Vartock smiles a dark creepy smile* "

 

Seto

Seto turned around just enough to show the corner of his eye, his sudden halt in movement caused Christina to nearly bumb into him, luckily for herself she managed to catch herself.
"Hmph..I won't tell you again novice, silence your tongue and show respect, I have no need for those who are prideful to the point of ignorant. Do not presume as If you know me, the goals I have or the events thats have transpired in my life. I am not some first world country weakling who's been given everythings on a silver plater and has never seen the world for what it really is......Humanity is a danger to itself.....

Unfortunately my young warrior, you have much to learn still. I have no need for you to assasinate people, I have a woman named Emmeline who has been in my employment since I was a young warrior who specializes in assassination and other rogue like talents, even has the skillset for it which you do not. You are simply a warrior like myself, nother more, nothing less. That does not mean you will not be valuable to Ivalice in the future. You shall be the fighting is thickist and show no quater on the battlefield as you where you belong but an assassin? I think not. Do not think I haven't forgotten your Oath to me nor the potenial of power you have displayed, such skill deserves respect but so does mine in return and I am senior to almost every single player in this world, only a handiful have been here longer than I. I have already shown the respect of a worthy ruler so I expect the same out of my retainers, serve me well and one day you become an owner of land and perhaps nobility.

My personal life however is my own business and is not something I discuss often however that doesn't mean I have lied about anything I say. I am not some immature brat who allows their emotions to get the best of them, I have no reasons to lie to you or anybody that meet or serves. If it makes you feel any better, you will eventually meet "The Lioness of Ivalice" . My wive is currently occupied at the moment leading a unit of Knights.

The devil you say? The Gods? They are nothing and If I have to say about it, I will bend them to my will or destroy them If need be. I have no intentions of becoming King of this shithole of a nation King Astor calls Astorea, I could have easily taken control when the King went off to go play hero before the invasion, my only threat was the Duchess whom is only skilled in summoning the dead."

Christina

Christina was quiet during the entire speech her Lord had given, she wasn't surprised, this was how he was after all but she was amazed by how much he said and the ideals he held on to, she knew such ideals known to others could cause severe conquences down the line. She didn't want to say anything but she was falling behind schedule because of this and she still needed the Duke for adminstrative duties. In respect for the Ebony Duke, she bowed her head slightly before rising it up.

"I am sorry to interrupt your Grace but I most remind you of your current Adminstrator Duties that need your attention."

 

Vartock tilted his head and smiled at seto as he ranted to him, his eyes remained dark and unmoving as he stared into seto. Listening to everything he was saying and remaining silent, until he was done.

Vartock

" you're right, I do have a lot to learn, I guess I got over excited, I apologize for my arrogant prideful behavior. I do not know everything, but I am not ignorant to the reality of this world, and please it's good to express yourself, bottling everything in just causes problems "

Vartock then remained silent the rest of the trip as he had maybe pushed himself onto seto. It was probably a little too much, maybe someday he would understand but for not his past remains dormant unclear. If the world we come from is not real then what am I?? Vartock thought to himself. Vartock looking around and folding his hands together in front of him still remaining silent and unemotional. The world is nothing without power, vartock craves power, he craves his abilities to be the best.

One day he will use this abilities himself to form a school and teach them but furthermore teach himself. If vartock works hard enough maybe he could find a way to become immortal, well I guess it's time we get back to work.

 

Welcome to Dawngrave, the enterance to Ivalice!​

THEME​

Seto

Seto's shoulders shrugged as his ponytail flickered in the strong breeze in the air, he slowly sighed before answering.

"Worry not Vartock, as long as you understand, I will not hold it against you. It takes much for one to swallow their pride and accept when they are wrong so I appreciate your apology and I will accept, whatever friction there was between should now be gone.

I am rather private individual whom shows little emotion but that doesn't mean I don't cling on to some humanity I still possess. My family consists of The Lioness of Ivalice and all those who serve me, such bonds are not formed by blood alone but by the bonds you create with such people. I rely on them as much as they come to rely on me."

