PGI: Kassandra

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"I am Kassandra Arahan, practitioner of dark magics, and more importantly, Loyal Bishop of Lord Loptyr. Normally, I would not stop from my suffocating duties, for they are of great importance... But I will spare some time for you, since your curiosity is that powerful." Kassandra takes a deep breath. "So do go ahead. Let loose your thoughts, your questions, and I shall give you the answers you seek."
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Red, Flame Paladin: Why haven't you recruited me yet :eyes:

Kassandra stares at Red for a moment. "Between dealing with pests here and there and organizing the Chronosian chapter, I have had little time to thicken our numbers. But it is coming to an end, and then you will have the *great* opportunity that is joining us."
[5:59 PM] Alkaid🌠: [There is the matter of how to find a proper way to recruit him that proves to be the most effective, one where he truly becomes a loyal servant of the Dark God]

Red, Flame Paladin: Ok, time to ask the serious question.
Red, Flame Paladin: How many licks does it take to get to the tootsie roll at the center of a Tootsie Pop™?
Red, Flame Paladin: I asked Quadra but he didn't seem to know...

The Loptyrian Bishop tilts her head and frowns in confusion. "What is a Tootsie Pop?"
[7:04 PM] Alkaid🌠: [Kass would need exactly 100 licks to reach the core.]

Red, Flame Paladin: Your mastery of magic is incredible- is there any chance you could teach me to use such spells?

"The dark arts are not a game you can learn without giving something, and I am not all that keen on sharing my knowledge. However, if you were to become one of us..."
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Flamy: Do you perform any sort of daily rituals or prayers?

"Every morning I pray for his guidance, that he can lead me to the path that is best in his eyes, that he guides me into unleashing powers that this world does deserve to see and feel, and every night before I rest, I express my thanks for another day to grow stronger, so that I may better be of use. Every seven days, when I am available, I lead the mass for our people, where we express our gratitude to the Dark God for what he has given us, and remember what it is that keeps us together in the face of a world that has earned no mercy from us."

Flamy: What is your favorite food?

Kassandra ponders for a moment, and another smile forms on her lips. "I like... beef. Medium well beef, with flavoring spices. Few foods make my mouth water like it does."

Flamy: Actual query, this one posed for both OOC and IC: Suppose that Kassandra is put into a situation where she must choose between herself or either one of her subordinates (Sarissa and Delos) to die, while the other two would live. Who would she pick, and why?

[4:55 AM] Alkaid🌠: [Flamy please do not torture me like that ;_; it is hard to imagine what she would do, I think Kass would seek a fourth option that ends in the death of the one causing this. I don't think she could handle either loss very well.]

Flamy: What does Kassandra look for in a partner?

[4:55 PM] Alkaid🌠: [I've never really stop to consider that, but I'd say she'd prefer someone who was, as you guess, loyal to the cult. She also needs someone strong and willing to stop at nothing to prevail over their enemies, for that is what will allow them both to survive in this harsh world.]

Flamy: Is there someone currently alive that you love?

"No."

*a bunch of nagging later*

[I don't know if she can really feel 'love' for anyone, not for now at least, but she does wish for the wellbeing of Sarissa, Delos, and all those Loptyrians, both under her command and outside of it.]

Flamy: How did you come up with the idea for Kassandra?(edited)

[Oh boy, it is a long story that comes fom years ago - she didn't start as a HaruFE character at all. She started from an independent, Play-by-post story I made with two friends, where I picked the be the embodiment of the goddess of ends - her name was Khora'Zeyal, supposedly the "daughter" of a greater god, simply called Khor. So I saw the K letter and thought "heck that's hecking kool" and so I wanted a name with K for the girl who would hold that deity, and that name was Kassandra, most precisely "Kassandra of Leyvelital-Arahan". The original Kassandra was the daughter of the noble family "Leyvelitail" living in the cold lands of a country named "Frostelth" (Yeah we are very bad at names) whose body was marked by the "Stigma", never-closing wounds that caused permanent pain and left her with a horrible stench of death. She would dress in clothes drenched in potent perfume and bathing would be very painful, but she had the strongest magic power of any human alive. Let's say that I wanted to simulate something like that last bit here - hence why she was initially Kassandra Leyvelitail, sister of everyone's favorite boi Serre Leyvelitail, but when I realized that she had to be someone different in order to work with the Loptyr Cult and that's when she stopped being Leyvelitail and became **Arahan**. I've left a lot of details out but you must know that I aimed for a character that would spice up things here - I got tired of all these "noble nobles" and "good traveller that helps everyone and their mothers". I wanted something unique, and I am confident in that I have achieved that - both mechanically and as a RP character.]

Flamy: What are your thoughts on the political situation in Fyarae?

"It is exactly as I had left it. The heirs dead, the king sick, and our people in position to finally be free, once the conflict is over. Rivers of blood shall run, but it is the price to pay for our liberty, and we are not going to let it slip past us easily."
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BunnyBunnyUguu: Do Loptyrians eat people?!

"No, we do not eat humans, we never have, and we never will. Our diet consists on what we can get from the markets like bread, cereals, the always needed fresh water, sometimes wine if we can get some, milk if it is well preserved, fresh vegetables, some spices to add flavor that foods that can be dull at times, and more, all to cook respectable dishes. In lucky days we may buy plenty of meat, be it pork or beef, but otherwise we are fine with fish. If need be, game might be required, but I do not expect us to require that for a while."

