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Post by Pitman on Feb 3, 2016 3:40:11 GMT -6
The entire situation with the group now had a new goal, with the entire ship now dark in the distance screams and other things could be heard. This meant Ghouls were now free to go about what they wanted on the ship. Though Gedeon's own magic was far more inefficient in this world it still worked due to the leaking of more mana from a portal. Being middle of the ocean and the whole differences between the two worlds James Gransela would be correct in the assessment. The reason for it being so different could be due to the imagination becoming into something else. The Mists and Fog was now spread all over the ship, no matter where you walked it was now on the every floor. The group would have to be especially wary now in any zone of thicker mist and looking like a fog meant more danger. They would have to be careful to navigate the ship into the lower decks. Even if Dieter brought weapons and men how long they could last could be only a matter of time. They have multiple routes to go down the longest but possibly safest is through stairs. Elevators would not be reliable with the ship now at a full stop. No screens or anything would of been working.
Now for the other passengers would possibly be an issue as well, people would either be panicking, going into their rooms or trying to hide. As well an unknown number of Ghouls would be on various parts of the ship. Simply put it would be dangerous without those weapons. The portal itself would be very much unknown, Gedeon may could give a guess work where is most likely a portal to show itself but for now the best course of action would be likely to acquire weapons for this situation. Not to mention if people would take notice that the screams and other sounds were slowly getting closer to their position. It would be best for them to get a move on, the nearest stairway would lead them back towards the gambling hall. From there they could have multiple routes to head down to the level where Mr. Dieter's men would likely be at. Though the main lobby would currently be overcrowded as many people would be in that area, though how dark everything was it was only a matter of time.
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Post by Pitman on Feb 3, 2016 4:10:56 GMT -6
Gedeon soon got back his strength then stood up with the help of Tamara who pulled him up. On the reaction he was getting it was expected or at least the reaction of Mister Dieter was the exact reaction he was thinking.
"Now you may believe it or not, though its been so long I have done it like that, it was much harder then I am used to.", Gedeon soon admitted.
When both of them turned to who began to speak of various things the first thing he wondered about. This world and the other one so similar yet different it was hard to imagine how much difference in stories between the worlds.
"Well, I think the reason why what your thinking in myths, potentially change back in my world. They do exist but the way we dealt with problems tended to at least keep things at bay. Possibly the stories here are original version of the various living gods in ours. You say Elder Gods protects humanity in this world, maybe our similarities only go so far. I am no scholar after all I am simply a soldier who had no place else in the world except to be apart of the Knightly Order of Conjurers. Whatever the case- what.", Gedeon managed to say only to see what James did in front of him.
Tamara and him completely were flabbergasted that he managed to do a summon with such ease and stared at the wisp.
"How the hell...", Gedeon soon managed to say with Tamara, "Mister Gransela, he managed to summon something with such ease!"
Both were silenced as suddenly light illuminated from the wisp which actually would be a good thing in this situation. Both soon heard his own explanation on how magic worked which strangely made sense sort of?
"Don't understand the art? Gedeon I think he is one upping you. Maybe I should squire under him and not you?", Tamara soon stated which would hurt Gedeon's pride further.
"Though he makes a good point, my own magic itself was under the same grade as the Special Corps. of Mage Knighrs. Hearing about not understanding an art that took large portion of my life to learn does hurt. Still this world is different, there has been practically no mana to work with and if he saying is true possibly could explain some things. The way we use magic Tamara is simply have an excess of mana that basic magic is simple in our world yet hard here.", Gedeon soon stated as he heard the explanation.
"Hrmm if the mythology is completely different and does change how effective magic is here its worth a shot.", Tamara soon stated to him who was not even paying attention to her when he was thinking.
"Imagination huh, what they think imaginary we take as fact. I wonder now, if this is true why is the portal not closed and why everything here is being willed into reality. Could it be someone doing this or is it something else causing this disruption? Well whatever it is I am no scholar in this field and wished I dragged a few of them with me. That leaves the only option.", Gedeon soon stated as he looked at James.
"Hey Lazy Ass Pervert stop ignoring me!!", Tamara soon finally yelled at him which he soon says, "Hey stop calling me that you spoiled brat!"
Turning to him he soon says, "Mr. Gransela it seems you might be far more knowledgeable on this matter then I give credit for. Well sometime later I got many questions to ask but for now I will agree with Mister Dieter's idea of hooking up with his men."
Turning to Dieter then asks, "You wouldn't happened to have blades of some sort would you? Specifically anything with high tolerance to the elements?"
When he stated this he meant on the all purpose weapons that work in heat or cold. It wouldn't be as good as anything from his own world but better then nothing. With that he soon turned to the new addition to the group then says, "If I were you it would be better to stick with us then take your chances. Mister James here is quite right on his own assessment."
Hearing the reply to James and the others it was now done deal and soon asks, "Mister Dieter, where on this ship we need to head to?"
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Richter
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Post by Richter on Feb 3, 2016 8:36:49 GMT -6
Dieter gave a few brief claps as James summoned, what appeared to be, some kind of animate fire. This was turning out to be a cruise of both miracles and horrors, it was a shame they were so tightly intertwined. At any other time this would mark the groundbreaking of a new era, but instead, it threatened to be the opening of the final one. He watched the fire creature cautiously until it seemed that it was entirely under the doctor's command, and then he finally let his guard down about it. No one could deny that a mobile light source, a non-technological one at that, was invaluable at the moment.