Saying what he wanted to say, Seto performed another about face with the heel of his foot and began walking again with Christina going to his side back outside from the building they were in. Opon outside and seeing Dawngrave out, Seto inhaled before releasing it again, the very motion relaxed his muscles. For some reason, seeing the the Tori gate with the statue of Katsou Kurama on the left dispicted as an elderly monk with the right side side of the main cobblestone road with the right being taken up by a large white, stone Toro latern with a white candle inside lighted with Dawngrave's Kagura Den up ahead. This was truely the only time he ever found himself at home and therfor relax. unfortunately It didn't look like he was going to have the time to relax just yet with the tapping of his shoulder from Christina seemingly brought him back to reality.

"Ohh...right, sorry......I tend to tune out when looking at Dawngrave. Anyway even though you can't help with smithing Vartock, Christina know's some excellent locations near here where shall we say.....excellent for training, of course since these are dangerous locations these will push you to your absolute limit with a high probability you most likely die BUT if you suceed in your training and you come back alive, you will become much, much stronger than what you are and you be one step closer to building the Valaso bloodline. Now If you excuse me, I must begin my adminstrator duty, it is dull duty but it comes with the job unfortunately.

With a gesture of his hand, Seto waved a goodbye before entering the bulding again, walking down the main hall until he found himself at the end of the hall taking the form of a japanese throne room with a purple chousin and a table filled with paperwork, something he dreaded.

Christina

Back outside, Christina took out a rough map of the area out of her bag, opened it and gestured for Vartock to come closer and look with the map with her. The brown map wasn't the most detailed map but it housed all the general landmarks and bodies of waters in the area which was good enough for the moment.

"So while Lord Kurama is doing what he loves best, you will be unoffically taking orders from me, Don't worry I'm not going to order you around anything like that, that is Lord Kurama's job isn't it? I'm sure you didn't come down because you wanted to but I appreciate the help, keeping this place safe is hard since we lost so many of the men who acted as the guards when Dawngrave was destroyed.

I don't know how much Lord Kurama told you but he probably brought you down here to eliminate horde of pigmen that have followed us. They are a real menace, there tough, able to take alot of hits from weapons and there blunt weapons can kill a man in a single hit and those they capture, they rape.......It's how.....they reproduce.

So If you kill the fuckers, that be great......oh and if you find anyone captured, please release them and bring them back here If you can."

Christina pointed to four circled locations on the map, a grove to the north, a cave to the west, ruins to the east and south towards the way they came. Christina explained to Vartock this was where they are usually lived at or hang around.

"If you need it, you can take the map with you just in case although there all pretty easy to find from here with an eagle sight and a little common sense."

(Only travel to one location per turn ok, Don't look at the spoiler until you pick one! remember this is free roaming, am not being a DM, you determine how much damage they take and how much you take, it's all for fun lol)

Hidden: The Northern Grove

Pigmen

100% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Condition - Normal

Savage Pigmen

100% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Condition - Normal

Pigmen Beserker

100% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Condition - Normal

Savage Pigmen

100% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Condition - Normal

Hidden: The Western Cave

Pigmen

100% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Condition - Normal

Pigmen

100% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Condition - Normal

Pigmen

100% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Condition - Normal

Pigmen

100% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Condition - Normal

Hidden: Eastern Ruins

Pigmen Beserker

100% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Condition - Normal

Pigmen Beserker

100% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Condition - Normal

Savage Pigmen

100% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Condition - Normal

Savage Pigmen

100% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Condition - Normal

Possessed Pigmen

100% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Condition - Normal

Pigmen warlord

100% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Condition - Normal

Hidden: Southern makeshift paths

done

Pigmen

100% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Condition - Normal

Pigmen

100% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Condition - Normal

Savage Pigmen

100% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Condition - Normal

Pigmen

100% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Condition - Normal

 

Theme

​

Well Vartock was ready to start his training although thrown off the fact that seto said the name Valaso? What did he mean by that. Start a family? did he know something about me that I didn't?. Vartock questions rambling on in his head as he stared at the map heading for the north grove first. Vartock figure work from the top down besides he hated the north worse than the south and always had to do the ones he hated first.

Vartock traveled quite a ways to reach this north grove, Vartock stood like a statue staring into a dark forest where the sun could not reach. Vartock began walking slowly towards the dark forest without fear just readiness of what was about to come next. The Dark forest howling winds blowing dead leaves around like fall. The Air thickened and became harder to breath but it wasn't phasing vartock. Vartock remained vigilant and cautious of the area, as seto told him these pigmen are dangerous bastards.