BunnyBunnyUguu: Do you guys still kidnap children as sacrifices and what are your opinions on child sacrifices?

"No, we do not. That was the doing of ancient generations, and it only helps to unite people against us. However, if Lord Loptyr so desires that I do, then it shall happen again, but otherwise I would prefer to not separate parents fom their children. It... brings back bad memories."
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DragonFlare: What did you make of Ciraxis during your meeting with him?

A soft smile draws on Kassandra's lips. "Duke Ciraxis is a wise man, knowing with who to make friends, and he seems to be a firm believer on what needs to be done - which just so happens to align with our targets. I am thankful for his support, but I do not believe he would needlessly endanger himself for our sake - he is not charity. He is however a powerful ally, and I do expect we benefit mutually from this."
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Natalie Silvergrace, Belhallan Professor of Magic: Though normally I'd balk at the prospect of asking a Loptyrian leader, I'll set my perceptions aside. How closely linked do you suppose Dark magic is to Loptyr's will?

"If anima magic represents control over nature, and light magic is that of realms above, dark magic's power comes from oneself. Lord Loptyr appreciates that, and you can make of that what you will."

Natalie Silvergrace, Belhallan Professor of Magic: (Clara, such naivety...) Alright, one for a fellow scholar. If she - or I, in this case - offered your kin shelter and fair treatment in exchange for the knowledge of Dark magic, what would you make of it?

"No. The dark arts are not tools that anyone should use carelessly. However, if you were to *join* us..."

Natalie Silvergrace, Belhallan Professor of Magic: I... admittedly, I had not known. Let me be honest, then, as you have with us - I abhorred your kin's actions, for the atrocities of distant past. But what they had done to your parents... I would not be so daring as to demand an apology from my kin, but I shall offer mine, as a Belhallan.
Natalie Silvergrace, Belhallan Professor of Magic: Lest I waste this opportunity... with Dark magic defined as channeled inner potential, would you classify the reaper so associated with the Death tome as a manifestation of that? This could prove very interesting...
Questia: [And OOCly: is that reaper basically a Stand?]
Flamy: ⸢ Don't Fear the Reaper ⸥

"It is a Death tome. I want it to summon Death, for it is that which it brings upon my foes. The shape it has when I channel my magic through its pages follows my designs, it is I who gives it form, and it is I who commands it - and it never fails to obey me, though it can be inaccurate at times."
[8:02 AM] Alkaid🌠: [My Stand, **[Don't Fear the Reaper]**, shall sentence you to death! You could see it as so, probably, but the reaper is ethereal, with only the blade of the scythe being truly "physical" and thus the only parriable/blockable part. In the same sense, touching the reaper has no effect - it is like a harmless cloud.]

Natalie Silvergrace: Suppose it did not come to blows. When the person you most expect to attack without provocation offers you peace instead... suppose they were genuine and not, say, a lure.
Natalie Silvergrace: What would you feel?
[8:10 PM] Questia: [What would she honestly feel? This seems a violation of her worldview, so ...]

"Hah, as if. There's no peace for those who would stand against us - they have caused us enough suffering, why would we give them space to breathe? No. I would sooner see them dead, if need be, by my own hand."
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Kedata: Sooooo, how many people have you killed?

"How many loaves of bread have you eaten in your whole life?"

> It brings me no joy, it brings me no pain. It is just what it is, it is just what I have to do.
Kedata: You say that, but for once, you admired and found joy in your work recently. Does that not seem like a contradiction?
Kedata: Of course, I refer to that knight-- whoever he was-- and when his hand was cut off. Rather... grotesque, many would call it.

"He deserved it for standing in my path, figuratively and literally. It is the relief, to see that one enemy is out of commission for a good time. An enemy that has caused us a number of problems, reduced to such a helpless state, his wound forever reminding him of the day he realized I am not messing around."

Kedata: Why the hell did you go so near the dragon shrine that one time?

"Reconnaisance. Needed to inspect the environment around - see what was there to keep in mind for the future. Or it might have been a walk in a park, for all that I did learn."
[5:04 PM] Alkaid🌠: [Okay the above thing is absolute not true. Blame Arisu for that one - he was like "Plz Hope let's do this coolio thing" And I was like "l8r m8t I'm currently doing thing stuff" but then he is like "HELL YEAH WE DOING IT NOW" and actually, genuinely, forcefully dragged me to have Kass wander around there for gods knows what reason. Ended up being one of the most productive RP sessions for me in HaruFE. Kudos at Dekw and Haru for their performance later on.]

Kedata: Have you ever met many manaketes before?

"A few, but nobody worth the effort of convincing. Seems all that shrine indoctrination makes them at least resistant to conversion, and that is disappointing. Besides, the last manakete I met was quite annoying, meddling in business that are not his. I hope he loses all of his dragonstones."

Kedata: The last manakete you met, huh? But you kind of made it the business of everyone else nearby by trying to fight so close to the shrine, you know.
Kedata: He may have gotten you pinned, but he also protected you from Tsukiko's attack. What do you think about that?
Kedata: (also, what do you think about Kei ooc?)

