The ironclad slayer checked the surroundings first, checking for a sign if there where greenskin's snooping around. When he found footsteps around village where the villagers wouldn't normally walk to. He immediately suspected greenskins. Not surprising since the village seems vulnerable to such attack considering there are no walls.(https://i.imgur.com/OwXR9RV.png)
Day 0.
It's late afternoon as the last of the traveling adventurers arrive in Mystville, a small village at the boundary between a vast unknown forest and the rest of the world. The travelers soon gather near the village square, where one of the locals, a man with light brown hair wearing a tidy set of formal village clothes, begins making his introductions.
"Hello and welcome to Mystville, everyone! My name is Aven and I am the operations manager for the Mystville Adventuring Company." He takes a moment to look at the group with an expression full of wonder and hope.
"We as a village can't express how grateful we are to have you all here in our time of need. As you all probably know, we have been dealing with an unexplainable and destructive force that has recently become a serious threat to our lives and wellbeing." His expression becomes solemn.
"The creatures that have been attacking us seem... deranged, crazed. Their eyes are a maddening red, and they seem to have lost all reason, even for beasts. Many of them look like typical creatures of the forest - wolves and stags and boars, while others are... unlike anything I've seen in my life..."
"...But you've all traveled a long way and must be tired. So please, make yourselves at home and rest well for the night. There's no need to rush anything, as I'm sure I speak for the entire village when I say that we all feel much much safer already seeing you all here." He smiles warmly.
"We've set up some living spaces for you all in our visitor boarding house, or alternatively if you prefer, there are some outdoor tents to rest in as well. We're a pretty small establishment, so we don't have much else to offer, but do feel free to use our facilities and browse our wares." He gestures to various locations around the village square.
"Oh, and... if you do travel beyond the village into the forest, please be careful. The creatures out there are deadly, and heading out alone would be ill-advised. Stay safe..." He gives a solemn smile.
"Anyway, please, get comfortable! I will be here in the village square if anyone needs anything." Aven heads to the nearby village square, keeping a friendly smile and an orderly posture as he checks some paperwork and waits for any questions or concerns the adventurers might have.
Meanwhile, some of the nearby villagers curiously glance at the strange and varied-looking group of adventurers. A middle-aged man in blue and white robes bows from afar, and two teen-aged girls seem to be quietly but passionately chatting with each other while observing the group from behind one of the houses. An older looking man wearing armor and carrying a polearm stands guard near the village square, occasionally glancing at the group.
The late afternoon sun perches just above the treetops of the nearby forest surrounding the village, as a chilly yet refreshing wind blows past, swaying the trees. What lurks beyond the lush green vegetation in the depths of the shadows and beyond, only the forest itself knows.
Map of village:Spoiler (click to show/hide)
GM Note: We are actually running this game as four GMs: MeimieFan88, Mahoroty, Frank, and A5G_Reaper. So don't be startled when one of us posts in the thread!
We have a discord server - feel free to join but it's not mandatory~ Link: https://discord.gg/pftU8Z
Also, here is a greeting from A5G_Reaper (his account is still awaiting activation):Spoiler (click to show/hide)
(((((((((((((The game begins!)))))))))))))
Back to the lobby, it seemed no one from the adventurer group was here.Since Laemmle is proceeding too into the caretaker and also meet her.
Heh, fine. let's have some conversation with the caretaker.
Since Laemmle is proceeding too into the caretaker and also meet her.
"Oh, hi. Are you one of fellow adventurer the came here too?
Nice to meet you, sister. I'm Laemmle." Greeting Linea with a smile on her gesture.
Since Laemmle is proceeding too into the caretaker and also meet her.There is something strange about this female paladin. The way she greets her showed the lack of fluidity and grace as if she was facing a strange creature she had never seen before. And also why did she call her sister? Not that she disliked, it but no one other than her mentor Jazdia ever called her in such a manner. It was both amusing and weird.
"Oh, hi. Are you one of fellow adventurer the came here too?
Nice to meet you, sister. I'm Laemmle." Greeting Linea with a smile on her gesture.
Jack Flush wanders about, finds the visitor boarding house, and starts trying to gamble with anyone that’ll play.
Raine Briardance decided to take some time to look around the town. She would also use her flight ability to fly upwards to get a bird's eye view of the town. From directly above the town, she would check for any landmarks in the forest if there were any that were large enough to not be obscured by the numerous trees...
Dularach begins the day by approaching the man with a polearm asking a bit about the beast that have been attacking the village, after which he decides to get a drink and enjoy a few huffs from his pipe, once it starts getting dark he finds a nice place near the edge of the village to burrow underground and creating a place to rest similar to what a trapdoor spider does
Dolo lumbers through the village square, looking at all the pretty things for sale! Shiny shiny! He heads to the Smithy first, seemingly attracted to the sound of metal on metal.
He will also do Detect Forest Intruder checks at regular intervals. (~ every 30 min)
The ironclad slayer checked the surroundings first, checking for a sign if there where greenskin's snooping around. When he found footsteps around village where the villagers wouldn't normally walk to. He immediately suspected greenskins. Not surprising since the village seems vulnerable to such attack considering there are no walls.
"WHERE ARE THE WALLS!?" He cried while approaching the nearest townsguard he can find.
Being a practitioner of stealth herself, Dixie couldn't help but notice two unique pairs of eyes watching from behind one of the houses. She glances at the two gossiping girls and winks.
He will also do Detect Forest Intruder checks at regular intervals. (~ every 30 min)
Rustling deep into the woods, the sound of footstep similar to humans with bare feet? Grew closer and closer. A creature wandering around from shadow notices someone had discovered it's presence. It crawled slowly into the light towards the person who was detecting it's mere existence.It stood idly for some time.Spoiler: Nightmare Fuel (click to show/hide)
"A feast?" Linea didn't remember if such occasion was on the agenda, so she quickly glanced over the corridor, trying to find the caretaker to ask about it, but she didn't find her.Once Linea went in to her room and since she couldn't find the caretaker on the area. She is now giving more of the attention on a weak smell of rot. It's like what the feeling ill of paranormal specialist when detecting the presence of paranormality.
Returned to the female paladin, Linea couldn't help but smile in awkwardness. "You will organize it? By yourself? Well, that's great! Just tell me if everyone has gathered and I will be there."
Suddenly feeling tired, Linea waved at her before going upstairs and shut herself in her room. The bath can wait, she wanted to sleep now.
"it knows we're here.""Let just say this is called a gift, a disgusting smell of rot when a spawn of evil close by.
With a gesture, he indicates the direction.
"that way. Cant... Can't tell..... It's not an animal. Don't draw attention. It's stopped moving."
Jack's stony one-eyed gaze turned toward the strange woman. She had managed to sneak up on him, which was unnerving. But skill was worth appreciating, even if he was 'distracted'. Quiet movement in all that metal was a fine feat. She must have practice.
"You sense it too? If you do, you know you shouldn't go looking for trouble. Just be ready when it finds you."
Burt wandered around the town for a bit before finally going to the market and looking at everything for sale in it, and after a bit more wandering he'd eventually go to sleep in one of the unclaimed tents.
"Spawn of evil?""I can smell other of this, possibly on market place." She replied.
The eyebrow above Jack's remaining eye raised slightly.
"The only true evil in the world is man, and the things he makes without care or concern."
He tilted his head slightly to one side, closing his eye, feeling for the disturbance. Yes. Definitely not normal, and not a person. The distrubance it made in the otherwise sleepy forest was like a festering wound. Smell huh... Yeah. It's certainly rotten. he thought to himself.
"But this...."
"I don't know what this is. And I'm not too sure I really want to find out... What have they been doing here to cause something like that here...?"
He looked back at the girl. Heavy armor would be good in close quarters. Furs were good for keeping rain, and cold out, and protection from scrapes and brambles. Not teeth, claws, or heavy bludgeoning. The thought occured to him that he could use her as mobile cover in a pinch. It was an amusing offer, but too soon to take her up on it. He felt it probably wasn't what she had in mind.
"If I can avoid taking it on, it's what I would prefer. It sensed me when I sensed it. I hope it isn't too curious. I rather like being alive."
He made a wry smile.
"And that's why I'm not sleeping until there are traps on the ground. Lots of traps. Lots and lots of traps."
He will also do Detect Forest Intruder checks at regular intervals. (~ every 30 min)
Rustling deep into the woods, the sound of footstep similar to humans with bare feet? Grew closer and closer. A creature wandering around from shadow notices someone had discovered it's presence. It crawled slowly into the light towards the person who was detecting it's mere existence.It stood idly for some time.Spoiler: Nightmare Fuel (click to show/hide)
Jack's remaining eye spasmed wildly, dilating to near complete blackness, before constricting to a needle point, as the lower lid fluttered wildly. It happened every time he was being actively hunted, and this time, whatever it was on the other end, clearly had detected him casting his senses deep into the woods out of instinct.
Hardly missing a breath, his pulse thundered in his ears as he subtly changed his circuitous path around the village, heading for the nearest useful (and climbable) bit of cover he could find, while readying his bow...
Taking a seat on the ground, with his back against the corner one of the village buildings, he kept his inner senses trained on the intruder, never losing track of its vector and bearing. He could detect danger literally a mile away, but not an exact position. Not this far. He could tell only a few things.. It was close; How it got this close so quickly he couldn't tell. Exactly "what" it was, he could not tell. Only that it scored "high" as a threat, that it was not a wild animal, and probably not a person, and that it was strong and dangerous.
What manner of horror had these fools in this tatty little town unleashed?
Deep inside, he suspected the villagers in some way probably deserved to be troubled by something so unnatural and relentless; The actions most humans took in forests were of much the same caliber (just out of mindless disregard). This was.. 'Focused' and 'willful' though. Intelligent, like a person, but not. The forest did not deserve to be troubled by such a thing. For the most part, animals hurt no-one, and simply wish to be, and be left alone. This thing? It cared nothing for the simple equilibrium of these woods. It made Jack fume.
A very nasty scowl dominated his stony silent expression, as he sat and waited, bow drawn,
---but the creature had stopped advancing.
Unsure what else to do, Jack stayed where he was; Crouched behind the cover of the building's corner, bow drawn, arrow knocked, with his back to the creature-- his senses trained on it with all his will.
Nothing.... No movement.
Perhaps it was aware of him, and his plans, should it continue to advance... Jack did not know. This was not a normal intruder. Very very not normal.
"it knows we're here."
With a gesture, he indicates the direction.
"that way. Cant... Can't tell..... It's not an animal. Don't draw attention. It's stopped moving."
Jack's stony one-eyed gaze turned toward the strange woman. She had managed to sneak up on him, which was unnerving. But skill was worth appreciating, even if he was 'distracted'. Quiet movement in all that metal was a fine feat. She must have practice.
"You sense it too? If you do, you know you shouldn't go looking for trouble. Just be ready when it finds you."
He sat, saying nothing for what seemed a long time.
"When it leaves, we need to prepare. Good junk outside this place. Bones, metal, sharp rocks. Lots of painful things."
His gaze returned to the strange girl. "I will set traps. Lots of traps."
The surroundings contain evidence of much violence and struggles; blood spattered on the ground and shredded pieces of gear in various places. A variety of different types of footprints, human and non-human can be seen in the dirt.
Mostly broken/destroyed materials that haven't been disposed of yet - various pieces of cloth, leather, and wood. Occasionally a chipped or jagged piece of metal can be found as well, along with bone fragments. Also strange fluids, substances, and organic "parts" that haven't been fully cleaned up, perhaps animal guts and the like. Some of it doesn't look quite normal though.
The surroundings contain evidence of much violence and struggles; blood spattered on the ground and shredded pieces of gear in various places. A variety of different types of footprints, human and non-human can be seen in the dirt.
What other items are discarded/laying around?
Mostly broken/destroyed materials that haven't been disposed of yet - various pieces of cloth, leather, and wood. Occasionally a chipped or jagged piece of metal can be found as well, along with bone fragments. Also strange fluids, substances, and organic "parts" that haven't been fully cleaned up, perhaps animal guts and the like. Some of it doesn't look quite normal though.
The surroundings contain evidence of much violence and struggles; blood spattered on the ground and shredded pieces of gear in various places. A variety of different types of footprints, human and non-human can be seen in the dirt.
What other items are discarded/laying around?
There are a wide variety of different plants growing near the village. The closer to the forest's edge, the denser the vegetation. Most of it can be pretty easily collected.Mostly broken/destroyed materials that haven't been disposed of yet - various pieces of cloth, leather, and wood. Occasionally a chipped or jagged piece of metal can be found as well, along with bone fragments. Also strange fluids, substances, and organic "parts" that haven't been fully cleaned up, perhaps animal guts and the like. Some of it doesn't look quite normal though.
The surroundings contain evidence of much violence and struggles; blood spattered on the ground and shredded pieces of gear in various places. A variety of different types of footprints, human and non-human can be seen in the dirt.
What other items are discarded/laying around?
Bones, rocks, and other sharp objects are exactly what is needed.
Are there random saplings growing here and there that can be collected? Needed for trap material.
Doctor Doak will take a room in the building, but will immediately journey to the apothecary to discuss their wares and how they make them, hopefully gaining some knowledge of the local flora and fauna.
Take particular interest in concoctions that disable creatures in some capacity (making them unconscious, experience a great deal of pain, make them less hostile, that sort of nonsense).
Look to gather ingredients for some potions to make myself, using knowledge gained from my interaction with the apothecary.
Maslarein begins to wander around the village, talking to random people and helping anyone he sees with whatever they’re doing, be it carrying food or building a wall. If he sees anyone looking exhausted or injured, he’ll try to make them feel better with Lay on Hands. As soon as Maslarein can’t find anyone new to help, he’ll go to the boarding house.
Obadiah Turn 1Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Doctor Doak takes a breath to tell the apothecary he has no money, but would offer his aid with the patient as Maslarein wanders in, touches the patient, and wanders out. His mouth agape, he blinks a few times to recover his senses.
“I’m short on cash at the moment, do you offer credit, or is there anything I can do for you in return for the alchemists’ kit? I humbly submit that I have something of a scientific mind, I could be quite useful to you.”
Place me with Laemmle. What do I see or sense?
One-Eye will spend the rest of the evening making nasty impaling spike traps."I wont step on there if I were you" the ironclad slayer warned. It seems like the one eyed hobo has stumbled upon the area where the ironclad slayer himself had set some traps. Apparently, the ironclad slayer has been waiting outside the "invisible walls" for hours now.
Each trap requires a flexible sapling about an inch in diameter, about 2 yards of string, a sharp object of some kind, and misc bits of stick.
With the string he has (20ft), that's about 3 traps.
Tomorrow he will be making string, if not snookered into some other project.
Seeing that the summoned adventurer's were lacking in co-ordination, Raine Briardance decided to take measures into her own hands. Using her wind magic, she shifts the wind to produce a loud whistling sound. She then announces that she is looking for members for an expedition beyond the outskirts of the village.The hobo seems to be stunned for a moment. The slayer was about to ask again but booming voice of a female calling everyone interrupted him.
Obadiah wanders up to the yelling person and just sort of stands in the vicinity if help is needed Obadiah will help
Obadiah somewhat startled that anyone noticed him and dreading conversation with strangers briefly shakes his head left to right before falling quiet still againThe big dude is startled, it probably didn't expect someone to question his identity. He doesn't seem to be a greenskin for his skin is not green, but based on experience, the orc slayer had already fought this type of greenskin once. One time where an orange skinned creature more taller than this one was fighting alongside greenskins. He never knew greenskins would have used magic just to pretend not to be a greenskin. They said it was an ogre. But the slayer is sure it was a greenskin. So he slayed it.
Dularach wanders up in a drunk state to the noise, the ironclad slayer would only reach up to his knee cap at mostThe slayer turned towards the voice, and he saw a humongous spider-like creature staring at him. "And you brought your giant spider too, classic greenskin goof."
"who is making that racket?"
(umm he is in humanoid form)Dularach wanders up in a drunk state to the noise, the ironclad slayer would only reach up to his knee cap at mostThe slayer turned towards the voice, and he saw a humongous spider-like creature staring at him. "And you brought your giant spider too, classic greenskin goof."
"who is making that racket?"
He dropped the shield and sword and unsheathed took the broadsword holstered in his back.
He looked at Dularach full of murderous glee, as if he a kid looking at a newly bought toy.
"It looks like I hit the jackpot!" He murmured.
"COME NOW DONT BE SHY, GIVE ME ALL YOU GOT!" he cried.
Dularach looking at the ironclad slayer taunting him smilesAlthough its not apparent in his face(because he is in full iron clad armor) but ironclad slayer puzzled. The giant spider thing called himself a yokai, and a bunch of other nonesense. He said blablabla dont associate Greenskins blabla yokai bla bla blah. To be fair, giant spiders doesn't talk, well atleast the once that he fought before.
your a funny one, most humans don't have that kind of courage if i call it that otherwise its recklessness. but i would like it if you didn't associate me with a greenskin, i'm a Tsuchigumo a type of yokai. and as much as i want to fight you i'm really need to take a nice nap. I only came here cause of that loud noise disturbing me
he has taken out a pipe the size of a great club and starts to take a huff before letting out a puff of smoke in the air.
Without fear and have a confident to approach the giant creature. Unlike humans naked sight on her, in other species' sight, a winged light figure of armored woman and carrying a halberd following this young lady. It's like guardian following an angelic figure."Move out lady before that dirty disgusting greenskin will take you as hostage." He replied.
"You might be a monster from naked eye of human, but I couldn't smell rot which is sensing force of evilness with you. I'm Laemmle, the paladin.
It seems that guy over there provoked you with his Speciesism but make this a call for tonight, I'll give you a whole piece of meat on the early morning. I'll settle with this guy instead." She replied to the creature, gentle scratches its neck before she proceed Ironclad Slayer.
"Now mister, what is your problem?" Standing strong on him face to face.
"Greenskins that. Greenskins there.Without fear and have a confident to approach the giant creature. Unlike humans naked sight on her, in other species' sight, a winged light figure of armored woman and carrying a halberd following this young lady. It's like guardian following an angelic figure."Move out lady before that greenskin take you as hostage." He replied.
"You might be a monster from naked eye of human, but I couldn't smell rot which is sensing force of evilness with you. I'm Laemmle, the paladin.
It seems that guy over there provoked you with his Speciesism but make this a call for tonight, I'll give you a whole piece of meat on the early morning. I'll settle with this guy instead." She replied to the creature, gentle scratches its neck before she proceed Ironclad Slayer.
"Now mister, what is your problem?" Standing strong on him face to face.
"The hell are you talking about lady!?" He hissed."Greenskins that. Greenskins there.Without fear and have a confident to approach the giant creature. Unlike humans naked sight on her, in other species' sight, a winged light figure of armored woman and carrying a halberd following this young lady. It's like guardian following an angelic figure."Move out lady before that greenskin take you as hostage." He replied.
"You might be a monster from naked eye of human, but I couldn't smell rot which is sensing force of evilness with you. I'm Laemmle, the paladin.
It seems that guy over there provoked you with his Speciesism but make this a call for tonight, I'll give you a whole piece of meat on the early morning. I'll settle with this guy instead." She replied to the creature, gentle scratches its neck before she proceed Ironclad Slayer.
"Now mister, what is your problem?" Standing strong on him face to face.
I heard your story from the bard and that song seems to be referring you. Bard these days song heroic in person in shadows spreading it fast like an epidemic. It seems that you lost something from those Greenskins and you madly seek revenge for it.
Those greenskins you referring were might be Goblins, Orcs or Trolls. That cute fluffy multiple legged tiger is not one them. You should wear off that helmet of you or for the better case you need an eye test.
You are not the one who only have bitter past." She replied with gentle smile in the end.
Dixie is just suddenly there and places a hand on the shoulder of the white-haired townsfolk... instigator... guy with mean eyes.
"What do you think you're doing? I'm pretty sure that guy's an adventurer himself. Is this your first time seeing a remotely huge creature?"
“Oh. That man.” he ponders for a moment “of course. I’ll be back presently.”
Doctor Doak will find Aven andshake him down for all his moneyask him for some supplies, then come back and buy that sweet alchemist kit.
Then return to Aven and ask if there are any remains from the evil beasties he can examine.
Before she speak again with her words. She look on the other person and confirming that talking still connected. Seeing a large man with him. She seen one before but larger than him."Gigant what? Look lady, if you wont move away, the greenskin will kidnap you unless..."
Laemmle look him back with the stare of this:(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/616613029185978368/671265312720814081/unknown.png)
"Mister. I feel sorry that you rejected much the reality and purely obsessed with revenge that consumed you whole.
Let me ask you one thing,
have you heard about Gigantism?"
Now that the white-haired captain's somewhat dealt with -- although she hoped it weren't with violence -- she moved away and to the other quarrel going about."He's not a greenskin?" He said. The ironclad slayer was pretty reluctant to put down his weapon but he doesn't want murder out of wrong assumptions.
From the side, Dixie lightly bumped on the Greenskins' Holocaust's hip with hers. "Heehee. Yo. He's not an orc. None of them are. You're the one who calls himself the Greenskins' Holocaust, aren't you?"
Her smiling glance turns into a stern look, walking towards him slowly if he tries to walk back. "You must've killed many orcs if you dare claim that title, yet you can't distinguish between an orc and any other species?"
"Magic? Wait, is it that weird whistling noise I heard a while ago?" Dixie glanced up, lightly scratching her cheek. "So that's what it was.""That's what they want you to think." He replied. "Those dirty decietful greenskins are always like that. Full of tricks. Acting weak till they they found an opening then baaam! Your dead. Just fought a couple hundreds of them at the gates of Atlerdolf. Those savages tried but in the end they all fall to gunpowder and my steel. Maaaannnn that was one of the good ol' days. Those dirty disguuusting greenskins are going to be an eternal threat, if they are silent, it just means that they are still searching for a suitable war boss to rally once again, and when if that time comes ill be waiting for em all!! Ill kill em all!!!"
She glanced back at the armoured orc-slayer and held her shoulder. "Anyway, save that enthusiasm for when we fight actual orcs, alright? Actually, I don't even know if orcs are still a plague nowadays..." she utters to herself, "I think most of the orcs just keep to themselves in hidden keeps nowadays... Many of them are prone to banditry, though."
"That's what they want you to think." He replied. "Those dirty decietful greenskins are always like that. Full of tricks. Acting weak till they they found an opening then baaam! Your dead. Just fought a couple hundreds of them at them at the gates of Atlerdolf. Those savages tried but in the end they all fall to gunpowder and my steel."
"Maaaannnn that was one of the good ol' days. Thosee dirty disguuusting greenskins are going to be an eternal threat in this land, they are just searching for a suitable war boss to rally again, and when if that time comes ill be waiting for em all!! Ill kill em all!!!"
"So it wasn't you? Whose fault is it then?" He looked around him searching for a nod or a sign but no one seems to have any idea.
Since the ruckus is over. Laemmle head to the vacant table and order up a complete meal and milk for her dinner. As a paladin who serve as holy knight, she pray for thank giving grace to the one for her food to eat.
Eating meal makes her mood relief from the recent scene, releasing cuteness aura around her.Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Laemmle is purely on concentration to care her food to be eaten for her relief. Still releasing a cuteness aura around her as she enjoying the food, she doesn't mind if someone accompany her since their presence for her is concealed by her own aura.Since the ruckus is over. Laemmle head to the vacant table and order up a complete meal and milk for her dinner. As a paladin who serve as holy knight, she pray for thank giving grace to the one for her food to eat.
Eating meal makes her mood relief from the recent scene, releasing cuteness aura around her.Spoiler (click to show/hide)
(https://i.imgur.com/U42ifJ2.png)
Joining that vacant table, a white haired man murmurs loudly besides the girl with his other friend.
(https://images-ext-1.discordapp.net/external/wx7K6lDyMPQEsIfRqSiXkh51buOozjmkYScG9LuIQL8/https/media.discordapp.net/attachments/668798447306014730/670973045262778368/thingy3.png)
"Yeah i agree man, these people comin to our neighborhood and just act like they own this place. Yeah they paid them to do all this stuff for the town but i bet you they just gonna cause chaos and invite those monsters in the forest to invade this towns, yeah it sucks i know!"
Laemmle is purely on concentration to care her food to be eaten for her relief. Still releasing a cuteness aura around her as she enjoying the food, she doesn't mind if someone accompany here since their presence into her is concealed by her own aura.Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"A fairy!?" The ironclad slayer cried. "A fairy? You mean those little things that exchange tooth with silver fairies!? They exist?""That's what they want you to think." He replied. "Those dirty decietful greenskins are always like that. Full of tricks. Acting weak till they they found an opening then baaam! Your dead. Just fought a couple hundreds of them at them at the gates of Atlerdolf. Those savages tried but in the end they all fall to gunpowder and my steel."
"Maaaannnn that was one of the good ol' days. Thosee dirty disguuusting greenskins are going to be an eternal threat in this land, they are just searching for a suitable war boss to rally again, and when if that time comes ill be waiting for em all!! Ill kill em all!!!"
"So it wasn't you? Whose fault is it then?" He looked around him searching for a nod or a sign but no one seems to have any idea.
"It's a Fairy..." Shania reluctantly answering the greenskin-slayer. "So, none of you actually see her?" She still determined to search that little thing. Didn't Aven already tell everyone to get rest for this entire night? Thanks to that Fairy's magic amplified whistle that false-alarmed her tarots... Eh, probably, the fault lies on her own cards alone for this one.
Shania had long smothered her annoyed expression into concern one. Unfortunately, that's means she would need a few hours before she gets sleepy again...
"You are forgiven with your unholy table manner, mister." No sign of anger from the female paladin. She angelically smile on him with divine light behind her only on his own sight.QuoteLaemmle is purely on concentration to care her food to be eaten for her relief. Still releasing a cuteness aura around her as she enjoying the food, she doesn't mind if someone accompany here since their presence into her is concealed by her own aura.Spoiler (click to show/hide)
(https://i.imgur.com/U42ifJ2.png)
He leans to the side nearing her shoulder
(https://images-ext-1.discordapp.net/external/wx7K6lDyMPQEsIfRqSiXkh51buOozjmkYScG9LuIQL8/https/media.discordapp.net/attachments/668798447306014730/670973045262778368/thingy3.png)
"Man this soup taste great its very warm it would be really bad if i SPILL IT ON SOMEONE" as he lift the bowl up and (not) accidentally poured all the soup all over her.
"i SAID, the likes of you are not welcomed in this place so you better leave elsewhere and DONT BOTHER coming in here ever again!"
Aven then leads Doctor Doak down the hall into a large storage space. Parts of the room are glowing a dim blue-ish purple, suggestive of the presence of magical alterations. Three bodies of gnolls are lying on the ground, lifeless.
"These ones came this morning. Xanios apparently hasn't gotten to disposing of them yet. Feel free to examine them however you like. We're in no shortage of dead creatures' corpses."
(You can stop Dixie from enacting the entirety of this at any point he realistically can stop her)(https://pile.randimg.net/2/137/159318/test2.png)
After making sure nobody else was around, a left hand reaches from behind
!?The ironclad slayer was on his way back to his spot outside the walls when he heard a whistle. Normal humans wouldn't probably hear such high frequency whistle but the Orc slayer is no ordinary man. He has developed a keen sense of hearing if he focus enough, detecting very high to very low frequencies of sound. It is actually very handy since greenskins, especially goblins, whistle out to call their pets. Ranging from giant spiders to smallest squigs.
"I-if someone as powerful as you exists in this village, why haven't you dealt with the monster problem yourself!?" Dixie yelled at him in shock, but he already left.
She stood up, her back in pain as she did so, disregarding anyone who looked at her at that moment. If someone like him exists, as a town guard to boot, then why are they seeking for help? They obviously can more than handle it, right?
There's something oddly sinister about this village that even Dixie didn't want to know.
After going back to her room to grab her bag of outfits and hygienic accoutrements, she walked to the edge of the South Exit of the village, held her hands together near her mouth and then blew through it to let out a high-pitched whistle that only few creatures can hear.
In particular, she's calling for her ride, a giant eagle.
Ah, she almost forgot-- she took off her leather armor, 2 daggers and a healing potion and left them neatly on the ground.
"Haha, no." Dixie replied an d then turned around, still actually wearing her tight-fit black sweater and leggings from under that leather armor. "Did you come here expecting so? I'm not so crazy to do that in the open myself, you know.""Maybe there are secrets hidden in this village, and that nutwit is here to protect it. Maybe the nutwit can't leave the village because if he do so, the secret will be vulnerable." The slayer said. He probably scraped the bottom of the barrel for ideas to explain the situation.
"No, it's that townsguard they have. He's a nutwit, but he's so powerful, possibly way more than my brother, even. I bet there are others in this village are like him too. In their current state, they should be more than able to handle any threat coming from that forest, yet they seek adventurers to do their bidding. I don't quite trust that."
"If it's something even they can't handle and that imminent threat looms closer, they should be focusing on evacuation instead of trying to send random people to die. As it stands right now, I doubt I'm going to be any help regardless. I think this village is doomed, mister. So, I'm leaving."
Dixie was about to turn away, until she remembered. "Actually, it's convenient that you've come to me at this hour, for I don't actually know which direction Atlerdorf is."
Dularach would head for the inn
"yes lets go, I could eat a horse with how hungry I am"
Dixie interrupts the Greenskins' Holocaust by holding both cheeks of his helmet. It was then silent for a few seconds, until she spoke. "The next time we see each other, I hope this revenge against the orcs will be the last thing in your mind.""The hell is she talking about?" The ironclad slayer thought after Dixie's revenge speech.
Her gentle smile faded. "No amount of killing will bring them back."
She backs away and smiles again, then turns around. Her body tilts forward a little, then she sprinted-- and jumped!
A silent swoop! She was then held by the arm by a giant eagle, beating its wings hard to angle them out of the trees' reach. The eagle then tossed Dixie upward as it did a barrel roll, and she landed onto the eagle's neck safely. Seems like a trick they've choreographed together multiple times.
Dixie and the eagle flew, growing more distant amidst the moonlit black sky, heading west as the Greenskins' Holocaust pointed.
[Dixie Greene is out]
Aven then leads Doctor Doak down the hall into a large storage space. Parts of the room are glowing a dim blue-ish purple, suggestive of the presence of magical alterations. Three bodies of gnolls are lying on the ground, lifeless.
"These ones came this morning. Xanios apparently hasn't gotten to disposing of them yet. Feel free to examine them however you like. We're in no shortage of dead creatures' corpses."
“Ah, excellent!” the doctor claps his hands together loudly once, “please fetch me a particularly sharp knife, a recording device, and someone with knowledge of the anatomy of these creatures. They will assist me.”
On the assumption Aven has no recording devices:
“Oh, right, yes. Then you must return to record my results, also,” Doctor Doak hands Aven one of his pens from his lab coat.
Perform a thorough examination of the external and internal nature of the gnolls, taking particular interest in the brain, spine, and nervous system. Note any differences and similarities between the three gnoll corpses, making use of the knowledge of my assistant, should one be found.
Ask the guards if someone could watch me while I sleep, in case something happens.
Rest until an objective presents itself.
[Dixie Greene is back in]
Hours later, dropping off of a giant eagle that then immediately flew away, Dixie went straight into the shrine, avoiding the sight of any guards and villagers.
She was ticked off that the Greenskins' Holocaust lied about the direction of Atlerdorf and instead found Karak-Khaz-Modan where a Dwarven keep is being invaded by both orcs and skaven that are then also fighting each other. It's great that he took a back entrance only accessible from way above and managed to talk her way into freedom and a meaty supper -- thankfully the dwarves are a civilised race -- and in a way, she did find that orcs really are stepping up their war game, but yet the deceit... That or the Holocaust has no sense of direction. She'll figure that part out later.
For now, she'll have to figure out how that townsguard is way too powerful, if any/all the other citizens of this village are the same way, why they're getting attacked by monsters right now, and why now... and she couldn't just ask anyone, she didn't know who to trust. She'll have to find out herself.
Dixie punches the Greenskins' Holocaust straight at his stomach with the little strength she has. "You gave me the wrong directions. Why'd you do that? Actually don't tell me, just give me that back--"Although covered in full rusty plate armor, the ironclad slayer still felt Dixie's punch, well atleast mentally. A punch from a greenskin wouldn't normally cause him to curl up in pain, but I guess the shock from being punched by a human has affected him psychologically.
Dixie takes back her daggers, potion, and leather armor.
Dixie observes the shrine from indoors. What is she seeing?
Dixie observes the shrine from indoors. What is she seeing?
Thank Aven for his help, retrieve the notes he made, and my pen! ... then return to the boarding house for some rest.
And in that sleep what dreams may come?
(except Doctor Doak, who had already received the coins yesterday)
Laemmle woke up on the morning, stretched before she wenf off the bed and changed into her casual attire."Uuhhh thank you!?" The ironclad slayer said confusingly. He opened his helmet slightly and took a bite, before Leammle knows it he gobbled up the whole pancake in just several seconds and the beverage that is served.
She went down from the stairs and walk to area where the adventurers gathers on the huge area still inside the inn.
She stood up alone on the empty area, breathe deep and started to sing with her angelic voice.
"Somewhere, a voice calls, in the depths of my heart
May I always be dreaming, the dreams that move my heart
So many tears of despair, uncountable through and through
I know on the other side of them I'll be sure to find you
Everytime we fall down to the ground we look up to the sky above
We wake to it's blueness, as if for the first time
Though the road is long, lonely and the end far away, out of sight
I can, with these arms, embrace the light
As I bid farewell my heart stops, tenderly I feel
My silent empty soul begins to listen to what is real
The wonder of living, the wonder of dying
The wind, town, and flowers, we all dance in unity
La la la...
Doo doo doo...
Da da da...
Somewhere, a voice calls, in the depths of my heart
keep dreaming your dreams, don't ever let them part
Why speak of all your sadness or of life's painfull woes
Instead let the same voice sing a gentle song for you
The whispering voice, we will never want to forget,
in each passing memory always there to guide you
When a miror has been broken, shattered pieces scattered on the ground
Glimpses of new life, are reflected all around
Window of beginning let shine the light of a new dawn
Let my silent, empty soul be filled and reborn
No need to search the land, nor sail across the sea
'Cause it's here shining inside me, it's right here deep inside me
Thanks to you I've found the light, and it's always with me.
La la la...
Doo doo doo...
Da da da..."
The voice of singing reached from every adventurers sleeping inside the inn. She then opened her eyes as she finished the song.
Proceeded on the gathering in the village Square and listened to the briefing. Once she received the gold coins. She convince the fellow adventurers to stay for a bit before their dismissal.
Buying ingredients to Market area, she then cook pancakes and distributed 3 pieces each to the fellow adventurers. Seeing her working hard putting all plates with pancakes into the table including the many pancakes she made earlier.
Laemmle claps and speak, "Everyone (for PCs), how about have some breakfast first before you leave~" and smiles.
Proceed the ironclad slayer giving a plate of pancakes o him.
"Forget about the yesterday, have something to eat for breakfast. You need it." She said to him.
*Note: She sang before gathering and she serve food after Aven's leave.*
Dularach would partake of the breakfast that Laemmle has cooked, he eats his three pieces
"if it weren't too much of a bother could you make some more?"
Dixie stays to walk to Aven and ask, a little quieter.
"Why are you being attacked by monsters? How is that white-haired guard so powerful? Which god did you all piss off? "
(https://i.imgur.com/JTYHiPJ.png)Dixie stays to walk to Aven and ask, a little quieter.
"Why are you being attacked by monsters? How is that white-haired guard so powerful? Which god did you all piss off? "
"We're not sure why we're being attacked by monsters. That's why we hired you all!"
"The white-haired guard?... Oh, you mean Accel? Accel is... troubled. He may have certain abnormal abilities, but I can't say he's mentally in a place to be of much assistance to our overall situation." Aven makes a cuckoo gesture.
"We must have pissed off a lot of gods." Aven chuckles.
After a mostly sleepless night do to everyone yelling for some reason, Burt finally wakes up and packed up the tent, then walked over to the meeting, got the money, and after a bit he finally said "Wasn't this stuff covered in the first meeting?"(https://pile.randimg.net/2/137/159318/test2.png)
After walking away from the meeting he saw some person he hadn't met giving out free food, so he went over took his and sat as far from everyone else as possible and ate it, then went to the market to see if there was anyone around that wasn't some kind of demons or whatever that guy was.
Take down the tent and carry it off, and eat the breakfast then go see whats for sale at the market.
Doctor Doak looks downtrodden. :(
Then he gathers his notes, and heads to the apothecary and the sorceror, to see if they can figure out anything about the bright green fluid found in the gnolls' spines or the sprouting leaves in their brains.
Afterwards, bum around town looking for bits and pieces to construct a crossbow and fashion some bolts.
"Oh, thank you!" Aven takes the plate happily.
Laemmle give plate of pancakes to Aven, smiling.
Dixie crosses arms while sighing.
"If she douses another one of us with hot soup again, I'm gonna kill him for real even if I die trying." Dixie glares at Aven, her murderous intent made as visible as she could. She then closed his eyes to relax, then glanced calmly at Aven again.
Please describe how he looks again.
"Have you figured which direction they're specifically coming from? Do they come in waves? How organized are they?"
Afterwards, bum around town looking for bits and pieces to construct a crossbow and fashion some bolts.
Doctor Doak recovers enough lumber and scrap metal to create a crossbow and a reasonable amount of bolts for it. However he doesn't have the required tools or knowledge to construct them.
"They seem to be coming from all over the forest. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to their raids, although there has been more and more of them lately. They aren't very organized at all, more like savage beasts turned even more savage. Although, they do seem to recognize each other -- I've never seen them attack one another, even species that are usually not prone to such unquestioned unity."
(https://i.imgur.com/JTYHiPJ.png)"Oh, thank you!" Aven takes the plate happily.
Laemmle give plate of pancakes to Aven, smiling.Dixie crosses arms while sighing.
"If she douses another one of us with hot soup again, I'm gonna kill him for real even if I die trying." Dixie glares at Aven, her murderous intent made as visible as she could. She then closed his eyes to relax, then glanced calmly at Aven again.
Please describe how he looks again.
"Have you figured which direction they're specifically coming from? Do they come in waves? How organized are they?"
Aven is wearing a standard leather vest, with typical villager clothes underneath. His medium-length brown hair is combed in a very neat and tidy fashion. His posture is upright and professional, and his facial expression exudes friendliness, now mixed with a bit of concern as he witnesses Dixie's hostile glare.
"They seem to be coming from all over the forest. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to their raids, although there has been more and more of them lately. They aren't very organized at all, more like savage beasts turned even more savage. Although, they do seem to recognize each other -- I've never seen them attack one another, even species that are usually not prone to such unquestioned unity."
There was a man handing out something to the others in the group, talking with the woman who had slapped the guard the night before; and there was a smell of... pancakes?... His stomach was a bit sour from last night's drinking antics at the inn, but maybe he could save some for later. For now, he wandered up to the man at the front.
"So, something's definitely controlling them. Could be someone. If they're coming from everywhere, it must be because instead of getting pushed towards us by something out there, they're getting pulled towards us by something in here. Who'd gain the most from this village getting attacked by monsters... or, who'd have something that the monsters are looking for..."
"Do the monsters prioritize whoever's most powerful, or whoever's closest?"
The ironclad slayer walked towards Aven who is talking to acrobat girl, and interrupted their conversation.
"You guys need to get out of here or you are screwed! A WAAAGGHH is coming and this place would be the slaughter house!"
((Ah, right~!))Afterwards, bum around town looking for bits and pieces to construct a crossbow and fashion some bolts.
Doctor Doak recovers enough lumber and scrap metal to create a crossbow and a reasonable amount of bolts for it. However he doesn't have the required tools or knowledge to construct them.
((Doctor Doak has the ability Jury-rigged, for just such an occasion))
Laemmle was about to serve One Eye Jack but currently frozen in shock from the words the One Eye Jack shouted out to ironclad.The pancake maiden wasn't replying, she seems to be in shock. He used his hand to see if she is paying attention but she seems to be lost in her thoughts. However, the Ironclad slayer had was persistent and he doesn't want no for an answer. He pinched both her puffy cute cheeks and squeezed it.
Maslarein turned to the person shouting about Greenskins and raised his sword to the air, looking excited. “I haven’t really been paying attention, but I heard Venture and Woods in the same sentence, so I shall invite myself! HaHa, Onwards!”
Maslarein points his sword towards the forest and strikes a heroic, ridiculous pose, ready to spring to action at any second. He hasn’t left yet, though. He’s waiting for his fellow adventurers to follow him into battle!
He doesn't know that the pinched is painful. Tears are coming from her perfect white circle eye with a blush on her face.Laemmle was about to serve One Eye Jack but currently frozen in shock from the words the One Eye Jack shouted out to ironclad.The pancake maiden wasn't replying, she seems to be in shock. He used his hand to see if she is paying attention but she seems to be lost in her thoughts. However, the Ironclad slayer had was persistent and he doesn't want no for an answer. He pinched both her puffy cute cheeks and squeezed it.
"Heeeey pancake lady, I am talking to you, wanna team up?"
I would like too? Tumor the better? He doesn't understand completely but it sounds about right.He doesn't know that the pinched is painful. Tears are coming from her perfect white circle eye with a blush on her face.Laemmle was about to serve One Eye Jack but currently frozen in shock from the words the One Eye Jack shouted out to ironclad.The pancake maiden wasn't replying, she seems to be in shock. He used his hand to see if she is paying attention but she seems to be lost in her thoughts. However, the Ironclad slayer had was persistent and he doesn't want no for an answer. He pinched both her puffy cute cheeks and squeezed it.
"Heeeey pancake lady, I am talking to you, wanna team up?"
"Aaaai wuuuud lwuaaayke twuuu, thwuaaaa mwuuorree thwuaaaa bwueeettwuuuua.
(I would like too, the more the better)" Trying to speak but hilariously cute that she hardworking on it dispite ironclad guy pinching her cheek.
One-eye pushed down a powerful urge to throw up. This was all too damn much.
He looked up the giant sitting next to him, amusedly puffing on his pipe.
"Should we go after 'em?" he asked. "They're gonna get themselves killed-- dead as hell."
Dularach extends his hand and grabs the shoulder of GSHThe ironclad slayer almost dislocated his arm and let out a grunt. He looked at the person who grabbed him and realized it was giant spiderdude. "I did ask her she said yes!" He quickly replied.
"you should ask Laemmle first before you drag her off"
He clenched his teeth, and began murmuring profanity like he had intent to violate language itself. It WAS TOO EARLY FOR THIS @#$#."Too soon" the ironclad slayer thought. He knew greenskins were nearby but it might be too late already, he was hoping the townsfolk could erect a 24ft wall before this happened but I guess that is just wishful thinking.
Clutching his bow off his back, and stowing the "starter kit" in his rucksack, he hobble-clopped with his walking stick after the hotheads, who were quickly getting away from him.