That is until he spotted them lurking around what appeared to be their breeding ground, he spotted 4 of them with over 6 women or more locked in cages. Vartock's eyes widened and his glare grew sharp, as he began gritting his teeth. Normally vartock doesn't show emotion to anybody or anything but this was just wrong on so many levels even for vartock. Its pretty bad when even vartock cringes at the site of something this horrific, not out of fear no, pure rage. Little did the pigmen know what awaited them but Vartock had to free those prisoners and he had just the right idea how.
​

Vartock began posing in his fight position his knees bent, his back straight, and his arms curled with balled fists as he released the dark energy from his third eye. The darkness from vartock's body seeping out and surrounding his limbs as he developed his white aura.
The third eye

The forehead of the caster opens a third eye producing dark purple energy that seeps out of this body and allows the user to use his melifamancy in any way he pleases-no energy cost.

Vartock then took a moment to examine the pigmen and the girls in the cage before he started to formulate his plan. Vartock then began chanting a little prayer to his gods as he start developing an illusionist embodiment of a young defenseless girl dressed up in nothing but a cut off shirt with a skirt. The illusion that ran to the far left side of the pigmen's home and started chanting random words to catch the pigmen's attention. The first one ran off away from the base while the other 3 stayed this gave vartock plenty of time to make his next move.

Vartock then began chanting another prayer and causing a mirage of more defenseless like girls in front of his compound as he drew the other 3 away from the base. Vartock had then while the pigmen were distracted released The dark plague withinside the girls so on contact they'd release his dark plague technique. Vartock ran to the other pigmen that was left of the base where the other one was alone.
The Black Plague

The caster casts a dark purple mist that spreads through a short vicinity between him and his opponent causing poison and rot for the next 2 turns depending on the rank damage and length of time may increase. if his opponent contacts a hit on his body his weapon and body becomes cursed with his poison which will last 2 turns depending on the rank may vary. 50% energy cost between novice to adept. Adept to master energy cost is 25% energy regenerates after technique is performed.
Skill Trained Poison, Rot, Curse 5% more based on dice roll 2 turns 15 foot radius

Vartock

"cost when the technique was performed

Vartock

100% HP

MAX HP

50% EN

MAX EN

Conditions - Normal

"

Vartock

" 5% +The multiple dice roll to 3 of the pigmen.

Thrown dice:

20

11

20

Thrown dice:

20

11

20

Thrown dice:

20

11

20

"

Vartock

" EN Regeneration

100% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Conditions - Normal

" [/text]

Distribute the damage equally between all of them for this technique

The 3 pigmen walked up to the giggling illusioned girls before they struck and released the black plague around them causing them to be cursed with poison and rot for 2 turns.
Vartock snuck up on the pigmen that was alone as it tried to grab the girl that dissipated after it had already tried to grab her. before it could react vartock leaped fast, the dirt on the ground indented with vartock's heavy footprint. The air blew hard as vartock grabbed ahold of the pigmen from behind locking it in a full knelson and wrapping his legs around its waist. Soon Vartock released another deadly technique to the singular pigmen, one the pigmen was gonna have trouble seeing after words.

(Brain tremor)

Melafimancy+Body combat+Phantasmia combined for on contact, The caster sends a fast tremor through the brain, a temporary hex that forces the victim to see a vision of the casters memories forcing you to temporarily live his nightmares for 1 turn causing internal damage to the brain and heart causing whatever comes up on the dice roll to HP and EN.
Skill Trained 2 turns stunned and immobilization causing internal damage to HP&EN/dice roll.
​

Vartock

" Hp and En drop from the attack

Thrown dice:

20

11

20

Thrown dice:

20

11

20

Thrown dice:

20

11

20

"

Vartock then got down from the pigmen as he collapsed to the ground stunned and immobilized for next turn as his health and energy dropped. Vartock then turn around and ran right for the cages with the hostages to release them and give them the map to get out of here.

Vartock walked slowly over to the cages while the pigmen were still being distracted and stunned. Vartock grabbed the locks on one of the cages, as one of them ask, Are...Are you here to free us? Vartock replied: Shhhh I am gonna release all of you... I do not have any time so you need to do everything that I say and I mean everything if you want out of here ALIVE.
Vartock grabbed the lock and using his speed punching techniques he broke the locks off of the latched doors as 8 women total came walking out. before they could try to thank vartock, he stopped them. Vartock Reacted: there's no time and I mean no time! take this map it will lead you back to dawngrave tell christina that I released you and take this route there were no pigmen on that route, now move!!! Vartock demanded. The girls all ran for the hills far away from the pigmen as vartock turned around, sweat drooping all over his face. he then hid up in a tree to wait for the pigmen to return to the camp.