"I did not. That abomination could have stayed at the shrine and everything would have been fine. But she chased me, and provoked a fight, and I was not going to sit on my arms while that thing continued its quest to erase all that is." Kassandra glares. "I could have handled that myself. I did not need that dragon's help - if anything, it was a hinderance. An annoyance."
[5:24 PM] Alkaid🌠: [I insist, I never wanted to initiate that - it was Arisu's idea, and I just played it because I wanted it to end soon without being rude - seems at the end that was the best choice. On the note of Kei, I think he is what we could call the 'main character' of the game, and I would like him meeting Kass on a less hostile note - like a week or so ago with Kass and Erin.]
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Reyson: If you somehow end up claiming Naga, what would be your opinion on it? Will your view on Loptyr change?

"Me? Claiming the power of that annoying **hag**? I would see the tome burnt to ashes or dropped into the bottom of the ocean. Where it belongs."
[6:47 PM] Alkaid🌠: [I would have a mental breakdown and cry.]

Reyson: If there was a beach episode, would you want to be in it!? If so, watermelon smashing game or volleyball?

"Do I get to use my Death on the watermelon? If so, count me in"
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Tsukiko Fluorspar: Are you emotionally scarred after Old Loptyr crumched you Kassie-Massie?

Kassandra stares at Tsukiko with *scorn*. She almost moves her hand to her tome, but decides otherwise at the last moment. "Lord Loptyr punished His servant, for this servant was about to do something against what He wished. He saved her from doing something stupid, and let her live to learn and do better in the future. Unlike some people who ruined themselves by going against Him despite His warnings."

Tsukiko Fluorspar: Does that not make Old Loptyr just a scaley crybaby? Throwing a fit because someone who never followed him rejected him. Please detail your opinions on the matter.

"Consider that the one that rejected Him wanted to bring the end of the world, dooming everyone? I do not believe even the foolish Naga would have taken kindly to that."

Tsukiko Fluorspar: 1v1 final destination unarmed only no items when.
[8:08 PM] Kedata: can I watch that 1v1 with popcorn to eat while I watch
[8:08 PM] Kedata: (tfw some freaking knight ends up 1v1'ing kass that was actually a 1v4 instead of tsukiko and kass getting a 1v1 in rp)

"... What?"
[I will wipe the floor with you, boy]

Tsukiko Fluorspar: How can you say you've been to the depths of Hell if you're still alive and kicking. Silly woman.

"Hell needs not be a place. It can be an experience. It can be a memory. It can be an event. Or it can be represented by people who wish to see everything destroyed and a world devoid of life. But I do wonder who would be so insane to do that."

Tsukiko Fluorspar: Are you going to visit the Tower of Guidance? Or is the weather a bit too much for your hair to take?

"Ah, I was considering going there in reconnaisance mission. Perhaps I could visit someday, see what it has to offer and take a nice souvenir to always remember my visit whenever I look at it. I was thinking about your severed head, served in a golden plate. Sounds wonderful, does it not?"
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Reyson Wodring, Regent of Marinus & Duke of Valos: I have met you three times now and even if it fairly short, I wish to know: What was your first impression of me? What is your current impression of me?

"At first, you were just a naive, idealistic, annoying little brat. Now? I really can not understand you. Maybe if you were to allow us freedom of worship, that could be different. Very different."
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Anastasia, the Fury: What is it like... to be strong? What is it like to kill people, to destroy those annoying smiling faces, to hear laughter disappear whenever you will? It must be good, yes.... yes?

"I kill those that are in my path and dare not move. If they are not, I do not have the need to exterminate them. It is easier to remove them that way than to insist on convincing them - sometimes, they will hate you just for what you believe. It brings me no joy, it brings me no pain. It is just what it is, it is just what I have to do." Kassandra... shrugs.

Anastasia, the Fury: Oh.... that's actually kind of boring.
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Xyren Sakou: ....Gotta say, it’s trippy listening to that voice come out of your mouth.

"Is there something wrong with my voice? It is just my voice, and that is all it is. Were you expecting something different?"

Xyren Sakou: You're just a tad too high for your.... attitude.

"Just because my voice is the way it is does not mean that I am to smile to everyone and their mothers. Nobody needs it."
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Izaya: "Sooooo Kass-chan, how would you feel if I brought you and your group of friends a little giiiiifffft. One to celebrate your... survival of that battle. hehehe."

Kassandra raises an eyebrow, "And you would be...? What business do you have with us? If you try something 'funny', I will write your epitaph, so do not even think about that."
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Turqi: Tell me, Kassandra. I must know. What is Loptyr to you?

"Lord Loptyr gave me purpose. His followers gave life to a lonely girl who the world deemed fit to leave to suffer. I follow His will, because it is due. Without Him, I would have nothing, and would not be here."
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Alan, Boreal Spear: What drives you? What do you gain from following Loptyr?

"I have said it before, and I will say it again. Were it not for Him, I would not be here. Everything I have now, everything I am, is but an expression of the eternal thanks that I owe to Him."
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Your Daily Dose of Vitamin Bree: And what is your end-game? What is total victory, to you?

"What I want? What I wish? My goal..." Kassandra looks down for a moment. The Dark Bishop takes a breath. "I want a world where my people can freely live in peace, without being lynched because of who they are and what they believe, without the need of hiding. I want the absolute and complete elimination of our enemies in order to achieve that, as the first step."
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Nocturna, the Blue Vampire: I've seen what Dark Magic can do, but... what *can't* it do?

