The Longest Thread (Misadventures)

[NameIess]

1 hour ago, Through The Living Star said:

 

"Does he do this often?" The man who had been talking to 9/10- Skylight, she thought- asked. Ennalee smiled grimly. "It seems so. The first time we met, he left unexpectedly as well." Voicing the words made it easier for Ennalee herself to believe, that it was simply 9/10's character, rather than some fault of her own, that had made him leave her. 

All of a sudden, a man quite literally burst into the room, shattering the back door. Ennalee immediately unsheathed her sword, the old habit coming back to her quickly. 

The man was cloaked, and gripped a black staff in his right hand. He seemed focused on Glyer, which gave Ennalee pause. Glyer and the man had a short- though rather loud- conversation, if you could even call  it that. Ennalee would have called it more of a argument, or really, a threat. 

Suddenly, the man turned, noticing the crowd for the first time. Raising his staff, he proclaimed, "As for the rest of you... You shall pay the price.. for... associating with this knave." 

This... is not good. Ennalee thought her eyes flicking around the room. Some poor soul had been consumed by a fire that had spurted from the cloaked man's staff. No, no, focus. She needed a way out. The back door was clearly out. The cloaked man was standing rather close to it, and that made her wary. 

Had Glyer really been selling weapons to the Witherlord? 
Goodness, her thoughts did wander. Now, a way out... She couldn't think straight. Terror seemed to numb her. She couldn't remember where the other exits were. She had jotted them down in her notebook, but she didn't have the time to look. She needed to get out of here, however. 

Turning towards Skylight, she offered her hand. 
"I'm Ennalee, in case you were wondering. Now, are you willing to work with me to find a way out?"

Sorry guys, I'll normally be way better about posting here. The last few days have just been really hectic. 

Don't feel bad about not immediately replying, it's totally fine to be busy. I may or may not have taken multiple-week long breaks from the Shard right in the middle of plots that I started before, so I get it.

1 hour ago, ThatOneGuyOverThere said:

Vlanis sighed and rubbed his temples. "Note to self: seminars about god-slaying are probably not reliable."
Time to get out. 

The dark wizard raised his staff again, and a dozen withergeists flooded in through the ruined door.

"Destroy them all." He whispered, sounding almost regretful.

Meanwhile, Glyer had finally pulled himself together enough to turn, intending to run for the fire exit. This plan was cut short by a pair of withergeists which formed in front of him.

Oh dear. He thought, reaching for his Blade and stumbling back. This has gotten a bit out of hand.

Meanwhile, the rest of the room was becoming understandably chaotic. Some of the less cautious adventurers and heroes had rushed the withergeists and wizard. Their ashes and drained corpses now decorated the area near the main doors of the building. The more cautious of those attending the seminar had gathered in a rough clump midway between the stage, save for the dragon, who was looking up at the ceiling.

The dragon launched itself into the ceiling, bursting through it and into the night sky beyond.

The wizard sighed, waving a hand and sending a few withergeists chasing after the dragon. "This would all be much easier if you would just... stop struggling."

One person did not seem to be overly surprised or terrified by the dark wizard's appearance. The silent hero hurried over to Ennallee and Skyler, sword in hand. He gestured, indicating his desire to work with them to escape.

@Through The Living Grub

[Verdance he/him]

9/10mmHB#2 sighed. “Could you be any more predictable,” his voice whispered to everyone on stage. Well, it would be good to practice combat with the new form. The sky above was dark, save the stars, which were flickering like candle flames. It seemed Night was also fighting withergeists. 9/10’s body solidified, and he walked leisurely up to a withergeist locked in battle with what appeared to be an Enuller. Inconsistency started shining bright white light, and he pulled it from him neck and stabbed it into the withergeist’s back. The thing immediately fell apart into smoke and ash, burned away by the offensive light. Definitely effective. The luxflaw grinned at the Enuller. “You’re welcome.” Then other withergeists started howling to each other, and began to group up on the luxflaw. Time to see what I’m made of, 9/10 thought, then threw himself at the crowd.

[NameIess]

1 hour ago, Through The Living Grass said:

9/10mmHB#2 sighed. “Could you be any more predictable,” his voice whispered to everyone on stage. Well, it would be good to practice combat with the new form. The sky above was dark, save the stars, which were flickering like candle flames. It seemed Night was also fighting withergeists. 9/10’s body solidified, and he walked leisurely up to a withergeist locked in battle with what appeared to be an Enuller. Inconsistency started shining bright white light, and he pulled it from him neck and stabbed it into the withergeist’s back. The thing immediately fell apart into smoke and ash, burned away by the offensive light. Definitely effective. The luxflaw grinned at the Enuller. “You’re welcome.” Then other withergeists started howling to each other, and began to group up on the luxflaw. Time to see what I’m made of, 9/10 thought, then threw himself at the crowd.

The crowd of withergeists dispersed before 9/10, responding to their leader's silent command to focus instead on the rest of the crowd.

The dark wizard threw back his cowl, revealing the face of an old man ordinary in almost every respect save for his eyes, which were of purest black.

"That light... You are the one named after a pencil." He murmured. "The Witherlord has plans for you." He examined 9/10's blade. "Perhaps... he did order me to kill any of his enemies I encountered as I searched for Glyer." Darkness gathered around his staff, precluding a burst of dark flame which burst forth towards 9/10.

"Die well, hero. This is the only mercy I can grant." Said the wizard sadly.

[Through the Living Shadow he/him]

13 hours ago, NameIess said:

"An excellent question!" Glyer exclaimed. "I can assure you that Murderite is just* as murderous as Mordite, and that Mordite was indeed used in its creation."

He would likely have continued to expound Murderite's virtues, save for the door at the back of the room exploding inward and showering the audience with splinters of wood.

"Glyer!" Boomed a cloaked figure wielding a black staff. "Where is the Mordite you were entrusted?"

The figure pulled a dagger from his cloak which looked to be quite similar to those Glyer was attempting to sell, save that it seemed to be flaking away into dust.

"You swore to deliver the Witherlord enough blades to equip an army. And all we have received are half-baked forgeries, which began dissolving immediately hence they were delivered!"

Glyer flinched backwards, hand reaching for the blade at his side. He steadied himself, however, and managed to paste a smile on his face.

"Why, have there been problems with the weapon quality? This is the first I've heard of it. I'll have to speak with my production team. Not to worry, but I will personally ensure all the issues are-"

The cloaked figure slammed his staff onto the ground, tendrils of darkness rising all around him as he cut Glyer short. "Not good enough." He growled. "You shall return the Mordite forthwith, and come with me to answer to the Witherlord himself for your foolish attempt at deceit."

He seemed to see the crowd for the first time, and paused. He raised his staff, seeming oddly hesitant.

"As for the rest of you..." His voice sounded strained. Shadowy fire burst from his staff, consuming an unfortunately nearby adventurer. "You shall pay the price... for... associating with this knave."

@Through The Living Grass @Through the Living Wrath @Through The Living Grub @ThatOneGuyOverThere

Hé sighed. “Time to go!”

And disappeared, calling for the help of a friend.

In his place, a grey dust—Nullite—barely resembled a human. 

Edited March 29 by Through the Living Wrath

[Through The Living Grub He/Him]

15 hours ago, NameIess said:

The dark wizard raised his staff again, and a dozen withergeists flooded in through the ruined door.

"Destroy them all." He whispered, sounding almost regretful.