​

 

Seto's glared at the countless paperwork he needed to fill out, he had already filled out an entire stack of paperwork since Vartock had left most likely to eliminate threats to Dawngrave or to training, Christina had returned to her previous duties of healing the injuried from the contruction efforts. Seto closed his eyes as he sighed, he really wished right now he knew fire magic as a mastery so he could burn all this paperwork away, atlast he knew at the same time he couldn't do that since this paperwork was vital to the recontruction efforts after all. He wondered though, why was he the only noble in his damm land to do this much paperwork? He assumed he was the only one whom took his position seriously enough to want get things done. He knew for the fact the Duchess cared more for her romantic life than any reconstruction efforts and while the Marquis and Marquess were good people whom he could count on, they always seemed to be too busy doing their own thing to focus any efforts in recontruction. The very thought of the King wanting to play politics seemed to depress him even more so than usual....It seemed Astorea only count on him for such things. It was a rather pain in the ass job but he was up for the challenge and as long as he had capable people at his side like Emmeline and Aalam, nothing was impossible. No matter the odds, He would make this place a paradise for everyone to live in like a dream.

Speaking of Aalam, it had been some time since he and Aalam had escorted the survivors of Dawngrave to Ivalice to start the reconstruction of Dawngrave, Seto wondered If Aalam had seen the progress yet? Dawngrave was no where the size of it's orginal size in Brisshal but the people are determined to make their town great again, even better even and that was something he couldn't agree with more. Perhaps this was a good time for him to see it? Opening his UI, Seto scrolled through the dozen of menu's until he found his friendlist and clicked on Aalam's name before sending him a short message.

Mail

"I know you take your duties very seriously so I do not know If you have been down here in Ivalice since that blasted Felderan Invasion some time ago but Dawngrave has come a long way since you helped me escort the people from Brisshal to our homeland. While they do not look at you in the same way as they do with me, they do respect you and consider you a hero in your own right. You should pay a visit one of these days when you feel upto it, this isn't an order, I know you are still fatigued from taking command during my absence at Dormont's defense.

Dawngrave has came a long way since they first arrived here some time ago, you could use a break here to get away from it all. You deserve it after all Aalam. If I'm stil here doing my adminstrative duties, perhaps we could find a nice location for a cottage for you If you wish to live here, I'm sure the people would adore that, besides you could need somewhere to rest and possible raise a family with a woman you love.......Oh don't act so surprised, I'm still human you know, even I want things like that......It's just the needs of the many come before my own."
To: @Aalam Abungu
To: The Ebony Duke

With a click of a button, Seto sent his message to his Ranger before stumbling his eyes back to the paperwork sitting in a neatly stack on the table. A pitiful groan came out of his mouth as he shook his head slightly with his eyes closed. He really didn't want to but he knew he couldn't waste anymore time. Grabbing his quill pen ouf of his ink horns, Seto grabbed a small knife and recutted the quill's tip carefull before putting it down and turning his attention to the many pieces of parchment that demanded his attention. He silenced the outside world from his mind as he began signing off the parchments that demanded his signture for a good thirty minutes or so when he heard a bunch of feminine voices towards the enterance of the building, Seto turned his head over his shoulder noticed several women barley clothed in raggs were being taken to a medical room by Christina. He raised an eyebrow, wanting to know what had transpired but he figured he would question about it later. He assumed those women were rescued by Vartock's handyworks since they donned the apparence of a slave girl but he couldn't know for sure, he would ask Vartock when he returned from his "training".
​

 

Vartock remained still meditating his energy keeping his thoughts focused and vigilant.
Vartock sitting and awaiting the other pigmen to return to camp if they hadn't died from the plague. charging his energy, he heard the pigmen come back grunting in pain, that's when vartock stood up. the white aura around his body glowing as he took both arm and wrapped them tight around a very large tree.