"That is one good question. As people unleash more and more powers, and give them form, and adopt these powers as theirs, they define what Dark Magic can do. Who knows? Maybe it truly is without limit. Maybe it can do anything."

Nocturna, the Blue Vampire: Anything... such a terrifying prospect, but a credible one nonetheless. Anyway, if one such as myself were... seeking to begin practicing Dark Magic, would there be any requisites or difficulties?

"To manipulate dark magic you need to know what is it that drives you. Without that it will be weak and useless and may even result in self harm. More advanced tomes will refuse your usage if you can not prove yourself worthy of them - and even then they can still be difficult to control, but the sight of your enemies drowning in darkness is far from unappealing."
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Arisu: How often does Kass visit the forgemaster and why does he forge her weapons?

[5:00 AM] Alkaid🌠: [In character I'd say once a month. The forgemaster works with her because of the same passion that drives him to keep working despite barely breaking even in the job. Besides, she doesn't walk in dressed in cultist robes or asking him to join Loptyr. Yet.]

Arisu: Do you think Reyson underpays Quadra? Especially after that little skirmish.

[3:27 AM] Alkaid🌠: [When does Reyson NOT underpay Quadra? It's a miracle the boy is still serving him.]
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J0: Do you hate humanity?

"No. Why would I? I do not wish to bring the end of the world - unlike *some* psychopaths. I only wish to give freedom to my people, and to reach that, *some* other people have to go."

J0: "*Has it ever occurred to you that Loptyr is just using you? Telling you the sweet things you want to hear, all the while not caring for you at all. Not only not caring for you, but detesting your very existence and relishing the spectacle of humans destroying one another, causing suffering, spurred on by only the whisper of his suggestion.*"

"Has it ever ocurred to you that there are people who have said this to me before? It is the same, every time. I am His servant. I follow His orders. I know my place as that - I did not seek His power for my own gains, I serve Him because He gave me everything I have now. That is not to say that I do not have wishes of my own, but His will is priority. I learnt my lessons before, and I want to strive to be of better use for Him. If the world shall find itself shrouded in darkness because of that, then **so be it**."

J0: What would you do if you became the thing you swore to destroy? What if you became one of those people who burned the village, and killed the family of some innocent little girl?

"We would not. What we do now is just to ensure our liberty - if we need to exterminate opposition, then we will. But we do not need to needlessly cause bloodshed."
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Quadra: ”What if I were to pose you a point, that you and I arent so different? We both live in servitude of someone who made us what we are, and we feel deserve it. Where do you think the differences lie there, outside of the obvious you do it in worship and I don’t do it in worship. Similarities?”

"Are you comparing the greatness and power of my Lord with that of that sack of intestines and bone that calls itself with a meaningless title? Disgusting. You would never- never understand. You have never gone to hell and back, left with nothing only for Him to save you from that. I have."
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Robin: “Theoretically, what would the quickest way to get in contact with the Cult be?”
Robin: “What are your opinions on the Holy weapons and their wielders?”
Robin: “Is there any action you’d deem unacceptable even if it were meant to meet your own ends, or the ends of the cult?”

"We are a religion. We seek those who have been forsaken by this world and give them a place to stay and a family with which to be. Sometimes we invite notable people who we deem worthy, but the stigma is powerful, and few can see beyond that." Kassandra shakes her head. "The Holy weapons... They work best when they are in our side. But is has been several years since their last appearance. Big events are happening soon, we will see how they unfold." The Loptyrian Bishop sighs. "None whatsoever unless it goes against the designs of Lord Loptyr. This world does not deserve mercy, because the slightest compassion is paid with a stab in the back."
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		KassAndRena (Special Q&A between Rena and Kassandra)
"I've encountered Arathil on a few occasions, he helped me reflect upon myself. Did he do the same for you?"

"Arathil is an... odd one. He makes me doubt myself, just as much as he warns me of dangers ahead, yet remains always cryptic. Someday I will get the information from him, but that day is not today."

"I have to ask... just out of a personal curiousity..." that *particular* light appears in her eyes again, "What do you make of dragons? They're fascinating, aren't they? Seemingly eternal life... the ability to change forms... the fact that they affect the land around them..." she catches herself... finally. "They're... uh... quite fascinating, don't you think?"

Kassandra ponders for a moment. "Dragons can be powerful creatures, it could be good to reunite a few under our cause. Alas, they fail to realize the one strongest of them all is the one they should follow, and then tend to be more of a nuisance, in the end. Their power could be used for better purposes."

"Can I ask what you think of someone like me? I'm given to understand that it's very rare for a human to gain the title of Shrine maiden, and while I might not exactly like titles, what does my title mean to you?"

"What I think of you, the shrine maiden of the disappeared shrine?" Kassandra shakes her head. "Nothing more than a silly, foolish little girl blinded by the belief in the annoying **hag** that is Naga. Perhaps you should have choosen a different career. You know, something actually useful and worthy."

"I consider my position to be very worth my time, and I'm useful to those that mean a lot to me." She crosses her arms, "Call me silly, *foolish* even. It means nothing to me, this is the path I chose."

"Then that shall be your epitaph."

