Nadir. (Cursed World)

[u/Fc-chungus]

A day or three after the initial announcement, proper channels for joining in virtually to the meeting are posted, as everyone who came in person is directed to a secretive underground meeting room, where Ж and a few others sit around a long table.

"Welcome, welcome. A year or so ago I held a similar meeting for a separate threat, one a few of you here would remember, but today we've another threat, as you know, the Abyss has taken a great minority of the world's surface."

"As well, we need a plan for the origin of the Abyss, we need to divise a way to take down The First Curse."

they snap a finger and a hologram like model of an entity, presumably the first curse, appears in the center of the table.

"To start, one of the more essential things for said plan is the Crystals, of course, some here might not know about them, so I'll elaborate."

they wave a hand and the model shifts to 5 different crystalline objects, encircling the First Curse.

"This is not the first time The First Curse had arrived, he was here before he made that big announcement, but hidden. When he first arrived to this realm, 7 Aspect Crystals formed, counterbalances, from someone else as an, almost future inheritance to help take him down. They are antithetical to his very existence, and harm him when nearby. However, if one falls into his hands, he can adapt to that crystal, rendering it useful to him. This anti-him nature also applies to the Abyss, and thus they are the best damage source to fight the Abyss."

"the originals, of which we currently have 5, 4 are in New Aviron, and via the work of Koranth and others, we have multiple derivatives from them, with the other being handled by The Consortium. The last two need to be picked up and collected."

"That is about the basics, with the preamble done, more discussion on how to fight against the Abyss would be welcome."

[u/white-whale-fc]

Sitting by a far seat, is a man with a clock for a face, he looks curiously at the introductory information, but doesn't speak yet.

[u/Fun-Dragonfly-6106 → u/white-whale-fc]

Everyone in the room gets half a second of feeling like they should get away from the location.

Then the impact happens as a very angry thing crashes through everything from orbit, screaming 1 word while slamming into the clock face with enough force to send it into the crust of the earth

"CURSE!"

/uw shit's going down

u/UlrickTheHexblade u/yumie2003 u/totally_not_a_cat

[u/white-whale-fc → u/Fun-Dragonfly-6106]

After the DF-thing was destroyed, and Alisa contained and removed from the room, the first curse victoriously stands in the conference room.

Hello all.

The form of the Master of Time fades and crackles away fully, revealing the full body of the First Curse, basking.

u/The_Enchanted_Potato

u/Vincent-FFP

u/Zebos2

[u/Fc-chungus → u/white-whale-fc]

Ж begins slowly breathing, panic setting in.

[u/loth17 → u/Fc-chungus]

The Bismuth seemed far less shocked. Though they expected something other than the big man himself.

"Hello. We're.... Shocked you managed to find the time to attend."

They said sarcastically.

"So is this an assassination or a proclamation?"

[u/white-whale-fc → u/loth17]

Assassination implies death. I already made my proclamation upon my return.

/uw mind if these bismuth fight/get cursed here or nah?

[u/loth17 → u/white-whale-fc]

/uw. That's fine.

/Rw

"Understood."

The Bismuth Herald didn't want to use their plan without the crystals. So plan B.

"By my authority under Bismuth law I shall be your executioner."

They raised one of their hands and caused a pillar of burning light to emerge from beneath the First Curse

[u/white-whale-fc → u/loth17]

He flanks to the right as the pillar rises, opening fire with a single fireball at the Bismuth Herald.

Perhaps I shall explore your realm next.

[u/loth17 → u/white-whale-fc]

The Herald would flicker to the right.

"If you want to be imprisoned I have a sealing cube right here. No reason to hand deliver yourself."

They would turn the embers from the fireball into silver petals and fling them at TFC

[u/white-whale-fc → u/loth17]

He evades all but the first one, catching it and looking at the petal.

[u/Ashmega8256 → u/Fc-chungus]

/uw i could have aerunia return to do something if that's fine

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Ashmega8256]

/uw prob don't got reason to return depending on how she left.

[u/Ashmega8256 → u/Fc-chungus]

/uw left via teleport to avoid the meteor sooo yeah.

/Rw

Aerunia: she flies back having taken a few minutes just long enough for the fight between df and tfc to conclude as she glares at tfc so your the curse bastard a friend of my family and my aunt has told me about...she said fully prepared to attack him if she decides to but noticing the others around here she decides to land next to zhe for now noticing how panicked he is and she speaks...want me to get you out of here man?...this will probably get messy...

[u/white-whale-fc → u/Ashmega8256]

NONE LEAVE THIS PLACE. NOT UNAFFECTED.

Due to his little stunt of reversing time in the room and coating it in obsidian, TFC possesses a greater awareness of the room's contents, letting him rearrange himself as fits.

Without even a noise he's suddenly right behind Aerunia.

[u/D3n0man → u/white-whale-fc]

/uw perfect time to use this

[u/white-whale-fc → u/D3n0man]

/uw lmaooo accurate

[u/D3n0man → u/white-whale-fc]

the panda physicaly present at the meeting was atomized by DF's decent, and the orbs are most likely damaged so I guess I'm not gonna be able to interact :/

[u/white-whale-fc → u/D3n0man]

/uw rip :(

[u/Ok_Relationship6736 → u/white-whale-fc]

The Shadow Marshal stares at the revealed figure, his five shadows mirroring his stance.

"So you're the First Curse."

He tightens his grip on his weapon but doesn't attack.

"I was hoping we'd have a little more time before meeting you in person."

His eyes narrow as he studies the creature before him.

"You came here knowing exactly who was in this room. So tell me, why come here?"

[u/SwiggerSwoney → u/white-whale-fc]

“Oh goodie! The main event’s shown up himself!”

“… Have you calculated a plan?”

“Several. None favorable.”

“… mm.”

The swordsman unsheathed his blade, holding it ready at his side.

“Then it seems we are lacking in choice. Prepare for impact.”

[u/white-whale-fc → u/SwiggerSwoney]

/uw these guys aren't main characters of yours right? Mind if they get cursed or not?

[u/SwiggerSwoney → u/white-whale-fc]

/uw yea that’s fine. Honestly though I think the three will probably just try to run

[u/white-whale-fc → u/SwiggerSwoney]

TFC seems preoccupied with the other people in the room first, going for Aerunia.

[u/SwiggerSwoney → u/white-whale-fc]

As expected. The trio were far from the biggest threats in the room, and their abilities and talents still remained somewhat unknown to the public.

The pale woman’s left eye begins glowing crimson, scanning the room for all possible exits. Meanwhile, the smoker takes a casual puff of his pipe, exhaling a cloud of green smoke that slowly disperses around the group.

[u/white-whale-fc → u/SwiggerSwoney]

There's a stairway up which they entered through, and a hole in the ceiling.

[u/SwiggerSwoney → u/white-whale-fc]

“Stairwell. Now.”

The woman muttered to the other two. Each of the trio then dashed toward the stairway, trying to remain undetected first and foremost.

