Tourn RP Archive

@Twig | Kiran + Riki

10:22 AM

(Actually I have a funnier name)

Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 changed the channel name: Canidae Conference (Riki Lykos) 12/3/2023 10:23 AM

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10:25 AM

After talking with Zahara, Riki had a lot more information, but he still didn't know enough. He walked out and looked around. Zahara had told him not to go into the forest, which might be a genuine warning for danger, but perhaps he should go see if there was anything hidden in there... @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos was walking around, taking in the land they were seemingly trapped in. It was much colder than their homeland, but perhaps once the sun rises it will be slightly more tolerable… …to any onlooker, it appeared that a large wolf was stalking the area. @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

Riki's attention snapped to the large quadruped in the flickering light of the torches. He paused, and watched for a moment. His nose wiggled to take in the canid's scent, and his ears shifted back as he frowned. It seemed somewhat like a primitive lycanroc or a mightyena. A wild beast in the camp area wasn't a good thing. He didn't have any weapons, but hopefully he would manage to be intimidating enough to scare the predator away. He let his tails flair wide behind him, and the subtle, hardly noticeable glow of his fur slightly intensified as he readied his powers. The creature might sense the Fairy aura radiating from him as he determinedly marched right towards the beast, with a low growling bark as a warning and a command to leave the area. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

Lykos’ senses flared as they felt a surge of magic. Their ears pricked towards a sudden bark and they turned to the strange fox creature. They were certainly on high alert. Lykos got into a defensive stance, tail high and alert. They bared their teeth slightly. The form of this creature was intriguing, though it was best to clear the air first. “I am not interested in fighting you.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

Riki paused, and his stern expression lightened slightly with a surprised look. HIs ears turned forward, he lifted his head a bit, and looked at the other closer. "...You... can talk?" he said simply and preplexed. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

The wolf eased slightly. “Yes- you-“ They let out a sigh. “You of all creatures shouldn’t be so surprised by that… what exactly are you? Why are you bipedal.” The doctor had never seen someone like this before, animalistic yet… anthropomorphic? How fascinating. As much as they hated being here, there were certainly many interesting creatures to study. @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

Riki's head tilted snappily, and his ears flicked with the motion. He had a small, mildly confused but amused smile on his lips. "What do you mean?" His tails lowered as he relaxed. "Are people where you come from all quadrupeds? Most people where I come from walk on two legs once our bodies have developed enough." He tilted his head the other way and eyed Lykos curiously. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos also tilted their head. “People? Human beings are bipedal, but most animals are not. You are some sort of canid, yet you walk on two legs. And you are not Silvestrian, as you would be quadrupedal in animal form… what exactly are you?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

"Humans?" Riki mused, and tilted his head the other way again. "Zahara also mentioned humans. I am not familiar with them, but I assume they look like Zahara did just now... I do not know Silvestrians either. Is that what you are? I am Ninetales." A very on-the-nose name indeed. "An ice or fairy Ninetales, to be precise." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Interesting. A world without humans… oh how they wished. “I am a wolf, not Silvestrian or human. I have never seen a… Ninetails. You say all creatures are like you in your world?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"A wolf, hm? You certainly do look wolfish." Riki smiled. "'All creatures' is a broad statement. No, not all creatures are Ninetales, nor people. In fact, even my species consists of both sapient and primitive variations of creatures. Primitive ninetales are still very intelligent, and they are respected as sacred beings, but they do not talk, or live in a society, and they walk on all fours. Some species are only people, and some species are only primitive, but many can be both." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

The light coloring of this creature’s face made it much easier to discern their expressions compared to the wolf’s dark fur. Though it was easy to tell they were intrigued by the way their head was tilted and their tail wagged just slightly. “Primitive and sapient. Interesting. The creatures of my world are similar. There are humans and there are Silvestrians- they are able to shapeshift into animals. Then there are of course just animals. Non-sapient beings.” The wolf stepped a bit closer, interested in the conversation. “I sensed some sort of magic from you- and you said you were an ‘ice or fairy’, are those your kinds of magic?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

