Fantasy Aetherspark IC

[SilverFlight]

Korro felt the poor lad go limp on his back and heaved a quick sigh. He wasn't used to close contact with..well, anyone, but something about Denver, perhaps his vulnerability, compelled Korro to be gentler...he didn't like it.
Korro leapt for the ladder and dug his clawed feet into the ice rungs, waiting until it was safe to depart.
"A twig like you? Couldn't slow me down if you tried." He answered softly.

When the time came to run, Korro was hot on Blestare's heels. They tore down the tunnel, the acid eating through the passage just behind them, at length, they reached the place where the tide could not, and Korro glanced back, keeping well back from the acid as it rushed by. Another poor fool was not far enough back and Korro grimaced at the smell of burning flesh.

There were others there, and they had been busy. Korro nodded in begrudging approval at the felled beetle the size of a small elephant.
There seemed to be some discussion now as to which path they should take, but before anyone could speak, it seemed a serpent had the breath left to antagonize one of the other fighters. Korro bared his teeth, if the snake had been in one of his ranks back when he lead armies, he would have cut the creature down as an example. The collar about his neck hummed a warning at his thought. He snorted in frustration. Thankfully, the one called Kanon put the snake in his place.

When the floor opened for ideas, Korro shifted Denver carefully on his back and spoke.
"It's clear our enemy was ready for us. I suggest doing something he might not be able to predict. Perhaps the beetle's tunnel would allow us to gain an advantage. Send the swiftest in first as scouts, keep the injured back a ways, until we can find a clear path to get them out."

MageMantis Gummy Worm Fangs9090

 

[Stern LuLuLu]

Lena worked diligently amidst the chaos, while the others confronted the giant beetle. As her companions engaged in a fierce battle, she focused on a different kind of urgency—collecting scraps of clothing and bandages from the fallen. With swift hands, she soaked them in a cool concoction she had crafted, hovering around to any mercenaries suffering from burning acid gliding between the wounded, she offered her makeshift remedies to everyone who needed and wanted it. Just then, she overheard Kanon pondering their next move, eyeing the newly granted path made possible by the creature’s rampage.

Korro chimed in with a solid recommendation, suggesting they seize the new route to outmaneuver their enemy. Lena couldn't help but add her voice to the mix. "I really like the idea of taking this new path! Sending our fastest ahead sounds like a brilliant plan. Do you have any other ideas, oh wise leader?" She floated just a breath away from Kanon, her excitement palpable as they plotted their next strategic move.



As Warren leaned against Aaliyah, he caught snippets of Akila’s conversation about a bounty placed on her head. The weight of those words hung in the air, but it barely registered. Aaliyah’s voice sliced through the chatter, bringing clarity to Akila’s claims.

Warren shrugged off the taunts, a determined smile breaking across his face. “Honestly, I couldn’t care less about the rewards people offer for turning Aaliyah in. I owe her too much,” he said, his calm eyes blazing with resolve. “I will stand by her side and protect her as long as she needs me.”

Turning to look at Akila he paused, weighing his words carefully. “So, I apologize, my Lady, but this isn’t the right moment for your games.” His gaze shifted back to the snake lady, a blend of defiance and loyalty in his stance. “And just so you know, I’m not fully human. I’m a half-elf, and I don’t hold myself in high regard. If anything, I’d say that everyone else here is things far better than I.” he then turned to look at Aaliyah.”Some more than others.”

After hearing Kanon ask which path they should take. “I am in no condition to really make an input so I will just go with you guys for now.” Looking at Aaliyah. “I apologize that I'm going to have to lean on you for a little while longer.”

MageMantis Noble Scion SilverFlight Fangs9090

 

[MageMantis]

The Paladin smiled at the Raccoon lady. “Thank you, masked healer.” The man felt the pain in his arm dwindle, as he put his sword back into his sheathe. Meanwhile, in response to the backlash from her allies, Akila rolled her eyes. “ UGH, FIIIIIIIIIINE!” Griped she.