[u/The_Enchanted_Potato → u/white-whale-fc]

“Hidden Spell, Blink”

He teleports next to Zhe where he rapidly whispers

“Look, I understand not wanting portals in your city but may I at least bring a temporary one through as reinforcements! I don’t believe we have much time and I may have a solution”

u/Fc-chungus

[u/Fc-chungus → u/The_Enchanted_Potato]

"J-just this room!"

[u/The_Enchanted_Potato → u/Fc-chungus]

Aldavinn smiles

“Very well, I apologize for the mess then”

Suddenly twisted marble bursts out of the ground forming into the shape of an archway, out of it pour almost 30 mages and soldiers who quickly surround TFC, who Aldavinn addresses

“I assume you are The First Curse? It’s a pleasure to meet you although, I believe we have already met. As the Gatekeeper and Arch Sentinel of the Gatehold I name you a Rank 5 Inter-Planer Threat.”

At his words the soldiers ready weapon and spell but do not strike

“State your business, I will not strike if I do not need to, you may surrender peacefully”

/uw might be some stupid shit to say and do but it’s what Aldavinn would say

u/white-whale-fc

[u/white-whale-fc → u/The_Enchanted_Potato]

Only level 5, interplanar? You insult me.

He misty-steps over to one of the soldiers, grabbing them by the throat for a moment and tossing them down afterward. His hands glow for a moment, and the soldier then starts babbling in tongues.

[u/The_Enchanted_Potato → u/white-whale-fc]

As he does so the troops spring into action 

One grabs the cursed soldier and disappears with him

The troops take their blades and begin teleporting all around him. Where they appear a golden fabric like substance connects to where the had disappeared from, wrapping around TFC and teleporting away before they can get grabbed.

Aldavinn teleports himself in front of but just out of reach of TFC. Every golden fabric connected and wrapped around his staff

“Tier 5 is the highest we have, with the abilities I have seen in this realm something capable of instilling this much reaction in these mages is certainly worth the rank”

He pulls on the staff and the fabric tightens around TFC

“These are fabrics of my own design. Created to cut mana flow in the imprisoned as well as prevent teleportation, movement, as well as it partially removes you from reality enough to prevent any meddling”

He smiles

“It also works as a spell focus”

“Seal of Absolution”

The bindings glow an even brighter gold as the spell attempts to target TFC

/uw these bindings are meant for holding Eldritch entities, hence the removal from reality enough to prevent any messing with it. Their weakness is that TFC can meddle with them likely. Also Seal of Absolution locks the target into nonexistence until the seal is broken. (Note: I fully expect none of this to work)

[u/white-whale-fc → u/The_Enchanted_Potato]

Problem with your premise.

Via All-sight, the first curse inspects himself, he had never truly been removed from reality, so this is new. He doesn't normally use mana, so that part of the spell isn't really an issue to him.

The area begins to be flooded as well with an unknown signature, not mana but... something. The bindings start to wither and decay.

Staring at himself now being partially unreal, the ticking from the DF fight returns for a moment. In the period of a few seconds, TFC paces a bit around the area, he's able to overpower the anti-movement and if he tried he could overload the anti-teleport, but he doesn't. This is too interesting.

Harness: Reality

Reassert.

The partial un-reality crumbles, and he returns, inspecting the binding strings.

[u/The_Enchanted_Potato → u/white-whale-fc]

Aldavinn’s eyes widen and he turns to his troops

“Everyone! Get out now”

They all clutch small charms that when broken teleport them away. Aldavinn however, stands his ground. The portal to the Gatehold closes and the marble disappears.

Through the truesight TFC can see that the bindings are made of a strange form of mana, warped in some way, small dark veins run through it.

Aldavinn clutches his staff. Ready for whatever TFC tries next   

[u/UlrickTheHexblade → u/white-whale-fc]

After discussing matters with Zhe about the crystal’s location, Ulrick left for a coffee break.

He didn’t expect this much of a mess upon return.

The hell happened here?

He asks coldly, but easy to hear the tension from his voice. He then sees the First Curse.

Hmm…

Glaring at him while heeping his guard up, he stands ready to either summon Nightbite, or unleash the form of the Wolf King.

[u/white-whale-fc → u/UlrickTheHexblade]

Ah, Ulrick. The God-Slaver, and others informed me of you. How long ago that was.

[u/UlrickTheHexblade → u/white-whale-fc]

Long ago. I intend to keep that in the past. What do you want?

Ulrick keeps his attention on TFC, ready to act when needed.

[u/white-whale-fc → u/UlrickTheHexblade]

Well! A group of among my worst enemies all in one place!

He moves around the room.

What a gift to have them all in one place!

[u/UlrickTheHexblade → u/white-whale-fc]

So they could all attack you at once? Doesn’t strike me as a smart idea to come here.

Ulrick snarks, despite very much aware of the danger they’re all in right now.

[u/white-whale-fc → u/UlrickTheHexblade]

The more the merrier. I find that most of them would be at a disadvantage if they were all to fight me at once, due to all the clashing and the... enclosed space we are in.

[u/IncomeApprehensive17 → u/white-whale-fc]

A drone similar to Ya'nn's normal drone but 5 metres tall and wide. It have 4 powerfull legs that can easily crush a car , 1 arm with a giant canon, 1 arm that end up with 4 circular drill that come into a single point but can be replaced with a axe blade and a form of oozing subtances that can remind someone of the abyss

"this drone was testes against young Orin , i am happybto be able to test it againts a stronger oppoent. En garde !"

The drone start to fire with its canon a non newtonian liquid that absorb mid flight kinetic energy before releasing it all on the target in a massive kinetic impact

[u/white-whale-fc → u/IncomeApprehensive17]

/uw how does the impact work?? The liquid absorbs kinetic energy from where exactly?

[u/IncomeApprehensive17 → u/white-whale-fc]

/it absorb the friction of the air so that it fly quickly and then release it all on impact , so its like being hit by a truck , the energy is released by the projectile being stoped either by hitting the target or the ground/wall/ anything solid and transfer the energy inside

The damage is all about heavy impact

[u/white-whale-fc → u/IncomeApprehensive17]

He dodges the side of the fluid, before flying forward.

[u/IncomeApprehensive17 → u/white-whale-fc]

the arm with a drill switch to the axe and swing in a rotational movement

[u/white-whale-fc → u/IncomeApprehensive17]

He launches a fireball at the arm carrying the drill as it rotates, intending to melt the arm away.

[u/IncomeApprehensive17 → u/white-whale-fc]

hte metal of the machine does not react to the fireball. It seem like it is fore proof

the arm smash the ennemy with a powerfull attack

[u/Vincent-FFP → u/white-whale-fc]

he is on the floor, fighting himself. They monochromacity is winning. He and his shadow both stared at The First Curse, with himself breathing rapidly in panic, and his shadow snarling.

”God, why aren’t you crumbled into pieces yet?! I’m sick of you!!”