"I get the feeling you have a new best seller in the works, professor." Dieter said in jest, a light stab at humor to lighten the mood before giving his own taken on magic. "I think this is all making sense to me. What you call mana I have come to know as 'numen', a kind of pervasive force in the universe. Some say it is a natural part of the world, other legends say that it is generated by gods or spirits; those bound in flesh, or otherwise. It is decidedly Western in concept, but you could think of it as similar to Chi in the latter interpretation. Similar enough that I suspect it to not be a coincidence, but I know you know my feelings on that when we debated cross-cultural sharing of abstract concepts and mythologies, professor. I suspect, Mr. Salvator, that your world simply possessed more of that than ours. I might go so far as to say that the influx of so much at once through this portal, is what is causing all of these events. Such as disruption of machines. Think of it like a body thrown out of harmony by an influx of a foreign element. How to right it again, that is the question, and I suppose it begins at that gate of yours."
That was about all he wanted to share on his own occult knowledge and theories for now, so then he shifted gears as to where to actually go. First he nodded to the rogue of their group, the man they had just now met, when he agreed to work with them.
"Very good, and indeed, I will lead. While the Doctor here could vouch for me, we've met prior, the rest of you have no particular reason other than good faith to assume I'm not a double agent. So, I'll take point. Any danger I bring us to, I'll face down first." Gerhardt began, and he addressed Gedeon's inquiry of where to go next. "We need to go down four decks and then head to the aft section of the vessel. We secluded ourselves in one of the large corner suites. While a fine place to hold up, it unfortunately means that we will have to do a lot of walking to get there. I recommend we move to the aft stairs here before beginning our descent. The staterooms are certain to be crowded, though with what, I shudder to think."
The man's dress shoes thudded on the wooden plank floor as he started to move towards the rear of the ship, speeding up a little when the rest of the group fell into step behind him. Another check of the shotgun was given before they had went more than 30 feet, just to be sure. He used this time to answer ancillary questions.
"A handful of knives are about the best you'll get Mr. Salvator. In our world, you're more likely to be put behind bars for owning a blade than a gun. I suspect it's taken a long time for you to adjust. These days, many of our laws don't make sense, and aren't drafted in good faith. That's a discussion for another time, however." It was hard to not notice the disdain with which Dieter spoke, perhaps he had a background in politics or law as well? It sounded like he spoke from experience. "I have something of the sort, but that's my personal weapon. A spear, actually. I'm an adept fencer, though you may not have guessed that from how I look. I'm a master of a German school of martial arts that dates back to the Landsknecht era. Lance fighting is unfortunately not very popular anymore in the half of the globe we're in now, but the East is still rather fond of it. I've sparred with several masters from those cultures as well. I like to think I'm quite talented. Perhaps once day I could cross arms with that 'God Slayer' gentleman you mentioned? I think that would be a duel for the ages. Yet, I get the feeling anymore people from your world showing up here would only exacerbate our problems."
The explorer remarked. He lead them around the lobby, gambling hall, and other places where people would congregate. They passed several elevators on the way, which Dieter didn't give so much as a glance. They were way too dangerous, and if asked, he'd say that using them was completely out of the question with the faulty machinery all over the vessel. But he trusted everyone was wise enough to come to that conclusion on their own. Now and then he'd pass a body and would twist its neck with his foot before moving on, just to make sure that it wouldn't rise up behind them. Grisly work, as he had said before, but a necessity.
"Let me ask you something, doctor." Dieter said to change the conversation. By now they had reached the back quarter of the ship and came upon yet another cluster of four elevators broken into two pair. There were three such groupings on each level: This one at the very back, another around a large central and flashy promenade that housed casinos, bars, and other attractions, and a final set at the front. Between each pair were two sets of stairs, red lights emergency lights barely illuminated them. The man at the front of their formation leaned over the rail and stared down into the darkness, through which screams quietly echoed up to their location. "If you can summon spirits, do you suppose that you could do the inverse? Banish them? I am of the mind that throwing this necromancer back to whence he came would be easier than defeating it outright. Even if it can come back, I suspect shunting it from our reality would break its connection to any servants it holds. It may buy us time to seal the portal."
He'd wait for a response, and after getting it, make final preparations. "Is everyone ready?" He would begin, and continue when he got affirmation. "Stay close, and watch out for ambushes from above. Let me worry about ones from below. Remember, four decks down. No further. Don't get separated, don't get lured off. Call out if you need help or see something. Anything at all."
And with that, he began to go down into the blackness, which was held at bay only by the bloody lights set into the walls and the comparatively less-harsh light of the living fireball circling their group.
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Rabite
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Post by Rabite on Feb 3, 2016 20:35:33 GMT -6
He waves his hands and summons another wisp so they can have two light sources rather than one, and so he can prove that it will become that easy after you figure out how to do it. With a smile he was quite happy at his success in casting magic for the first time, and it went surprisingly well with his theories.
"Sure seems that way, I'll be able to write a lot more interest things now that I can actually create the image I have in my mind, so be sure to look for it on the shelves when I get it released. Perhaps if I master it better I won't need to watch TV or movies either, I can just make my own, or re-watch older movies by replaying them in my mind then project them with magic."
Just like what they say about a child, their imagination is the best toy they could have, and it's actually no different for an adult. With the right set of imagination you can easily create anything you want using this new found energy. It is like having an all purpose 3D projector, that requires no ingredients, and can create even souls.
"And of course, it might be used for military purpose too."
He took a look at Dieter, and the stranger who might be more interested in such topics, rather than just for commercial uses.