Upon noticing Blestare, Tonnie felt a wave of relief wash over her, the furred-Aasimar sharing the same feeling when he noticed her. Concerned with the trajectory their forces were going in, Barracuda raised his voice as he wiped down his boomerangs with his Sponge Otter Handkerchief, “I agree that the Entomancer was prepared for us. However, there is a possibility that this new path was designed to mislead us. The objective could be in the right path. I elect we go right.” Elaborated he. He knew as much as the rest of them, but his experiences with traps influenced his vote.

 

[Noble Scion]

Aaliyah Sh'ahn

Spoiler: Cloak

As much as she was trying to keep her composure, she couldn't help but flinch at the snake woman's words, flinching as she'd draw her blade, and meekly shying away from it as it would tap her nose. Aaliyah would seem to deflate, her fine features softening as she couldn't help but shiver slightly as she'd take in a shaky breath, not having the will nor courage to come back with another retort, only sadly looking to the floor, downtrodden.

"Th-that's..."

Though as Akila would move to teasing warren, the sea princess would tense up, that small frown growing more strong, visibly hurt by the woman's poisonous words, but unable to refute as her fear would blossom into a guilty distrust, against her best wishes. The snake wasn't lying, they had only just met, though there was no way in her mind that he'd known who she was, she had approached him first after all, and yet now he knew.

"H-he wouldn't..."

It was only when Warren spoke up would she perk up, though she'd listen to him with a pained expression, her eyes unable to meet his own as she'd find herself incapable of telling the difference between honeyed words and genuine will, every part of her wanting to put her full faith in him but suddenly finding Akila's words blocking her wishes.

"... That's okay. J-just.. don't hurt me later once we get out of here, okay..?" Kanon and Korro's words brought her mind back to the situation at hand, letting out a soft, emotion-filled huff of air before she'd give a pained answer to his request to lean, her eyes flickering at Warren's ears at the mention of elven heritage with a hint of fascinated, childish curiosity, before she'd move looking at the new path, letting their expanding party decide on which way to go as she'd avoid looking at the geomancer, though periodically peaking at him with intrigue.

She was strangely thankful that a few voices seemed against the snake, and more so that they hadn't seemed to hear the gist of the argument as the topic would shift back to their situation, helping her worries fade somewhat.

Raising her free hand to her hood, Aaliyah would pull it a little lower over her head. The discussion giving her a chance to sulk, though at least her thoughts weren't as focused on her imminent demise since they seemed to have a breather, now it was just her future situation that was haunting her.

MageMantis Stern LuLuLu Fangs9090 SilverFlight

 

[HypnoFuzz]

Jamie gazed upon the felled beast with a little smirk. He was thoroughly impressed with the Red Knight's skills. Perhaps it was a wise choice electing them as unofficial leader! If she worked alongside him during his military days, he would trust her with his life. However, not was not the time to reminiscing on the glory days. It was time to make a decision on where to go. There were two tunnels they could go down, both of them possessing just as much risk of death. However, they were just going to have to choose one as they were sitting ducks in those tunnels.

"In either scenario, 'tis a gamble. Perhaps.. I could venture down the the pathway of the beetle and 'poke around', if you wish." The regal canine offers. He was fully willing to scout down the tunnel that the beetle made. He was actually quite curious to see where this hellspawn had burrowed from. Could be closer to their objective, or it could lead straight into a horde of those wretched bugs. Either way, he was down to check it out.

 

[Fangs9090]

Adelynn smiled and nodded at the paladin’s thanks before looking to Kanon.

Kanon listened to the input received, considering the different points. “Hm… Very well, a small team of people who are quick enough shall scout the beetle’s path. The rest of us will hold our ground here and defend those who are recovering.” She looked to Jamie since he had been first to volunteer. “Those who scout will be at risk, so anyone going must be certain of their abilities. We won’t be able to wait here forever. If you don’t return, we’ll have to move on. How much time would you need?”