(the following exchange sanitized for viewing by all audiences. The original exchange is too filthy for human eyes)
LISTEN YOU FOOLS! he barked-- Nasty @#$@'s commin! THAT WAY! F@$% ANGRY as F@#$%! -- GAWD DAMMIT--
The hotheads were outpacing him effortlessly, AND ignoring him. Damn it all.
"Lionboy! You wont take away the first blood from meee!"Maslarein grinned as he heard the voice of Greenskin Slayer from behind him. Good, he was starting to think no one else had come with! “HaHa! Alright then, first blood it is! Nothing like Competition to get the blood boiling!”
before Dularach went to get his pancakes he bought a Skull emblem from a creepy merchant for one gp
She tilts her head back up as the old man yelled. "Shit, already?" Grabbing the air, a throwing knife suddenly appears in her hand, spinning it on her palm. She looks at Aven. "Any advice?"
Rapping a fist on the door, before barging in on a bewildered apothecary, he wasted no time.
Need a potion kit, need it now. he gruffed.
"IF you mean the apothecary starter kit, that will be two gold pieces.." the apothecary whimpered.
SOLD. barked the old hermit, and tossed the two coins on the counter.
Buy one of the skull emblems for 1GP, then get my rifle ready and follow everyone else into the woods.
Afterwards, bum around town looking for bits and pieces to construct a crossbow and fashion some bolts.
"I don't think we have met yet," said Linea, eyes still darting toward the oncoming horde of wolves.
"The name is Linea Starboard," she said, finally glancing at the young woman. "So much for teamwork, but come on, let's see how long we can pull that off."
"Mine's Shania." She nods curtly, eagerly embraced any distraction to divert her attention from the embodiment of bad luck on her hand. "Have anything in mind?"
(https://i.imgur.com/JTYHiPJ.png)
((Note that default maximum ranged attack range is 6. It's possible to shoot further than 6 tiles, however there will be a -50% damage penalty. This has been updated in Game Mechanics -> Combat Map Rules))
She turned her attention to a man that seemed to be the closest local authority she could find.
"I don't think we have time for pleasantries, "she said bluntly. "Where are your friends? We need to repel the attack on the northeast. Order your men to assemble. We will do our best to assist you."
Dularach will transform to demon spider form and go to hex O15, remaining action is used on a defend
"Look what happens when you guys never stop yelling about a dumb ass shit."(https://pile.randimg.net/2/137/159318/test2.png)
Go to M7 and shoot the first wolf I see as many times as I can.
Laemmle proceed to GSH's tile (N6) and use Defend."Just don't take my kills!" The ironclad slayer demanded while bracing for counter attack.
"Say Mister, how about we do a pair dance through the battlefield ?" She replied to Ironclad Slayer and smile.
Despite along with Ironclad Slayer, she feels a bright aura coming from Maslarein. Making her spirit up to fight. Seems that she need to keep an eye on the two usually. With this position she can jump in too against pack of wolves when the time is right.
When the first pack of wolves has come to attack, the pancake maiden stood and defended her ground with ease, even coming as far as protecting him as well. The slayer didn't expect she'd be that competent. Looks are really decieving. Even lionboy is held his own just fine. Its refreshing for the slayer to have allies this competent, the adventurers she usually come across dies or gets traumatized with the first encounter of greenskins. Pancake maiden is definitely experienced soldier and is on a league of her own.After Ironclad Slayer's offensive. She attack the other wolf by executing a heavy swing with her sword striking into the target foe. Gaining the aggressive into her, blocking the two wolves' for its opening with her shield at the front Ironclad Slayer. To guard all incoming attacks from the both of it.
After successfully defending the initial attacks, the slayer launched his counter. He assessed the situation first before initiating his move. One of the wolves is clearly aged, its frame hunched and started to degenerate from age. Some thin patches could be seen through its fur. The other, in contrast, was in the prime of its life. The sleek fur couldn't hid its muscled frame, and the way it paced showed its overflowing vitality.
Switched his weapon to Greatsword(1AP) and attacked wolf #10 twice(2AP)
"And here I thought they would reroute to a safer path.""One would think that!" Aven yells in the heat of combat. "These are no typical wild animals though, they've shown time and time again a total lack of self-preservation!"
(https://pile.randimg.net/2/137/159318/test2.png)Laemmle in both surprise and happiness on her lips. His wind around her give her a haste the worn off the knock back effect. She inspect both of her enemies in her front.
Minding his own business, the white haired guard didn't even notice the ruckus from outside. He was quite surprised as the armored man came through the wall in the boarding house. He stayed in place and continue to observe the chaos that unfolds between his very eyes.
(https://i.imgur.com/6CRYqHv.png?1)
"What the F!@(# is going on now." He noticed that the two fighting relentlessly against the threat that's endangering the townsfolk. The wind changed it's course as he raise his hand up. A tiny cyclone formed around his right hand, it quickly dispersed. The wind then covers the armored man and the lady that is currently fighting near him.
Rolce uses [Sky Drift] on Green screen holocaust and leammle.
"I'm useless at the moment but you can use this to kill those cretins"
Doctor Doak will move into the shrine and close the door firmly the door, then shoot through any windows at any enemy targets visible.(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/361157460360167446/674221070533918720/Lucy_1.png)
Dixie breathed heavily, hands trembling and sizzling, smoking from the fire barrage she let out. Her pendant glowed, alleviating her exhaustion minimally. She shook her head, getting rid of this cringing feeling that's making her grit her teeth, reverting to a calmer self.A big sigh of relief, Laemmle proceed to check her comrades' condition and lastly the Ironclad Slayer. A sudden embrace to his armor and feel with sadness.
"W... Well, that's over with... Any of you hurting?"
Dixie walks around, healing damaged villagers and allies.
Doctor Doak will move into the shrine and close the door firmly the door, then shoot through any windows at any enemy targets visible.(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/361157460360167446/674221070533918720/Lucy_1.png)
"It sure is lively out here. May I help you?"
There's an old man in the shrine, sitting calmly on one of the aged pews. He seemed oblivious, or uncaring, to the commotion outside.
Pancake maiden then embraced the ironclad slayer and apologized for something she couldn't have prevented.Dixie breathed heavily, hands trembling and sizzling, smoking from the fire barrage she let out. Her pendant glowed, alleviating her exhaustion minimally. She shook her head, getting rid of this cringing feeling that's making her grit her teeth, reverting to a calmer self.A big sigh of relief, Laemmle proceed to check her comrades' condition and lastly the Ironclad Slayer. A sudden embrace to his armor and feel with sadness.
"W... Well, that's over with... Any of you hurting?"
Dixie walks around, healing damaged villagers and allies.
"I'm sorry, I'm still not good to shield nor protect my comrades. You got hurt badly..." She said on him still embracing his torso part because she seems to be small from him.
Dixie healed Maslarein too. From a distance. She wasn't quite sure if she wanted to approach a loud humanoid lion.(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/361157460360167446/674221070533918720/Lucy_1.png)
Thoroughly drained after healing everyone she saw (even the bear, Jack's new pet), Dixie went into the shrine and gently landed on a chair with a sigh.
It's still only morning, but felt like a week ago.
Dixie rapidly glanced, a little startled by the fellow he didn't notice was beside her. "Wh... What do you mean 'back'? Have we met?...""You were here last night, weren't you? Most of the townsfolk doesn't visit often at all."
She stared particularly at those peculiar red eyes. Attractive, she thought.
"Oh, you saw me... Your eyes are... strange. You wouldn't happen to be the one sending the beastly attacks, are you?"
How she could ask so bluntly is probably to blame on naïvety.
One eye walked up the the confused bear. She had stopped her rampage, but the last message he had sent was clearly too hard for her to comprehend, as she had just stood there pawing at her head, instead of coming to join him.
He knew better than to just rush up. Instead, he carefully approached, and ignored the noise coming from the other combatants. They had all somehow miraculously survived, amidst so much pointless death, but this one still wasnt safe.
He probably looked very stupid, crawling along the ground on all-fours the way he did, but standing on two feet is an aggressive posture for a bear, this poor (500lb+) creature was very confused, and in pain still. He did not want to appear threatening to her in any capacity.
Closing the gap, he paused a moment to look into her eyes, and introduce himself and his intentions once more, before rubbing his left side down the side of hers, circling around the back, and rubbing back up to the front, before finally plopping down beside her, rubbing his face on her shoulder to get her attention.
She groaned agitatedly at him, but he caught her gaze once more, then reached up, and started massaging her aching head. He didn't care if he passed out trying; he wanted her to know he was there to help. No matter what. He could feel the headache, and did not break contact, until he found a spot that made it feel at least a little better when rubbed. He allowed his mind to be filled with little else but care, love, and trust for the old bear. It really was all he was concerned with at that moment. Nothing else mattered. Nothing at all.
There you go mama.... he breathed exhaustedly as he continued the nuzzling and head rubbing. It will all be OK... Jack is here for you...
"Is Lucy shorthand for what I think it's short for?""Perhaps it is, perhaps it is not."
She slowly grabs and shakes his hand. Assumedly callous. "Dixie. I... have taken an intro to healing magic but I wouldn't consider myself healer quite yet."
Doctor Doak considers this for a moment, shrugs, and walks out. The apothecary wanted more samples (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=175408.msg8082921#msg8082921), that’s exactly what she’ll get.
He approaches Aven, hands him a pen.
“I need you to take notes.”
Perform autopsies on the animal corpses, looking to collect as much of the green fluid as possible. External and internal examinations, as performed on the gnolls (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=175408.msg8081514#msg8081514).
Once the autopsy is completed, take my pen and notes from Aven.
“Find the sorcerer, I’d like to discuss something with them. I’ll be at the apothecary, send them over there.”
"Hell yeah I killed four of the bastards, I kind of expected the fight to last longer than what it did I also expected someone to end up dying, but no one did so that's good."
Burt then begin the long process of reloading the revolver and the not as long process of the rifle, then he went to the blacksmith to see what they had for sale.
Dularach burst from the ground any wounds that he did have were already healed, he then goes out of his way to start wraping wolves in webs and drag them to his burrow
after Dula yoinks all the dead bodies from the right side and stores them in his burrow he injects them with his liquefying venom to prepare them for future meals, he then goes to the left side of the village and begins webing dead bodies up and dragging them to his burrow
(https://i.imgur.com/Y4AhiFQ.jpg)Dularach burst from the ground any wounds that he did have were already healed, he then goes out of his way to start wraping wolves in webs and drag them to his burrowafter Dula yoinks all the dead bodies from the right side and stores them in his burrow he injects them with his liquefying venom to prepare them for future meals, he then goes to the left side of the village and begins webing dead bodies up and dragging them to his burrow
After the villagers are done skinning the animals they retreat as Dularach advances onto the corpses and drags them underground.
Dixie wakes up on the old priest's shoulder, covering her mouth while yawning. "Would you happen to know where they teach magic spells here?""There should be a magic shop around, but it open and close arbitarily without a fixed schedule. I do not think there's much to learn from a hedge practitioner this far out, but the world have many surprises."
In addition he collects some of the Bear Claws and Wolf Fangs gathered by the villagers and hands them over to Doctor Doak, as these can be used as ingredients in alchemy.
Doctor Doak gains 1 Bear Claw and 9 Wolf Fangs.
"Sure, thanks."
Dixie gently held the flask and drank two gulps of it without hesitation.
"Mmh. Bit strong. Hic--" She sighed. "Also bit warm for my taste. Hm, I wonder if I can..."
She channeled mana onto her hands, but was unsure what to do with it. Tiny wicks of fire flickered from her arm, shooting away from the flask. "I was told ice and fire aren't really mutually exclusive... The former's just an absence of the latter... or something like that."
Dixie focused on breathing, trying to shake off the feeling of excitement that she's somehow succeeding in doing it. She cycled mana onto her hands faster, trying to accelerate this cooling process.Her concentration was broken by the flask leaving her grasp, the magical effect sputtering and dissipated. Returning to focus, Lucy had pulled the contained off her hand. Frost stained its surface, coloring it white.
Linea let out a long sigh as if trying to drive the devils away from her chest. She looked around, trying to find something positive to divert her burning desire. It looks like everyone was okay. That's good, except the old-looking fellow that seemed to be all cuddly with the bear that was trying to maul them to death a moment ago.
"That's not your concern, Linea."
She needed a drink, fast before she changed her mind and had someone blasted by her fire.
(https://i.imgur.com/JTYHiPJ.png)
Linea enters the local pub, a humble establishment containing a few tables and chairs, and a bar area, behind which a somewhat larger gentleman with glasses is serving drinks to a few locals. He sees Linea enter and greets her heartily.
"Welcome to the Mystville Pub!"
He studies her curiously for a moment behind the thin round lens of his glasses. "Say, you're one of them adventurers, right? I do believe I saw a bit of that commotion just now with those crazy wild animals. We're lucky to have ya'll here, I dunno how much longer we'd have lasted! Anyway, what can I get for ya?"
"Of course!"
The jovial barkeep grabbed a sizeable mug, placed it on the counter with a bit more force than necessary, and poured hot wattle from nearby kettle as he turned around to take a jar of brown seed from the shelf. He was either very well used to the motion or it was a minor miracle the water didn't miss the mug.
A spoonful of beans was then put into the grinder, and some twists later it went in to the wooden mug followed by vigorous mixing. Done, he placed the drink in front of Linea. The entire process couldn't have taken more than half a minute.
"On the house, lassie. Ya look quite tense. Honey or milk?"
He didn't stay to wait for answer, hovering nearby to fill an equally large mug with plain water at the same swift efficiency for someone that plump.
"Water's free, and so is yer first drink! Just call me here!"
"Hi. How're you feeling?"
What does One-Eye get from his gathering efforts?
"Of course! It's quite slow this time of the day, lass."
A small pitcher of milk was placed on the counter, alongside a tiny bowl of honey. The barkeep's attention was still on Linea despite his constant buzzing around, apparently.
"Oh, they're your people?""Of course! It's quite slow this time of the day, lass."
A small pitcher of milk was placed on the counter, alongside a tiny bowl of honey. The barkeep's attention was still on Linea despite his constant buzzing around, apparently.
Linea happily took the pitcher glass and gestured that she would certainly pay for this extra.
"Very well." she cleared her throat, carefully picking her wording beforehand to avoid spilling sensitive information. "I am looking for a group of explorers that arrived here around a month ago. Two men, one woman. They dressed in grey like me and probably mentioned that they came from Ivy Bridge. Have you seen any of them and to where they were headed?"
"Oh, they're your people?""Of course! It's quite slow this time of the day, lass."
A small pitcher of milk was placed on the counter, alongside a tiny bowl of honey. The barkeep's attention was still on Linea despite his constant buzzing around, apparently.
Linea happily took the pitcher glass and gestured that she would certainly pay for this extra.
"Very well." she cleared her throat, carefully picking her wording beforehand to avoid spilling sensitive information. "I am looking for a group of explorers that arrived here around a month ago. Two men, one woman. They dressed in grey like me and probably mentioned that they came from Ivy Bridge. Have you seen any of them and to where they were headed?"
The barkeep fidgeted uncomfortably.
"Sorry for yer loss, lass. They're gone. Just a moment-"
He trundled into a back room. There's muffled sound of rummaging before he emerged, three identical backpack in hand. There's spare uniforms inside, as well as some personal effects.
"Stayed the night right 'ere. Something broke through the window and dragged the woman screaming into the woods. The other two scrambled after her, but they never returned. Tight lipped and no identity in there, can't figger out where they came from."
He pointed at one of the window.
"Barred them windows afterward, all of it. It helped, a bit."
"The boomsticks, ya mean? Sure, repeatedly. There's some holes left unpatched. I dinnae know what happened up there, but lots of blood left on the floor back then.""The creature, do you think it was the same as what appeared today?"
The ironclad slayer has returned to his spot outside the walls, he is practicing his horizontal slashes with his greatsword while pondering upon what happened earlier.
There were dire wolves attacking the village but completely no goblin riders in sight, they were only about a few dozens too. The usual greenskin horde usually attacks with their pets, they might be a schemer, but they love to battle as well. A day has passed after he found the signs of a greenskin assault, but there were not a single greenskin in sight. He begins to think that what he is after is not really here. He begins to think that maybe, what they say its true; that there were is greenskin horde in here.
The ironclad slayer begins slashing vertically, pirrouetes and slashed it again.
"No, don't doubt yourself. You have already done this hundreds of time, and wherever you go, greenskins always show up" he reaffirmed himself.
He puts his greatsword down by piercing it to the ground. He then took his gladius and shield, and began slashing.
Nope. Waiting is boring. Dixie walked around the village, helping whoever needed help this morning.The damage from the attack was relatively minor, the worst being the boarding house's door coming off its hinges. Some people were working on replacement already.
"It's all healed now. Thanks to you." The ironclad slayer said while continually slashing the air."Ah." Carefully look around detecting the sign of traps.
"I wouldn't step any more closer if I were you. I have set traps around this area. If you don't want to fall then stay where you are."
Dixie went back to the shrine, eyes alert lest Lucy sneaks up on her again."Back so soon, young lady?"
"Thanks for the concern, but I am not hungry for food. I am hungry for... greenskins.""It's all healed now. Thanks to you." The ironclad slayer said while continually slashing the air."Ah." Carefully look around detecting the sign of traps.
"I wouldn't step any more closer if I were you. I have set traps around this area. If you don't want to fall then stay where you are."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/671952681866100749/674153434882113536/images_34.jpeg)
"You must be hungry, I got some take out for you." She said and smile, carrying a one portion of food from the pub.
"... You're strange. I feel like you're hiding something." Dixie turns to the idols on the altar. She could recognize two of them. One's the candelabra, a representation of a certain holy trinity. Not that there aren't several holy trinities in the world. It's a surprisingly common format."Everyone have something to hide." He followed her gaze. "You recognize some of these? Quite surprising how similar some religious idols are, no matter how far they sprouted from one another."
The other is this metal orb, also donned by dwarves and mountainfolk... albeit they really had no deity to worship, so ultimately this orb represented mortals like themselves... or maybe something more metaphorical like their hard work.
Dixie looks back at Lucy's eyes, then down to her beard. "Does it not tickle? Or... become a hindrance when you eat?"
"Damn I can't afford anything, need more money."
After leaving the blacksmith's shop Burt looks around for empty bottles and bits of cloth, then heads over to the alchemy shop to see if they sell gunpowder, alcohol, and matches.
Burt sat alone eating whatever kind of food was served, he didn't pay much attention to what it was he just ate it, and as he finished he heard some dude named Lucy go on about some stuff and ask if anyone had any questions, and Burt sat there for a minute before coming up with one."The last group did reported a tower-like structure deeper into the woods to the northwest of here, before they left. They lost half their number trying to get there, mercenaries thinking that the woods are more forgiving that battlefield. I do hope we'll fare better."
"Are there any ruins in the woods we should be aware of, because if there are we should start looking in those for the cause of whatever's happening here."
Also if the matches are free grab some, if they cost get as many as one gold will get me.
In addition he collects some of the Bear Claws and Wolf Fangs gathered by the villagers and hands them over to Doctor Doak, as these can be used as ingredients in alchemy.
Doctor Doak gains 1 Bear Claw and 9 Wolf Fangs.
"Oh. Cool. Uh... thanks?"
Doctor Doak wanders to the apothecary once again, to show the apothecarist his new findings, his new green goo (now in varying viscosity!) and ask what to do with the claws and fangs. And also hopefully speak to Xanios.
Oh. Cool. Uh... thanks?"
Doctor Doak wanders to the apothecary once again, to show the apothecarist his new findings, his new green goo (now in varying viscosity!) and ask what to do with the claws and fangs. And also hopefully speak to Xanios.
In addition he collects some of the Bear Claws and Wolf Fangs gathered by the villagers and hands them over to Doctor Doak, as these can be used as ingredients in alchemy.
Doctor Doak gains 1 Bear Claw and 9 Wolf Fangs.
"Oh. Cool. Uh... thanks?"
Doctor Doak wanders to the apothecary once again, to show the apothecarist his new findings, his new green goo (now in varying viscosity!) and ask what to do with the claws and fangs. And also hopefully speak to Xanios.
In addition he collects some of the Bear Claws and Wolf Fangs gathered by the villagers and hands them over to Doctor Doak, as these can be used as ingredients in alchemy.
Doctor Doak gains 1 Bear Claw and 9 Wolf Fangs.
"Oh. Cool. Uh... thanks?"
Doctor Doak wanders to the apothecary once again, to show the apothecarist his new findings, his new green goo (now in varying viscosity!) and ask what to do with the claws and fangs. And also hopefully speak to Xanios.
(https://i.imgur.com/JTYHiPJ.png)
A man wearing dark blue robes soon enters the apothecary, hastily making his way over to Doctor Doak and the apothecarist. "Are you Doctor Doak? I'm Xanios, the sorcerer. I was told you wanted to see me?" He says in a quick and impatient tone, meanwhile scanning around the room for seemingly nothing in particular.
Doctor Doak nods vigorously.
"Mm. I wanted to discuss something of scientific import to the village, to see if there was perhaps a thaumaturgical explanation to it..."
Discuss the results of the various autopsies, and show Xanios the green goos.
Doctor Doak nods vigorously.
"Mm. I wanted to discuss something of scientific import to the village, to see if there was perhaps a thaumaturgical explanation to it..."
Discuss the results of the various autopsies, and show Xanios the green goos.
(https://i.imgur.com/JTYHiPJ.png)
Xanios studies the green goos, listening to Doctor Doak's descriptions of the various autopsies. "Hmmm, yes, I have encountered this substance many times while disposing of the creatures' corpses, and the plants in their brains as well. Indeed, these irregularities seem to have something to do with the creatures' abnormal states, which may very well be magical in nature."
He thinks for a moment.
"I suspect it may have something to do with an entity deep in the forest, causing the rest of the wildlife to become hostile to anything that isn't a part of the forest's natural ecosystem. Perhaps a disturbed nature elemental or something of the like. Whatever it is, it seems intent on destroying everything that isn't a part of the forest."
He then briefly glances at Doctor Doak.
"Say, you're not one of the adventurers that we hired to investigate this business, are you? You don't look much like one." Xanios says, hinting at Doctor Doak's highly peculiar attire and the absence of any adventuring gear.
"You know, there's a group of adventurers gathered outside who should be heading out into the forest soon. Perhaps you should consider joining them on their expedition, I'm sure that will lead to finding out more about what's happening."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/564858498882732052/672757966759395348/JTYHiPJ.jpeg)
(Note: all player's characters are gathered here to progress the game.)
During lunch time, an older gentleman joined the adventurers for the meal. He introduced himself as Lucy, a representative of Mystville Company, and will be addressing several points of interest for their incoming job.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/361157460360167446/674221070533918720/Lucy_1.png)
"I believe Aven have explained the job's description. The forest is acting strange for the past few months and we haven't got the manpower to find out why. It'll be on you to find out and, if possible, do something about it. I will be both your overseer and your healer during ventures outside the village, to ensure that everything operates smoothly. Any questions?"
Jack spoke up."We hired you to find out about this, simple as that. Whatever causing the phenomenon is way too deep in the woods for our current manpower to reach, much less do something about."
What do ya know about th' strange disease, makin' all the animals nuts?
He raised his eyebrow, making his single eye look huge and bulgy.
They's something unnatural goin on in there, and Mama here's got a headache to beat the band. It's like Meningitis, without the stumblin, and makin em all crabbier than she-orcs on their [vulgar utterance deleted]. You got somethin nasty in these parts ye aint lettin on about?
"Quite frankly the logical conclusion would be to move the village. Xanios seems to think it has something to do with a disgruntled elemental. Wants to destroy everything that isn't part of the forest. Some of the beasts it controls were in very poor condition when I examined them. I mean, they shouldn't have been able to stand, let alone attack anything."Normally speaking, elementals return to their surrounding once dispersed unless if the energy is specifically siphoned immediately after destruction. In the former case it wouldn't take long for another - or several smaller ones - to start forming, in the latter case the specific element on the area will be weakened for quite some time but ultimately will recover. Since elementals only form at dense concentration of magical energy in the first place."
I don't claim to know anything of elementals. Do you know what would happen to the forest if we destroy the elemental?"
Evacuation... It does seem to be the obvious solution, if that's the case. All of this infrastructure can be rebuilt instantly in any other location, unless..."It's the Company's presence that reassures the villager, for the most part. It would've disappeared without and the people left didn't have anywhere else to go. Xanios is doing a thesis on natural magic anomaly and this forest have one of the densest mana concentration within a thousand miles. Changing the research focus isn't feasible since he need to meet the Magisterium's deadline, or so I'm told."
Dixie turns from her half-finished meaty egg noodles and to Lucy. "Is there something in this village that prevents everyone from evacuating? Aside from their houses and all that."
"Hey, uhh sir," by which she meant Doak, but she didn't know his name, "I saw you've been analyzing the corpses earlier. What'd you mean by 'they shouldn't have been able to stand, let alone attack anything'? Are... are they zombies?""
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/564858498882732052/672757966759395348/JTYHiPJ.jpeg)"Is there somekind of a cave or burrow around here?" The Ironclad slayer asked. "God, I'm itching to kill greenskins right now."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/361157460360167446/674221070533918720/Lucy_1.png)
"Now that we're finally gathered again, when do you plan to venture forth? The situation's worsening by the day, we'd appreciate a timely solution to be found."
Lucy returned to the gathering, thankful that nobody left yet. The petri dish and bucket was placed on the table, for the next topic.
"I'm not sure about caves or burrows, but by greenskins you mean goblins? There's always some of those vermin everywhere."(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/564858498882732052/672757966759395348/JTYHiPJ.jpeg)"Is there somekind of a cave or burrow around here?" The Ironclad slayer asked. "God, I'm itching to kill greenskins right now."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/361157460360167446/674221070533918720/Lucy_1.png)
"Now that we're finally gathered again, when do you plan to venture forth? The situation's worsening by the day, we'd appreciate a timely solution to be found."
Lucy returned to the gathering, thankful that nobody left yet. The petri dish and bucket was placed on the table, for the next topic.
Goblins? That's a good sign, but not the answer he wants to hear."I'm not sure about caves or burrows, but by greenskins you mean goblins? There's always some of those vermin everywhere."(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/564858498882732052/672757966759395348/JTYHiPJ.jpeg)"Is there somekind of a cave or burrow around here?" The Ironclad slayer asked. "God, I'm itching to kill greenskins right now."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/361157460360167446/674221070533918720/Lucy_1.png)
"Now that we're finally gathered again, when do you plan to venture forth? The situation's worsening by the day, we'd appreciate a timely solution to be found."
Lucy returned to the gathering, thankful that nobody left yet. The petri dish and bucket was placed on the table, for the next topic.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/564858498882732052/672757966759395348/JTYHiPJ.jpeg)
"Well then, if there's no objection I'll see you all in about... half an hour, back here. Should be enough for preparations, if you have any left to do. Mister, a moment of your time before we go? Perhaps you have some insight to shed on this before I turn it to Xanios."
The last two sentences was for Doctor Doak. Lucy gestured to the newly acquired samples for observation.
A half-hour? awww.... geeze.As the old hermit muttered to himself and prepared to depart, Linea quickly seized the opportunity to ask about the tracking progress.
He put the pack back away, and turned around to look at Mama. She bobbed her head at him, and snuffled, before turning around and indicating in an isolated direction.
His morale quailed.
Why me? he thought, while looking up at the sky. He took a breath, huffed it out, and looked at Mama.
Allright then- C'mon... he gruffed under his breath, as he tottered off after her.
Examine the new samples, comparing them to his notes.While the quantity of the green goo was way higher, its properties remained largely the same- at least, from a cursory glance. The plant, too, was bigger but otherwise seemed to be exactly the same as the previous ones.
Dixie lay her back at the edge of the wall on the northwest exit, practicing ice-forming with one hand and fine mana tendrils with the other. As far as progress goes, an ice shard the size of a coin could be seen floating, while her tendrils could go a minimum of 25 millimeters in diameter.The ironclad slayer saw acrobat girl creating ice coins, he thought that the young acrobat is probably nervous so the greenskin murdering veteran gave some prep talk, and he isn't exactly good at prep talk.
Still a lot of work needed on both fronts. Interestingly, she could focus on both equally as if she only did one at a time, maybe due to being ambidextrous? Her eyes are open and pointed forward, although she won't really register anything unless notified by sound.
25 more minutes before exploration... will this be sufficient time to make a new spell out of ice?
Dixie gestured her frosted hand forward, sending an ice shard the size of a coin to the Greenskins' Holocaust's chest! Unfortunately, it hardly had any impact and quickly burst into cold smoke."Ahhh I guess you don't know." The ironclad slayer cleared his throat. "Imperial scholars found out that orcs and goblins actually have the same ancestors, that is why the word "greenskins" is a blanket term for both orcs and goblins."
"I'm trying to concentrate. I think I might be able to clip into a second branch of elemental magic here."
She focused her hand into trying to conjure an ice shard again. "Plus, I think you're confusing orcs with goblins."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/564858498882732052/672757966759395348/JTYHiPJ.jpeg)"What's that?" The ironclad slayer said. "I never seen anything like it, doesn't seem to be made by greenskins."
After the party helped the ditzy paladin out of the pitfall, they started the first venture into the woods.
Hours passed by, each second blending into another as the monotonous greenery was replaced by more greenery. The forest was still healthy, this far out, the sounds of small animals filling the background.
Until it suddenly didn't.
The party came to a halt in front of a rather sparse section of the woods. Something stood under the sun, a vaguely humanoid shape made out of wood. It looked like a roughly carved man, except for the massive four-pronged mandibles that replaced its head. It seemed perfectly still.
(https://i.imgur.com/F3Uyk7j.png)
(Pick a spawn point at the bluish tiles. Light-medium green are grasses. Dark green are trees. Scattered green lumps are bushes. Yellow dot indicates the wooden statue thing.
From V10 to K11(2AP) then used defend(1AP)
"Whats everyone getting all bent out of shape for its just some old wooden piece of crap rotting out in a field.""If you don't mind Mister, I will be your shield and focus on defense, so that you can safely do the offensive." She politely said to Burt and smile.
As he says this he uses his rifle to point at it.
Brut starts at W11.
"Yikes!" Because... Yikes!"I can heal them back as long as they're still alive, and sometimes when the death is very recent. But I do require them to stay perfectly still during, which is a bit difficult with those monstrosity mauling them. Dislodge those first, if you will."
As Shania quickly draw her card and convince it to give GSH healing... she stopped rummage her pocket and turned to Lucy. "Sir, you said you're our healer, right?! Best to use anything you have in your arsenal now!"
Because if he refuse, she should move in the range to really use her spell and stopped Wein who tried to detect another... lifeform of this beast and forced to guard her.
(If Lucy decided to heal them, use all Shania AP to custom action, track nearby creature aside from the three by its Aura. Wein also help her determine its number while using Defend. Else, proceed with the action below.)
[Shania moves to T10 and uses Card Healing]
[Wein moves to T10 and uses Defend]
Just like as expected, the rangers hit the mandibeast with ease. Not to mention, the giant spiderdude was there to help him too.Spoiler: Updated Map Turn 3 (click to show/hide)
((I don't think GSH would realistically know about the soft spot, since Doctor Doak hasn't said anything about it))Damnit >•< well lets just say its first hand experience(being almost eaten by the thing, i should change my narration though)
"How the hell did you people know this thing was alive before it started moving, and where did the other ones come from?"
Burt continues to shoot creature 1 until its dead.
"Mister deer head. I'm sorry but I'm going to dive into the Doctor's location. Please be careful." Laemmle said and then alert other range teammates with her hand sign to watch each other's back.
Laemmle run towards the Doctor's location. Slide to stop into his location, making her attention to the foe on its location and use guard for its incoming attacks.
"Doctor, please focus on offense. I'll do the defense~" Laemmle said to the Doctor.
Laemmle Move to V12 and Defend the tile.
"Mister deer head. I'm sorry but I'm going to dive into the Doctor's location. Please be careful.""What the hell are all these weird ass things, and I have a name and its Burt, and I still don't know who anyone else is."
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Well, that was disturbing; anyone need healing?""I--- dont think we can proceed" the ironclad slayer looked at his wounded allies. "I know, I know. I am partly to be blamed for this, I should've not gone too reckless--" he scratched his helmet "I should've not underestimated the enemy."
Placing the severed arm back, Lucy turned to check on the party.
Laemmle coming towards to Ironclad Slayer. Instead of charging him with hug as like she worry before, a dash kick landed into his torso sending him into ground."Well, that was disturbing; anyone need healing?""I--- dont think we can proceed" the ironclad slayer looked at his wounded allies. "I know, I know. I am partly to be blamed for this, I should've not gone too reckless--" he scratched his helmet "I should've not underestimated the enemy."
Placing the severed arm back, Lucy turned to check on the party.
"Anyway, if someone, anyone needs help. I will gladly assist."
"Well, that was disturbing; anyone need healing?""I--- dont think we can proceed" the ironclad slayer looked at his wounded allies. "I know, I know. I am partly to be blamed for this, I should've not gone too reckless--" he scratched his helmet "I should've not underestimated the enemy."
Placing the severed arm back, Lucy turned to check on the party.
"Anyway, if someone, anyone needs help. I will gladly assist."
-snip-
-snip-(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/361157460360167446/674221070533918720/Lucy_1.png)
Also examine the human corpses if possible. If so, look to retrieve a brain plant, and drip a drop of the thin green goo to see what happens.The corpse was terribly skinny, but it hadn't decomposed at all. At some parts the skin and flesh were missing, seamlessly changing into plant parts of which the extended nerves connected at. It seemed that whatever happened to create the creature, it only needed bones and nervous system from the human host to form a mandibeast and was in the process of stripping the unneeded details. Yet it didn't have the prior thoughts to remove clothing, as seen from remaining bits and scraps of leather and metal underneath the wooden coating.
(https://i.postimg.cc/BvyFV5XR/dixie.png)Laemmle proceed to Dixie. Sheathed her sword back into its scabbard and put her shield behind her like a backpack.
"No, I'm fine, I already healed my... What time is..."
She looked at the sky, then at the shadows at the ground. Seems like she misjudged how much of their time was wasted just on walking.
A deep sigh. When did this hero business start feeling so much like a life-threatening chore...
With all her pent-up anger, she held her hands above her head and charged her mana around it. Fire initially spurted out, then inverted in itself and froze in a snap, and she then threw Her hands forward, sending a huge shard of ice halfway through the trunk of a tree.
After several deep breaths, she walked towards the Greenskins' Holocaust, glared at him and said nothing. She then went to Doak to ask what he's roaming about for, and helps him find alchemical ingredients.
Doctor Doak peruses the clearing for some alchemy ingredients.
She then went to Doak to ask what he's roaming about for, and helps him find alchemical ingredients.
After helping Doak find for alchemy stuff, helping prep and light up the bonfire and eating safe nearby berries, Dixie made sure to choose a sleeping spot behind a tree, that protects her from both the bright bonfire and the eventual morning sun, if she remembers the sun's direction correctly."How do you feel?"
Pulling a thick blanket (almost its own small mattress, really) from her rather tiny bag, she flops the fairly square thing onto the tree's roots (half of it bending up on the trunk) and began to sleep on it in a slouching sitting position, bag on her side, armor and weapons still buckled on her person.
Jack was struck between the eyes."You don't have to be shy or ashamed. It's normal." He pointed Maslarien "Lionboi there had an entire harem for himself, but he left his pride because he wants to see beyond his safari homeland"
I.. I. I uh.... he stammered, his cheeks instantly going red hot, and the hair on the back of his head standing straight up. I Dunno wha' yer talkin 'bout.
He tried to control his breathing, and think of something to diffuse this situation, but was probably digging the hole he suddenly found himself in deeper. Rumors, and gossip were one of the worst things about dealing with other humans-- They just DID NOT understand AT ALL.
Always jumpin to damn conclusions... he thought to himself.
Mama an' I--- We's... Well Hell boy- It ain't like that!
"You don't have to be shy or ashamed. It's normal." He pointed Maslarien "Lionboi there had an entire harem for himself, but he left his pride because he wants to see beyond his safari homeland"
"I've healed it, of course. I haven't checked if it scarred though, but if it did, then... might be an interesting story to recall in the future.""Good for you."
She looked at the distance for a second. "No. No, it's not."
She then sat up and slowly unbuckled the top half of her leather armor, then lifted her sweater up to reveal her waist and belly.
"No scars."
No reaction? Is it not my body that he's after?"I'll join you later, dear." He gave the shoulder a squeeze. "Dont go anywhere, alright?"
"Are you not gonna sleep?" Dixie asks, while looking at Lucy for a moment while fixing her shirt and armor, before turning her attention to how to the side locks of her leather armor snap again.
Just set tha' one. Not done ye'. Try tha' one. he offered politely, guiding her hand to one further in toward the center of the fire. The 'erster roots need time ta cook.
"Oh... Thanks." she murmured, accepting his suggestion, as she sat down.
How's yer missin' person's case a goin? he asked, trying to make conversation.
"Did somebody said 'missing person'?" The ironclad slayer interjected. He was holding multiple crab-looking legs in both hands, probably trying to offer it to both the hobo and the elf.
"I know a lot of things about searching missing people. When did this happen?" He asked.
"Do take a look at the bodies, see if you can identify anything. Though I believe they're part of the previous mercenary group."
Lucy nonchalantly interjected, sipping from his metal flask. It seemed cold enough to condense droplets on the surface.
"Speaking of, what should we do about those? Burying them somewhere nearby is an option, doubt their friends would want to come back to retrieve them."
"There was a few personal effects on one of them. Small pouch containing rock salt and wolf fang, worn around the neck. Who got it yesterday?"The ironclad slayer who was applying something crystalized in his crab-like food suddenly stops. "Youf mein dis?" He muffled. "I tofk sum fwum d wierdo" he pointed at Dr. Doak
Lucy quipped from the side.
Before she clear her bed, she prayed first."You want some more salt in that soup. I still have some leftover here." The ironclad slayer said as he sat beside Pancake goddess.
After it, she comb and tied her hair into ponytail, wear her armor and ready her belongings in one place.
She put her portion of soup with her utensils, picking up leg and the skewer. She prayed for food because this is grace for her. Eating her food no chill, silently and without a complain. Munching those while her eyes close because her eyes still heavy as she still kinda feel sleepy.
(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/616613029185978368/677120621171441664/unknown.png)
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/616613029185978368/677069980503769088/unknown.png)Before she clear her bed, she prayed first."You want some more salt in that soup. I still have some leftover here." The ironclad slayer said as he sat beside Pancake goddess.
After it, she comb and tied her hair into ponytail, wear her armor and ready her belongings in one place.
She put her portion of soup with her utensils, picking up leg and the skewer. She prayed for food because this is grace for her. Eating her food no chill, silently and without a complain. Munching those while her eyes close because her eyes still heavy as she still kinda feel sleepy.
(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/616613029185978368/677120621171441664/unknown.png)
He looked away from her as he started to get up, to go join her, as he spoke. Not the one yer a' lookin' fer. He stretched and leaned on his stick. I'll ask mama to keep a nose out fer 'em, but these poor bastards ain't yer missin' persons.
He grabbed a handful of the remaining glider legs, and hobbled off toward mama, after handing the leather bag back to Linea.
I hope ye find 'em. he said, as he hobbled away from the fire and further up the clearing, to meet up with the bear.
He looked away from her as he started to get up, to go join her, as he spoke. Not the one yer a' lookin' fer. He stretched and leaned on his stick. I'll ask mama to keep a nose out fer 'em, but these poor bastards ain't yer missin' persons.
He grabbed a handful of the remaining glider legs, and hobbled off toward mama, after handing the leather bag back to Linea.
I hope ye find 'em. he said, as he hobbled away from the fire and further up the clearing, to meet up with the bear.
Linea couldn't tell if she felt relieved or horrified by the news. On the bright side, the chance of finding them alive was still present, in the other, that means she would be here even longer than expected!
She vented up her frustration by cremating the corpses with a massive fire spell that showed not even the slightest hint of care nor consideration whether the fire could turn into a massive wildfire that consumes the entire forest on its fire. That was partly her intention. But still, it would take more than just a big fire to burn this forest down.
WHAT THE [EXPLETIVE DELETED] DO YOU THINK YAR [EXPLETIVE DELETED] DOIN' YA CRAZY [EXPLETIVE DELETED][EXPLETIVE DELETED]!? Jack blared as he dove to the ground, and mama bolted away from the bodies at the edge of the clearing.
DO YA HAVE ANY [EXPLETIVE DELETED] CLUE!? YA GONNA BURN TH' WHOLE [EXPLETIVE DELETED] DOWN IF'N YA KEEP THA' UP!! STOP! STOP!! GAWDAMIT GIRL, STOP!
The idea of burning the forest down was a totally..... HUMAN.... thing to do. A thing done out of rash haste without any care or consideration for all the consequences that would cause. His terror gave way to pure outrage, then fury.
He stormed up behind the girl, and backhanded her across the back of the head as hard as he could.
I. SAID. STOP!!
"Alright! I think it's time to move. The smoke from that fire is too big so any woodland critters would be able to tell where are we a mile away." The slayer pointed at a direction, a structure like a tower seems to be visible in the direction he pointed. "We're going that way."
EEEEEEEK. SO HOOOOOT, HOOOOOT.
Laemmle feel the 2nd degree burn around, panicky. She attempting to strip her armor and also her dress.
GIRL. Jack fumed, completely uncaring about her knife. I wouldn' work fer a murd'ress for all the damn money in the [expletive deleted] world. Simply a'cause other things cant talk, don' mean their lives don' matter.
He spat.
Ye migh' think ye can always control sommat like that, but you'd be wrong.
He points angrily at his damaged eye, lifts the patch showing a ghastly white monstrosity beneath, lowers the patch again, and storms off.
"Oh no, you don't!"The ironclad slayer scratched his head and let out a heavy sigh. "Old hobo. Elf chick calm down shall we? Just breath for a moment let's not get all hyped up."
Linea drew her long blade and spun around. Evading the hermit's assault while at the same time, with all of her might refrain herself from slashing his throat.
The fire behind her began to subdue, leaving the fire at the size of a campfire that still feeding on the wooden corpses.
"I respect and appreciate your help. Mister Jack, but you did something that could be perceived as an assault just a moment ago." She pointed the blade at the so-called Elder. "I won't be asking for your help anymore. Consider my debt is paid off after you insulted and attacked me."
She then glanced at the fire, at the ashing corpses cracking beneath, and she left it as it was.
Doctor Doak looks at the remains of the dwarf, then up at the sky, then over at Lucy."For dwarves? No. For goblins yes." The slayer cannot hide his glee after saying the word goblin. Finally the greenskins he have been waiting for showing its face.
“Is that... common?” he ventured.
