Graded &nbsp; [Cegloth][World] - Lay Low Longing

AbenSur
OOC: Welcome to worlds. We will be keep a 3 day post frequency per round. Means you'll need to try and squeeze a post in per 72 hour period. Death and character injury are possible and realistic outcomes for this roleplay. Ask any and all questions. At present it is a free for all as far as who posts when so long as it is done within the next 72 hours. Goal is simple: assassins try to take out the commander and guardians try to defend the commander. I repeat: ask any and all questions.
Time: 10:00pm
Weather: clear sky with bright moon, chilly breeze, warmer in the stagnant air filled tunnels of the rotting tree
Cooldown:
TLDR:
Post Listening:

Cegloth - Dead Tree of the Fae See

This Chapter of Isekai Hell is part of the 3 part World Rp for October. The Fae See nation and the Human Eastern Empire are in a cold war of sorts and tensions are rising. The community has been given the power to shape how the conflict, if any, arises and shapes the world of IH. This particular story will follow Horatio and Mad Maw, recruits and/or residents of the Eastern Empire, to enact an assassination on the rival nation's military commander. Success would ensure the Fae nation would be in a weaker state but would also remove one of the voices calling for prolonged peace between the nations. The removal of this one target would mean much to the empire and plenty of rewards, among other things, for the ones who can pull off such a feat. Horatio and Mad Maw would be far from the only candidates sent on this mission. The bounty on the commander's head was enormous. HIs participation in the previous world war made him one to be feared on any battle field he stepped out upon. The empire's intel alerted those taking the mission to the strong likelihood the commander would be making an excursion to the dying life tree: Cegloth and he would be without his normal army or guards. The time to strike had presented itself. Now if only the assassins were up to the task.

Meanwhile, the commander, contrary to popular opinion, did not come alone. Avoiding delays or the difficulties of moving several men wherever he went, he chose a select group of Fae sympathizers to accompany him on his errand in Cegloth: Eris, Ninelle, Tymar. They would be in charge of keeping watch while the commander investigated the tree and apparently its inhabitant(s)? The mostly dead tree was riddled with massive tunnels seemingly carved away by countless cuts from crude implements. The light was dim in between pieces of glow stone or warm piles of fire rock. The dead tree didn't seem to mind the fire starting stones. The dead tree charred, but didn't burn. The whole place smelled foul and grew increasingly worse the closer you got to the source of the "tree's heartbeat". Echoing through the many tunnels running through the tree and the earth beneath, the thump of an unknown creature's heart can be heard: a massive war drum heralding the coming of something, but not clear on what. The tunnels didn't follow a pattern of shape, length, or cut, so the many tunnels and chambers that riddled the tree were like a naturally formed maze.

The rp will revolve around the assassins attempting to kill the commander while the guardians attempt to intercept and neutralize the threat. RP will conclude at the end of the month or if one team has been neutralized. Fleeing the tree will remove the character from the rp and count as being neutralized. If the rp goes to the end of the month without any one party neutralizing the other, the guardians win. The commander is located in the core of the tree at the deepest part. If the assassins are able to reach this portion of the tree unnoticed and without pursuit, it is assumed they are able to work with other assassins to execute the mission successfully. Assassins will enter the tree through the holes found in the top of the tree. Guardians may place themselves anywhere in the tree that is not the core chamber where the commander is in order to intercept any potential problems. Npc aid will be granted to the invaders for being down a man.

a-legged-robot-inside-of-a-dark-and-flowing-stone-cave.png

Skyhunter · Oct 3, 2022

Horatio Lebac

Horatio successfully infiltrated the tree, this disgusting dead tree of the Fae that belonged to The See. The soldier of the Empire held his brutal looking Morningstar and shield close to him as he was moving through the tree. The zealot was thinking quietly to himself, knowing that whispering or praying now could reveal his position. Oh, great Lebacreoth, allow me to do this alone, I will prove myself this day. This day will be my trial if I am truly capable of leading your word, your salvation, your war. Horatio was just a soldier for the Eastern Empire, he was better on the frontlines or during a siege rather than an assassination attempt, he would have sent an actual assassin designed and trained for this. Unless they were expecting trouble and resistance, otherwise Horatio felt like he could have done this. But the soldier felt like they lacked in numbers. He heard of a Gnoll that was going to help him, which he also felt like the empire may have trusted this stupid hyena was a huge lapse in judgement. Were they desperate? Did they think they were not going to win this war, so they hired a damnable bard Gnoll that never shuts its damn mouth? He would gladly cave its skull in with his spiked hammer if he could, maybe if they were capable of completing this mission then Horatio might just do that.