"Mythical creatures can easily become powerful weapons, while attack magic would allow one to perform assassinations without the risk of detection. Who knows what people might do if it gets in the wrong hands. But I suppose I can teach several, well chosen students. Perhaps if you two are interested in lessons you could give me a call, or come to my office. I already have several others working under me, so it's not a problem to have a few more. As for what Mr. Gerhardt had suggested, I believe it might actually not be too far from the truth. In history there were many different things that had different terms depending on the culture, even simple things like an apple have many different terms, so 'numen' could very well be be the same as Mana or Chi. Though it still leaves one question unsolved, on what exactly are the sources of these energy if it does not naturally occur in our world... a lot more research would have to be done to find out."
But when Gedeon is trying to mend his wounded pride, surprising it was James that gave him a hand. By explaining using concepts of Philosophy, something that may or may not exist in the other world, he hope to provide a different view to the other man.
"Don't misunderstand, by not understanding magic I'm referring to more than what you know about it. Just because you know about something, does not necessary means you understand how it works down to its roots. Like the magic spell just now, you may have used it for many years, but how well do you understand it? How does it work? Where did the mana came from? How are you able to harness it? You may have been taught how to use it, but that is not enough to declare that you truly understand the techniques. You would need evidence to support these answers, not just any evidence, but basic evidence that does not require the support of other concepts. Only when you can do that, can you truly say you know how magic works."
Mean while, James is a bit different in that case, in a way he 'invented' the method casting magic in this world. Because he's the creator of the concept, that is already enough for him to say he have an understanding of it, until it is proven otherwise by other ideas.
"As for you Miss, it would be better to watch what you call others. Remember, words have power within them, so if you call Mr. Salvator that all the time he might actually gain more of those traits."
When asked by Dieter, he gave the idea a thought, thinking about how his magic works and if the method suggested could be used. But eventually he shakes his head, it doesn't seem like a workable concept, at least not with his method of casting magic. His magic relies on his own imagination, but his opponent have a mind of his own, so unless he is vastly more powerful than his opponent it would be very difficult to use such methods.
"Banishing... I believe banishing is different from how most religion see it as. In most religions, banishing are usually done in the name or power of a divine being, and they all have a certain location that they banish the targets to. However it is different with the magic we see now, we don't exactly have a location where we summon and banish beings off to. Like wisp here, I created it and gave it life, if I am to banish it I would have to tear it back down to mana. There's also the problem with banish foreign beings, as I'm not the one that created the necromancer, nor do I have the ability to just cast away a being. Necromancy also cames from shamanism, and pretty much the only banish that we might be able to do, is return it to the dirt of Earth."
As Dieter walk into the darkness, he had one of the wisp stay a short distance in front of him to light up the path, while the other one would stay to the rear in case anything comes from behind. He advances slowly, careful of any possible enemies around the corner, and if the spirits that Gedeon mentioned could suddenly appear and attack them. He stays right in the back of the group, not being a warrior greatly limits his options of staying in the front, being in the rear also allows him to observe the situation better in case he needs to plan ahead.
"So, Mister, may I know your name? So far I only know you as the stranger, perhaps it might be better for our operation if we have a better way to communicate with each other? I'm James Gransela, how about you?"
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Post by Carlos on Feb 3, 2016 23:33:54 GMT -6
Alejandro moved with the group, hanging toward the back with the man that had cast the magic wisp. His steps did not sound on the floor and perhaps it was a wasted effort as the group was quite talkative for being in a life and death situation. Although for him moving like this was as natural as breathing. If anything he'd expend more effort trying to be noising, which he had done on occasion.
He let himself wonder about the things they were rambling about. Any other time he would dismiss it. However seeing is believing. His mentor had taught him to pray to the mother of death. But he'd never quite believed. Now he wondered just how far removed from reality that was. Part of him wondered if she heard his prayers.
His thought process was interrupted and he turned to James.
"Just call me Alejandro," he replied tentatively. After a moment, he decided to inquire with this man. "If magic is now real. What about higher beings? Spirits and other legends?"
Alejandro kept his gun half way lowered and his gaze kept sweeping around for anything moving or strange.
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Post by Pitman on Feb 4, 2016 2:41:49 GMT -6
The Group would continue through the deck as the chilly air continued to slowly creep among them. What would be noticeable was how nothing came towards them either ghoul or human. The Shadows themselves looked as anything would suddenly jump out before them, though none did. As they progressed further they would notice the noise that was always heard started to grow more silent. This as well could put anyone on edge as they would think something strange when such things were occurring. As they would continued closer to their intended destination about half way, they would suddenly hear a terrible scream, a familiar one like earlier from the Ghoul let out in the gambling hall. The group could stop to hear where it could be coming from or move even quicker as it was in the area. Or they could simply hide and hope it doesn't find them was another. Regardless the chilling air would be felt into their bones, as it continued to drop in temperature. The Wisps keeping the darkness as bay was the only light source then, then suddenly one could hear tapping, tap, tap tap. It was originally faint, then slowly but surely louder.
The noise itself would continue to do so as it would feel it was coming closer to the group. They had to make decision now but they wouldn't know if it was from behind, to the side, above, below or before them. The tapping soon began to feel like footsteps, now as it got closer in anyone who would be normal it would mean for their body to freeze up or even try to run. The group itself was not normal at all, with two people who are from another world, a assassin, and two scholars who studied these strange occurrences it would stand a better chance. But what to do? They had to be quick to decide or the Ghoul would come after them unprepared.