Doctor Doak looks at the remains of the dwarf, then up at the sky, then over at Lucy."Cant say it is. Never seen anything like that before. I'm as confused as you are."
“Is that... common?” he ventured.
"Can you revive that splattered dwarf?" Dixie asked Lucy as she gently swung their held hands back and forth."In a way, probably. See his brain, though - even if I managed to fix the shape he will be a gibbering vegetable."
Dixie let go of Lucy's hand and smiled, then strode towards the dwarven corpse, approaching it on all fours, then squatting while holding both her knees.The underside was a bloody mush. He must've broken every bones in his body, with grey matter oozing out of the cracked skull like a sad egg that hit the pavement. There wasn't any notable feature either - face was average without tattoo or scarring, average height, average clothing -. Anyone who passed him in a street wouldn't turn around to look twice.
Can Dixie see a splattered brain from the dwarf? If not, Dixie lifts up the head to see how the underside looks like.
Look fordrugs, manplants with medicinal properties.
She then loots the dwarf for any valuable stuff.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/564858498882732052/672757966759395348/JTYHiPJ.jpeg)The ironclad slayer almost jumped out of joy when he saw the goblin and wyvern statue, his excitement is obvious despite the full clad-amor, if the other adventurers could see his face, they know it would look like a child smiling in maniacal glee. He's been mumbling something like Yes! Yes! Yes! I knew it! and I cant wait till my blade impailed those filthy dirty goblins for a second there but retained his composure afterwards.
At the first attempt, Dixie's knife bounced off the wall the exact same way a piece of metal rebound from solid stone. There were no visible marking from the impact. By second attempt a clear ding echoed as the knife hit something invisible and rebounded back outside again.
The tower is surrounded by a continuous high wall. The sides are perfectly smooth with no visible footholds. The entrance is bared by an intricately designed wrought-iron gate in the shape of some draconic beast spreading its wings which glows with an emerald light. At the front of a gate sits what at first looks like a dwarf in armour, but on closer inspection might be a statue of a goblin made of steel. The goblin statue is reclining comfortably on a chair with his fingers clasped behind his head and his feet on a table in front of him.
Doctor Doak walks up next to GSH and places a hand on his shoulder.
“If you don’t mind I’d like to take a more subtle approach. If it doesn’t work...” he glances back toward the rest of the group, “well, we’ll figure something out, I’m sure.”
Doctor Doak then approaches the goblin statue.
“Uh... good morning?”
Dixie approaches the statue as well, following Doak. Daggers unsheathed and held at her back, just in case it tries to attack their possibly frailest member.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Maslarein looked on as Bear sat on Armoured Rival. He stared blankly for a second, as if trying to comprehend what he just saw, until he burst out in laughter.
“HAHA! Well, you seem to be in quite the predicament, Friend! I would help you, but I am needed elsewhere!” Maslarein gave Armoured Comrade’s struggling body a thumbs up, his grin halfway between it’s usually infuriating cheerfulness and a more natural looking mirth. “I believe in your strength! Good Luck! HAHAHA!”
Maslarein then ran to catch up with Dagger Girl (Dixie) and Smart Person (Dr. Doak), just in case they needed any help.
A little disturbed by the goblin opening his head like a toolbox, Dixie sheathed her daggers and crossed her arms. "I was gonna ask how long you've been in here, but i guess that's bitta private as well, so instead... What's stopping us from torturing you and letting us pass without having to waste time on parlor games?"
After hearing the goblin statue talk. The ironclad slayer wriggled even more, he would've escaped the bear if it was stationary but the bear adjusts to his movement.
"It toks? h hel om gan no kill it" he mumbled.
"Sooo, if we turn you into scrap metal, that gate still won't open?"
Dixie unsheaths the daggers on her waist again. "Is it not worth a shot?"
MIND YA'OWN BUSINESS, YA RUSTY OL' BUCKET!! rasped the hobo back at the sassy tincan, before gently knocking the slayer on the metal of his helmet with his fist for attention.
Pipe down 'ere lad-- This goes a sideways, You' be getti' yer chance at 'im, now jus' be patient.
"Perhaps a riddle or some puzzle to proceed on the gate?" Laemmle spoke on the goblin statue. She approached it with non combat mode, yet her right arm is ready to pull her sword and her left arm is with the shield. Keeping aware from danger, ready to fight back.
(https://i.imgur.com/Y4AhiFQ.jpg)
"Seems you don't notice yet I'm made of metal? Blades don't hurt me, bullets don't hurt me, no magic you lot have don't hurt me and mean words might hurt me but it won't let you get pass the gate. The gate's the only way in, and you have to beat me for it. In this game, I don't mean beat me with your fists. I hope I make that part abundantly clear? A goblin automaton don't care much for torture and violence."
" You're the one who tossed that other dwarf thereto, aren't you? "
"Can't you just let us pass through so we can free you from... whoever turned you into that? Are you enslaved or something? How much of your life has been wasted sitting here and waiting for people to play this inane mess? "
A thought then struck Dixie.
" You're the one who tossed that other dwarf thereto, aren't you? "
Linea stepped up. At a glance, this goblin automaton might be a trap set up by enemies, but it could be one of the two; either she was wrong or this enemy wanted to toy with them first before exploding his contraption right in front of their faces.Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Right, destroying you won't work, as you claimed. But I just want to let you know, the very thought of dismantling and finding some keys in your metallic gut repeatedly crossed my mind, and then we all will see if you are being honest or not. But I want to suspend that wish for now and instead, asking, what if we lose?"
!? Ah, so that's what's going on... This guy's just bored. Is it because he's bound here? But he doesn't really seem obligated to do this, if he'd let his game stoop that low to the point of being moot...
Dixie looked up, at the tower. Her eagerness to find out what's in there just rises. She glances at the table.
"... Let's play. "
The ironclad slayer managed to get his head from the crutches of the bear momentarily. "I choose the middle one, number three ecause Im gonna rip you apart into in the middle and in three piec--"
The bear managed sit on him again.
"It's in none of them. " Dixie interjected with confidence.
Burt steps out from the back of the group and looked at the weird goblin thing for a minute.
"Just play the damn game already, its not like its that hard of a thing to figure out."
"Hmmm... Hm, fine. Third cup, then." Dixie replied, still with that same confidence she exuded a second ago.
Burt steps out from the back of the group and looked at the weird goblin thing for a minute.
"Just play the damn game already, its not like its that hard of a thing to figure out."
Doctor Doak chuckles softly.
“People can make a living off others betting on this game. It is quite spectacular the sleight of hand involved in this. Perhaps made more challenging by the addition of a mechanical man, which can move the way a human can’t.
Quite frankly, I am of the opinion we can’t win with the level of knowledge we currently have regarding the makeup of our metal friend or the table and cups with which he intends to play the game.”
I deduce will likely play a significant part in all proceedings regarding the game.
Doctor Doak sighs slightly.
“Can you tell us anything about what we might encounter?”
He did not want to question where Clever-girl had stowed the blanket-- He did not care. It would do just fine."Air! Air!" The slayer heavily pants "Finally." He moved his helmet in place. "Fresh air.", once he finally recovered he stared at the goblin automaton intently.
Shifting his weight onto a single knee while keeping the oaf pinned, he grabbed each of the flailing arms as the protests increased in intensity, then expertly tied them behind the man's back with the blanket, gave one full wrap around the man's torso, and tied it again, resulting in something resembling a shiny metal pig in a blanket with a big knot on the back when he was finished.
The old hermit gave mama a smooch, getting a stunned look and perked ears, as he let out a chuckle, then the two climbed off the irate metal man.
Allrigh boy- Stay outta trouble. he gruffed, helping the man to his feet.
He turned towards the open gates and entered. "Okay, let's do this."
Jack rolled his eye. Kids these days.
Giving mama a scratch on the way past the group, he begins the arduous task of checking such a colossal and garishly lit space for traps.
"Wow, they didn't notice. It worked." Dixie around a tree and towards the goblin automaton's table, scratching her cheek. "Well, now that the game's over, will you then let me hear your story? Let's play the game too while you do it, I'll just point at a cup wordlessly, is that okay?"
Finally finished examining the colossal antechamber, and finding it completely free of obvious traps, Jack examines the mysterious basin installed in the giant door.
"I think I've had my fill of 'fun stuff' yesterday. It's placebo at this point, but their blades still hurt."Spoiler: Gobbo (click to show/hide)
Jack continues his examination of the door, looking for any small openings, depressions, shiny spots that get touched frequently, or any form of hidden apparatus attached to the door, basin, or walls adjacent to same. He also checks the floor under the basin, and asks mama to smell to get any indication of what liquid was dispensed into the basin in the past.
"I think I've had my fill of 'fun stuff' yesterday. It's placebo at this point, but their blades still hurt."
Dixie made sure to observe more carefully this time, but may have lost track of it halfway. She pointed at the leftmost cup.
"So, you're actually not enslaved or bound to defend this gate? Were you turned or cursed into an automaton? Merely summoned?"
Jack asks Mama to point out which silly humans have the right smell, and which ones do not.
"So you... depend on whichever wizard is in this tower to stay existent... At the end of this, the wizard keeping you alive might end up dead, or worse, brought to justice... Will you end up ceasing to exist then?"Spoiler: Gobbo (click to show/hide)
So you... depend on whichever wizard is in this tower to stay existent... At the end of this, the wizard keeping you alive might end up dead, or worse, brought to justice... Will you end up ceasing to exist then?"
It's a slight indignity that the goblin stayed true to his word, reducing the cups with every game lost... And so, having gotten somewhat used to the goblin's speed, she resolved to follow the marble's cup to the very end, pointing at it.
"... Can any kind of magic work?"
Mama's a sayin' that e'ery one but th' TinCan here has wha'er goes in this [expletive deleted] thing. Damned if I knows what goes innit.
"When you said the armoured idiot didn't have something everyone else had I was thinking it was going to be brains, and I guess were lucky it isn't that, also I'll sacrifice my potion to the whatever this thing is."
Burt pours his healing potion into the basin, then quickly steps back from it.
((A sensible person would keep track of what they have so they can do this))
If Doctor Doak has enough ingredients (shichetta leaves and water), make a healing potion for Burt.
Jack investigates the door mechanism looking for any gears, cogs, screws, or other clear actuation devices he can jam. (He does not want the door to shut.)
Dixie scratches her cheek, glancing away from the last cup and towards the higher part of the tower.
"I think you won't have a tower left to guard at the end of this... So, when that time comes... You know, if you're bored or up to exploring... "
Dixie grabs the air and a throwing knife appears in her hand. She then stabs the table with it, making sure she went in deep enough that it wouldn't be able to fly back on its own.
"Set it free, and it'll lead you to me. Maybe tell me your name then."
Dixie then walks towards the gate for a bit, and then stops. She held a hand to the side and wiggled it, then revealed the marble she apparently stole, holding it with two fingers.
"Misdirection.' She then gently tosses the marble back to the goblin, and then finally heads through the gate and into the tower.
Heading inside, Dixie looks for any loose metals or gems scattered around while following Jack's mud trail.
!? Dixie was startled a bit, and then chuckled. "Quit popping out of everywhere, will you? Did you really wait for me?""Would you believe it if I tell you I'm only out for a walk?"
She extended her hand and let him grab it as they walk into the tower.
Will Dixie's Daggers be enough to pry loose any of the gems? She tries.
Jack was getting tired of all these clearly magical and overly large and imposing doors, not the least of which because of how tacky the decorator was. He did not like how they threatened to lock and trap him in this tacky foodless, waterless, and completely unlivable interior.
With a sour look he started examining the amethyst themed doors without going through, paying special attention to spot any hinges, fastens, slides, or mechanisms that could operate the door. He wanted this set of doors inoperable too.
If trying to chip the gems and metals off the wall with her dagger doesn't work, Dixie tries to heat the metals and ice the gems so that they fall off, preferably with Lucy's help.
After which, Dixie and Lucy then follow where the rest of the party went.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/564858498882732052/672757966759395348/JTYHiPJ.jpeg)The ironclad slayer scratched his helmet. "I guess we should segregate to what weapons we actually use?"
The door opens easily, revealing a large room, not quite as long as the hallway they had to walk through to get here but still pretty spacious. It is devoid of trappings, the surfaces are plain and simple windows are all that allow some light into the room. Owing to this plainness the thing standing out most perhaps, are a series of etches marked squarely in the center of the walls, both the wall on the left and the wall on the right. The one on the left seems to form the image of a sword. The one on the right takes the shape of a large pentagram. After some squinting around the party notices a third marking as well, that of a bow and arrow, looming overhead etched onto the ceiling.
There is a door on the opposite side from where the party entered, appearing identical to the one they just opened.
Jack huffs. He really didn't have a good way to jam up this door, and the deer-headed fellow (a thing he was still uneasy about seeing) was getting very impatient.
Well... Guess there' on'y one way ta fin' out... Better ge' back 'n case it all fall' in onnus, jus' ta be sure....
Jack stood just before the doorway (out of reach should they decide to slam shut suddenly), and out from under the oddly decorated ceiling vault, knocked an arrow, and shot it straight into the center of the etching carved overhead.
"Wait." Dixie interjects while holding the door behind them, appearing behind Jack along with Lucy, their hands locked together."Probably worth the try. Not sure how much ice we could scrape up, though."
She then turns to Lucy. "Think we can ice this door stuck? I assume that's why he mudded the door last..." She glanced at Jack. "We heated the mud on that door, by the way. "
Slightly being retroactive here but Dixie heated the clay-stuck door so that it hardened
"So we just stick our weapons and everything should work out?"
The ironclad slayer unsheathed his gladius and tried stab the wall with the sword sign. He used both his hands and did his pushed his hardest just so the gladius would stick on the wall.
"Hm... I suppose I'll take this one, then. " Dixie motioned to the pentagram, having heard that they have to hit it, and having figured that pentagram meant magic but in a rather sinister way.
She held a hand towards the pentagram, heating it with fire. Technically, if she's constantly hitting it the same way the Greenskins' Holocaust is stabbing the sword sigil, then the only thing left is for the arrow sigil to be shot at any point, right?
Jack's eye rolled cartoonishly.
He loaded another shaft, aimed, then fired.
Dixie inhaled, and then charged mana through her hands to heed Burt's suggestion, summoning forth two rigid-looking canes -- one to tap the steps and the other to hover just above her head, as she leads the climb up the stairs.
"It's dark in here... Should I light it all up on fire?"You should." The ironclad slayer affirmed. "Unless someone has a torch then that is more convenient." He suggested.
"You should." The ironclad slayer affirmed.
"I noticed you are getting pale," he said, "I suggest you take turns with elf girl."
"Everyone else, stay close, we need to do this carefully."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/564858498882732052/672757966759395348/JTYHiPJ.jpeg)"Heh, strange, I was expecting a witch waiting for us and snickering. Anyone be on guard! My arrow can only lit what is in front of us, not around us."
The smothering darkness was beaten back, up to a certain point. It was as if something was devouring the light when it got far enough. A few paces were lit up, but certainly nowhere as much as it should.
"No... Hold on."
■ Dixie throws one Fireball towards the far, unavoidably dark corner of the room.
■ If a hostile appears or is revealed, consume EVERY 1 AP left to Dual-Wield Fireball ×2 the enemies
Maslarein blinked. He kinda spaced out when the puzzles started appearing, and now everyone was in a really dark room. Huh... He should probably ask what he’d missed while spaced out... Nah, He’s sure it wasn’t anything important.The ironclad slayer stopped Maslarien before he ecan move any further. "No, the old white man remember, stick with him and protect him. We will compete as to who is the better protector this time. Whoever kills a AND protected his partner wins."
“HaHa! Yes! I shall... Uh...Follow Along! With Everyone Else! HaHa!”
He pointed his sword forwards, looking confident despite the fact he had no idea what was happening. He raised his shield and moved towards the front of the group, not really knowing what else to do.
The ironclad slayer stopped Maslarien before he ecan move any further. "No, the old white man remember, stick with him and protect him. We will compete as to who is the better protector this time. Whoever kills a AND protected his partner wins."Maslarein scratched his mane with his shield hand, a rare display of him thinking for once. His thoughts weren’t particularly Wise, but it’s a start. “Hm... Alright Then! I Accept Your Challenge! I Shall Protect the Most Defenseless Member of our Party! And Everyone Near Him, Too! HaHa!”
"While you are scanning with your magical eyes. Let me be your sword and shield for your protection." Laemmle said and smile to Linea. Unsheathe her sword and ready her shield to guard for their defensive around the two."I have no magical eyes, nor something like elf-eyes." Linea grumbled, the last thing she needed was someone reminding her about the ability she would never ever master.
Laemmle spawn at Linea's tile. Being her Protector and autocombat in Defensive Play.
The ironclad slayer stopped Maslarien before he ecan move any further. "No, the old white man remember, stick with him and protect him. We will compete as to who is the better protector this time. Whoever kills a AND protected his partner wins."Maslarein scratched his mane with his shield hand, a rare display of him thinking for once. His thoughts weren’t particularly Wise, but it’s a start. “Hm... Alright Then! I Accept Your Challenge! I Shall Protect the Most Defenseless Member of our Party! And Everyone Near Him, Too! HaHa!”
Maslarein stood in front of Smart Person (Dr. Doak), and used Protect. If Dr. Doak isn’t on this floor, then he’ll stand in front of the stairs (R4).
The ironclad slayer stopped him before he moves even further. "What, you too?" He sighed. "I told you to stick behind us. Follow either Fortune teller or Giant spider dude, we cant risk getting divided and separated in this darkness."
The slayer looks at Linea. "Elf girl, take the lead."
"While you are scanning with your magical eyes. Let me be your sword and shield for your protection." Laemmle said and smile to Linea. Unsheathe her sword and ready her shield to guard for their defensive around the two."I have no magical eyes, nor something like elf-eyes." Linea grumbled, the last thing she needed was someone reminding her about the ability she would never ever master.
Laemmle spawn at Linea's tile. Being her Protector and autocombat in Defensive Play.
"Well, get on with it, just don't go too near to my arrow."
Linea deactivated the playbook and moved to K5. Weapons ready. Agile activated
"Your not my supervisor, I don't have to listen to you, and sense when where you in charge of the group, and its not like darkness can kill me."
Burt walks around the armoured guy and goes into the darkness with his revolver ready.
Linea and Laemmle move towards K5, Linea with her bow and Laemmle with her sword and shield at the ready. As they slow move into the darkness, all seems to be silent. Suddenly, an alien glow begins to emit from the darkness. A strange magical artifact of some sort lights up with astonishing speed, and then launches an otherworldly projectile towards the adventurers.
Laemmle quickly raises her shield, readying herself for impact. 15 damage taken (30% magic resist, 50% defend bonus). Meanwhile, Linea returns fire twice with her bow, dealing 33+32 damage to the hostile artifact.
Doctor Doak moves to M5, shoots the artifact at E9 with his crossbow.Doctor Doak deals 26 damage to the artifact at E9. Target is now near death. Crossbow Bolts remaining: 2.
Laemmle keep on auto combat. Defensive Play for Linea's tile.Action registered.
GSH moves to M7(1ap)When GSH steps on the M7 tile, the tile unnaturally sinks into the ground, as a hidden mechanism is then triggered. A bolt of magical frost launches from a nearby wall towards GSH, dealing 26 damage and causing GSH to become slowed for the next 2 turns. (-1 AP)
She went down on all fours and strode towards the artifact at Tile F14 like a cat, then took that artifact out of whatever is holding it.Dixie dashes towards F14, bypassing the triggered trap mechanism at M7. As she steps onto L9, the hostile artifact at E9 glows with menacing speed, launching its projectile at Dixie and dealing 48 damage (13% magic resisted). Stepping onto the J10 tile triggers another frostbolt trap, dealing 23 damage (13% magic resisted) and causing Dixie to become slowed for the next 2 turns (-1 AP). Then, stepping onto the I11 tile causes the artifact at E11 to glow, as Dixie takes another magical projectile hit for 40 damage (13% magic resisted). Having taken too much damage, Dixie falls to the ground. Dixie has become downed at -2 HP, and is losing 11 HP per turn. Should her HP fall to -55 HP or below, she will die.
Maslarein moves to M5 with Doctor Doak and Defends.Action registered.
Burt gets on the ground and does the Defend thing.Action registered. Paranoia has worn off.
Jack and Mama move together to Q7[OEJ -1 Healing Potion]
Jack rolls his last potion to Burt at O9.
Mama Defends
Linea shot the target at E11 until it dies (normal arrow), and at the E9 with enchanted arrows using her remained AP. After the end of the turn, she will keep another enchanted arrow nocked on her bow for lighting.Linea deals 26 damage to the hostile artifact at E11, causing it to crumble and deactivate. She then deals 39 damage to the hostile artifact at E9, causing it to also crumble and deactivate. Arrows remaining: 38.
Maslarein watched as Dixie ran out into the room. He respected that, running ahead to save everyone. She’d probably be fine, she looked like someone who knew what they were doing. Almost the second he thought that, traps around Dixie activated.The slayer wanted to help but his foot is still freezing. He rubbed both his hand and slammed his shield against it but its not melting any time soon. Instead his lion headed friend ran in his behalf.
He couldn’t see her anymore, the darkness blocking his vision of her probably extremely injured body, but he knew where she would have fallen. ‘Oh, crap. That‘s bad.’. Maslarein was running immediately, as fast as he could, hoping he could get there before another trap triggered, or an enemy appeared, or anything else happened.
“No time to get my shield up, I’ll just have to body block anything that attacks her.” Maslarein wasn’t laughing or shouting his words as usual. For once, he was actually serious. Someone needed help, so he would help them. As simple as that.
Maslarein spends 2 AP to Move to I11, and will attempt to interpose himself between Dixie and the Hostile Artifact.
Maslarein spends 2 AP to Move to I11, and will attempt to interpose himself between Dixie and the Hostile Artifact.Action registered.
GSH runs to I11 and picks up Dixie from Maslarien (1AP)Action registered. Dixie is now at M7.
GSH runs back to safety M7 (1AP)
Burt moves to O7 and gets his revolver ready to kill anything hostile.Action registered.
Doctor Doak realizes he’s less useful in combat than the others, not aided by his dwindling ammunition.Doctor Doak carefully moves towards P16. As he gets closer, the disturbing sound of whirling seems to get louder. When he gets to O11, the noise is at an uncomfortable crescendo.
Move carefully toward the electrical wires at P16.
If I reach there, inspect the wires, what do they connect to, what do they do?
Jack and Mama move to P4.Action registered.
Jack readies a shot, will shoot if an offensive target appears within the 6 tile distance from his position.
Mama uses Guard.
Linea used scorch, a large area-denial in a form of fire tide that spans within a cone-shaped area starting from J and L6 to the edge of the room. The fire deals 20% of her fire spell on each tile
Additionally, the arrows also carry a protective spell against its own magic, negating its effect on selected tiles
"Damn magic traps everywhere."[Burt -1 Health Potion]
Burt quickly drinks the health potion, then shoots the spinning death blades with his revolver until it dies.
Carefully approach the peculiar looking wall at T11 and examine it.The wall is slightly protruding outwards from the adjacent walls, and the wires are connected to the side of the wall's protruding edge. Seeing as sparks are continuously coming out from the broken wires near the liquid puddle, it is likely that there is something within or behind the wall that is creating the sparks.
Struggling to retain bladder continence in the wave of its revelation, concerning the source of the whooshing sound, he stayed squatted down, nocked two more arrows, and shot them at the spinning mechanical monstrosity.Jack shoots the Blade Spinner twice, dealing 19+19 damage (5+5 blocked). Arrows remaining: 42.
GSH runs towards the entrance.Action registered.
Linea lowered her bow and undone the enchantment spell, taking rest for this round.Linea recovers back to full stamina.
Maslarein Moves to L8. If the Blade Spinner is somehow still alive, then he’ll Attack it.Maslarein whacks the Blade Spinner with his short sword, dealing 13 damage (5 blocked). Becoming too damaged, the contraption starts to malfunction, soon collapsing onto the ground and breaking into a pile of random blades and metallic parts.
Burt reloads his revolver, then look through the broken bits of whats left death blade thing and sees if there's any bits that are good for anything and to figure out how it worked.
Doctor Doak begins to get excited. Electricity needs to be generated by something. Something which likely contains valuable parts, either in their utility or monetary value.
look for seams in the wall, or some way to open it, he needs to get behind it.
(https://i.imgur.com/Y4AhiFQ.jpg)Doctor Doak begins to get excited. Electricity needs to be generated by something. Something which likely contains valuable parts, either in their utility or monetary value.
look for seams in the wall, or some way to open it, he needs to get behind it.
Doctor Doak taps the wall and pushes it, trying to discern anything out of the ordinary. The wall resists giving up its secrets, but Doctor Doak eventually discovers a gap and after straining for a few moments manages to push through to the other side, the wall swinging wide open like any other door would.
The room inside is simultaneously too large and too small. The ceiling is low, low enough to cause taller adventurers to bend or risk straining their neck to stand in the room. But the room stretches into the distance, the wall beyond hidden in darkness. Visible in the room are rows of what look like library shelves, holding various odd machines and solid chunks of steel, all riveted tightly to the shelves. Some of them have fallen out of the shelves, or else placed on the floor, and smashed into pieces.
The rows are connected through wires to a large glass cylinder close to the door, illuminated by manic sparks licking the ceiling. The cylinder is shattered in the middle, shards of glass littering the floor around it. Inside the cylinder is what appears to be a clear mason jar, with sparks inside of it.
A leather pouch can also be made out among the shattered glass and debris.
Dixie jolted up from unconsciousness, and from her hands helding her up, ice spikes formed on the ground, surrounding her. She screamed."A dream, most likely. You never died in the first place." Lucy reassured. "It's all under control now. How are you feeling?"
Registering that Lucy was beside her. she calmed down and the ice melted fast. Staring at her legs and the solid stone ground beneath them. Solemn. Tired.
"I was in a dark, cold place, with these... creatures... for hours, I was mocked and tortured about failing to save everyone..."
(how big is the hole? How do the wires in the pool of liquid outside fit into all of this; are they also connected to the cylinder?)
Pick up the leather pouch, look inside.
Examine the broken machinery on the floor. Can it be determined what it’s purpose is? Can anything be salvaged from it?
Go deeper into the room, is there anything different in there? Check it out too!
Once the room is explored, leave and check out the wires by the liquid. Can I determine if they were connected to anything out here? Is the liquid the same as the green goo collected from the angry beasties?
"Are you sure?" Laemmle said to Linea. "If there is enough people to go back the town, that is good. Some of people here who are still in good condition will go deeper I assume." She continue.
"You should've just let me die. I'm a casualty at this rate."
As the battle finally end. She sheathe her sword into her scabbard and put her shield on her back.[/quote]
"Are you sure?" Laemmle said to Linea. "If there is enough people to go back the town, that is good. Some of people here who are still in good condition will go deeper I assume." She continue.
Laemmle attempt to gain her attention to everyone from her party.
"Everyone. Listen up and let's do some quick settle for a while.
Since some of us tired or injured, they seem wanted to go back to town and of some of people willing to continue to go deeper.
Those who are going to recall to town. Make a party with a volunteered healthy teammate.
And,
Those who are going to continue to expedite the dungeon. Make a party too and stay here.
We can split up."
Seeing that Acrobat girl(Dixie) is greatly weakened, the idea of sending them back seem to be good, although they might lack man power, her situation makes her more of a liability than an asset."Are you sure?" Laemmle said to Linea. "If there is enough people to go back the town, that is good. Some of people here who are still in good condition will go deeper I assume." She continue.
"I will take my leave then."
Departing to the stairs felt like a long journey as Linea, who had made up her mind started to retreat on her own. She wondered how long they have been here and what time is it now; If the night has fallen, she will camp at the meadows between the tower and the walls, preferably at the spot where she could monitor the entrance. If not, and the time before nightfall was sufficient for a walk to the village, she will contact her superior, requesting back up.
She overheard the conversation between the armored knight, white-bearded man and the wounded girl, who seemed to be unscathed after surviving a harrowing ordeal.
"You should've just let me die. I'm a casualty at this rate."
A certain amount of anger dawned on her as Linea heard those words. It was, for some unknown reason, painful to hear. It was her decision, it was her recklessness that led to her undoing. And now she wanted a quick escape by wishing death? What about the people who helped her? How dare she spat such nonsense in front of them.
But Linea, who now had a better grasp of anger management said nothing, act nothing and ultimately feel the statement no longer weighing her mind.
"What a useless sentiment." she muttered under her breath and keep walking. As far as she concerned, encouraging and giving mental support was never been the part of her job, and never will. What should she care?
He saw the elf walking pass him and went to down the stares. The slayer chased the elf wanting to know what is she doing.
"Elf-girl" he yelled. "Where are you going? Don't tell me you are leaving."
Dixie breathed deeply, still looking at the ground beneath her legs, her face covered in her hair."Nonsense, I'm here to prevent exactly that." He chided. On closer look, Lucy was somewhat... less. He's as immaculate as ever, but with a hint of tiredness to it. All that healing wasn't as efortless as it looked, apparently.
"I feel... very tired. I don't think I'll be able to even walk."
Dixie's eyes trailed off for a moment, slowly scooting left... Spotting any part of Lucy's body, she grabbed at it too tightly and lifted her eyes up to stare straight at his.
"You should've just let me die. I'm a casualty at this rate."
"Hey you guys do whatever I'm staying here, and I'm gonna look around in that room the old doctor opened."
Burt goes into the room the old doctor is in and looks around and sees if there's any valuables sitting around that others missed.
She squeezed his hand back in response. One could feel it shivering slightly, due to either exhaustion or anger.Spoiler: Lucy (click to show/hide)
He resumed his wall-hugging, and floor tapping, feeling his way past the now inactive wires in the near total darkness at this end of the room, sploshing through the shallow puddle of 'whatever' that stuff was, until he suddenly ran out of wall and ran into an ascending stair.Examining the inactive artifact, Jack discerns that it can be safely handled from up close.
He considered going up, but decided against it. He should be very close to the inactive artifact that had been seen early on. He figured with whatever lighting contraption having been pulled, it was probably well and truly inactive now for sure, and began feeling for it in the dark.
The doctor was waaaaay in the back of the secreted chamber, systematically checking every shelf, while Burt was eyeing some strange and clearly magical contraption that was clearly the source of the light flicking from the room. It was a tall glass tube, attached to the floor and roof of the small room, with the center shattered. Inside was a smaller glass container, with lightning trapped inside it, seemingly powering the larger device. He just raised an eyebrow silently, and backed up as the deer-headed fellow brazenly extracted the thing from the broken wreck of glass it was ensconced in.
Take some of the scrap metal from the hidden room, use it to craft some more ammunition for my crossbow while we decide what we’re doing.
"Hey guys I found some lighting in a jar, I'm gonna try to make a weapon out of it."
Gather some of the random bits of metal and wires from the broken devices.
"Let her be Mister Tincan. Don't force someone if they don't want to. As I told to everyone, we will do split up.Although Pancake lady made sense, he just feels something isn't right, and with her leaving, they take even more casualties, or worse, she will be the casualty as she tries to go back with no one but herself.
The others will go back if they want to and the rest who are willing to proceed will stay." Laemmle replied on Ironclad Slayer.
"Linea. Can you wait others who willing to go back?
It will be dangerous to go back alone." Laemmle asked her.
Although Pancake lady made sense, he just feels something isn't right, and with her leaving, they take even more casualties, or worse, she will be the casualty as she tries to go back with no one but herself.
"Look..." The ironclad slayer inched closer. "I know that this for you, going deeper into this tower is fruitless for your rescue mission but the rest of us have a duty here."
"Our duty here is to find out what makes the animals in the forest very hostile and aggressive," he inched closer.
"And kill greenskins." He said under his breath.
"You saw it yourself. The happenings here is no longer normal. The creatures... they have mutated to something more sinister, and if we can't stop it now, the odds of you finding where your 'missing' mates will be nigh impossible. You heard what the townsfolk said these creatures had become stronger, coordinated, and vicious." He is only a few steps from Linea now. "We promised to help you find your mates, but it would be difficult for us to help you if you won't help us as well, especially when the creatures running rampant are becoming increasingly dangerous by the day."
The ironclad slayer extended his hand. "What do you say, Linea Starboard, ain't that a reasonable goal to help us?"
Burt uses the bits of scrap metal, wires, the lightning-in-a-bottle, and his short sword to create what hopefully ends up being a shock or Lightning or something kind of magical sword.
Linea stayed with the team and ready to move to the next area whenever everyone ready.
"Great!" The ironclad slayer exclaimed. "Finally we reached the top."
"I swear to gods, if this room is another trap room or puzzle room I would literally go down just to hack that damn mechanical goblin in the entrance."
"Everyone ready?" The ironclad slayer asked. When everyone seems to be ready atleast in his eyes, he kicked the door open. "Knock knock, greenskins!"
She held it forward, aimed towards a vacated wall of the room, channeling as much of her mana through it until it reacts.The swirling patterns within the object intensify as Dixie channels her mana into it, the orb seemingly activated by her energy input as it begins building up further energy of its own.
Burt stood to the side until someone had an idea of what should be done to get past the door.
Doctor Doak goes to the opposite side from Burt.
Swap sides with Burt.
Doctor Doak steps away from the mechanisms.
"Jack-- Good-- Go stand over there---" uttered the wrinkled old doctor, waving over his shoulder while still apparently in a conversation. Jack did not feel the need to argue; He just complied with the directive, and went to lean against the wall where indicated.
After seeing the plaque, talking to Doak and seeing it demonstrated with him and herself moving around, Dixie stood to the side where Burt was, opposite to Doak and Jack.
4 gems glowing on the east side, only 1 on the west... She glanced around, thinking of who else had relative wit as the plaque described.
"So only a few of us can make these things glow that's weird, I guess I'll step out of the thing and let someone else stand here."
Burt goes to stand with the others.
Linea stepped up to the eastern side of the room. Choosing that based on the nautical terms of orientation, the starboard, her namesake.
Jack sat on the floor. He had no idea what was going on, but given the circumstances he had just been through, I did not want Mama getting separation anxiety. Taking a more or less relaxed position with this bag on the floor again, he called mama over next to him.
"Linea counts as one..."
She glanced at Doak and waved for him to come to her side (the west side), then glanced at the gems.
GSH steps at the West Floor
Step on the West side
"Quantify intelligence, yes, yes, that probably is it but if it didnt lit up when I stepped in the west floor first that just means..." The slayer thought.
"What!?" He exlclaimed. "Do you mean I am not smart enough to even light up a single gem! This is ridiculous!"
"So this old white guy is the smartest in the bunch then, he lit three gems." He said. "Wait a minute."
The slayer steps out of the western floor.
GSH steps out of the western floor
Go to the east side.
Dixie picks up the fallen sapphire, breathng on it then wiping it with her sleeve. She then holds with 2 fingers towards the closest light source.[Dixie obtains Glowing Sapphire]
Is it a real sapphire? Also, Dixie channels mana through it to see it it reacts.
Dixie picks up the fallen sapphire, breathng on it then wiping it with her sleeve. She then holds with 2 fingers towards the closest light source."So how's that? Are the gems safe?"
Is it a real sapphire? Also, Dixie channels mana through it to see it it reacts.
"Feeling greedy already?"Linea sheathed her knife and readied her bow, chuckling mildly like a mischievous kid with a slingshot preparing to rustle some ripe apples from an orchard. Her arrow may not create an explosion on the level of her mentor's crystal arrow, but the blast should be enough to jar the pillar.
Burt then looked in the room we just unlocked.
Well naow.... 'At's diff'nt! I hope the door's still op'n!
Jack moves uneasily toward the podium, and looks through the book.
Jack had had about enough of these damn puzzles. Pulling the knapped flint knife from his boot, he angrily strode over to the box of pieces, and found that there were no black pieces inside-- Undaunted, the old hobo claims the white king, and storms over to the clever girl.
THey wan' us to play some DAMN FOOL GAME to go on, and I ain't playin! No more! I about crapped muh damn drawers two floors daown, nearly got cut up by a whirlin blade o doom, you nearly got snuffed by magic in rapid successions-- [expletive] this dayum game! I need ye to make this 'ere white king blacker an' pitch-- Can ye do it?
Dixie smiled mischeviously, then held out her hand for the proffered piece. Several seconds of livid red glow from her clenched fist, and a cloud of white smoke wafted up, before she returned the item, charred black as night.
Aye-- At'll do! At'll do nicely!
Taking the knapped flint knife from his boot, the old hobo furiously and vindicitvely begins his "surgery" on the chesspiece--
Finally, after several minutes of labor, he had the prize he sought.
He held the head up in the room, and declared
I WIN! I GOT THE [expletive deleted] [expletive deleted] HEAD RIGHT [expletive deleted] HERE, NOW OP'N THE [expletive deleted] DOOR!
The challenge says "Take the king's head to win." ya stony old hag-- Either live up ta the rules YOU wrote, or shut up! I took the head, now do the damn needful!
INCORRECT! shouts the old man, holding the head higher.
No where in your rules does it say WHICH king's head! Nor, in what way it can be removed! IN FACT-- THE RULES SAY--
Jack walks back up to the book, and reads aloud the appropriate portion.
"For this game you can use your piece’s attacks and special abilities, as well as your own attacks and techniques though they may not be as effective in this battle. " -- In o'er words-- WHAT I JUS' DID IS TOTALLY LEAGAL. NOW OPEN THE DAMN DOOR, PEBBLE TITS!
Dixie sneaks a glance at her side, wondering if Lucy's staring at the busty marble automaton or not.Lucy seemed to be in a daze, holding a bishop in hand. When did he even took it? Well, regardless, one of the white bishop turned around and waved at her before returning to its position. As if on cue, Lucy snapped back to attention afterward.
"-or by admitting defeat. The door remains closed until then. The choice is all yours to make."
You may not have written the rules, but you claim to uphold them. You are doing neither-- You are a disgrace to the image you represent- Accept your defeat, or go away. You do not get to dictate here, you lost.
Jack decides he needs to demonstrate to the mechanical minx that he does in fact, have the head.
Feeling profoundly cheeky, he places the head of the headless king, in the headless king's hands, then gives it a squeeze, channeling every bit of contempt he can into the closed fist, until the appropriate apparition appears.
[King's aparition, lifting its own head aloft]
HERE'S YOUR DAMN HEAD, COGWHEEL CROTCH! DENY WHAT IT IS AT YOUR OWN PERIL! OPEN THE DOOR!
Jack snaps back to attention, and glares at the statue menacingly.
Burt raises his rifle and shoots the enemy king in the face, hopefully doing something to it.
Not everyone wants to play, lady. That's why they did not take pieces. You are quibbling.
Dixie sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Are you all seriously planning to play? I think we've played enough games since we've seen this tower... And this marble'd hottie already gave us the option to not play it. ""What!? There's an option not to play it!" The slayer exclaimed.
She went to the nearest wall corner and sat there. "Wake me up when you're done. I feel so tired. "
Dixie sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Are you all seriously planning to play? I think we've played enough games since we've seen this tower... And this marble'd hottie already gave us the option to not play it. "Lucy sat next to her, wordlessly conveying his intention.
She went to the nearest wall corner and sat there. "Wake me up when you're done. I feel so tired. "
"What do we get if we win, and don't give me any bullshit about the prize being secret, because the potential for a good prize is the only thing keeping me from walking out."
Burt gives the enemy king the finger as he says this.
Dixie peeked as Lucy sat beside her, then as he settled in, she tilted her head to his shoulder."It's been quite some time, I'm forgetting how it looks like myself." Lucy admitted. "Curious?"
She then looked up (at Lucy's face) for a while then settled back to staring blankly at the ground. "I wonder what you look like without the beard."
Snatching up his walking stick, he moved with purpose toward the now open door.
"Well I guess I'll go see what this prize is, I bet there's some kind of bullshit keeping us from getting at it though."
Burt followed the old hobo into the prize room.
Jack makes a cursory scan of the room, taking note of the displays.
"This stuff seems kind of suspicious I have a feeling it might be trapped or cursed or some shit, I wouldn't put it past the people who built this place to do something like that."
Burt waked around the room and examined all the equipment that was hanging from the walls, while being careful not to touch anything in case of curses.
Eyeing the chests very suspiciously, he gives the one to the right a solid jab with the end of his stick, testing for blunder traps, and other hazards.
Dixie looks around for small, wearable jewelry.
“I have had just about enough of this tower.”
check out the ladder.
Jack contemplates claiming the frosty staff.
For now, carefully lifts the lid of the rightmost chest with the end of his walking stick.
With the lid open, he peers inside.
Burt looks at the lock on the chest for a minute to try and determine if it can be broken by shooting or hitting it.
After doing so, he repeats the process on the left most chest.
"This dagger... hm. Primitive design. I bet it's enchanted though."
Dixie steers away from it for a second to check out the amulet, bumping it slightly with a finger to see if it's cursed.
If not, wear it and run mana diagnostics. As in... channel mana into it as usual.
Jack scowls at the black king piece. He would rather not touch it.
Takes the 5 gems, and the potion recipes. (he will share them with doak).
Heads into the alcove with the frost-staff. Continues probing with his walking stick-- Attempts to safely dislodge the frost-staff from its display without touching it with anything but the end of the walking stick.
"Oh crap, I'm invisible..."
Dixie stops channeling mana to see if the effect goes away.
If not, she taps mana into the amulet again.
"Well looks like this trip wasn't a complete waste of time."
Burt then grabs the black king piece and looks at it for a second, then shoves it in his pocket.
"Smug little bastard."
Jack shoulders the walking stick, and tries out the frost staff for its sturdiness.
Also attempts to feel through the staff, for lack of a better word.
Dixie moves towards the alcove with the dagger and takes it. No one else seems to want the macabre-looking thing.
Jack is curious about the bone trinket. the artisanship is lacking, but the object is interesting.
He palms it for a moment, after collecting the chilling staff.
Upon finding no discernable function for the object, Jack attempts to set down the bone trinket where he found it.
Check as many gemstones as possible, see if authentic or responding to mana input
Dixie walks towards the robe on the second alcove and inspects it, along with the usual mana diagnostics.
GSH opens the remaining chests to and looted its insides
(https://i.imgur.com/Y4AhiFQ.jpg)The ironclad slayer wore the bone charm and kept the remaining items in his mystery bag. Including the locked chest. It is a mystery even for the slayer as to how he can insert and keep items inside the mystery bag with ease.GSH opens the remaining chests to and looted its insides
The chest in the center remains stubbornly locked despite The Greenskins Holocaust best attempts to open it. Instead he loots everything else remaining in the room.
The Greenskins Holocaust gains Ruby Robe, Closed Parchment, Salamander Tail, Mystery Vials (3), Bone Charm.
Dixie grabs the Greenskins' Holocaust's shoulder."Oh yeah about that." The slayer brings out the chest and parchment from his bag. "I can't see where the keys are. Perhaps you can use magic to open it."