Meanwhile, Glyer had finally pulled himself together enough to turn, intending to run for the fire exit. This plan was cut short by a pair of withergeists which formed in front of him.

Oh dear. He thought, reaching for his Blade and stumbling back. This has gotten a bit out of hand.

Meanwhile, the rest of the room was becoming understandably chaotic. Some of the less cautious adventurers and heroes had rushed the withergeists and wizard. Their ashes and drained corpses now decorated the area near the main doors of the building. The more cautious of those attending the seminar had gathered in a rough clump midway between the stage, save for the dragon, who was looking up at the ceiling.

The dragon launched itself into the ceiling, bursting through it and into the night sky beyond.

The wizard sighed, waving a hand and sending a few withergeists chasing after the dragon. "This would all be much easier if you would just... stop struggling."

One person did not seem to be overly surprised or terrified by the dark wizard's appearance. The silent hero hurried over to Ennallee and Skyler, sword in hand. He gestured, indicating his desire to work with them to escape.

Skylight slips a pair of brass knuckles onto his hands. "Ah, another friend. Care for a bit of fun?" His previous uncertainty and lack of skill at conversation that I totally included in dialogue because I have much experience at writing and rp'ing faded away into raw ambition.

"This 'murdite' stuff seems unreliable, but I don't doubt Glyer has a pure blade for himself." He also eyes Glyer's Plotblade with hunger in his eyes. "And a prize that I want to try for."

So, um, @NameIess I hope you don't mind if I try to rob Glyer.

[IAmThatOneGuy He/Him]

17 hours ago, NameIess said:

Don't feel bad about not immediately replying, it's totally fine to be busy. I may or may not have taken multiple-week long breaks from the Shard right in the middle of plots that I started before, so I get it.

The dark wizard raised his staff again, and a dozen withergeists flooded in through the ruined door.

"Destroy them all." He whispered, sounding almost regretful.

Meanwhile, Glyer had finally pulled himself together enough to turn, intending to run for the fire exit. This plan was cut short by a pair of withergeists which formed in front of him.

Oh dear. He thought, reaching for his Blade and stumbling back. This has gotten a bit out of hand.

Meanwhile, the rest of the room was becoming understandably chaotic. Some of the less cautious adventurers and heroes had rushed the withergeists and wizard. Their ashes and drained corpses now decorated the area near the main doors of the building. The more cautious of those attending the seminar had gathered in a rough clump midway between the stage, save for the dragon, who was looking up at the ceiling.

The dragon launched itself into the ceiling, bursting through it and into the night sky beyond.

The wizard sighed, waving a hand and sending a few withergeists chasing after the dragon. "This would all be much easier if you would just... stop struggling."

One person did not seem to be overly surprised or terrified by the dark wizard's appearance. The silent hero hurried over to Ennallee and Skyler, sword in hand. He gestured, indicating his desire to work with them to escape.

@Through The Living Grub

Vlanis found himself facing a withergeist. The dark being screeched at him.
Vlanis needed to stay calm. His weapons likely wouldn't work on the withergeist, and the many corpses proved they were lethal. He didn't have the time to attune to the Vael
It was time to use the new power. He cleared his mind and focused on his body, his physical being, down to the particles. He focused on that with a steel will. 
Then he summoned the Anti-Intent.
Immediately, the world lurched. His existence was under attack.  His atoms shuddered, their meaning eroding, their cohesion unraveling. His vision flickered at the edges, reality stuttering like a broken film reel. Somehow, only through sheer force of will, he was able to withstand it.
Once he was in relative control, he forced some of the power onto the withergeist. 
The withergeist’s form spasmed, its edges dissolving into static. Its scream warped, glitching between pitches. Parts of its body flickered out of existence, reappearing half a second out of sync. The creature recoiled violently, its very nature unraveling until nothing remained but a smear of narrative static.

Vlanis exhaled and pushed the Anti‑Intent away, letting his form stabilize.
He smiled a thin, cold smile.
He hadn’t been able to use it on Mistair—too slippery, too evasive, too aware. And the amount of Anti‑Intent he could summon wasn’t strong enough to fully kill Narrators or Enullers. But he knew his enemy.
The self-titled 'Representation of Drama' would see Vlanis’s pursuit as a game.
And Vlanis would play.
He would play until it was too late for Mister Mistair to escape.
-
The Outlier burst in through a side door, wielding a long, glowing chain whip. He looked around the room. He saw Vlanis, fighting a withergeist. Then he saw the corpses on the floor and the adventurers fighting for their lives. 
After only a small pang of a forgotten, buried feeling and a second's hesitation, he ran towards the struggling adventurers.

Edited March 29 by ThatOneGuyOverThere

[Verdance he/him]

14 hours ago, NameIess said:

The crowd of withergeists dispersed before 9/10, responding to their leader's silent command to focus instead on the rest of the crowd.

The dark wizard threw back his cowl, revealing the face of an old man ordinary in almost every respect save for his eyes, which were of purest black.

"That light... You are the one named after a pencil." He murmured. "The Witherlord has plans for you." He examined 9/10's blade. "Perhaps... he did order me to kill any of his enemies I encountered as I searched for Glyer." Darkness gathered around his staff, precluding a burst of dark flame which burst forth towards 9/10.

"Die well, hero. This is the only mercy I can grant." Said the wizard sadly.

“Yeah, the author thinks it’s funny, but I promise you, my mark on him has been anything but impermanent. I’d love to die, but I’ve technically done that several times already.” He ignored the gathering chaotic darkness and advanced calmly, projections splitting off and surrounding the wizard and Glyer. “Besides, I’ve always fancied myself more of an antivillain.”

1 hour ago, ThatOneGuyOverThere said:

Vlanis found himself facing a withergeist. The dark being screeched at him.
Vlanis needed to stay calm. His weapons likely wouldn't work on the withergeist, and the many corpses proved they were lethal. He didn't have the time to attune to the Vael
It was time to use the new power. He cleared his mind and focused on his body, his physical being, down to the particles. He focused on that with a steel will. 
Then he summoned the Anti-Intent.
Immediately, the world lurched. His existence was under attack.  His atoms shuddered, their meaning eroding, their cohesion unraveling. His vision flickered at the edges, reality stuttering like a broken film reel. Somehow, only through sheer force of will, he was able to withstand it.
Once he was in relative control, he forced some of the power onto the withergeist. 
The withergeist’s form spasmed, its edges dissolving into static. Its scream warped, glitching between pitches. Parts of its body flickered out of existence, reappearing half a second out of sync. The creature recoiled violently, its very nature unraveling until nothing remained but a smear of narrative static.

Vlanis exhaled and pushed the Anti‑Intent away, letting his form stabilize.
He smiled a thin, cold smile.
He hadn’t been able to use it on Mistair—too slippery, too evasive, too aware. And the amount of Anti‑Intent he could summon wasn’t strong enough to fully kill Narrators or Enullers. But he knew his enemy.
The self-titled 'Representation of Drama' would see Vlanis’s pursuit as a game.
And Vlanis would play.
He would play until it was too late for Mister Mistair to escape.
-
The Outlier burst in through a side door, wielding a long, glowing chain whip. He looked around the room. He saw Vlanis, fighting a withergeist. Then he saw the corpses on the floor and the adventurers fighting for their lives. 
Without hesitation, he ran towards the struggling adventurers.