"Ooh, shapeshifting, interesting. Some of our animals can do that, like Zorua and Zoroark. The primitive ones are very clever, though I've never heard of one learning how to speak. They can turn to look like townspeople though, to lure kids into forests and so on..." Riki went off on a tangent. "Ah, yes. We recognize 18 different types of magic. There are two species of Ninetales: ice and fire. Us ice foxes are both Ice and Fairy-type. Most of us only possess mediocre levels of magic, especially compared to the primitive Ninetales, but I am what's called an 'Elemental Master', which means I possess even greater magical potential than a primitive Ninetales... although, that potential is only limited to the Fairy-type magic." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Fascinating.. so your magic is hereditary? And… an Elemental master. Was this too from your bloodline or did you train to become one?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Yes, everyone possesses at least minor magical abilities, though they aren't usually very flashy or impressive. Elemental mastery runs in the family as well, though it isn't common and can skip generations..." Riki trailed off for a moment and seemed to get lost in thought. He blinked, and shook his head subtly. "Ah, I apologize for approaching you so aggressively. I thought you were a primitive beast and a threat. I am Captain Icefang, though you may call me Riki, if you want", the fox smiled. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Very interesting. Hm, it is understandable. I am but a beast, it is natural to be wary. I am Dr. Lykos. And you are a captain… of a vessel or..?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

"Nice to meet you, doctor. Ah, I am captain in Ninjago's imperial palace. I mostly train new recruits." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

The wolf’s ears twitched back at that. “…you are part of their military then.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki noticed Lyko's distaste towards his profession, and smiled gentler, in an almost apologetic manner. "Yes, it is all I am good at, I'm afraid. I aimed to follow my father's footsteps since I was a pup, and trained tirelessly to become a palace guard to make my family proud... Those days are behind me, but I am grateful for Ninjago's imperial family and guard for taking me within their ranks regardless of my background, being foreigner and all.. They pay well, and I wouldn't be able to support my family as much as I have if I couldn't continue in the profession I was trained in." He tilted his head slightly and waived his tails a bit in a way he hoped was soothing. "Being a palace guard is mostly a ceremonial position. Of course, our first priority is to ensure the safety of our sovereigns and the palace staff, but our days are mostly spent patrolling around the palace and standing in our posts." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

It was quite interesting to watch his mannerisms, the way his tails moved certainly looked magical. ..hm. Does he truly have nine tails? Would that be nine tail bones or would they be more like tail feathers… “Hm. Well, I understand the obligation to take up your father’s position.” If it weren’t for certain circumstances, they would likely be the same… “Hm. Either way, you simply train recruits. Not fight.” They eyed Riki’s tails. The curiosity was too strong. “When you say Ninetails, do you have nine tail bones as well, or..?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

"I fight if there's a need to protect the imperial family or my subordinates. Unfortunately, New Ninjago City is notoriously famous of all sorts of catastrophies and monster attacks", he sighed with a soft chuckle. "Hmm, I believe I have one wider tailbone, and the individual tails are attached to that." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“That is understandable, I meant moreso you do not lead battalions. The city is attacked often? That is… unfortunate. And, hm… so they would be anchored to the middle, I assume. Likely muscle based rather than bone… fascinating.” Lykos’ own tail wagged as they spoke. Clearly biology was a favorite subject of theirs. @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

"Ah, yes, I don't do that", Riki nodded. "Yes, it is unfortunate." Riki wasn't sure what Lykos' musings meant, but he smiled kindly and curiously. He moved his tails in curling, waving motions, as though showing off how they worked, and he chuckled. "Are you a biologist, Dr. Lykos?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Their tail continued to wag. “Ha, in the past, yes. It is more of a passion now than actual work. I studied biology and transformative magics. Magic and biology is a passion of mine, though I can no longer practice.” They were excited to share. Maybe even rambling. @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

Riki smiled brightly. "Is that so? I've also been very interested in magic ever since I figured out I had stronger magic than normal. That's a shame you can't practice them anymore, but I'd be happy to discuss our worlds' magic systems with you whenever you'd like." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