"Did you just pilfer everything... never mind that, could you bring out that parchment and locked chest you just took for a second?"
"Maybe. But before that..."
Dixie carefully opens the Closed Parchment.
GSH gave the red robe to Leammle
The ironclad slayer took the robe and went to Leammle. "By the way," he said. "I think this looks good on you." The slayer wrapped the robe around her.
GSH gave the red robe to Leammle
Yes, what is it?The ironclad slayer took the robe and went to Leammle. "By the way," he said. "I think this looks good on you." The slayer wrapped the robe around her.
GSH gave the red robe to Leammle
"Ha?" priceless reaction of Laemmle with her caricature. A chibi face with a white fill of circle outlined by black as her eyes, warped by robe.
"Ah, thanks." She replied. Looking the robe wrapped with her body. She look back again to Ironclad.
"I will take it but I know someone who is good for this kind of stuff." She spoke again to him and leave the room still with a robe.
She then wear off the robe once she went outside and fold it properly while walking.
Asking others for where did Linea went and took some time. She went to Linea's location.
Pausing as she look on the female elf staring outside from the window.
Now with the robe in her possession, Linea's mind for a while now thinking about whether she should look for someone to transmute this robe, or just don the robe and pretend that she is a tyrant queen.
Burt climbs the ladder to the top.
Linea studied the robe for a moment and taken aback by its gaudiness. Well, she was never one to dress like that to begin with and wearing that could probably hamper her movement.
But she could confirm the fire magic amplification enchantment the girl claimed. A rare kind of enchantment.
And she seemed to be very hopeful that Linea would accept it.
"I... appreciate it, thank you."
Now with the robe in her possession, Linea's mind for a while now thinking about whether she should look for someone to transmute this robe, or just don the robe and pretend that she is a tyrant queen.
(https://i.imgur.com/Y4AhiFQ.jpg)Now with the robe in her possession, Linea's mind for a while now thinking about whether she should look for someone to transmute this robe, or just don the robe and pretend that she is a tyrant queen.
Linea gains the Ruby Robe.Burt climbs the ladder to the top.
The party (whoever is willing and able to) starts climbing up the ladder, which goes through the ceiling, up, up, up. After climbing for 5 minutes or so it lends at the entrance of an open trapdoor into what looks like a study. There is a desk, a small bed and several shelves. The room appears to have been ransacked, with signs of struggle all over the place. Books have been toppled over and slashed, massive ink blots stain the walls and books. Pottery has been smashed and a couple of stools upended.
There are a few intact books in this room, one is on the desk (along with a loaf of elvish style longbread), bound shut with leather straps. The others are scattered near one of the windows, which for some strange reason are topically related; dealing with gardening, exotic plants and elementary nature magic.
At the end of the room is a glowing tile with runes etched around it, projecting beams of light up to the roof.
Dixie hands the Closed Parchment over to Jack or Doak, whichever is closer. Think you can clean up those ink splotches? Might be useful information. Thanks.
She then sets her sight on the locked chest, running mana diagnostics onto it as per usual. What does the keyhole look like? Dixie tries charging mana into it and looking around, to see if a hidden key resonates with it.
"Aw dammit looks like someone already got to kick the ass of whoever built this tower, and it looks like they broke all the shit in here."
Burt walks around the room looking at all the books that are scattered around even the damaged ones to try and get an idea of whats here.
Doctor Doak will take the books on gardening, exotic plants and elementary nature magic, 'cause they sound interesting.
He'll also look through the other books for some interesting reads, starting with opening the one bound shut on the desk.
Dixie pulls out her Dagger of Destiny from inexistence and charges her mana into it while stabbing the keyhole, activating its once-per-day massive damage.
Time to loot. Dixie then carefully opened the checkerboard-patterned chest while kneeling.
Dixie reads the parchment, and then opens the small box if she can.
Run mana testing on both the chessboard and parchment.
She shrugged, then placed the parchment into the goblin chessboard and hooked it to the left waist side of her leather armor. She then looked around. "Lucy?""Here."
She instead took first notice of Jack erecting a blanket wall over one of the alcoves, and then the bear nudging him into it with her. While her right hand hovered to the side, waiting for Lucy's, she wondered what they're planning to do inside that small covered space.
GSH runs to the upper floors with a little bit if caution in his mind
"I'm gonna dig around in all this for a bit longer so you do whatever."
Burt then dug around the scattered papers to see if there weren't any undamaged books hidden under the debris, then he searched the desk.
"Oh damn don't be sneaking up on me, how did you get here you weren't here a minute ago, and what do you mean its a worm finger, worms don't have fingers."
Burt looked around at the damaged book parts one last time to see if any of the books had any chance of being put back together
Dixie observes it, its insides, then channels mana into it.
Noticing it a while later, Dixie then moves near (but not onto) the glowing tile. What does it look like again?
Is there a slot where this cylinder fits?
Channel more mana into it, see where the reaction is concentrated
Doctor Doak steps on the tile
“Oh my! Tell me about Gorohill Vercressen Pierre. Then tell me about what they discovered about the source of magic further in the forest. Is it the Seed? What was it the source of power for? Why did Gorohill build the tower? Gorohill mentioned some disturbances, what were they? What happened in the lightning room? What fool was badgering Gorohill, delaying completion of the tower?”
Noting the doctor, and seeing he was carrying a small library worth of books, and taking a few moments to register that the old man was asking very specific questions about specific people he had never heard of, he got a little hot under the collar.
Where the [expletive] did'ya git THOSE!? he demanded incredulously. How did we allz git outside all a sudden!? WHO THE [Expletive] ARE YA TALKING 'BOUT!? What's this "Seed" Bus'ness yer goin' on about!? WHAT THE [expletive] IS GOIN' ON ALL A SUDDEN!?
She handed the cylinder back to Burt, then retook her Throwing Dagger from the mechanical goblin's table, spinning it around her hand, then tossing it down, sheating itself perfectly at the side of her right leather boot.
(https://i.imgur.com/Y4AhiFQ.jpg)Noting the doctor, and seeing he was carrying a small library worth of books, and taking a few moments to register that the old man was asking very specific questions about specific people he had never heard of, he got a little hot under the collar.
Where the [expletive] did'ya git THOSE!? he demanded incredulously. How did we allz git outside all a sudden!? WHO THE [Expletive] ARE YA TALKING 'BOUT!? What's this "Seed" Bus'ness yer goin' on about!? WHAT THE [expletive] IS GOIN' ON ALL A SUDDEN!?
The goblin sticks his fingers into his ears.
"Oi bear humper, keep it down will ya? Summa us are tryin' ta have a civil discourse."
Dixie held onto the Mystery Cylinder, channeling mana into it and watching the metal bits around it whirr around, aiding a bit to her amusement."Southeast, further south than east, I reckon. Might have to camp on the way, it's getting late."
She'd only noticed they were out when everyone started talking.
"How... Eh."
She handed the cylinder back to Burt, then retook her Throwing Dagger from the mechanical goblin's table, spinning it around her hand, then tossing it down, sheating itself perfectly at the side of her right leather boot.
She then looked around for Lucy. Once found, she asks him which direction the village is.
Yer One ta talk, if'n ya been "Fittin' Cogs" wif dat ICE QUEEN ya gots locked up in'da floor uptarrs (ya lil' freak)-- At leas' Mama's good compny, and dont need be locked up an' chained ta some damn fool game-- All I sees is ye sittin down here talking [expletive] and layin about like a rustin' hunk a [expletive]. Prolly cause at's what ya is. "Civil Discourse" muh hairy old [expletive]. Plain as day ye gots more an afew screws loose, ya smarmy smart mouthed chamber pot-- Marbles ain't all ye lost. Especially ifn' ye be tryin to have a meaninful conversation with yer "missus"-- (clearly, ye cain't stand er compny neither, ats why yer always down here.)
Naw I gots questions a muh own-- What in tarnation's a goin on with all the critters round ere, and why's a big arsed chunk a dese here woods all dead an rotten like, that ye can see it fer miles up from that there tower? Yer master go knockin over forest spirits cause he gots a hard-on for screwin over everyone as can't talk like a man? Out wit it ye polished lil prick.
Dixie thought about just teleporting everyone with the amulet she just gotten, but she didn't know if the amulet worked that way...
She held Lucy's arm and secretly channeled mana towards the teleporting amulet inside her sweater, attempting to move the both of them just one meter to the left.
Careful Naow-- Ye might cough up a 'nuther one-- Wouldn't want yer rattle-trap head te fall off, now would we?
Jack raised an eyebrow at the diminutive droid, and smirked, before continuing.
Ye might be intrested in knowin-- ifn yer the "maintenance machine" in charge o' upkeep, at dere's a big arsed leak and all a lights is out on de third floor. Maybe ye should stop being a bag a bolts--- eh? Oh- and one a de panels on floor 4 fell in an almost took muh other eye out-- Great way to welcome guests 'at-- And don't get me started on the lack o chairs an other niceties-- Yer master's a right twat when it comes ta hospt'ality. What wit' the purple death beams and whirlin blades a doom an all. -An en, to add ins'lt ta inj'ry, whole damn place up an pops ya into da op'n afer ye goes through all 'e trouble to get even a teensy bit o privacy-- (ye gibbering gearbox, got a lot o nerve suggestin I ain't discrete!)
Naow, about dis 'ere wizard's moar "dubious" assoc'ates-- Got any names, claptrap?
Shame... She was looking forward to the comfort of a bed in a solid room after every gruelling thing that happened recently.Their eyes met, along a raised eyebrow.
Maybe not tonight.
She observed Lucy and his reaction.
She then walked a bit and raised a hand. "Hey!... nameless iron goblin... Can the monsters pass through the wards of this tower?"
"When was the last time you saw the wizard that owned this crap shack of a tower?"
Burt said as he stared at the mechanical goblin.
(https://i.imgur.com/Y4AhiFQ.jpg)“Oh my! Tell me about Gorohill Vercressen Pierre. Then tell me about what they discovered about the source of magic further in the forest. Is it the Seed? What was it the source of power for? Why did Gorohill build the tower? Gorohill mentioned some disturbances, what were they? What happened in the lightning room? What fool was badgering Gorohill, delaying completion of the tower?”
"Ok hey, I said ask questions not pick me apart like a flimsy doctoral thesis. Ahem, kneeway, Gorohill, or I should say Master Pierre, is my maker."
The goblin started absentmindedly fiddling with a marble in his fingers, moving them between his hands at lightning speed.
"I dunna why he made the tower, the man thought more every passing second than mostya manage in a month. I do know he wanted to bring fighters and mages in, and once there were enough he'd do... something. He might've changed his mind on seeing allya though."
The Goblin gave a trademarked chuckle, then continued speaking.
"He was an eccentric wizard (which wizard ain't?), maybe opening a theme park was all he ever wanted."
"The disturbance, yes I was the one who saw it... we had pigeons keep nesting in the wrong places, but I ain't never seen a pigeon that can nullify magic barriers. The lightning room you saw, is one of hundreds of rooms that keep the tower running. It can handle itself per-pe-cha-lee."
The goblin emphasized each syllable of the word.
"Oh yeah, allya went through five floors or somthin', but there's hundreds, each with its own power. Kneeway, something broke in, and I ain't seen Gorohill since. He left in a hurry. Between you and me, that suits me just fine, eh? Less chasing pigeons, more nap times."
"As for the Seed, I dunna. My jobs was here at this gate, the wizard got around. He probably messed with things deeper inside the forest, or he coulda imagined it. When you move around with a wizard nuff you find there are world-ending artifacts and vast sources of arcane power behind every tree stump."
"Gorohill had lotsa wizard friends. And wizard enemies. And wizard frenemies. They came and they went, he had a lot of visitors. More than your average wizard recluse, I should think. He prolly took some sod's wizard pipe and kept being badgered to return it. I dunna, I couldn't tell ya about every pointy-hat that came, my business is at this gate."
Jack turned his attention to Doak.
When ye get finished pumpin the pipsqueak fer all 'es worth, I'd like te see what all ye pilfered from the ol [expletive]-wad's secret hidey hole. Looks like ye got quite a haul dere-- We can go o'er 's secrit fam'ly rec'pies at de same time-- Sound like a plan?
“Where did the pigeons come from?
I find it hard to believe you wouldn’t recognize other wizard visitors here, though. You mentioned magic barriers, presumably to keep the people outside out so nobody drops by unannounced, so any visitors would have to pass by you to gain entrance. Your master would tell you people he wants to come in and people he would rather not see. Everyone else you would play your little game with.”
“If it is indeed as you say, who were repeat visitors to the tower? Was anyone once allowed entry and then you were told to keep out?
About how many adventurers do you think would show up?
We could help find your master, you know. Bring him back. You need to be open with us about him for that to happen though.
How long has it been since your last maintenance? I could take a look at you, if you want...”
If ye'd pardon the question-- he struggled, I take it I ain't t'e only fores' hermit as is been through?
Laemmle stares outside from the window. Checking ingame's time current.
Nature mage living in the forest... There's their floramancer target.
"Which direction? The nature mage, I mean."
Doctor Doak shrugs and turns back to the goblin.
“It looks like both your interests align right now. Your master left the tower presumably to investigate this Seed thing, and it sounds like this nature mage you mentioned would take quite the interest in such a thing. Perhaps enough to cause a disturbance that requires your master to investigate it himself.
If you know more about her and what she’s doing, it could help us find your master that much quicker.”
A'spite t'e indignities we's been hurlin' at one'nother, I ain'ts all I lets on as neither-- and I knows the help 'ears more an they's wants, nor is 'sposed to. I many not look'it (not no moar no how..), but trus' me, I knows. I don' rightly -- there was a momentary pause and a churning of the old man's mouth, as if stumbling over a hard-set mannerism, catching it before it could slip out, and then forcing the resumption of the more congenial pattern. -- Have any concerns... Nor... business...--- Neighborly nor otherwise-- with yer ... master... but I may have business with 'is guests. Since yer ... master... ain't home, I cain't ask 'im proper muhself, an' since 'e ain't lef' no notice when 'e might be back ta... pay ..a .. social.. call... It was very abundantly clear that this method of communication was very jarring to the hermit on some invisible level, and was taking tremendous effort to sustain, but he kept struggling, the effort ever more apparent in his demeanor as he did so. At a more.. convenient time.. I would ...very much... appreciate it... If ye could... o'er look .. t'e finer points o' propri'ty, and tell meh maor 'bout what ye ... 'didn't hear,' If'n ye know what I mean? I'd like ta pay a prop'r visit, an ask questions... moar.. directly.. If ye follow? Anythang ye knows 'bout where any o' 'em lives, ... I'd be... mighty... appreci'ative...
The ironclad slayer felt nauseous in a moment and suddenly he found himself in the others somewhere familiar. "We're the fu--" the slayer realized they are now at the entrance of the tower.
"Land!" The slayer exclaimed, "laaaaand! By the merciful gods we finally out" he kissed the soil beneath him for a minute or two until he remembered something he swear to hack if he ever gets out.
"Goblin automaton." He said full day of hate.
He stood up, took his greatsword and aimed it at the goblin who is talking at both Dr.Doak and Hoboguy.
"You stupid disguuusting creature. Oh the merciful gods had answered and delivered you right straight into my steps, you pathetic excuse of an automaton, its time to meet your end, hiiyaaaah!!!"
The slayer attacks the goblin automaton with his great sword
"Oh... wow... so he was a summon. "
Dixie scratched her cheek, then shrugged with a grin. "Guess no one's stopping us from camping in the tower now. Unless you guys have a different plan? it's getting late and we finally have a roof for once. "
"Oh great when people finally started getting info out of that mechanical idiot, you go and fuck it up by being a racist idiot."Status: knocked out
Burt then smacks the iron idiot in the back of the head.
Meanwhile at the village, the innkeeper was cleaning ale off the mug when a group of strangers walked in.
The Mystville Inn and Tavern didn’t usually get much by way of tourists, so the innkeeper guessed that those strangers were here either for adventurer guild or just a group of passerby. He didn’t much care who came into his tavern, as long as they had coin and a thirst.
Sitting down at a table, the leader of these strangers seemed to be either waiting for something or looking for something. He was a muscular man, sporting black uniform with many pouches and plates patched on his heavy-looking vest. He wore a helmet that covered his entire face, made from black metal that never seen before. A silver Rose of the Wind symbol patched in his shoulder and he brought a long weapon that resemble a very strange boomstick.
After a moment, the stranger walked up to the wooden bar. His steps was heavy as if he could trample the wooden floor simply by walking.
"Greetings good sir," said the stranger, voice was heavy as his intimidating figure suggested but somehow sounded rather cultured and educated.
The man took of his helmet, revealing his face. He was an orc, young by their standard. His wavy red hair was kept short, his eyes were sharp and unnaturally green. A pair of tusk jutted from his lower lips, supported by muscled, angular jaw that surprisingly, seamed to wear a perpetual, humble mirth.
"I believe this is the place where I and my men could have some table service?"
"'Lo there mate! Sure thing, feel free to seat yourselves anywhere you'd like! How's about some ale to get you folks started?" There was a bit of unease in the bartender's otherwise jolly tone, but he did his best not to show it. This orcish gentleman was a little intimidating, with his large muscular stature and specialized equipment, but at the same time had an oddly warm and disarming feel to him as well.
The bartender adjusts his glasses and begins preparing some mugs. "So I take it ya'll are adventurers, come to help with the crazy animal problem? We had a group venture into the forest some days ago, hope they're doin' alright out there..."
"So I take it ya'll are adventurers, come to help with the crazy animal problem? We had a group venture into the forest some days ago, hope they're doin' alright out there..."
"'Lo there mate! Sure thing, feel free to seat yourselves anywhere you'd like! How's about some ale to get you folks started?" There was a bit of unease in the bartender's otherwise jolly tone, but he did his best not to show it. This orcish gentleman was a little intimidating, with his large muscular stature and specialized equipment, but at the same time had an oddly warm and disarming feel to him as well.
The bartender adjusts his glasses and begins preparing some mugs. "So I take it ya'll are adventurers, come to help with the crazy animal problem? We had a group venture into the forest some days ago, hope they're doin' alright out there..."
"Sold. It's three ales for me and my folks."
Still with a smile in his face, the orcish soldier plunked some coins on the table, disturbing some of the nut shells, berry seeds, and other detritus that had gathered on its gaps.Quote"So I take it ya'll are adventurers, come to help with the crazy animal problem? We had a group venture into the forest some days ago, hope they're doin' alright out there..."
The gentleman's humble smile now turned to be rather enigmatic. "Maybe... maybe." he motioned one of his men to take their drink before returned to the innkeper.
"I believe you have seen one from my order arrived here and assisted your folks with this beast problem?"
For the next two hours or so, they wandered here and there among the trees, but never too far from the camp (lest they get left behind, or some other fool thing), nibbling on things. Jack helped get the tall things down, and mama dug up the hidden, and buried things, and they made it as pleasant a morning together as they could, --at least without indulging mamas more persistent appetites anyhow. He capitalized on the opportunity to collect any useful plants at the same time, and put them into his bag.
Doctor Doak will peruse the nature magic books from the tower.
Dr Doak was up, and looking through the books he had collected. Recognition blasted through the old hermit's memory-- He had been so damn busy last night getting things ready for bed, that he had completely forgotten about going over that shit with the old man. He hailed the fellow cordially (or at least as cordially as he could manage this early), then sat down next to him, then rummaged out his own haul to exchange notes.
Sorry I didn' get back wit' ye las' night... he apologized. Weren't enough time, what with--
The old doctor reassured him that it was fine, and that he had appreciated the effort to bring in dinner, and was eager to go over the things the two of them had collected.
Jack brought out the folded parchment leaves, and that morning's ingredient haul, and passed them to the doctor, while Jack cordially looked over the book the doctor had been peeking into.
It was still in the introductory paragraphs, in the "Methods and Practices" preface, where the text extols the virtues of why it was written in the kind of flowery prose only a closeted intellectual would write in. He was well familiar with it, and just bit his tongue, and kept reading...
Burt awoke from his slumber and poked his head out of the then to see that only a few of the others had woken up, but he didn't want to deal with any of them yet so he went back into the tent and started to read the fruit book he had found.
"One of yours, you say?" The barkeep scratches his head momentarily. "Let's see... ah yes, the elven lass? Long, silvery hair, seemed a bit on the melancholy side? Ye she was here alright, helped out with the animal attacks, and inquired 'bout some missin' folks that stayed here some weeks ago. Do believe she went with the others on their venturin' into the woods. Nice girl, real professional seemin'. Yous'all from the same organization or some sort?"
While waiting, Laemmle proceed to pick up available mushroom on the ground and fruits on trees which are edible.
Dixie smiled. "Sorry. You looked so adorable."She was being sincere, there is no doubt about it. But somehow Linea would prefer the girl saying those words with sneer and mischievousness instead of sincerity and adoration.
She thumbed the sapphire on her hand, her nail making a slight sharp whistle. "I figured you could use this more than me."
She thumbed the sapphire on her hand, her nail making a slight sharp whistle. "I figured you could use this more than me."
Laemmle waving on Dixie and Linea and approach the two.
"You seems hungry Linea, I have some fruits for you." she said to her as she handed her a various edible fruits.
"I consulted Mister Jack to make sure those are safe to eat.
She thumbed the sapphire on her hand, her nail making a slight sharp whistle. "I figured you could use this more than me."She nearly mistook the gem with blueberries Leamle brought, and god forbid, she was just about to pick one of the fruits and keep it in her pocket.
"One of yours, you say?" The barkeep scratches his head momentarily. "Let's see... ah yes, the elven lass? Long, silvery hair, seemed a bit on the melancholy side? Ye she was here alright, helped out with the animal attacks, and inquired 'bout some missin' folks that stayed here some weeks ago. Do believe she went with the others on their venturin' into the woods. Nice girl, real professional seemin'. Yous'all from the same organization or some sort?"
The orc chuckled before raising his mug and drank his beer. "Yeah that's her."
"We are from a Security Agency in Helvetia." he continued, no sign of hesitation in his voice when mentioned the organization and its address.
Laemmle waving on Dixie and Linea and approach the two.
"You seems hungry Linea, I have some fruits for you." she said to her as she handed her a various edible fruits.
"I consulted Mister Jack to make sure those are safe to eat.QuoteShe thumbed the sapphire on her hand, her nail making a slight sharp whistle. "I figured you could use this more than me."She nearly mistook the gem with blueberries Leamle brought, and god forbid, she was just about to pick one of the fruits and keep it in her pocket.
It took a full minute for Linea to sort her thought out of this overwhelming situation.
She received the gem carefully after making sure the girl is Dixie and not Lea, and it was the precious stone instead of a sugary berry.
"Why thank you," she said, still in a slightly awkward tone. She was about to inquire why didn't Dixie just keep the gem instead of giving it to a stranger like her but it was halted abruptly when Lea came and brought them a basket full of berries.
Linea, who still had her mind occupied with the gems just gifted to her, finally picked a proper round-shaped berry and chew it immediately. One to fulfill the individual obligation of common courtesy, and at the same time confirming that she just ate a fruit, not the gems and has avoided confusion.
Smiling no less awkward than before, Linea thanked Lea while at the same time wondering why were they doing this?
Later, Laemmle call the party to gather up and leave the camping place to get back to the town.
Boy, she just doesn't give up, does she? he wondered to himself, hearing the paladin-girl continue to raise cain about how they should break camp. She was right, the sooner they broke camp and got going, the more time for setup they would have at the next stop on the way, but still-- damned annoying; He was very much intrigued with this book. Something in the back of his mind kept shrieking at him to keep reading it, and he was apt to oblige. He could have done so much with this kind of thing over the years, and it was better late than never, now that he had such an expensive book in his grizzled old hands.
He turned his attention to Doak.
How much ye want fer the book?
HEY THERE FELLA! What's 'he news!? He called into the misty gloom.
Look on the bright side-- Either he'll answer, or he'll go batshit and try to kill us. Either way, we will find out why he's here. he thought wryly to himself. He liked to give people the benefit of the doubt, but years of hard living had taught him to always be distrustful too. He loosened the strap on the frosty stick, just in case.
Dixie whispered to Lucy, whose hand she held as usual. "Is that a village person? If not, can we just kill it instead?"As much as people used to label her as a pyromaniac and having a hair-trigger temper, Linea was actually a very considerate person. "Do not fire unless being fired upon" is probably the most textbook ROE she adhered to the core. So when Dixie suggested attacking the stranger unprovoked, she quickly stepped forward.
The mask was a bit off-putting, but being big as a barn wasn't a crime, and sitting down as body language usually translated to "Not interested in fighting", at least among the company Jack liked to keep.
Fine weather, i'n't it? The plants'll love it. Too bad it's colder than a well digger's ass, eh?
He continued, unfettered.
He hoped to get some kind of response from the fellow.
Dixie whispered to Lucy, whose hand she held as usual. "Is that a village person? If not, can we just kill it instead?""Never seen that one in the village." Lucy replied concisely. "I didn't think you'll be the trigger-happy one here?"
A man of few words... I can appreciate that. mused Jack, still instinctually cautious.
He set his own bag down, reached inside, and rummaged for his coin purse. That bow looked appealing. After a moment, he found what he sought, then held it up conspicuously at the seated figure.
If a purchase was requested as the show of hospitality, it was important to know what the seller sought first.
He waited for a response from the seated gentleman.
PILE A | PILE B |
| Aegean Mail Mitten (9) | crossbow |
| Potion of Sagacity (3) | dagger |
| Rabbit's Foot (1) | longbow |
| Cheese Armor (15) | cloth armor |
| Elven Baguette (1) | |
| Mysterious Vial (5) | |
| Bec de Corbin (7) |
"Oh it's a merchant... But why here, why us, why now? It feels so coincidential." Dixie uttered on.
She then shrugged, walked towards the kneeling tall man and then knelt in front if it and its wares. She pointed at the bread, then looked at her team. "If this is what I think it is, it could sustain all of us for a whole month. Very rare bread."
Turning her glance back to the wares, she then carefully lifted the dagger and unsheathed it, running her mana throigh it of course. Anything special?
"What do you mean it rare bread, I found one of those in the tower and it looks stale as hell."
Burt reslung the rifle and approached the strange guy and looked at all the items he had laid out, and tried to see it he got any bad vibes from any of it.
Jack rose silently, and walked just as silently, then sat before the seated merchant, then gave a respectful nod.
He extracted one gold coin, and laid it on the blanket beside the white token next to the baguette. Mama needed all the food she could get.
PILE A | PILE B |
| Aegean Mail Mitten (9g) | crossbow |
| Potion of Sagacity (3g) | dagger |
| Rabbit's Foot (1g) | longbow |
| Cheese Armor (15g) | cloth armor |
| Mysterious Vial (5g) | |
| Bec de Corbin (7g) |
Reeta found yet another village, aSign read Mystville. She looks for someone who doesn’t have weapons drawn, and cautiously walks towards him/her. ”Hello, my name is Reeta Dollup, please don’t hurt me”
(https://i.imgur.com/Y4AhiFQ.jpg)Jack rose silently, and walked just as silently, then sat before the seated merchant, then gave a respectful nod.
He extracted one gold coin, and laid it on the blanket beside the white token next to the baguette. Mama needed all the food she could get.
(https://i.imgur.com/40mIEdd.png)
The Wandering Merchant bows solemnly while seated, picks up the gold coin Jack placed and stuffs it somewhere inside of its clothes.
One Eye'd Jack loses 1g, gains Elven Baguette.Spoiler: Item Stats (PILE A) (click to show/hide)
Aegean Mail Mitten (9g) crossbow Potion of Sagacity (3g) dagger Rabbit's Foot (1g) longbow Cheese Armor (15g) cloth armor Elven Baguette(1gsold)Mysterious Vial (5g) Bec de Corbin (7g)
hi, Ashi. I suppose I could become an adventurer. I would like to help with stopping the attacks. What types of monsters attacked?
Reeta heads over to Adventure Company HQ
”Aven? I would like to join the company”
She stopped, reaching Lucy's side again. "How about you? Not into things? "
She then looked down, at Linea's new gloves. "Ooh, you bought something. What do those do? "
Dixie tilted her head. "Who? "
Doctor Doak wanders over to the bow, picks it up, then picks a gem out of the pouch in his pocket, raising an eyebrow toward the giant salesman as if to ask "how much?"
Linea approached the mysterious merchant and scrutinize the mailed gloves that somehow looked like a common hand-knitted mitten a girl would give to her boyfriend in a mid-winter.
She opened her purse anyway and passed nine pieces of coins to the left blanket.
PILE A | PILE B |
| Enchanted Gastraphetes (1 Bone Charm) | |
| Potion of Sagacity (3g) | Zapata's Revenge (1 Bone Charm) |
| Rabbit's Foot (1g) | Yeoman's Valor (1 Bone Charm) |
| Cheese Armor (15g) | Warlord's Gambeson (1 Bone Charm) |
| Mysterious Vial (5g) | |
| Bec de Corbin (7g) |
Burt spent several seconds digging through one of his bags looking for a coin, before finally finding one and placing it on the blanket and taking the rabbit's foot, he then stepped back and examined the foot
Reeta buys a short bow from the market then goes to the village square
”I believe so. Hi Shell.”
Reeta notices Shell’s shyness
”I’m usually shy too. This is the first village I’ve been to when I haven’t been chased out or had weapons drawn.”
She turns to Ashi and Sbell
”I haven’t always been able to talk, I learned how you humans talk mostly by hanging out near the taverns or inns. Most of the people I encountered before were called bandits by others, I had to escape a lot. I’m glad you’re so nice and willing to talk with me”
She smiles
”If either of you wanted a weapon or armor, what would you want? I’d imagine after helping out I can use the money to buy tools to defend yourselves with, that way we can defend better.
”What do you do for fun? Can I join?”
The ironclad slayer wakes up and struggles to away from Maslarien's grasp until he finally gets freed. "Oh... Sorry Lionboy, I thought a greenskin was carrying me."
By looking around, the slayer found the rest of the party is surrounding around something big, it looked like a giant of a creature almost rivalring Dularach. It seems to be showing the group a bunch of assorted weapons and materials in the ground, the one that caught the ironclad's slayer's attention is an odd looking jacket of some sorts.
"I want that!" The slayer exclaimed, shoving away the rest of the adventurers.
I don’t know if I really did anything fun, the Questions and Commands game sounds interesting though. What are Zara and your dad working on? Maybe I can help?
Are you interested in learning how I lasted so long without armor or weapons?
((oops, I meant to type Zana but apparently my IPad thinks Zana is an incorrect spelling of Zara for some reason. Whichever name you go with is fine))
Reeta shows them her purple flute. the bandits mostly tried to take me apart, thinking the plants weren’t me. As for how I survive, I have a special flute that causes those who hear it to get confused as to who are allies and who are enemies, usually this is enough to distract while I escape. I can also release a scent from my flowers that causes those who smell it to forget what they were doing and the reason why they were doing the task they forgot. I came from the forest.
(https://i.imgur.com/Y4AhiFQ.jpg)"Oh you want to trade my bone-charm to that? Sweet!"The ironclad slayer wakes up and struggles to away from Maslarien's grasp until he finally gets freed. "Oh... Sorry Lionboy, I thought a greenskin was carrying me."
By looking around, the slayer found the rest of the party is surrounding around something big, it looked like a giant of a creature almost rivalring Dularach. It seems to be showing the group a bunch of assorted weapons and materials in the ground, the one that caught the ironclad's slayer's attention is an odd looking jacket of some sorts.
"I want that!" The slayer exclaimed, shoving away the rest of the adventurers.
(https://i.imgur.com/40mIEdd.png)
The Wandering Merchant simply points to the bone charm he has laid out next to the armor and weapons, indicating the currency for exchange.Spoiler: Updated Stats For Bone Charm Items (click to show/hide)Spoiler: Vendor Inventory (click to show/hide)
"Oh you want to trade my bone-charm to that? Sweet!"
The ironclad slayer immediately handed out the bone-charm and exclaimed, "I want that!" while pointing at the gambeson.
I only use them when I’m in danger. Given that it is an Adventuring Company, I think I will be working with others, so I’m going to need to find things to protect them from sound and smells so that only intended targets are affected. I’m going to go try helping Zara, bye for now, hope to see you two again
She smiles, then goes to the smithy
hello. Is there anything I can help with? I’m Reeta
Edwarg had already emptied his mug when he walked out the bar toward the Adventuring Company HQ, he had instructed his two subordinates to get chummy with the town guards after they done with their booze. If the intel in the mission briefing was solid, this town sure needs more help to defend itself rather than sending more people to the forest.
Edwarg knocked the door gently. The organization always taught all of their field agent to be courteous, so he waited until someone came and invite him to enter the building.
(https://i.imgur.com/JTYHiPJ.png)Reeta looks over to Zara and tells her thank you then turns to Benuto and says I will assist with thisI only use them when I’m in danger. Given that it is an Adventuring Company, I think I will be working with others, so I’m going to need to find things to protect them from sound and smells so that only intended targets are affected. I’m going to go try helping Zara, bye for now, hope to see you two again
She smiles, then goes to the smithy
hello. Is there anything I can help with? I’m Reeta
"Hello Reeta! You must be one of the adventurers. Name's Benuto, I'm the blacksmith 'round these parts. This here's my eldest daughter, Zara." The girl nearby flashes a quick smile at Reeta.
Benuto continues: "Funny, I'm usually the one to ask the customer if there's anything I can help them with! Naw, Zara was just helpin' me finish up this piece o' armour. It's nothin' that needs any extra help."
"Although, craftin' supplies have gotten lower these days with the animal attacks happenin', so if you wanted to help with somethin', I'd appreciate you collectin' n' bringin' any sorta material that could be useful for craftin' armors and weapons. That'd include stuff like animal hides, metals of any kind, hardened wood, or any other kinda usable material. I'd compensate you appropriately for the goods, o' course."
Zara walks over to Reeta and looks at the flowers on her head. "Nice petals." She says casually.
(https://i.imgur.com/JTYHiPJ.png)
A man with light brown hair and a set of standard Adventuring Company attire (Aven) soon opens the door.
"Hello. Are you a new adventurer here?"
"Are you just arrive here Mister? New adventurer?" She asked the orc guy with gentle smile the end.
Reeta then heads to the northern exit searching for metals and animals in the forest
Laemmle proceed to the Adventure Guild after the expedition.
She proceed to Aven and start to speak.
"Letter was send by my faction before the expedition. I'm here to claim my new set of armor.
Party will arrive sooner so I'm gonna wait them and report the quest together." Laemmle said to Aven.
Edwarg extended his hand to offer a handshake (assuming Aven shake his hand) then introduce himself.
"Edwarg Snewden at your service."Quote"Hello. Are you a new adventurer here?"
"A soldier by trade... or a doppelsöldner by Helvetian term, but you may consider it so if you like it." Snewden gave him a reassuring smile, either to convince that he wasn't a double-paid soldier of fortune like his nickname suggested, or to make it clear that he is not here to shakedown anyone.
The most esteemed and august _("Lady Laemmle" is scrawled here in the most terrible penmanship imaginable, on top of a clearly and well penned line)_,
We, the armorers and stewards of the Indwelling Lady, are pleased to provide to you with only a modest cost of shipping, the latest official standard of our most holy order of the Indwelling Lady. Great care was taken to assure the timely and secure delivery of this most precious cargo, and it is with the hopes and prayers of all of us at the monastery, that it should serve you and our Lady in grace in the many perilous and holy missions you shall undertake together. May it provide as much protection to your body, as our Lady does to all our souls! We ask that you please endorse this official document, bearing this, our official seal, that our historians may well record the official receipt of this fine raiment.
Let it be known that on this date ____________ That the Paladin known as _(Lady Laemmle is scrawled hastily into the blank)__, has recieved this shipment of one:
(Set Paladin Armor)
And has paid the sum of __("10 gold pieces", likewise hastily penned)___ to our stalwart couriers, and penned their signature of receipt
here:_______________________
Let it be recorded that on this date __________ the package containing ___("One set Paladin Armor" is hastily scrawled on the line)___ was inspected and received by ___("Lady Laemmle)________, and was found to be fit for service and use by the same, and the customary sum of __(10 gold pieces)__ was promptly paid upon delivery of said shipment.
I, _______________ Do hereby undersign and agree that the above is truthful and correct as of the time of this document's receipt, and agree to accept full custody of the stated cargo without any incident, delay, or challenge.
Reeta heads back to town and looks for the party. Since she doesn’t know who the party consists of, she will look for people with Adventuring gear and head towards them
(https://i.imgur.com/JTYHiPJ.png)
"Well met! I am Aven, the operations manager for the Mystville Adventuring Company. We are grateful for any sort of help we can get, as you may know about our situation. I'm assuming that is what brings you to our humble village?"
Reeta heads towards the group consisting of the armored man, the elf woman, and the guy in a lab coat and introduces herselfOn the contrary of what often associated with her race, Linea is not a person who deeply attuned to nature. Especially to the trees since she burns them more often than not. And thus, seeing the girl in front of her, she felt a certain anxiousness.
hi. I’m Reeta, a new adventurer
Reeta follows the elf that smiled and asked where are we going?Reeta heads towards the group consisting of the armored man, the elf woman, and the guy in a lab coat and introduces herselfOn the contrary of what often associated with her race, Linea is not a person who deeply attuned to nature. Especially to the trees since she burns them more often than not. And thus, seeing the girl in front of her, she felt a certain anxiousness.
hi. I’m Reeta, a new adventurer
But she approached anyway, and what was her species again? A dryad? Nymph? Ent? She decided to not ask it any further and instead, showed her one of her trained smiles before proceeding to the recreational room.
Reeta follows the elf that smiled and asked where are we going?
are you sure you want to go to sleep near fire? How will you keep it from burning you?Reeta follows the elf that smiled and asked where are we going?
"To the place where I can rest my legs after a long walk, have a meal and a warm fireplace."
are you sure you want to go to sleep near fire? How will you keep it from burning you?
"you're...not planning to hurt me, are you?" Reeta takes a few steps back, watching the elf warily
no, sorry. What did you do in the forest?"you're...not planning to hurt me, are you?" Reeta takes a few steps back, watching the elf warily
"No, I am not." said Linea in monotone, not even looking back at the girl who abruptly stopped following her. "I am as 'harmless' as the sun. Are you afraid now?"
"Glad to be out of the forest for a bit."
Burt then went to the blacksmith to see if he got in anything new sense they left.
After the business with other adventurers has been concluded, The Guild Master cordially invited Edwarg to have seat before continuing their conversation.
"Yes, the officials in the capital informed my organization about your problem, and turns out we already have... matters that needs to be resolved in this area. You might already met one of my associates. Goes by the name of Linea Starboard. An archer, female, and I don't think I need to further elaborate her appearance." Edwarg let out an hearty laugh before fishing a roll of paper from one of his pouches along with a small, tubular writing device with integrated ink and ballpoint tip.
"Anyway, I am sure you are a busy man, so I wont take your time any longer than necessery. I will need you to sign this paper, it is to affirm that your guild has authorized our presence in this town and acknowledged our arrival."
Edwarg pointed the space where names and signature are to be filled before giving the ballpoint to Aven
"You are encouraged to read the contract before signing it, Master Aven."
Lucy sat in the front row, silently observing the bubbly paladin. He took a sip from his flask.As done on her prayer the light goes off. She stand up from kneeling and notice Lucy from the front row.
Doctor Doak seeks out the sorcerer, intending to ask him about the mage that built the tower, and what he knows of the floromancer and the Seed.
Also, afterward, he will properly read the nature magic books, making notes, to see if he can learn how to deal with the corruption in the forest.[/b]
((And totes learn magic))
"Since quite a while now." The elderly man capped his flask. "May I help you?""I just finish my stuff in here. I m going to head now. See ya." Laemmle replied and smiled.
no, sorry. What did you do in the forest?"you're...not planning to hurt me, are you?" Reeta takes a few steps back, watching the elf warily
"No, I am not." said Linea in monotone, not even looking back at the girl who abruptly stopped following her. "Unless if you are stupid person, I am as 'harmless' as the sun. Are you afraid now?"
Dixie jolts up from her deep stupor. She was hungry. Deeply so. The berries weren't enough. She should've asked Jack for a bite from his Elven Baguette, but she didn't wanna interfere with his moment with the bear.(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/361157460360167446/674221070533918720/Lucy_1.png)
She then went down to the lower floors of the inn, then ate the quickest available meal they had ready-- bread and water. Hungry as she was, she still took her time to chew carefully, even softening the bread in her mouth with the water.
She stared at the empty plate and glass on her table, then remembered she finally had enough gold to buy bullets for the flintlock she needlessly carried so far, and so she wordlessly went to the smithy.
-3g: 8 Smoothbore Rounds, Mace
She herself was surprised with her own purchase, but the Mace just called to her. Light enough to carry; hits hard enough that it doesn't need to pierce the skin. A body-breaker, which she thought she lacked so far.
She then saw that the magic shop was finally open, and then entered it.
-25g: Firestone, Magiglass Lens, Fossilized Sea Star, Oaken Staff, Persistent Primate
Finally some use for the back-straps on her Leather Armor with that Oaken Staff. Is it really okay for her to have such a copious amount of weapons, though? It's great that they all have negligible weight, at least.
She looks at the closest mirror available, to check how her new glasses fit. Not quite bad, she thought to herself. Has a nerdy feel to it. It made her smile for a second.
She strapped the... "Persistent Primate" on her left arm. Strange name for a shield.
For her next stop, she figured she'd visit Lucy once more before she fell back to sleep during this broad daylight, and so she went to the shrine. Just in time to see Laemmle from a distance, having exited from it.
Hm.
She went through the door, looking for Lucy.
"Burning it." Linea answered sharply before pushing the door leading to the bar. "You don't have to be sorry."""Welcome back! What'dya need, lass?"
Inside, she found two rather familiar figures sitting at the table in the middle of the room. Two humans, Sven and Barnes, she recognized their average appearance, and CSA coat of arms patched on their shoulder.
And as soon as she entered the room, they greeted her.
"There she is! Speak of the devil and fire devil herself doth appear." Said Barnes, grinning at Linea who seemed all eager to incinerate even her own colleagues at any moment.
But instead sending another operative back in a body bag, or.. urn, Linea yanked one of the chairs and sat there. "I am an inch closer to have your brain melted from inside, Barnes, but I don't think Anderson would appreciate that. Maybe I should rip off your rank insignia, have that metal thing warmed up before shoving it down to your throat to remind you a proper way to address a superior."
Both men smiled, awkwardly, and soon they realized that Linea was never one to jest. The other operative, Sven was the first to break the silence.
"Please don't mad at him. It is his habit to spew jokes all the time to lighten up the mood. We have no idea about your situation." he paused for a moment, then continued rather carefully. "I guess the investigation didn't go well?"