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Post by Pitman on Feb 4, 2016 3:05:38 GMT -6
"I don't believe you!", Tamara stated to James as talking about what he meant on calling Gedeon a Pervert and Lazy.
Gedeon continued to move forward following Dieter to the area he had his own men waiting with weapons. Next to him was Tamara, who you would think be more brave was still far from it. The Pitch darkness unsettled her for a strange reason that only she and Gedeon would know. The darkness was something she was sacred not because it was dark or the ghoul but from something entirely different. After all it was the darkness that destroyed her family, the shadows, the way they stabbed into her mother and father like nothing. Everything in it what she remembered made her completely on edge as she was extremely close to Gedeon and simply subtly grabbed his arm which he of course noticed without a peep. He remember it well, the shadow magic that was used, even now he wonder who were the assailants that attacked. Though now wasn't the time to think of that, with no weapon in hand even if his magic was back to a point he needed a weapon to help. On hearing of the weapon that was suggested from Dieter he soon nodded at what he meant.
"I... I found it even stranger that many nations here do not carry a weapon for protection. Strange how laws here try to keep people unarmed for their 'safety'. In my world such a thing would be suicidal especially if any town could be attack by anything at any moment. What I find even stranger is how people say the world is better because of it, maybe because they haven't truly face real death? Whatever the choice, such laws would be the worst thing to happen if anymore portals were to open. Notably in the middle of a large city. Sky Scrapers though are not shocking I will add, we have such things in our world though everything is ran by mana. You should see The Mage Lords of Avarice's own city. I never been there but that would put the likes of your New York to shame. Though I believe the region closest it would be in your map would be I believe what is it called, Canada? I only remember its near a country with a Black Rock Mountain. Not saying your cities are not impressive because they are in their own way.", Gedeon soon stated as a reply about the weapons and the strange laws Dieter mentioned.
Tamara was strangely quiet during this exchange then Gedeon soon says, "You ok?"
"What? It's... its nothing!!", Tamara admitted though another thing she was feeling a bit down especially earlier when James stated to her.
In her mind part of her was trying to figure out what that meant. Imaginations? The way this world worked? How to understand the art? Everything she learned she did take for granted that was truth and she continuously made life harder for Gedeon multiple times. After all she in its own twisted way owed Gedeon much in fact so much it could say there was no way to repay him at this rate. If her father was a live he would practically tell her it would be her duty to pay back Gedeion either through service by moving from the Circle Order of Mage Knights to the Knightly Order of Conjurers or at worst case marriage which she would be completely against. With her family now gone though, she was the literal last of the direct line of the Hero Knight. No one would of guessed, as with three children it was expected the direct line would continue.
"Knives... Knives are good Mister Dieter. Even if their only a small thing that would be a major change for my magic. After all Mage Knights, though did use our magic spells offensively, we tended to preserve our fighting strength by using weapons with enhancement with our magic. Namely with my Lightning I can use my knife to stun people or completely paralysis their body completely. Not to mention it would make my psychical weapon able to even fight the Shade Necromancer or even others as the knife may not hit anything the magic within the weapon could.", Gedeon soon admitted as he heard how they would have knives.
When they came up to the banishing discussion Gedeon soon pondered a moment as they moved then adds, "No there might be a way. You say Banish them to return where they came from? What if we could figure out where the portal was and get the Shade Necromancer to that point you might be able to banish it through. I mean its worth a try, though if it would work? I am not entirely sure but better then nothing."
Of course this possibly could work but suddenly the scream that Gedeon instantly recognized could be heard and from a distance tapping. Such Tapping could be anything but as it continued it was getting closer which meant only one thing.
"It seems one of the ghouls are near, so what should we do? Bolt, Flee, or fight? We may have a chance but whatever we choose we better choose now. I cannot tell which direction its coming so be ready for anything!", Gedeon soon stated as he was readying himself for a fight if the rest decided too.
It continued to get closer and closer time was drawing to choose, Run, Hide, or Fight.
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Richter
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Post by Richter on Feb 4, 2016 3:39:22 GMT -6
"I'm of the same mind as you, Mr. Salvator. An unarmed people are not free. But for now that isn't our place to say. Let's hope that the issue of portals in cities, doesn't arise. Or, doesn't until we're more prepared to handle it." Dieter said, cutting their chat short. The further they moved, the more dangerous things got, and he wanted to be able to hear. He was similarly taciturn in the topic of blades, for that reason. "I trust I'll have something to your liking. For now, keep your senses pointing outward and help me keep watch."
A note of finality was in his voice. Their newest associate asking about spirits was a topic for James, so he didn't touch on that. Nor did he have much to say about the banishing idea falling through, other than 'pity'. It was a good idea, but apparently flawed on a fundamental level. This world would be having a lot of those, Gerhardt felt. Yet, the addition of another wisp by the aforementioned writer relieved the German greatly, one placed at both ends of their column to light the way. It'd make an ambush difficult. Handy, considering that it sounded like somebody was planning one. The huge halls of the cruise ship made it impossible to tell from what direction they were being approached, but since they were caught on the stairs, there were only a few options.
Above, below, or out through the exit onto the current deck. They had gone down two, two more to go. Considering that the undead probably could see fine in the dark, or smell, or otherwise sense them, hiding didn't seem like a good solution. Compounding this was the fact that the fireballs on either side of them would almost certainly make that impossible. Running would just get them lost, and probably empower the spirit if James's theory was correct; which most have been, so far. That essentially left fighting.
