kj1225

Vratislav waves the apology off. But what she was saying was intriguing... "Don't worry, I'm used to it, it's endearing... Or something. Anyway, I'd be quite interested in studying you. Just a simple look over and demonstration of your abilities..." Vratislav meanwhile sucks in a slow breath as he comes to realize that Ywenia's voice is going to become nails on a chalkboard to him. Worse than that if they need to negotiate.

Vratislav nodded despite not quite understanding what it is Evelyn was talking about. The implications if he was understanding though, were horrifying. An entire city, perhaps even a country taken over by the crimson curse... Still, this would present an interesting opportunity. If he could study them maybe he could find a solution to the problem of the curse... But that was for another time. "And what of you? From how you're phrasing things it would seem you aren't a vileblood yourself, and you obviously aren't of the church..."

Vratislav nods at that. It sounds reasonable at least, for one to not welcome audiences while under an "active" siege. But the phrase vileblood, and the apparent rivalry with some form of religious establishment did bring to mind a certain annoyance he had yet to deal with... "I'd be happy to help push back the invaders, once I have a good group of men to assist. So what is a vileblood, if you don't mind me asking? I assume it has to do with a bloodline, or perhaps consumption of blood itself?"

Vratislav turns his chair back to the table. He rests his head on the palm of his hand as he considers what he knows about these people. Namely, the two going on about strength and enlightenment know nothing about really adversity. That was fine though, they'd either learn it or die. The others were a bit more palatable, although the one going on about math was a bit off. The one who also was leaning on the table seems interesting enough though that he figured he might as well build a rapport. After a few seconds he turned to her a spoke. "I do not believe I've heard of a Queen Annalise before. Would it be presumptuous of me to ask what she is like, in the event that we go to your home and happen to meet her?" Vratislav figured this would be a more efficient way to get the woman to open herself up some than just asking about her directly. This woman didn't seem like the type that would open up about herself right away but if he asked her about a secondary person of interest... perhaps she would be more interested in answering his questions.

Vratislav looks at the long eared woman. And then shrugs. "Hm, hating entire other groups because of supposed inferiority... How very human of you."

Vratislav looks a bit more stressed at that. He really didn't expect or want to see that. Still, this was no time to back down. "An impressive parlor trick, but monstrous size holds no intrinsic merit... unless inordinate exsanguination be considered a virtue. Or, too put it more succinctly since you favour brawn over brains, my team has killed things that make that look welcoming."

Vratislav rolls his eyes. "How noble. Since it is your wish I shall not asisst you." Vratislav's expression turns to one of rage at the words of the muscle man. He bites down on nothing and closes his eyes, setting himself back into control before speaking. "Monsters can try, but their strength always falters before a group blessed with solemn purpose. Not even the power of gods can match that of a few men and women who have stopped fearing death long enough to band together and strike back. Flesh falters, blades dull, strength fades, but human spirit is a power that time can not touch. Monsters can can rule the world, but they can't cow the spirit of men forever."

Vratislav shrugs. "Fighting is not where my area of study has been, but I trust that if you rely only on yourselves you shall be obtaining the food you eat, the equipment you need, the shelter you sleep in and of course once this little empire plan gets off the ground you will not be asking any of us, that can swallow meaningless pride to work for a greater purpose, for help... forgive the harsh words, but civilization exists for a reason, and that's simply because no one person can do better on their own than a group of people who have their own strengths and cover the weaknesses of their fellows."

Vratislav inspects his finger nails. "An over reliance on one's self is just as much a flaw as relying too much on others."

Vratislav waited for the questions of the others to be answered before he asked his own question. "I am prepared to assist, but I would first need some mercenaries to assist. Normally I'd provide my own but the bandits around my hamlet have been most vexing lately and I need every hand there."

Varg did a quick double check before sending out a quick message. "On my way to their engines. Switching on Scramblers now." With that said Varg switches on the signal scramblers and proceeds towards the Cross, his arms raised half way up in case any strikers started firing already and he needed to extend his shield. Inside the cockpit he hums a war song he learned from his parents.