"You bet it is." Linea touched her forehead like in pain, but her current problem was not as simple as a mild headache. For a start, she smelled like a soaked hound after a hard hunt, her legs hurt, and she wanted coffee. An urge to quickly make herself more presentable keep weighing her mind, but the barkeep's henchmen were nowhere to be seen to deliver her water.
"Go get her some drink, you dimwit!" Sven pushed the other guy away before asking Linea. "A hot tea isn't it?
(https://i.postimg.cc/Wb0QVKbk/dixie-ponytail-glasses.png)Spoiler: Lucy (click to show/hide)
The ironclad slayer made jogged around the perimeter of Mystville scanning if there are greenskin activity while he was around, besides that, he is also testing if the gambeson he bought is compatible with his makeshift armor. After doing high interval intense training for a few minutes, he stopped at his usual spot surrounded by traps.
"This gambeson *pants* is really *pants* adding weight to my *pants* armor *pants* but I guess it will do *pants*"
The slayer sat down and rested there for a while, wondering if he improved and when will the WAARGGH will come to this village. Surely killing the mechanical goblin guarding the tower will send a strong message to the warboss. The slayer thought, all he has to do is wait till comes.
"I hate waiting!"
GSH is now lvl 2
Str: 3
Agi:3 + 1
Vit:1 + 2
Psy:0 + 1
Lck:3
Seeing the elf enter the building, Reeta decided to try to find a party member still outside. She found the armored man and walked toward him, but noticed a trap was activated, so stopped some distance away"Since quite a while now." The elderly man capped his flask. "May I help you?""I just finish my stuff in here. I m going to head now. See ya." Laemmle replied and smiled.
She exit the church and get some little stroll. In random chance, she go ahead on Ironclad Slayer.
Got caught again by pitfall trap.
"You're welcome. That is quite literally my job, dont think too much of it. Injuries are unavoidable, moreso once we venture deeper still."(https://i.postimg.cc/Wb0QVKbk/dixie-ponytail-glasses.png)Spoiler: Lucy (click to show/hide)
"Ah... Yeah, I had money to burn. Never know what I'll need until I need it."
She sat beside Lucy, putting her Oaken Staff and Mace to the side so they don't hinder her. She held at her knees, looking down at the ground.
"... It's been bugging me now that I realize I forgot to say it, and maybe you were paid to do it anyway, but thanks for bringing me back to..."
"It is coffee for the young miss." Edwarg broke in and Linea looked at him, Color rose in Linea’s cheeks for a moment, but she still kept her expression at minimum.
""Welcome back! What'dya need, lass?"
The portly barkeep greeted, fluttering from a table of patrons. He seemed jovial as always.
They stayed still for a few seconds, until she turned her gaze towards him."Heroes to our own stories." He returned the gaze. "Are we not?"
"What are we?"
Now sitting directly across the table, the awkwardness didn't end just yet so Edwarg used a brief moment to study the situation. Linea looked weary and tired, and knowing her behavior, it is no surprise that her mood was sour."Here ya go! Anythin' else?"
And Edwarg knew well that making a casual talk wouldn't improve the air around them, so he decided to go down to the business, and talk like an agent should be.
"How is the investigation going? Find anything on your end?"
"Feeling like this whole mission is a wild goose chase." she groaned then rested her chin against her palm. "I found the trace of assault on one of the rooms they occupied. The witnesses said the female agent was... dragged alive to the forest by a bipedal creature. The other two followed shortly, probably trying to rescue her. After that, it all went dark. No sign of any of them coming back. And as you know, it has been a month already."
"And the woods?" Edwarg asked quietly. "You just returned from there, haven't you?"
Burt then buys a switchblade, a flintlock pistol, and 32 rounds for it.
-3g: 8 Smoothbore Rounds, Mace
-25g: Firestone, Magiglass Lens, Fossilized Sea Star, Oaken Staff, Persistent Primate
Doctor Doak struggles in vain against the man, eventually giving up and being “guided” to the destination. The sooner he got this over with, the sooner he could get back to research.
“Uh... the... uh... the Librarian? Can I speak to them? About nature magic?”
"And the woods?" Edwarg asked quietly. "You just returned from there, haven't you?"
"Yes I was saying... mind if I take a look at the books you're carrying?"
Seeing the elf enter the building, Reeta decided to try to find a party member still outside. She found the armored man and walked toward him, but noticed a trap was activated, so stopped some distance awayGiving a hand by unfamiliar new female adventure. Laemmle take to get off the pitfall. The female paladin with etching full set of armor and a hairstyle of a noble get off the pitfall.
hello, sir. What did you intend to catch in your traps? One of them has activated, also hello, I am a new adventurer and I am hoping on traveling through the forest tomorrow to search for ingredients for the blacksmith. You have armor, will you accompany me once we see what fell in the trap? Reeta then goes towards the pit and looks down, to her surprise finding a human. are you alright? Humans aren’t usually targets for these She reaches down towards the one in the pit Let me help you up
The ironclad slayer who was resting woke up from the commotion and immediately jumps up and took a fighting position.Seeing the elf enter the building, Reeta decided to try to find a party member still outside. She found the armored man and walked toward him, but noticed a trap was activated, so stopped some distance awayGiving a hand by unfamiliar new female adventure. Laemmle take to get off the pitfall. The female paladin with etching full set of armor and a hairstyle of a noble get off the pitfall.
hello, sir. What did you intend to catch in your traps? One of them has activated, also hello, I am a new adventurer and I am hoping on traveling through the forest tomorrow to search for ingredients for the blacksmith. You have armor, will you accompany me once we see what fell in the trap? Reeta then goes towards the pit and looks down, to her surprise finding a human. are you alright? Humans aren’t usually targets for these She reaches down towards the one in the pit Let me help you up
"Thanks, I owe you one." She said to Reeta.
"You are new here?" She asked her.
Yes, I am new. My name's Reeta. Reeta then turns towards the armored oneSeeing the elf enter the building, Reeta decided to try to find a party member still outside. She found the armored man and walked toward him, but noticed a trap was activated, so stopped some distance awayGiving a hand by unfamiliar new female adventure. Laemmle take to get off the pitfall. The female paladin with etching full set of armor and a hairstyle of a noble get off the pitfall.
hello, sir. What did you intend to catch in your traps? One of them has activated, also hello, I am a new adventurer and I am hoping on traveling through the forest tomorrow to search for ingredients for the blacksmith. You have armor, will you accompany me once we see what fell in the trap? Reeta then goes towards the pit and looks down, to her surprise finding a human. are you alright? Humans aren’t usually targets for these She reaches down towards the one in the pit Let me help you up
"Thanks, I owe you one." She said to Reeta.
"You are new here?" She asked her.
"Probably for greenskins. This tincan is obsessed killing anything that color is green."What? You talking to someone girl?" The slayer squinted, taking a closer look to the thing beside Leammle. "Wait a minute, YOU CAN TALK TO GIANT PLANT THINGS!?"
I'm Laemmle by the way, Holy Knight from Saint Haven." She replied.
Reeta speaks to the armored one, the one Laemmie called Tincan, as she speaks, her voice gets higher pitched after each sentence. Mr Armor, what do you have against plants? I hear you hate things that are green? I mean you no harm. I can talk to humans because I spent time town to town listening to humans speak in a tavern, so I copied their speech. Don’t kill me, I need chlorophyll to photosynthesize!"Probably for greenskins. This tincan is obsessed killing anything that color is green."What? You talking to someone girl?" The slayer squinted, taking a closer look to the thing beside Leammle. "Wait a minute, YOU CAN TALK TO GIANT PLANT THINGS!?"
I'm Laemmle by the way, Holy Knight from Saint Haven." She replied.
“I work for the adventurer’s guild; we were looking into the corrupted beasts recently and came across a mage’s tower. He appeared to be looking into something he called “the Seed”, which seems a likely suspect for the corruption, as well as mention of a nature mage, so I took it upon myself to look a bit further into the subject. I found the books in the tower. As you can see, the series the mage had is incomplete, which limits what I can do, really.
I’d appreciate your insight, and hopefully the missing books too, if you have them available.”
(https://i.imgur.com/Y4AhiFQ.jpg)“I work for the adventurer’s guild; we were looking into the corrupted beasts recently and came across a mage’s tower. He appeared to be looking into something he called “the Seed”, which seems a likely suspect for the corruption, as well as mention of a nature mage, so I took it upon myself to look a bit further into the subject. I found the books in the tower. As you can see, the series the mage had is incomplete, which limits what I can do, really.
I’d appreciate your insight, and hopefully the missing books too, if you have them available.”
"Yup yup, Aven mentioned the adventurers he brought in. Well let's take a look here."
She opens the first set of books and flips through all three simultaneously.
"Basic stuff, you are missing a few volumes, and these are outdated editions."
Flo clambers over the shelves skillfully and disappears into the upper reaches of the library, then returns with a full set of Elementary Nature Magic.
"There we are. I don't think these will help you much. Certain tomes aid in directly dilating magical reserves, make the reader more receptive to magic. Your books are mostly theory though, for classroom use."
Doctor Doak gains Elementary Nature Magic Volumes I-VI (10th Edition).
"The Seed... it may or may not have to do with any of the myths associated with the Forest of... well I'm not sure if the Forest has a name. We're far from the capital and not all places have been charted and named yet. I've heard it referred to as "Unknown Forest" by travellers and outside visitors but I digress."
Flo pulls out a book at random from a nearby shelf and starts flipping through the pages.
"Seed, seed... it could be anything. A forest deity, or old wives' tales about human-snaring trees, or rare yield-boosting forest seeds, ground up into mulch by farmers and scattered over their fields. I could help narrow it down if you can share more clues, did you notice any landmarks while you were in the tower? Oh also..."
Flo adjusts her glasses.
"If you are trying to learn magic maybe I can help you out?"
Flo attempts to smile but it comes out more as a smirk.
"You can check out anything you like in here, no charges. But unlocking magic potential, improving existing talents, the required training and practice to sustain learnt magic feats, I can help out with all of those!"
Flo leans in close to Doctor Doak with a wicked grin going almost from ear to ear.
"What do you say? It'll only cost a modest amount, just enough for the library's upkeep."
"IT TALKS!? THE PLANT LADY TALKS!" the ironclad slayer exclaimed. He jumped over his trap and took a closer look.Reeta speaks to the armored one, the one Laemmie called Tincan, as she speaks, her voice gets higher pitched after each sentence. Mr Armor, what do you have against plants? I hear you hate things that are green? I mean you no harm. I can talk to humans because I spent time town to town listening to humans speak in a tavern, so I copied their speech. Don’t kill me, I need chlorophyll to photosynthesize!"Probably for greenskins. This tincan is obsessed killing anything that color is green."What? You talking to someone girl?" The slayer squinted, taking a closer look to the thing beside Leammle. "Wait a minute, YOU CAN TALK TO GIANT PLANT THINGS!?"
I'm Laemmle by the way, Holy Knight from Saint Haven." She replied.
"IT TALKS!? THE PLANT LADY TALKS!" the ironclad slayer exclaimed. He jumped over his trap and took a closer look.Reeta speaks to the armored one, the one Laemmie called Tincan, as she speaks, her voice gets higher pitched after each sentence. Mr Armor, what do you have against plants? I hear you hate things that are green? I mean you no harm. I can talk to humans because I spent time town to town listening to humans speak in a tavern, so I copied their speech. Don’t kill me, I need chlorophyll to photosynthesize!"Probably for greenskins. This tincan is obsessed killing anything that color is green."What? You talking to someone girl?" The slayer squinted, taking a closer look to the thing beside Leammle. "Wait a minute, YOU CAN TALK TO GIANT PLANT THINGS!?"
I'm Laemmle by the way, Holy Knight from Saint Haven." She replied.
"Too beautiful and majestic to be a greenskin."
He turned to Leammle. "Say, where do you find this peculiar thing--" the slayer touched its green and purple parts. "--she is green but not greenskin."
"Pancake lady, if you plan to get my attention by bamboozling me, it'll NEVER WORK!"
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/616613029185978368/671265312720814081/unknown.png)Reeta looks at him as he is getting buried. Oh, you don’t seem to have any leaves, can you send your roots to the dirt, or is the armor blocking them?
Laemmle kick Ironclad into the pitfall, picking the shovel and attempted to bury him alive.
“Not as such, no. The forest to the northeast, however, was... well, I suppose corrupted would be the best word. There was a large patch of it that looked discolored and rotten from a room high up in the tower. Quite were it was and how big I’m not too sure.”
Doctor Doak chuckles softly.
“I don’t think it’s possible that I could learn magic, I’m...” he ponders how to describe his situation, settling on vague, smiling to himself, “... foreign.”
The ironclad slayer manage to stop his fall by using gripping the pitfalls walls by spreading both his hands and legs. It might not look like it but the pit actually has spikes that can turn him into barbecue. Despite the heavy armor, he managed to stop the momentum of falling midway into the whole by his sheer lateral strength. Before, he can even recover and climb up, dirt started filling the hole.(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/616613029185978368/671265312720814081/unknown.png)Reeta looks at him as he is getting buried. Oh, you don’t seem to have any leaves, can you send your roots to the dirt, or is the armor blocking them?
Laemmle kick Ironclad into the pitfall, picking the shovel and attempted to bury him alive.
It took a while... all right, actually, a full hour for Linea to finished bathing and dressing. Now returned to her seat, her general appearance fitted more to a common civilian alike rather than a reconnaissance agent; she now wore a blue hooded tunic, beige-colored trousers, and sandals. Her silver hair was tied ponytail, which is unusual, but showed her facial features much clearer; her skin was pearl white, with a slender neck and delicately narrow jawline. Her eyes were sharp and alert, complementing her visage that seemed to wear a perpetual scowl.
Despite her casual getup, Linea still had her bow and quiver slung on her back. And also the long knife, which always by her side. The gaudy red robe was also dangling on her waist like an oversized skirt.
Edwarg himself had relocated their table to the corner of the room, with an extra lantern placed atop of it. The orc seemed to had been busying himself with an interesting book for quite a while now.
"Yo! Ed!"
kill you? Don’t you need to root into the ground until daytime?The ironclad slayer manage to stop his fall by using gripping the pitfalls walls by spreading both his hands and legs. It might not look like it but the pit actually has spikes that can turn him into barbecue. Despite the heavy armor, he managed to stop the momentum of falling midway into the whole by his sheer lateral strength. Before, he can even recover and climb up, dirt started filling the hole.(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/616613029185978368/671265312720814081/unknown.png)Reeta looks at him as he is getting buried. Oh, you don’t seem to have any leaves, can you send your roots to the dirt, or is the armor blocking them?
Laemmle kick Ironclad into the pitfall, picking the shovel and attempted to bury him alive.
"HHEEEY! Stop this nonesense right *mumbles*"
Goddamnit! If this continues, I might actually die from suffocation or worse suffocation and impailment the ironclad slayer thought.
The slayer gritted his teeth and made a last ditch effort to survive. He let go of his grip and drawn his greatsword, he thrusted it to the ground before he falls, cleaving the spike below him before he is turned to shish-kabob. He used his greatsword as a stepping platform and used his gladius as a grip to climb up the pitfall by stabbing its walls, before the hole gets filled he managed to climb out with all his weapons with him.
"Haha! You need to do more than just that to kill the Holocaust missy!" He teased, pointing at both the plant lady and pancake maiden.
Fungi are actually more closely related to you animals. They do not perform photosynthesis, they digest things by spewing out enzymes. They oftentimes grow on corpses. Us plants, we photosynthesize, creatingnsugars, while getting what we can’t make through our growing surfaces. While plants and fungi both have cell walls, theirs are made of chitin, like the creatures you call arthropods, my cell walls are made of cellulose, which, to my knowledge, can only be produced by plants. I am not a fungus,, nor am I threat. I came here to help with the village problem.The slayer's brain short circuits that a smoke can be visibly seen going out his helmet.
"I'm going to check Adventurer Guild first and talk to Aven for something then head to the inn later." Laemmle spoke to the two.Alright, good luck
Fungi are actually more closely related to you animals. They do not perform photosynthesis, they digest things by spewing out enzymes. They oftentimes grow on corpses. Us plants, we photosynthesize, creatingnsugars, while getting what we can’t make through our growing surfaces. While plants and fungi both have cell walls, theirs are made of chitin, like the creatures you call arthropods, my cell walls are made of cellulose, which, to my knowledge, can only be produced by plants. I am not a fungus,, nor am I threat. I came here to help with the village problem.The slayer's brain short circuits that a smoke can be visibly seen going out his helmet.
"What? All I heard is bla bla bla I am not a fungus bla bla not a threat. Bla bla not greenskin."
The slayer jumped across the now dirt filled pitfall. "If you are no greenskin then we can be friends." He took the plant girl's hands, "Let's go I will show you around Mystville and its eventual fall to greenskins because they have NO WALLS!"
He pulled the plant lady, "Come in pancake maiden, I want some pancakes, let's go to the inn!"
sure, I’m not sure I need to eat like you, but I suppose my mouth could serve as something like roots? Reeta follows Mr. Armor to the inn, while going there, she asks Mr. Armor, what is your name? Laemmie has called you Tincan? Is your name Tincan or something else?Mr. Armor? Tincan? What is your name?
"I'm going to check Adventurer Guild first and talk to Aven for something then head to the inn later." Laemmle spoke to the two.
that sounds more like a title than a name, Greenskin Slayer, let’s all head to Adventurer HQ together
Reeta follows Laemmie and Greenskin Slayer to the Adventurer HQ and knocks on the door
(https://i.imgur.com/JTYHiPJ.png)"I was wondering if there is Side Quest Board available, because it seems we are off for Expedition tomorrow right?" She asked.that sounds more like a title than a name, Greenskin Slayer, let’s all head to Adventurer HQ together
Reeta follows Laemmie and Greenskin Slayer to the Adventurer HQ and knocks on the door
Aven soon answers the door. "Oh hello Reeta, Laemmle, Greenskin Slayer. How can I help you all?"
"Now that I've obtained another gun, I'm gonna go see the wizard and get his opinion on this book I found in the tower."
Burt then goes to see the wizard he'd heard about being in the town and see what he thought about the Fruit book from the tower.
"I was wondering if there is Side Quest Board available, because it seems we are off for Expedition tomorrow right?" She asked.
"Do we have equipments for that?" Laemmle looked at Aven and asked.
"I guess we going to check tools for it from the store tomorrow before processing the quest. If we don't have find one. We will just be creative.Laemmie, I would love to join, thank you. She turns to Greenskin Slayer. Greenskin Slayer, I might be able to help remove the helmet, I could grow thicker stems to wedge it open if you have trouble, actually, the helmet might help with the protection, I can poke some small holes in the back of your helmet so you still receive oxygen while the front part of your helmet is covered together with roots or stem
Well then you are with me Reeta for tomorrow." Laemmle spoke to the two.
If Mr Tincan refuse to wear off his helmet for you. I guess we will not include him for our party." she continued, looking on Ironclad Slayer and saying it with teasing tone.
cool, I can try the thing you call eating"Good evening! What'dya have?"
Reeta walks with Laemmie to the inn
I’ll try some meatcool, I can try the thing you call eating"Good evening! What'dya have?"
Reeta walks with Laemmie to the inn
William the barkeep greeted, his hands cleaning some mugs.
"Don't touch my helmet!" The ironclad slayer exclaimed."I guess we going to check tools for it from the store tomorrow before processing the quest. If we don't have find one. We will just be creative.Laemmie, I would love to join, thank you. She turns to Greenskin Slayer. Greenskin Slayer, I might be able to help remove the helmet, I could grow thicker stems to wedge it open if you have trouble, actually, the helmet might help with the protection, I can poke some small holes in the back of your helmet so you still receive oxygen while the front part of your helmet is covered together with roots or stem
Well then you are with me Reeta for tomorrow." Laemmle spoke to the two.
If Mr Tincan refuse to wear off his helmet for you. I guess we will not include him for our party." she continued, looking on Ironclad Slayer and saying it with teasing tone.
"Of course! Plenty of space, these days - pick your spots!"That’ll be it for me, thanks. My name is Reeta, for future reference. Sorry for not introducing self earlier
There was some fluttering unexpected of someone his weight, but the barkeep somehow made his way over within a few seconds through the limited space without bumping into anyone.
"Right, meat for... er. Miss green here. We have some sausages, I reckon. Anything else?"
ok, we will just have to find something in the forest that will work then, ideally before combat. Can you tell me what the different types of “Greenskin” are? I doubt all fungi are green skins, which ones? Any that move?"Don't touch my helmet!" The ironclad slayer exclaimed."I guess we going to check tools for it from the store tomorrow before processing the quest. If we don't have find one. We will just be creative.Laemmie, I would love to join, thank you. She turns to Greenskin Slayer. Greenskin Slayer, I might be able to help remove the helmet, I could grow thicker stems to wedge it open if you have trouble, actually, the helmet might help with the protection, I can poke some small holes in the back of your helmet so you still receive oxygen while the front part of your helmet is covered together with roots or stem
Well then you are with me Reeta for tomorrow." Laemmle spoke to the two.
If Mr Tincan refuse to wear off his helmet for you. I guess we will not include him for our party." she continued, looking on Ironclad Slayer and saying it with teasing tone.
"By the way, you were asking if how can I help you earlier. You know, my only goal for now is killing greenskins, so, if you ever found one, just leave it to me."
"Mine is a complete meal, it's my treat on her tonight~" Laemmle said to bar keeper.We shall, wait, am I allowed to stand> I don’t want to flatten or break my flowers or stems
"Shall we?" she lead Reeta to the first two chairs table.
"Do you know anyone that knows how to do arcane analysis?"
Burt asked the wizard.
"Are you sure you will stand?yep, I can’t sit without damaging my stems and flowers. Why do you call Greenskin Slayer Tincan?
I guess Tincan will sit then." Laemmle said.
"He might be good fighter in close combat but his recklessness downward his level."Are you sure you will stand?yep, I can’t sit without damaging my stems and flowers. Why do you call Greenskin Slayer Tincan?
I guess Tincan will sit then." Laemmle said.
oh. I hope he learned from the mistakes She turns towards Greenskin Slayer, awaiting his reply"He might be good fighter in close combat but his recklessness downward his level."Are you sure you will stand?yep, I can’t sit without damaging my stems and flowers. Why do you call Greenskin Slayer Tincan?
I guess Tincan will sit then." Laemmle said.
He dived twice recklessly, leading the party off guard. By that day, this guy claimed his nickname as a Tincan." Laemmle explained.
Edwarg, who sat close to Linea was confused when he heard someone taunted him. He peered back to source and found the armored knight pointing his finger at him."Of all the days you try to raid, you came tonight, of all the village to ravage, you chose this one, you must be one very very unfortunate little orc," the slayer said tauntingly and menacingly, he draws his gladius and shield prepared to attack, "and on the other hand I am one veeeerryy lucky slayer."
"Just locals and their exotic hospitality," he grinned to Linea, who seemed troubled by the oncoming commotion. Edwarg waved at the armored knight, one arm lifting his beer mug.
"G'day sir!"
"C-could y'all perhaps take this outside maybe?"
The nervous barkeep was frozen nearby, a mug of coffee and two pitcher on a tray. Linea's drink.
Linea smacked her palm against her forehead. "Ed, I don't know if I should adore your positivity or stupidity. That's not a friendly gesture, nor a idle drunken chatter you numb head goody two shoes! He clearly wanted to kill you! You are the green skin he is blabbering about!"
As fellow party member with him. I apologize for the rudeness and disturbance." She said on Edward.
"How many years?"
"If we're lucky, he'll be executed or exiled tomorrow." Dixie commented as Jack and the town guards drag the Greenskins' Holocaust out of the inn.
She then exhaled, then turned to the innkeeper. "Something to eat, please. Anything for supper. Thanks."
Then, she sat on a table beside where Linea and Edwarg sat, and stared at the two for long. "How many years?"
Several minutes later, after assisting the town guard to further restrain and put the metal buffoon into a holding cell, and making the trip back (with a slight limp, as the fall and the scuffle had pulled some muscles) to the inn in the cold night air, Jack once more knocked politely on the door of the inn."Your... bear... was looming atop the stairs." William took a glance behind. "Is looming atop the stairs. That aside, no harms done! People do get rowdy at times. Please, come back in!"
The inn keeper did not look particularly pleased to see him.
Uhm.... Muh apologies sir. He said solemnly, making a plaintive bowing gesture. T'wasn't muh intention ta ever cause such a scene 'ere. He looked up at the still very put-off inn keeper. 'At rowdy fool'd a keeled that orc fella-- I... I's sorry I made such a scene-- But... I couldn'a let it happ'n, Ye know?
He looked very apologetic indeed; that single brown eye of his almost resembling that of a sad lost puppy.
Can I come back inside?
She notices the new person and greets them Hi, I’m Reeta, you weren’t here before, can you teleport?
Dixie chuckled. "I always ask that question whenever I see two people. You're the rare few that actually confirmed it. Nonetheless, six years is good."Hm, I must have gotten confused. Do you know anything about why Greenskin Slayer/Tincan thinks Snewden is a fungus? Clarification time: When me and Greenskin Slayer first met, he talked about greenskins and mentioned that they are fungi, and thought that fungi were plants, at which point I corrected and told him that no, fungi aren’t plants She looks towards Snewden are you an animal or a fungus? I’m not sure if always had that form or if you were like me and at one time was rooted to the ground?
She then got down from the table and sat on a chair like a normal person, except still slumping her head down the table with crossed arms, looking straight in front of her and away from the two. "I wonder if I... with him..."She notices the new person and greets them Hi, I’m Reeta, you weren’t here before, can you teleport?
Dixie leans up. "What do you mean? I've always been here."
I'm.. uh... Sorry that ..... "Individule".... tried ta attack ya.... that'un? Bigotted as all hell-- and dumber 'an most 'o 'em as is 'atta-way too-- Somehow we alls got STUCK with the stupid [expletive]. ----Makes us all look bad, and nearly got us offed-- TWIC'T!
He suppressed a scowl, while continuing to rub his face with one hand, and extending the other for a friendly hand-shake.
I'm Jack-- One-Eye'd Jack.--- And dis' 'ere's Mama-- Pleasure ta meet ya Mister----??
Dixie chuckled. "I always ask that question whenever I see two people. You're the rare few that actually confirmed it. Nonetheless, six years is good."
She then got down from the table and sat on a chair like a normal person, except still slumping her head down the table with crossed arms, looking straight in front of her and away from the two. "I wonder if I... with him..."
Linea felt stammered. Snewden you idiot!It took a while for Edwarg to fully understand the meaning of her question and why Linea being upset with him telling the years the have been together.
"Greenskins are what?" She looked at Edwarg and back to Reeta.Maybe I missed something, also why is he bent on killing them? Edwarg hasn’t caused any problems, and he still wants him dead? Maybe I should go talk to him and figure out why
"In what world are goblins and orcs fungi?" she asked with a genuinely perplexed look. "I think he's more delusional than I imagined."
Edwarg, do you want to come with me? He seemed frozen when dragged out, so probably won’t be able to attack, maybe we can convince him to stop assuming all orcs and goblins are evilDixie chuckled. "I always ask that question whenever I see two people. You're the rare few that actually confirmed it. Nonetheless, six years is good."
She then got down from the table and sat on a chair like a normal person, except still slumping her head down the table with crossed arms, looking straight in front of her and away from the two. "I wonder if I... with him..."Linea felt stammered. Snewden you idiot!It took a while for Edwarg to fully understand the meaning of her question any why Linea being upset with him telling the years the have been together.
He turned again at the mage girl, and then Linea. Both seemed to imply that he is now looked like a simple minded baboon easily being fooled by a double entendre question.
"I believe there is a quite misunderstanding here," he said, trying to keep his composure in check by curling an uneasy smile. "Linea and I are simply partners that happened to be working in a same... enterprise. I thought you were asking about how long have we been partnering in this line of business."
Jack shook the man's hand firmly.Reeta. Hi, Jack She tsps Jack’s outstretched hand. you are correct crowds are a new thing for me she turns to Snewden sorry for the question, I didn’t know it was rude she turns back to Jack Can you teach me how to interact with crowds? Before I found this village, I spent most of my time avoiding people due to most of them either being bandits or villagers trying to kill me, even though I never hurt anyone. Out of curiosity, have you seen anyone else like me? Other plants in human shape?
I Agree entirely. Words don' mean [expletive] ifn' ye don' act on em. Actions always speak louder an clearer.
Letting the man's hand go, he turned politely to the flowering plant woman. She was sure a curious thing, and right naive too. He'd never seen a human shaped plant before; Sure, he had read all kinds of myths and legends as a kid, but whoever or whatever she really was, he had no clue. Maybe a newly awakened forest spirit, reacting to the calamity? Perhaps some damn fool wizard was abusing his or her magic (again)? He could only speculate. He decided that if she wanted to share that, she would do it on her own. It was rude to ask directly.
Then she herself, asked such a dumfoundingly obtuse question-- and so innocently too!
I dunno why he would be goin off about mushrooms-- but-- An I mean dis wit' de most sincerest o' apologies an respect-- It ain't nice ta be askin people what dey is or isn't. I don' wanna make presumptions naow, but ye seems ta be a bit... Lackin... In terms a experience in ... aw hell--- In... In minglin with crowds-- Yeah-- 'ats it.. he said politely.
Ain't that big a crime, ifn' ye just didn' know-- Jus'.... Be more careful wit' such questions-- Come at em' more at the side--- or just let it come up on it's own.
Then he smile broadly at her, rubbed his hand on his shirt, then extended it toward her, much as he had done for Mr Snewden.
As I said ta Mr Snewden dere, Muh Name's Jack-- An' ye are, Miss?
Jack's cheeks colored.your skin is changing color, an new pigment, are you making lycopene? It’s night, I don’t think you need to worry about light damage, yet
I uh.... I prolly ain't the best one.... I mean... This 'eres the most people I been around in.... Dayum.... more an 20 years naow? My talkin's gotten right bad o'er the years.... I tends ta keep ta muhself too ya see-- Differen' reasons fer it, but... Usually people is tryin ta catch me an put me 'n a hole sommat. Don't take kindly ta fores' dwellers like muhself. Sadly, I only heard stories 'about anythin' like yerself Miss Reeta. Stories ain't always true. Sorry I cain't help ya much there. But i's allright-- Talk ta me privately, --about anythin- I'll do muh bes', --long as it's sincere an innocent.
Mama was bumping her face against his leg trying to get his attention. He looked down at her, and his cheeks got even more crimson.
Naow, it ain't like that! he blurted down to her. Question just took me by suprise is all!---- Course I know ye cain't understand muh growlin! I's is growlin NAOW?! Aww-- Shit....
thank you Reeta says to the barkeep
Reeta then takes a bite of the sausage, when her mouth is closed, roots grow inside her mouth, breaking up the sausage and distributing it throughout her body. She wordlessly continues eating the meat, thinking to herself that she should eat like this more often. After she is done with some sausage, she walk s over to Laemmie while holding her plate, Laemmie, remember when I guessed whether or not I could eat? I can! This tastes good, would you like some? She sees that Laemmie is eating seeds. She looks at the seeds, the. Back at Laemmie. how...how often do you eat plants?
I’m not considered food, right?thank you Reeta says to the barkeep
Reeta then takes a bite of the sausage, when her mouth is closed, roots grow inside her mouth, breaking up the sausage and distributing it throughout her body. She wordlessly continues eating the meat, thinking to herself that she should eat like this more often. After she is done with some sausage, she walk s over to Laemmie while holding her plate, Laemmie, remember when I guessed whether or not I could eat? I can! This tastes good, would you like some? She sees that Laemmie is eating seeds. She looks at the seeds, the. Back at Laemmie. how...how often do you eat plants?
"Well, you see. Humans need to eat edible plants beside meat.
On my homeland Saint Haven. My early life as church girl, mostly crop based from the backyard along with meat.
As an adopted noble girl, depends on the chef's made.
As a knight, the issued food were contained local vetables such as carrots, cabbage and onions along with roasted meat.
For now as adventuring, it was depend on the menu list." Laemmle replied.
He spoke, but it came out kinda groggy sounding, responding to the conversation between Reeta and Lae, and letting Mama listen in on it.there are some plants that grow on other plants, there are some that eat animals, it makes sense that there are animals a]that eat plants as well as animals that eat animals. I will not let myself get eaten
Which.. is .. worse? Anim..als.. Eating Plants. Or-- Animals.. Eating.. Animals?
Jack chuckled-- sounding a little drunk.good. Why are you slurred, you remind me of people at the taverns
Nob..ody.. think's yer food.. Reetie...
He chuckled again.oh? I thought this was an inn. I thought the tavern was a selerste building. Would it be possible for me to talk with Mama? Using you as translator? Laemmie, I am interested in coming with you tomorrow. I’m going to collect ingredients for Benuto, but I will still help with your objective as well
This.. IS a tav..tavn. Tavern... No-- I'm no' Drunk....Mama wanns ta know... what w'r sayin... I's.. ... HARD...
I’m not considered food, right?"For us yes.
oh? I thought this was an inn. I thought the tavern was a selerste building. Would it be possible for me to talk with Mama? Using you as translator? Laemmie, I am interested in coming with you tomorrow. I’m going to collect ingredients for Benuto, but I will still help with your objective as well
"For tonight, it's my treat." Laemmle replied on Reeta who was concern the payment of her food.thank you
Jack.. Sleep? Don't Know.... I ... some.. sleep. then ... He ... fight... Dumb.. fight.. Dumb.. reason.. I .. Mad .. Jack.. Not.. Want.. Jack.. Hurt.. He .. Jump..... Fight.. Not.. His.. Bad.. fight.. Mad.. At.. Jack. ... Jack .. Mine.. Stay. Me..... ...SafeHe tried making sure the armored person didn’t kill the orc since the orc isn’t a threat.
He didn't raise his head off the table, nor take his hands off his head. He just answered, slowly.. nursing his head.Did any of the plants found in the animals have flowers? If not, finding the source will probably help. Any idea on where the source would be? You mentioned withering, is there a section that is withered? If so, maybe we can check there. I didn’t think plants could cause so much damage
Somethin's inside em. All of em. All the critters. Some nasty plant thing, tearin em up from the inside. Makin' em die slow.. Terrible pain. More an words can express. ... Whole place'll wither up an' die, if it ain't stopped. Without the squirrl's, who'll plant the nuts? Without the rabbits, who'll eat up all the deer antlers and bones? Without the deer, who'll keep the brush in line? ... It's all of em' Reetie... All of em... ... All of em...
He continued to nurse his head, and groaned. He did not want to talk. The questions were hurting his head, but he knew he needed to answer, if he expected to get answers.do you know where the dead spot is from say, the village? Maybe we can head that way, get an idea of what’s left around the area
No flow'rs.. Nasty ball o' roots & leaves, and green goo, alls tangled up inside the'r heads. Drivin em mad-- Keepin' em from doin' what's naturl'.. they jus' run in here-- ta this village-- screamin and snarlin in pain-- Fightin-- Anythin-- Jus' a cause it hurts so much.--- And these poor fools just kills em. Murders em without a thought. Two whole packs a wolves-- Gone... Jus like 'at..
I could only save Mama.
Soft sobbing comes out from under the cradled arms over the old hobo's head, followed by sniffing.
'eres a spot deep in-- Seen it from that damn fool of a wizard's gaudy assed tower--- Mouldy, dead heart... Dead for miles. The critters aint all ats suffrin. I aint good enough to fight sommat like dis...
Unless ya can fix DEAD, I don know what ye'd expect ta fin' 'dere. NOTHIN can live where dere aint no food! An asides-- Ya's a plant yaself girl-- Ever think that what'er withered that place might wither yaself too? I thinks about whats inside all em poor critters, and wonders about muhself every damn day now. Found three poor barstards as was nothin lef' but bones and bits a brain, all grown o'er with narsty bark an thorns-- Driven plum mad too. Is at what's gonna happen ta ol' Jack? Will mama get 'nother o those damn things inner? We gotta stop this thing reetie, but I dont know how nor where.I don’t think a plant that grows in animals would cause a massive area of death, perhaps there are multiple things going on. You’re right. I don’t think I’d be able to enter the death area. Maybe the plants that grow in animals release something that poisons others? Are there any samples of the plants that are doing this? We could find an infected creature, take out the plant, then put the plant into a pot with other plants to see how they respond, whether the others wither, whether the plants we are dealing with can even last outside of a host. The place where we plant them for this would ideally be separate from other areas, the container preventing spread to the forest or village
Jack was tired. The girl's questions were relentless.Sorry for making you tired, get some rest. Reeta turns to Laemmie Jack said Lucy might know more about the plants. He also called Lucy an old goat. Is Lucy a talking goat? If not, what is he and why did Jack call him a goat? Also where can I find him/
Go ask that ol' goat Lucy. He's the one as pried that thing outta Mama fer me-- Maybe 'es still got the durned thing. Hell if I knows. Muh head hurts... Jus' wanna go lay down...
"I know I was in here a few minutes ago but I forgot to see if you were interested in these metal bits I found in the tower."
Burt then tried to sell the iron blade and iron rod to the blacksmith.
Snewden entered a building that appeared to be the detention facility of Mystville Village and asked the guard about the slayer they had taken custody."Oh, the adventurer from yesterday? Sure, he's inside."
"Where is the armored gentleman by the by? Is he okay?"
Snewden entered a building that appeared to be the detention facility of Mystville Village and asked the guard about the slayer they had taken custody.The greenskin slayer showed up in his back looking tired and dirty, he is heaving, as if he had just done a hundred mile marathon.
"Where is the armored gentleman by the by? Is he okay?"
Doctor Doak sighs and places his hand on the fancy large circle. The sooner this was over the sooner he could get back to doing something useful.
"Easy now." Edwarg approached the man then flipped him before turning to the guard. "Good sir, do you have any place for him to lay down?""Rend and tear..." The slayer's weak hands held the Edwarg's neck, but he has no strength left to choke him, let alone, clench it. "All greenskins must die..." He fell unconscious.
"Damn, they roughed you up quite badly." he seized the man's arm and tried to support him so he can stand. "Stop squirming, will you? I want to help."
Doctor Doak sighs and places his hand on the fancy large circle. The sooner this was over the sooner he could get back to doing something useful.
Reeta follows Jack until he leaves the inn, then makes her way to the Adventuring Company HQ and knocks on the door
I was talking with the other adventurers, and one of them mentioned that an old goat named Lucy knows about the plants that are growing in animals. How would a human know that a goat knows about things? Though that particular one seems to be able to talk to a bear, so maybe he can talk to the goat?
thank you for clarifying, and for the directions. I’ve never had reason to call anything something they are not. I guess that’s a thing people do. What does Lucy look like?
(https://i.imgur.com/JTYHiPJ.png)thanks again. I’m off to the shrine. Bye for nowthank you for clarifying, and for the directions. I’ve never had reason to call anything something they are not. I guess that’s a thing people do. What does Lucy look like?
"He's about a middle-aged man with medium-length silvery white hair, and a prominent neck beard and, err, goatee. And his eyes are a peculiar shade of red."
Linea was munching her morning sandwich when she saw Edwarg entering the bar with a less pleasant face. And... something in his back, wait... it was not a cape, it was GSH (she began to accustomed to calling him that) and he was completely thrashed."Is rope really necessary? Surely he's not in any condition to move like that."
"Heavens, Edwarg! Never thought you would really feel offended and beat him to a pulp."
The orc smiled, then answered gently. "It wasn't my doing, this gentleman exhausted himself by trying to dig through the detention room, all when screaming kill greenskin and all. I surprised the guards didn't know that."
"And yet you still trying to help him. That's very noble of you." she said sarcastically.
Without expecting Edwarg to reply, Linea looked at the bartender, who seemed not too happy with Edwarg bringing the troublemaker back to his establishment.
"You might want to ask your men to bring some ropes. You know, just in case. Anyway, can I have the coffee some more?"
thanks again. I’m off to the shrine. Bye for now(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/361157460360167446/674221070533918720/Lucy_1.png)
Reeta goes to the shrine and looks for Lucy
"Oh hey, good morning."
Dixie greeted Linea as she appeared. Hair's slightly wet, black clothes somehow slightly darker, wearing her leather armor and all the tools and baubles attached to it.
She then glanced at Edwarg and the metallic filth he brought inside. "What happened to him? Did he swim with pigs?"
"2g sounds good to me, and if your running out of metal I'll be sure to grab any I find when we go back out, now I've got to go to the apothecarist before I forget."(Gonna post this sense it got buried.)
Burt exchanged the metal for the money, then went to the apothecarist to see what they thought of the fruit book.
Doctor Doak sighs quietly, glad the ordeal is over.
“If you give me as many books on nature magic as you think would help me understand it, sure, I’ll tell all my friends about you and your library.”
Crossing the town square, he noticed that a sign was out front on a previously closed building. "Magic Shoppe" huh...
His interest was piqued, he had a few minutes. He nuzzled and stroked mama a bit, then opened the door and went inside.
"2g sounds good to me, and if your running out of metal I'll be sure to grab any I find when we go back out, now I've got to go to the apothecarist before I forget."
Burt exchanged the metal for the money, then went to the apothecarist to see what they thought of the fruit book.
"Wait its missing pages, damn I thought I found all of them do you have any idea of how many are missing?"
Burt asks the question.
Jack cracked a smirk, then hauled the broken brass contraption he had ripped from the tower floor out of his bag.
Allrighty-- Mebby ya can have a looksie at dis crazay thang--- he said as he laid the broken device on the counter.
Got some missin' parts, but t'e udders like it 'bout mowed us all daown in some damned darkened room-- (batshit crazy assed place; fallin down and tryin' te kill us lef' an right...) Shot big o' purple death beams and such at us. Could be a fun trinket ta have 'round--- Or, is just purdy scrap, yer call....
Ya really does magical apt'tude testin' 'ere? I gots work still needs a doin', but I gots a few moments-- How long does it take?
Jack grinned wryly at the absurdly dressed gentleman, as he took the "trigger device" back.
Oh-- Ya mean mama? Mama's 'er own thang-- but right purdy. She won't hurt nobody, 'slong as they don' go messin' round wid' 'er, thinkin' she' a dog or sommat. She think' all the peoples 'round 'ere is crazy, and dont really wan' none 'o it. Cain't say I blame er-- Poor thang caint go back in da woods, what wid' em all full a critters as just assume eat ya face as say 'ello and all.
Jack's expression made a flash towards tender concern, worry, and doubt, before being forced back into being cheerful and bright again.
Bu' 'ats why we're 'ere, ain't it? Gotta make ev'r'thang better-- en mebbe poor place can starts ta heal... His face slipped back into solemn worry and doubt again, this time not really getting pushed back. ...Afore ev'r'thang innit dies anyway...... So-- Assessments! Ya says it only takes a minit?
"Never mind, let's bring him outside."The helmet is too tight to be removed manually, the helmet probably rusted and locked the poor slayer's head that it may(or may not be) be the reason why he is so angry everytime. Edwarg pulled out a lubricant ang applied it to the helmet's hinges and base. Slowly, he forced to remove the helmet by pulling it.