"This way, quickly!" Dieter commanded in a harsh whisper, and he waved an arm to bring the group further down. They'd descemd two flights of stairs ina hurry and then stop, leaving them between two floors. In other words, cutting the avenues of approach down to just the vertical. With the wisps covering both, ambush would be impossible. A handful of gestures were given to Alejandro to watch the back, as the only other armed member of their group. With a shotgun, pistol, and tomahawk, they were actually fairly well equipped to handle a close-quarters brawl provided that nothing managed to close within arm's reach before they could react to it.
Every so often he would bring them down another step slowly, leveling his gun over the railing on each flight before proceeding. The tactic was carried out efficiently, though not quite with the same level of familiarity that you'd see from a SWAT officer in this kind of situation. A militia or paramilitary background, perhaps? Dieter's opinion was that this thing would have to come from above. Glancing over the side like he was doing made an ambush from down there almost death for anyone foolish enough to attempt it...though that may not stop an immortal necromancer who wore corpses like disposable rain slickers. Even so, using conventional wisdom, a smart predator surely knew the stakes and would probably be trying to wheel in on their blindspot. But either way, he'd put buckshot into anything that caught his eye and glowed green.
Which, he considered, probably also wouldn't do its own stealth any favors. The question now was how smart and how impatient it ended up to be. Supposing it was even a monster, by rights, they might not be the only survivors. They'd tell soon enough, regardless.
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Rabite
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Post by Rabite on Feb 4, 2016 16:32:33 GMT -6
"Well Alejandro my friend, according to the evidence we have hand and those that recorded in ancient history, divine beings and other legends would likely exist. However they may or maybe not exist in this world, or only in the world that Mr. Salvator and his friend had originated from. These powerful beings have the ability to do as they did in recorded texts, and perhaps even more. However if they only exist in the other world, there is the chance that they would not be as powerful if they enter our world. Not only that, there are people in the world with claims of being the descendant of Gods and other figures, they might have the chance of having their powers 'awakened' so to speak. I hope that is enough to answer your questions."
The stranger decided to introduce himself, and actually ask a question, that's not a bad sight. At least it shows that he is willing to stay with the group, and perhaps work together to at least get out of this trap. Mean while, when Gedeon talked about safety, he realize that the traveler from the other world doesn't seem to understand how the system here works.
"Oh we've faced real death, not in the hands of mythical beings such as what had happen in your world, but by our own hands. In the past we have faced multiple great wars that involved almost the entire world, every major nation that stands had went through devastating battles that brought mighty nations to their knees. Though these wars, over 80 million men and women had fallen, even those that are not in military service. You might not have seen them in action since you haven't been here for long, we but we got weapons that can destroy our own planet hundreds of thousands of times, within a split of a second. The problem here is, why should we carry weapons at all times? Our civilizations have developed to the point where we do not have to be afraid of every being we see, and hopefully enough that we can overcome our differences with words rather than with swords."
He's not a warrior, but a scholar, and scholars believes that it is knowledge that can change the world rather than fists. People fight others because of many different reasons, but the lack of understanding is one of them. Fools will charge towards danger, even if there is no needs to do so, but the educated would be more willing to reconsider the results of their actions. If everyone would simply ignore politics and go straight for military actions, the modern world wouldn't have existed, it would have been vaporized long ago.
"You can try, but I don't believe it would work. If banishing is that easy then the necromancer should be able to do the same for you two and send you back to your own worlds. But nonetheless I won't stop you from trying, it's your choice to try it."
He quickly followed Dieter's lead and head down the stairs, stopping as he ordered. But he gave their situation a thought, how can Gedeon be sure that this is a living dead? It still have the chance of being a wounded survivor, or perhaps another kind of monster. It would be better if they don't have to risk getting close before seeing the target, so with that in mind he summons a third wisp which he directs to move towards the source of the sound. The light from the wisp should somewhat repel the target if it is a ghoul, or at least let him know what exactly is over there. However there's one problem, it seems that three Wisps is the limit that he can summon at the same time with his current ability, and he starts to feel a light headache coming along with a wave of disorientation coming. Good thing he was holding on to the rails, and it wasn't too serious so he is still able to push it aside and keep going, that said it sure would draw some attention when he looks like he almost slipped on something.
"H- hold on, let the third one go first. There's... there's no need to, risk unnecessary injuries... Go!"
The wisp floats over towards the source of the sound, being a summoned minion its vision is somewhat shared by its master, in other words James should receive the same visuals as the wisp. The shared vision is also a possible reason for his disorientation, since it is like trying to watch three other TV shows at the same time, along with his own vision. It's worse than any kind of seizure inducing flashes, and would likely be a big problem to those that actually have such problems... good thing he doesn't or else he'd be twitching on the floor by now.
Eventually the Wisp discovered the source of soul, a ghoul that's coming towards them. The two seems to have spotted each other, considering the wisp is glowing fireball it should be pretty hard to miss, same for the ghoul that's been making sounds as it moves.
"There we go... lets see how well this would go."
James talks to himself as he gives out commands to the wisp, giving out orders for it to engage in battle with the lone corpse. The white ball of fire flies towards its opponent, trying to make direct contact with it. Although the 'fire' that makes up its form doesn't injury a human, it might be another story towards an undead. The Wisp, according to legends tends to be the remains of a human soul, which is why they are found in graveyards, however they do have another explanation for their existences.
"Now!"
