The Philosopher's Stone - Part 1 [Q]

[REMIS DE'VIR]

It is so... cold! Remis thought to himself as he rubbed his gloved hands together for warmth. Yes, he had chosen to come here as his own will. He had even gone to the trouble for the assistance of two fellow adventurers (or desperate beggars, who knows). However, the alchemist had not intended on the place being so ungodly freezing. No matter how much magic he used, the chilling winds and unforgiving climate would always seem to find its way into his oversized trenchcoat. At least Remis had enough sense to bring a scarf and put on a few extra layers- at least that.

The young man sat at the base of Snowpeak mountain- a fire less than three feet from where he plopped his bottom. The flames were sustained by some dead plant matter Remis had managed to extract from the ground- it was blackened and hardened. He would need to find a name for this mysterious material for it was very useful; it burned long and steadily while creating coals to make another fire with... Coals? "It is charred... It makes coals... I shall call it charcoal!" A happy smile was brought to his face as Remis' pale green orbs stared into the fire. He liked making names.

"Oh where are they..." He remembered. It was about time his hired help had got here... Oh, he hoped they weren't lost.

[lauto]

"I'd happily set up some distribution rights in Hyrule for you," said a voice from close by. Walking out of the white haze came a man clothed thickly and wearing a hat. It was indeed Lauto the travelling salesman. Spotting adventurers and following them around was how he made his living so of course he had wormed his way into Remis' company once he'd gotten word. No climate was going to deter him from a sale, no matter how frigid.

"I can see it now! Charcoal! The next big thing in home luxury!" Lauto said raising his gloved hands into the air and then parting them, as if revealing an invisible banner. "We could make a fortune. If you can find anyone willing to come up here and harvest the stuff in this weather, that is."

The Zora said the last part with a laugh, coming closer and taking a seat close to the fire at Remis' right side.

[Jin Reno]

Jin shivered visibly, even though the large cloak made from wolfos fur covered his body head to toe. His face was wrapped up in the white cloth he normally would wear on his face, and the fact that he had multiple layers of clothing on should of helped him somewhat. The problem? They didn't really help cool him down, and he could even feel the very chilled metal of his shields against his arms and back.

Luckily, he was able to withstand the cold without it being endangering to his life. He just was a bit of a wimp when it came to cold temperatures. Jin managed to find the fire after a bit of searching, walking toward it as a strange fellow seemed to be talking animatedly about something. Sitting next to the two, on Remis' left and on Lauto's right, Jin let out a sigh as the small bit of heat helped bring him warmth.

Looking at the two, Jin then looked around them before looking back at Remis. "Is this all who is going?"

[REMIS DE'VIR]

First, there was the charming voice of a Zora salesman. Remis looked upon the man for only a moment before turning back to his sweet, precious source of warmth. He felt a small amount of wind brush his face as the large character sat down to his right. The alchemist concluded this could be one of the "hired" hands he had asked for on the notice board back in Hyrule Castle Town. "Just to make things clear, I don't intended to buy anything from you." Remis turned to the man and smiled politely. He did not mean any offense, but he also did not wish for the annoying patronization of a greedy salesman. Hopefully, he wasn't the stealing type anyhow.

Another man sat down nonchalantly- covered in white fur. Underneath the cloak, Remis could see the bulge of some round objects. What he assumed to be a human looked more like a turtle. However, this is what he got for asking for the help on a notice board instead of searching for adventurers personally! They would have to do. "Yes, this is it. My name is Remis- Alchemist and one of the human gentries. Yourselves?"

[lauto]

"Lauto, owner of Lauto's Adventurer Shop" the oddly well-dressed Zora answered with a small bow from his seated position. The man was actually glad for his wig today. It added an extra layer of warmth under his hat. Not wanting to lose either to the wind he kept his right hand on it as he made his gesture.

"You need not state your intent, my friend. I don't charge in advance. If you or our other companion here think any of my merchandise would be useful along the way you are both free to buy them. If not I won't be getting in your way. Whether or not I make a sale on this trip is my own concern, so you needn't worry yourselves about it."

[Jin Reno]

Jin looked at the two, wondering a bit more about them before shaking his head and sliding his hands out of the fur cloak to warm them up near the fire for a little bit. "A Human Gentries? Could I be a Human Gentries?" Jin asked, more to himself but still not fully sure of what it was, though it sounded like it could be fun. Anyway, they where introducing themselves now and Jin nodded his head toward Remis, the Alchemist who had offered this chance of adventure. He had read about Alchemists before, finding the idea interesting but a bit too complicated for him. He'd stick with his shields.