Like some wolf pelt, Edwarg carried the armored slayer and brought him to the bar and laid him on a long wooden bench, which would suffice for now. . He is unconscious, which is less concerning than his breath which sounded shallow and muffled.
The helmet has to go, so he remove it.
(https://i.imgur.com/JTYHiPJ.png)Doctor Doak sighs quietly, glad the ordeal is over.
“If you give me as many books on nature magic as you think would help me understand it, sure, I’ll tell all my friends about you and your library.”
Doctor Doak gains updated editions of all nature magic books he was carrying. The originals are shelved away and can be retrieved again if desired.
"Never mind, let's bring him outside."The helmet is too tight to be removed manually, the helmet probably rusted and locked the poor slayer's head that it may(or may not be) be the reason why he is so angry everytime. Edwarg pulled out a lubricant ang applied it to the helmet's hinges and base. Slowly, he forced to remove the helmet by pulling it.
Like some wolf pelt, Edwarg carried the armored slayer and brought him to the bar and laid him on a long wooden bench, which would suffice for now. . He is unconscious, which is less concerning than his breath which sounded shallow and muffled.
The helmet has to go, so he remove it.
His first pull revealed the slayer's hair underneath, the second pull, revealed his jaws and the long hair that has been hiding underneath, and finally the third pull removed his helmet.
The slayer's rugged and dirty hair covered his face, it seems like it has grownout inside the helm and never been washed for years, and its smell, its scent is horrid, that only savage orcs can ignore it. Talking about savage greenskins, this scent smells like 'em, smells like rotten meat and blood.
"He's usually holed up in his lab at the guild building. Busy man. If he's unavailable, the magic shop could probably help too."thank you Lucy Reeta then leaves the shrine and goes to the guild building and asks Xanios? I’m Reeta, a new Adventurer and I have some questions about the parasitic plants
thank you Lucy Reeta then leaves the shrine and goes to the guild building and asks Xanios? I’m Reeta, a new Adventurer and I have some questions about the parasitic plants
Linea halted and turned back to Edwarg. "I don't have time for this. Why don't we just wake him up? It's not like he is turned into a corpse... well he is indeed smelled like a corpse."The ironclad slayer instinctively, and swiftly rose, took whatever he can grab hold off and attempts to bash the head of whoever is nearby then falls asleep again a few seconds later.
That being said, the elf marched toward the counter and seized the bucket filled with water the barkeep use to clean his mug. Without Edwarg could stop her, the angry Linea splashed the entire bucket to GSH's face.
"Wake up!"
Last night, the adventurers mentioned an area of dead plants a distance from a tower they explored. Do the plants growing within animals cause damage to surrounding plants if they grow outside of a host> if you don’t know yet, we can possibly put some normal plants in a pot and extract the parasitic plant from an animal, then out the plant into the pot with the others to see whether it causes tho others to die. Putting them in a pot will prevent the spread of withering from going to the rest of the village, since the pot will contain it. The idea is to figure out whether they have something to do with the withering, or if the withered area is caused by something else. If you or someone else has samples extracted from animals already, we could use those ones
"Wake up!"
Frost crept from Dixie's foot, freezing the filthy water to stop it from spreading. She then reaches at the bag on her back, pulling out a mask made of leather, with an inlet where she could place a small rose-scented soap in it.
A muffled gasp, and a few deep breaths later, and Dixie asked, "His sense of smell and taste must both be completely obliterated by this point... Actually, how is he even still alive?"
Adjourn to his room (assuming he has one) at the inn, read the books and take copious notes.
What would mama want with magic? She' more intrested in just doin' normal bear type things ya know? said jack, with his cheeks starting to color involuntarily. Ya know-- Find a good boy bear, eat lots a food, then go den up fer 'te winter and such... Jack's face was practically beet red at the end of that last sentence.
Naow-- I'mma go see about 'at dere assessement!
And with that, the red-faced gentleman absconded into the next room, Mama trailing behind him with a very confused look on her face.
Jack felt he needed a small moment to let his face cool off, and decided a nice quick chat with Mama would do nicely.
She was extremely curious about why jack had been embarrassed by the man, so jack let on about how he had mentioned offering to help mama with anything magical she might want, and how he had handled it. Mama was curious to know why Jack thought she might want a nice handsome bear, when she already had one with her right there.
So much for getting the cheeks to cool down.
Jack changed the subject-- He felt that if they were going to deal with all these trials and problems together, they should get tested together too. In the off chance that she had any magical potential as well, he would help her in any way he possibly could to help her develop it too. She thought he was extremely silly, thinking she could do any of the fireball tossing, body dissecting, purple energy bolting, and other absurd stuff the 2 legged things had been up to-- but if it would help him feel more at ease, she'd get tested too.
That made him smile. Timidly, he approached the desk, and politely cleared his throat at the "librarian." He was a bit at a loss for words, after seeing her from the waist down as he approached the desk enough to look over it--- Curiosity about how such a woman could exist flashed through his mind, but he was entirely too polite to ask.
Pardon me Ma'am-- he said politely, trying to gain her attention. Sign out front says ya does magical aptitude testin'? --... Me and Mama's here to see if we gots any chance at it. Wit' what's workin' out dere, we needs all the edge we can git.
"I'll- I'll help, gosh. How bad is it?"
The innkeeper nervously stepped closer, trying his best to avoid the frozen puddle. His portly frame hid surprising strength, probably borne out of manual labor neccessary to live this far out of civilization.
"Perhaps we should just carry him to mister Lucy? If it's as bad as it smells?"
(https://i.imgur.com/JTYHiPJ.png)thank you for your time. I hope some other adventurers are ready. Bye for now. The experiments I perform, I will tell you the results. Reeta then goes to the inn and gets inside. Upon getting inside, she notices GS on a table without his helmet and unconscious, as well as a smell that reminded her of something decaying. She also saw Snewden and the innkeeper pick up GS. what happened here?Last night, the adventurers mentioned an area of dead plants a distance from a tower they explored. Do the plants growing within animals cause damage to surrounding plants if they grow outside of a host> if you don’t know yet, we can possibly put some normal plants in a pot and extract the parasitic plant from an animal, then out the plant into the pot with the others to see whether it causes tho others to die. Putting them in a pot will prevent the spread of withering from going to the rest of the village, since the pot will contain it. The idea is to figure out whether they have something to do with the withering, or if the withered area is caused by something else. If you or someone else has samples extracted from animals already, we could use those ones
"I've done some experiments with the plants myself, they seem to exhibit a form of parasitism specific to animal cerebral tissue. I've not witnessed any withering of nearby plants or anything of the sort in my experiments, so this "area of dead plants" may be a separate issue. I suspect it may all be connected to something deeper in the forest causing all this."
"Conduct your own experiments if you wish, but take extreme caution, and be sure to dispose of the plants when you are done. Unfortunately we don't have any fresh specimens at the moment, though I doubt that will be the case for long."
Jack chuckled; It never ceased to amuse him how so many people completely misunderstood animals. Then again, he normally wouldn't invite a bear inside anyway-- The didnt tend to grasp the nuances of staying inside a permanent structure like this.
He looked at Mama with the smirk still on his face.
Paw Goes. (on the circle.)
I go?(First?)
She snuffed at him in consternation. She felt this was silly. He retorted that was all the more reason for her to go first. She fired back that it was his idea to stop here in the first place.
Don't you want? (To be able to do neat things too?)
(What things?) --she fired back.
Jack let her know that nature magic experts could do all kinds of things with living plants, like make them grow and bear fruit in seconds, among other things. She took an interest, but expressed that if he could pick that up better, it would be one of the reasons she would keep him around for.
Jack twisted his wry smirk to one side and raised his eyebrow at her.
Just Do It. (We should try *together*!)
She huffed, waddled up to the desk, stood up on two legs (and nearly scared the chitin off the librarian), then plopped a paw right on the circle.
Good girl Mama! Let's see ifn' ye got it in ya! Jack wheezed, before rubbing her on her back, and causing her to look over her shoulder at him.
The librarian looked very startled indeed.
Reeta then goes to the inn and gets inside. Upon getting inside, she notices GS on a table without his helmet and unconscious, as well as a smell that reminded her of something decaying. She also saw Snewden and the innkeeper pick up GS. what happened here?
why do you need your sword right now, we all are allies here, right? You need not have attacked Snewden, as he is an ally too.The slayer looked at Reeta wearily, "I felt the powers of the twin gods..." He said.
Oh uh... I'm Jack! One-eyed Jack! Sure-- I'll give it ago! Let me jus' tell mama the news firs'.
(you)Have a little(not a whole lot, but some.)
Maybe?(you can learn some small things?)
I try now.
Mama radiated confusion and bewilderment at the notion-- but a fair amount of amused interest. She nudged Jack to try.
Okay then! said jack, as he put his own hand on the circle, and gave Flo a nod. Let's see what we got 'ere mis Flo.
"Well crap, I not going back to where I got this thing as that place was a death trap, and its not like I could get back inside sense the iron idiot killed the doorman, anyway thanks for the info I guess I'm gonna ask the librarian if she has a copy of the book I could copy the missing pages from."
With that Burt goes to the library which also turns out to be a magic store, with hopes to talk to the librarian.
I’m not a Greenskin, I’m just say8ng that just because Snewden happens to be an orc doesn’t mean he is evilGreen light eminates again from the slayer's body, this time it seems to have reinvigorated the slayer a bit. He rose slowly, but faster than before, this time, but this he no longer's need support. His eyes are no longer sunken, and his lips no longer dry. It is like something magically healed him all of the sudden.
Reeta holds Greenskin Slayer up so that he is standing, and continues holding him until he lets go you see, to have trouble standing. I can help you stand for as long as needed. Also, were those glowing green creatures the twin gods you talked about?
Jack raises an eyebrow at the obscene cost for a simple assessment, then remembers what her so called brother next door had to say. His cheeks colored a bit, worried that Mama might pick up some on the conversation, or worse, some other signs might give it away should it actually work... For a moment, he contemplates which fate would be worse-- mama getting jealous with him for flirting, or being sent to debtors prison for a debt he cant pay.
After what seemed like an agonizing pause, he decides that mama was the better option.
What's a purdy thing like ye doin' chargin' prices like that? he asked wryly. Surely, ye could own t'is town, jus' wit' all the fine craftsmanship I see's 'ere--
He smiled and gave her a wink.
--Is only matched by the purdy face as makes it--
”I haven’t heard of the twins, I saw a green light and you were healed, can you tell me what you know of the twins?”I’m not a Greenskin, I’m just say8ng that just because Snewden happens to be an orc doesn’t mean he is evilGreen light eminates again from the slayer's body, this time it seems to have reinvigorated the slayer a bit. He rose slowly, but faster than before, this time, but this he no longer's need support. His eyes are no longer sunken, and his lips no longer dry. It is like something magically healed him all of the sudden.
Reeta holds Greenskin Slayer up so that he is standing, and continues holding him until he lets go you see, to have trouble standing. I can help you stand for as long as needed. Also, were those glowing green creatures the twin gods you talked about?
"Twin gods?" He asked. "You know about the legend?" He added.
The slayer's eyes searched for Edwarg, who is apparently surprised in his instant recovery. The slayer smiled at him, with both loneliness and joy in his eyes, and with that, the tension around him vanished.
"Can you fetch me my sword? I really need a haircut right now." He said, looking at the greenskin medic.
"Oh, we're just about to head out. I think the armored guy need medical attention?"
He gestured at the newly awakened tincan, confused as heck.
He turned back to the inn keeper- Is it the moron as smells like 'AT? He CAINT haf festerin' sores 'at quick cann'e??!
"Do you need me to just drop this somewhere? Maybe an incinerator to get rid of all the germs?"
Before meeting Reeta.(there is no board, remember? Ask around)
Laemmle proceed on Adventurer Guild, looking for available Side Quests on the board today.
Doctor Doak finds his thoughts wandering back to his apparent affinity for magic. The spider woman at the library was probably just winding him up; she did say she charged a significant amount of money for her "consulting" services. He knows this isn't the time he does his best work, and needs to wind down a little bit before he can get back to it. He's been reading and writing for hours in a not particularly well-lit room. He rubs his eyes, letting out a short sigh. He wanted to get this done, but he wanted to do the best he could. Nothing less would do.
Going outside for some fresh air would do him good. A short walk should get the blood pumping. He chuckles softly to himself, thinking he could probably practice some of the magic he's read about so far.
Go outside. Find a plant. Do magic to it.
Pardon me sir-- muttered Jack, addressing the inn keeper, as he slipped in through the door."Oh! Thanks, much appreciated. Where do we start? It's... frozen."
Mama watched from the door, looking curiously at the inn keeper, who looked more disturbed by the attention by the second.
What t'e hell--- Did ya lot try an' bathe 'at idjiot INDOORS-- IN T'He DININ' HALL!? What, were ya all born in a barn or some'at!? ---- AN' YA FROZE IT TA T'E [expletive deleted] FLOOR!? WHAT T'E HELL!? -- An' they says **I'M** dirty!! crooned the old bastard's voice from through the door.
Jack returned moments later, and tapped the inn keeper on his shoulder from behind through the doorway.
I'ma gonna clean 'at dere mess up-- Kids ese days-- leavin' their [expletive deleted] jus' lyin' 'round on da floor where people eats! Ain't no good no more I tells ya.... Gonna need a mop, a broom, an' some buckets-- Can ya fix a man up?
After having a brief walk, Edwarg managed to reach the 'shrine' bartender mentioned. Although, judging by the architecture, he wasn't so sure what kind of divine or religion they worship here, he entered anyway.The shrine was a thoroughly simple building that it's easy to mistaken for a slightly larger house at a glance. On the inside, it's a single large room with a subtle partition near the end. Most of it are taken by rows of wooden seats, a simple altar stood near the end. There's a bunch of different symbols and whatnot on it, seems that the villagers were quite diverse in their belief.
Pardon me sir-- muttered Jack, addressing the inn keeper, as he slipped in through the door."Oh! Thanks, much appreciated. Where do we start? It's... frozen."
Mama watched from the door, looking curiously at the inn keeper, who looked more disturbed by the attention by the second.
What t'e hell--- Did ya lot try an' bathe 'at idjiot INDOORS-- IN T'He DININ' HALL!? What, were ya all born in a barn or some'at!? ---- AN' YA FROZE IT TA T'E [expletive deleted] FLOOR!? WHAT T'E HELL!? -- An' they says **I'M** dirty!! crooned the old bastard's voice from through the door.
Jack returned moments later, and tapped the inn keeper on his shoulder from behind through the doorway.
I'ma gonna clean 'at dere mess up-- Kids ese days-- leavin' their [expletive deleted] jus' lyin' 'round on da floor where people eats! Ain't no good no more I tells ya.... Gonna need a mop, a broom, an' some buckets-- Can ya fix a man up?
He quickly returned with two pairs of cleaning tools.
"Ahem. Greetings, I hope I am not disturbing your prayer." Edwarg greeted, stopping next to the back row of the seating, waiting for the priest to approach."I'm not the priest, so no worries."
"I'm not the priest, so no worries."
The man lightly shut the book he's reading, rising up and dusted his lap. He looks genial, at a glance.
"How may I help you?"
Dixie crouches near the helmet that's seemingly converted into a furnace.
"That's so cool..." she commented. She then glanced at Linea. "I can't tell how it smells right now. How're you feeling?"
Lucy wordlessly approached, his calm visage cracking slightly at the slayer's current state. He grabbed a pair of gloves out of nowhere and snugly put them on, before starting to poke around."I'm not the priest, so no worries."
The man lightly shut the book he's reading, rising up and dusted his lap. He looks genial, at a glance.
"How may I help you?"
"First, may I put him here?" said Edwarg, beckoning on nearby long bench, (or any elevated, flat surface for that matter)
"You might have noticed the smell, so I hope you don't mind me bringing him here. This gentleman had some mild fever and lethargy, and a severe issue with body hygiene." he cleared his throat before continuing rather reluctantly.
"Look, I am a medic man myself but I think healing magic would be much more of a help here rather than the conventional method. Purify him or whatever so he can sober up."
Lucy wordlessly approached, his calm visage cracking slightly at the slayer's current state. He grabbed a pair of gloves out of nowhere and snugly put them on, before starting to poke around.
"Peculiar. How are you even moving past few days? That's several years worth of growth."
He placed his bag on the side, never visibly carrying it the previous second, and turned to Edwarg.
"I'll have to sedate him and cleanse everything, unless you have other ideas?"
"Not quite sure what a magical assessment is but its not why I'm here, I'm here because of this fruit book I found in the tower, apparently its missing some pages and its slightly magical and I was told you might be able to tell me something about it."
Burt then shows the librarian the fruit book.
“What the f-” he stands up suddenly.
The woman must have done something, there’s no way he could do magic. Unless the physical property of the world itself changes everything in it, but that doesn’t make sense and he couldn’t test it, having no way to leave yet.
He storms back to the library, testing theory number one.
“What did you do to me? I did magic! I can’t be doing magic, I’m not from here!”
Laemmle proceed to ask around the for Side Quests, politely. Stacking any available.
He trudged to the bath-house, along with a few of his glass jars, washed them thoroughly, then filled them to the top and carried them back. He stuffed one of them with wood chips after shaking them around in his bag a fair bit, saturating them with water--
Then he bit his lower lip, felt like the biggest fool on the planet, and went through the directed routine. Either this would work, and something perhaps edible would grow out of the top of the jar, or he would have to hawk one of the gems at the inn-- But he was gonna sure as hell try the free option first.
Taking a deep breath, he did his best.
“What the f-” he stands up suddenly.
The woman must have done something, there’s no way he could do magic. Unless the physical property of the world itself changes everything in it, but that doesn’t make sense and he couldn’t test it, having no way to leave yet.
He storms back to the library, testing theory number one.
“What did you do to me? I did magic! I can’t be doing magic, I’m not from here!”
Flo blinks confusedly at Doctor Doak.
"I didn't do anything to you, I only checked your mana reserves, which is something you had in abundance before coming here."
She crosses her arms.
"Magical ability isn't something I can just create within people at my whim, you know. Well, not for free, anyway..."
The orc sighed."Very well, make sure I'm not interrupted for the next hour or so."
"I ain't his guardian, and that ain't my expertise. So good sir, I'll leave that to your judgment."
Reeta tries to be as quiet as possible when walking towards Lucy and Snewden. ”Lucy, that was amazing, how you took apart and put together a living creature without killing it. How long have you been practicing magic?”"A lot longer than any sane person would ever attempt." He vaguely replied, chuckling all the way as he stored his tools. Left behind was two petri dishes, one filled with scar tissues piling high and the other full of pus. All taken out of the slayer.
Back to Linea, the grumpy CSA agent was busy carrying a bucket of water while the other two agents, Barnes and Sven were enslaved to scrub the floor clean."Much appreciated, lassie. Just, try not to make a mess next time?"
Yes, she knew the old Jack had attempted to clean the floor with whatever method he could utilize, but the smell, although faint and quite disturbing only if you stand right on it, was still there, she doesn't like it, and she was not some boar messing up someone's house without being irresponsible about it.
"There goes my tomorrow laundry." she grumbled, opening a metal tube containing perfumed detergent powder and pour it to the first bucket. It was issued by CSA, important but not obliged equipment for any field agents, Linea always brought extra scoop and put it on a rum bottle. A clean and fragrant uniform could often be the only luxury she had when assigned in the middle of nowhere. And she hates missing it out.
"Are you done?" she asked irritatingly before drenching the floor with a portion of detergent water and mop it. Simmered vinegar really did the job combating the lingering odor while detergent did the rest by removing the stain on the floor.
And that was that. Linea finished the job by applying heat on the planks, evaporating the remained water and making sure no smell or stain remained.
"There you go." Linea slumped on one of the chairs and speak to the bartender. "Could you bring my coffee, please?"
wait, al, of that was from the human?she asked while looking at the scar tissue and pus. that’s a lot of damaged stuff, I wonder if the armor he wears prevented fresh air from getting to him. How long will he stay unconscious for?Reeta tries to be as quiet as possible when walking towards Lucy and Snewden. ”Lucy, that was amazing, how you took apart and put together a living creature without killing it. How long have you been practicing magic?”"A lot longer than any sane person would ever attempt." He vaguely replied, chuckling all the way as he stored his tools. Left behind was two petri dishes, one filled with scar tissues piling high and the other full of pus. All taken out of the slayer.
wait, al, of that was from the human?she asked while looking at the scar tissue and pus. that’s a lot of damaged stuff, I wonder if the armor he wears prevented fresh air from getting to him. How long will he stay unconscious for?"He should wake up momentarily, once his body flush out the magical daze. Any time now."
"Much appreciated, lassie. Just, try not to make a mess next time?"
He placed three sets of coffee on the table, before collecting the mops and whatnot.
"He should wake up momentarily, once his body flush out the magical daze. Any time now."
He gave the slayer a poke on the ribcage. With a silver needle.
Reeta starts gathering his armor and placing it next to him so he knows where it is when he wakes upwait, al, of that was from the human?she asked while looking at the scar tissue and pus. that’s a lot of damaged stuff, I wonder if the armor he wears prevented fresh air from getting to him. How long will he stay unconscious for?"He should wake up momentarily, once his body flush out the magical daze. Any time now."
He gave the slayer a poke on the ribcage. With a silver needle.
Green aura starts envelop the slayer again then moments after it vanished, the slayer woke up.Reeta starts gathering his armor and placing it next to him so he knows where it is when he wakes upwait, al, of that was from the human?she asked while looking at the scar tissue and pus. that’s a lot of damaged stuff, I wonder if the armor he wears prevented fresh air from getting to him. How long will he stay unconscious for?"He should wake up momentarily, once his body flush out the magical daze. Any time now."
He gave the slayer a poke on the ribcage. With a silver needle.
the healing? Yes. Here is your armor Reeta says while holding out the helmet and pointing at the various other pieces of armor. Do you want to hear about what Lucy did while you were unconscious? It is very interesting how he healed you.Green aura starts envelop the slayer again then moments after it vanished, the slayer woke up.Reeta starts gathering his armor and placing it next to him so he knows where it is when he wakes upwait, al, of that was from the human?she asked while looking at the scar tissue and pus. that’s a lot of damaged stuff, I wonder if the armor he wears prevented fresh air from getting to him. How long will he stay unconscious for?"He should wake up momentarily, once his body flush out the magical daze. Any time now."
He gave the slayer a poke on the ribcage. With a silver needle.
"Is it all over?" The slayer asked to whoever is near him
"So you have any idea of where the missing pages might be or where I could get replacements?"
"So what's the magical assessment you offered when I first got in here?"
Jack munched on his remaining portion, and resolved to keep up his efforts. He was gonna have mushrooms out of that jar today even if it knocked him out trying.
Laemmle ask the owner of the lost cat how is it looks like.
Then searching for the lost cat, focusing on alleys and roofs of village's house.
He backs out the door, looking at Flo until he is out, then hurries back to his room to resume his studies.
If nothing else, he'd learn where his newfound skills could take him.
I’m a female. Do you need help with your armor?"Ohhh, I thought you would have both genders. Interesting." The slayer was getting annoyed as to why he can't piece together his armor and so the plant lady offered help. "Nah, I think its pretty rusty already, I might need to replace this. I guess I should just be contented in wearing this gambeson." The slayer replied. "But you know, I do think you can help me, I have a job for you, but it blows." He added.
what kind of job do you have that requires wind? I will do the best I can but I can’t control wind"It's just figure of speech, I don't literally mean that you should blow away something, it means 'jt sucks" The slayer explained. "So what I trying to say is this particular thing sucks. Are you still willing to help?"
yes, tell me what the job is, saying it blows and it sucks isn;t giving me much in the way of what needs to be done...does the job require sucking something? Like does it require forcing something g through a tube?what kind of job do you have that requires wind? I will do the best I can but I can’t control wind"It's just figure of speech, I don't literally mean that you should blow away something, it means 'jt sucks" The slayer explained. "So what I trying to say is this particular thing sucks. Are you still willing to help?"
"No silly, I just want you to buy me a switchblade from the local forge, the slayer hands hands 3 gold to Reeta, "and a health potion from the alchemy shop," hands 1 gold to Reeta, "An inconvenience isn't it?" He added.yes, tell me what the job is, saying it blows and it sucks isn;t giving me much in the way of what needs to be done...does the job require sucking something? Like does it require forcing something g through a tube?what kind of job do you have that requires wind? I will do the best I can but I can’t control wind"It's just figure of speech, I don't literally mean that you should blow away something, it means 'jt sucks" The slayer explained. "So what I trying to say is this particular thing sucks. Are you still willing to help?"
"So there lost in the woods, well damn it sounds like they're going to be a pain in the ass to find."
Burt then listens to then listens to the spiel about the magic test.
"yeah I'll do the wizard test and see if I can magic, also when you say nominal fee how much would that be?"
He backs out the door, looking at Flo until he is out, then hurries back to his room to resume his studies.
If nothing else, he'd learn where his newfound skills could take him.
Doctor Doak continues his studies, reading Volume 3, which had to do with drawing on mana wells directly from plant sources.
He also skims over the books, getting an idea of what each one covers:
(i) deals with properties of plants which can be used to both amplify and limit the magical potential of magic practitioners
(ii) influencing the growth, fertility and yield of plants through magical means
(iii) drawing on mana wells directly from plant sources
(iv) shaping and manipulating different plant parts to do your bidding, focus on basics every nature mage should know like entangling roots, advancing fruit development, moving branches/leafs to create cover etc
(v) advanced study, specializing in one family of plants for maximum potency, cites example of wizards who specialized in ferns, vines, orchids, evergreen trees, Phallaceae mushrooms etc
(vi) limitations of nature magic, and dangers associated with it and the potential corruption it can cause.
The sooner this is done, the sooner we can explore the forest Reeta says as she goes to the forge to buy a switchblade. Hi. I would like to purchase a switchblade for a fellow adventurer. I was hoping we’d go to the forest yesterday but the others wanted to wait. Hopefully we’ll go there soon. she says as she hands the 3 gold over"No silly, I just want you to buy me a switchblade from the local forge, the slayer hands hands 3 gold to Reeta, "and a health potion from the alchemy shop," hands 1 gold to Reeta, "An inconvenience isn't it?" He added.yes, tell me what the job is, saying it blows and it sucks isn;t giving me much in the way of what needs to be done...does the job require sucking something? Like does it require forcing something g through a tube?what kind of job do you have that requires wind? I will do the best I can but I can’t control wind"It's just figure of speech, I don't literally mean that you should blow away something, it means 'jt sucks" The slayer explained. "So what I trying to say is this particular thing sucks. Are you still willing to help?"
Doctor Doak continues his studies, reading Volume 3, which had to do with drawing on mana wells directly from plant sources.
He also skims over the books, getting an idea of what each one covers:
(i) deals with properties of plants which can be used to both amplify and limit the magical potential of magic practitioners
(ii) influencing the growth, fertility and yield of plants through magical means
(iii) drawing on mana wells directly from plant sources
(iv) shaping and manipulating different plant parts to do your bidding, focus on basics every nature mage should know like entangling roots, advancing fruit development, moving branches/leafs to create cover etc
(v) advanced study, specializing in one family of plants for maximum potency, cites example of wizards who specialized in ferns, vines, orchids, evergreen trees, Phallaceae mushrooms etc
(vi) limitations of nature magic, and dangers associated with it and the potential corruption it can cause.
((Does section vi go some way toward explaining what’s happening with the corruption we saw from the tower?
What about the corrupted forest creatures?))
Forgetting that she said to follow Linea to the inn, Dixie looked around for people needing help.
Laemmle put the clues on safe. Finding fresh tracks like smell odor and carefully observe some cat footprints, she proceed on deeper investigation. Her weapon is on ready just in case.
The sooner this is done, the sooner we can explore the forest Reeta says as she goes to the forge to buy a switchblade. Hi. I would like to purchase a switchblade for a fellow adventurer. I was hoping we’d go to the forest yesterday but the others wanted to wait. Hopefully we’ll go there soon. she says as she hands the 3 gold over
(https://i.imgur.com/Y4AhiFQ.jpg)Doctor Doak continues his studies, reading Volume 3, which had to do with drawing on mana wells directly from plant sources.
He also skims over the books, getting an idea of what each one covers:
(i) deals with properties of plants which can be used to both amplify and limit the magical potential of magic practitioners
(ii) influencing the growth, fertility and yield of plants through magical means
(iii) drawing on mana wells directly from plant sources
(iv) shaping and manipulating different plant parts to do your bidding, focus on basics every nature mage should know like entangling roots, advancing fruit development, moving branches/leafs to create cover etc
(v) advanced study, specializing in one family of plants for maximum potency, cites example of wizards who specialized in ferns, vines, orchids, evergreen trees, Phallaceae mushrooms etc
(vi) limitations of nature magic, and dangers associated with it and the potential corruption it can cause.
((Does section vi go some way toward explaining what’s happening with the corruption we saw from the tower?
What about the corrupted forest creatures?))
((Volume Six deals with disastrous application of nature magic. Plants growing too big and disturbing ecology of that environment, plants becoming aggressive, plants dying, trying to force certain unnatural processes like fruiting in winters for summer fruiting plants, that kind of stuff. And how to restrict and undo damage by such actions if they have already occurred.
Lastly, it deals with long lasting damage by particularly negligent or malicious acts of nature magic. These can leave scars in an area for generations or more. However, due to the nature of nature magic, no harm is irreversible or permanent and can be fixed, given enough time. In this case though (up to the information gleaned by village personnel and adventurers) the "corruption" is getting stronger, and is not affecting just plant life but animal as well. There is more than one branch of magic at work here, or is the result of a particularly strong magic practitioner or magical artifact.
This uncertainty is part of the reason the adventurers have been called to investigate, it's safe to say that an instructional book is unable to provide beyond rudimentary details about the corruption in the forest, the likes of which local denizens are unable to deal with.))
Hi, Zara. Maybe after the expedition you or your dad could teach me how to build things, and I could teach you and your sisters fighting skills to ward off the monsters. I’m going to the apocathary soon to get a potion for the one who asked for the switchblade. He had his armor on for so long and went so long without healing that he had various wounds which according to Lucy he should have died from...thinking about it now, maybe he’s some sort of undead creature who thinks he’s human. Each time he heals, there’s a green light. He calls them the Twin Gods. Have you ever heard of any Twin Gods?
(https://i.imgur.com/JTYHiPJ.png)Good that you’re able to fight. I will try to teach your sisters at some point. I’m heading to the alchemy shop for a health potion. After delivering the switchblade and health potion to the person they are for, I will head to the apocethsrist to try learning about the twins. Good luck on fixing the weapon. Hopefully we’ll head out soon to get more materials. Bye Zara, bye Ben Reeta then leaves the blacksmith and heads for the alchemy shop. hi. My name’s Reeta. I’m here to get a health potion for one of the party members. Reeta then gives the person working there 1 gold for the potion, hoping the slayer gave enoughHi, Zara. Maybe after the expedition you or your dad could teach me how to build things, and I could teach you and your sisters fighting skills to ward off the monsters. I’m going to the apocathary soon to get a potion for the one who asked for the switchblade. He had his armor on for so long and went so long without healing that he had various wounds which according to Lucy he should have died from...thinking about it now, maybe he’s some sort of undead creature who thinks he’s human. Each time he heals, there’s a green light. He calls them the Twin Gods. Have you ever heard of any Twin Gods?
"Sure, petals." Zara gives Reeta a playful smile. "I can fight alright, but there's always room to improve. My sisters are chumps though. You can try to teach 'em, if you can get 'em to focus on learning, instead of whining about how hard it is."
Benuto ponders Reeta's question for a moment. "Twin Gods, y'say? ...No, can't say I've heard of 'em. I'm not so much the worshipin' type these days. Priest'd probly know more than me about the local deities. Apothecarist is his wife, so she might know a lil somethin' too. Although if yer companion ain't from around here, these gods might not be common knowledge to us village folk."
"Don't rub it in!" Linea's golden eyes glared at the poor bartender as if she wanted to run her knife through his throat. But instead of murdering the person who currently, the only one capable of serving her a coffee, she diverted her anger toward the two CSA agents, who, fortunately, understand the whole situation by refraining themselves from cracking any idle remarks.
"You two, sit down!"
"I just remembered we have guard duty. Good heavens! Just look at the time!" said Barnes, trying to drag Sven out but stopped at the moment Linea pulled her knife out and placed it next to her coffee mug like a damned steak knife.
"Agent Barnes, you will have plenty of time with your assignment once we are done with this... evaluation. And I would say again; please sit down before your coffees turn cold."
Cold sweat ran across Barnes's forehead as they sat on the designated chairs. It was always a nasty business when Linea said the word evaluation. It was, of course, an arbitrary assessment, but still within the authority of a field officer like her.
"Gentlemen. As you already aware, we are we missed one day of a mission that supposed to be accomplished as soon as possible."
"We barely arrived at this vicinity yesterday, miss Linea," said Sven.
And Barnes chimed in. "Yeah! We can't possibbly-"
"I know Snewden has assigned infiltration duty the moment you arrived here yesterday. What I want now is, both of you to also report to me of any intel you gathered. Is that clear? Now before we wait for Snewden to coming back to us, let's hear what you have so far."
"This guild, what about their paperwork? Are they registered in the capital? You said something about their member being cycled out, do they have representatives in other cities? If so, where? How many members did they stationed here prior to six months ago?"From what I've got, the guild did sent some people to investigate the anomaly but they had to turn back due to the intense wildlife assault. Xanios also hired some mercenary, a few month ago, but their performance was severely lacking. The current adventurers are the next batch of helping hand, since the irregulars are 'possibly more suited for forest trawl than soldiers', I quote." Barnes added about the guild's circumstances. "Their paperwork looks legit, but confirming it would be a hassle. It's hard to get information out from here."
Linea sighed under her breath. There were not many leads here and it is frustrating.
"You said this Xenios person is unhappy with the state of the forest. But what we have so far implied that he did nothing to support this investigation, prior and post CSA's intervention."
The agent said nothing about that conclusion, so Linea continued.
"Barnes, what about the basic rules of investigation when finding multiple victims?"
The agent looked confused for a moment before answering confidently.
"The pattern?"
"Exactly. Based on your report, there were two villagers went missing. While the number is iffy at best, but let's leave that for now and find the pattern we needed. Their name, age, the time they were abducted, the location, the witnesses. Then we need to find out what they have in common. I assume you already have that information, no?"
Linea's piercing gaze focused on the agent on the right side of the table.
Linea
"That's... sadistic... but sure. Sure. It might take days, though."Spoiler: Creepy girl (click to show/hide)
"They just stopped coming home on a different day? You mean they, consciously went to the forest due to some circumstances and then not coming back. Or, did they suddenly went to the forest or dragged there out of their own will?""Ma'am, they're kids. They went around the village all day, running around playing and doing children things. That's what make triangulating the timing difficult, really. Everyone felt like they've seen them 'just a while ago' on the day of disappearance. Could be anything." Sven shook his head, feeling a little helpless. "There's no sign of attack anywhere in the village, at least. Could be a good sign."
Jack tarried by the door, listening to the supposed "report." Nothing he did not already know about, aside perhaps from the missing kids.
He led mama upstairs to Doak's room, and rapped politely on the door.
"They just stopped coming home on a different day? You mean they, consciously went to the forest due to some circumstances and then not coming back. Or, did they suddenly went to the forest or dragged there out of their own will?""Ma'am, they're kids. They went around the village all day, running around playing and doing children things. That's what make triangulating the timing difficult, really. Everyone felt like they've seen them 'just a while ago' on the day of disappearance. Could be anything." Sven shook his head, feeling a little helpless. "There's no sign of attack anywhere in the village, at least. Could be a good sign."
((I should read things properly before asking questions, ahaha.))
"So I can do magic but not advanced magic, do you have any idea of what kinds of magic I can do, and I don't know about artifacts but I have some random magic crap, I've got a skull emblem, a chess piece that does something, a bottle with lighting in it, a ancient loaf of bread, and this rod thing with spikes that rotate if you magic at it."
"I don't have 100 dollars, I've only got twenty."
(https://i.imgur.com/JTYHiPJ.png)Good that you’re able to fight. I will try to teach your sisters at some point. I’m heading to the alchemy shop for a health potion. After delivering the switchblade and health potion to the person they are for, I will head to the apocethsrist to try learning about the twins. Good luck on fixing the weapon. Hopefully we’ll head out soon to get more materials. Bye Zara, bye Ben Reeta then leaves the blacksmith and heads for the alchemy shop. hi. My name’s Reeta. I’m here to get a health potion for one of the party members. Reeta then gives the person working there 1 gold for the potion, hoping the slayer gave enoughHi, Zara. Maybe after the expedition you or your dad could teach me how to build things, and I could teach you and your sisters fighting skills to ward off the monsters. I’m going to the apocathary soon to get a potion for the one who asked for the switchblade. He had his armor on for so long and went so long without healing that he had various wounds which according to Lucy he should have died from...thinking about it now, maybe he’s some sort of undead creature who thinks he’s human. Each time he heals, there’s a green light. He calls them the Twin Gods. Have you ever heard of any Twin Gods?
"Sure, petals." Zara gives Reeta a playful smile. "I can fight alright, but there's always room to improve. My sisters are chumps though. You can try to teach 'em, if you can get 'em to focus on learning, instead of whining about how hard it is."
Benuto ponders Reeta's question for a moment. "Twin Gods, y'say? ...No, can't say I've heard of 'em. I'm not so much the worshipin' type these days. Priest'd probly know more than me about the local deities. Apothecarist is his wife, so she might know a lil somethin' too. Although if yer companion ain't from around here, these gods might not be common knowledge to us village folk."
Doctor Doak stands up and stretches, the tendons in his neck and back popping happily.
It's one thing understanding the theory behind something, another thing entirely being able to apply it practically.
Doctor Doak goes outside and finds some plants from which to practice drawing mana wells.
Laemmle came back to the quest giver. Explaining a bad news to him and giving him the tracked left items from his lost cat.
"That's... sadistic... but sure. Sure. It might take days, though."Spoiler: Creepy girl (click to show/hide)
Thank you Reeta says as she heads back to the shrine. GS, I got your items. she says as she gives him the switchblade and health potion. Now can we go out into the forest like we said we were going to do?The slayer finally finished gearing up, completely disregarding his old armor.
Doctor Doak returns to his room, expecting to return to his studies when he clocks the note left by Jack.
He reads it, nodding to himself. He opens the third book to the necessary section and re-reads it, making sure he remembers it correctly.
He returns outside. Heading to the apothecary, he requests some jars to grow some mushrooms, showing off the half mushroom that Jack gave him and promising to bring more in case the apothecarist asks for payment.
On his way back to his room, he gathers some materials to aid in growing the mushrooms, and places the half-mushroom in a jar with that.
Once he reaches his room, use nature magic to grow some mushrooms, before studying book 4 in preparation for more practice later.
Jack attempts to combine lessons in books 1,2, 3, and 4 to create a small area around his shack that will naturally concentrate native mana levels into a low-level aura centered on the tree his house is leaning on. Uses "plant-growth" and "root manipulation" (as best he is able to do at this time) to help get the plants established. If he runs out of "steam", he will use mundane methods to help re-establish the plants after transplant, such as watering them in and giving them mulch.
Thank you Reeta says as she heads back to the shrine. GS, I got your items. she says as she gives him the switchblade and health potion. Now can we go out into the forest like we said we were going to do?The slayer finally finished gearing up, completely disregarding his old armor.
"I said that?" The ironclad slayer said as he wore his helmet, his voice changed when saying the word that when he finally fit in the helmet in his head.
"Okay then, if you insist."
GSH follows Reeta to the forest.
If we are going for ingredients for the blacksmith, maybe we can head North. What do you think? Do you have a preference on which direction we take?"Anywhere with a greenskin to kill is a good direction..." The slayer said, "Hmmm you have any idea where we can find one? Except for the doctor of course, I would save him for last as gratitude for his help."
Not sure exactly, since the forest is north, let’s go north, since northwest, north and northeast all involve north Go NorthIf we are going for ingredients for the blacksmith, maybe we can head North. What do you think? Do you have a preference on which direction we take?"Anywhere with a greenskin to kill is a good direction..." The slayer said, "Hmmm you have any idea where we can find one? Except for the doctor of course, I would save him for last as gratitude for his help."
Shoot one of the pixies with my short bow, aiming through the gaps of the cage"I was thinking about hacking the cage or digging down to escape but your plan seems less sure seems less tedious," the slayer murmured. Suddenly, a fireball appeared out of nowhere which coming in generally in their direction, without any further thought, the ironclad slayer covered the plant lady who is probably too vulnerable against fire based attacks.
Reeta whispers to GS, hoping the pixies don;t hear, ”I have a flute that can make them not know who their allies and enemies are. Right now I will try shoot them with a short bow, but I will tell you to plug your ears at some point so you don’t get affected by the flute if my short bow doesn’t hurt them”
((should we wait for actions to be processed by DMs before continuing? I think actions need to be processed))Shoot one of the pixies with my short bow, aiming through the gaps of the cage"I was thinking about hacking the cage or digging down to escape but your plan seems less sure seems less tedious," the slayer murmured. Suddenly, a fireball appeared out of nowhere which coming in generally in their direction, without any further thought, the ironclad slayer covered the plant lady who is probably too vulnerable against fire based attacks.
Reeta whispers to GS, hoping the pixies don;t hear, ”I have a flute that can make them not know who their allies and enemies are. Right now I will try shoot them with a short bow, but I will tell you to plug your ears at some point so you don’t get affected by the flute if my short bow doesn’t hurt them”
Some rummaging in the nearby bushes. Then a masked girl with eyeglasses, leather armor and black overalls emerges. Right off the bat, she shoots out a wide deluge of fiery tidal waves towards the pixies that attempt to ensnare Reeta Dollup and the Greenskins' Holocaust.
Shoot one of the pixies with my short bow, aiming through the gaps of the cage
Reeta whispers to GSH, Cover your nose. I will make them forgetThe fireballs fortunately didn't hit him, neither did the plant lady, looking at the reaction of the pixies, the fireball probably came from another party. He squinted eyes to see who shot the barrage, and found a familiar looking silhouette.
Reeta uses Amnesiac Aroma
Reeta says out loud to GSH ”thank you for protecting me, you look like you got very hurt. Take this”
Reeta gives GSH the health potion
"So I can learn any kind of magic that's neat, so can I learn all the different types and become a super wizard or is that something you can't do? Also as neat as lighting magic sounds I'd like to see my options before I pick something."
Burt then pays the 5g.
Despite getting wounded, one could tell that she was smiling maniacally behind that mask, as hellfire rapidly spurted out of Dixie's hand holding the Oaken Staff to eliminate Pixie 1, while rapidly icing wind blasted towards Pixie 2, attempting to subdue it instead.