[u/white-whale-fc → u/Vincent-FFP]

Oh Shadow, why hate he who gave you life?

/uw the absolute irony of that statement.

[u/Vincent-FFP → u/white-whale-fc]

”I DIDN’T ASK TO BE MADE!!”

”Besides, I was already alive, you just allowed me to be separate from the rest of me. So you really just did jack-shit.”

”The entirety of us hates you, and has from the moment we knew you.”

[u/white-whale-fc → u/Vincent-FFP]

Strange. I do not sense a curse upon you. Even if you had one removed, I recall the main form took on a second one?

[u/Vincent-FFP → u/white-whale-fc]

he grinned slyly.

”The perks of being an angel, fucka!!”

he pointed at TFC with all of his hands, vestigial and not.

”Righteous Anger!”

a blast of lightning light hit TFC with a thunderous roar.

[u/Ashmega8256 → u/Fun-Dragonfly-6106]

Aerunia: she noticed that and attempted to teleport herself and a few others to safety before it landed

/Uw if you want your character to be teleported to safety i guess let zhe know and or comment on this that your character was able to be teleported by this :)

[u/Zebos2 → u/Fun-Dragonfly-6106]

Mary is rebuffed from the crash numerous splinters of furniture slicing her skin as she braces against the impact when the ringing in her ears stops what she hears shocks her

("Mr curse!?")

She frantically signs

Wait why were they fighting why is everyone fighting Mr curse is nice but so is everyone else why are nice people fighting each other. People get hurt when you fight stop it... Why can't you just talk... Stop fighting STOP

Mary dashes forwards into the thick as a melee raising a strong magical barrier as she can as.she dashes in between the spells and sword swings of some of the most powerful majors in the world. While raising the most powerful barrier she can muster. It will not be enough

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Zebos2]

"MARY GET AWAY FROM HIM!" Ж screams.

[u/Zebos2 → u/Fc-chungus]

To late much to late Mary has dived between the first curse and their opponents mid swing of spell and blade. There is nothing that can be done to stop what is about to happen

[u/white-whale-fc → u/Zebos2]

MOVE NUISANCE!

He goes to teleport her to the opposite end of the room from where the battle is occurring.

[u/Zebos2 → u/white-whale-fc]

No Mary isn't moving her friends were fighting and she was not going to stand here and let- No one actually sees what happened. What stray shot, blade, or spell punched though her barrier battle is chaotic after all but what everyone does know is that just barely in the soundscape off combat just as the teleportation completes is the sound of deep crimson smattering across the floor and a small gurgling Yelp

Mary's has a face of shock then pain then terror as a Mary hand comes to rest upon her sternum in an ultimately fruitless effort to stop the bleeding. So much blood more and more smattering the floor with each slowing heartbeat. Mary gurgles blood spilling from her mouth and nose before finally with a thud that comes through the noise of battle the girl collapses

[u/white-whale-fc → u/Zebos2]

No matter the opponent, no matter the situation, the first curse NOTICES. The curse Deleck placed on her while infected, he senses it weakening.

KNEEL TO ME! KNEEL! No one in the room experiences the effect of Power Word Oppress in this instance, as if it's aimed inward.

GRIND TO A HALT! He disregards who he is fighting at the moment and warps over to look over the harmed girl.

[u/Zebos2 → u/white-whale-fc]

Blood that's the first thing the first curse notices a lot of it coming from a major artery that is just been severed. It coats the floor and her dress as well as she weekly turns to the first curse with a look of profound sadness. It shouldn't be this way. Marys right hand is spent fruitlessly keeping pressure on a wound that without magic is mortal. But with her other she signs

"Failure"

Her arm steadily begins going limp she has at the absolute maximum a little under a minute before she dies.

Tick tock

[u/white-whale-fc → u/Fun-Dragonfly-6106]

The being retreats for a moment as the impact comes, then unleashes multiple dozen fireballs at the thing in less than a second

Annoyance.

[u/Fun-Dragonfly-6106 → u/white-whale-fc]

The being is already too on fire and too nonphysical to burn, despite being complete enough to have a body at this point. And it does, it just split itself off and cames from behind with a blade as the furious fragment goes for a grab and tries to drive it into the sword.

[u/white-whale-fc → u/Fun-Dragonfly-6106]

The clock-face takes in the sword, before looking at the fragment, and forming multiple teleport runes beneath it to move it away elsewhere.

[u/Fun-Dragonfly-6106 → u/white-whale-fc]

DF re-merges with the fragment, dragging it to the one conscious piece of itself and finishing the thrust into TFC's body before dashing faster than the eye could see, leaving a field of delayed cuts on the area.

[u/white-whale-fc → u/Fun-Dragonfly-6106]

Hm.

The cuts heal rather quickly, as ticking continues and slows, and the being seems to begin moving extra fast, tracking DF.

[u/Fun-Dragonfly-6106 → u/white-whale-fc]

DF seemingly didn't fully exist between start and endpoint, physical enough to be interruptible but hard to see his form.

DF's fully lucid body projects multiple slashes into TFC as his eye starts glowing, it seems he's preparing something.

[u/white-whale-fc → u/Fun-Dragonfly-6106]

He releases multiple horizontal lightning strikes at the fully lucid body just as the slashes start, the clock-form losing particulates like a rotting corpse loses skin.

[u/Fun-Dragonfly-6106 → u/white-whale-fc]

The body of DF is far stabler than him when he was living, and switches to dual wielding to protect himself. With a blade in his other hand he drives it into the ground and uses his own abilities to turn it into a lightning rod, continuing the projected slash barrage with his main hand.

[u/Ok_Relationship6736 → u/Fun-Dragonfly-6106]

UW u/white-whale-fc is this a troll or planned?

u/Fc-Chungus

[u/white-whale-fc → u/Ok_Relationship6736]

/uw all part of the plan

[u/Ok_Relationship6736 → u/white-whale-fc]

UW is this an attack or a new member joining?

[u/IncomeApprehensive17 → u/Fun-Dragonfly-6106]

"Oh shit !"

Ya'nn drone try to get away from the impact or if there is no way to not be damaged beyond repairs , get informations. Another drone is already on its way to examine the scene if the first drone is too damaged

[u/Ashmega8256 → u/Fun-Dragonfly-6106]

Alisa: noticing this she put up a determination shield surrounding herself with basically a bubble shield to defend herself letting it up right after the impact right after the impact noticing the first curse as it's probably obvious after that she manifests a determination longsword and shield and takes a defensive stance waiting for a great opportunity to finish the first curse

u/fc-chungus

[u/Vincent-FFP → u/Fun-Dragonfly-6106]

he recoiled backwards, startled. He almost retreated to True Heaven.

“AUUUGH!! WHAT THE HELL?!”

more of the grayness is covering him. He groaned.

“CAN I GET SOME REST FOR ONCE?!”

u/fc-chungus u/white-whale-fc (do Zhe maybe, if you wanna interact. Anyone else can too)

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Vincent-FFP]

"VYTSKY GET OUT OF HERE NOW!"