He looked next at the Zora? with the strange hair and listened as the man spoke about how he was a shop owner named Lauto. A shop for Adventurers? Jin's ears seemed to perk up as he listened to more of what he was talking about when it came to his wares. "Do you have any shields?" Jin asked, looking at Lauto now, curious. Of course, he had almost forgot to introduce himself to the group, and he got to his feet and bowed before sitting back down. "My name is Jin Reno, Human and Desert Tortoise." He said, feeling that his introduction was good.

[REMIS DE'VIR]

Remis cocked an eyebrow at the salesman. Was he implying that he would not assist in the upcoming ordeals unless he was paid? That was less than useful, and almost defeated the purpose of the man even coming. However, the man would probably try and save himself free of charge... The group would merely have to face challenges together, and Remis was somewhat sure he could avoid paying the salesman for any sort of service he may provide. "A pleasure to meet you, Lauto." The alchemist was lying, but could a salesman really expect anything kind out of this situation?

The man next turned to Jin, who called himself the desert tortoise. He seemed like an awkward fellow, out of touch with the rest of the world for whatever reason. How did he not know of the gentries? Jin certainly looked human. Remis would answer his question anyhow. He understood the importance of curiousity- he was a very curious person himself. "The gentries are nobles of the humans in Hyrule. We are in charge of very important affairs- often dealing with war. I'm afraid you would have to show exceptional skill and intelligence in order to even be considered for the position." It was very blunt, but true.

However, talk of politics was not something needed here. "A few yards away lies the entrance to a forgotten underground alchemist's citadel. Beasts of all sort may inhabit the place. If either of you wish to turn back, then go. However, I'll expecting us to work as a group!" He smiled, turning to Lauto. "Safety is our primary concern. Understood?"

[lauto]

"The finest craftsmanship of Ordona guaranteed!" Lauto answered Jin as he pulled a common Wooden Shield out from his coat where it had no doubt been strapped to his back beneath the garment. He displayed it with both hands proudly. "Only sixty-five rupees!"

Lauto was interrupted from his sales attempt by Remis' explanation of the situation. During the speech Lauto lowered the shield to rest against his legs and listened carefully, as was proper. The alchemist seemed to be trying to make a note of importance to the merchant specifically with his final statements. In response to this the Zora tipped his hat s he continued to smile his winning smile.

"In that case, my friend," he said, now sounding quite serious. "I strongly recommend the rare Blue Fire!"

The salesman tone returned with a full force as Lauto pulled a glass bottle form his coat now, the contents burning with a self-sustained blue light.

"You may have heard of this rare stuff. Once common, now uncommon. It's ability to cool you off won't likely be necessary in this place but it's ability to rejuvenate your energy and make your strongest abilities recharge faster is invaluable! I have two bottle left if you're both interested, four-hundred rupees each. You can't keep the containers though. I'll expect those back when we're done."

The merchant was clearly very adamant about that last part,

[Jin Reno]

As he listened to the Zora salesman talk about the wooden shield, Jin looked at the metal shields on his arms and wondered if he even needed a wooden shield, since his metal ones where stronger. He was still thinking about this when the man who had brought them here spoke next of what the human gentries were and then about their mission here.

"I don't think I'll need a wooden shield.. I have three metal ones and they work just fine for me..." Jin said, rubbing his head before turning his focus back onto Remis. "Oh? Well then, I am gonna become a Gentry! And seek adventure in other lands!" Jin said, quite happy with this new goal he had set for himself.

"Underground... beasts... forgotten... This place screams Adventure! I am ready to go! And don't worry, I am all about safety!" Jin said, so very excited about this quest, already on his feet and ready to head out into the unknown underground danger-filled adventure.

[REMIS DE'VIR]

This poor man must be deranged... Remis mused as Lauto pitched yet another sales offer. The alchemist doubted his former thoughts of security traveling with Lauto- the guy seemed to absolutely love making a deal. He hoped there wouldn't be any imps in the citadel- those coy little creatures would bargain their own mother away for the right price! Lauto didn't seem to differ much from the imps in their demeanor- however, Remis wouldn't take this at a set back. If the precious stone was somewhere in these ruins, he would find it no matter what the cost!

The alchemist stood up and promptly wiped the snow off of his coat. He nodded toward Jin, though he thought the remark itself was quite ridiculous. Why would someone aim to be a genty and then venture out into other lands where their very life may be at stake? ...Remis sighed as he realized his hypocrisy. Maybe Jin wasn't so bad after all. "Follow me, gentlemen." The alchemist calmly spoke as he pivoted on his heel and walked into the midst of the blizzard.