The scientific explanation, the Wisp flashes slightly before exploding close to the ghoul, strangely the explosion doesn't give off much shock waves but is more than enough to cause pretty decent burns. It's trait as a 'human soul' would also provide a sort of holy damage that should be a problem to the evil spirit. The explosion also give off a burst of light, which is actually the powder that the wisp uses to keep its 'fire' going. The explanation for this is the remains of corpses in graveyards would sometimes release flammable materials, which are then occasionally ignited into sparks, enough for people to see in the dark. These two theories allows James to construct his wisps as something that can control their destructive power, by choosing when to explode, allowing him to use them like weapons.
The exploded wisp disappears, leaving only the sparkling powders behind that temporary lights up the area that it was in. Another advantage is that James seems to feel a lot better when the extra wisp disappears, seemingly reduced the stress it had on his mind.
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Post by Carlos on Feb 4, 2016 23:20:34 GMT -6
Alejandro nodded to what James said, but remained silent as they walked. A peculiar thing started to happen with every step he took. The edge of his vision began to take on an orange-red tinge to it. The hallway changed as he walked. Things were on the walls. The skeletons of small creatures. Blood splattered in unique patterns. Some of which resembled weeping faces. With his gaze shifted to the walls, he failed to notice that his companions were gone and the end of the hallway a blazing orange and red light.
In the center of that light floated a figure. A figure clad in funeral mourning gown. But the woman within it is nothing more than skeletal figure. Empty black sockets stared into his own and he fell to his knees. A thud sounded on the ground. His gun and tomahawk had fallen out of his hands.
The skeletal woman in a dress moved closer and placed her hands around his head. Drawing him close to her midsection. She gently patted his head with her palm like she was comforting a lost child.
Meanwhile, the group would likely notice his disappearance. But find no traces of where he had gone. The magic is subtle and had been fashioned with such intricacies as to evade the notice of even higher entities.
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Post by Pitman on Feb 6, 2016 20:10:55 GMT -6
As the group followed Dieter's lead and moving downward to a better vantage point. The Ghoul which was above began to move faster, the screeching and tapping of feet moved much more rapid. It now knew it had pray as the group moved into a new plan of action. If they didn't do that a normal people would of easily fell prey to the beast. Due to moving between two floors it meant easier to managed as the Ghoul was coming from above. As this was occurring the third wisp, bright and full of flamed moved towards its intended target, a Ghoul was not completely smarter then people but it didn't expect a ball of flame come at it. Soon if the group paid attention was the ghoul came into visual range it soon got it by the wisp. An Explosion soon rocked next to them like that of a grenade going off in a room. Flames ate the Ghoul as it was stopped in its tracks and parts of its body was now in pieces. Unable to move now it soon dropped from the stairway edge and far down below to the bottom. Dieter's plan and James' own were in perfect counter to such a thing, and due to this no causalities or wounds were inflicted. Though the group would soon move they would notice one of their members not within the group, as they were distracted with the Ghoul Alejandro was missing. If any would take notice a very subtle magical presence could be felt if they paid attention.
Regardless the group now were in the clear, for now but due to the explosion it would attract other Ghouls on the ship. It was loud enough in this silence to sound like a roar of flame, so it would be best to move to their destination and get out of the stairway as quickly as possible. Below where the body of the Ghoul would be burning if any paid attention as they move they would notice no mists to be forming or cloud from below. If they have notice, then a theory could be made or at least the theory Gedeon stated earlier. Ghouls are manageable but without the power of magic they couldn't kill the magic controlling the Ghoul. It meant that the wisp alone was strong enough to destroy that Ghoul's control that the Shade Necromancer was or is. Regardless when they get to the floor they intended it would be dark and cold as a freezer. This would be either good or bad, depending how good Dieter's men would be it also depends of their very own survival.
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Post by Pitman on Feb 6, 2016 23:12:07 GMT -6
Gedeon and Tamara moved with the others as they moved with Dieter's lead. Though not trained like this world they knew how to take basic orders when moving in a group one thing they learned first coming to this world. As they moved suddenly between two stair ways suddenly could the tapping increasing and growing louder. So loud enough that Gedeom and Tamara now knew where it was coming from.
"Its above!!", Gedeon soon shouts as the screeching of the Ghoul could be heard.
Suddenly turning to see James himself activate another wisp which he noticed the flame but also the strain on the face of James. Even though he looked like he was managing Gedeon figured three was probably the max he could do at once. Suddenly from the shadows the Ghoul was now visible from the flaming light as Gedeon saw the third wisp charged toward the Ghoul explosion front them. Gedeon shielded Tamara as put an arm before his eyes as the Explosion of flames occurred. The Ghoul was now burning Gedeon noticed it was another crew member as it was burning before them then suddenly seeing it fall off the edge and toward down below.
"Well, it seems you managed to that much Mister Gransela.", Tamara soon stated as she saw his handy work and saw the ghoul now burning below.
Turning to Gedeon who simply shrugs, "Hey he is still just a beginner."
"A Beginner who could be considered a genius back in our world. I mean most except a few managed to do that much in such a short time.", Tamara soon added which sort of showed 'a little' fan of the author.
"Alright, Princess no time for that fan girling on us now. Also it seems we now got a way to manage ghouls easily, only issue is that we might burn the entire ship if we continue to that.", Gedeon noted as he saw below no mist, no nothing from below.
That alone told Gedeon the magic James shown was enough to take out a Ghoul but now the question was how long could the man keep the wisps going. Magic is not endless and the mana they got here was more then zero but it was not as much as back in their world. Regardless Gedeon knew that explosion probably now will attract more Ghouls or passengers here which meant it was time to go.
"Mister Dieter, let us continue before anything else shows up. Lead the Way.", Gedeon then stated but then stops.