9/10 sensed the outsurge of power, a kind of power that didn’t just undermine the Thread, but the rules of existence themselves. A familiar power, possibly a cousin to his own. Dangerous, but promising. He turned his attention reluctantly back to the wizard.

[Through the Living Shadow he/him]

@NameIess

Afterimage, the ghost of Nullite left in place of the Scribe, burst into motion.

A film of Nullite broke off, internal structure holding it up with intermediary lattices (in order to isolate the magic from the the Nullite) [which also owed to the clumsy, imprecise shaping of his body] as the film enveloped a number of Withergeists. Because he could not replicate Nullite like he could his own magic, Afterimage was only able to contain a few Withergeists.

At the same time, he sent a drone—more defined and sharp than the Nullite construct that protected him— to communicate with another fighter. The drone took physical form, a perfect illusion of the man Afterimage used to be.

The drone appeared to 9/10 @Through The Living Grass, regarding the wizard warily. “A luxsprite, eh? I still can decide if I qualify as Ordered Light…”

Light began to pulse under his hand. “You need help?”

[Verdance he/him]

1 hour ago, Through the Living Wrath said:

@NameIess

Afterimage, the ghost of Nullite left in place of the Scribe, burst into motion.

A film of Nullite broke off, internal structure holding it up with intermediary lattices (in order to isolate the magic from the the Nullite) [which also owed to the clumsy, imprecise shaping of his body] as the film enveloped a number of Withergeists. Because he could not replicate Nullite like he could his own magic, Afterimage was only able to contain a few Withergeists.

At the same time, he sent a drone—more defined and sharp than the Nullite construct that protected him— to communicate with another fighter. The drone took physical form, a perfect illusion of the man Afterimage used to be.

The drone appeared to 9/10 @Through The Living Grass, regarding the wizard warily. “A luxsprite, eh? I still can decide if I qualify as Ordered Light…”

Light began to pulse under his hand. “You need help?”

“Halfway there, you could say,” 9/10mmHB#2 replied. “I wouldn’t mind if you could protect the others while I deal with this guy.”

[NameIess]

7 hours ago, Through The Living Grub said:

So, um, @NameIess I hope you don't mind if I try to rob Glyer.

Feel free! Although I'm not certain how much Skylight will love the Plotblade Glyer wields, if he manages to steal it successfully.

 

7 hours ago, ThatOneGuyOverThere said:

Vlanis found himself facing a withergeist. The dark being screeched at him.
Vlanis needed to stay calm. His weapons likely wouldn't work on the withergeist, and the many corpses proved they were lethal. He didn't have the time to attune to the Vael
It was time to use the new power. He cleared his mind and focused on his body, his physical being, down to the particles. He focused on that with a steel will. 
Then he summoned the Anti-Intent.
Immediately, the world lurched. His existence was under attack.  His atoms shuddered, their meaning eroding, their cohesion unraveling. His vision flickered at the edges, reality stuttering like a broken film reel. Somehow, only through sheer force of will, he was able to withstand it.
Once he was in relative control, he forced some of the power onto the withergeist. 
The withergeist’s form spasmed, its edges dissolving into static. Its scream warped, glitching between pitches. Parts of its body flickered out of existence, reappearing half a second out of sync. The creature recoiled violently, its very nature unraveling until nothing remained but a smear of narrative static.

Vlanis exhaled and pushed the Anti‑Intent away, letting his form stabilize.
He smiled a thin, cold smile.
He hadn’t been able to use it on Mistair—too slippery, too evasive, too aware. And the amount of Anti‑Intent he could summon wasn’t strong enough to fully kill Narrators or Enullers. But he knew his enemy.
The self-titled 'Representation of Drama' would see Vlanis’s pursuit as a game.
And Vlanis would play.
He would play until it was too late for Mister Mistair to escape.

One of the 'bodies' near Vlanis convulsed, reanimating and grabbing at Vlanis's leg with fingers that felt hot and cold all at once.

6 hours ago, Through The Living Grass said:

“Yeah, the author thinks it’s funny, but I promise you, my mark on him has been anything but impermanent. I’d love to die, but I’ve technically done that several times already.” He ignored the gathering chaotic darkness and advanced calmly, projections splitting off and surrounding the wizard and Glyer. “Besides, I’ve always fancied myself more of an antivillain.”

The fire hit 9/10 and enveloped him. It ripped at his soul, threatening to seep into it and destroy him.

"Accept this true and final death." The wizard said. His voice was faint, an irritating whine next to the screaming agony of the dark fire. "You oppose that which cannot be defeated." He whispered wearily. "Struggle no longer. I offer you rest, a peaceful end to a futile existence."

Glyer, meanwhile, had drawn his sword. It was, surprisingly, a rather plain hand-and-a-half sword. It seemed to be forged from ordinary steel, with an unornamented cross guard and a simple hilt. "You want your Mordite back?" He asked, warding away the two withergeists before him. "Then take it back!" He shouted dramatically, thrust his sword aloft as three aides jumped the withergeists from behind with dark daggers. A dozen more aides appeared from side doors all along the room, wielding dark blades and cutting into the withergeists attacking the crowd.

"Nothing to fear, everyone!" Called Glyer. "I shall shortly dispense of this slanderous fool, an easy task for an adventurer as experienced as I!"

1 hour ago, Through the Living Wrath said:

@NameIess

Afterimage, the ghost of Nullite left in place of the Scribe, burst into motion.

A film of Nullite broke off, internal structure holding it up with intermediary lattices (in order to isolate the magic from the the Nullite) [which also owed to the clumsy, imprecise shaping of his body] as the film enveloped a number of Withergeists. Because he could not replicate Nullite like he could his own magic, Afterimage was only able to contain a few Withergeists.

At the same time, he sent a drone—more defined and sharp than the Nullite construct that protected him— to communicate with another fighter. The drone took physical form, a perfect illusion of the man Afterimage used to be.

The drone appeared to 9/10 @Through The Living Grass, regarding the wizard warily. “A luxsprite, eh? I still can decide if I qualify as Ordered Light…”

Light began to pulse under his hand. “You need help?”

The wizard launched more dark flames at the drone projecting the illusory Scribe.

[Verdance he/him]

1 minute ago, NameIess said:

Feel free! Although I'm not certain how much Skylight will love the Plotblade Glyer wields, if he manages to steal it successfully.

 

One of the 'bodies' near Vlanis convulsed, reanimating and grabbing at Vlanis's leg with fingers that felt hot and cold all at once.

The fire hit 9/10 and enveloped him. It ripped at his soul, threatening to seep into it and destroy him.

"Accept this true and final death." The wizard said. His voice was faint, an irritating whine next to the screaming agony of the dark fire. "You oppose that which cannot be defeated." He whispered wearily. "Struggle no longer. I offer you rest, a peaceful end to a futile existence."

Glyer, meanwhile, had drawn his sword. It was, surprisingly, a rather plain hand-and-a-half sword. It seemed to be forged from ordinary steel, with an unornamented cross guard and a simple hilt. "You want your Mordite back?" He asked, warding away the two withergeists before him. "Then take it back!" He shouted dramatically, thrust his sword aloft as three aides jumped the withergeists from behind with dark daggers. A dozen more aides appeared from side doors all along the room, wielding dark blades and cutting into the withergeists attacking the crowd.

"Nothing to fear, everyone!" Called Glyer. "I shall shortly dispense of this slanderous fool, an easy task for an adventurer as experienced as I!"