(Inhuman strength)

The User uses a technique from the martial art Kaio-Jitsu-It allows the user to temporarily become strong enough to deadlift blunt heavy objects from inside the ground to object just lying on the ground. Regenerates after the move is used. 0% energy to use lifts and strikes.
Skill proficient 8% more speed 2% increase strgh/def 35% energy cost

Vartock deadlifting the tree out of the ground, even with his inhuman strength this normally this would have been hard. Then thanks to vartock's dark energy seeping rot and poison around the tree rotting the connecting roots to the tree making it child's play. He then picked it up to lift the tree up over his head as he quickly turns around. Vartock then throws it as hard as he could up in the air a couple feet above his head. Vartocks energy fluctuated as he jumped, levitated for a moment, and kicked the tree as hard as possibly could.

The tree broke and splintered into large spiky spears heading right towards all of the pigmen. Then as the giant wooden sliver spears flew, the pigment looked up in astonishment from not being able to do much. Then all three of them tried to run but there were too many flying at them as they all got stabbed to death lying face first on the ground.

Vartock dropped back on the ground surprised, thinking these pigmen would have a bit more challenging than seto led on. Vartock felt good that he conquered the north so easily, but also realised the other areas could be more dangerous. Vartock spend the next 12 hours meditating his energy back to 100%. Vartock then head back to dawngrave to reacquire the map from christina.

 

Oh yeah, he could feel it now, the cramps beginning to creep into his fingers from all this paperwork he had forced himself through. Such pain coming from his hands and exhaustion rushing to his head from all throughout all his body from sitting so long in the same pose caused the Duke to sigh as the pupils from his eye's disappeared before his head fell on top of the table and by extension the paperwork. Within moments of his head landing in the center of the table with countless sheets ofpaperwork laying all over the floor from the impact, out from his lips cam a river of saliva that ran from the bottom of his lips and down his chin before hitting the floor. It was obvious from the sight, Seto had fallen asleep after knocking himself out from the countless paperwork he needed to fill. As usual with his slumbering darkness, the moment the Duke embraced his sleep, it was dark, cold and wet as If he was trapped into an endless cycle of nightmares he was forced to revist day in and day out. To most, such nightmares would destroy a man but this? This was nothing, only a reminder of the realities he had already witnessed in the real world. His body might have shaken and turned where he slumbered from such realities but he wouldn't allow it to consume it, instead it only reconfirmed his goals and objectives even further, seeing the sight of a immense city burning by the flame, thousands laying dead in their puddles of blood. The raping of the innocent, thousands dying of famine and disease, these acts caused by the true nature of humanity kept his eye's opened and those of this world would judge him as If they have seen the same as he have in the real world? Such aggorance, he would need to educate them, put them through the same or simply kill them If need be........Even still, seeing the true nature of humanity, he knew he had to make this world a paradise no matter the odds for his sake and everyone else's, He dreamnt of the day there was no war, there death, no famine or other cruel acts humanity has done to each other for their own petty reasons.......The only thing he wished for in this world and the next was to live in peace and harmony with @Alia and have a family with her but in the back of his mind that most likely wouldn't come to pass with even his own most loyal of retainers and friends betraying him.

"What will you do Aalam?" Those words stuck in his mind, Aalam was an honorable man who prefered the simple things in life but it seemed his mind was currupted by that whore whom had only been in his service for a week before deciding to join the Duchess's harem. If Aalam wished to become Duke himself so badly , he would allow Aalam the chance on the condition he still had honour, he refused to let Aalam become Duke if in the end he would become a recarination of himself and If Vivian was to help him, he would without even knowing it. Such sudden thoughts jolted Seto awake, causing his head to shot up before shaking. Without hesitation, Seto laid his right hand on his forehead before noticing the saliva on his chin. With a cloth, Seto wiped away the saliva before looking up revealing an armored person with a chuckle coming out of the visor.

Oliva Ruvelia, The Lioness of Ivalice

"Hmph...you been asleep for several hours, twevle to be specific. I got here a few hours ago after dealing with unpleasent scum in the mountains. IT is nice to Dawngrave being rebuilt."

Seto

Seto head tilted downwards the ground sighing before looking back with a serious look on his face. He used his right hand as a head stand to keep his hand in place.
"Indeed, soon enough Dawngrave will be completed one day than perhaps I can stay here in relative peace with you, Alia, Emmeline and all those still loyal to me......It seems this world has different goals than my own."

Oliva Ruvelia, The Lioness of Ivalice

Oliva simply scoffed at his remark before answering herself.
"You know such ideals won't be accomplished easily right? You've known about that whore's defection to the Duchess since the day she met your so called Ranger and now he's turned on you as well, What do you plan on doing with them hmm? One must take action now to control the situation."