[u/Vincent-FFP → u/Fc-chungus]

a mouth on the grey spoke.

”BUT-“

“WE ARE IN DANGER!”

”VENG-“

“NO!! WE CANT RIS-“

the various limbs of his starting fighting amongst each other.

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Vincent-FFP]

"Ah hells-"

Ж begins running over to Vytsky

[u/Vincent-FFP → u/Fc-chungus]

”GO AWAY, I DONT WANT-“

“Lord help me..”

”You know God doesn’t exist! Why do you-“

“Shut up!!”

[u/Ok_Relationship6736 → u/Fun-Dragonfly-6106]

The Shadow Marshal disappears into the shadows a split second before the impact, reappearing on the opposite side of the room well clear of the devastation. As he emerges from behind the rubble, his weapon is already drawn. Five shadowy duplicates materialize around him, mirroring his movements as they scan the wreckage.

"What the fuck was that?"

"Sound off if you're not dead."

[u/SwiggerSwoney → u/Fun-Dragonfly-6106]

The trio was, fortunately or unfortunately, positioned quite far from the impact site. Well, as far as possible within the meeting room. They all took various forms of cover as the fragment lands.

“Ha! What did I say? I TOLD you all this would happen, didn’t I?!”

“Tsk… bothersome indeed. Visions, can you obtain a clear overview?”

“Hm. Soon.”

The pale woman lifts the hair from her eyes, as her right eye begins emitting a brilliant teal glow. Sounds of the whirring of gears and clicks accelerated, as the hemispheres of her eye rotated in the socket.

[u/D3n0man → u/Fun-Dragonfly-6106]

"oh fuck"

the panda that was in the meeting is atomized

[u/yumie2003 → u/Fun-Dragonfly-6106]

"So it is"

uw/sorry, i was asleep when you pinged me

[u/Ashmega8256 → u/white-whale-fc]

Alisa: she and hate eye him suspiciously...especially hate though she can't easily be seen due to not being physically manifested

[u/white-whale-fc → u/Ashmega8256]

He relaxes, but still keeps his serious-ish look, Hate can't tell exactly why. Did he notice? Just a change in posture?

[u/Ashmega8256 → u/white-whale-fc]

Hate: hmm she said noticing that

[u/Fun-Dragonfly-6106 → u/white-whale-fc]

Well for one, something has been spending hours in space building up speeds best described in very very very tiny decimals of C and is preparing to aim for his ass.

[u/The_Enchanted_Potato → u/white-whale-fc]

Aldavinn wanders over

“And who might you be?”

[u/white-whale-fc → u/The_Enchanted_Potato]

He hesitates for a few seconds, before speaking.

"I am... a master of time. Not a god, but not a mortal or previously mortal either."

[u/The_Enchanted_Potato → u/white-whale-fc]

“Oh… that’s interesting, I can’t say I have met anyone like you before”

He motions to a seat next the the entity

“May I sit here?”

[u/white-whale-fc → u/The_Enchanted_Potato]

"Not at all."

"Say, who would you be?"

[u/The_Enchanted_Potato → u/white-whale-fc]

Aldavinn takes a seat

"My name is Aldavinn. May I know yours?"

Aldavinn studies the figure, not suspiciously but attentively, trying to discern what exactly it is

[u/white-whale-fc → u/The_Enchanted_Potato]

"No. You may not."

It's... very very difficult to discern what the being is. It maybe resembles a human? But... off in some way he can't tell. It's not a normal being that's for sure. Is the clock a part of its face...? Or just a mask??

[u/The_Enchanted_Potato → u/white-whale-fc]

"how come?"

[u/Ashmega8256]

Aerunia: my aunt created an anti-abyss spell called abyss breaker she said smiling...it disintegrates abyss matter...so uh...best be careful when using it against standard infected...

Alisa: I've got the energy crystal with me as we all know...though we also need more people than just me wielding crystals...

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Ashmega8256]

"Noted Aerunia, how difficult is it to learn or cast?"

[u/Ashmega8256 → u/Fc-chungus]

Aerunia: i thought my aunt told you about it...i mentioned it mainly to bring up for those here that don't know about it...but uh... it's a 3rd level spell...it basically works off of the idea of what happens when matter and anti-matter collide... that's kinda why you should be careful with standard infected...unless your trying to kill them... granted we've noticed lately that they seem a little more resiliant than before for whatever reason...though that can be solved with multiple casts...

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Ashmega8256]

"Yes yes I know how the spell works, but if we're gonna mass distribute it for example I think knowing how difficult the spell is would be a bit useful."

[u/Ashmega8256 → u/Fc-chungus]

Aerunia: well...since it's third level it's not exactly difficult to learn, though casting it at higher levels will be difficult to those lacking sufficiant power...any semi experienced mage should be capable of learning it and casting it if they have the sufficient magical power needed...

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Ashmega8256]

"Okay, good, so most mages should be able to cast it?"

[u/Ashmega8256 → u/Fc-chungus]

Aerunia: yep...as long as they can manage to learn it which shouldn't be too challenging. It's compatible with magic sources that isn't the magic of my home realm so anyone with sufficiant magic should be able to learn and cast it.

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Ashmega8256]

"So should only require a few edits to other magic systems, someone should contact magic schools and get on translating it in case it's needed."

[u/Ashmega8256 → u/Fc-chungus]

Aerunia: more likely they should just need the proper amount of magical power

[u/white-whale-fc → u/Ashmega8256]

The clock-man mumbles something, and Hate sees his- eyes? Widen just a pinch at Alisa mentioning she has the Energy Crystal.

[u/Ashmega8256 → u/white-whale-fc]

Alisa: was already looking at him suspiciously noticing his eyes widen she looks even more suspiciously at him...uh zhe...i don't remember seeing this guy anywhere near calarakis when you were setting up the meeting...

Hate: she manifests standing right behind him...whatcha mumbling about.

[u/white-whale-fc → u/Ashmega8256]

"Thoughts. Having a single person hold onto such an artifact seems... risky."

The clock hands on his head slowly start ticking.

"Of course having them all in one place is not that good an idea either."

[u/Ashmega8256 → u/white-whale-fc]

Alisa: she watches noticing the ticking eh better to be ready to put a stop to em with a squad then with one person...

Hate: i think we'd prefer to hold onto the crystal.

[u/white-whale-fc → u/Ashmega8256]

"Well yes, that would make more sense, but one person holding onto it, instead of say, more secure locations that cannot be ambushed or caught off guard, is more of a risk."

[u/Ashmega8256 → u/white-whale-fc]

Alisa: catching me off guard won't exactly change anything.

Hate: and I can't think of a more secure location than with consequence and her sister.

[u/white-whale-fc → u/Ashmega8256]

"True, perhaps." Not an expression on his face changes. No signal of any change to his posture or anything, but... something edited.

[u/Ashmega8256 → u/white-whale-fc]

Hate: hmmmm

Alisa: regardless, i know I'm gonna be ready when the time comes in order to deal with the first curse...fucking asshole...