Horatio continued his way through the charred tree, a potent smell filled the tunnels as fire starting stones were placed around, charring the tree. Hmm, perhaps it was to not allow a fire to start. Horatio could hear a massive war drum, this made Horatio stop, that couldn't be the empire... They were early. It could be the Fae moving out. Well, it did not concern the priest, his mission was clear. Kill the commander, the smell was getting worst. Horatio was betting that following the terrible smell would lead him to the source of it, the heart. That is where the commander was most likely at. He would hopefully drive the mace through the skull of the commander and end this ridiculous side of the war. Horatio had no hate for Fae or other races despite the empire's own feelings, the soldier just wanted this war done for and would desert afterwards. He would get the rewards then leave. He's been a soldier his entire life, he wanted to spend his time spreading the word of Lebacreoth, hopefully these rewards he was promised would be able to help him with that goal. Glory to Lebacreoth!

SilverFeathers · Oct 3, 2022

Ninelle Lifeblossom (#54d1b0)

Standing on the soil of The See, Ninelle was unnerved. It would've made sense for her to feel some sort of connection with the land considering her fae ancestry, but instead, all she felt was a strange alienation, as if she didn't belong here. Smiling wryly, she sighed without a sound as she thought back to the bloody history of her home. Glancing upwards, she thought back to the enormous corpse they were currently in. Cegloth was a wretched, disgusting sight, but as a fairy of nature, she could only feel mournful pity as she pondered the history of such a behemoth of flora.

Crouched in a crevice high above the winding tunnels, the dim light from the burning glow stones was her only company as she stood guard a short distance away from the core chamber. The rhythmic and powerful reverberations were somewhat maddening, pulsing throughout the entire tree, but with time it had faded into background noise, like rain. Any little flicker or noise out of the norm startled the wary fairy, even though she knew it was just her allies patrolling nearby. She held her wand close to her chest as she kept watch, taking the job as seriously as she could even though she was still in disbelief at being recruited for this by that legendary commander. The fact that he even spoke to her was one thing, the fact that he wanted her weak, flimsy aid was another.

They were not standing on the same side, but she was still certainly honoured. To work together to keep the peace and ward off bloodshed was a hopeful goal. But more than that, Ninelle refused to let the chaos of war trample all over the graves of the fallen. She knew it was a selfish thought, but she honestly didn't care which banner she stood by. She merely wanted to protect the resting place of her loved ones, that was all. It was her entire reason for being an advocate for peace.

saxon · Oct 4, 2022

Eris had been in the fae lands once before, she was hoping this encounter was going to be much better encounter. However she didn't have high hopes for it as the last time she had come across a person, she assumed to be a serial killer based on how he spoke. Hoping she didn't run into him in these tunnels. They had been hired by a fae commander to escort him to this tree, though she didn't really know what the point of coming to this tree was. Are we missing something here? I mean he didn't want us in the central chamber could he be doing something there? She pondered the idea as the sound of something beating like a heart from further inside sent chills down her spine.

Glancing down the tunnel she spotted her female companion on this job, though only from the faint glowing of the stones. Walking toward her, "What do you think about all of this? I mean we don't really have a whole lot to go off and this place seems isolated was the commander lured here?" She inquired stopping a few feet from her companion as she looked around to make sure they were not missing something in the tunnel. She found the whole tree strange it looked like a dead tree but the beating sound made her think overwise. She had hoped to get more information on why there were here but she didn't get the chance.

"Hey, have you seen our other member? The shirtless man?" She asked the girl as she glanced around and didn't see their other companion. Which wasn't an issue but she didn't want to be caught off guard. The whole place was a danger to anyone who entered friend and foe alike.

Mentions:

AbenSur · Oct 4, 2022

Tyrmar

Even with all his expectations of the Fae nation the size of just one of their trees managed to catch him completely flat footed. Cegloth they called it, with many roots did it expand into the earth and through many branches did it reach for the skies, he couldn’t even truly get a measurement on its size from sheer immensity. So ginormous was it that someone could probably go in and get lost for days it seemed if not weeks, for this to be an old and dying tree in comparison to others there really was something off about the Fae sense of scale. That being said he wasn’t there to climb to the top of the tree to see what laid there, he was there alongside a Priestess in Holy Vestments and a familiar little Fae creature to safeguard a commander for the See.

