RP:Storm Warning

Summary: Jaxson infiltrates Larket to rescue Valrae from Larketian captivity only to find that she is not being held inside Fort Freedom's dungeon, and likely isn't in Larket at all. While gathering information at The Larketian Academy of Magics, Jaxson's cover is blown by the school's headmaster and all hell breaks loose, igniting, among other things, already strained tensions between Cenril and Larket.

Elegant Bridge

Jaxson Ravencroft has spent his days on house arrest after his antics at the last World Leader's summit per the order of the acting Mayor, Hector. In all fairness he did deserve it, having allowed his anger to make him yell out threats against the crown of Larket and its people. But his emotions are fueled with a desire to make sure Valrae is safe, and sitting in the ancestral home of his family was doing nothing to stem the ever growing gnawing that someone needed to do -something-. Even with the evidence pointing to Larket being flimsy, it was the best lead anyone had, and for Hector to sit on it and not act made Jax's blood boil. This wasn't just the mayor of Cenril, this was the love of Jaxson's life! And so, after a few days of playing obedient house prisoner, the nobleman turned Captain of the Guard made his escape and fled the city. He took his time to make sure his absence would go unnoticed long enough for him to be well outside the kingdom's walls before they started looking, and by that time the man was well on his way through Sage Forest. Some time is spent studying the bridge that serves as the main funnel into Larket, watching the coming and goings of people, as well as the habits of the lone guard that was on duty today. The sorcerer waits until the late evening, when the sun still lingers but has yet to set to make his possible move to try to get into the city, and as luck would have it a small family heading back in from a day's hunt nears the bridge to draw the guard's attention... here Jaxson will wait in his hiding place, magically concealed, hoping the right moment presents itself to evade an early detection.

Anyone that might be looking for a distraction for the lone guard on duty is in luck, as it seems he knows this family of hunters. The armored, pike carrying young man waves the group down with one gloved hand, “Hey there, Greg. Any luck today? Looks like quite a h-...” He enters into a lengthy conversation, spewing pent up energy that’s grown during this solo shift. He pets the hunting dog accompanying the Larket bound party and complains about how he’s been left alone after ‘Randy called in sick,’ but he doesn’t really think that guy is sick at all. Matter of fact, they said they would send someone else out here to cover for him, but that was hours ago, damn shame. The guard struggles to find more topics of conversation and the hunting family starts to shuffle their feet, seemingly like they’re about done with this little pitstop. “See any witches out there, guys? Freedom told us to keep an eye out. Some weird magic in Sage this past month…” They shake their heads ‘no’ and apologetically take their leave to continue the rest of the way home…

Jaxson sees his opportunity the moment the guard engages a familiar face for some release of boredom from a long day of otherwise solid work. Shame the guy is now going to fail at the one job he had, as Jax starts to weave his magic to channel the misty step spell to silently teleport across divide of the two kingdoms. Now well out of ear shot, the nobleman pulls up his hood and walks the longer way around back to the path that leads into Larket, leaving the guard to talk to his friend. Simple enough, but Jax knows that would be the only easy part. He has only been to this kingdom a few times in his youth, and much has changed since then. But, the fort is an imposing sight even from this far out, and with the skill and guile of a tomcat does the would be rescuer try his best to weave through the bustling town. Of course he has a charm in place for his features, you have to hide such a handsome face as this, yeah? So for all intents and purposes he looks like any normal man, dressed in regular attire meant to not draw any real attention. It seems smooth enough, as the town itself is rather peaceful, with things winding down after a long day people seem more preoccupied with closing shop and heading home than eying a possible newcomer. But thats the clever bit of his spell! Its less a mask and more a reflection, for if anyone without keen arcane knowledge about them (or a pesky anti-magic item), when you look at Jaxson you simply think he looks like that one guy from around the way. You can't put your finger on it, and yet its not so shocking as to draw suspicion. He is rather proud of this one, having been a staple of his since his youth when he wishes to evade his family and his chores and lessons. Much seems to be working, as soon enough he finds himself closing in on the fort, where the real challenge would probably begin…