"Tamara?", Gedeon soon asks.
"Uhh where is Mister Alejandro?", Tamara soon asked which Gedeon also noticed was missing now.
What felt odd was Gedeon felt something he never felt before, and that put him completely on edge.
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Richter
Veteran Member
Posts: 1,870
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Post by Richter on Feb 7, 2016 1:53:43 GMT -6
Dieter turned to engage the ghoul with the rest of the group, but lucky for him, that was unnecessary. James managed to defeat it by adding another wisp to his retinue, although it was summarily used as a sort of 'spirit bomb' to take out the undead creature. White flames engulfed it, and seemed to burn with a strength that he didn't think possible for something lacking any actual material composition. Yet, the German had realized long before not everything was as simple as it seemed. This was clearly just one of those instances. Upon realizing that James had the rear under control, he switched back to watch the front in case it had ended up to be a two-pronged attack.
Mercifully it wasn't. When it was clear that the monster was acting alone, and neutralized, Gerhardt kept them moving. They dropped down the last two flights without any further trouble and came out onto one of the decks housing staterooms. The lack of mist caught his attention, as did the lack of people. The extreme chill was also unsettling, more so because he wasn't sure if it was more magical phenomena, or worse.
"Stick close, it isn't far now." He said to his group.
The doors to many of the rooms had been smashed at or clawed, some strewn with blood or other fluids. Not all of them had been broken open, but some had, and it was clear that people had died here. A lot of them. Toppled furniture and similar things indicated that there was a panic at some point, probably when it all began, that likely made it all worse. Dieter grimaced at the thought of it all. Around this point was when Gedeon made his observation that the Mexican had disappeared. He stopped, turned immediately, and did a headcount. Finding out the knight was correct made him curse.
"Verdammnt! He was in the middle of our group, where did he go?" He didn't really expect an answer. Far as he know, Alejandro just disappeared. It couldn't have been another undead, they weren't that subtle. More likely that he went off on his own, he didn't seem like much of a team player. Even so, Dieter didn't seem very happy about it.
"Forget it, we don't have time to go back. Not right now. We keep pushing forward, maybe we'll find him later. Let's go." A callous choice, perhaps. It was also the smarter one, the wisp exploding probably attracted attention. Going back without armaments to face it would be suicidal. And they were so close, too.
At the aft most section of the hall on this deck, and the other decks hosting passengers, were two large luxury suites. Easily the size of three or four regular ones. Dieter took them to the one on the left, the one on the right looked to have been kicked open. The man knocked on the door.
At first silence, but then tense German calls came from within. Dieter answered them, and the room's lock clicked open. A haggard looking man with a bandana over his face motioned the group in to slam the door behind them.
All of the furniture in the room had been shoved into corners so that a huge double layered circle could be drawn in the center. Zig-zagging lines between these two drawings formed a row of outward facing triangles. Within the interior circle was drawn a large pentad, in which three other men in similar garb were dressed and huddling around a pile of blankets, briefcases, and backpacks. By similar garb, I mean things to conceal their appearances. Gedeon, James, and Tamara would recognize that these were obviously mystical seals of some variety, but the purpose would likely escape them. Similar ones were drawn on the doors as a sort of ward. Gedeon could tell that, as unlikely as it was, they contained magic of a sort. In their hands they clearly held sub machineguns. Yet, they looked a little off. The stocks and barrel were made of a parasol's body, with the umbrella part detached and tossed aside of course. The sights and muzzle break looked like a flick-lighter. The lower section looked like a part of a laptop. Kind of like a clandestine Sten gun, assembled out of household components. Although it was much more likely that they weren't actually what they appeared to be, and that each piece was purposefully designed to be used to make a gun. Like what the assassin had in that one James Bond movie.
"Herman. Franz. Enrico. Manuel. Glad to see you're all alive and in one piece. These gentleman are James and Gedeon, with the lady being Ms. Tamara. They will be helping us to solve whatever seems to be plaguing this ship." Dieter said to his men, while also announcing them to the group. Going by names, two appeared to be German and the other half from the Spanish or Portuguese part of the world. "We need some gear, I trust we have spares?"
"Ja, sir." The German who did not answer the door replied. Franz, it seemed. He took one of those briefcases and flipped it open. Inside of it were a quartet of pistols. Chinese Tokarev knockoffs. Cheap, effective, practically untraceable in the numbers the PRC and criminal workshops cranked them out at. Everyone was handed one and a pair of spare magazines, which were under the cases. Both them and the guns were in false bottoms, seemingly shielded by lead and other linings to baffle detectors. For an 'adventurer', Dieter had some pretty interesting looking 'equipment' with him...
"And get Mr. Gedeon here one of our survival knives, if you'd be so kind."
Franz next produced for the mage something that looked more like a machete than a knife. Curved and a little thicker towards the end, with a D-style grip that made it look decidedly old world. Functional yet effective.
"Pirates used to use those, Mr. Salvator. We took inspiration from them. A good all-around utility knife I think you will find, and similarly effective for fighting. Do try not to lose it." Gerhardt informed him.
The rest of the group were free to talk amongst themselves while the men held up in here once more exchanged words in German. They shrugged into backpacks and checked their guns, with a particularly heavy and important sack being handed to Dieter to carry. Which he did. Stuck in a holster on its side appeared to be some kind of short spear, only as long as your arm. The bladed part looked extremely sharp and well made. He handed the shotgun back to Gedeon, to whom it originally belonged, in favor of an automatic. After gearing up they went about erasing the occult markings they drew to protect the room.