He knew quite little about the World and perhaps even less about the See in particular but he’d seen the maps depicting its size and the variety of its inhabitants and had decided that he’d somehow gain access to travel freely there. Of course there were many other reasons such as the political tension and how Ryke, the only home he knew in this world, could be impacted by a war or even simply escalated tensions was but one of the considerations he’d taken with taking the assignment. Making their way even further inside of the Tree Tyrmar noticed the winding paths and how the petrified wood resembled stone more than any bark he’d ever seen before, taking in the surroundings as best he could he turned to his companions for the evening.

In his pondering they’d gone further off ahead and didn’t see him so he walked up and plopped on a burgeoning stump from the ground. “Having a healthy degree of suspicion is what keeps people alive, however not having all pertinent information isn’t so uncommon for jobs like this. Do not forget that for all that they’ve led us here we are still outsiders and here more or less as hired help, they won’t reveal possible war secrets to us in the middle of an assignment. That being said” he clapped his hands before a grin appeared on his face “if this does indeed end up being a trap or bait then no one has any reason to blame us for improvising right?”

“I believe that covering all the length of the tree would be a fool’s errand to say the least and we know the Commander will be in the core chamber. I suggest that we make a moving perimeter around the paths leading to or from the core chamber to insure we aren’t caught flat footed from multiple directions, I’m personally quite speedy and my specialty lies in more martial pursuits so however you two would like to plan around our skills feel free.”

D. Rex · Oct 4, 2022

Rudolph Wright

Now didn't this just frickin beat all, he thought to himself as he stepped into the cavity and off that damnable airship,the tree was is bad on the inside as it looks on the outside. His own sarcasm to himself was not lost on himself. What was he expecting? Well, he had half expected some tree hugging hippy nation to at least try to keep up with appearances. Uhg, one group was as bad as the rest, as far as he was concerned. That he could count the number of sane people he had come across on a single hand. And given that he even accepted this stupid mission in the first place meant he was probably no longer qualified to be counted among the sane. What was he thinking? Regret had started back what felt like ages ago when he got on board the airship with that mad furry.... thing. And that creepy ass culty looking dude. Nice mace though.

Didn't matter. All he had to do was get to the middle. The core or whatever. If that was where this jackass leader was, that's where they needed to go.

A soft *shhhking* was produced as he pulled his bastard sword from its sheath, and he used his free hand to check for the hundredth time that his brigadine was snug and secured. It was.

"Fuck me..." he growled softly to himself. Alone in the corridors, having got off on a different stop as apparently the idea was to split up and navigate this maze of a structure. Lovely... it was dark. Perfect. Not really...

He idly puffed on his cheap cigar, trying to bring its embers back. He could have used his lighter, but he wasn't about to waste its gas if he could help it. And he wasn't about to spend three rykes in some silly stupid magic thing he couldn't figure out how to work. He did, however, end up needing to use one of those fire rocks to get it alight again. He was planning on saving this cigar for the return trip, but well, if he was gonna die here he might as well have something to enjoy before he did. And thankfully the smoke helped offset the bad smell of the place.

Now then... where to go. Anywhere was better than standing still, so he just picked a direction and went. Setting off at a steady jog. The sound of thumping as an uncomfortablely ominous one. But that was probably his nerves speaking. Still. It was the only hint he had at any activity. So that sound might as well be his target. This was going to suck... there were probably going to be monsters here... or traps. Definitely had to be traps. There was always traps in places like this, right?

So Rudolph went. Jogging along, pausing only to choose which corridors that he figured the sounds were coming from loudest.

Just him, his sword, and the faint glow of his cigar.

Novama · Oct 5, 2022

Mentions:

D. Rex
OOC: Combat is starting with this post. Assume your posts are limited to 3 actions until otherwise stated. Things should pick up from here.
Time: 10:10pm
Weather: clear sky with bright moon, chilly breeze, warmer in the stagnant air filled tunnels of the rotting tree
Cooldown:
TLDR: While getting accustomed to their circumstances, both parties learn Cegloth has many residents. And they are in the good mood to feed.
Post Listening:

Cegloth - Dead Tree of the Fae See

Horatio would find nothing but dim or dark tunnels as his nose tried to pick up the foul stench that led his way. His boot steps would echo softly down the tunnel in between beats of the massive thumps that regularly went through the tree. Among the background noise, he heard it just before noting a silhouette of something ahead. A chomping, gnashing, slirping sound among heavy breathing and the occasional gasp and moan of someone on the ground. Horatio was at least within 30ft of the scene when a flicker of fire stone briefly illuminated a portion of the tunnel in red. There before Horatio was a bloody mawed creature with something stretchy and sinuous breaking free of its host and victim that was sprawled on the tunnel floor beneath the creature. Horatio could see the state of the victim in the brief flash of light. Perhaps another flash would come, but it would not be needed to know that person, whoever they were, were not long for this world and no regular healer could fix that. Horatio would note the dark shadow of the creature shift and move. The very loud sound of it's long jaw getting licked and cleaned by a longer tongue that glistened in the dim light declaring its approach. A dark ooze dribbled from its mouth that hissed and spat as it hit the rough gouged wooden tunnel. Whatever distance was between Horatio and the creature when he first saw it, it was not enough. Horatio must contend with an E grade attack ability of vague description due to fighting in the dim light of the tunnel. So long as light or sight remains undesirable, Horatio will suffer a penalty to defending against the creature (darkvision, constant light source, or other similar feature may help). The exact nature of the creature was vague, but Horatio would not it smelled horribly in a way that was different from the foulness that lurked deeper in the tree.