Fort Freedom

It is in vogue for Larketian nobility and other members of the upper class within The Hard City to make use of glamor magic in their day to day life, so the charm Jaxson has going, even if it were detected by someone in the crowd, security or otherwise, wouldn’t draw much attention. The fashions of the time have made this disguise even more seamless than it otherwise would have been. Approaching Fort Freedom, one will find that, despite the militaristic, threatening form, the royal residence is welcoming to the public until very late in the night. Larketians and visitors are free to enter the courtyard and the first layer of rooms inside the building, after which they will find security much tighter, but Macon has been known to host hours of public audience where the citizenry can bring to him personally any issues they are troubled with. His is an intimidating presence, so not many make use of this public service, but it is there after a somewhat lax vetting process. Depending on how much Jaxson slows his approach, he’ll be overtaken at some point by a trio of Larketian guardsmen bringing in a struggling vandal they’ve apprehended. “Ey! We caught this little punk painting genitals on the horses in the stables! I don’t feel like bringing him all the way back into the sheriff’s office. Can we drop him off here?”

One of the archers manning the parapet shouts back down after stifling a laugh, “Yah! Throw him in one. All the cells should be empty. Just let Greg know he’s in there. Don’t want to forget about him for a week.”

One of the trio on the ground gives the mischievous criminal a shove and yells, “You heard him, let's go.”

Another guard smirks and says, “Don’t worry, you’ll have company down there soon if that -witch- stuff we’re getting from The Academy is true…” The slightly inebriated captive has a shiver go up his spine at the mention of possibly sharing a cell with a witch. Larketian fear mongering propaganda is working…

Jaxson is on a mission but is also taking notes as he ventures into 'enemy' territory. Despite what many claim the town seems to be a quiet, almost respectable place. If he didn't know for a fact that Larket murdered the woman he loved under false pretenses, he'd have actually liked coming here. But as the Ravencroft heir came close to the first task of trying to get into the fort, he finds guards dragging a lad in for a petty crime. While he knows such vandalism seems to be the go to move for the youth of all kingdoms (He himself having to have to deal with it in Cenril) he can't help but feel bad for the kid. Still, his capture bares fruit for Jaxson's goal, as when the guard's mention that the dungeon is empty, they also mention an interesting tid bit. Witch stuff is going on at the Academy. Seems the guards believe they'll be capturing more witches soon, which gives hope that Valrae isn't rotting in their prison just yet! Still, Jax is aware Val's coven usually operates nearly across the globe, more towards Selene island. If Val were to have gone to meet them, She'd of surely brought Finn, and most likely told Jax himself of the trip. But to venture this close to Larket? It cannot be happenstance that a coven was operating this close to the biggest anti-witch kingdom in all the realm -and- Valrae was last seen in the same area, right? Seems the fort isn't the move, so given Selene smiles on him again by having the kid rebel against his captors and argue against his detainment, the sorcerer would use this as a window to alter his path and head towards Larket's Academy of Magic. Seems this will be the place he could find real clues as to where Valrae really is. Though now he feels a knot of guilt building in his gut over his outburst at the world leader's meeting. Still, even if Hector has the right idea of maneuvering the political climate then, action was still needed as Jax highly doubts Macon would share any knowledge on Val's true whereabouts with anyone save his executioner. Well, seems Jaxson is going back to school! Off to the Academy he goes.