 

[MageMantis]

“I suppose I will go. I mean, I have done most of the work here anyways.” Ranted Akila with her snout held-high. The undead mummy snake slithered to the entrance of the left path where she impatiently waited for the rest of the scout team to form.

Blestare stepped forward, a look of determination locked on his face. “I’ll go.” Declared the white wolf. Upon seeing her friend volunteer for the scout mission, Tonnie walked to his side, signifying that she would be accompanying the scouts.

“Me stay here!” Announced the kobold rogue who tried to rob Warren earlier, the lizard side eying the Princess and her wares.

The humanoid Walking-Tree samurai marched in front of the left tunnel entrance. “I will lend my blade.”

Meanwhile, in the lowest part of the tunnel, it could be noticed that the acid was rising, slowly but surely. Every second was precious, for they were in the Entomancer’s grip.

 

[SilverFlight]

The masked figure brought up a good point.
"True." Korro ceded, "do we know how aware our enemy is of his minions' movements? There are hundreds of them."
The longer Korro was in this fight the less he felt like he'd survive. Perhaps this was just a cruel joke, that the goddess had intended to kill him after all, this was just a more entertaining way to do it. Korro would rather be murdered by the suppressing ring about his neck than die in some of the unbecoming ways he'd observed today.

At length a decision was made and Korro drew in a long breath. Whether the entomancer knew his creature's whereabouts and laid a trap for them or not, they would soon find out...

The volunteers stepped forward. Korro made a face, glancing behind him at the unconscious Denver, still resting peacefully on his back. "I suppose I will stay here and make sure the goat doesn't die."
The wolf looked down, noticing the acid's slow ascent towards them.
"I can use ice to slow the acid if I have to, but it won't last for long. Whatever you are gong to do, do it fast."

MageMantis Gummy Worm Fangs9090

 

[MageMantis]

The Human bard cleared his throat loudly, before climbing on top of the beetle corpse, “For those of us that will remain here, I believe all of us are aware that there is a high chance that many of us will not make it. I propose we all tell our names and where we come from, so should you fall, perhaps a surviving ally can tell your story. I will go first: I am Klythren. I began my journey from a small village named Wytherton. Onto the next person.” The bard’s eyes wandered around the room until they landed on the Kobold rogue, who was now closer to Aayliah than before. “Kobold, what is your name and where do you come from?” Asked Klythren.

“Me named Ko!” Explained the Kobold in broken common. “Father name himself ‘Kobold King.’ Me second youngest of 5 siblings. Father struggle with naming, so me siblings are King, Kobold, Kobol, Kobo, Kob, and Kay. Me from Kobold Den.” Shared he. Ko looked around the tunnel, before pointing at their unofficial leader. “Red Rabbit, who you and where you from?”

Meanwhile, Barracuda leaned against a wall in the same tunnel near the other mercenaries. He reloaded his guns as his attention remained fixed on the Dragonborn he saw use an elven ally as a meat shield earlier, watching his every move as he discreetly prepared his gun.

 

[Stern LuLuLu]

As Lena was going around, handing out the medical wraps she made. She would let Kanon some of the others keep going with their planning.” I plan on staying here too.” Once she was done, passing out the wrappings Lena would call over to another mercenary Korro. “I could help you with making the ice and maybe even make it last longer to give us more time,” she said, hovering over to him. Listening to the other start introducing themselves.


As the strategists and Red leader carefully plotted their next move, Warren settled on the ground beside Aaliyah, taking a moment to res as well as thinking that he would do what he could for her later, if he survives to help deal with Akila. He would smile and give her a playful thumbs up. “Well while they're doing that, I guess I can do this for a while.” He placed his hands on the earth, feeling its texture beneath his fingertips, and closed his eyes. With each breath, he became attuned to the vibrations of the world around him, honing his senses to detect any shifts or movements in the ground nearby. Waiting for any sign of what might approach from that direction.