The alchemist took a good fifty paces before finally kneeling down in the white powder. His hands moved away some snow to finally uncover a rusted circular hatch. The artifact was covered in many intricate designs revolving around the handle of the two doors. Remis tugged at the handles for a moment, only to have the frozen metal break loose in his hand. "So, who's next?" He sighed, standing up once more to look at his two assistants.

[lauto]

As Lauto followed along behind Remis he turned to Jin, who displayed every identifying feature of being a guardsman. Surely there was something the two of them could work out?

"I say, good man, you strike me as the type who puts himself in harm's way in order to ensure the safety of others. No doubt you're quite capable of handling much of that danger, but even you must find that the task comes with considerable risk. Am I correct?" the Zora questioned his new traveling partner with friendly interest. "I keep a large supply of Recovery Hearts on hand, myself. If you think it would be prudent I can offer a special deal: Buy my Recovery Pass for just five rupees and every one you purchase afterward will cost you but a single rupee! No matter how few or how many you use it will always be less expensive that way."

Lauto's pitch seemed to get interrupted by the sound of frozen metal breaking apart. Upon questioning the merchant looked down at the seal and then back to Remis, an apologetic shrug and a sharp-toothed smile all he had to offer the Gentry.

[Jin Reno]

Jin watched as Remis led the group over to a door in the ground before trying to open it. It didn't work. In fact, it seemed like a piece of the door handle even broke off when he pulled on it, and Jin wasn't going to be denied his adventure. At least not this time, not when he felt like he needed to prove himself to the man named Remis.

With Lauto just giving a simple shrug toward the situation, Jin made his way into the doorway and pulled off his metal buckler and jabbed the smaller, pointy end into a small dent in the circular door, near where the handle was. With it in, Jin moved to the side opposite of the door and started to pull on the buckler, aiming to pry open the entrance.

He wanted adventure, he wanted fun, and he wasn't going to let a stubborn doorway get in his way. "Opeeeeeeen." He said through his teeth as he tried to pry it open more.

[REMIS DE'VIR]

The door creaked, bits of rust and ice flying off as it was slowly pulled open. Remis eyed the fellow human for a moment, impressed by the sheer display of strength. He supposed that there was a reason Jin referred to himself as the Desert Tortoise- one did need a good bit of muscle power to be able to use a shield properly. He might be slow, but he certainly got the job done! The alchemist nodded, pleased with Jin's work. Left in the wake of the door was an opened stone corridor. Remis walked down into the steps carefully.

As he reached the final step, Remis saw a stone hallway that seemed to split into different directions- though with his horrible eyesight, how could he really know? A few unlit torches marked both sides of the hallway, a small transmutation circle inscribed on the wall beside it. No doubt, this was an alchemist chamber.

"It seems there is a fork. Which direction do you gentlemen feel lucky with?"

[lauto]

Lauto wasn't too broken up about Jin not going for the Recovery Heart discount. it just meant that the man would need to pay full price later if he needed one. After a short delay he venture din after Remis, who was taking in the new environment.

"I've always found fortune by going against the grain," Lauto mused with some nostalgia in his voice. "I say to the left we go."

The merchant wasn't going to lead the way or anything like that, but if asked his opinion the Zora would at least offer it.

[Jin Reno]

Jin had beaten the door and now the great adventure with the other human and the zora salesman could continue, and Jin was pleased with himself. Putting on his buckler once more, Jin followed after the two, pulling the door closed mostly, not wanting to be ambushed from behind. As he entered in behind them and looked around, he noticed the different torches down both hallways.

With the choice of traveling to the left or the right arose, Jin walked over to both of them. "Well, if left doesn't go well, we can always try the right afterward, so whatever." Jin said with a smile, excited about heading out.

[REMIS DE'VIR]

Remis smirked at the shield-user's youthful optimism. The alchemist had written on the notice board that this place would be dangerous, it was very possible they would not even leave the same way they had came in. However, it was always nice to have someone think positively- always being realistic about matters could really get you down in the end. Remis felt more comfortable going left anyhow, so he saw no reason to argue with his teammates on this matter. Alchemists liked to arrange their buildings in such a way that science would be represented in every corridor. By going left, they would most likely be heading underground as a symbol of a number line- the depths were a more likely place for the powerful stone to be tucked away.

"Left it is." Remis walked forward with his hands casually folded behind his back. He gazed down both the left and right corridors, they were both equally dark and ominous. However, the line of unlit torches continued on down both ways for as far as Remis could see (which wasn't very far, but he just assumed they continued to go on). Traveling in this darkness would not be healthy.