Reeta whispers to GSH, Cover your nose. I will make them forget
Reeta uses Amnesiac Aroma
Reeta says out loud to GSH ”thank you for protecting me, you look like you got very hurt. Take this”
Reeta gives GSH the health potion
GSH attacks the bars of the cage to destroy it, if they break free, he immediately jumps to combat to assist Dixie
A short, nondescript boy walks up to One Eye'd Jack, holding out a letter in both hands with his arms outstretched.
Reeta moves from J10 to K11
(Did I read the map right? She moves 1 hex SE
Reeta shoots Pixie 3 with her short bow
Reeta Defends
Dixie reaches into her bag to fetch out a long towel, leather strips and dress hooks, proceeding to wrap the stunned pixie tightly into it like a baby burrito. If it wakes up, bonk it with the Oaken Staff to keep it stunned.
She glances at the visibly cleaner, nameless chunk of armour. "Go, I got this."
She then ties the leather strips around the towel to secure it around the neck and ankles, then fastens them and the towel with dress hooks on both the top and bottom, bending them tight with her leather-gloved thumb.
The slayer nods and turned towards the other able Pixie, with a sword this huge, the slayer wonders if he could even hit the Pixie if it weren't that distracted. GSH throws his greatsword, which is aimed at the Pixie. Whether he hits it or not, it doesn't matter, for that attack is mainly just for distraction, he then ran towards the Pixie with blurring speed, anticipating what the little creature would do. He unsheathed a secondary hidden weapon from his waist; the switchblade he just freshly brought; and slashed horizontally on where the Pixie seem to move after.
GSH uses his greatsword as projectile weapon and shot at it at Pixie #4. GSH switched weapons, now using switch blade as his main. GSH attacks Pixie #4
As Reeta returns to GSH, she notices a new person. thank you for helping us. My name’s Reeta. What’s yours?"Sure, help yourself"
ThenReeta talks to GSH. the blacksmith needs ingredients. Do you think bones will work as crafting materials? Can I see the switchblade? I can use it to help get the bones out of the pixie corpse”
Laemmle proceed on the next Side Quest. She ask the quest giver how is the child look like and where is the last scene of him as he known.
Burt spends a few minutes looking over the different types of magic books before stopping on gunmagic and mechmagic, the names alone peaked his interest quite a bit.
"Can you tell me about gunmagic and mechmagic, because both of those sound interesting to me, here's hoping gunmagic makes guns more powerful."
A short, nondescript boy walks up to One Eye'd Jack, holding out a letter in both hands with his arms outstretched.
Jack looks up dreamily from his spot under the big pine tree, and eyes the boy curiously, before accepting the note.
The text was written in very pretty, and clearly very girly (as all the dots on Is, and all the periods were replaced with insufferably cute heart shapes, amidst other very obvious clues) hand writing.
------------------
Mr Jack,
I have recently discovered some new findings concerning the test results of your bear friend earlier today. I would very much like for you to come see me again today so that we may discuss the matter further.
I hope you are having a pleasant stay in our little village, and find the books you borrowed to be in order.
---Flo
-------------------
He sighed, then thanked the boy politely. Mama had wandered a bit deeper into the underbrush, and was still giving him the cold shoulder after not getting any delicious food from the prior visit to the inn. Dragging her all over the damn place all the time was really not good for her anyway. He figured she would be fine for a short trip away at least.
A'right boy-- Let's go see 'er 'en-- he gruffed, before dusting off his trousers, and following the boy back to the library.
Rather than knock, since he was clearly expected, he simply entered through the magic shop, walked past the desk, and entered the adjoining library without announcing or calling on the rather clownish and garishly dressed gentleman.
He walked up quietly to the circulation desk of the library, and rang the bell.
A'right, I'm here-- Wha's 'is about test results?
Laemmle proceed on the next Side Quest. She ask the quest giver how is the child look like and where is the last scene of him as he known.
Dixie heals the burrito pixie, worrying that the creepy girl might not accept damaged goods. Then, of course she healed herself, for the cuts were irritating. She healed the Greenskins' Holocaust too, because she just guessed he would be unavoidably damaged.
Hugging the wrapped pixie, she stood and called for one of her necklaces to teleport her back to the village.
She then began looking for a sign of the creepy lime-haired girl or her bodyguard.
The slayer hands his switchblade to Reeta
Reeta uses the switchblade to take out the bones from the pixie csrcssses and scrapes off the muscles and ligaments the best she can, then stores the pixie bones
Ah see- said Jack, accepting the note.
So's Ah should bring Mama 'ere?
He looked over the note more closely, seemingly fine until his eyebrow suddenly raised.
Ya mean ta' tell me, Ya'll can get Mama ta walk on two feet, wear clothes, an' have finger's an' thumbs? he asked incredulously.
'At aughta be a laugh!
Anyhoo... Uh.. I'll run 'is past Mama-- See what SHE wanna do. Ina meantime...
Jack looks over the books the librarian had arrayed on the desk for the deer headed man, when the book on druidic magic caught his eye.
Ah was'a gonna ask 'bout any books on t'e local wil'life-- see ifn' ere's anythang here as I donts know about a'ready-- but 'at 'dere looks int'restin'. Might' be entertainin'! So many folks' got such peculiar notions 'bout how critters thinks an' feels. Ascribe all sortsa mumbo-jumbo to em. Really, alls ya gots ta do is ask em. Ashame it's so hard ta do, took me years ta learn how. Ah think I'll borrow one a dese-- An ifn'ya still gots somethin less... Magical.. on the local critters, ayd like a looksie.
Laemmle borrow a piece of paper and a writing/lining instrument. She asks again the quest giver for the child's appearance.she already got the appearance, right? Why not sketch what she knew? Why ask again?
Laemmle borrow a piece of paper and a writing/lining instrument. She asks again the quest giver for the child's appearance.
"I know how guns work I could use that book to become a GUN WIZARD, I need that book so I can learn how to gun wizard."
He then takes the book and stands there for a minute looking at it, before looking back at the other book he'd asked about.
"To bad I suck a building things because I'd take the mech one to if I could make stuff."
As he goes back to looking at the pile he sees the summoning book and he thinks of something.
"Is there a limit to what you can summon with that summoning magic stuff, or can you summon whatever you want like dragons, strippers, and I don't know a box of rocks or something?"
"Ah, yea, I have this fella here." Dixie holds the wrapped pixie by the towel on the back of its head with one hand and hovers it closer to the green-haired girl. "It's asleep right now. Will this suffice?"
thank you, one more thing, we need to figure out whether they have the plants Jack’s been talking about
Reeta looks inside the freshly deboned pixie to try and find the parasitic plant Jack and Xanios talked about.
Take the brain with the plants and go over to the second pixie corpse and debone it
”Slayer, do you wanna explore more or head back?”"Well, since we are already here? Why not explore more?" The slayer said. "I can use the excercise after being operated and confined." He added.
”Alright, let’s head Northeast next. I heard the tower was northwest, so I’m wondering what we’ll find northeast. Here’s your switchblade back”The slayer took his switchblade and sheathed it back to its scabbard, and silently follows the plant girl NE.
Reeta gives GSH his switchblade and goes NE
"I suppose I'll take this one." Dixie picks up the Ring of the Mimic, takes off her left-hand leather glove and puts it on her ring finger. She wasn't sure about the possibilities of this item yet, but she's sure it'd be handy to have. She wears back her leather glove.Spoiler: Creepy girl (click to show/hide)
Laemmle memorized the features of the missing child and began drawing. After some time, it have a neat result.
She then roam to town and ask the townfolks with the drawing.
Laemmle memorized the features of the missing child and began drawing. After some time, it have a neat result.
She then roam to town and ask the townfolks with the drawing.
”Alright, let’s head Northeast next. I heard the tower was northwest, so I’m wondering what we’ll find northeast. Here’s your switchblade back”
Reeta gives GSH his switchblade and goes NE
The slayer took his switchblade and sheathed it back to its scabbard, and silently follows the plant girl NE.
GSH follows Reeta
Mama was still grazing, and gave him an indignant sniff. Maybe he had made a mistake leaving without her? She was acting awfully moody lately.
Jack stowed the new books on the shelf at the far back end of his shack, then got back to work. He figured that this recent situation with mama needed to be smoothed over sooner than later, even though he was very tired from doing this magical practice work all day. He had a few windfall limbs left over from the house construction he did that morning, and he set to work hacking them up into 1 meter long sections, then bundling them together with cordage. When he was done, he hoisted the cut limbs up over a shoulder, and carried them to the bath house, so he could soak them in water.
The sun was getting pretty low in the sky, and starting to cast languid shadows all over everything before he was satisfied with how much water they had absorbed, then huffing a bit while carrying them back, before setting them down at the base of the tree. Calmly but with purpose, he began making deep cuts into the saturated wood with the hatchet, then shoving mycelial impregnated woodchips from the previous jar experiment into them, along the lengths of the wooden limbs tied up in the bundle.
Satisfied with the work, he heaved a deep breath, sat the hatchet down, then leaned against the tree. He felt he might try killing two birds with one stone, metaphorically speaking; He placed one hand on the trunk of the big tree, and the other on the tied up bundle of innoculated limbs, and attempted to draw, then direct, a trickle of energy from the tree, and into the limbs to encourage the mushroom to colonize, and fruit.
He really was hoping for enough to feed him and mama a nice dinner tonight.
"I suppose I'll take this one." Dixie picks up the Ring of the Mimic, takes off her left-hand leather glove and puts it on her ring finger. She wasn't sure about the possibilities of this item yet, but she's sure it'd be handy to have. She wears back her leather glove.Spoiler: Creepy girl (click to show/hide)
"Thanks. What will you do with that creature?"
”if you don’t have a preference, it looks like we can just go across the river here”
Reeta tries walking across the river
Jack frowned. While it had technically worked, it was more work than it needed to be, and he really just needed lots of mushrooms, so he could go barter them before the shops all closed.
He bit his lower lip, and just went at it, supplying all the needed energy himself.
”Slayer, something caught me in the river!”The slayer treads lightly into the shallow waters and moved towards the plant lady in distress.
Shoot an arrow into the water, hopefully hitting whatever it is that’s keeping me here
Reeta tries to grab hold of the Slayer’s sword to help pull herself out”Slayer, something caught me in the river!”The slayer treads lightly into the shallow waters and moved towards the plant lady in distress.
Shoot an arrow into the water, hopefully hitting whatever it is that’s keeping me here
"I hope I won't cut your roots." The slayer revealed his greatsword and striked downward to the whirlpool that is forming underneath Reeta.
GSH moves towards Reeta, GSH attacks whatever sucking Reeta
"Try to grab hold!" The slayer yelled, trying to get his message across to the panicking plant lady amidst the noisy shallow river.
Jack blinked, then boggled at what had just happened."Whoa! I'll be damned mate, that's the biggest shroom I've ever seen!" The innkeeper gawked at the spectacle, rubbing his eyes once to make sure. "Probably enough to feed your bear, eh?"
Giddy, (and light headed), he picked an entire basket full of the unusually large edibles, snatches up his knapsack, then half-stumbled to the inn. The innkeeper was his first potential customer this evening.
”Slayer, something caught me in the river!”
Shoot an arrow into the water, hopefully hitting whatever it is that’s keeping me here
The slayer treads lightly into the shallow waters and moved towards the plant lady in distress.
"I hope I won't cut your roots." The slayer revealed his greatsword and striked downward to the whirlpool that is forming underneath Reeta.
GSH moves towards Reeta, GSH attacks whatever sucking Reeta
"Try to grab hold!" The slayer yelled, trying to get his message across to the panicking plant lady amidst the noisy shallow river.
Reeta tries to grab hold of the Slayer’s sword to help pull herself out
thank you. I thought since the river is shallow that there wouldn’t be anything here.
"Mushroom doesn't keep for long, though..." The innkeeper mused. "Tell ya what, I'll trade you pound for pound. How's five?"
"Uhhhm plant lady if you have some crazy abilities that can save me from sinking you better do it now!" The slayer cried. "I am fine with dying but I prefer to die slaying greenskins and not in this shallow watery grave." He added.Reeta grabs the Slayer’s hands and tries pulling him ou
Despite sinking slowly, the slayer didnt panicked, he took his shield slowly and used it as a floating device. Hopefully slowing down his muddy descent. "If you have any ideas, you better do it quick."
The slayer slowly moved, using his shield as a floating device
"Uhhhm plant lady if you have some crazy abilities that can save me from sinking you better do it now!" The slayer cried. "I am fine with dying but I prefer to die slaying greenskins and not in this shallow watery grave." He added.
Despite sinking slowly, the slayer didnt panicked, he took his shield slowly and used it as a floating device. Hopefully slowing down his muddy descent. "If you have any ideas, you better do it quick."
The slayer slowly moved, using his shield as a floating device
Reeta grabs the Slayer’s hands and tries pulling him ou
”grab my arms and try pulling yourself towards me as I also pull you towards me. This will hopefully bring us both the the solid part of the river”
Although useful, the slayer is used on picking up weapons on the way to replace old ones. In fact, he just picked up that greatsword from a deadman weeks ago. He really isn't that sentimental about the greatsword and just walked towards the other side of the river.Seeing that the Slayer can get the rest of the way out, Reeta follows him to the other side of the river
"Well atleast now we have a tell tale signs of where the muddy parts is. Let's keep moving."
GSH walks to the other side of the river
"Oh, hi!" Dixie said to Linea enthusiastically, waving her hand and all.Linea squinted her eyes. "So?"
She sat opposite her side of the table. "I'm not too late, am I? I had to save Reeta and the armoured you-know-what from cannibal pixies and all... So..."
"Hm." Another slurp, and chewing.
Then, it struck her, what Laemmle just said. "Did you just say 'missing child'? How long ago?"
Help pull him the rest of the way out
Better the sword sinks instead of you sinking. Good thing you bought a switchblade
Although useful, the slayer is used on picking up weapons on the way to replace old ones. In fact, he just picked up that greatsword from a deadman weeks ago. He really isn't that sentimental about the greatsword and just walked towards the other side of the river.
"Well atleast now we have a tell tale signs of where the muddy parts is. Let's keep moving."
GSH walks to the other side of the river
Seeing that the Slayer can get the rest of the way out, Reeta follows him to the other side of the river
Dixie stared at the picture of the boy while chewing on more spaghetti, and immediately after swallowing, she idly said "He's probably dead by this point."
"So I could summon an army of weasels and become the weasel master or something, that sounds awesome can I take that book as well?"
Take the summoning book as well if allowed.
He hoped the store was still open, given the late hour of the day, as Jack rapped on the door to the general goods store. He would probably have had better luck with this early in the morning, rather than late at night, but this was how things were.
Dularach would come out of his burrow after eating through his supply of food he had gathered and wonder around the village looking to see if he can help anyone
Jack put on his "Cheery salesman" smile.
Good evn'in, muh good sir-- Muh apologies as ta th' hour, I'da come sooner, but then I'da run outta daylight workin'. I'm needin' about a dozen eggs, an' a pound a flaar. Sadly th' librarian done fleeced muh pockets, but I think I can makes it worth yer while-- Been right busy, and managed to score the moth'r load on some fine mushrooms-- Gots way more an' I needs, an' I was won'rin ifn' ye'd be willin' ta come ta a trade.
Jack pulls the very heavily overstuffed picnic basket into view, exposing the very large sections of fine edible mushrooms protruding prominently out from under the hinged lids at either side of the basket.
Whaddya say?
Yessir-- Both counts. Nothin'd please me mor' an settin them woods aright, I keen assure ya o' dat. Whate'rs causin all that out there is gonna get more an' it bargained fer, ifn I gets muh hands on it.
Jack made a wrinkled up, and clearly deeply aggrieved face, then sucked in a deep breath, and put the cheery salesman smile back on.
How much did ya want? he asked, setting the basket down, then opening the lid on one side to start extracting contents. If this ain't enough, I still gots more at home.
Taking a last bite of the noodles, emptying her plate as well, Dixie stood up and wore her bag, chewing and drinking a glass of water while thinking if it's really a good idea to snoop onto those two, but nodded at Linea anyway. Guess she was curious too.
Let’s continue Northeast
Reeta goes NE
Let’s continue Northeast"Leaving already? I thought we are still searching for something." The slayer asked. "Unless you already found it."
Reeta goes NE
Let’s continue Northeast
Reeta goes NE
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/564858498882732052/672757966759395348/JTYHiPJ.jpeg)
The two continued marching, even as the sun slowly turned deep orange on the western horizon. Before they knew it, cloying mist drifted into the region. It became thicker further ahead, an almost physical wall of white blocking the view. The surrounding trees were replaced by thinner and sicker version of themselves, bulbous forms dotting their surface. Grasses wilted from prolonged lack of sunlight, covered with white dust that billowed upon touch.
Realization dawned. It wasn't mist, but spores. Upon closer examination the fungal growths were slowly leaking minute amount. There's got to be a truly staggering amount of them to form the seemingly solid wall of mist, that not even five paces forward was visible. Who knows what lurked further in.
What would you do?
we should leave((you missed a few bits))
Run Southwest
Dixie and Linea begin searching for the small lime-haired girl and her huge bodyguard, while seeming inconspicuous by just walking around. and making sure their targets don't notice them first.
Dixie and Linea begin searching for the small lime-haired girl and her huge bodyguard, while seeming inconspicuous by just walking around. and making sure their targets don't notice them first.
"Thank you for the books, and for showing me that I can become a wizard, now I shall leave you to your books while I go and learn how to gun wizard."
With that Burt left the library and found a secluded place in the town to skim through both books and discover what kind of things he could learn from them.
Doctor Doak gives up on looking for Jack and sits down to practice growing some plants and drawing mana from them to grow other plants.
While the meal cooked, Jack ripped chunks of the large mushroom off the log, and alternated between feeding it to mama, and taking bites out himself, while idly looking through the book on druidic magic he had borrowed, but not had time to properly read. Mama was sitting on the ground beside him, on the side furthest from the fire, as he leaned against the trunk of the tree, doing his best to read in the dim firelight... The mood was light, and he was curious to see if it would be as amusing as he thought it would be.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/564858498882732052/672757966759395348/JTYHiPJ.jpeg)
The sun haven't rose yet but rays were visible at eastern horizon and it was slowly brightening.
head for the apocathary
Please help me! I’ve seen that a fungus is causing the plant deaths, and I need to get these spores off!
Thank you. Do you know of any way to get rid of the spores before they start growing?
(https://i.imgur.com/Y4AhiFQ.jpg)”we went north, and were attacked by 4 pixies, Dixie helped us by capturing one, and killing another, one ran away, and Slayer killed the last one. Then we went northeast and crossed a river, where we found the spores northeast of the other bank, so north, northeast, northeast”Thank you. Do you know of any way to get rid of the spores before they start growing?
"I have my suspicions but first, could you tell me how you got these spores on you... what type of place did you get yourselves into?"
”we went north, and were attacked by 4 pixies, Dixie helped us by capturing one, and killing another, one ran away, and Slayer killed the last one. Then we went northeast and crossed a river, where we found the spores northeast of the other bank, so north, northeast, northeast”[/color]
(https://i.imgur.com/Y4AhiFQ.jpg)”Good. I was worried. While out in the forest, I’ve gathered some more of that parasitic plant, where’s Xanios, he might still be interested in experiments””we went north, and were attacked by 4 pixies, Dixie helped us by capturing one, and killing another, one ran away, and Slayer killed the last one. Then we went northeast and crossed a river, where we found the spores northeast of the other bank, so north, northeast, northeast”[/color]
"Unless you went deeper into a spore cloud, I think you will be fine... I haven't dealt with a sentient plant's physiology before though. You can always come back here to get a checkup but I'm confident the antidote will suffice for now."
"Okay it seems our little adventure ends here," the slayer interjected. "I don't want to hear anymore nerd talk and I still need to replace my greatsword. So that's it for today."(https://i.imgur.com/Y4AhiFQ.jpg)”Good. I was worried. While out in the forest, I’ve gathered some more of that parasitic plant, where’s Xanios, he might still be interested in experiments””we went north, and were attacked by 4 pixies, Dixie helped us by capturing one, and killing another, one ran away, and Slayer killed the last one. Then we went northeast and crossed a river, where we found the spores northeast of the other bank, so north, northeast, northeast”[/color]
"Unless you went deeper into a spore cloud, I think you will be fine... I haven't dealt with a sentient plant's physiology before though. You can always come back here to get a checkup but I'm confident the antidote will suffice for now."
Doctor Doak gives up on looking for Jack and sits down to practice growing some plants and drawing mana from them to grow other plants.
Time has progressed to next day. It is now early morning.
Time has progressed to next day. It is now early morning.
"Hmmm fine weapon selection you have there!"
He saw a pole axe and a voulge, he considers buying the poleaxe for it is cheaper, but the thing is cracked and might break anytime so he just took the voulge and gave the blacksmith 6g. Leaving him with only 13g left at his disposal.
GSH buys the Voulge
(https://i.imgur.com/Y4AhiFQ.jpg)”Good. I was worried. While out in the forest, I’ve gathered some more of that parasitic plant, where’s Xanios, he might still be interested in experiments””we went north, and were attacked by 4 pixies, Dixie helped us by capturing one, and killing another, one ran away, and Slayer killed the last one. Then we went northeast and crossed a river, where we found the spores northeast of the other bank, so north, northeast, northeast”[/color]
"Unless you went deeper into a spore cloud, I think you will be fine... I haven't dealt with a sentient plant's physiology before though. You can always come back here to get a checkup but I'm confident the antidote will suffice for now."
(https://i.imgur.com/JTYHiPJ.png)Don;t worry, I’ll be careful"Hmmm fine weapon selection you have there!"
"Thank ye kindly, sir!" The blacksmith replies. "We do what we can with what we have, though our material supplies have been runnin' rather low as of lately."He saw a pole axe and a voulge, he considers buying the poleaxe for it is cheaper, but the thing is cracked and might break anytime so he just took the voulge and gave the blacksmith 6g. Leaving him with only 13g left at his disposal.
GSH buys the Voulge
[GSH receives Voulge]
"A see ye have a taste for quality! Me an' my daughter's been workin' on a new weapon, it's just about finished. Ye can take a look at it before ye decide on what ye got there, in case this one's more suitable to ye."
New Item in stock: Pike (6g cost), HEAVY Polearm, 22 dmg, unlocks TECHNIQUE that allows user to enter a vigilant posture that damages the first enemy that comes within 1 range for 1.75x base damage. Costs 30 stam upon success.(https://i.imgur.com/Y4AhiFQ.jpg)”Good. I was worried. While out in the forest, I’ve gathered some more of that parasitic plant, where’s Xanios, he might still be interested in experiments””we went north, and were attacked by 4 pixies, Dixie helped us by capturing one, and killing another, one ran away, and Slayer killed the last one. Then we went northeast and crossed a river, where we found the spores northeast of the other bank, so north, northeast, northeast”[/color]
"Unless you went deeper into a spore cloud, I think you will be fine... I haven't dealt with a sentient plant's physiology before though. You can always come back here to get a checkup but I'm confident the antidote will suffice for now."
"He's probably holed up in his room at the Adventuring Company HQ, as usual. You have the plant with you? Be careful with it, it could be dangerous."
Time has progressed to next day. It is now early morning.
Laemmle proceed to Guild Master Aven inside the Adventurer's Guild. She asks about the missing child and other matter about current expedition to the forest.
Dixie follows Laemmle into the Guild house thingy, interested about this missing child case as well.
Laemmle commence a calling for the meetup with her whole party members to the Mayor's Town Hall.As Reeta heads for the AdvHQ, she hears Laemmie
Another morning arrived without any comprehensive leads. Linea walked down the stairs, finding both Sven and Barnes completely wasted by the table at the corner of the inn. They wouldn't be waking up any time soon and she actually giving up on expecting any on-time result coming from them
Edwarg was nowhere to be seen but his room was empty last time Linea checked.
Skipping breakfast, Linea walked into the market place. Still hoped to find the little merchant Dixie mentioned. The only clue she had is her general appearance; A young, lime haired girl with a buffed bodyguard. The kind of mug that should be hard to miss, if she really exists, or still in this village.
It's not long before Linea is able to spot a pair of townspeople matching the exact description she is looking for--a little girl with a pale-ish green colored hair, followed by a large muscular man wearing an ornate mask.
(https://i.imgur.com/CqOiktI.png)(https://i.imgur.com/ObEQypi.png)
They seem to be wandering around a vacant section of the market, looking for something or someone. Doesn't seem like they are having much luck finding whatever or whomever they are looking for.
"This must be the girl Dixie mentioned before."
Linea approached the duo.
"Greetings. My name is Linea Starboard of Helvetia. It has come to my attention that you are in possession of a captured pixie from the Dead Forest and--"
"Yes?"
"Do you have a moment? I would like to purchase its ownership."
"It seems to be urgent. The Mayor want us to his Town Hall for something important matter." She replied.Laemmle commence a calling for the meetup with her whole party members to the Mayor's Town Hall.As Reeta heads for the AdvHQ, she hears Laemmie
what’s going on? I need to give some things to Benuto and Xanios, how urgent is this?
ok, I guess I can give the items after the meeting"It seems to be urgent. The Mayor want us to his Town Hall for something important matter." She replied.Laemmle commence a calling for the meetup with her whole party members to the Mayor's Town Hall.As Reeta heads for the AdvHQ, she hears Laemmie
what’s going on? I need to give some things to Benuto and Xanios, how urgent is this?
(https://i.imgur.com/xYnorOo.jpg)
"You want to take away my new dolly? And give me money for it?"
She pouts, while the masked hunk stands there motionlessly, facing Linea.
"I'm not giving you my dolly; I have no interest in coin. If you want to give me another, better dolly, I might consider your proposition. Sometimes I get bored of my previous dollies. Dollies are hard to come by though. They run around in the forest and are dangerous for little girls like me, but if you can fetch a new one for me I might be willing to trade."
Burt woke up and discovered that he had fallen asleep while trying to read the books he had just acquired, he looks around and finds its just now morning and apparently he fell asleep next to some building.
"How am I going to become a gun wizard if I fall asleep trying to read the damn book."
Burt then tried to skim through both the gun and summoning books to get an idea of what spells and things they contain.
Linea was never one that good with kids, never will. So when the girl asked her to go for an errand looking for another monster to trade, she knew that this was getting nowhere.
But she didn't give up yet.
With the best, friendliest and the most natural smile she could make, Linea lowered her voice, trying to sound like a little girl alike.
"You know, Friend? I have a better idea. See the bunch of adventurers by the mayor's office? They are my friends and we are going to the forest! We are strong and don't fear the monsters. Too bad we are short of a proper guide. What if you help us by lending me your dolly? She can show us the way... umm to her Dolly Kingdom! You know, like in the book. And then we can bring back as many dollies as you want!"
"So, what do say? Help us and we help you."
"By what that book seems to do, I'd rather it stayed in your hands than hers."
Dixie approaches Linea and the lime-haired girl, and took off her left glove and the Ring of the Mimic that adorned her finger, and offered it to the girl.
"You sold me this ring in exchange for the pixie. I suppose it'll be worth the same vice versa, yes?"
"Sure sure. Here is my book. It's a magic book you know." Linea showed her the back cover of her book and activated its magical radar." And here is the pen, touch the tabs on the top left of the book and each of it will change the color. The red dot means there are common people near you, blue means they are mages and magical creatures. Handy isn't it?"
I will lend you this in exchange for your dolly. It's very expensive and important to me, and without it, I might unable to look for more dollies, but you insisted anyway so here you go. But no promises here all right?"
"I have nothing else that might interest you."
(https://i.imgur.com/xYnorOo.jpg)
She turns to Linea.
"I was thinking something more... substantive. A dolly of your own, perhaps? I've seen you with those men in uniforms, who arrived recently. They seem to listen to you. Leave one of them with me, and you can borrow my dolly. Don't worry, he'll be safe."
She smiles.
"We'll have a tea party! Then you can have him back when you bring back my dolly. I'll be extra glad if you bring me additional dollies, too."
Glancing at Linea while she wore back the ring and her gloves, she simply shrugged.Sure. I will catch up with you later.
Turning around, she uttered "By the way, we're being called to the hub by the mayor." and walked away.
Agreed!" said Linea. "His name is Barnes, he will play with you until we returned. But he is not your slave, remember?"
GSH walks in the headquarters asking for sweet Pancakes
While the meal cooked, Jack ripped chunks of the large mushroom off the log, and alternated between feeding it to mama, and taking bites out himself, while idly looking through the book on druidic magic he had borrowed, but not had time to properly read. Mama was sitting on the ground beside him, on the side furthest from the fire, as he leaned against the trunk of the tree, doing his best to read in the dim firelight... The mood was light, and he was curious to see if it would be as amusing as he thought it would be.
As soon as the little Sally departed with agent Barnes, Sven without further ado began to follow them, leaving Linea who now kneeled in front of the cage.
"Well look at that, pathetic, dirty little thing. You want out?"
"Of course you do. But before we get into that, you better tell me what did your previous owne- capturer does to you. In detail. After that, we will see if you really deserve a bit of freedom."
(https://i.imgur.com/JTYHiPJ.png)
There is a moment of hesitation as the pixie registers Linea's question, followed by an expression of confusion and fear. "Bad, bad things... but don't remember... why can't remember?..."
It then starts looking around outside, as if looking for something. "GONE!" It suddenly screams. "SHE GONE BUT I AM TOO! GONE!!!"
The pixie suddenly slams its hands against the bars of the cage, trying to pry them open. "WANT OUT. WANT OUT NOW!!!" It screams viciously.
"I am expecting more marbles rolling in that tiny head of yours if you want to get out of that damned cage."
The pixie apparently stopped her tantrum then looked at Linea, dumbfounded.
"That means you should be reasonable."
The pixie slammed her head against the bar.
"That means you should be a good girl, then I might let you out. Promise?
(https://i.imgur.com/JTYHiPJ.png)
The pixie stares eagerly out of its cage, growling with its hands still grasping the bars, but it soon calms down and resumes its dejected stance.
"Fine... I'll be good." It soon sits down, leaning its back against the cage and sighing in helpless exhaustion as it crudely tugs on its hair every so often.
Linea nodded, then secured the cage on a nearby bench, after that, she undid one of the leather strips she used on her waist and made a knot of it.
One minute she imbued her magic to make the knot glued together, another minute spent for... countermeasure.
Once she opened the cage, Linea seized the pixie's feet and fasten the leash on her ankle. There was a sharp pang on her chest, and for a brief moment, she remembered the long-forgotten days she spent weaving and scrubbing carpets as a labor slave.
But Linea remained unflinching. Just a monster, she said that to herself, countering and balancing the unwanted empathy that started to creeping in. And with that, she managed to remain composed, rational and careful.
"Nothing personal. I know you understand."
"Hurt isn't it? I will return you into your cage!" Linea raised pillars of fire then bending it in the shape of a burning cage.
And the cage slowly began to shrink.
"You see. I actually don't want to hurt you. I want your help, and in return, I might do something to help your miserable life. But you tried to cheat me and failed, now I ask again? Hurt isn't it? Yes? You brought this upon yourself."
Linea kneeled again then continued "I told you to be smart. What do you think about having your body dissected, having your bone feed into blacksmith's furnace, or having your organs dried up and grounded into medicine? That would be your fate if I weren't there to bail you out.
"Now it's time for you to save yourself by making a correct decision. I will release you only if you swear to keep your word and be good. Or stay there and turn into ashes. Your call."
After a short walk the pair arrive at the magic shop and go inside after Jack holds the door for Mama to go in first. The relief of the bear was almost palpable, after getting into cover, even if it was from one of the strange 2-legged thing's dens. Jack patted her shoulder attentively, as they bipassed the magic shop desk, and entered the library proper, and walked up to the circulation desk.
Flo was clearly re-shelving books, as she was once again not at the desk, but signs of her activities could be seen with the gentle bobbing of silken strands anchored here and there behind the desk.
Politely, Jack rang the bell.
Laemmle commence a calling for the meetup with her whole party members to the Mayor's Town Hall.
Laemmle commence a calling for the meetup with her whole party members to the Mayor's Town Hall.As Reeta heads for the AdvHQ, she hears Laemmie
what’s going on? I need to give some things to Benuto and Xanios, how urgent is this?
"Good spider." Dixie pats one of his huge limbs again. "You will join us through the forest next time, yes?"
She then begins to walk away, towards the hub.
Now that she thinks about it, she'd never seen the mayor. If they were around, she wouldn't recognize unless they introduced themselves. Who's around?
Walk inside
hello, so you;re the mayor? Why did you call us here?
Barely-- Poor girl's scared practically bald o' th' big guy ou'side. He seem' arfully intres'ed in meetin' ya... I think 'e wan's ta get tested- problem is, 'es bigger an a barn, and won't fit indoors... Anyways.. Mama picked one o' dem choices as we was eatin an' talkin las' night. She not too happy 'bout how strong somma de less natural critters out 'ere is. Gonna go with the damage upgrade... 'en ye can deal wit' 'he big guy ou'side...
"Yea, there was a lake. I think. Was there a lake? " She turns ro Laemmle, then back to the mayor. "Yea, a lake."
"Not gonna lie, chief, I was preoccupied with just having died and brought back to life at that time, so I didn't really focus on the scenery... I remember Linea drawing it, though."
I haven’t been to the lake, but there is an area northeast of here has lots of fungus spores. Other than that, not sure I can help with info about this lake you’re looking for. If I’m not needed here, I need to give ingredients to the blacksmith
Jack huffed and puffed. All he could really see from this distance was a small humanoid, maybe the size of a small child, or smaller-- jumping and clawing, while the elf-girl was busy trying to subdue it.
He had seen how ... efficiently... she operated, when trying to kill things. Either she was having some difficulty, or outright murder was not her aim. He huffed, and ran harder, trying to clear the space.
Absently, he became aware of Mama chasing after him-- He didn't have time for this. He had to close the gap before any more harm was done. He wasn't sure what that el--- What that Linea girl-- was up to. It was enough she wasnt just roasting the poor thing-- whatever it was. That won some brownie points.
His lungs felt raw, and his throat scratchy from heaving in ragged breaths at the dead run, but he croaked out a strangled shout all the same, trying to get the terrified creature's attention, even just for a second.
You(gh) 'TERE! STOP FIGHTIN' *COUGH*
He stared hard at the frightened thing's face-- a momentary flash of the eyes--- but he had it... He poured all he had into opening that connection wide...
Linea pulled the leash and forced the pixie to get down to the ground.
If success, Linea will use the leash to tie the pixie's legs and arms to completely immobilize it.
"YOU ARE NOT GETTING AWAY WITH THIS."
Despite the threat, Linea still hasn't run Maugrim through its throat or do anything that causes permanent damage like cutting its wings or limbs off.
She gripped the back of the pixie's neck, and bring it down to the ground, face against the dirt. With her knee, she pinned the pixie on its back, still trying to bring its both arms together so she could secure a tight knot on them.
To the pixie
You might have a parasite inside you, we can go to the shrine, someone there can help remove it. That’ll be easier to do if you STOP TRYING TO EAT US!
Linea, why do you need the pixie alive>
It' definitely in dere... Jack croaked, holding his head like something bad had happened, or that he had a powerful headache. Despite his efforts, it was clear he was crying. What had happened really upset him."I don't want this either," Linea said sullenly. "All I want, is information, information that could help me and probably help her. You see, I was planning to bring the creature back to the forest. Not that I am unaware of her malicious nature, but I am sure there might be something going on here more than just desperate pixies resorting to cannibalism."
Mamma ground to a halt just behind him, looking at him wanting to know what was going on. His mind was still recoiling from being hit away like that. He didnt want to scare her further. He just rubbed her head, and cooed at her a moment, then walked calmly up to Linea, then helped her hold the pixie down.
Thank ya for not.... Not killin' 'er... he breathed, then held down hard.
He didn't care how upset and frazzled his mind felt after that. He made himself think that those venomous eyes that glowered back at him were not what was really inside this poor thing-- or if they were, he truly needed to know.
Mama... Help me hol' 'er down...
Once he was sure the poor thing was pinned good, and couldnt hurt herself or anyone else, he would try again.
He turned is attention back to Reeta.
... She migh' know wha's goin on girl.. Or, where all 'de bad stuff's all huddled tege'ther.... An--- ... I jus' ain' right ta leave sombody in pain like is...
"Hey. Why're you acting mean?" Dixie crossed her arms, visibly irritated by the mayor's threatening prose. "This is the part where you tell me what's in that lake that you're worried about. "
"Things? What things? "
It's a lake in the middle of the forest, what possible monsters could be in there? Frogmen? Bog golems? Giant insects? "Be specific. What's out there?"
One would assume she'd have compassion seeing the mayor cower in fear like this but it just irritated her more.
Laemmle feel something fishy from the Mayor. Observing on his tone and action, she guess this old man is a pervert. To prove it right, she started to initiate.
"I saw it from the tower and the lake is located to the North. The lake seems good for refreshment, isn't it Dixie?" Laemmle started to speak.
"It's been a year that I haven't tried an ocean or lake~ I miss those old days when I am wearing outfit to swim around it. Men, I wonder if there is some kind some establishment of some resort~" she continued to speak as she intended to pin him into the corner, to see that this old man is definitely a pervert.
She shrugs off from her teased looking on Dixie. She cough a lil and back to business.
"Well let's get serious.
Are you telling us that there are some frog monsters that dwell into the lake, kidnapping and dragging people?
I still have an active Quest from the mother of the missing child.
Wouldn't be the missing child and the kidnapping by those frogs you referring, something related? She spoke.
I's OK ... Linea.. I knows ye did what ya had ta. Don' force it. Said Jack, looking up at the rather irate elf girl. He could swear he saw a red hue burning in her pupils, but he ignored it.
He turned his attention back down at the tiny girl, pinned to the ground by Elf-Girl, Mama, and Reeta. Her face was contorted into an impotent rage, snarling and hissing almost like an angry cat.
shhhh..... Hey 'ere. We ain't 'ere ta hurt ya... Here-- Lemme have a look.. he said in as smooth and calming a tone as his grumbly and brassy voice could handle, before very timidly reaching for her head, being very careful to avoid angry teeth. He gently cupped the side of the small head in his rough, soil-hardened hand, then tipped it back to get a good look into the poor creature's eyes. Still just as angry as ever, but showing clear signs of desperate violence. He rubbed the forehead with his thumb, then sat down cross-legged, and made a plaintive, sad face at her.
I's OK... Relax.....Lemme try ta help...
He let his gaze melt into hers, and tried once more to reach out to her... He needed to know--- Was she completely gone, or was she just driven to near hysterical madness, like mama had been-- He needed to know how to help her... Even if that meant... He pushed that frightening, horrible thought away, and cleared his mind.
He was calm. Cool and serene as a quiet moonlit lake on a breathless night. The kind that one could swear that time itself stood still for, until disturbed by the gentle touch of a single falling leaf. He filled every recess of his thoughts with that perception, became that perception. He was the lake, surrounded by the forests he had grown to love so much...
He waited for the leaf to fall.
"Okay this all seems rather strait forward so lets try it."
Burt then starts the first exercise and chooses small mammal and tries to summon a weasel.
He closed his eye, and frowned.
She' not completely gone... he muttered to nobody in particular; just into the open air, before addressing the other two people there. He knew mama was not good with words, and could only pick out a few, even when trying her hardest. It wasn't meant for her anyway.
She got one o' dose damn ..... THANGS.... in dere. I's makin 'er plum NUTS. We needs at ol' goat Lucy.
"This, my dear Edwarg, is a pixie." Answered Linea in a rush. "Corrupted, treacherous and cannibalistic, like something out of an ancient tale. Let's say I want to tame it but backfired horribly."
Linea turned a moment to the pixie, who apparently unresponsive to her offer. She gave the thermos to Edwarg instead.
"The dryad girl is on her way to fetch the Old Lucy. I will be expecting some information from this pixie once they managed to smack some sense into it. Could you watch over it for a while? And give it water if possible, and some food if it asks for it. I am betting the creepy Sally didn't even bother to feed her own 'dolly' since its first day in the captivity."
"I will be heading to the mayor's office. I promised the Dixie girl to catch up with her ASAP, so see you later."
"Listen. You know I am as devoted as you are in our duty, and part of my duty is to take care of my... friends. Are you trying to impugn me of my commitment to give medical assistance when you clearly need it?"
"Listen. You know I am as devoted as you are in our duty, and part of my duty is to take care of my... friends. Are you trying to impugn me of my commitment to give medical assistance when you clearly need it?"
"Nice try, Snewden." Linea sneered. "But no, I am going now. You can patch me up later."
"
Dixie turns to the mayor, then Linea. "Oh yeah, he has things to say about the lake. Frog monsters, they abduct people. You drew the lake, yes?"
Dularach crouches down to flo level to hold a proper conversation
"you must be who Jack was talking about, I hope I didn't frighten you cause it would be a shame if fear cloud the judgement of such a beautiful maiden, my name is Dularach what is yours miss?"
"Okay, well, we'll just tell them ourselves to speed this thing up. It'd be great if you could give us a list of everyone kidnapped so far though.
"Hush now." she whispered to Dixie. "I don't want to talk about it now."
Stepping forward, Linea spared a few greetings to the mayor before coming back to be a no-nonsense agent.
"I answered your summon. What do you want?""
Dixie turns to the mayor, then Linea. "Oh yeah, he has things to say about the lake. Frog monsters, they abduct people. You drew the lake, yes?"
"Yes, I made some sketch based on what I saw when we went exploring the tower. Frog monster abducting people you say? Pardon for my intrusiveness and belatedness to attend this meeting but I would like to hear again about this frog and the lake issue."
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/361157460360167446/674221070533918720/Lucy_1.png)I’m Reeta. In the square, Jack and Linea have a pixie who may have a parasitic plant inside it. Linea is also injured. Please follow me to the square
"What have we here?"
Lucy floated from the direction of the shrine, presence thin as usual.
(https://i.imgur.com/Y4AhiFQ.jpg)It was clear that Linea wore the same insignia on her shoulder.
The mayor gingerly takes out a piece of fabric, with a Wind of the Rose emblem woven into it, and shows it to the assembled party.
It was clear that Linea wore the same insignia on her shoulder.
Her golden eyes studied the man, wondering what he was up to, and how did he get his hands on that insignia. Also, how did this mayor remained completely under her radar for three days?
"They were my colleagues," she said flatly.
"Yes, I can probably do something about it. Shouldn't be much different from a human. May I?"
Lucy asked politely for the pixie.
(https://i.imgur.com/Y4AhiFQ.jpg)It was clear that Linea wore the same insignia on her shoulder.
Her golden eyes studied the man, wondering what he was up to, and how did he get his hands on that insignia. Also, how did this mayor remained completely under her radar for three days?
"They were my colleagues," she said flatly.
"I see."
The mayor puts it back inside his pocket.