Somewhere else in the tree, Rudi would be doing his best. As he jogged through the darkness and faint ebb and flow of red glow from the fire stones, a pair of dark, beady eyes blinked from behind him. In addition to penalties for poor visibility, Rudy also managed to get ambushed. E grade attack ability coming from the darkness behind him with vague description. Like a moving shadow was rushing him. Penalties will be applied to Rudi's defense so long as conditions remain.

Near the tunnel Tyrmar, Ninelle, and Eris found themselves in, there was a slightly larger portion of tunnel by several yards wide that connected with several other tunnels tendrilling out in all directions. The dim light made it hard to see anything of note, but a faint cry or scream echoed from one of the many tunnels ahead of them. Surely it was a sentient scream. No wind whistling through an old tree could make such a sound of pain and suffering. But as quickly as such sounds were heard, they were not. The shadows of the tunnel played similar tricks as well in their time in the tree. The occasional flicker and flair of the red stones was enough to see by, but they cost odd and eerie shadows. That shadow moved wrong. Something not a shadow quickly lumbered toward them from the shadows. It's dimly illuminated form showing it moved along at least 4 legs but its gait was awkward and not smooth like a typical creature moving on all fours. It's mouth was too big as it slightly split up from a ravenous smile to rows of teeth and spluttering black ooze. The party would not note the 2nd creature slinking along the ceiling from behind them. The creature attacking from the front is using an E grade ability against Eris. The creature surprise attacking from the back is using an E grade ability. Like with the others, poor visibility and surprise will apply penalties to defense actions until remedied in some way.

Somewhere else in the darkness of the tree, the screams of a dying assassin prompted countless beady black eyes to open followed by smiles splitting way to show foul tangles of teeth dripping with a dark ichor.

D. Rex · Oct 6, 2022

Rudolph Wright

So there Rudolph was there, trying his best. About all he could really give.... no. No. No. No this wasn't his best. If he was at his best he would have had the sense to not come. Whatever posses him to think that he could stop a war? That was just stupid. Completely unreasonable to think he had a snowballs chance in hell at doing anything other than get himself killed.

Completely unreasonable, he kept up his pace. Just had to get it done and over with. But as he jogged... he had hoped the sense of uneasiness in this place would ebb as he got a bit more familiar with it. If anything it was the opposite... he hadn't stepped into any traps. No spears coming out the ceiling, arrows from the walls, or giant boulders rolling down the hallway. However, for whatever reason, this did not seem to make him feel any better. Cause if it wasn't traps. And there weren't enemy soldiers. That must surely mean---

His thought was cut off as something slammed into him from behind. Wracked with a nondescript pain that he couldn't explain in the moment, and the wind knocked clean out of him leaving him unable to scream even if he wanted to (which he did), he and the mass fell. Rolling like a snarling ball carried by the momentum of the thing and Rudolph alike.

He-... wait, he didn't have his sword! He could faintly here its metal scratching to a stop against the hard floor, barely out of reach.

With pain and effort he pulled himself free from the shadowy threat, lunging for his sword, its metal reflecting the barest hint of a red glow from the firestone in the distance.

Sliding his hands down the flat of the blade until he found the hilt, he took it. And surely it could not have been but a moment too soon, in a fluid motion, he raised himself from prone to crouch, pivoting on one new to swing his blade at the attacker.

This close. Even the darkness would not matter. He could hear them. He had felt them. He could smell them. Yet, no sooner did he begin his swing than a light erupted from the blade. Red sparks, then great red bolts of electricity shooting up the steel, surrounding it in its deadly energy to deliver retribution.

All the while ready for more. If there was one, there had to be others. There could be others. He had to be ready to block at a moments notice. So as he swung, he mentally prepared himself to follow up from another angle should a second thing be lurking nearby.

And almost as if habit by this point, he tried using appraisal on this thing attacking him. To give an idea of what it was he was facing and how much danger he was really in.