[7:09 PM] Retro Hippie: You like epitaphs, huh? B)

"I am an expert on that area. I have written dozens, perhaps hundreds of them."
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		Kassandrattara (Special Q&A between Sutara and Kassandra)
Sutara Io: Ah... H-hi~ You’re quite beautiful, would you be opposed to me courting you?

"Am I? Nobody says that." Kassandra leans back in her seat, giving a smirk to Sutara. "Well, you certainly are welcome to try. Let's see what you can do."

Sutara Io: You’re lovely... What’s your favorite pastime?

"Lovely? Oh, please, you flatter me too much, I am hardly that." Kassandra nods. "As for that... I do like refining my skills, practicing again and again, but I also do read books to learn of new magics, of history and some other texts, but it becomes increasingly difficult to sneak into libraries and take them without being noticed."

Sutara Io: O-oh, would books be a good gift, then?!

"... I certainly could appreciate some more books. It helps me distract myself a little bit before my missions. Dark tomes are welcome, but almost any book will do. Also, contrary to what you would expect, I can and do also use Light tomes. I would like to show you my favorite of them."

Sutara Io: Great!! I-I mean, I’d love to see... books... about uh... magicky things. I love magic! Mhm!

"Ah, do you? It is good that you can appreciate a good tome. This is one of my favorite." Kassandra withdraws a tome from her robes. The cover glows a gentle white and sports a golden rhombus in the center along golden triangles on each corner... Yet, the book has several tendrils of black and purple colors crawling on its cover and it is pages. It also appears to be particularly heavy. "This is my personal diary, if you wish to call it so."

Sutara Io: Ah!! Pretty! That’s incredibly interesting, tell me more!

"I have mixed feelings about this tome. It feels satisfying using it despite being a Light tome, and I certainly can see its power, but on the other hand... it makes me feel slightly more ruthless than usual, specially as the battles drag on and on, like nothing could stop me at all."

Sutara Io: Well, winning your battles when fighting for a cause you believe in is always good, right?

"Completely. There are few things as satisfying as achieving your goals with your very own effort, the rewards of it... certainly are good to have."

Sutara Io: Haha, yeah~ I love winning battles. I wonder how you’d fare against me!

"We shall see. I am still recovering from my wounds from a previous... event. But I promise you - I will not be defeated so easily, so make sure you are not, either."

Sutara Io: Okay~!
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		Sarissandra (Special scene between Sarissa and Kassandra)
"Kass!" Sarissa runs up to Kassandra, panting as she stops in front of her. "They said you... You did... horrible things. That's not true, right? You wouldn't lie to me, would you?"

"I did, Sarissa. I did because I had to. Because my people keep being accosted by idealistic kids who think they know how the world works. Because they would never stop to think what is the pain that others hae to pass through. You already know this, Sarissa. I do not forgive, if an enemy stands in my way, I will crush them, sooner or later."

"Lady Arahan, that's not- You're-" Sarissa bites her lip. "...Do you hate me?"

"Why should I hate you? What have you done to earn that? What I see before me is a knight who does not deserve a perilous journey. But you have never wronged me. You never rejected me for who I was, and that, I can not hate."

"Deserve I do not- Just as I did not deserve saving by you. That you did has made me indebted unto you. I will not allow for you to be by yourself in your fight, so long as I draw breath." Sarissa hugs Kassandra tightly. "What's the secret? How can I be as strong as you?"

Looking away with a subtle pout, Kassandra raises her hand to pat at Sarissa's head. "You need *focus* to strive for what you want, and *patience* to master your own powers. I really can only suggest continuous training as means to improve yourself, because even if you do have natural talent, without experience, you have nothing."

Sarissa hums happily to Kassandra's show of affection. "On that topic... Will you teach me any more songs, Kass? All I remember is the one from that last mass we had, and the one you taught me way back."

"You liked these? Oh, but I sing awfully. Your voice is much nicer for them, but I do not mind teaching you a few more chants. You do sing better than I could ever do."

"Am not- You always get those high notes off well," Now it's Sarissa's turn to pout at Kassandra, and she does so strongly, "You won't get yourself too hurt, right? Even when I'm there for you, I don't want you to get hurt. You'll promise me that, won't you? For me?"

"..." Kassandra looks away, then frowns. "That I can not promise, Sarissa. The path I have choosen will invariable lead me to duel against those who would see me and my people dead. It is either us or them, and I do not believe they will not be ruthless and pragmatic on their approach - just like us, we shall do as we must, no matter the cost."
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		KassAnDuo (Special Q&A between Hantu + Veyn and Kassandra)
Veyn, Heartless Soul: Remember me?

"Oh. it is *you*." Kassandra stares at the blonde, then shakes her head. "Have you come here to repent for your faults?"

Veyn, Heartless Soul: That would be very boring. No, I'm sitting here by force to watch people get interviewed as I wait for my own turn, what else? Guess what, buddy? Loptyr's abandoned you, and at least I got two people that love me now. Me, and my axe.
Veyn, Heartless Soul: So here's my question. Are you proud of who you really are? Feeling at the top of the world yet? Because as I see it, around me there's only a bunch of failure with the smell of darkness.
Hantu Kopek: ...Veyn is just saying hi, don't mind her. As to my question, do you like demons? If so, would you like to meet one?

"You certainly seem to find the prospect of a dark tome used on you to be very appealing. My Lord is still here, and that is undeniable. I do what I must, and that is all that matters." Kassandra shakes her head. She then responds to the *other* girl. "What, are you one? Most demons I have seen have been foul creatures that you could not reason with, so no, I do not like them. They make me unnecessarily spend the power of my tomes."