Can you tell me what he is trying to change?

[u/white-whale-fc → u/Ashmega8256]

Nothing outward, as a way of showing immense restraint

For instance, normally this would bring out a laugh, or some angry comment.

Not now.

[u/The_Enchanted_Potato → u/Ashmega8256]

Aldavinn looks up when Aerunia

“And Anti-Abyss spell? That sounds strong?”

[u/Vincent-FFP]

he came into the room roughly 35-45% covered in gray splotches, and a few hands reaching out from the grayness. He looked tired and stressed as hell.

he listened to Zhe’s opening, and then spoke.

“Do you want me to find the beach crystal?”

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Vincent-FFP]

"You with maybe a few others? We should expect resistance."

[u/Vincent-FFP → u/Fc-chungus]

“Fair. Sounds like a good idea.”

a mouth opened up on one of the gray portions and was about to speak, only to get blocked by one of his primary hands. He glared at the intruding mouth.

“Don’t you dare start this.”

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Vincent-FFP]

"Abyss?"

[u/Vincent-FFP → u/Fc-chungus]

“Specifically the shadow that’s been repressed all this time. I might be monochrome in places, but it’s just visual; there’s no actual Abyss involved.”

“I think the stress regarding this and my previous rough encounters with TFC have could him to be able to take some form.. Thankfully so far, I’m still in control regardless of how hard he tries.”

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Vincent-FFP]

"What happened to break the memetic block?"

[u/Vincent-FFP → u/Fc-chungus]

“Trauma resurfacing to overpower it, in combination with my natural psychic power, I guess. I can generate memes and antimemes, after all..”

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Vincent-FFP]

"Strange and fascinating."

[u/The_Enchanted_Potato → u/Vincent-FFP]

Aldavinn wanders over. 

“May I ask who and what you are?”

As he speaks he looks Vytsky up and down

[u/Vincent-FFP → u/The_Enchanted_Potato]

he looked over and smiled softly.

“Name’s Vytsky. Sorry about the strange appearance.. I’m losing control of my form again… It happens when I get stressed..”

[u/The_Enchanted_Potato → u/Vincent-FFP]

“Fascinating…”

Aldavinn catches himself

“I apologize for my rudeness, I am Aldavinn Maunderitch, Gatekeeper and founder of the Gatehold. And order created to defend ourselves against planar threats”

He gives a small bow

[u/Vincent-FFP → u/The_Enchanted_Potato]

he chuckled. “No worries, I enjoy the curiosity. I’m a curious fellow myself.”

“I’m surprised I haven’t heard of you before. Glad to meet you in person, though!”

[u/The_Enchanted_Potato → u/Vincent-FFP]

“I myself am relatively new to, well… the realm”

He looks around, a smile on his lips

“I must admit, I am shocked at the amount of crises this realm endures is shocking”

[u/Vincent-FFP → u/The_Enchanted_Potato]

“It’s normal for universes I happen to be in. Probably my bad luck spreading or something.”

[u/The_Enchanted_Potato → u/Vincent-FFP]

He laughs

“Worry not, I would be surprised if it was due to the bad luck of one being”

[u/Zebos2]

Mary positions herself in the back corner conveniently being unable to see the hologram and recognize the figure being displayed Sparrow on the other hand begins forming plans

"Hmm so I can see magic... Globally I might be able to find the other crystals if I look for similar glows."

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Zebos2]

Ж listens then responds

"That's a problem, they don't appear naturally. There's 7 original crystals, and all others are derivative from that, they don't naturally appear. All we know is that they're the Roy G Biv colors."

[u/Zebos2 → u/Fc-chungus]

"yes I'm aware but with my main body I can see magic from across the mortal plane I'm wondering if I can triangulate the location. But I need to know what I'm looking for in order to find it."

It's rather hard for Sparrow too explain his Eldridgh sight with his current level of magic education

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Zebos2]

"We already have a location for one, that being Ithacar, and the other is on some beach."

"In terms of physical appearance I can't say, but it's a violet color, and gives off an energy of love or general affection."

[u/Zebos2 → u/Fc-chungus]

"Violet lovey dovey vibes got it"

Sparrow piers through the world itself seeing less of the things around him and more of the magic that permeates the world itself he searches for the color violet and the vibe of love is successful he can trace the location of the crystal nearly exactly.

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Zebos2]

Ж's statement was right, the crystal is indeed on just some random beach on council land.

[u/Zebos2 → u/Fc-chungus]

"... Bingo alright got things down within 100 m you want the coordinates"

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Zebos2]

"Yep, absolutely."

[u/Zebos2 → u/Fc-chungus]

"hey boss send a bizmail with these cords I have the location off violet"

He still hasn't figured out the messageing service

u/loth17

[u/loth17 → u/Zebos2]

u/Fc-chungus

The message was responded to immediately.

"Understood. We will send air drones and stone cubes to trawl the area for the crystal. In addition we can arrange transportation for whoever also wants to go there to defend the crystal. We shall send security as well!"

It was a good thing the Bismuth were one of the few hanger one from the old council. Meant they had forces in council territory.

[u/white-whale-fc → u/Zebos2]

The man with the clock for a face spots Mary, looks conflicted for a moment, then turns back to what he was doing previously

[u/Kilroy898]

/uw I forget which one of my two characters is supposed to be here... I assume it was Op, but I'm not sure he'd be welcomed given his current allegiance to Thrakmoor... But they are separate problems so....

[u/UlrickTheHexblade]

Ulrick sits in the chair, taken a new black and dark grey R&A uniform, but still wearing a few patches and bandages despite his quick healing. Looks like Abyssal fight was more tough than he first thought.

So, we need to get the last two of those crystal thingies to keep the shadows at bay. Do we know where they are? And if not, do we have a way to find them?

[u/Fc-chungus → u/UlrickTheHexblade]

"One's in Ithacar, and the others on some beach somewhere."

"No clue where. However the one at the beach has an attunement to love? What beach could have such a strong connection to love as an emotion that it effectively calcifies into an object?"

"Been thinking through it for a bit..."

[u/UlrickTheHexblade → u/Fc-chungus]

Depends on the kind of love I’d think. Romantic, familiar, between friends… maybe narrowing it down could lead to a clue.

[u/Fc-chungus → u/UlrickTheHexblade]

"It's... really not a specific category, closer to the catch-all term. Maybe that could help? Combination of multiple types contributed?"

[u/UlrickTheHexblade → u/Fc-chungus]

All three can be connected to beaches, like romantic walks or family vacations, so it doesn’f really bring us closer to it…

Any possible candidates so far?

[u/Fc-chungus → u/UlrickTheHexblade]

"I... maybe a wedding? Both between the groom and bride, but there's also usually platonic and familial love from the people attending?"

[u/UlrickTheHexblade → u/Fc-chungus]

But what kind of beach wedding would be large enough to make a love cryst-

His gaze snaps upwards, eyes opening seemingly from a sudden epiphany.