Seto

Seto laughed slightly before relaxing and picking up a wooden cup of tea that was sitting on the edhe of his table, initially surprised it was hot but he figured one of the servants here changed it out shortly before he was awake. He wasn't surprised however by Oliva's remark, he knew very well himself what was needed to be done.
"Nothing is achieved without sacrifice, I know that better than most people in this world and the real world we truely live in. Vivian is of no concern to me, she is weak and extremely ignorant to the point of no return, she find her own demis soon enough. Hmph all the words she said have no weight to them. She's been with me twice since she was in my service for a week, the day I recruited her and the day before the invasion. She seemingly an imbecile since she couldn't tell I would never have sexual relations with her than she expects to be considered and treated an equal to myself just because I called her prodigy, what a fool indeed....Does she think she's equal to the Harem Duchess as well? She's a master as well in the dark arts and can summon the undead to her bidding, can Vivian do that? I think not. If she wants respect, she needs to earn it and show she is a equal, not just demand it like some animinal.......If I am a boy, than all she is a horny animal.

Her words of Emmeline and Lesalia are empty as well, They are not skilled you say? Well of course they wouldn't since Lumi who plays Emmeline was gone for months due to the real world and had only came back a few weeks before the invasion and Lesalia? Oh Vivian such a fool indeed.....Lesalia had Terrasphere only three days before the invasion, I'm not sure what that purple hair imbecile was expecting? If I remember correctly anyway, that woman was raped right away by Keade when she was new so she doesn't have much ground to talk.

Tsck she plans on ruining my reputation since she knows trying to do battle with me is too honorable for her, not to mention she's too weak for such a confrontation. Oh no she plans on somehow ruining my name by making me out to be some weakling incapable of leading or by some other mean. Considering this I already have the reputation of a blood thirty warrior and noble, there isn't much she can do and Dawngrave is the only place of civilization within my lands. The people here are fantically loyal to me due the past and helping them rebuild, she could never break such a bond, niether with you or the Knights under your command and she plans on using Aalam as a Guinea pig to get what she wants.

I had expected more from him honestly, for such an honourable man to fall so low and to fall under such a smiliar path, he will be no different than me when he becomes Duke. If Aalam wishes to become Duke so badly, fine. I will give him the opportunity with a agni kai, a sacred tradition between myself and the people whom live here. If he called even respect their custom and traditions, they never see him as their true leader."

Oliva Ruvelia, The Lioness of Ivalice

Oliva listened closely to the Duke speak, it was a rather lot like usual but the words he spoke made sense although they did put her to sleep somewhat, causing a yawn to come out from his visor. She agreed with his points of Vivian and Aalam although she wondered how low Aalam would steep to get his power.

"That was a great amount of information as usual from you your Grace. I understand completely and I agree with you. Vivian that whore herself isn't much of a thread hence why she needs to use Aalam to get what she wants. I'm very shocked he would fall for such an action by that witch, he basically signing a contract with a witch..."

Oliva grined with her mischievous smile and tone.

"Similar to yourself with Merkaba? Well the situation was different I suppose, after all she performed her ritual on you without your concent and that wasn't even about becoming a noble or acquiring power, oh of course not, it was just because she could."

Still though, an agni kai? Aren't you being quite generious with that?"

Oliva nodded her head, waving it off with her hand.

"Well it doesn't matter I suppose, you are right though, If he ever wants the people of Ivalice to respect him and follow him, he must do it by honorable means and respect their traditions and customs otherwise he just be seen as an upstart whom will be used by that whore...

Hmph....once Lady Alia returns, I am sure Lady Alia will make it personal to kill her since you know she won't take this lying down which brings the next point which only makes her a greater moran. Even If those two elminate you somehow your Grace, Aalam still won't become a Duke since Alia would become the next ruler in line....That would be quite the shocker to those two imbeciles right?"

Oliva than giggled outloud.