The wizard launched more dark flames at the drone projecting the illusory Scribe.

9/10 theatrically collapsed to the floor, or rather, one of his projections did while his body instantly relocated to a projection not being consumed by black fire. “Yes, you could technically kill me, but that would just exile me from the Thread, until the Thread consumes my author’s corner of Flawspace,” 9/10mmHB#2 admitted, gathering the light in the immediate area into his hands, having the dual effect of making him look shrouded in darkness and also allowing him to cast the bolt of light at the Wizard without getting too close. “But I doubt a Thread-dweller could end my existence… you’d have to- NO, damnit, you’re not going to make me tell them how to kill me!”, he suddenly shouted at nothing at all. As he did, several of his projections began to lose form. He could either fight his Author, be a Flaw, or use his powers, be a Luxsprite, and the conflict was proving the instability of his existence.

[IAmThatOneGuy He/Him]

6 minutes ago, NameIess said:

Feel free! Although I'm not certain how much Skylight will love the Plotblade Glyer wields, if he manages to steal it successfully.

 

One of the 'bodies' near Vlanis convulsed, reanimating and grabbing at Vlanis's leg with fingers that felt hot and cold all at once.

The fire hit 9/10 and enveloped him. It ripped at his soul, threatening to seep into it and destroy him.

"Accept this true and final death." The wizard said. His voice was faint, an irritating whine next to the screaming agony of the dark fire. "You oppose that which cannot be defeated." He whispered wearily. "Struggle no longer. I offer you rest, a peaceful end to a futile existence."

Glyer, meanwhile, had drawn his sword. It was, surprisingly, a rather plain hand-and-a-half sword. It seemed to be forged from ordinary steel, with an unornamented cross guard and a simple hilt. "You want your Mordite back?" He asked, warding away the two withergeists before him. "Then take it back!" He shouted dramatically, thrust his sword aloft as three aides jumped the withergeists from behind with dark daggers. A dozen more aides appeared from side doors all along the room, wielding dark blades and cutting into the withergeists attacking the crowd.

"Nothing to fear, everyone!" Called Glyer. "I shall shortly dispense of this slanderous fool, an easy task for an adventurer as experienced as I!"

The wizard launched more dark flames at the drone projecting the illusory Scribe.

"You've got to be kidding me," Vlanis said.
He snapped around, firing his gun at the reanimated corpse and kicking it in the face. "I am DONE with this place."
Once it had let go, his eyes searched for an exit. He found something else: the girl who had caused that disturbance a little while ago. She had two other adventurers at her side.
Hmm, He thought. Well, with a group, at least the withergeists might go for the others.
He began to run towards them, then stopped. He noticed a familiar figure fighting the withergeists with a glowing chain. Outlier.
Vlanis narrowed his eyes. That was going to make things more complicated.
Suddenly, it hit him. Which is exactly what Mistair would love to see.
Despite himself, Vlanis grinned widely. Mistair had taken the bait.

[NameIess]

1 hour ago, Through The Living Grass said:

9/10 theatrically collapsed to the floor, or rather, one of his projections did while his body instantly relocated to a projection not being consumed by black fire. “Yes, you could technically kill me, but that would just exile me from the Thread, until the Thread consumes my author’s corner of Flawspace,” 9/10mmHB#2 admitted, gathering the light in the immediate area into his hands, having the dual effect of making him look shrouded in darkness and also allowing him to cast the bolt of light at the Wizard without getting too close. “But I doubt a Thread-dweller could end my existence… you’d have to- NO, damnit, you’re not going to make me tell them how to kill me!”, he suddenly shouted at nothing at all. As he did, several of his projections began to lose form. He could either fight his Author, be a Flaw, or use his powers, be a Luxsprite, and the conflict was proving the instability of his existence.

"I know how to kill you." The wizard caught the light on his staff, using up several bound withergeists in corrupting it. "I am bound in service to the embodiment of decay and death, and before his return spent ages mastering the powers of darkness." He chuckled wryly. "Arrogant as I was, I thought to control evil itself." With a tap of his staff to the ground, dark flames shot outward in a circle towards all the projections at once.

1 hour ago, ThatOneGuyOverThere said:

"You've got to be kidding me," Vlanis said.
He snapped around, firing his gun at the reanimated corpse and kicking it in the face. "I am DONE with this place."
Once it had let go, his eyes searched for an exit. He found something else: the girl who had caused that disturbance a little while ago. She had two other adventurers at her side.
Hmm, He thought. Well, with a group, at least the withergeists might go for the others.
He began to run towards them, then stopped. He noticed a familiar figure fighting the withergeists with a glowing chain. Outlier.
Vlanis narrowed his eyes. That was going to make things more complicated.
Suddenly, it hit him. Which is exactly what Mistair would love to see.
Despite himself, Vlanis grinned widely. Mistair had taken the bait.

As Vlanis watched withergeists fighting the other adventurers, he noticed an odd pattern. When a withergeist struck an adventurer, some simply died from corrupting wounds, dissolving into shadow. Others, however, collapsed to the floor, withergeist sucked into their body. Those seemed to be stirring now, rising from the ground and joining the side of the withergeists, unleashing dark powers against the remaining survivors.

[Through the Living Shadow he/him]

8 hours ago, NameIess said:

Feel free! Although I'm not certain how much Skylight will love the Plotblade Glyer wields, if he manages to steal it successfully.

 

One of the 'bodies' near Vlanis convulsed, reanimating and grabbing at Vlanis's leg with fingers that felt hot and cold all at once.

The fire hit 9/10 and enveloped him. It ripped at his soul, threatening to seep into it and destroy him.

"Accept this true and final death." The wizard said. His voice was faint, an irritating whine next to the screaming agony of the dark fire. "You oppose that which cannot be defeated." He whispered wearily. "Struggle no longer. I offer you rest, a peaceful end to a futile existence."

Glyer, meanwhile, had drawn his sword. It was, surprisingly, a rather plain hand-and-a-half sword. It seemed to be forged from ordinary steel, with an unornamented cross guard and a simple hilt. "You want your Mordite back?" He asked, warding away the two withergeists before him. "Then take it back!" He shouted dramatically, thrust his sword aloft as three aides jumped the withergeists from behind with dark daggers. A dozen more aides appeared from side doors all along the room, wielding dark blades and cutting into the withergeists attacking the crowd.

"Nothing to fear, everyone!" Called Glyer. "I shall shortly dispense of this slanderous fool, an easy task for an adventurer as experienced as I!"

The wizard launched more dark flames at the drone projecting the illusory Scribe.

9 hours ago, Through The Living Grass said:

“Halfway there, you could say,” 9/10mmHB#2 replied. “I wouldn’t mind if you could protect the others while I deal with this guy.”

worth mentioning that the scribe and Afterimage are separate 

Afterimage nodded curtly, and dissipated before the flame could touch him.

Meanwhile, he began neutralizing the Withergeists one at a time, as well as distracting them from other adventurers.

[Verdance he/him]

8 hours ago, NameIess said:

"I know how to kill you." The wizard caught the light on his staff, using up several bound withergeists in corrupting it. "I am bound in service to the embodiment of decay and death, and before his return spent ages mastering the powers of darkness." He chuckled wryly. "Arrogant as I was, I thought to control evil itself." With a tap of his staff to the ground, dark flames shot outward in a circle towards all the projections at once.