Oh how exciting!! They shifted from paw to paw excitedly, before sitting. Attempting to regain their seriousness (though their tail continued to wag happily). “I- hm! I would certainly love to learn more. Ha.. forgive me, it is rare for someone to… indulge me like this. Please, tell me what you know.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki laughed warmly. "Don't worry, I understand. It's fun to talk about your interests. Hmm." Riki folded one arm over his lower ribs and held his chin in his other hand, pondering where to start. "Well, like I said, we have 18 different magic types, derived from 18 types of infinity energy. Ice, Fire, Rock, Ground, Grass, Water, Electric, Dark, Psychic, Ghost, Fighting, Normal, Fairy, Flying, Poison, Steel, Bug and Dragon. Each of them have strengths and weaknesses towards each other, for example, Water is strong against Fire, but weak against Grass. Some are completely immune to some. "All creatures have magic. When we were still all primitive, we used to possess the same strong levels of magic that primitive animals to this day have. However, when we became sapient, we started losing those magical abilities. Most people today have weak magic, that's enough to keep them alive and sometimes they can even use some weak moves, like Ember, but they depend on weapons to defend themselves against wild beasts. And again, wild animals still have strong magic, and are very dangerous. Another way to protect ourselves is to have tamed companion animals who can use their magic to chase away wild animals. "Then there are Elemental Masters. There aren't many, but we have extraordinary potential to practically use our element to whichever way we come to think to use it, without being bound by the limits of our ancestors." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos listened dutifully, nodding along with their waving tail. “Fascinating, so they are mostly based on elements, yet some deviate from that. What exactly does ‘Bug’ magic do? And they are bloodline based, correct?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Hmm, I'm not the most familiar with Bug magic, but I believe it's called that because it's mostly found from insects and other hard-shelled creatures... If I remember right, some of it has to do with hivemind and controlling smaller life forms like protozoa. I think all Bug-types are also able to produce silk-like string, but I'm not sure. It has been a while since I learned about this at school", Riki chuckled apologetically. "Hm, magic types are typically bound to one's species. Being an Elemental Master is bloodline based, yes, though there have been exceptions." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

The doctor was very eager to learn all of this. What an interesting form of magic! “I see… from that, you said you are a ‘ice’ Ninetails, but you use fairy magic, which was passed down… If your magic is based in species, where did these fairy powers come from?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Some creatures have two magic types instead of one, and either way, the magic they are able to use is not limited to the type their bodies are made of. However, when they are using magic that is the same type as them, it is much stronger than if they used some other magic type. Ice Ninetales are both Ice and Fairy-type. It is more common to call us ice foxes than fairy foxes, since our puppies are called fairy foxes more often." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Very interesting. So blood and biology does play into it, but does not limit the kind of magic one can use… Ah, how I wish I could observe it in your world! Ha… thank you for indulging me. I am sure you are bored of my questions…” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Not at all, I am happy I could talk about something pleasant. And, I will find a way to return home. You are welcome to come with me if you wish." As Riki smiles, the friendly expression seems to be fitted over a cold, bitter, steely determination. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos matches the expression, though the smile is less friendly. More like baring their teeth in anger. “Yes. I refuse to be trapped here for some god’s entertainment. When the time comes to leave, I’d happily join you. The world I hail from has nothing more to offer me.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki's neck fur bristled slightly in his suppressed anger. He nodded, and took a deep breath to relax. He smiled softer. "Then I am happy to have you as my guest, Doctor." Riki knelt into the snow with one knee, and offered his hand for Lykos to put his paw in. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Their anger was replaced as they stared stunned at the gesture. Stars above, perhaps they had missed social interaction. The doctor’s tail wagged hard and fast against the snow. They smiled and placed their paw into his. “I thank you, Riki.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki shook Lykos' paw with a warm smile, held it in his warm hand for a second longer, before letting go and standing up again. "Don't mention it." He waved his tails in a friendly manner. "Now... Can you tell me what you know about our situation so far? Rakin told me the big picture, and I learned some background information from another person, but it would be important for us to be as aware of our situation and enemies as possible", he spoke, still in a friendly tone, but with a more serious expression. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

…How long had it been since they had contact like that? Not just formal forced handshakes or a firm hand on their shoulder? Had they ever had something that went past the surface like this? Their paw was still warm when it reunited with the snowy ground. Their situation. “Hm. From what I know, it appears that there are two beings leading this ‘tournament’. There is Rakin, who I never had the chance to speak to. And there is a strange, floating creature in a cloak. It has powerful magic, I attempted to speak to it and it tried to kill me. It seems to revel in torment. I believe both Rakin and this robed creature want us to fight to the death for their entertainment.” They snarled a bit at that. “The tournament may also be in tribute to some ancient beings, likely some sort of gods. Tch. I do not understand why even bother having us fight when killing us immediately would be much easier, but I would guess our suffering is a part of some ritual.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

Riki nodded along Lykos' explanation, and listened carefully. "A floating creature...? Interesting. Could that be Rakin's master? He told me about the same thing, that we are in some sort of maze and are to fight each other to death. The winner will also be killed, so there really is no point in fighting in the first place. Let alone, he told me he could not seld me home if he wanted to. Tch. We shall see. "However, I do not believe Rakin does this willingly, or at least he is not happy about it. He might be... controlled somehow, at least to some extent. I heard from another froglin named Zahara, that Rakin is their king, and used to be a good man. Or well, Zahara believes he still is, and that he has some sort of plan to help us. I would not rely on that promise. "I think his master is the one behind all of this. It makes sense if it revels in torment, if it is having all this song and dance instead of just killing us. And... Rakin told me that after we die, our bodies are thrown into the void of space, and out molecules are used in bringing back the ancient beings you mentioned. Pilarians. They created froglins and that is why they call them their gods. Rakin supposedly destroyed them in the past, but is now helping bringing them back... Hm." Riki held his paw on his chin in thought, watching the flames dance on the torches. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“They plan to kill the winner… fah, why even bother competing if the only prize is death? Why bother having us fight at all…” They shook their body, attempting to calm down. They needed a firm mind right now. “Hm… Rakin is likely being controlled by these Pilarians? …could the robed creature possibly be one?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

