ACE OF HEARTS STYLE.

#cardhearted — private rp blog for ace trappola from twisted wonderland                                 — affiliated with Night Raven University                                  — see below cut for thread tracker that links the most recent reply

                                                about. || rules. || google docs. 

howlighte​:

BEING ON A PIRATE SHIP should not have been such a bad outcome — after reading plenty of stories in his youth about the bandits of the sea, he was fond of them. exploring what was likely a true, sunken ship, there was some excitement behind his previously defeated eyes. it didn’t last long, ears perking up to the sound of snapping wood. beneath their feet no less, it seemed that with all of the water damage, it couldn’t possibly hold the living. crashing down into the lower levels, all they could do was pick themselves up & continue onwards. brushing off dusty, splintered wood from his uniform. “ we can’t catch a break. ”

the area beneath the deck was void of the ghost realm’s natural moonlight, leaving their entire team in darkness. jack’s eyes adjusted quickly, before he was off of the ground. though, there wasn’t much to see. no split paths, no decisions to be made, just one straight, dark tunnel, through the depths of the ship. “ no point in stoppin’ now. i’m gunna check it out. ” keep up, or be left in the dust.

NEXT: @galacticemperorsolaris

In hindsight, they should have tested to see if the old ship could hold all of their weight, but alas that was not considered until it was too late, until they were in the depths of this ancient creation.

With a sigh, Solaris pushed himself up, looking over his arm for any damage, quickly finding that it was alright before standing up and watching Jack start to walk off. He certainly didn’t waste any time.

“It is best that we stick together down here. We have no clue what this ship contains.” He commented, matching pace with him.

Next: @cardhearted​

     The fall wasn’t long, but the landing left a lot to be desired. Rubbing his sore behind, Ace got up on his legs with some difficulty. It took his eyes some time to adjust to the darkness, seemingly slower compared to his companions. “At least we are in one piece…” he muttered with a sigh.

ACE TAKES 1 DMG. 

     Dusting himself off, he was quick to follow Jack right behind Solaris, catching a glimpse of a faint glow in the distance. Could it be an exit of sorts? His curiosity was satisfied shortly after, as they arrived at a hidden cove that laid beyond the tunnels underneath the ship. Treasures of all kind and valuable loot were scattered around them without a sign of their owner nearby. A sign covered in barnacles catches Ace’s attention as he approaches. 

     JUST TAKE ONE. 

Almost instinctively, Solaris raised his left hand for Ace to high-five. Call it a basketball club reflex. “Leaving right away would be a waste. Perhaps this ghost was guarding key clues as to where the magestone is.” He commented, looking at Jack as he also heard the chirp of birds. Before he could say anything he felt himself being transported, yet again, to another area of the ghost realm. Though he couldn’t quite make out where they were now, at first.

The fog almost seemed to dance unnaturally, giving him a glimpse of a long-forgotten ship, not too far off from where they were currently. He began walking towards it, with caution. After all, they had walked right into the librarian ghost’s hands, quite literally.

“This ship looks like it could fall apart at any moment. Let us proceed with caution. We have already sustained injuries from our last encounter.”

Next: @cardhearted

     “Thanks for not leaving me hanging, unlike some people.” the redhead said, quickly glancing at Jack who was looking through one of the many books surrounding them. Ace was able to catch a twinkle of a mirror shard that was situated between its pages, before his surroundings changed once more. 

     His nostrils were met with a whiff of salty air, and his ears with the distant sound of waves. It took him a moment before he followed the rest of the group, trying to adjust to the new area. “All this teleporting is making my stomach turn…” he mutters, taking note of Solaris’ cautionary tone. The wood under their feet creaked as they ventured deeper inside, causing the first-year to feel uneasy. “This doesn’t sound goo-” he attempts to comment on a particular sound, but is cut off by wood cracking beneath them. 

Well, this was going splendidly….

He glanced at Jack, noting his expression and gave him a quick nod and a small smile of encouragement. “It is not over yet. Next time.”

Between Ace and Davaa’s sparkler show and Jack trying to punch the thing, it seemed as if the entire team was cursed to do very little damage. At this rate, the ghost would end them all if someone didn’t do something. Unfortunately, Solaris was also subjected to this curse.