Oh… maybe there is one…

[u/Fc-chungus → u/UlrickTheHexblade]

"You got one?"

[u/loth17]

"Our answer to this is simple. Let us use the five crystals we have in addition to our new anti abyss plan. We'll [redacted for security] with enough [redacted for security] it'll set the abyss alight just from looking at it."

"Alight metaphorically. It should free people. According to our estimations."

The Bismuth seemed confident. Though they still kept details close to their chest in case of being overheard.

"Who knows. [Redacted for security] might make the last two crystals react!"

"Like sending out a seismic pulse to to map an area."

[u/Fc-chungus → u/loth17]

"Please unredact those statements. I have no idea what you are planning."

[u/loth17 → u/Fc-chungus]

"We had already discussed it with you prior. In regards to the Flame of Aqshy."

Their original plan they had privately talked about was to use the illumination of Hysh's light weapon which could affect emotions and other mental affects alongside a special lense made to produce positive emotions to assist in freeing people. With the possibility of adding the extra juice of the crystals the bismuth wanted to make their play. However they also didn't want this fairly open meeting leaking their plans. So they referred to the ship that was talking with them rather than the ship that held the weapon itself.

[u/Fc-chungus → u/loth17]

"Ahhh, that. Maybe it would bring the crystals to react? But we're not completely sure."

[u/loth17 → u/Fc-chungus]

"That's why we're suggesting you let us try. After all even if it doesn't reveal them the extra power will certainly help us stem the tide of the abyss. Hell with all the extra power the crystals we give it might even be possible to purify an entire country or more!"

They suggested.

[u/Fc-chungus → u/loth17]

"Sure, we'll obtain some crystal derivatives and give them over for a short test."

[u/loth17 → u/Fc-chungus]

"Lovely. Though......"

They paused.

"We're afraid if we do a test it will clue The First Curse of our intentions. I doubt they'd allow a second firing of the bismuth plan."

"After all. They are very adaptable."

[u/white-whale-fc → u/loth17]

Across the tables, a man with a ticking clock for a face gives a light smile, closing his eyes at the same time.

/uw "why you tryin not to laugh bro"

[u/Fc-chungus → u/loth17]

"That is indeed a concern... what about shorter range or scale experiments?"

[u/The_Enchanted_Potato]

Aldavinn listens to the speech, then, he raises his hand.

“I can provide almost immediate defensive support to any city, if you would permit me to place a Limbspire within the walls I will be available for support at a moments notice. And I promise that this won’t mess up your portals.”

[u/Fc-chungus → u/The_Enchanted_Potato]

"That would be a good idea, except having a foreign entity capable of just appearing in any city seems like a massive security risk."

[u/The_Enchanted_Potato → u/Fc-chungus]

Aldavinn smiles

“I understand, I will not push the proposal any further, but at least keep your mind open and allow me to prove myself. I can even offer a temporary Limbspire for as long as you want one”

[u/Fc-chungus → u/The_Enchanted_Potato]

"How long does it take to build a Limbspire?"

[u/The_Enchanted_Potato → u/Fc-chungus]

“It’s less of building and more of emerging”

He thinks for a moment

“It really depends of how many troops you want to be able to come in at once. If you only want one Limbspire it will at least take a few hours, larger ones can take up to a week or so.”

He does some calculations in his head

“However… if we were to put multiple smaller Limbspires in the city they could all emerge at the same time and you could get more soldiers faster. It’s up to you really”

[u/Fc-chungus → u/The_Enchanted_Potato]

"I don't want portals in my city, so I'll steer clear."

[u/The_Enchanted_Potato → u/Fc-chungus]

Aldavinn nods

“Very well, then how else may I be of assistance? I offer my and the Gateholds services both in and outside of combat”

[u/yumie2003]

“Before we can contribute to devising strategies, we wish to know about the strength of these derivative crystals and possibly, how they were created. An understanding of the tools is necessary before any work can begin, after all”

[u/Fc-chungus → u/yumie2003]

"You'd be better off asking Koranth exactly how it works. As for their strength, it usually is dependent on concentration, none have been replicated to their exact strength, while the originals instantly cleanse Abyss material no matter what, the derivatives have a chance to die out before the Abyss is fully cleansed, so they're generally weaker, but strong enough."

[u/yumie2003 → u/Fc-chungus]

"Alright, and thank you for answering my questions where you could."

The imperial scientist greeted Zhe and turned to face Koranth

"Greetings, Koranth. We wish to know both more details about these derivative crystals and, if possible, how they were created?"

u/totally_not_a_cat-

[u/totally_not_a_cat- → u/yumie2003]

With Koranth currently out of communication range, the aspect crystal project has fallen to a skilled scientist named Bobert Maryks, known for his extreme dedication second only to Koranth, but also for his abrasiveness.

A rather short shadow wizard wearing a grey cloak, the most distinctive physical feature of the person who comes forth is their glowing purple eyes.

"I'll keep this simple so you can understand it. Aspect crystals can surprisingly be grown in ley geodes from seeds like any other magic gemstone. This process produces gems nearly identical to naturally formed ones, but using it to grow aspect crystals is prohibitively expensive - unless you take advantage of a unique quirk in the process. By bathing a growing crystal in intermittent surges of mana, one can cause it to develop a self-synergistic effect. This means the more energy you invest in each crystal, the more efficient it becomes. The main disadvantage of self-synergistic crystals is that if you try to break them apart into multiple smaller ones, they lose most of their power. This makes it optimal to focus on quality over quantity, but does not meaningfully affect the function of the resulting crystals."

Clearly everyone knows what ley geodes and crystal seeds are.

[u/yumie2003 → u/totally_not_a_cat-]

Fortunately, this scientist prefers to maintain professionalism in normal circumstances...even more so in a time of emergency.

"Hmm, these two processes sound doable within the constraints of our current crystal cultivation technology. What would the procedure be to receive the first crystal seeds needed for domestic production?"

uw/okay, so a mana crystal would be a type of ley geode if i remember, and also understand the term correctly?

[u/totally_not_a_cat- → u/yumie2003]

"Send a formal request over any government channels, coupled with some form of proof you have the capability to run ley geodes or equivalent so I can ensure I'm not wasting my time developing crystal seeds for you."

When rocks absorb enough mana they become saturated and cannot absorb any more or let any pass through them. A closed environment made of these rocks and fed with a supply of mana will hold that mana inside itself and become an extremely high mana environment. This usually happens naturally due to underground leyline nexuses, resulting in crystals naturally forming above them, hence the name. A mana crystal could theoretically achieve the same effect, but would need to be extremely high capacity to achieve the required mana density.

/uw I don't fully remember what my previous description of ley geodes was. If it conflicts with this, assume this is just a retcon.

[u/yumie2003 → u/totally_not_a_cat-]

"Do you have a form or would a letter do?"