As Vlanis watched withergeists fighting the other adventurers, he noticed an odd pattern. When a withergeist struck an adventurer, some simply died from corrupting wounds, dissolving into shadow. Others, however, collapsed to the floor, withergeist sucked into their body. Those seemed to be stirring now, rising from the ground and joining the side of the withergeists, unleashing dark powers against the remaining survivors.

The dark fire burned through the current wave of projections, while 9/10mmHB#2 attempted to deflect or divert the fire that would damage his main body via the Annoyance of Inconsistency, which worked to a varying degree. The blade did somewhat cut through the ring of fire, creating a sort of A-shape of safety, and he wasn’t immediately incinerated or anything. His hands and to some extent his arms were immediately scalded and withered slightly, almost making him drop the dagger while he used up ordered light to purge the chaotic darkness from his system. *screech* “-off,” he spat, ignoring the burns, the starhawk, the threat. Then he grabbed for the staff, pouring all his focus into it, trying to break its narrative. 

[IAmThatOneGuy He/Him]

9 hours ago, NameIess said:

"I know how to kill you." The wizard caught the light on his staff, using up several bound withergeists in corrupting it. "I am bound in service to the embodiment of decay and death, and before his return spent ages mastering the powers of darkness." He chuckled wryly. "Arrogant as I was, I thought to control evil itself." With a tap of his staff to the ground, dark flames shot outward in a circle towards all the projections at once.

As Vlanis watched withergeists fighting the other adventurers, he noticed an odd pattern. When a withergeist struck an adventurer, some simply died from corrupting wounds, dissolving into shadow. Others, however, collapsed to the floor, withergeist sucked into their body. Those seemed to be stirring now, rising from the ground and joining the side of the withergeists, unleashing dark powers against the remaining survivors.

Vlanis stiffened, watching as the wither-zombies rose to fight the adventurers. He had to go. 
But watching as they fought to their deaths... He felt conflicted.
-
The Outlier used his chain to great effect, keeping the withergeists and the reanimating corpses at bay. But the forces were growing. He wouldn't be able to hold much longer.
He gritted his teeth. He couldn't just leave these people. If he was going to live forever, he might as well do something good. So he continued to fight.

[Through The Living Grub He/Him]

9 hours ago, NameIess said:

Feel free! Although I'm not certain how much Skylight will love the Plotblade Glyer wields, if he manages to steal it successfully.

Peak

9 hours ago, NameIess said:

Glyer, meanwhile, had drawn his sword. It was, surprisingly, a rather plain hand-and-a-half sword. It seemed to be forged from ordinary steel, with an unornamented cross guard and a simple hilt. "You want your Mordite back?" He asked, warding away the two withergeists before him. "Then take it back!" He shouted dramatically, thrust his sword aloft as three aides jumped the withergeists from behind with dark daggers. A dozen more aides appeared from side doors all along the room, wielding dark blades and cutting into the withergeists attacking the crowd.

"Nothing to fear, everyone!" Called Glyer. "I shall shortly dispense of this slanderous fool, an easy task for an adventurer as experienced as I!"

Skylight ran for the stage, but noticed one aide who had been separated from his companions. Skylight watched the man finish off a withergeist, then droop is sudden exhaustion.

Skylight smiled and redoubled his efforts, sprinting for his target. His opponent swung desperately, but Skylight grabbed the man's wrist and twisted, then forced the target's legs out from under his body.

Skylight let out a cheer. "I have missed this far too much." He turned to Glyer, who stood on the stage with only a single attendant. He then looked to 9/10 fighting desperately against the wizard. A voice deep inside Skylight vibrated, pleading with himself to help his new friends.

You must learn little one, Skylight said to the voice, to command rather than beg. Skylight dashed off to the sounds of man crying for those he wants to help.

[Through The Living Star She/Her]

Ennalee charged forward. Her black cloak fluttered to the ground, forgotten in the commotion. Her sheath thudded softly at her side, tapping against her legs irritatingly, but she would need it if this battle was ever over. 
Her blade danced through the air, slashing and stabbing as she narrowly avoided death by the withergeists. 

Skylight, it seemed, was going after Glyer. Ennalee wasn't quite sure why, but she knew that it meant she was on her own. There were other people fighting back, though most had fallen to the withergeists or the man with the staff. 

The fallen, as it so happened, joined the withergeists as well. The withergeists grew stronger with each person they felled, pushing even harder against the remaining adventurers. 

Were they doomed, cursed from the start of this ill-fated battle?
No, Ennalee couldn't believe that. She had to believe that her fighting meant something. And, if she did die, she would die with a sword in her hand. 

Swinging, she cut through a withergeist. She leapt over the body as it tumbled to the ground, then dashed forward. There were still others alive. She had to help. She had to. 

A man was fighting with a golden chain, holding off some withergeists. She made it to his side, fighting with him to stop them from destroying everything. 

She.. she was going to die, wasn't she? She didn't know how to get out. And there were so many of them... No. No. NO. She would fight until the end. She was not allowed to give up before then. 

She would fight. And she would try to win, if nothing else. 

Edited March 30 by Through The Living Star

[IAmThatOneGuy He/Him]

2 hours ago, Through The Living Star said:

Ennalee charged forward. Her black cloak fluttered to the ground, forgotten in the commotion. Her sheath thudded softly at her side, tapping against her legs irritatingly, but she would need it if this battle was ever over. 
Her blade danced through the air, slashing and stabbing as she narrowly avoided death by the withergeists. 

Skylight, it seemed, was going after Glyer. Ennalee wasn't quite sure why, but she knew that it meant she was on her own. There were other people fighting back, though most had fallen to the withergeists or the man with the staff. 

The fallen, as it so happened, joined the withergeists as well. The withergeists grew stronger with each person they felled, pushing even harder against the remaining adventurers. 

Were they doomed, cursed from the start of this ill-fated battle?
No, Ennalee couldn't believe that. She had to believe that her fighting meant something. And, if she did die, she would die with a sword in her hand. 

Swinging, she cut through a withergeist. She leapt over the body as it tumbled to the ground, then dashed forward. There were still others alive. She had to help. She had to. 

A man was fighting with a golden chain, holding off some withergeists. She made it to his side, fighting with him to stop them from destroying everything. 

She.. she was going to die, wasn't she? She didn't know how to get out. And there were so many of them... No. No. NO. She would fight until the end. She was not allowed to give up before then. 

She would fight. And she would try to win, if nothing else. 

The Outlier was too busy fighting to notice the woman by his side. He pulled out his gun and shot a corpse that was attacking a young adventurer. He grabbed the adventurer by the collar and dragged them behind a makeshift chair barricade that the others had made.
“Stay down,” he commanded.

A soft voice answered him. “Not many would bother.”

Outlier froze for half a second.
The voice was small, curious — almost childlike.
He growled and ducked quickly, as a withergeist’s claws sliced the air where his head had been.
He dismissed it. "Shut it, Mistair. I'm busy."
The little voice paused, then asked, "Who's Mistair?"
He ignored the voice. He didn't have time for voices, no matter who they were from.
Quick question: Do Radiants exist in this world?
-
Vlanis straightened. It was too dangerous to stay. If the adventurers died, it was because they were too weak to survive. 
He focused his mind and attuned to the Vael, the path between worlds. He could teleport out of the building and be done. 
But the screams stopped him. The sound of bodies hitting the floor. 
He sighed.  
Then turned and ran towards the fight, drawing his knife and reloading his pistol.