MageMantis SilverFlight Noble Scion

 

[Fangs9090]

Kanon dipped her head as she received the medical wraps before she paused for a moment. "Red Panda, not rabbit. My name is Kanon. I am a samurai from a land far to the east, but it is no longer my home. I have pledged my blade to Adelynn and will serve her until my last breath." She put the wraps away where she could easily retrieve them, thankful to not need them at the moment.

Adelynn spoke up. "And, um, that would be me. My name is Adelynn. I was born in a big city, but I don't remember the name. I'm just a girl from the streets." She scratched her ear awkwardly, bashful about being in any kind of spotlight.

 

[Noble Scion]

Aaliyah Sh'ahn

Spoiler: Cloak

Aaliyah couldn't help but feel glad as Akila would nominate herself, daintily taking a seat next to the meditating warren, the only person she actually knew the name of, as she'd watch their scout party go. Seeing Warren close his eyes, she'd take the chance to indulge herself a little, leaning in close to him to peer at his half-elf ears, hair, and strange, foreign skin. She already liked him because he was nice to her, as much as she'd said otherwise.

The sea princess had never been close to anything other than fish and her fellow seafolk, so it took a decent amount of restraint to stop herself from poking and prodding at him, though he would no doubt notice the fruity scent of her warm breath prickling at his skin from her 'inspection'. She didn't think she was being very distracting, but it was obvious that years of bothering extremely patient and loving royal retainers had skewed her idea of what 'distracting' meant..

Her adventure so far had been scary and lacking in friends, so when Klythren suggested getting to know each other, she would perk up somewhat from her melancholy, her attention diverted from the geomancer for the moment, as her eyes would narrow on the kobold who seemed closer than before, the recent memory of his attempt theft high on her mind as she'd frown at him, awkwardly shuffling her way around to the opposite side of Warren to use him as a shield as she'd listen to Ko.

Then, Kanon spoke. He reminded her of the knights back home, and his words were noble and chivalrous. She couldn't help but like him. While Adelynn seemed more shy and reserved, which was cute in its own way. Aaliyah liked her too, as she reminded her of herself. Her emerald eyes glimmered at the two of them affectionately from beneath the hood before she decided that it was her turn.

"I am Aaliyah! I'm a sahagin, a normal one! From the undersea kingdom! I can use healing magic and water magic! Though the acid it.. doesn't like me? It is hard to explain." Aaliyah would bumble out, a well-rehearsed line followed by one that she hadn't though too much about. Though a small, childish grin would slip onto the snout poking out from the dark hood, as she'd be obviously proud of herself.

She turned to look at Korro, as if reminded of the rising pool of acid from the mention of her own abilities, and pointed a well-manicured finger at it.

"That is... too much for me, but I could maybe help you or that friend of yours." The princess would tell him, looking at him expectantly as she'd await an answer, eager to help.
MageMantis Stern LuLuLu Fangs9090 SilverFlight

 

[MageMantis]

Fangs9090 SilverFlight

The talking quadrupedal Cheetah with the strange markings walked towards the center of the mercenaries, covered with medical wrappings. “I am Elixen Hunt, Demi-Titan of the Hunt. I am the appointed protector of the Kingdom of Ta’Komb. I hope to live up to my name.” There was a pain in Elixen’s voice, as if there was something she was not telling them. The Cheetah turned to Barracuda, her tail flicking behind herself. “Who might you be, Human?” Questioned the Demi-Titan.

“Barracuda. I’m from nowhere. Next person.” Bluntly responded the masked mercenary as he reloaded his guns. He turned his head to Korro. “WarWolf.” Nicknamed he, having witnessed his potency on the battlefield. “What say you?” Asked he to the Shapeshifter, asking of his identity and origin.