Veyn, Heartless Soul: "Better be careful with both your words and for the next time we meet. My axe is begging for more blood, and both me and her (the axe) would LOVE to smack you in the face one more time... this isn't a threat, but nothing that a mere warning.
Veyn, Heartless Soul: Regardless... I have nothing but one serious question nevertheless, Ms. I'm in love with Loptyr. Do you feel Envy? Have you managed to seal out a curse? Because rather than seal it, than have you 'fix' my own body, I became the curse."
Hantu Kopek: "You two surely get along."

"No, I do not feel any envy whatsoever. What is there to envy? Perhaps people who can go around their business without fear of being lynched just for who they are. I am working on that already, however, and I will see it succeed."

Veyn, Heartless Soul: Good. I hope you fail on that quest, then, and realize in that failure the Envy you'll feel from other people's sucess.

"How very charming of you, do you not think so? You are ruining my atmosphere with your pestilence. Scram."

Veyn, Heartless Soul: It's me again. Hey buddy, do you have a best friend, or even one friend at all? We could be the best pals for sure. I'm evil, you're evil, we fit the bill. Whatcha say?

"Thanks, but no thanks. I have a group to lead and a legacy to keep alive, and people who will gladly follow my instructions and defend each other in the face of a cruel world. Like a family. You do know what family is, correct?"

Veyn, Heartless Soul: Yes... it's what neither of us has.

"How convenient, do you not think so? I found a new one when I met these people, my people. I can not afford to let anyone harm them."

Hantu Kopek: What kind of tea is your favourite?

"I like black tea flavored with peach. It has some soft element to it, it helps me relax a little."

Hantu Kopek: Black tea, huh? Well, it just so happens to be that I am an expert in each and every kind of tea. Would you like to have a nice chat after this interview and brew some ourselves? I promise that Veyn will behave more if so.

"Thanks, but I pass. My duty calls me, and I must return to my work soon. Perhaps when I can find a moment of pause we could. If you can make sure to keep *that thing* away from me."

Veyn and Hantu: Consider it done.
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		KassAnDornar (Special Scene between Dornar and Kassandra)
"So, why do you believe you've been forsaken by the world?" Dornar asked, after he took a wrong turn in the woods and found himself out of context. Again.

"Let me tell you a short story, one about a travelling family that was blamed for something they never did and was persecuted and hunted down by fearful people who would not listen to them at all. It first started with harassment, then it became aggression. On a fateful night, torches and blades were raised against them because they were blamed with casting a curse in a Belhallan town. They ran, and ran, and ran as fast as their legs would allow them." Kassandra's voice cracks slightly, and she shakes for a few seconds. She then closes her eyes and sighs before opening them again and looking back at the asker. "A father and a mother then stayed behind to cover the retreat of their only daughter, and have never been seen since. A little, 11 years old girl that had lost everything to hate and prejudice, and who would have died in a lonely, unmarked grave, had it not been for a group of people who accepted her heritage and gave her house and food and purpose."

"Then, you'd be...." Dornar said, his voice trailing off. "So, let's say Loptyr wins out, and becomes the faith of the land. What's to stop your people from doing the same to some other young girl?"

"Why would we need to do that? I do not particularly follow the idea of Child Hunts since they only gather people together against, and I would only let that happen if Lord Loptyr demanded so. Otherwise, you are talking of something that was done too far in the past to be relevant now."

"No, I was referring to the salt of the earth, people," Dornar said. "Who do you consider to be your enemies?"

"Those who would kill my people just for saying what their beliefs are. Those who would disturb us without provocation. The followers of Naga are first, then there are the people who have that silly belief against us rooted in their very core. Next, I would say those foolish rag-tag mix-match 'knightly orders' that think they can come in with their 'shining armors' and do whatever they desire. There are many more. We shall see them all defeated."

"I see," Dornar said, as he hastily fiddled with his satchel. "Does your faith have scriptures or other religious texts, by any chance?"

"We do. We compile books of our history. We compile our prayers and our customs - can not let old traditions disappear. We know our rules, and they are present in our books. And when these books grow old and weak from wear and tear we write them again. It is very important that we never lose sight of who we are."

"And I take it only those of the faith are allowed to see them? Or are there loptyrian cathechisms?"

Kassandra *glares*. "Do you wish to see us hunted down? We can not afford to openly invite people to learn what it means to belong with us. Not yet, not while we are seen as devils."

"If I wanted to see you hunted down, I wouldn't have stood by, earlier," the traveler said, raising his hands in protest."Speaking of which, did you get your wounds looked at?"

"Hmph." Kassandra looks away, although his words seemed to be genuine. "People fail to realize that I am tougher than they think just because of my looks. I have survived being impaled by a legendary lance before - this is but a flesh wound... I just refuse to go down easily, I suppose."

"I'll take my previous question as a 'no'. You surely realize that, resilient or not, leaving your wounds untended will only invite all the world's ails into oneself," Dornar said, with a sigh. "If you had to choose between fulfilling His Will, and your people, what would it be?"