Edited March 30 by ThatOneGuyOverThere

[Verdance he/him]

3 hours ago, ThatOneGuyOverThere said:

The Outlier was too busy fighting to notice the woman by his side. He pulled out his gun and shot a corpse that was attacking a young adventurer. He grabbed the adventurer by the collar and dragged them behind a makeshift chair barricade that the others had made.
“Stay down,” he commanded.

A soft voice answered him. “Not many would bother.”

Outlier froze for half a second.
The voice was small, curious — almost childlike.
He growled and ducked quickly, as a withergeist’s claws sliced the air where his head had been.
He dismissed it. "Shut it, Mistair. I'm busy."
The little voice paused, then asked, "Who's Mistair?"
He ignored the voice. He didn't have time for voices, no matter who they were from.
Quick question: Do Radiants exist in this world?
-
Vlanis straightened. It was too dangerous to stay. If the adventurers died, it was because they were too weak to survive. 
He focused his mind and attuned to the Vael, the path between worlds. He could teleport out of the building and be done. 
But the screams stopped him. The sound of bodies hitting the floor. 
He sighed.  
Then turned and ran towards the fight, drawing his knife and reloading his pistol.

Yep, Radiants exist. Though in general, from what I’ve seen, other magics like sanderson or eragon are less powerful than TLT, supplementary at best. I doubt you could use stormlight to heal through a withergeist corruption, for example.

[IAmThatOneGuy He/Him]

18 minutes ago, Through The Living Grass said:

Yep, Radiants exist. Though in general, from what I’ve seen, other magics like sanderson or eragon are less powerful than TLT, supplementary at best. I doubt you could use stormlight to heal through a withergeist corruption, for example.

Got it, I'll keep that in mind.

[NameIess]

11 hours ago, Through the Living Wrath said:

worth mentioning that the scribe and Afterimage are separate 

Afterimage nodded curtly, and dissipated before the flame could touch him.

Meanwhile, he began neutralizing the Withergeists one at a time, as well as distracting them from other adventurers.

Ah, I’d thought the acribe was projecting himself while Afterimage fought.

the ethereal withergeists were easily captured, but those bonded to adventurers fought their way free of the Nullite containment with various dark powers. Still, Afterimage made good progress, capturing withergeist after withergeist as the battle’s tide began to turn.

9 hours ago, Through The Living Grass said:

The dark fire burned through the current wave of projections, while 9/10mmHB#2 attempted to deflect or divert the fire that would damage his main body via the Annoyance of Inconsistency, which worked to a varying degree. The blade did somewhat cut through the ring of fire, creating a sort of A-shape of safety, and he wasn’t immediately incinerated or anything. His hands and to some extent his arms were immediately scalded and withered slightly, almost making him drop the dagger while he used up ordered light to purge the chaotic darkness from his system. *screech* “-off,” he spat, ignoring the burns, the starhawk, the threat. Then he grabbed for the staff, pouring all his focus into it, trying to break its narrative. 

The wizard flinched, caught by surprise by 9/10’s lunge for the weapon instead of him. The staff burned with darkness that left deep burns on 9/10’s hand, flaring with power as it resisted his efforts to break it. Still, he felt it weakening, bending before his will-

*CRACK*

The staff shattered into a hundred splinters of darkness, knocking both 9/10 and the dark wizard to the ground. 9/10 perhaps felt a moment of accomplishment, but that would likely be cut short once each of those splinters rose up as a withergeist and joined the fray against the dwindling numbers of surviving adventurers.

The wizard struggled to his feet, expression almost pitying. “You cannot win.” He repeated. “Light and life are fleeting things. In the end, darkness will reign.”

He raised a hand, and a dozen withergeists swarmed 9/10 from all sides.

7 hours ago, Through The Living Grub said:

Peak

Skylight ran for the stage, but noticed one aide who had been separated from his companions. Skylight watched the man finish off a withergeist, then droop is sudden exhaustion.

Skylight smiled and redoubled his efforts, sprinting for his target. His opponent swung desperately, but Skylight grabbed the man's wrist and twisted, then forced the target's legs out from under his body.

Skylight let out a cheer. "I have missed this far too much." He turned to Glyer, who stood on the stage with only a single attendant. He then looked to 9/10 fighting desperately against the wizard. A voice deep inside Skylight vibrated, pleading with himself to help his new friends.

You must learn little one, Skylight said to the voice, to command rather than beg. Skylight dashed off to the sounds of man crying for those he wants to help.

Glyer’s eyes were half-closed, and he gripped his sword tightly, muttering to himself. The single aide turned at Skylight’s approach, bringing up a Mordite blade in a defensive posture.

5 hours ago, Through The Living Star said:

Ennalee charged forward. Her black cloak fluttered to the ground, forgotten in the commotion. Her sheath thudded softly at her side, tapping against her legs irritatingly, but she would need it if this battle was ever over. 
Her blade danced through the air, slashing and stabbing as she narrowly avoided death by the withergeists. 

Skylight, it seemed, was going after Glyer. Ennalee wasn't quite sure why, but she knew that it meant she was on her own. There were other people fighting back, though most had fallen to the withergeists or the man with the staff. 

The fallen, as it so happened, joined the withergeists as well. The withergeists grew stronger with each person they felled, pushing even harder against the remaining adventurers. 

Were they doomed, cursed from the start of this ill-fated battle?
No, Ennalee couldn't believe that. She had to believe that her fighting meant something. And, if she did die, she would die with a sword in her hand. 

Swinging, she cut through a withergeist. She leapt over the body as it tumbled to the ground, then dashed forward. There were still others alive. She had to help. She had to. 

A man was fighting with a golden chain, holding off some withergeists. She made it to his side, fighting with him to stop them from destroying everything. 

She.. she was going to die, wasn't she? She didn't know how to get out. And there were so many of them... No. No. NO. She would fight until the end. She was not allowed to give up before then. 

She would fight. And she would try to win, if nothing else. 

The silent hero cut down a withergeist just before it sank its claws into Skylight’s back. The creature hissed as it retreated to the Void to heal.

The quiet man put his back to Ennalee’s, sword glowing with a pale blue light that gave withergeists pause.

Around the room, the adventurers rallied. Though the possessed adventurers showed terrifying strength, they and the unbonded withergeists were still outnumbered by the living. One small group fought their way through to the door, then instead of fleeing, formed a semicircle and fought back the withergeists, providing a potential avenue of escape to the others.

“Come on!” Shouted one foolish adventurer. “Let’s fight our way free of here and be away from this cursed place! Me, I’m looking forward to getting back to my wife and child. In fact, I think I’m done with this adventuring nonsense. It’s about time I retir-

*CRACK*

On the stage, 9/10 shattered the Dark Wizard’s staff. The unfortunately foolish adventurer got a particularly large shard in the chest, dropping dead with barely a whimper. Others screamed in pain as smaller shards pierced them, their deaths slower and far more painful.

Over a hundred withergeists arose from the shards of the staff, much to the adventurer’s dismay. Joining the newly replenished ranks of withergeists were six adventurers bonded to withergeists, armed with Mordite blades they’d plundered from the slain aides.

The Silent Hero glanced to the Wizard on the stage, taking a step in his direction. Then, reluctantly, he turned and pointed to the door.