​

 

Speak of the Lady Alia and you shall recieve or at least at this moment that was what it seemed to be. She had been away been busy. She had chided herself a few times but she also knew why and how thjnhs needed to be. Busy as life made one she finally found the yime and like a true Lady returned to her home town. Or at least she would be. She had been leading her troops leading her troops back towards Dawngrave with a few or shall we say two new people in tow. One of which seemed eager just to habe something to do. The oyher fairly new to the came and quiet but Alia had seen them both in battle on the road here. On top of that lets just say she had seen one fight in the boss fight. However on their journey back they happened upon a man meditating. She tiled her head. "excuse me warrior but this will not be a safe place to stay." She took note of the battle that had happened here but she said nothing of it knowing that the Pigmen would come back at least a new group likely would. But no matter now. She waited for the man to reply.

She stood with an air of regalness about her. A lady if there was one but also a warrior. He hand tenderlu resting near her crafted odachi as if she loved the thing more than her life. Standing before him was a partial contradiction.

"warrior why do you not join us on our journey to town we can get you some food. The battle here must have made you hungry" he words were gentle but commanding all at the same time.

( @Vartock @Seto Kurama i hope this works. And with her she has ayame and kohaku should seto wish to meet with them and so that vartock may lay eyes on ayame.)[/B][/B]

 

OOC: Yeah it's fine Lily, from this moment everyone, Alia will be known as the Lioness of Ivalice since that is technically her nickname. Oliva was a sub while Alia was away. Oliva will still play a role but not as important obviously since Alia is now here.


Seto sighed at Oliva's remark and what she spook of earlier, he wasn't the biggest fan of a person speaking of the past, especially when it came to that witch he wanted dead for what she had done to him in the past. Initially when she spook of Merkaba, he was confused on how she would know of her than he remembered that one night where he had a little too much cherry whisky. It was a good think he trusted her with his life even If she was a bit cold and harsh on the battlefield or just in general. Still It was good to know his most trusted knight held the same opinion as him and was willing to stand by his side. Of course like usual, her words were cold and harsh but true nevertheless when it came to what needed to be said. Unlike the others, Oliva was courageous, intelligent. honourable and faithful and lived upto the code of Noblessse Oblige......Seto thought Aalam would fallow the same path and one day and become a man of honour and prestige yet he chosen the opposite. Such a loss weighed heavily on his heart, he honestly did see this coming from Aalam of all people. What he was surprised was the fact how Oliva regarded Vivian, sure he considered a ignorant fool wh's became trapped by Lucia but Oliva downright called her a whore, not that he minded in the slightiest since it was obvious Vivian would do anything to get what she wants even If it meant having sexual innercourse and Aalam fell for her ideals? Seto couldn't help but laugh on the inside from that line of thinking.

Considering Oliva was what you would call a White Knight, Seto was baffled that she thought he was being generous about giving Aalam a shot through an agni kai. What was the issue? If Aalam wished to become a Duke so badly and not be seen as an upstart noble than Aalam would have no choice but to challenge Seto to an agni kai and frankly Seto was ok with that as long as it was through honorable means, showing he was far more capable than himself but If he needed the help of a witch than he was no better than himself and Seto wouldn't accept that no matter what. Oliva also agreed on this matter as well due to her profession and ideals yet they both knew as long as Aalam worked with Vivian, there would little chance he would take the honorable path yet deep within himself Seto hoped Aalam would at least take the honorable path.

Seto

Still using his right hand as a arm rest for his head, his eyes locked onto her visor which upon closer inspection could see her blue eyes under the visor. He looked at her seriously before speaking.
"I will freely admit this does weigh heavily on my heart since Aalam has decided to stand against me but I'm sure he has some just reason"

Seto closed his eyes, hestating for a moment before speaking again.

"No matter even If I consider him family, I will not let anyone harm the people of Ivalice or the people I care for..........If he going to dread down a path, I hope at least it is one of honour otherwise he become what he stood against.

Seto sighed heavily, releasing all the tension from his body through his mouth in the form of released air.

"Despite the fact you have never met Lady Alia, you seemed to know her very well, hmph you are correct Oliva, She will not let this stand no matter what words those two cling to. She is......probably the most honoured person I know, both in body and spirit. I couldn't tell you which but Lady Alia holds the spirit and ideals of a Knight and a Samurai.

Seto closes his eyes with face taken over by a faint smile

"I am......a very lucky man indeed to have met her from such an early time on here. Just as she cherishes me, I will do the same and we will be there for each other when it is needed. Lady Alia cares for this land as much as I so of course she take her duty as seriously as mine, she will stand with me and fight and die to defend those who live in Ivalice. Vivian made a dangerous enemy alright...."