"Apparently the price is to witness the revival of the Pilarians. Though, Rakin is aware of the situation not being motivating, so he's trying to talk his master into letting the winner live. Either way, it is not promising." Riki shifted his weight and crossed his arms, slightly tilting his head in thought. "Possibly. Zahara told me that the Pilarians had mind-controlling abilities, but she was also convinced that they had all died. Rakin is also looking different and acting differently than when Pilarians normally control people. He is still acting like himself at times, and his eyes aren't fully 'starry' like Zahara put it. They are however, black, and the small light pupil in them does resemble the starry look, but less intense. That's how I understood it, at least." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“So he is resisting their control? Hm…” The wolf dropped their voice, quiet and low so only Riki with their sensitive ears could hear. “If that robed figure is the only one that wants this tournament, perhaps enough of us with Rakin can ban together to end it.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Possibly. Even so, I wouldn't blindly trust him. Either way, the way I see it is we need Rakin alive, and his master dead." Riki nodded subtly, lowering his voice and head as well. "Indeed, that is what I hope. None of us will live if we don't work together." He paused for a moment. "I don't plan dying here, but if I fall, can I trust you to gather and spread more information to more contestants? We need more allies, and more information on our enemies." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Hm.. I will do what I can, however… you reacted to me as a threat, even when we are similar. Not many people here will trust a beast…” They sounded a bit frustrated. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki frowned slightly. "Not even after realizing you are intelligent?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Lykos licked their maw, agitated. “…I spoke to a woman, Dr. Jymaiyri. While she may have been more wary due to… certain circumstances. She took a long time to trust me. Another woman I met would not listen when I told her I wasn’t interested in hurting her. Some have been fine and others…” They huffed in frustration. “…I believe you will have better luck speaking to others. Either way, tell anyone who isn’t likely to slip and tell the master of the game. Even that one that believes in Rakin- they could jeopardize any attempts to ban together. Once we are more sure of a plan, we can tell more.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki (edited)

Riki's ears lowered a little, and he looked at Lykos with sympathy, and almost like he was feeling guilty. "I'm sorry you are facing such prejudices. Hopefully it turns out to be only a minority that thinks ill of you, Doctor Lykos. And you are absolutely right... I have a feeling they already have means to force unwilling people to fight no matter what, and it worries me... But yes, anyone who is Rakin's loyal follower is not to be fully trusted, no matter how good their intentions seem to be. Zahara means well, I'm sure, but if Rakin were to ask questions, I assume Zahara wouldn't mind answering. That said, any froglings are probably loyal to Rakin." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

They scowled at the ground but shook their head and returned to looking at Riki. “It is only natural. Really, anyone not immediately wary of me isn’t likely to survive very long.” They nodded. “Yes. Once we are prepared, they can join us.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki still seemed sorry for Lykos, but nodded. Then he smiled gratefully. "Yes, this will be our plan for now. I am glad to have met someone as sharp-minded and steadfast as you, Doctor. I still think you are a valuable ally." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 (edited)

Lykos’ tail wagged happily at the praise. “Well, I am equally honored to have met someone as astute and knowledgeable as you, Riki. This will be a fruitful alliance.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Riki chuckled softly, his tails wagging as well. "Too kind", he smiled brightly. "Indeed, we have hope as long as we keep our heads. Now, we don't have time to waste. I shall continue my exploration. Stay safe, Doctor Lykos, and be careful around the forest. I heard there are some wild beasts in there. Then again it might be a cover-up. Hm. In any case, do be careful." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Hm, there are beasts, though I have only met one. He was not particularly ferocious, but he was powerful. I would advise not treading the forest alone.” They nodded their head. “May the stars guide you, Riki. Stay strong.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Hmm, that is good to know", Riki nodded. He nodded as well, a smile on his face. "You as well, Doctor Lykos. May the stars lead us home." He waved his tails, bowed lightly, and continued his way along the path. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