3 hours ago, ThatOneGuyOverThere said:

The Outlier was too busy fighting to notice the woman by his side. He pulled out his gun and shot a corpse that was attacking a young adventurer. He grabbed the adventurer by the collar and dragged them behind a makeshift chair barricade that the others had made.
“Stay down,” he commanded.

A soft voice answered him. “Not many would bother.”

Outlier froze for half a second.
The voice was small, curious — almost childlike.
He growled and ducked quickly, as a withergeist’s claws sliced the air where his head had been.
He dismissed it. "Shut it, Mistair. I'm busy."
The little voice paused, then asked, "Who's Mistair?"
He ignored the voice. He didn't have time for voices, no matter who they were from.
Quick question: Do Radiants exist in this world?
-
Vlanis straightened. It was too dangerous to stay. If the adventurers died, it was because they were too weak to survive. 
He focused his mind and attuned to the Vael, the path between worlds. He could teleport out of the building and be done. 
But the screams stopped him. The sound of bodies hitting the floor. 
He sighed.  
Then turned and ran towards the fight, drawing his knife and reloading his pistol.

The possessed adventurer stumbled as the bullet hit him in the side of the head, but did not fall. Tendrils of darkness sprouted from its skin, pulling the bullet free. The undead adventurer turned towards the Outlier with a deranged grin and raised a hand. Dark spikes shot forth, seeking the Outlier’s heart.

—

There was a sharp *crack* from the stage, and Vlanis found himself isolated amidst a field of dark metal shards. Dark smoke rose from the  shards, forming into withergeists. Screaming in outrage, these withergeists leapt for Vlanis with outstretched claws.

[Through the Living Shadow he/him]

3 minutes ago, NameIess said:

Ah, I’d thought the acribe was projecting himself while Afterimage fought.

the ethereal withergeists were easily captured, but those bonded to adventurers fought their way free of the Nullite containment with various dark powers. Still, Afterimage made good progress, capturing withergeist after withergeist as the battle’s tide began to turn.

The wizard flinched, caught by surprise by 9/10’s lunge for the weapon instead of him. The staff burned with darkness that left deep burns on 9/10’s hand, flaring with power as it resisted his efforts to break it. Still, he felt it weakening, bending before his will-

*CRACK*

The staff shattered into a hundred splinters of darkness, knocking both 9/10 and the dark wizard to the ground. 9/10 perhaps felt a moment of accomplishment, but that would likely be cut short once each of those splinters rose up as a withergeist and joined the fray against the dwindling numbers of surviving adventurers.

The wizard struggled to his feet, expression almost pitying. “You cannot win.” He repeated. “Light and life are fleeting things. In the end, darkness will reign.”

He raised a hand, and a dozen withergeists swarmed 9/10 from all sides.

Glyer’s eyes were half-closed, and he gripped his sword tightly, muttering to himself. The single aide turned at Skylight’s approach, bringing up a Mordite blade in a defensive posture.

The silent hero cut down a withergeist just before it sank its claws into Skylight’s back. The creature hissed as it retreated to the Void to heal.

The quiet man put his back to Ennalee’s, sword glowing with a pale blue light that gave withergeists pause.

Around the room, the adventurers rallied. Though the possessed adventurers showed terrifying strength, they and the unbonded withergeists were still outnumbered by the living. One small group fought their way through to the door, then instead of fleeing, formed a semicircle and fought back the withergeists, providing a potential avenue of escape to the others.

“Come on!” Shouted one foolish adventurer. “Let’s fight our way free of here and be away from this cursed place! Me, I’m looking forward to getting back to my wife and child. In fact, I think I’m done with this adventuring nonsense. It’s about time I retir-

*CRACK*

On the stage, 9/10 shattered the Dark Wizard’s staff. The unfortunately foolish adventurer got a particularly large shard in the chest, dropping dead with barely a whimper. Others screamed in pain as smaller shards pierced them, their deaths slower and far more painful.

Over a hundred withergeists arose from the shards of the staff, much to the adventurer’s dismay. Joining the newly replenished ranks of withergeists were six adventurers bonded to withergeists, armed with Mordite blades they’d plundered from the slain aides.

The Silent Hero glanced to the Wizard on the stage, taking a step in his direction. Then, reluctantly, he turned and pointed to the door.

The possessed adventurer stumbled as the bullet hit him in the side of the head, but did not fall. Tendrils of darkness sprouted from its skin, pulling the bullet free. The undead adventurer turned towards the Outlier with a deranged grin and raised a hand. Dark spikes shot forth, seeking the Outlier’s heart.

—

There was a sharp *crack* from the stage, and Vlanis found himself isolated amidst a field of dark metal shards. Dark smoke rose from the  shards, forming into withergeists. Screaming in outrage, these withergeists leapt for Vlanis with outstretched claws.

Afterimage is essentially a Narrator in everything but nature—similar (but obviously limited, unlike a Narrator), but he adheres more to ordered power. His consciousness is kept within his protective Nullite (and he has a few backups. I thought very hard about how I could make him Narrator-proof a while ago…) but he occasionally projects drones that can do more precise tasks (not having to manage Nullite and the space they have to give it).

anyways

If I had to rank his nature, it would be Ordered. He’s got both Light and Dark

Afterimage considered those that broke free. “Interesting.” He rose a hand, and a bitter cold rose. “I am curious how Entropy reacts when it is deprived of what it destroys.”

A purple ring surrounded one of the escaped Withergeists, and the air around them—as well as the ground beneath them—disappeared. A force, detached from his construct, quickly accelerated them downwards into the pit. “Goodbye.”

Hopefully it worked. He wasn’t quite sure how to deal with them.

[IAmThatOneGuy He/Him]

26 minutes ago, NameIess said:

Ah, I’d thought the acribe was projecting himself while Afterimage fought.

the ethereal withergeists were easily captured, but those bonded to adventurers fought their way free of the Nullite containment with various dark powers. Still, Afterimage made good progress, capturing withergeist after withergeist as the battle’s tide began to turn.

The wizard flinched, caught by surprise by 9/10’s lunge for the weapon instead of him. The staff burned with darkness that left deep burns on 9/10’s hand, flaring with power as it resisted his efforts to break it. Still, he felt it weakening, bending before his will-

*CRACK*

The staff shattered into a hundred splinters of darkness, knocking both 9/10 and the dark wizard to the ground. 9/10 perhaps felt a moment of accomplishment, but that would likely be cut short once each of those splinters rose up as a withergeist and joined the fray against the dwindling numbers of surviving adventurers.

The wizard struggled to his feet, expression almost pitying. “You cannot win.” He repeated. “Light and life are fleeting things. In the end, darkness will reign.”

He raised a hand, and a dozen withergeists swarmed 9/10 from all sides.

Glyer’s eyes were half-closed, and he gripped his sword tightly, muttering to himself. The single aide turned at Skylight’s approach, bringing up a Mordite blade in a defensive posture.

The silent hero cut down a withergeist just before it sank its claws into Skylight’s back. The creature hissed as it retreated to the Void to heal.

The quiet man put his back to Ennalee’s, sword glowing with a pale blue light that gave withergeists pause.

Around the room, the adventurers rallied. Though the possessed adventurers showed terrifying strength, they and the unbonded withergeists were still outnumbered by the living. One small group fought their way through to the door, then instead of fleeing, formed a semicircle and fought back the withergeists, providing a potential avenue of escape to the others.