Solaris rolled an 11 and 5 for damage: It hit for .5 damage

Librarian Ghost rolled a 17 and 8 for damage and hit for 1 damage

Solaris finished his turn with 4 HP

Librarian Ghost HP: 1.5/5

He clicked his tongue in disappointment as his spell did not quite get the power to back it up, barely harming the ghost, though he had little time to be annoyed as it made a follow-up attack this time, causing him to take a few steps back from the force of it.

“The ghost is on its last legs, Ace. Take it down!”

Next up: @cardhearted

     It seemed as thought the librarian ghost was tougher than it initially appeared, dealing far more effective blows to his team than vice versa. If someone didn't take care of it any time soon, the situation could take a turn for the worst. With a sudden wave of confidence and determination, Ace sprung forward ready for his next attack. "On it!"

ACE rolls 16 & 17 for DAMAGE: 2 DMG HIT! 

CRITICAL HIT!

LIBRARIAN GHOST HP: 0 HP

     This time his magic pen erupted with flames that were far greater than the pathetic excuse of a spell from earlier. In mere seconds, the ghost was consumed by the fire and its silhouette disappeared from their sight. 

LIBRARIAN GHOST DEFEATED!

     "Yeah! We did it team!" he proclaims triumphally, going for a high five with the closest victim person to him. "Not too shabby for a rookie, huh? Anyway, let's get going before more of these things show up." 

“Believe what you will, but I am not being grumpy.” He commented, leaving it at that, hardly reacting to the slap to his back. They had better things to do than joke around.

As the doors opened, he turned to look at them, intrigued. Not because of the doors, no but what was inside. How peculiar to have books floating about. He couldn’t help but to reach out and grab one…. or so he thought as he felt a chilling sensation travel down his arm as a ghostly figure emerged, having grabbed his hand instead.

“Gentlemen, it seems we have company.” He calmly said, pulling out his pen with his free hand. Now was the perfect opportunity to attack, point blank.

Solaris rolled an 11 and 19 for damage: It hit for 2 damage

Librarian Ghost rolled a 5 for damage and missed

Librarian Ghost HP: 3/5

Solaris wasted no time in using a wind spell on the ghost, effectively dealing damage and getting the thing to let go of him. Once it did, he jumped back towards his teammates.

Next up: @cardhearted

    Despite his loud protests about entering the castle, the group insisted, determined to find the precious magestone. The atmosphere was eerie as they entered what Ace would describe as ‘Sebek’s second natural habitat’.  “Library…” the redhead whines quietly to himself, displeased with the scenery. Why did it have to be a library? “Seeing what-” his question was cut short as a white silhouette materialized before the group — a ghost encounter?! Although Solaris was able to cause some damage to their foe, it wasn’t enough to put it back where it came from.

     “Alright, leave it to me!” he calls out, readying himself to attack the malicious spirit. 

ACE rolls a 16 & 3 for DAMAGE: 0.5 DMG HIT!

     A small spark leaves the freshman's magic pen, scorching the ghost in the process. "I did it!"

LIBRARIAN GHOST HP: 2.5 HP

LIBRARIAN GHOST rolls for DAMAGE: 0.5 DMG HIT!

ACE HP: 4.5 HP

    "Was that supposed to hurt? Davaa, take over!" stepping back and away from the ghost he keeps a tight grip on his magic pen.

The monochromatic scene before Solaris was something highly intriguing, something he wished to study most eagerly. But alas, that would have to be put on the side for now as he had 2 tasks for this mission. Get the magestone, and make the ghosts regret messing with him. He could study later if the time permitted.

Solaris hadn’t even noticed that his team was different, at least not until a certain someone shouted.

Glancing back at Davaa, he was glad at least Jack seemed to be of the same mindset as he. “My thoughts exactly. Now we do not have a strategic advantage.” He would have to reassess his plans, both for the change in team and now this disturbance. Pulling out his notes, he began studying them, occasionally taking in his surroundings.

     The lack of Azul and Malleus by his side was the first red flag — the scream coming from Davaa’s lips, the rustling of Solaris’ notes and Jack were the next three. At this point in time, he wasn’t sure whether he should be happy with the new team arrangement, or if he should be worried. Taking a quick glance at Jack, he concluded it might be the latter. 