Academy of Magics

Even at this time of evening, Larket’s Academy of Magics is bustling. Mages, students, and magical researchers shuffle through the halls chatting and carrying tomes, documents and little arcane devices and experiments. Anyone entering in plain clothes looking out of place might earn a couple of sideways looks, they won’t be completely suspicious. The witchcraft research department is straight ahead after coming through the main entrance and can’t be missed, as the signs for it are bigger than anything besides the Larketian regalia and the crest of The Academy itself. Within that department there are countless desks and counters with maps, witchcraft detection records, and small devices about the size of apples, that appear to be kind of scrying devices that only display single, solid colors on them, with researchers and students scattered about. Doors to offices line the walls and a staircase leads down towards where the old Detection Array used to be housed…

Jaxson studies the area for a moment, his mind working the angles as he knows this will be trickier than before. Still, the sorcerer did not come unprepared and after examining the populace of everyday people, students and assumed teachers, the noble decides to take on a new form all together. He finds a secluded spot nearby, and quickly alters his disguise self spell to assume the disguise of the inbetween of older student or possible teacher, right down to the uniform he sees seems to be the standard. Couple this with the illusion working on his facial features, and people would possibly see a familiar looking student or possibly a teacher from another class. A simple, yet effective, tactic when one doesn't wish to be bothered. On one hand he is not your teacher and its late, best not to disturb him, and one the other thats not your student and not your problem and he seems old enough to not be a trouble maker. Jax tests it out by taking a few steps into the open, and after a few moments of not being swarmed by guards and magicians, he assumes it works. Nods are given to those he passes as this seemingly definitly not out of place person just waltzes into the Witchcraft Research Department without drawing a second look from those present. Those scrying devices seem a bit alarming though, but surely his disguise could fool them? Still, just as he was to enter Jax pauses and as luck would have it another person seems to be coming out of the research department and right by those curious scrying devices. Using this timing Jax enters jsut as that person leaves, hoping this will fool any possible detection. Seems to work, another nod exchanged for access. Smooth, Jax, smooth.What he finds in this place is either awe inspiring or a public display of obsession, because research is putting it lightly. How would he ever find anything in here without knowing where to go? Ah, yes. Magic! Another simple spell, one meant to act as a guide to what you desire, and currently Jax desires nothing more than to find a clue as to where Valrae is. The spell is quick, and a almost faint outline finds itself enveloping a large pile of notes and drawings that have clearly seen use recently. Looking about to see if anyone would notice, Jax makes his way over and starts to pour over the information. Larket has been monitoring a coven that has acted recently near their border. Rough sketches of symbols with notes underneath, and even a small collection of items is left out, all painting a new picture for the young detective. Larket's interest is focused on this coven that seems to be from Frostmaw. Why does this sound familiar? Jax wonders to himself, trying to remember the days he and Val spent telling each other everything. He swears she mentioned another coven, something to do with her "old life", but he can't recall it fully. Either way, seems Larket even has a few notes on Val here, having made mentions of "The Vile Red Witch" and even adding a demonic rough cartoon sketch of Val looking like a horned devil in the corner. Seems she was there at the same time as this coven, near Larket's border, but all where gone by the time Larket mobilized, and only a few clues where left. Evidence also seems to point to a struggle? Why would Val fight other witches? Seems this is deeper than previously thought, and looks like things will be leading him to that damnable frozen wasteland. Gods above he hates that place. Still, looking over this gives the man hope! And he continues to pour over it feverishly, hoping he finds something that says Val is -alive-. Anything. So much so that his attention becomes transfixed, his surroundings going out of focus as he hyper fixates on the evidence before him.