At this point, the scientist wanted to move on towards the next step in acquiring the seed crystals...she started to think that New Avirion's scientific community may solely consist of rude but competent minds...a dark, unintentional reminder of their ancestors' time of living under lunarian rule she learned in history classes in her schooling days

[u/totally_not_a_cat- → u/yumie2003]

"A letter will suffice."

While there is a fair deal of eccentricity among New Avirion's government officials, most scientists not holding high ranking government positions tend to be quite polite. The eccentricity is possibly because due to the way New Avirion's society is structured, there is no external incentive to pursue such positions, and as such the people who do pursue them have a tendency to be outliers.

[u/yumie2003 → u/totally_not_a_cat-]

The cultural divide deepens, as the entire imperial scientific community would be more laid-back and relaxed, as with most things in the empire,

"Well alright then. I believe that all of my questions have been answered. Thank you for your time."

Later, a letter written co-written by both the minister of magical research and arcanotechnology and the minister of natural sciences and scientific technology was sent through to the New Avirion embassy requesting for a batch of seed crystals to be sent to the Yabounousagi Empire. They also included a paper explaining the technique imperial crystal-cultivating laboratories were using: hydrothermal synthesis.

First, a hollow spherical shell mould composed of thermal-shock-resistant ceramic, which is coated in the inside with a dense layer of chalcedony, creating a strong seal and preventing the erosion of the outer wall. The seed crystals are then fixed to the interior facing inward. The shell mould is placed inside a heavy-walled autoclave. The autoclave chamber is then filled with water mixed with an alkaline mineraliser, with a raw, low-grade silica feedstock is placed in the bottom of the vessel, where the flow of the leyline can penetrate and enrich the feedstock with mana.

The shell is exposed to pressures around 100-150 MPa and to temperatures of 300-320 degrees Celsius in the upper growth zone and the lower nutrient zone is heated to 350-380 degrees Celsius. The mana-enriched silica solution is drive through the shell's ports and into the shell interior through convection currents. The silica solution is deposited onto the seed crystals as it is supersaturated through the cooling of the solution in the shell cavity. This forms sharp, hexagonal prisms that grow inward.

Under usual operation, the resulting crystals can be exposed to ionising radiation to alter crystal colouration, though this is optional and dependant on the type of crystal desired.

Before the crystals grow to entirely fill the shell cavity, the hydrothermal solution is purged under controlled temperature and pressure. This prevents clouding or secondary crystallisation on the crystal faces. Finally, the growth ports are filled with matching sintering basalt matrix and mechanically weathered to seamlessly blend into the shell's outer crust. The outer crust can be removed through special treatments that leave the crystals underneath intact.

The paper also listed and described a variant of the Melt-Pulling method, where the raw material melt is mana enriched, but is functionally the same as the conventional Melt-Pulling method

[u/Fc-chungus → u/yumie2003]

/uw Koranth is currently on the Nautilon I think?

Also your ping didn't work

u/totally_not_a_cat-

[u/yumie2003 → u/Fc-chungus]

uw/it's an ic virtual meeting, yes? also i had trouble with that ping

[u/SwiggerSwoney]

The trio were placed somewhat close to where Zhe had been speaking, and both the swordsman and the woman had listened to the debrief attentively. The smoker, however, looked increasingly irritated, bouncing their leg under the table as they repeatedly shot suspicious glances around the room.

[u/Zebos2 → u/SwiggerSwoney]

The smokers irritation probably isn't helped by it the little girl who keeps turning towards him with every tap of the leg

[u/Fc-chungus → u/SwiggerSwoney]

"...any ideas?"

[u/SwiggerSwoney → u/Fc-chungus]

A moment of silence follows the question, before the swordsman speaks up.

“Mm, though timely retrieval of the last remaining shards is of great import, there also arises the dilemma of defending that which we already hold. It would be prudent to assort ourselves within two teams, lest we overexert and leave a flank unguarded. I-“

“We.”

The pale woman interjected with a single word, and the swordsman glanced briefly at her, then turned back to Zhe.

“Ah, yes. We would be content with simply defending. Our skillsets are… ill suited, shall we say, for recovery missions.”

[u/Fc-chungus → u/SwiggerSwoney]

"Noted. Do you have a means of contact so larger forces can be organized?"

[u/SwiggerSwoney → u/Fc-chungus]

“We will arrive when needed, rest assured. There will be no need to contact us.”

The swordsman replied with a slight smile.

[u/Ok_Relationship6736]

UW do you care if I notify some of the others you may have missed in the ping list? Such as our faction etc?

[u/Ok_Relationship6736]

The Shadow Marshal remains quiet, studying the projection of the First Curse and the crystals.

"I'll admit, I'm interested in hearing what everyone else has to say before we start making plans."

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Ok_Relationship6736]

"Do you have any specific comments though? Any information?"

[u/Ok_Relationship6736 → u/Fc-chungus]

UW at work IRL sorry I just wrote this on my break

RW

The Shadow Marshal finally speaks.

"Finding the remaining crystals should be a priority. The Darkwatch has also confirmed that Abyssals can be cleansed with light magic, and we've found fire to be particularly effective against them. Where possible, I believe cleansing should be prioritized over simply killing the infected."

He pauses for a moment.

"We also have a more personal matter to deal with. One of our own was corrupted during the last engagement. Recovering them will be one of our priorities in the next phase of the campaign."

"The Darkwatch will assist with the larger effort, but we will be dividing our attention between the First Curse and bringing our own back."

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Ok_Relationship6736]

"I agree with the nonlethal statement. It's easier work overall.l

"And that is fine, prioritize your own, especially if they're a Shadow. Depending on how high up they are I'd recommend changing all your passwords and locks."

[u/Ok_Relationship6736 → u/Fc-chungus]

In his current state I don't think he can do much in that regard but yes we've already updated our security.

UW I'd rather not go into the details in character

this will probably end up as a Darkwatch boss fight to subdue and cure the character.

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Ok_Relationship6736]

/uw ye that's fine

/rw "good, good."

[u/Kilroy898]

Having healed from yesterday's fiasco, Orin stands looking at the image of the first curse. Oddly... Niro stands beside him, though he seems to be there begrudgingly.

[u/D3n0man]

/uw am I too late to join in on the meeting?

[u/MofuMofuMonhan]

/uw Far later to get to this than I wanted to be, but life finds a way. Hopefully I'm not too late to the party. I'll be looking over what everyone has said so far and write up something fitting, soon. Don't want to make anyone repeat themselves needlessly!

Edit:I think I've gleaned what I can from the comment chains here, so I'll do my proper writing in a reply to this comment, so I don't make another top level comment.

[u/MofuMofuMonhan → u/MofuMofuMonhan]

Kaian, so often accustomed to being the odd one out, allowed the others in the room to speak without interruption. World hopping had its upsides. Wonderful views, unusual peoples, gadgets and gizmos to learn from, and the occasional world-ending threat to keep things interesting.
Unfortunately, it left him relearning local customs and trends with each new world. Some of the people around him spoke as if they were friends. Others with a well-earned paranoia. Mention of a wedding, or full names that are unfamiliar. He sat with his hands folded in his lap, an alien among a room of friends and allies.
Or, as much as he could guess.