The Warforged in wizard’s clothing spoke as he stared blankly, “Greetings! Steel-Mage at your command, Ma’am.” Said the metal magic automaton to the Red Knight with a tip of his pointy wizard hat. “I cannot disclose my origins. I was promised by my creators that if I seek the Aetherspark, I will get to fu-fill my sole order of slaying evil. If anyone here is evil, you will be promptly executed.” Coldly stated the magic automaton with a monotonous voice as one of metal hands quickly transformed into a built-in wooden wand via moving parts. A few mercenaries let out gasps. “Ma’am, is anyone here evil?” Asked he as his metal lenses squinted intimidatingly while he pointed his wand-hand around the tunnel as it crackled with arcane energy.

 

[Fangs9090]

Kanon blinked, having started wiping off her blade while the others were speaking, using a cloth that she kept specifically for that purpose. “That question is not so easily answered. At the moment, no one has revealed themself to be evil. As I mentioned earlier, we must rely on each other, so I should hope none among our number is evil.” Her blade clean, she lifted it to look it over. “Traitors deserve nothing short of death.”

 

[MageMantis]

HypnoFuzz Fangs9090

“Oh…” Muttered Steel-Mage in a sad tone, expressing his disappointment in not getting to slay evil. His wooden built-in wand hand transformed back into a normal hand as the Warforged returned to a docile state.

“Beastkin, will you join the scout team or remain here?” Asked Elixen to Kanon. It had seemed that the scout team could benefit from a few more people. Meanwhile, the Lizardfolk Woman rogue that was a passenger on the Fae’s ice ladder earlier approached Jamie.

“Oh boy, another aristrocat who isn’t happy with their mounds and mounds of wealth.” Antagonized she. “What is this mission to you, mutt? An exciting get-away, a chance to test your skill on the field? What could someone of your status possibly need the Aetherspark for? Why should you get the wish?” Spat the woman, a venom seeped into her voice.

The acid in the lower-area of the tunnel continued to slowly ascend like an hourglass of doom pressuring the mercenaries towards the maw of the Entomancer, who was eager to greet his guests.

 

[Fangs9090]

Kanon looked over at Elixen. “I intend to remain here. The scouts are to see what lies ahead and come back to us. A smaller group can move more quickly. Time is not on our side, after all.”

 

[Gummy Worm]

SilverFlight

Denver made a gentle groan as he moved around. Fighting for consciousness but unable to muster it. he did however hold tight the the wolfman carrying him. After about 30 minutes had passed Denver was finally able to open his eyes, looking at his surroundings before seeing Korro carrying him. "I-I am terribly sorry" he said feeling embarrassed "I did not mean to push myself to unconsciousness," he said as he got down, barely able to stand as he held onto the wolfs arm.

It was clear the goat rushed his regeneration process. he looked like he could pass out at any moment, and he was barely able to stand on his own two hooves without support from his staff. If Denver could stay awake he would not be able to cast effective magic but that didn't mean he wouldn't try. "How can I help?" he asked Korro

 

[SilverFlight]

Korro listened to the others as they listed off their names and origins. A truly diverse bunch, and all here for one purpose. He remained reluctant, however. Korro doubted many had heard of him this far South, but if they had, they would probably not like what they had heard...
Lena approached and offered to help with her magic. He nodded in appreciation. "I wouldn't turn down more time." He said with a dark smile. "I don't fancy an acid bath today."
Stern LuLuLu

Aliyah was the the most unique of them, Korro thought, he wondered what had brought such a being so far away from her home in the water. His ears pricked at "healing magic" and he thought about the ram, still sleeping soundly on his back.

Then the warforged spoke, demanding to know which of them was "evil". Korro laid back one ear uneasily. O'korro, 'The Demon Wolf of Frostbreak'...leader of dark armies, murderer of thousands...if the wizard discovered that, there would be trouble, most for Korro, as the ring about his neck would prevent him from fighting back.
"Are you fit to judge that, metal man?" He antagonized, still, he would need to answer something, Barracuda had asked.
"My name is Korro, I am...a fighter, from the North." He offered vaguely, perhaps that would be enough.