Percival is more overworked right now than he’s ever been in his entire career. There was a time when he was teaching at Xalious’s Tower, rising through the ranks of the Mage Guild and making a strong case to become the next archmage where the prodigiously talented half-elf may have felt more pressure on himself, but he was never asked to work as a diplomat on top of his other duties back then. Not like now, where politics have drawn to the front of his mind, clouding his arcane endeavors and siphoning his usual joy for life and his work out of him. The Headmaster massages his temple as he smoothly ascends the stairs from the old detection array room up into the research department proper. While Jaxson is slipping into his transfixed state, one of the staff members looking over the same map and scribblings jabs the sorcerer with their elbow and points, “Animals… hopefully they ended up killing each other out there.” He’s in the age range where he could have lost a spouse or an unborn child to the rapid aging curse, and that would certainly explain the venom in his words. Percy reaches the top of the stairs and blinks at Jaxson, positively glowing with illusory magic in the headmaster’s unique view of the world. He shakes his head and squints through the weave to see that familiar face, one that, the last time he saw it conscious, was making very pointed threats at the kingdom he’s currently standing in. The wind mage shakes his head and pushes away that fog around his mind and calls out to the witch hating man besides Jaxson. “Kurt! Get away from that man!” no sooner do the words leave his mouth, than does a tight whirlwind spring up around Jaxson, one that would take considerable strength to push through and that pushes Kurt backwards with enough force that he knocks into nearby desks and sends a few of the colored scrying orbs and some potion bottles falling to the ground where they shatter, leaking out the magical liquids contained within. When they mingle on the ground the liquids begin to glow for a few seconds before they let off a small arcane explosion that sends a shockwave through the department. More people and containers are knocked over by this, including one unfortunate female halfling mage that falls into a large puddle of the glowing magical mixture. She rolls over to reveal that it has soaked into her clothing, the glow increasing in intensity as her eyes widen in shock and horror, her mouth open, but unable to let out a cry…

Jaxson was lost within the recesses of his mind as he tried frantically to put together the puzzle pieces before him, hints and clues but nothing sticking, only allowing the same conclusion: A need to go to Frostmaw. Frustration starts to build as the man fails time and time again to make any true sense of what this could mean, only to have the other person he didn't even notice previously next to him receive a dangerous glare in response to the nudge he gave him. Kurt, as it would be revealed, would have his words find no soft landing as that glare turns even sharper as he mentions his hopes that the witches all kill one another, the poor man not understanding that Jax is madly in love with Valrae. But all this seems to wash away as a familiar voice calls out from behind them, warning Kurt to step away before potent magic forces the two to part, sending poor unaware Kurt into a desk and cause the chaos that ensues to seriously harm a halfling that becomes collateral damage, her body unable to keep up with the various magical effects as she starts to contort, shift, and warp in so many ways as magic ravages her body with multiple effects vying to effectively produce the intended effects. An enlargement potion, a poly juice potion, a mirror image potion and a shrinking potion being the main culprits, with the potion of silence keeping her dying screams locked away as he body simply tears itself asunder, leaving only a mass of flesh and fabric and blood behind afterwards. Of course, Jaxson's own magical defenses were in place, his shield spell having blocked most of the torrents power and exposing the magical bubble of protection around him as it shimmers with magical energy. Percival and Jaxson lock stares again, with the latter knowing the gig is up, but knowing too that this havoc will only cause more tensions between the pair, Jax is left with a choice, surrender or fight. And with the thought of Valrae in his mind, Jaxson channels that primordial magic within him, the scent of ozone building as electrical surges start to build up around him. "I haven't time for this, Percival. I was mistaken before about Larket's involvement, but I had to be sure!" He tries to reason, hoping there is a chance here. But at the same time the sorcerer starts to weave the mystical forces that flow so naturally within his very veins. Percival is a prodigal student of magic, a stellar example of hardwork, study and determination to master arcane through the means of a typical mage. Jaxson? He was literally the product of generations of selective breeding to create a magical bloodline of sorcerers. Magic was a part of him, he needed no tomes, no studies. "If I find her, we can avoid greater conflict.." He tries again, hoping that with Percival he finds a rational mind, not one so warped by rage and propaganda, religious zealotry or blind patriotism that he could see Jaxson's true goal. But as panic from the now dead halfing sets in within all those around them, screams bellowing out horror and sadness, the Ravencroft heir doubts rational thought will prevail this day...