“Come on!” Shouted one foolish adventurer. “Let’s fight our way free of here and be away from this cursed place! Me, I’m looking forward to getting back to my wife and child. In fact, I think I’m done with this adventuring nonsense. It’s about time I retir-

*CRACK*

On the stage, 9/10 shattered the Dark Wizard’s staff. The unfortunately foolish adventurer got a particularly large shard in the chest, dropping dead with barely a whimper. Others screamed in pain as smaller shards pierced them, their deaths slower and far more painful.

Over a hundred withergeists arose from the shards of the staff, much to the adventurer’s dismay. Joining the newly replenished ranks of withergeists were six adventurers bonded to withergeists, armed with Mordite blades they’d plundered from the slain aides.

The Silent Hero glanced to the Wizard on the stage, taking a step in his direction. Then, reluctantly, he turned and pointed to the door.

The possessed adventurer stumbled as the bullet hit him in the side of the head, but did not fall. Tendrils of darkness sprouted from its skin, pulling the bullet free. The undead adventurer turned towards the Outlier with a deranged grin and raised a hand. Dark spikes shot forth, seeking the Outlier’s heart.

—

There was a sharp *crack* from the stage, and Vlanis found himself isolated amidst a field of dark metal shards. Dark smoke rose from the  shards, forming into withergeists. Screaming in outrage, these withergeists leapt for Vlanis with outstretched claws.

The Outlier didn't even have time to curse as he dove out of the way. He rolled and broke his fall a little, but he bruised his shoulder. He didn't pay attention; his natural regeneration would take care of it. 
Quickly standing back up, he whipped his chain around the corpse's neck. Using all his strength, he pulled the corpse into several others. He quickly yanked his chain back. 
"Wow... You're good!" The voice said.
He sighed. "Can't really talk right now."
That's when he heard Vlanis yell.
-
Vlanis bolted, throwing chairs out of his way. That's what I get for deciding to stay.
He shot several withergeists before digging through his pockets.
He ripped out shaded goggles and a bottle of white liquid. It was his last Flashwater bottle from a few universes ago. 
Let's see how these things react to very bright, sacred light.
He hastily put on his goggles and yelled at the top of his lungs, "EVERYBODY CLOSE YOUR EYES!"
He threw the bottle over his shoulder.
When the bottle broke as it hit the ground, a flash almost as bright as the sun lit the room.

[Verdance he/him]

46 minutes ago, NameIess said:

Ah, I’d thought the acribe was projecting himself while Afterimage fought.

the ethereal withergeists were easily captured, but those bonded to adventurers fought their way free of the Nullite containment with various dark powers. Still, Afterimage made good progress, capturing withergeist after withergeist as the battle’s tide began to turn.

The wizard flinched, caught by surprise by 9/10’s lunge for the weapon instead of him. The staff burned with darkness that left deep burns on 9/10’s hand, flaring with power as it resisted his efforts to break it. Still, he felt it weakening, bending before his will-

*CRACK*

The staff shattered into a hundred splinters of darkness, knocking both 9/10 and the dark wizard to the ground. 9/10 perhaps felt a moment of accomplishment, but that would likely be cut short once each of those splinters rose up as a withergeist and joined the fray against the dwindling numbers of surviving adventurers.

The wizard struggled to his feet, expression almost pitying. “You cannot win.” He repeated. “Light and life are fleeting things. In the end, darkness will reign.”

He raised a hand, and a dozen withergeists swarmed 9/10 from all sides.

Glyer’s eyes were half-closed, and he gripped his sword tightly, muttering to himself. The single aide turned at Skylight’s approach, bringing up a Mordite blade in a defensive posture.

The silent hero cut down a withergeist just before it sank its claws into Skylight’s back. The creature hissed as it retreated to the Void to heal.

The quiet man put his back to Ennalee’s, sword glowing with a pale blue light that gave withergeists pause.

Around the room, the adventurers rallied. Though the possessed adventurers showed terrifying strength, they and the unbonded withergeists were still outnumbered by the living. One small group fought their way through to the door, then instead of fleeing, formed a semicircle and fought back the withergeists, providing a potential avenue of escape to the others.

“Come on!” Shouted one foolish adventurer. “Let’s fight our way free of here and be away from this cursed place! Me, I’m looking forward to getting back to my wife and child. In fact, I think I’m done with this adventuring nonsense. It’s about time I retir-

*CRACK*

On the stage, 9/10 shattered the Dark Wizard’s staff. The unfortunately foolish adventurer got a particularly large shard in the chest, dropping dead with barely a whimper. Others screamed in pain as smaller shards pierced them, their deaths slower and far more painful.

Over a hundred withergeists arose from the shards of the staff, much to the adventurer’s dismay. Joining the newly replenished ranks of withergeists were six adventurers bonded to withergeists, armed with Mordite blades they’d plundered from the slain aides.

The Silent Hero glanced to the Wizard on the stage, taking a step in his direction. Then, reluctantly, he turned and pointed to the door.

The possessed adventurer stumbled as the bullet hit him in the side of the head, but did not fall. Tendrils of darkness sprouted from its skin, pulling the bullet free. The undead adventurer turned towards the Outlier with a deranged grin and raised a hand. Dark spikes shot forth, seeking the Outlier’s heart.

—

There was a sharp *crack* from the stage, and Vlanis found himself isolated amidst a field of dark metal shards. Dark smoke rose from the  shards, forming into withergeists. Screaming in outrage, these withergeists leapt for Vlanis with outstretched claws.

9/10mmHB#2 did not like pain. It felt beneath him.  The satisfaction of destroying the mordite staff was overridden by intense anger at the burns on his hands, and he almost used a projection to teleport away- but stopped. He was nearly out of Ordered Light, and wouldn’t be able to heal his hands or deal with any other withergeists if he ran away. Besides, he had ran from every confrontation up to this point, and it was getting embarrassing. So he poured what was left of his ordered light into his hands, healing them. He raised the bone dagger with a snarl on his face. If things went wrong here- his time as a character was finished, and he would lose his sense of self forever. 

5 minutes ago, ThatOneGuyOverThere said:

The Outlier didn't even have time to curse as he dove out of the way. He rolled and broke his fall a little, but he bruised his shoulder. He didn't pay attention; his natural regeneration would take care of it. 
Quickly standing back up, he whipped his chain around the corpse's neck. Using all his strength, he pulled the corpse into several others. He quickly yanked his chain back. 
"Wow... You're good!" The voice said.
He sighed. "Can't really talk right now."
That's when he heard Vlanis yell.
-
Vlanis bolted, throwing chairs out of his way. That's what I get for deciding to stay.
He shot several withergeists before digging through his pockets.
He ripped out shaded goggles and a bottle of white liquid. It was his last Flashwater bottle from a few universes ago. 
Let's see how these things react to very bright, sacred light.
He hastily put on his goggles and yelled at the top of his lungs, "EVERYBODY CLOSE YOUR EYES!"
He threw the bottle over his shoulder.
When the bottle broke as it hit the ground, a flash almost as bright as the sun lit the room.

9/10mmHB#2 was prepared to fight until either he or his enemy was dead, but when Vlanis threw the Flashwater, he suddenly found his supply of Ordered Light recharged slightly. Not enough for a projection, no, he would need rest and sunlight and plot armor for those, but enough to make Inconsistency glow a fierce white, charged with Ordered Light. He lashed out at the withergeists forming between him and the wizard, cutting them down with a flurry of stabs to get to the wizard.