     “I don’t know about you guys, but I think we should find a way out of here.” he suggests, taking in the monochromatic surroundings of the Ghost Realm. “Or try to find others…” he takes a few steps on the bizarre staircase attempting to make progress in their search. Except this task got this much more complicated as their surroundings changed unexpectedly. The staircase was no more and instead they stood at the entrance of a haunting castle. 

     “You’ve gotta be kidding…”

     APRIL HOUSEKEEPING.

     Hello NRU nation, you are subjected to housekeeper Ace once more, enjoy him while he lasts. This month was quite uneventful for me in terms of writing, but more than eventful for me in terms of real life ( nothing good sadly ). I am hoping that once my semester ends I will be able to get into groove of things a little more than I have been. 

     Considering that I am in the final stretch of the semester and working on finals, I am just hoping to manage to balance out writing & school work in an appropriate manner. I don’t have any big goals for the month of May as of now, but I am hoping that towards the end of it I will be able to get some stuff done. I am mainly thinking of headcanon asks for good measure, and getting to some of my longer threads too! 

     Lastly, the thread tracker as of 4/30/2023! I will update it on the pinned post shortly, but this is how it’s looking as of now. Subject to change as per usual, but feel free to let me know if I forgot something or if you want to cook something up or just violently beat Ace!

     Basketball club’s most promising rookie was present at the school’s court — surprisingly, earlier than usual. Ace wasn’t known for his punctuality or eagerness for vigorous work of any sort. Thus, this abnormality would surely guarantee a stare or two from others. 

“NO ONE’S GONNA COME ON CAMPUS IN THE STATE IT’S IN, even if we paid extra.” And, for as much elbow grease as Trey has spent actually getting the kitchen workable in the interim, he’s not interested in footing the bill, nor does he have any faith in Crowley to actually pay it. Ramshackle doesn’t keep its namesake for nothing. “I don’t think the barrier is making an exception for repairmen. Can’t really afford to lose one of the few working sinks, either.”

“I wouldn’t get too close, by the way,” Trey warns—the sink is its own warning, too, as another tug upward doesn’t quite dislodge Trey’s arm but it makes a horrid noise, something between a disgustingly-wet squelch and like something solid landed deeper in the pipes. The water that seeps from the small gap between Trey’s arm and the open drain is not a pretty color.

“It’s been… squirty.”

There’s a groan from somewhere deep in Trey’s throat. His arm is not getting out unscathed.

Head tips back to stare at the ceiling. If he had a free hand, it’d be pinching the bridge of his nose. Instead, it’s a poor attempt at letting his glasses slide back up it through gravity.

“Do me a favor?” Now Trey’s sights are set on Ace, one of the last people he’d seek for help in a pinch, but… “Back near the threshold. My mage pen’s still in the lapel.”

     Trey’s reply made a lot of sense, and Ace found himself unable to argue with the point that his upperclassman had made. The campus was in a total disarray due to the events that had transpired prior to their sudden relocation. Considering Headmage’s tendency to “persuade” the students of Night Raven University into doing his bidding, there was no counting for his help. “Guess you are right.” a defeated sigh left the red-head’s lips. ”It can’t be helped. We all depend on you now, Trey.” at least it was the vice-housewarden taking care of the issue. While he might not be a plumber, he was the most responsible and competent of the Heartslabyul bunch.

     “Huh? Wh-” his question was cut short by a loud, moist sound coming from the sink. Startled, he took a step back from the sink while his eyes widened in surprise. The surprise soon twisted into horror, as his ears picked up on a particularly revolting sound. “Oh dude, gross.” he states, displeased with either Trey’s choice of words, or the water that seeped out — maybe a combination of the two. “Are you sure you know what you are doing?” he questions, as the other tips back his head to look at him. 

Whether or not Ace would be considered an “outdoorsy type” depends on what it means to be outdoorsy. I personally associate this term with someone who always seems to be out in the fresh air and enjoys being outside. While I do believe that Ace enjoys being outside, I wouldn’t say that he is constantly out and about. Instead, there is a balance of being indoors and outdoors in Ace’s life, finding both to be equally pleasing depending on his mood. 