Small explosions of purpleish force muffle the sounds of curses and panic as those present scramble to escape or help those that have been harmed by the magic being unleashed on the department. One researcher is knelt down in the pile of flesh and blood that was that halfling mage, weeping after watching what has just become of his beloved. The crackling of electricity coming off the sorcerer ignites more of the volatile liquid that has spilled forth from the odd scrying devices that have fallen. Percival has just watched at least one of his students die a horrible death, and his own spell is what set forth the chain reaction that led to it. He is beside himself with this kingdom’s signature emotion; rage, and the normally level headed aeromancer snaps. He either doesn’t hear Jaxson’s call to calm the situation, or he refuses to. Concentrated gusts of wind shoot towards Jaxson like sledgehammers. The winds are fierce but there is still an uncanny amount of control coming from the special magical talent that is Larket’s Academy Headmaster. Any other orb or bottle that falls off of a desk or counter is almost instantly suspended in mid air by a pocket of wind, keeping it from shattering and unleashing more chaos. The people are in a panic, running to the exits, Jaxson and Percival are in the middle of a currently one sided, long-range boxing match, and yet the inanimate surroundings are serene, objects floating in space weightlessly as if they were suspended in water. The one researcher in mourning finally lifts his head to glare at Jaxson, grabbing a pair of those odd little scrying orbs out of the air, and standing… A horn sounds to the east, barely audible in this mayhem, but one can be sure a response from Fort Freedom is forthcoming…

Jaxson knows there is no chance of reasoning left as he can see the almost staple rage build up within the Headmaster, resulting in a barrage of arcane of torrents of wind pummel the barrier that serves as the noble's protection. The clash creates shockwaves that shake the walls themselves, and somewhere deep within Jax stirs a desire to lash back and unleash to fury of the storm upon the aeromancer, but rational thought (or more like the desire to get Val back) override the innate desire to unleash tempestuous retaliation upon this damnable kingdom for its transgressions against the Red Witch. A deep breath is taken just as the magical shield spell starts to finally start to break down, the doors leading into the room bursting open as Larketian troops rush in to answer the alarm call. It all happens in almost slow motion, the room still filled with chaos, Percival's fury still sending barrages of air to pummel him, clouds of different colored smoke mix with various smell that sting the nostrels as potions still warp reality about them all. It is in this moment that the collective energy that has been building up in the sorcerer is unleashed in a spell that isnt designed to require such power to fuel it. The thunder step spell is a unique adaptation of the misty step spell the man has claimed as his own, where the same intention of warping one's self from one spot to another is intended but with that added effect of a building up of thunderous magic is unleashed in the previous location, complete with dark storm clouds concealing the location, as to serve as a distraction to help aid in the success of potential escaper. The only thing? Jax built up too much electrical energy previously, and the thunder that builds up and is released sends a shockwave of energy in his wake that lashes out with such force that the potions and odd mixtures and debris from the fight, to include the mass of flesh of whats left of the halfing victim from earlier is all send flying out with tremendous force in all directions, surges of electricity rolling along in the wake, igniting some of the various liquids and only adding to the sheer chaos that Jaxson now leaves Percival to deal with. The distance isn't too great, as for all intents and purposes the spell is still very much the misty step spell and has limited range, but it is still enough to allow the man escape past the rushing in troops and mass confusion left in the room dedicated to the study of witches. The evidence left on the desk Jaxson was just at? Possibly destroyed as random spell effects from the potions that crash about, mixed with Percival's air barrage now slamming into the room and then Jax's own tempestuous escape creating the perfect storm of sheer maddness that would make Cire blush. Looking back for only a moment, Jaxson then turns to the gathering masses and call out (still under the disguise spell from earlier)> "By the Gods! The children! Help the children!" Causing a rush of panic and parents and do gooder types rush into the Academy now, only adding to the mass of confusion of people scream out for their children in panic, flooding the Academy of Magic with bodies and making any potential for Perci and the Guards who rushed in earlier to get back out in any easy manner. And it is here that Jax rushes back out of the town, acting as worried citizen for any possible guards, all of whom rush back towards the Academy to investigate. Once near the bridge, Jax makes use of the route he used to get into the Kingdom to make his escape now...