"I treat my own wounds with my own staves, but I did not need that much to seal them. It will take more than a few stabs and grievous wounds to claim my life, and I do not intend on stopping my duties anytime soon. There's much left to do." At that, Kassandra thinks for a moment. "People seem to think that Lord Loptyr disposes of useful tools easily, but that is not the case. We of Loptyr are willing to die for Him. If we need to give our life to further His purposes, then we shall. So, in this case, I must admit that yes, it would be the first."

"...Festering. I was worried about the wounds festering." Dornar said. "In that case, you'd also put His Will over destroying your enemies, in cases where the two wouldn't align?"

"Yes. His will takes priority, I have said it before, and as much as it would leave me unsatisfied, His word is law. I once tried to kill someone just for being aligned with a certain omnicidal maniac. Let us say that I learnt a very important lesson that day."

"When you say hell, do you mean when you first joined your group, or was this a later trial?" Dornar asked.

"When I say hell, I mean the time when a group of people deprived a young girl of everything she had, and called it justice. If I had not been rescued by Lord Loptyr and His people, I would be skeletal remains in the middle of a nameless forest."

"That's what I figured," Dornar said, looking down.  " I'm sorry you had to go through that. One last question: Let's say your people gain their freedom, and are no longer pursued. Are you going to still go after those you consider your enemies,  even if  He declines to have an opinion? In other words, if you accomplish your goal, and aren't under threat, are you still going to attack your foes for retribution?"

"That is the core of the question. Our liberty can not be truly assured until all those that have defied us see themselves buried and rotting in the ground. Every single one of them needs to go to ensure the safety of my people, and I can not stand for anything less than that."
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		KassAndICan'tlistoMakeACleverNameOutOfThis (Special scene between Callisto and Kassandra)
Callisto looked at the figure before her. "Hello... Lady Kassandra is it? I have a small question for you. What sort of advice would you have for someone such as me that aspires for a higher position in life?"

"Indeed, I am Kassandra Arahan. From what I have gathered, what you need in life is pragmatism: what matters are the results, and it justifies the means. You need to know where are your opportunities to ascend, with what people you must stay side by side, how to manipulate people by exploiting that to which they are emotionally attached in order to put yourself in positions of advantage, and most importantly, never stop, even if you do fall. You would be surprised how many people find themselves sunk into despair when in fact their opportunities are closer than they are aware."
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		Ichissandra (Special scene between Ichi and Kassandra?!)
A different figure appears now, hands in his pockets. "What should one do when they... hesitate to do something that they feel they must?" Who would have thought that the spymaster of Perulos would appear?

"That is when you have already lost. You do not hesitate when you aim to claim what is rightfully yours - that gives your enemy advantage, that gives your opportunities to others, that casts your downfall. If hesitation does overcome you, you must swallow it and do what you wanted from the beginning, or you will never have that for which you aim."
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		KasSako
"So, Kassandra... what's Red like?" The next question comes from a young, lightly-clothed woman who apparently has no idea which direction to face to ask the question, as her back is turned when she does.

"Red is uh... What? It is the color of blood, of fire, I suppose? It is the color of warmth, if you desire to call it so."

"...What about blue?"

"Blue is... uh, blue is the color of the sky when the sun is above, the color of lapis lazuli, the color of the rarest flowers... athough some can be very poisonous."
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		Kassuuko (Special Q&A between Yuuko and Kassandra feat. Anastasia)
Yuuko, Moonlit Magus: ...while everyone else is curious about the why and how of dark magic, what I'm more interested in how you can even manage to lift these tomes. They're heavy! And Death gives me headaches, sometimes.
Yuuko, Moonlit Magus: Is it strength of will that lets you bear their weight? Strength of body?
[10:26 PM] Flamy: Clearly, it is strength of ASSANDRA.
[10:27 PM] Ryuunotaki «Nihil»: dem moons :eyes:

"What can I tell you? I just have affinity for them. I have seen people struggling with their weight but to me it just comes naturally, like breathing. It is not just their weight - it is also the strain they put in the body of the user. Dark magics can be quite dangerous in inexpert hands that can not resist the taxing requirements to properly use them."

Yuuko, Moonlit Magus: «Yuuko raises her eyebrows in worry and then looks down at the thick black tome strapped to her waist.»
Yuuko, Moonlit Magus: «She looks up at Kassandra with a subtle frown upon her face.»
Yuuko, Moonlit Magus: I'm aware of the danger, and it's why I have been.... cautious with which spells to touch and which ones to leave be. But what I don't know is understanding of just what that danger is.
Yuuko, Moonlit Magus: Dark magic wielders are few and far between in the academy, and I couldn't recall any as proficient -I might seem arrogant for saying this- or as willing to push their powers to the limits as I am. I haven't witnessed the consequences of dark magic abuse for this reason.
Yuuko, Moonlit Magus: I assume you have though. What is it like? What happens?

"Self-harm, both physical and mental produced by wrong channeling. Momentary loss of energy, of sense of oneself. Confusion, nausea, muscle pain, temporary loss of control of own limbs, unfocused sight, distorted hearing, and in the most extreme cases mouth and ear bleeding. It is hardly lethal or permanent, but it does put a heavy strain in underprepared bodies." Kassandra's expression  shifts to a thoughtful look. "This is why dark magic is not a toy with which to play."