"It's not frogmen, they look like some twisted horror, a corrupted mass of wood and flesh. I saw them before they took my son from me."
The mayor directs his gaze directly into Linea's eyes.
"I can tell you that you'll find these things near the lake. If you can find my son, maybe you can find your colleagues as well. I can't force you to do it but it's the only way. I didn't expect Aven's hired adventurers to make it out of the forest alive, but here you all are."
Edwarg gently picked up the pixie from the ground then had it seated on a nearby bench. It was calm for now, so he tried to speak with it.
"Hello. I don't want to hurt you, it's okay now. Got some water for you." he poured the water in the thermos cap and brought it closer to the pixie's mouth."
"Yes, I can probably do something about it. Shouldn't be much different from a human. May I?"
Lucy asked politely for the pixie.
(https://i.imgur.com/JTYHiPJ.png)
The pixie anxiously glances between the thermos and Edwarg, and soon takes the thermos, drinking from it non-stop until it's empty. Apparently it was very thirsty. The pixie's mood seems a bit lifted now, and it's showing more signs of peace, especially towards Edwarg and Jack.
"Oh man its a ghost, I was hoping for a live one."
Burt then tried to make the weasel do something, and then tried to see if he could get it to talk or at least make a bunch of noise, and finally he tried to see if he could command it to explode or something.
Seems that meeting matter about Linea's case. Laemmle wave her hand on Linea and go outside for the preparation.
She consult the blacksmith, looking for new stuffs.
Linea stepped closer to the mayor's desk and flip it in a tranquil, yet discernable rage.
"Four agents. Four goddamn agents have been here for at least two days. We asked your people, we gathered information and it was apparently for a useless cause because you and your citizens were hiding something from us! WE ARE HERE TO HELP mister mayor, why didn't you tell me, or my friends earlier?"
Linea took a deep, careful sigh before concluding. "So now you want us to get the bottom of this because you are desperate, huh? Thinking that we are the only chance to rescue your son? And we are expendable if something goes wrong? Don't worry, if he is still alive we will bring him back, even if my missing team isn't as lucky as him.
Linea stared at the window, then back to the mayor.
"With one additional condition."
Linea hated waiting. So she decided to be upfront with her proposition. "I want you to keep an eye on one of my agents. He is currently in the company of a girl named Little Sally, gathering information about her."
"It was strange that nobody in this town seemed to be... disturbed or bothered by her presence. Like she never exisetd at all. Mister Mayor, I don't think that would be normal for a little girl to have a deep connection with the black market syndicates. Is there anything you want to inform me about this Sally character?
Dularach tilts his head slightly to the right
"well miss Flo, i was wondering if i could learn more shape-shifting, since it would help with me being able to approach people better, on another note are you from a yokai clan?"
(https://i.imgur.com/Y4AhiFQ.jpg)
"I-I-it's only fair I think, I'll help you out. I'll have my men keep a watch on the girl and your man. But I don't know about much about her, really! I can tell you she first appeared three months ago, after the animal attacks had started. Some villagers blamed her for the attacks, putting two and two together and tried to evict her from the village but... I will put it this way, you will be better off not angering her or the behemoth that follows her around. The other villagers keep their distance from her so I don't know if they can help you out either. However..."
The mayor pauses, trying to carefully gauge Linea's reaction.
"I know where she lives... I could tell you more once you come back."
"I don't think you are in a position to negotiate here, Mr Mayor." Linea retorted sharply. "Half of the information you provided is outdated at best and you need our assistance to rescue your son more than us needing the inadequate pointers you just uttered. Regardless, I will know it one way or another."
"What about the guild? Do they aware of her presence?"
Linea paused, looking again at the window before cursing all of sudden. "Damn bureaucrats and their red tapes! They hired us and you know that. Why don't you involve them in this meeting?!"
(https://i.imgur.com/Y4AhiFQ.jpg)"So, there is a non-governmental organization and a black market syndicate working IN your village and they are bigger and have more power than YOU as the official representative of the government? This is ridiculous! I wonder what the higher ups in the capital would have to say if they know this mess.""I don't think you are in a position to negotiate here, Mr Mayor." Linea retorted sharply. "Half of the information you provided is outdated at best and you need our assistance to rescue your son more than us needing the inadequate pointers you just uttered. Regardless, I will know it one way or another."
"What about the guild? Do they aware of her presence?"
Linea paused, looking again at the window before cursing all of sudden. "Damn bureaucrats and their red tapes! They hired us and you know that. Why don't you involve them in this meeting?!"
"I have my reasons for not involving the guild, the adventuring company. They arrived an year ago but have kept to their business, setting up operations and scouting out the local area. It would've been good for the village once the adventurer's guild took off but you should already know about the strange things kept happening... soldiers abducted by monsters, animal attacks. I don't know if the little girl, if Sally is linked to it but there's just too many odd things going on all at once. This village isn't big or rich, I don't have the things I need to handle it all on my own. I've mostly let the guild organize the defense while the animal attacks are going on but I have my suspicions about what's... and if my boy is taken then I don't know what..."
The mayor breaks off, taking out his handkerchief and wiping his face again, his body trembling slightly.
"I'll take one flintlock please and enough amount of it's ammo." Laemmle replied to the blacksmith.
She give the shopper 15g.
"Not quite what I was expecting but its a start."
Burt then tried to summon another weasel, but this time tried to summon a real one and tried to see if he could actually command it to do something.
Doctor Doak goes out into the forest and practices using nature magic to have plants aid him in combat situations; entangling things with roots, using flora to create cover, that kinda nonsense.
Reeta decides it would be better to let Lucy do his thing, and went to the blacksmith
"I have some ingredients for you when you are done with the sale"
Reeta walks up to Benuto and starts taking out the pixie bones while exposing how she got them
I had Slayer, the one in armor, come with me to the forest to look for ingredients. We were attacked by 4 pixies, Dixie apparently followed us without us knowing and helped kill one and take the other alive to Linea, one ran away, and Slayer killed the last one. These are bones from one of them, one of the bones seems to be glowing, maybe it’s some type of magic?
"Thanks for your assistance, Mr Lucy." said Edwarg, taking back the pancake into his backpack. "If I understand Linea's plan, she wanted to take this pixie with us back to the forest. Is it safe to do it now? I'm actually more concerned about the its well being."
After some times, Linea showed up, with no less frown on her face.
"I take the meeting didn't end up well?"
"Maybe we should order some food to carry this time... I've hardly seen you eat last time, Linea." Dixie comments, with visible concern."I am not hungry now, but you are right, I skipped breakfast this morning. Usually, we have a canteen to resupply our provisions," said Linea, smiling. "Guess the closest we have here is Miss Leamle and her pancake. Well, I haven't seen her anywhere since that meeting. I guess I will look for some takeaway brunch from the inn."
"well, miss flo i am a yokai, a type of supernatural entity, the type i am is called a tsuchigumo. i was hoping you would have something to allow me to shape-shfit into a human form, it was something i neglected to learn in my own clan and i was hoping that you would have something could the druid book thing help?"
"Maybe we should order some food to carry this time... I've hardly seen you eat last time, Linea." Dixie comments, with visible concern."I am not hungry now, but you are right, I skipped breakfast this morning. Usually, we have a canteen to resupply our provisions," said Linea, smiling. "Guess the closest we have here is Miss Leamle and her pancake. Well, I haven't seen her anywhere since that meeting. I guess I will look for some takeaway brunch from the inn."
Linea went to the inn looking for food she could purchase.
"May I join you, Linea?" She spoke to Linea and give her a plate of Garlic Mushroom Toast, while for herself is Mushroom Omelette. It seemed she went to the kitchen again inside an Inn and used the mushrooms she picked and stored from the kitchen of an Inn.
"I forgot that we are not in the city. Nah, nevermind. I will have four pounds of your jerky, and five stacks of that biscuit. And some coffee powder and sugar. How much it costs?""I'll give you that for six coins, aye?" He replied after a moment of mental calculation. "I could whip out some sandwiches in a moment if you'd like. Ain't as longlasting, but it'd keep for a few days."
"May I join you, Linea?" She spoke to Linea and give her a plate of Garlic Mushroom Toast, while for herself is Mushroom Omelette. It seemed she went to the kitchen again inside an Inn and used the mushrooms she picked and stored from the kitchen of an Inn.
As Linea opened her purse, Leamle showed up, offering her a plate of garlic toast with mushroom. "Be my guest, and thank you." she carefully placed the bread on the counter then speak again to the bartender "And some wrappings, please."
"You will do what I say you little shit!"
Burt then tried to grab the weasel and demanded that it do what he wanted it to, then after that he'd summon another one and command them to fight.
Doctor Doak will continue practicing entangle roots on he rock to hopefully get better stronger roots.
"I'll give you that for six coins, aye?" He replied after a moment of mental calculation. "I could whip out some sandwiches in a moment if you'd like. Ain't as longlasting, but it'd keep for a few days.""Agreed. Here is your money."
I'll give you the regular ones and go to the magic shop to get the magic one examined, thank youa missed action
After giving Benuto the regular bones and receiving the 5 gold, Reeta goes to the magic shop
"Oh, there it is. Look. ""Let's go. Mr. Jack! are you in?"
Dixie pointed at Jack from a distance, doing labour work. "There's the pixie, on his back. Aw, it's so cute."
She then noticed the slew of food Linea carried in wrappings. "I suppose it's go time?"
I'll give you the regular ones and go to the magic shop to get the magic one examined, thank you
After giving Benuto the regular bones and receiving the 5 gold, Reeta goes to the magic shop
I'll give you the regular ones and go to the magic shop to get the magic one examined, thank you
After giving Benuto the regular bones and receiving the 5 gold, Reeta goes to the magic shop
I have something that might be magic, but I’m not sure what type
Show the shopkeeper the glowing bone
(https://i.imgur.com/Y4AhiFQ.jpg)thank you. My name’s Reeta. We’re going on an expedition soon. I’ll be sure to come back when we get backI have something that might be magic, but I’m not sure what type
Show the shopkeeper the glowing bone
"Ah of course! I can tell you, with a great deal of certainty, that you are CORRECT in your assessment, if something glows it's definitely magic, unless it's a fluorescent mushroom, or a firefly, or the embers of a dying fire, or a lantern, or the sun which I must remind you is unwise to gaze at directly. My numerous forays into this confirm it... my vision still whites out sometimes. Err, if I may be ever so curious, can a plant person look at the sun without suffering the same effects or... well it had to be asked, in the name of magic. Plants depend on the sun after all, so perhaps your vision doesn't suffer as much as mi- I mean, a person's..."
"OH BUT BACK TO THE TASK AT HAND! The bone has quite a bit of magic essence to it, I'll just dab a bit of this, and smash a bit of that..."
The shopkeep uses a pipette to drop some strange-smelling liquid onto the bone, then takes out a tiny 3-inch silver hammer and proceeds to grind the bones into a fine power, then finally scoops the whole thing into a jar and hands it back to Reeta.
"i shan't charge you more than 1g. You can apply the essence to things, and magic will happen. I'm not sure what kind, but this is exactly why one must experiment to find out! I haven't lost a limb yet, I think you'll do just fine rubbing this powder all over the place."
She went on her room for preparation. Equipping the Heavy Armor from delivery, removing the cape. She also take 32 flintlock ammo into her chamber, a container for flintlock which strapped over on her armor at high hip. The holster is strapped over her armor at the right side of her thigh which clarified that she is right handed. Her one-handed sword is now strapped behind over on her armor, faster respond for unsheathe the blade and also creating a good swing for defensive or initiate offensive.
"well, i'll go now to see if i can find the ingredients for the potion, please do tell me if you find anything interesting miss Flo"
Dularach now wanders around town to see if anyone needs help
"Yes fight for my entertainment, you little ghostly bastards!"
Burt watched the fight until it was over, then he commanded the winner to explode and hopefully summoned a not ghost weasel and he commanded it to speak to him or at least make as loud a noise as possible.
Try to crush the rock that is entangled on roots into dust!
thank you. My name’s Reeta. We’re going on an expedition soon. I’ll be sure to come back when we get back
Reeta gives 1 gold to the shopkeeper and takes the magic essence, then tries finding the other adventurers
The pixie slept quietly against his chest and shoulder while he worked, picking up quality feathers from basically every chicken coop and fowl yard he could find in the small village. When he felt he had enough, he returned to his shack, and set about getting the reagent-grade mushroom farm started. They would need potions for another trip, if the *last* one was any indication at least-- and he was not about to be caught unprepared. Rushed maybe, but not unprepared.
Mama was happily snarfing down giant mushrooms still, and he gave her a gentle rub and pat. She wanted to know why he was carrying the "winged thing" around; He didn't really have an answer for her that would make any sense, since to him it just seemed the correct and proper thing to do, given the circumstances. Finally, he settled on a wry joke that he was "Practicing for later" and "getting used to the weight", with the hidden sub-text that he meant if she should have any cubs next year. She of course, did not find the idea at all funny, but Jack did. She felt that if the cubs weren't old enough to walk around with her, they werent old enough to leave the den, and that walking around was an important part of their growing up, and was dead-set on it. These little differences of perspective were well known to Jack; He HAD been living with animals for the better part of 2 decades. He just liked to tease.
It wasn't safe to use the hatchet while carrying the pixie against his chest, so he shifted the swaddle so that she was laying over his back and over a shoulder. She was more awkward to carry that way, but safer. Once more, he collected deadfall limbs, cleaned off the twigs and side branches, and cut them to useful lengths, then soaked them with water at the bath-house. He wondered when the party would come get him, but decided that staying in one spot was probably the best bet to be collected quickly when they got their things ready and everyone else rounded up. He hoped they would come for him last, since it would give him time to make this work. When he was satisfied with the setup (About 7 of the same kind of mushroom fruiting bundle he had set up the night before, but neatly and tightly tied up and staked in a hexagon just to the south of his house), he collected the discarded woodchips from the hatchet work, then set to work inoculating and starting it using the spores he had collected in the jar with the half-cap he had retained.
Reeta finds those she has met before, and one who she hasn’t met
I don’t think we met before, I’m Reeta
Then, to Jack
I remember you mentioned something about plant death yesterday or the day before that, well, Slayer and I found the reason, there is a cloud of fungal spores across a river northeast of here. Do you think you can reverse what you did here and stop the spores there from growing?
Continue squeezing the rock with entangle roots, also try to get more roots to pierce and whip the rock because I will win eventually.
"Crap I went from ghosts to one that's dying, maybe I should try something other that weasels."
Burt then told the dying weasel to explode, then summon a fox and see if I can command that, hopefully it won't be sick and dying.
*Jack completes transactions at the Apothecary*
Jack exchanges 14 forest mushrooms for 7 shichetta leaves, (which was the apothecary's entire stock), and 7 Mage's fennel (Entire stock). He further exchanges 1 blanket weed and 1 poison flower for 1 rocksalt and 1 badger scent gland.
"Alright, the fox seems more responsive than the weasels were, I guess I should go show those other guys my mad wizard skills, right after I mess with it a little longer."
Burt tells the fox to talk to him or make a loud noise, then he tries to see if he can get the fox to bring him a specific random item, after that he'll pick up the fox and bring it to where ever the others are and show them the fox he magicked up.
Ready
Head Northeast
Jack shivered. He never got over how horrible witnessing this process was, but until he could find some better treatment, it was the best available... And being disassembled and re-assembled was better than living with one of those things growing where it shouldn't.
His thoughts wandered to how to care for the poor thing. Like himself and Mama, it probably would not be good for it to stay in a place like the inn, but he wasn't completely sure of that. Then the thought to check in that so called "bestiary" crossed his mind, and he smirked.
He rifled through his knapsack, and hauled out the absurdly thick ream of paper, then started flipping through the empty pages, looking for the right one...
Burt woke up and discovered that he had fallen asleep while trying to read the books he had just acquired, he looks around and finds its just now morning and apparently he fell asleep next to some building.
"How am I going to become a gun wizard if I fall asleep trying to read the damn book."
Burt then tried to skim through both the gun and summoning books to get an idea of what spells and things they contain.
Oh good, you’re coming with me, I was hoping one of the fire mates could accompany us to help with the spores, but I guess they have other plans. We’ll catch up with them eventually, making a new path"Whaaat? I thought we get along with each other well, considering we both saved each other from the river." The slayer teased.
we do get along, what made you think otherwise? I’m glad you came with, I was worried I’d be traveling aloneOh good, you’re coming with me, I was hoping one of the fire mates could accompany us to help with the spores, but I guess they have other plans. We’ll catch up with them eventually, making a new path"Whaaat? I thought we get along with each other well, considering we both saved each other from the river." The slayer teased.
"Eitherway, you need not worry, I actually have tools here for creating fire, plus we can always improvise with deerhead here."
(https://i.imgur.com/JTYHiPJ.png)
Linea, Edwarg, Jack, and Dixie travel for hours, heading northwest towards the lake. They eventually reach the tower, deciding if they should take a break or continue onwards.
A light groan soon comes from Jack's pouch where the unconscious pixie was being carried, followed by some movement. Stopping to look inside for a moment, Jack sees that the pixie is finally coming to.
The creature becomes startled upon seeing Jack, and leaps out of the pouch and into the air. It looks around, eyes darting between Jack and the others. "Who are you people!? Poachers or perverts!? You look a little familiar so I'm gonna guess perverts who were stalking me! What were you doing with me?? Oh I don't even want to imagine it!" The pixie looks to be in fight or flight mode, ready to decide between the two options.
Not wanting to delve into the technicalities that Dixie abducted Plune in the first place and may have killed one of her 'friends and family', she distanced herself from the conversation and gazed at the tower and its gate. Is it still intact? Has the goblin automaton returned?
Spoiler: Jack (click to show/hide)
Not wanting to delve into the technicalities that Dixie abducted Plune in the first place and may have killed one of her 'friends and family', she distanced herself from the conversation and gazed at the tower and its gate. Is it still intact? Has the goblin automaton returned?
we do get along, what made you think otherwise? I’m glad you came with, I was worried I’d be traveling alone"Without any other prior obligations, I'd be happy to accompany you. Besides, how can I pay you back from saving be if I am not with you." The slayer said
((Which of the blue hexes will you spawn in?]]
Linea knocked on the gate.
(https://i.imgur.com/JTYHiPJ.png)Linea knocked on the gate.
Several moments pass, as the only response is gate's metallic vibrations. Nothing happens.
"Damn raccoons, why are there so many of them?"
Burtthrewcommanded his fox to go and attack the raccoons, while he shot them with his rifle.
Reeta moves R6, to P6, to O7, to M7 and attacks the raccoon at L8 with her mace
Doctor Doak uses entangle roots on the raccoon at L8
GSH copies Reeta's movements(Moves R6, to P6, to O7, to M7 and attacks the raccoon using his heavy weapon)
Dularach moves to P8 and uses transform to go into demon form, followed with a web spinning on enemy 7
"Are you really not going to try to blow it up?" Dixie smiles, amused by Linea's mood and whining. "Hm, maybe I could tear it down. I have something in mind... Unless you want to try first?""I have been thinking about using my magic arrow to give that door some good old breech-and-clear, but unless if we want to irk our druid friend..."
Assess the condition of the gate, find possible weak spots like cracks, rust or hinges. "I'm not so keen on sleeping outside, either."
Reeta attacks Raccoon 2 with her mace and Defends
Doctor Doak tried to entangle as many of the raccoons as possible with entangle roots.
GSH attacks raccoon 2, raccoon 4, and raccoon 6(switch targets if and only if the first raccoon target dies)
"Hell yeah, kill 'em little fox!"
Get the fox to finish off the one it's fighting, while Burt shoots raccoon 9 and 11.
"Are you really not going to try to blow it up?" Dixie smiles, amused by Linea's mood and whining. "Hm, maybe I could tear it down. I have something in mind... Unless you want to try first?"
Assess the condition of the gate, find possible weak spots like cracks, rust or hinges. "I'm not so keen on sleeping outside, either."
At the town, a young guy has been arrived.
He has a canary hair with a spikes at the back, lemongrass eyes and yellowish skin. Wearing an adventurer clothing warrior variant, a cape that covering his bedroll along with adventurer bag and a scabbard with a sword on his left side.
He head on the Adventurer's Guild and speak up with the receptionist.
Dularach awakens from his mighty slumber to see what has gone down around here
"Golly. This gate's spotless... How am I supposed to..." Dixie looks around more at the gate. Does it have a sliding bar? Exposed hinges? How does it work? So many questions, and she can't just attack the gate willy-nilly. As much as Dixie hates to admit, she doesn't have that kind of power, fire- or otherwise.
How about we follow the river north rather than crossing it this time?"Good idea Plant girl, let's just not stray away too far, I'm afraid I might not be able to protect you with all these gawblins." GSH responded
Alright, Northward hoHow about we follow the river north rather than crossing it this time?"Good idea Plant girl, let's just not stray away too far, I'm afraid I might not be able to protect you with all these gawblins." GSH responded
"Hm, what if we repeatedly froze it and heated it back up?Would it not get cracked and crumble" Dixie suggests to Linea. "I suppose it only works on glass and rubber..."
"I'm gonna follow you guys as it seems everyone else has disappeared and I have no intention of sleeping out here."Alright, Northward hoHow about we follow the river north rather than crossing it this time?"Good idea Plant girl, let's just not stray away too far, I'm afraid I might not be able to protect you with all these gawblins." GSH responded
Travel north with GSH
Dularach ask the locals were the other adventurers went
Jack trudged through the quickly reddening twilight through the grass, and toward the tower. He could see that the large orc fellow had taken to tending the over-sized fire, and had set a number of large logs aside to keep it fed with. Instinctually, and totally undesired, thoughts rushed through his head about misusing resources. There was only so much fallen timber, and it took YEARS to grow a tree that size. It was downright wasteful to use wood in such a wanton manner... but he took that thought, wadded it up, and crammed it into the back of his mind.The campfire was unnecessarily bright so Edwarg had no difficulties on discerning the approaching figure. It was the hermit Jack, he waved at him and called.
"Nobody wants to hear about that kind of thing, Jack. You've put your damn foot in it badly enough as it is. Don't say a goddamn thing about it, pretend it didn't happen, pretend you don't see it, do whatever-- but don't bring that shit up. Deep breaths. You're here to be 'sociable'-- not cause a further ruckus. You made pancakes, and brought water, because you are trying to be nice--"
His internal monologue trailed off as he drew closer, and the outlines of his traveling companions came into clearer view. Linea and Edwarg were eating biscuits and drinking coffee again. Either those were magical biscuits, she had a really profound preference for bland hard food, or they did not really provision well before they left. Regardless, the biscuits really did not have enough 'oomph' to sustain a body walking so many miles in a day like this, and then shivering in the cold at night to boot. Pancakes weren't really satisfactory either, but the honey at least would go a long ways toward making up the deficit. What she really needed was a good serving of stewed starchy root vegetables, some savory herbs to make it tasty, and some hearty meaty bits in it-- something that would keep a body going under this kind of abuse... Just...
His thoughts wandered again, to all the times the elf-girl had tacitly refused any of the food he had gathered previously. Sure, it wasn't exactly gourmet, but it wasn't like it was poison either. Then again, most people don't consider such things edible... He had to remind himself of that. The pancakes at least were something everyone could agree were actually food.
They would have to do. --Especially since they were all he had at the moment.
At the very least, she should have some honey with that hard tack. SURELY she wouldn't refuse THAT.
As he drew closer, he noticed that the other woman was missing. He wondered if she had gone off somewhere, but since the only real reason he could come up with for why she would have done so involved answering nature's call, and was not something polite to bring up, especially when bringing food, he decided to put the observation on the same dark corner of his mind that the oversized fire, and wastefully stacked wood were relegated to.
Approaching the fire, he held a hand up peaceably, and announced his approach. He was unsure how good the other's vision was in the growing darkness; He had heard that Elves and Orcs had better vision than humans did, but such things were apochryphal, and until proven, not something to bet your life on, or just assume.
"Howdy!" he announced jovially. "Ya kids hungry?"
"Howdy!" he announced jovially. "Ya kids hungry?"
"So guys should we attempt to talk to them or do we assume they're bandits do to the injured guy?"I think we should try going around them
"hmm, you won't have much to worry about, it seems pretty safe so i'll be going to catch up with one of the groups now, have a nice and peaceful day"(Skye comes along as well)
Dularach leaves to catch up with the group that went to the lake
I think we should try going around themBut they could have info, or if their hostile we could take their stuff they're dead.
if they’re dead they wouldn’t be using a campfire, also they could be infected. Slayer and I learned that the plants that live inside creatures can also live in pixies too. Even if they aren’t infected, I’m unsure if we can take all of them on. Maybe you or Slayer should talk with them. Since it’s a type of plant that’s causing problems, I’ll likely be seen as a target. Before going, find something to plug your ears, if things get...dicey? I can play my flute, which confuses those that hear it into not knowing who friend or foe are for a time. The earplugs would be so you don’t get affected as well. I’m mentioning possible ideas. Maybe we can stay out of notice and watch for monsters or aggressive creatures and fight them, if they notice us then and they aren’t infected, they’d know that we’re not hostile, if they are infected and notice us, we’d already have our weapons out and ready.I think we should try going around themBut they could have info, or if their hostile we could take their stuff they're dead.
She stared at the 2 rolled-up pancakes inside his cup and then took a bit out of both of them at the same time.
"Maybe until next morning."
As he linked up with the party. Skye stay stand still and close his eyes.
A circle spreads in wide within 100 yards, follow up a grayscale environment inside of it. The naked silhouette of Linea filled with an overflowing of mana which more brighter than the average on like the rest of the party which is normal flow in their bodies. Dularach same case of Linea even in Dexie's too if the range reaches her.
Also within the range, notify what are those that got detected.
As he linked up with the party. Skye stay stand still and close his eyes.
A circle spreads in wide within 100 yards, follow up a grayscale environment inside of it. The naked silhouette of Linea filled with an overflowing of mana which more brighter than the average on like the rest of the party which is normal flow in their bodies. Dularach same case of Linea even in Dexie's too if the range reaches her.
Also within the range, notify what are those that got detected.
"I misspoke I meant to say if they were hostile we could take their stuff after we kill them, also I also knew about the plants and if their infected with the plants they might be grateful if we kill them, but if you think diplomacy is the way to go I could go try to talk to them."But they could have info, or if their hostile we could take their stuff they're dead.if they’re dead they wouldn’t be using a campfire, also they could be infected. Slayer and I learned that the plants that live inside creatures can also live in pixies too. Even if they aren’t infected, I’m unsure if we can take all of them on. Maybe you or Slayer should talk with them. Since it’s a type of plant that’s causing problems, I’ll likely be seen as a target. Before going, find something to plug your ears, if things get...dicey? I can play my flute, which confuses those that hear it into not knowing who friend or foe are for a time. The earplugs would be so you don’t get affected as well. I’m mentioning possible ideas. Maybe we can stay out of notice and watch for monsters or aggressive creatures and fight them, if they notice us then and they aren’t infected, they’d know that we’re not hostile, if they are infected and notice us, we’d already have our weapons out and ready.
yes, that sounds good"I misspoke I meant to say if they were hostile we could take their stuff after we kill them, also I also knew about the plants and if their infected with the plants they might be grateful if we kill them, but if you think diplomacy is the way to go I could go try to talk to them."But they could have info, or if their hostile we could take their stuff they're dead.if they’re dead they wouldn’t be using a campfire, also they could be infected. Slayer and I learned that the plants that live inside creatures can also live in pixies too. Even if they aren’t infected, I’m unsure if we can take all of them on. Maybe you or Slayer should talk with them. Since it’s a type of plant that’s causing problems, I’ll likely be seen as a target. Before going, find something to plug your ears, if things get...dicey? I can play my flute, which confuses those that hear it into not knowing who friend or foe are for a time. The earplugs would be so you don’t get affected as well. I’m mentioning possible ideas. Maybe we can stay out of notice and watch for monsters or aggressive creatures and fight them, if they notice us then and they aren’t infected, they’d know that we’re not hostile, if they are infected and notice us, we’d already have our weapons out and ready.
"Hopefully this all goes smoothly, but if it doesn't stay behind be as I'm gonna start shooting them.""I misspoke I meant to say if they were hostile we could take their stuff after we kill them, also I also knew about the plants and if their infected with the plants they might be grateful if we kill them, but if you think diplomacy is the way to go I could go try to talk to them."yes, that sounds good
Ed turned his head away from Jack, and up at the road, then shielded his eyes from the fire.
"Good eyes old timer.."
Eye. he corrected flatly. He peered into the gloom intently. The shadowy figure was way too tall to be a person, and was lumbering up the road without a care in the world. Jack felt that was not the source of the disturbance he felt though. Tiny bits of movement in the wake of the larger figure cascaded across his vision, and the pieces snapped together. I think it's Dula... He's got som'un wit' 'im, but...
His voice trailed off, as if distracted by something.
He was confused. Why would somebody Dula was traveling with set off his danger senses like this, from that far away? It did not make any sense... Surely, if they were looking for the rest of the group, the big roaring fire would be more than enough signal on where they were-- What could have set him off like this?..
His thoughts wandered in circles.
I s'pose so... But why would..... I don' un'erstand....
And that was about the truth of it-- Jack did not understand how the distant approach of a most likely friendly party had triggered his danger senses so intensely. Maybe it was just him being near the tower, and being ill at ease. That was as good an explanation as any right? Perhaps it was because he was just so used to being watched that intently only by things intent on seeing how tasty he could be... Maybe it was something similar but benign? Seeing the party's strength from afar some how? But why so intense, like it was right behind him? He just couldn't grasp it, but it had been there.
We shou' prolly jus go fin out. No' gonna learn nuthin just gawkin'. he muttered out loud. Ya down with headin down wit' me? I wants some answers ta why ... he paused for only a moment, fishing for a good way to put this, without spouting what would surely sound like complete insanity. .. Dula's walkin' up here inna middle o de night, wif a total stranger. Dula's a good guy. Big as a barn, jovial, an aloof-- Goo' in a fight tuh. Lots a wollop. New guy from th' may'r? Mebbie.. Dunno.. Wanna fin' out?
"Prolly that is my detection. I was worried that this fella and I will lost in the middle of the forest since he becoming to run aimlessly few minutes ago.
I m Skye. An adventurer from the content that worship wind and obssessed with magic. The Guild sent us here for the addition regardless I just arrived there not long ago." Skye speak to the Hermit and Orc. His expression noticeable as freshly tired from the journey.
"Who might you be, stranger?""I'm Burt and I'm with a group that's trying to figure out what's going with the animals in these woods, I saw your campfire and decided to investigate and seeing how some of you are injured I'm gonna guess that you've also had a run in with the local wildlife that my group is investigating."
"If it's the wolf pack we've take care of it." The leader gestured at his cart, where some bloody pelts were hanging. "Shredded the new guy, they did. Did a town nearby hired you? Our map doesn't cover this far west.""It's not just the wolves but all the animals here have started attacking people, yes a town not that far south of here hired me and some others, and its funny you mention your map not showing anything because the maps we were show don't really say what's north of the town besides a massive forest which brings me to the question of how did you guys get this cart out here is there a road or something nearby?"
"It's not just the wolves but all the animals here have started attacking people, yes a town not that far south of here hired me and some others, and its funny you mention your map not showing anything because the maps we were show don't really say what's north of the town besides a massive forest which brings me to the question of how did you guys get this cart out here is there a road or something nearby?"
"Is it just me or the forest seems a lot more... fresh?" A newly-bathed Dixie said to Jack, perpendicular from where he's facing. "Did something happen while we were asleep?"
She sipped the water from her cup.
He grinned, extending a hand. "Name's Orwell, of the Horseless Headman. Pleasure meeting ya."Burt shook the mans hand.
Head North
Go with the others to the north.
[Jack will examine the area for any new and tasty looking ingredients, and leans heavily on his hobo-senses for either anything lingeringly hostile, or that appears out of place. Mama will look for anything that might actually be tasty to eat, and anything that smells suspicious.]
Dixie climbs a nearby tree to see if the lake is visible from their spot.
This place was very unfamiliar. Even the plantlife was new and obscure, even to him. It had been... Gods... YEARS since he had experienced this. Thankfully there was a local library, and a local apothecary that could potentially help with this predicament, but they would need something to go on other than vague descriptions. Gingerly, he collected samples of the unusual plantlife and tucked them away in bottles.
"Oh-- That was close..."
Good thing Dixie wears leather gloves. Could you imagine the rash on her hands by this point? Tree bark is rough.
Anyway, Dixie looked down. Ah, it would've been such a rough fall...
Hm? Something's accumulating directly below her. Is this Jack's doing? Dixie smiled, then gruntingly reached out to her bag behind her for a leather mask and equipped it. Just in case. She then let go of the branch, and positioned herself mid-air to land at the bushes and leaves with her right side, her right arm bracing her head and her legs tucked fetally.
After them
((Thought we mentioned following them earlier))
Follow the creatures.
((My bolded action said to follow them.))
"Okay then lets get following, just gonna say that we might not be able to for very long as I don't think anyone in this group is very stealthy."
Follow the creatures and see where they go.
"Ow..."
Dixie slowly sits up and then looks up. "From such a height... That could've gotten a lot worse."
A pain buds from her right arm, and she undoes her sleeve to reveal a minor bruise. She hovers her left hand onto it and starts to drown the bruise in healing magic.
She looks around for Jack, who she was sure aided to soften her fall.
"There are no greenskins and we aren't fighting, we're leaving the forest so the plant person who's name I don't know won't die or something.""Oh okay.." the Slayer responded. "Good thing too because I want see them dead by my own hands" he murmured.
Dixie smiles at Linea, "I'm fine.”"Right you are," she said without returning the smile and looked at the young woman with an expression that basically questioning her intelligence.
Attacks 6 times within a single AP. Fatigue decay from this ability ignores the minimum limit.
"Oh, I see.""I see, remind me then after we get to town.", he replied to Dexie.
Dularach must be fully healed already, yeah? Seems like it. Dixie stops healing him and bows to take her leave.
She checks up on Plune, but she's not physically injured. Rather, she's just exhausted, which Dixie can do nothing about.
Finally, she walked towards Jack and Skye hoarding what's essentially the rock trolls' carcass. She grabs a sizeable shard. "Hm. Could I use this to make my gear fire-proof? That'd probably be too heavy. Maybe more daggers, and some arrowheads for Linea..."
She looks at Skye. "You're not planning to sell all these, are you? This seems like great material. Share some to the others, yeah? If only we have a wagon to carry all of it so that nothing's wasted... or maybe someone with dimensional storage."
Koth follows the barkeeper's directions and makes his way over to the headquarters of the Mystville adventuring company.
Linea looks down the stampede trail impatiently, but with heavily suppressed apprehension.
"Natives? I don't sense any hostility right now, but..."
Dixie flicks her Dagger of Destiny into existence onto her right hand and takes a stance, ready to power-throw. The dagger starts to produce small sparks, as if about to catch fire. "You never know."
She wasn't smiling.
"Aren't we supposed to be expecting something larger? Think they're trying to summon it with that... ritual? Either way, it might as well be very safe to interrupt them first, yes?"
Dixie throws the dagger hard, but in such a high angle that it definitely wouldn't reach the natives. Not even 10% close. However, the dagger explodes mid-air, and it flies swiftly towards the natives like a mini shooting star. As it reached a close distance to them, the dagger explodes a second time, not to damage but just to surprise them, maybe interrupt their performance.
The dagger, of course, is back at Dixie's waiting hand, teleported by the power of the Bound Ring.
Masha eyed the long-ear with dripping disdain. Perhaps she should give this one to Kalya after all. Seeing which one broke first would either level the village, or set one of them right.
YOU ANSWER QUESTION I ASK, OR ANSWER QUESTION CHIEF ASK. SAME QUESTION. EITHER WAY, YOU ANSWER. YOU ANSWER, OR YOU DIE. MASHA SEEN ENOUGH DEATH FOR TEN LIFETIME. BUT IF YOU WANT, YOU GET.
She then turned a cold, bitter shoulder to the long-ear, and focused on the green-skin one.
MAYBE YOU SMARTER. NOT FIGHT NET MAKERS. NOT FIGHT ROPE TENDERS. YOU ANSWER.
YOU ANSWER QUESTION I ASK, OR ANSWER QUESTION CHIEF ASK. SAME QUESTION. EITHER WAY, YOU ANSWER. YOU ANSWER, OR YOU DIE. MASHA SEEN ENOUGH DEATH FOR TEN LIFETIME. BUT IF YOU WANT, YOU GET.
She then turned a cold, bitter shoulder to the long-ear, and focused on the green-skin one.
MAYBE YOU SMARTER. NOT FIGHT NET MAKERS. NOT FIGHT ROPE TENDERS. YOU ANSWER.
THIS TRUE? YOU BURN TREEMEN? BURN GOOD?
The chief shrugs his shoulders matter of factly.
CHILD-ONE AND MASK ONE ONLY TALL ONES COME. he said flatly.
COME, TAKE FROM VILLAGE. ONLY ONES COME BACK YAMASH, KALYA. BOTH NOT GOOD WHEN COME BACK. KALYA SAY VERY BAD THING-- NO REASON NOT BELIEVE. CHILD-ONE EAT LIGHT FROM EYES-- LEAVE EMPTY- LIKE YAMASH.
He tipped his head at Linea pensively.
YOU NOT DO SAME, MORE TALL ONE COME? NOT MANY LEFT IN VILLAGE.
He straightened back up again.
YOU WANT MISSING FRIEND? MASHA SAY RIGHT-- SENTRY SAY SAME ME. TREEMAN HAVE FOR SURE. BIG DANGER. YOU GO? YOU BURN *ALL* TREEMEN?
YOU CONTROL RUMMAGE-GUT? NO CAUSE TROUBLE?! CAUSE TROUBLE-- BIG PROBLEM-- GET HURT MORE. ME NOT WANT TROUBLE-- YOU GET, TREEMAN?Dixie glares at the chief, saying curtly, "You just try. See what happens."
FRIEND CAPTURE, OR FRIEND TREEMEN TAKE?
the chief asked puzzled.
TREEMEN DRAG BODIES-- BUT BODIES LIMP, NO STIFF. IF DEAD, FRESH DEAD. NOT TAKE DEAD BODY BEFORE-- THINK ALIVE THEN. NOW? NO SURE.
FRIEND WE TAKE? HURT BUT LIVE. BIG BUG NEAR WATER. BUG-GIRL BEHIND TREEMAN, THERE. TALL-MAN DOWN THERE-- HALFWAY. YOU AND GREENSKIN THERE-- NOW HERE.
[Dixie's escape happened 19 minutes before present time when Linea has just sat.]
"Linea!"
Dixie shouted from a distance, running towards them, looking very fresh, clean and smooth-haired, with new clothes of the exact same style and colour, but without the singes from her self-explosions yesterday. This is not the same case for her fur-lined buckler but the burnt whiskers of it have definitely been trimmed off. Her leather armor has a single new slice-shaped dent in it that didn't go all the way through.
"I went back in town to see if I could bring any help to kill the snakefish, but to no avail. I came back to where we all were yesterday, I followed the tracks, I just saw a lot of tiny steps and a long snake trail but it was completely straight so I figured it wasn't the snakefish-- What happened last night?"
Dixie sees her leg wound and asks Edwarg and Linea if it's fine for her to magic-heal it, and then glances at the rest of the party looking disheveled and/or tied, and then the Chief and 11 other boglings.
"Did they do this to you?" Dixie's golden eyes glow, and fire momentarily sparks from the sides of her lips.
YOU CONTROL RUMMAGE-GUT? NO CAUSE TROUBLE?! CAUSE TROUBLE-- BIG PROBLEM-- GET HURT MORE. ME NOT WANT TROUBLE-- YOU GET, TREEMAN?Dixie glares at the chief, saying curtly, "You just try. See what happens."
Dixie looks at Jack, and then the bear who lowers herself. Seems to be a confirmation. Dixie slowly approaches, petting the bear at the head, and gently grabs the spear and pulls it out, healing the wound as the spear clears. Dixie could be seen distraught by this, merely imagining the pain Mama must have gone through.
While she keeps at this process, she asks Jack without looking at him, "So, did I miss an agreement? Why are these boglings still alive?"
They's seems ta think I'ma gonna grow roots outa my damn face, and then haul em all off inta the woods and do gawds knows what ta em or summat. Like em ugly barstards we put outta their misry back a few days. Ya remember right? With the damn glidin thingmabobs as jumped us? I think ya was hidin out in a tree 'en-- Anywhoo-- that ol' feller there seems ta be the resident "expert" on old forest hobos like muhself. Set em straight, but apparently the rest o'em in their little fish-reakin village ain't got the sense. Gotta stay here--TIED TA THIS DAYUM TREE --till they all gets a damn clue.
Jack snorted a disgusted growl, then continued.
Also, kept ramblin on 'bout some 'child-one' or summat. Thought we's her errand boys er sommin. Damned stupid's what it is. Jumped us in the middle o the damn night.
Dixie pauses as she takes hold of the last of seven spears, to look at Jack and Linea. "Sounds like Sally... Linea, didn't you leave with her a colleague--"
"I am not about to let him wander off in your village, I just wish for him to be released when we depart and he will be your trouble no more."
Dixie rips the final spear off of Mama's body, and as the wound is healed back, she pets Mama's head even firmer and whispers "Good girl. You've endured well. Jack, how's she feeling?"
Dixie turns to Linea, then turning back to Mama mid-dialogue, patting her head. "I'm more worried about your agents killing Sally if they deduce that she controls that bodyguard of hers. Worst case scenario, Sally will have the entire town to deal with anyway, and they're a lot stronger than us."
She thinks a little more. "I think Sally's just a misguided child. I hope." Keeping this transactional partnership Sally and Dixie would be great as well. However, if Sally does die, could Dixie find where Sally stashed her artifacts much like this Ring of the Mimic? Anyway, "I think she needs an actual guardian that could fix her." Maybe Lucy?
She continues, turning back to Linea. "More importantly, we've already traveled this far. It's been half a week. Let's find your missing friends."
Dixie pauses as she takes hold of the last of seven spears, to look at Jack and Linea. "Sounds like Sally... Linea, didn't you leave with her a colleague--"
"I did, and I had my suspicion back then, that's why I assigned my..." Linea stopped momentarily as if trying to recompose herself. "I didn't know she was this dangerous, but even so I didn't think she and her bodyguard are threat two CSA agents cant handle. But if it's true she regularly comes to this forest for god-knows-what, then my guts tell me we should go back immediately. Two alive CSA agents are worth more than dozens of MIAs. But even if we know Little Sally is this dangerous do you think coming back to the village would worth it?"
"Whatever happened to Doctor Doak? That one old guy that dressed funny?" Dixie remarks within earshot, while looking at the middle-aged hobo and his newfound friend, the older-looking bogling. "I never did get to talk to the man.""What about him? It's too late worrying about the guy that wasn't with us since the beginning."
WE GOING?