The alchemist placed a hand on right side of the wall of the left corridor and channeled magic. The transmutation circles that were beside each torch lit up in a bright blue and then faded, leaving a line of lit torches down the hallway for about 50 yards. Remis had changed the tip of each wooden torch to a hearted liquid, allowing the heat from such a transmutation to be released in a compact area. This set the remaining wood alight, allowing the group to see. A fresh breeze of warm wind met the adventurers softly.

However, down the left corridor, a low growl was heard as it echoed off the stone walls. "I hope you all are a bit battle savvy..."

Abilities Used
Alchemy - Phase Change - 2 Post Cooldown

[lauto]

"I once fought off a menacing Deku bandit using nothing but a table. it's a fantastic story, really. I'd be happy to share it over a campfire when this is all done," Lauto offered without any signs of worry. He was exaggerating the story a bit but then that's what made a good story a great story in his mind.

Lauto was indeed not at all perturbed by what goes bump in the night. He had taken many great risks to his well being and fought for his own welfare many times in his endeavours to provide service to those venturing beyond civilization. A pack of wolves got nothing from him but a tip of his hat and a shock of his Zora magic.

"Still, I would suggest I bring up the rear. Best to keep the party leader safe between his allies, right?" the merchant finally suggested. Whether that was his honsst reason for wanting to stay in the back or not was anyone's guess.

[Jin Reno]

As the torches lit after Remis touched the wall, Jin was ecstatic about the magic he had just witnessed. Or would it be better to call it alchemy... either way it was pretty awesome. He had to look at the source which the magic came from and put his hand on the wall, but nothing happened. It was expected, but it didn't mean that Jin was any less disappointed by it. Things like this happened, he just couldn't do what others could.

When Lauto spoke, Jin had to wonder what was so bad about a deku bandit that'd be hard to beat with a table. Then again, to him, a table was just a big shield that had to be used correctly. He was going to ask something when he heard the growl echo along and he grinned, more to himself then anything. It was a little warmer in here now, but he kept on the wolfos cloak and took to the front of the group, adjusting his shields once more.

It was then that a thought occurred to him. "So... does this mean that something has been living in the darkness for who knows how long... and if so shouldn't this light be blinding too it?" He asked, looking back at the other two.

[REMIS DE'VIR]

(I deeply apologize).

Remis listened to the salesman seemingly half-hearted tale about how he fended off a Deku weapon with an improvised weapon. Though it seemed to not say much for Lauto, the alchemist did sorrowfully acknowledge it probably did make a good story. The gentry was beginning to have a foul taste in his mouth when it came to the Zora- there was just something about people trying to make a profit that the scholar despised. No matter...

Alchemist heard Jin's question next, but didn't bother to respond as the growling grew louder. Footsteps in 2 sets of 2 began to hardly smack the cobblestone floor of the darkened hall. A four-legged beast that seemed to be able to live indefinitely in the darkness without a normal amount of substance while at the same time having enough calories to feed it's large body. Natural creatures were not that efficient at storing and processing calories, nor did they tend to live in the darkness- apparently waiting for unsuspecting pray. There were, however, plenty of alchemical-enhanced creatures who could fit the criteria that Remis was thinking of.

But, given the snowy conditions, the alchemist came to what he thought to be a rather solid conclusion of what the beast was. Sadly, he was not given enough time to say anything before the lion-headed, winged-goat body, snake-tail creature lunged at the trio with a force that would startle any sane man. The beast opened it's jaws wide and it's paws extended far as it looked for it's next precious meal... Humans were delicious, after all.

Remis took a step back and braced his arm for the coming impact. Oh, he hoped one of these bloody fools could do something here...

Abilities Used

Alchemy - Phase Change - 1 Post Cooldown

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[Jin Reno]

Jin heard the growling grow closer and looked down the hallway once more, moving to the front of the group slowly. The beast's footsteps seemed to grow louder, meaning it was coming toward them now, obviously knowing that there was something there for it to find. Jin adjusted his shields and looked back at Remis, "Let's hope that its friendly."

He turned his attention back to the hallway infront of him and took a good look at what was approaching them. The creature lunged forward toward the group, but Jin was already ready for it to come after him. In his arms was the large shield from his back, held in front of him with his entire body ready to support and push back the beast. Jin could feel the creature land against his shield, claws and teeth hitting the strong metal, but he did not fall, he did not faulter, though he was pushed back a bit by its weight.

"Omph... heh... doesn't taste good does it kitty..." Jin said softly, grinning as he used his shield to keep the thing back with his shield. "One of you going to do something?" Jin asked, using his strength to try and push the creature back from them.