Anastasia, the Fury: Hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe...
Yuuko, Moonlit Magus: Ugh, this girl next to me is creepy. Either way, I take it that the effects are the most severe with more potent spells?
Yuuko, Moonlit Magus: ...and what do you make of *this* dark tome?
Yuuko, Moonlit Magus: *Yuuko shows Kassandra a... Flux? tome*
Yuuko, Moonlit Magus: There seems to be what looks like a straightforward offensive spell within its pages, yet.. every time I try casting it from, I feel... overcome by an embarrassing urge to show off muscles I *don't* have.
Yuuko, Moonlit Magus: And then, after that, leap at the straw dummies we use for target practice to get at them with my fists.
Anastasia, the Fury: Bleh, you're just not using the tome properly. That's your fault, not the book

"Spells such as Death and Hel, amongst the most powerful and the most tasking. Such are the requirements of the strongest spells." Kassandra sighs. She then takes the 'Flux' tome and stares at it for a moment. "... This is not a Flux tome. This is a *Flex* tome. Whoever crafted this thing was just looking for a pun - why would a dark magician want to smack - - - you know what, you have been duped."

Yuuko, Moonlit Magus: Light and dark... to hear you say that you wield both does not come at a surprise. What do you think of how wielding light magic feels when compared to dark?
Yuuko, Moonlit Magus: And for that matter, what are your thoughts on anima magic?
Yuuko, Moonlit Magus: And ah, may I have my... Flex back if it's alright?
Yuuko, Moonlit Magus: Hmmm... I can think of reasons why one would something like this, but not with Flux unless they are insane.

"Light magic feels so... impersonal, like I am borrowing powers that are obviously not mine. It is strong, but not as strong - or satisfying - as Dark magics. But I need to comprehend its power, for I am to eventually face expert users of these - I need to know their every trick." She then offers the Flex tome back at the owner. "Whatever those uses are, they do not suit me."

Yuuko, Moonlit Magus: *Yuuko smiles as she takes her tome back, and then stows it back into its holder beneath her cloak.*
Yuuko, Moonlit Magus: Thank you.
Yuuko, Moonlit Magus: *Yuuko giggles a little as she looks back up at Kassandra.*
Yuuko, Moonlit Magus: I agree with this assessment thoroughly. Hmmm... if you were given the chance to wield one of the three anima magics, which one would you choose?

"I would choose... Fire. There is something satisfying about it - it leaves no traces. All that it touched is reduced to fine, black dust."
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		Showdown!! Grimnir's Rematch (https://i.imgur.com/p7oXWcA.png)
Grimnir Troy: We'll meet again, and you seemed to fare worse than I did after our last battle. So tell me, what was the pointed end of Gungnir like? If you stand in my way, I may have to arrange a reintroduction.

"How very charming of you, but I pass. You seem to be very popular amongst girls. How about I slice you in eight little inert pieces and send one to each of your muses?"

Veyn, Heartless Soul: Hey, that guy gave me the need to ask: How did the palm of my hand feel like when it went all across your face? Good?

"It felt like a soft caress. One done by some wretched wench. It sure beats being cursed for the rest of one's existence."

Veyn, Heartless Soul: I may be a cursed one myself, but looking at your ugly face really makes me curious as to who realñy is cursed.

Grimnir Troy: If you're trying to send me to the ladies I've an eye for, I'm glad to say that your previous performance was quite in line with just the one. Not your preferred outcome? I've only bettered myself since.

"As have I. Have you found a worthy heir for that scrap of metal you carry? Because after the next time we meet, he will need to find it amongst the landfills."

Grimnir Troy: Awfully confident against a scrap of metal that ran you through. Your faith seems rather misplaced in a god who brings you no more power than just anyone reading those tomes. Is that sort of arrogance common among Loptyrians?

"Ah, yes, you too, always thinking that we seek power and that we follow a contract blindly. Well, let me enlighten you, mister "holy pokey", my power, my ability, my talent, it is entirely mine and mine alone, an heritage from my parents that I carry proudly and that I put at the service of My Lord out of my own will. Of course, you have never been to the depths of hell only to be rescued by Him. You would never understand, you could only see us as nothing but insane demons. You sicken me. People like you are the cause of all that is wrong in this cursed land."

Grimnir Troy: All that is wrong? Certainly a rich point of view coming from a group that indulges so heavily in greed and hatred, forsaking the personal for a rather warped sense of progress. Perhaps if your actions lined up with your alleged creed people would be more sympathetic or understand, but you certainly seem to be doing your best to avoid doing so.

"What would you know, that you dare speak as if you had omniscience? You will never see the truth, that everything for which you have lived is but a fantasy, all those ideals for which you fight are but a dream from which you will wake up and lament during the last moments of your very existence."

Grimnir Troy: Ha! Decrying all convictions that do not line up with your creed is no truth. But, I see that any conversation that we might have had at all before our first battle would have been a waste of time...
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		Kassandivision (iunno what to call this mang)
Euler enters the room, with a slight hunch in his back and brilliantly white bishop's robes. "Greetings Lady Kassandra. I have been informed that you are in need of quite a bit of magically capable people." Euler straightened his glasses. "I would be more than willing to donate my powers of **MATH** to your cause. I assure you that I will be most useful. What do you say!"

Kassandra... blinks. "Uh, and you would be---" She leans back and blinks again in surprise. "... I suppose? It is not as easy. You would need to prove your loyalty first, I... suppose? I do not know. This is too sudden."
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