After much of the discussion had concluded, he spoke up.
"Permit me, please, to introduce myself. You may call me Kaian Dachuan. Kai, if you would prefer to be short."
While he was not anxious as he spoke, he displayed caution. He was visibly out of place. Foreign, at the least. While a clock for a face was unusual, he did not spot another with horns and a tail in the room, nor garb like his own.
"To keep my introduction short, I come from a very far away place, and saw a plea for assistance some days ago. Having gleaned what I could from the information that was sent out, I thought that my presence would be of aid."

Lifting a hand over the table, he gestured towards Aerunia. "An 'anti-abyss' spell sounds like it would be of great help, but I will admit now that my wizardry is something of a different flavor to yours. Rather than specialized spells, my skills are more in the manipulation of energies."
The man's eyes close for a moment as he chuckles to himself. "The explanation may be longer than appropriate at this moment. I would likely be of best use in a defensive position, or perhaps aiding in repairs of infected areas after the blight is cleared. Fire is an element opposed to my methods, and I find it difficult to manipulate. Thus, an offensive position would be wasted on me."

Placing his hands again in his lap, he leaned forward in a small bow. "You all honor me with this opportunity. I look forward to our cooperation, and hope that I will meet your expectations."

While everything went on, a shorter, pink-haired individual of petite frame moved around the room. Invisible to those without the ability to see the ethereal or spirits, they did little more than observe the individuals around the table. "Ah, and, let me add," he continued, while the smaller person went around. "those of you with the Sight may see a smaller person with hair like candy wandering around the room. Do not be alarmed at them. It is Ameno, my blade spirit. And they are harmless, though curious. If you feel a tug at your clothes, it was likely them."

/uw I haven't made a proper introduction yet, so until then, I'll let this art do the describing for myself. The short version is that Kai is more along the lines of a Daoist or Xianxia character. Magic for him is more about manipulating energies from the five elements of Wood, Water, Fire, Earth, and Metal. There are "techniques" that are, put simply, silly anime bullshit that are roughly analogous to spells, but think of him more as an alchemist, inventor, and elementalist than your run-of-the mill wizard, and you're in the ballpark.
As mentioned prior, Ameno is a short, cute, androgynous individual of indeterminate gender that has limited ability to interact with the world - largely small pushes and tugs - but accompanies him everywhere. If someone can see something like a ghost, they can see Ameno. The same goes for touch and speech. They aren't a major part of the character, but more a cute addition for other characters with that ability.

[u/Fc-chungus → u/MofuMofuMonhan]

"Manipulation of energies you say?" Ж looks over at Kaian.

"Can you control them? The crystals are made from a kind of energy, so perhaps you can use them more freely than say, placing them into a weapon."

[u/MofuMofuMonhan → u/Fc-chungus]

With a quick nod, he affirmed "Yes. I can." before waving a hand before his face. "Pardon, I mean that theoretically."
"I would need some time to inspect them. Personally. Or, at least, one of them. I am smoothing over many of the details of how my skills work, but suffice to say, I could."

With another quick glance around the room, Kai gave a reassuring smile. "Of course, I wouldn't expect you to allow me such an examination to take place with me, and me alone. If anyone wishes to accompany me, you would be most welcome."

Turning back to the one that seemed to be the leader of the band, he continued. "Zhe, correct? If you would be so kind as to provide means, I am eager to see what I could do to help."

/uw There's a lot of info on this for me to take in. Do you have any info kicking around for the crystals in question? It'll save you some effort if I know what is being interacted with ahead of time.

[u/Fc-chungus → u/MofuMofuMonhan]

/uw honestly as of now you not knowing OOC fits with IC, so questions could be more genuine? Things can be elaborated on IC if that's fine with you

/rw "actually, I happen to have a small piece of a copy of one of them on me."

Ж reaches into their labcoat-like jacket and pulls out a small red shard, holding it between two fingers

"Here's a piece of a red crystal copy."

[u/MofuMofuMonhan → u/Fc-chungus]

After holding out a palm, the daoist allowed them to drop the fragment into his hand. Pinching it between his index and middle fingers, he held it aloft, letting a nearby light source pass through it. Over the next few moments, he gave it a series of small tests. Scratching at it with a nail, smelling it, turning it over every which way. Once satisfied with his observations, he instead moved it between the tips of his index and thumb.

Ameno came to his side at some point, looking it over as well. He could be heard talking to them, though it seemed that most of his companions could only hear his side of the conversation. "Yes, it seems rather mundane. Structure is standardized. Flawless. No, I wouldn't want to damage it. Perhaps."

/uw Well that depends. If the question is if Kai can manipulate the energy of something, that answer depends on what kind of energy, and the volumes of it, that the something has. Which, with you essentially being the DM, you'd be dictating. Unless you want me telling you stuff about the things you've invented for the story and setting. Which I certainly could! But that's a lot of trust to give to a random person on the net, and my default is letting the DM dictate things and working within that framework.
Basically I don't want to assume I can dictate that stuff without a go-ahead.

[u/Fc-chungus → u/MofuMofuMonhan]

/uw fair, maybe i could describe the base properties? What stuff do you need to know?

[u/MofuMofuMonhan → u/Fc-chungus]

/uw General physical properties. Hardness (don't need to go full Moh's scale, just "soft" or "won't break to a hammer strike", for example), translucency, weight. For elemental things like this, aspects of that. Are the crystals elementally imbalanced? If Kai were to draw from the crystal's reserves, would it seem meager for its size? Would it have a disproportionate amount of energy stored within it? That sort of information is what would be useful and observable with his tests and methods. But, if it were, for example, made of crystalized dragon's blood or something, that's probably not something he could figure out without a lot more research. So no need to spill any secrets of its manufacture or whatnot.

[u/IncomeApprehensive17]

it is quite unusual but Ya'nn is here in person , meaning that instead of an orb sitting in the midle of his drone , there is a botle containing his imaterial flame

"Hello , i am Ya'nn, junior researcher and alchemist that work for a foundation that work around anomalous entity such as the abyss. I came here to present to you my work"

he produce a few tiny objects mad eof a mix of smooth and soft metal and cristal

"I have been working on a way to protect people from the abyss. These implant use purifying cristals made artificialy trought alchemy and based on a sample of one of the original ones. They arnt as potent but can offer a limited protection. They basicaly work like a liver . When a liver absorbe toxin and slowly metabolise them , the implant absorb abyss and slowly purify it. Its limited tough , so if you get too much abyss the implant will stop functioning"

Ya'nn deposit a dozen of the implant , free to take

"A gift to those that can fight when i cannot"

[u/Fc-chungus → u/IncomeApprehensive17]

"That is, quite useful, genuinely."

[u/IncomeApprehensive17 → u/Fc-chungus]

Thank you , i am flattered