At that moment, Denver began to stir. Korro let him down slowly, but kept a hand near, as the young mage looked ready to collapse again at any moment.
"If you would oblige, Aliyah," Korro answered the mermaid, resenting the gratefulness in his tone "He overexerted himself on a spell, can you help that?"
MageMantis Noble Scion

As Denver, even now offered to help, Korro snorted. "Help by taking it easy and recovering your strength. You're beyond belief, thinking about using your magic now. You can barely stand!" His admonishment was perhaps a little louder than it needed to be, and as the silence fell again Korro felt...bad? No, someone like him didn't regret cruelty...it just...no.
"Look, I will protect you as long as you need it." He stared at a section of the wall stubbornly, but his tone was softer. "So do not deny yourself rest, you're not a burden."
Gummy Worm

 

[Stern LuLuLu]

As Lena listened to the lively introductions around her, she felt a familiar urge to join in. With a deep breath, she took to the air, her confidence soaring. "I am HeLena, the alchemist extraordinaire!" she proclaimed, her voice ringing with excitement. "If you want something made ,tinkered with improved, or if you need a quick fix, I'm the Fay you want to call upon!" With a playful flourish, she gracefully descended back to the ground, a smile dancing on her lips.

Hovering back to Korro with a spark of inspiration in Lena, she suggested, “How about we kick things off by building a wall or something? I can reinforce it to make it stronger.”Also if anyone else who stay behind us to help the way to delay the acid I’m open to ideas.” She said to the other mercenaries. Just then, she caught sight of Aaliyah waving cheerfully at her. With a warm smile, she added, “Thanks for stepping in to help my assistant earlier. I really appreciate it—he can be quite the handful sometimes!”


Warren concentrated intently on the subtle shifts in the earth beneath him, his senses finely tuned to the movements around him. Yet, a different kind of awareness tugged at him—the presence of Aaliyah, her closeness sending a ripple of nervous energy through him. It had been ages since he felt someone this near without it being an emergency and the sensation was both strange and unnerving. Even amid their tense situation, he found himself acutely aware of her proximity, his ears twitching with each subtle movement, she made while close to him. But he let her do it, thinking that she might be trying to help him.

Warren sat quietly, absorbing the introductions around him, each voice weaving into the tapestry of their gathering. When Aaliyah spoke up, her warmth and energy seemed to beckon him. With a gentle sigh, he opened his eyes, feeling the moment was right to share his own story. “I’m Warren,” he began, his voice calm yet resonant. “I come from a distant monastery where my days are spent in harmony with the elements, learning their secrets and wisdom.” He closed his eyes again for a brief moment, letting the energy of the group wash over him as he reconnected with what was going on around them.

Aaliyah spoke about her, wanting to help more. Warren kept his eyes closed but looked at where she was. “I'd think that is good hearing what you can do, I can see how you could be extremely helpful to everyone here”. This would give him some time to refocus from her being too close to him. Trying to go back to focusing on what was going on in the earth around them and the other mercenaries.

SilverFlight Noble Scion MageMantis Gummy Worm Fangs9090

 

[Gummy Worm]

SilverFlight Stern LuLuLu

Denver winced a bit as he stood up straight "No no..i think...I think I'm ok" he said lying mostly to himself as he took a deep breath " If I just focus on helping the tiredness should surpass" he said as his mantis friend climbed out of his bag and perched on his shoulder like a parrot. The goat was finally able to let go of Korro and walk a little. After this burst of adrenaline and loose healing magic wore off the goat would be a mess but for now the stubborn ram would not go down that easily.

Denver looked around at the bloodshed and death around him and sighed. "We have to find whoever is left. We can't just leave them out there. If you guys focus on the wall I could go look for any survivors" he said determined to save whoever he could

 

[Fangs9090]

Hearing Denver speak, Kanon looked over. “No. The acid tide has reached the tunnel entrance already. Anyone out there is lost. I’m sorry, but it’s best we move forward. Turning back will only result in more death. Likely your own.”