“UH YEAH? Who else would it be?” her tone was faux condescending, ridiculing that he even had to ask if that was him or not. Come one Ace! You should know your own mug by now! No matter how many doves are flying across it. Yuyu huffs and snatched the phone back.

“And I took it~ Hm… It was probably like, during some event or something. I can’t keep track of every picture I take Acey! I just chose one of the better lookin’ ones.” She straightens up a bit in her seat before leaning over the desk. “See… my special talent is taking candids. Very important maneuver. For instance- check it!”

She holds up her phone again, this time it’s a picture of Ace from just a few moments before, looking at Yuyu perplexed and also half blinking. Not a flattering shot at all.

     “Could have been anyone, for all I know,” was his response, taking quick notice of her tone. Her words were laced with evident mockery, taking a jab at his lack of perceptiveness. It wasn’t his fault that Yuyu made his photograph so unrecognizable it could have easily passed off as a shot of Trey’s long lost cousin that was banned from family gatherings 5 years ago. “What’s with this lame getup?!” 

There’s humor to be found as the first-year changes his tone. Azul commends his behavior— Ace is, at the very least, astute. Such can’t be said about a grand majority of students on campus. 

“Headmage Crowley would never bestow upon us a responsibility that we could not manage.” Azul says and the corners of his lips twinge at the lie. “Putting forth your best effort is a given, Ace. It is imperative that we live up to his expectations.” 

He wouldn’t have his reputation sullied because of a spunky first-year. 

“Before we commit to our regimen, a preliminary reconnaissance is a must.” Azul crosses his arms, “We must assess the full scale of our situation before committing ourselves to training. I believe there is critical information that the headmage withheld from us. Whilst we cannot interrogate the man himself, surely the Ramshackle ghosts would know the specifics, yes? They are the ones overseeing our progress, after all.” 

     This was a close call. The redhead was relieved to have dodged the possibility of a far worse scolding from Octavinelle’s housewarden. It was more than enough that he had to hear from his own housewarden — he didn’t need nagging from another. With an internal sigh of relief, he listened to what Azul had to say about the whole defense training thingamajig. 

     “Do you really believe that?” he questioned without missing a beat. While he might not have wanted to get on his bad side, hearing that the Headmage wouldn’t work them to the bone seemed more than unrealistic. “Yeah, sure. Let’s bang this out. You can count on me!”

                        “  grrrrr.  ”    —    jack  grrrrred.  / @cardhearted​

     The low sound that came from the beastman’s throat was more than enough to startle the red-head. Despite being conscious of Jack’s subtle differences ( namely consisting of animal ears and a tail ), Ace proved to be narrow-minded at times when it came to some aspects about Jack. Though, there was one thing he knew for sure — that growl didn’t exactly sound the friendliest. 

“HM.”

There’s a school jacket discarded over a stray chair in the hall, one of many scattered in the building; like all of its brethren, it looks ready to topple under the weight of a single item of clothing. Its owner is a little worse for wear, if you step past the threshold and into the chaos of the kitchen. Even before the number of residents grew to far too many to house, it was a little worse for wear, and despite Trey’s best efforts, it’s not looking any better in the moment.

The sleeves of Trey’s button-up are rolled all the way to the biceps. The front of his shirt is wet—sweat from exertion? a sink temper tantrum? highly likely, both of them—and one hand is stuck down the drain.

“—Who even tried to pour this down the… there’s no disposal in a building this old…” comes the fragmented grumbling to himself, one of his arms clearly much deeper into the sink drain than he’d ever like to be.

His glasses are askew and his forehead is creased beyond typical puzzlement. A single bead of sweat is rolling down the side of his face. No matter what’s gone down, it’s clear that Trey is losing. Badly.

↳ OPEN! ♣️

     The state of the school’s buildings wasn’t entirely surprising, given the grandness of the old campus grounds and the stinginess of its Headmage. They weren’t at the verge of falling apart, besides some areas like the Ramshackle dorm which Ace had always thought of as simply a dump. He wasn’t sure how Yuyu was surviving in such a sorry excuse of a living space, but it would remind him to be thankful for getting to live in the comfort of Heartslabyul dorm ( at least when there weren’t some mishaps that made it inhabitable ). While clueless on the general infrastructure, he could tell it had its worse moments — his vice-housewarden seemingly getting a taste of it.