Oliva Ruvelia, Grail Knight of Ivalice

Oliva stayed silent, cought off guard by what the Duke said to the point she was blushing under her visor when he considered her family. Right now she was thrivled Seto couldn't see her face right now. Although she considered Aalam a traitor beyond redemption, she couldn't help but understand the pain the Duke had on his shoulders, to lose such a retainer he was close to and considered a friend over something so pity as political power. He didn't say it but Oliva knew Seto wanted Aalam to turn back from the darkness he had walked and follow an honourable path but she didn't believe Aalam would as long as he worked with Vivian whom was similar to Merkaba. Hearing Seto talk and praise Lady Alia made Oliva sorta jealious, she knew her fake role of playing his wive would come to an end eventually, she couldn't help but wanting to never end since she throughly did enjoy it, were all those emotions by her and the Duke all false? Oliva shook her head before turning her attention to Seto as he finished.

"Of Course I would know of Lady Alia your Grace, she is highly praised amongst those in Dawngrave and all of Ivalice as the true Lioness of Ivalice, it was my duty after all to play as her double while she was away.

I do not know her personally obviously but I already knew from intelligent work and those whom told me here in Dawngrave that she is a Knight of a Samurai of Honour with the skill to match, hence her name as the Lioness of Ivalice. She is cold as ice and is a mother lioness looking over Ivalice as if it's her children and you.........well your Astorea's sword....that much is clear."

Oliva chuckled to herself before picking herself.

I have wasted enough time here with you your Grace, I need to return to my duty and patrol the outskirts of Dawngrave while your other retainer has...some fun doing my job for once."

With a hand gesture, Oliva walked away, walking down the throne room like hallway, soon enough vanishing

 

Vartock Sweating from the forehead down his long thick black hair drooping over his face *vartock sighed* I really need a haircut*
Vartock continued his meditation on regaining his strength and resolve never stronger than it was today after making mincemeat of the pigmen up north. Vartock really enjoyed the fighting, his whole life was a war, he has been at war with his mind since he was born. Such luxuries of sitting around chatting like a bunch of school girls are not really something he favored but would if the situation called for it. Vartock remained thinking about the war he was involved in before his time here his martial arts everything he was taught. Where am I going with this live, vartock questioned himself, maybe it's time I start to take certain things less granted.

Vartock remained in deep meditation regenerating his energy for about 12 hours now he energy was indeed full. Then he heard voices outside his mind, his third eye shut, the dark seeping energy dissipated, Vartock's eyes opened. Vartock stood up unable to hear anything at first he was trying to block out all sound around him. He stretched and yawned, before noticing three young beautiful ladies standing not far from him. Vartock only was coherent enough to hear the words battle and food coming from The sweet commanding ladies voice.

He looked up at her and the three ladies, noticing all of them had one beautiful complexion of their own that made them seem in his eyes unique. Vartock's blank dark stare as he gazed in all three of their eyes as if trying to study their souls one by one. He then let a dark smile ear to ear as he turned his head back to alia.

*you heading to dawngrave I am assuming you're alia, seto doesn't speak much but he did mention someone like you coming, I guess it's a good thing the pigmen are dead otherwise sex slaves you all would be right now, *vartock's dark smile got a little grim as he said it*
nonetheless you said the magic word, food, I am dying for a meal since I left the town, those pigmen didn't exactly hit the spot last night if you catch my drift...
Vartock then pointed to the campfire where alia and the other 2 ladies saw cooked legs and other body parts of the pigmen roasting over the dead fire. You literally could not see anything but the bones and all the guts and stuff were gone. it was like looking at the skeletal remains of a cooked bore after being eaten only parts which resembled human features.
Well anyways I killed and ate the problem here I have to return to dawngrave in order to reacquire the map I left with the slaves, not that I need it, I just need to use it in case there are anymore sex slaves I need to free, its no life for a lady to be slaved by pigs in the form of a man, I put them in their place a nice feast for my belly as nature originally intended the bore to be.
*vartock chuckled a little bit but his smile remained dark and grim*
Nonetheless I am vartock I am a new apprentice to seto kurrama and I would love nothing more than to accompany you three ladies back to the village *vartock gave kind of a sarcastic but respectful bow to the 3 ladies* now then shall we?
Vartock gestured his hands foreward as he started to lead the 3 ladies away from the cannibalistic massacre that was vartock's handy work.