"Now let's move out and find that portal. My men here will cover our rear while we bring up the front. Doctor, you can stay in the middle where it will be safest. But without a way to find that portal, I still fear that we will be extremely disadvantaged. There's too much ground here to safely cover systematically." With equipment secured, Dieter was fast to move onto the next order of business: ending this fiasco. They still didn't have any leads, but he had an idea. "If I had to take a stab in the dark, I'd say we should find the engine room. I noticed machinery malfunctions only when something magical is nearby; the shade for instance in the bridge. The fact that the ship has stopped and not started again leads me to believe there is a continuous source of numen in the engineering section. If not a portal, then perhaps the necromancer himself. Finding either one would be to our benefit, as dispatching it would make dealing with the other much simpler."
There was his suggestion, he put it out to get input from the rest. Maybe they'd find the rogue on the way there too, or so one could hope.
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Rabite
Veteran Member
Emperor of H
Hey, look over here.
Posts: 1,887
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Post by Rabite on Feb 7, 2016 3:14:08 GMT -6
"Perhaps, but everyone has to start somewhere."
He took a deep breath and stood up straight, whatever fatigue he had on his face seems to have disappeared completely. He did something alright, and what he did had recovered something within him, he gathered the mana from his surroundings. He's not sure about how the 'Mage Knights' or the others in Gedeon's world handled mana, but James had decided to take the hint from Dieter earlier, and treat it similar to how Taoist treated Chi. He allowed the mana to flow inside and around him, keeping them running at all times by constantly absorbing mana, and allowing them to blend in with those in his surroundings. Rather than the relying on the concentration of mana nearby, with this method he can fuse and store great amount of mana within his body, spirit, and mentality. However it is a slower process that takes a long time to store, as one breathes, eats, and absorbs mana through their daily lives, so once used up it might take sometime before magic could be used again.
He allowed the mana that he breathed in to join in with the flow of mana within him, regenerating any losses caused by the summoning of the wisp. This method also helped in his summoning, for as long as he continues to live, beings that he summoned could continue to exist. Not only that, with enough concentration of mana, he'll be able to create more of his own and affect his surroundings as well. With time, his existence would be enough to provide enough mana for some people to cast magic, without the needs of staying in a certain area.
Now that the ghoul has been dealt with, it's time to keep moving before more ghouls would appear. They continued to advance, until Tamara pointed out that Alejandro seems to be missing. He did felt some sort of magic powers being at work, but did not give it anymore attention. The other man was there when James gave his explanation of magic, so perhaps the lone wolf had decided to try it out on his own, and had use the powers to stay on his own rather than with the group. It was, unfortunately that they have to part with another warrior that could have been helpful to their causes, but the man is already gone so there's no use in complaining now.
"Ah, clever, simple to carry and hide from the authorities. Greetings everyone, I'm James Gransela."
He kept it short and simple, rather than having a formal explanation to everyone he met on the way. Taking the gun he checks it out to remind himself of the basics of shooting, he couldn't remember the last time he used one, but having an extra weapon could be useful on this trip. He was messing with the pistol, before he suddenly stopped when Dieter takes out the spear.
The spear wasn't normal that's for sure, something about it instantly caught his attention, and on further inspection it dropped his jaws. Being a specialist in mythology, he had quite some information on most of the more famous items in different religions, and this is certainly one of them.
"Is this... the Spear of Destiny? The real thing? Really? These markings... it certainly looks real! You had it all along?!"
Real or not, he could certain feel the power radiating from the spear, even if you ignore the fact that they now have knowledge of magical powers. In his mind, James is yelling and jumping and doing all sorts of things in excitement at being able to see something like this, if anything he expected to see it at a holy site, not in the hands of Dieter. However, if he owns it then... no, it can't be.
"I would be really, really grateful if I get to study the spear after this, under your presence of course. If this is the real thing I certainly don't want to become the next owner just like that, too risky to own it."
Now back to business, he haven't thought about the electronic jamming effect that the mythical beings seems to have, but it does sound like a fair guess. They already searched a chunk of the ship, and saw little signs of enemies other than that one ghoul, so the necromancer could be in locations that they did not have access to.
"Hm... I have one question to ask Mr. Salvator. This necromancer, is it going to be a living human? Or a undead? Would bullets be able to kill it? Otherwise we might want to consider what we can do to it when we do meet each other. Also, do you think this necromancer can summon things other than those walking dead? We might want to consider different options other than just fighting it head on, perhaps lure it out and ambush it. Its alone, and if the magic it uses is similar to mine or yours, there's a limit on how many things it could summon at a time, so we should have the number advantage here."
Other than that, he doesn't seem to have any problem with heading to the engine room next. It sounds like a reasonable guess, and Dieter is the one with commanding experience here, so it seems better to just follow them and see how it goes.
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Post by Carlos on Feb 7, 2016 20:44:06 GMT -6
The words that entered his mind, they sounded like the faint whistling of the wind.
"Carry my word..."
The black skeletal death maiden pressed her charcoal teeth to his forehead.
"Death is mine."
Alejandro awoke in a chair. In a dark room with only one candle flickering about. Casting imposing shadows in all directions. Tentatively he touched the foreign object around his neck. A necklace of smooth segments comprised of blacked bones. The sane part of his mind wanted to pry his hand away. But something deep in his soul kept it there for a few minutes.
Sounds from outside of the room snapped out of it however. Placing the necklace under his clothing, he grabs his tomahawk and gun. Both conveniently tucked into his pants belt. Tentatively he opens the door just a sliver to see out.
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