That's enough to get Vratislav to properly turn his chair to face the "Fallen". Why they were called that didn't immediately come to mind, perhaps they were a peoples that had somehow fallen into the depths of the earth untold ages ago? Or perhaps they came from the cosmos, much like the crystals infesting the farm... He would have to ask when there was time for leisure. "Hm, I can't quite say for certain that I recognize any of the terms you've used... But, I doubt what you're referring to is the same as anything I've seen. The void I'm referring to is the one that exists just outside our perception. Generally the creatures from there don't try and enter without invitation from us but... Unfortunately, my late uncle had a hobby of inviting them in and now I'm stuck dealing with results." Vratislav pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs to himself.

Vratislav looks over at the obviously not human woman. If one were to look into his eyes they'd note a glint that some would call dangerous in them. Still though, he looked diplomatically neutral as he spoke. "If it's not too rude to ask, what exactly are you? You're obviously not human, but the lack of people screaming and ripping and tearing of limbs implies to me that you aren't some monster from the void."

Vratislav shrugs at the woman's statement. He leans back in his chair as he starts to speak again. "I'm sure you'll find that's not something unique to your world. Hell, I have at least four different infestations of various kinds just within my own estate... actually, make that five. I was forgetting about that blasted farmstead... ah, but I'm rambling about nonsense you shouldn't trouble yourself with, may I ask your name?"

Vratislav turns to the one eyed huntress, his face showing a look of some surprise. "If beasts are what you're after, I'm sure you can hunt just as many on other worlds. And you'd likely be the only hunter from your world to do so at that."

The stressed man turns to the others and sighs. Of course, his curiosity was also piqued. How couldn't it be when such an interesting collection of... characters presented itself to you. He would have to ask about inspecting them later. It would probably be most... stimulating. Mentally shaking himself out of his thoughts Vratislav speaks to the gathered group. "I am Vratislav Najciemniejszy, should it come up. My family has one of the best troves of eldritch knowledge in the world, I invite you to come inspect it if you're willing to do me some favors."

A vaguely stressed out man sits up from his spot on the floor. He stares at the... woman? Some form of cult leader whatever the case. Perhaps of a similar brand of coven to the ones in the weald? That would be his guess. Normally, he'd remark on the rude introduction but, looking around.... He realizes it's probably best to do as she says for now. He gets up and takes a seat that the table, slouching some as he rests his chin on his folded hands. Finally, he speaks. "I do hope you do not take offense but this is a... singularly unique way to invite someone to your... estate."

Overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer. Rout1 Greg

Arminius looks up from his spot waiting in the Inn at the announcement. He considers getting up for a moment. He could go find Leo, and give him a proper scolding for messing with powers beyond his control... But then, this could be a boon. An artificial corruption could be modified and controlled. If it could be made to be deployed in enemy territory, and to automatically die off after about a month... yes, their enemies would be wholly unprepared for it and then they could walk in after with minimal resistance to claim it. He takes a sip of his water and smiles before turning to the goblin at his table. "Sounds like things have just gotten a lot more interesting, ey Nort?"

Aquila continues attack the Muton he cracked.

Valerie backs up a bit in surprise. Then, realizing that falling off the platform would be a terrible idea, she starts moving forward a bit. She freezes the blood in her left arm to block the incoming attack with, looking to turn the brunt of the attack away from her body.

"Thanks Tin Man!" Aquila doesn't waste time, charging the two mutons and Using Groin attack on one before using his combo to attack the other. Moves

Arminius nods. And then after a pause shakes his head. "Not me, Andre. You know, the guy who's toilet I blew up. But we can make a gun that shoots fallen stars with it, yes. Not actual stars as they turn out, they're just concentrated mana."

Arminius gestures to his minion. "I just found out that there's a meteor that fell to the North-East and I need Meteor ore to make a gun that shoots stars... And I don't know how to mine. So I need to borrow some of your golems so Iris can go take them to mine it." He pauses as he thinks and then nods again. "By the way, what's a meteor? Some kind of sky rock that falls sometimes right?"

Leaving his meeting with the guide, Arminius went to look for Leo. He needed to borrow a party of the mage's golems for mining the meteor after all.