Summary
-Rudolph was knocked to the ground in pain and out of breath, dove for his sword nearby. (Flavored consequence of unknown attack, unsure what damage is done)
-Used the ability Red Retaliation as an attack.
-Prepared defense action. Red Riposte.
-Would try and use Appraisal if capable.

Abilities used:
Appraisal B

Red Retaliation
Grade E
Cooldown: 1 post
Fighting style Orichalcum Bastion E, Fighting style Rubrum Fulminis E, Deflect E, Blight E, Continuing E, Blind Fighting, Always Outnumbered

Those who attack Rudolph will know his fury. Every incoming blow fuels his wrath, spark flying as he blocks their attack and delivers a blow that will make them think twice about trying again. He turns that anger into power, both blade and lightning lashing out at opponent he blocks, leaving lasting effects as the lingering electricity in the foes seeks to remind them of their mistake.

Additional damage type: Lightning
Additional Damage: +2
Continuing Damage: 1 per post
Continuing Duration: 2 posts

Stats:
Strength B
Vitality B
Speed B

Weapon and Armor
Bastard Sword C
Brigandine C (heavy armor)

SilverFeathers · Oct 6, 2022

Ninelle Lifeblossom (#54d1b0)

Curiously watching the white-haired human approach below, she hesitated briefly before smiling gently from behind her mask. "I don't know, I'm not even from these parts. Whatever he's doing, I just hope it helps bring an end to the conflict." She was mildly amused by her question, but in the end, she shook her head with a sigh, thinking back to all the latest newspaper reports back in Guifei. The atmosphere was growing tenser by the day, and watching the people she knew fret over their loved ones by the border was painful to see.

Pondering the latter half of the priestess' words, she paused for a second before continuing. "I don't like to think that a war veteran would be so easily lured, but you're right. We should keep our guard up." She comforted slightly, though internally she questioned why she was talking to her if she wanted them all to keep their guard up. She could understand a want for company though, the ominous suffocating atmosphere down here would make anyone uncomfortable.

"Ah, speak of the devil." She smiled a little more genuinely at the familiar figure as he appeared out of the darkness. His energetic liveliness was quite comforting to see in this dreariness, though his words somewhat made her head spin. She was not a combatant, war tactician, or anything of the like, or at least, she had no memories of being so, hence it took her a bit to process his words and plan. "A circular patrol sounds go-"
---
A shrill scream suddenly cut through the air, with Ninelle's eyes widening mid-response. As faint and distant as they sounded, each scream felt like a thunderclap of misery in the otherwise silent tunnels. Ninelle froze up, her eyes darting warily around their surroundings as she silently rose from her crouching position, her wand gripped frighteningly tight in her left hand.

The thing that emerged from the shadows was an abomination of nature. Though she had muffled her mouth in preparation for a scream, no sound came out, instead she was frozen still until it prepared to strike the priestess. "Look out!"

She cried out hurriedly, waving her wand around in a familiar fashion as she concentrated on her mana flow, her eyes dimming in the process. A chant in the fae language escaped her mask, solemn and ethereal-sounding, but rushed. "Bind, tie, destroy. Wrathful nature, heed your guardian's call." In-between the priestess and the beast, green cracks quickly materialized on the tunnel floor, before a mighty tendril burst forth and wrapped itself around the abomination's neck, arms and torso, both entangling it and attempting to squeeze the life out of it.

Though she focused everything on the spell, her mind raced with questions. Where did it come from? What was that scream? Was this really a trap? How come this monster only came out now, when they've been here for so long? Narrowing her eyes, she attempted to use an old skill she had rarely used since her rebirth, appraisal, and recall as much nature and agricultural knowledge as she could. The chances were low with her scarce memories, but maybe she could recall something useful about dead trees and flora, and what liked to make them their habitat.

Novama
---
Intelligence D | Fae Wand (Magic Catalyst E)
Actions:

Cast the magic ability: Vine Buddy (attack + tangle) on the [Creature of Cegloth] that is attacking Eris
- Vine Buddy (Grade E / 1 Post CD)
  - Magic E, Nature Affinity F, Tangle Affinity F, Spell Duration F, Magic Range F
  - Sprouts a single large vine from a surface(e.g. floor/wall) within 10ft to be controlled for 1 minute
    - (Can attack, such as slap, stab or slash and ensnare a target.)
Use Appraisal E on the [Creature of Cegloth] that is attacking Eris
Recall knowledge with Nature F and Agriculture F

saxon · Oct 7, 2022

Eris looked behind her as Tymar had joined them in the tunnel now, "Well, that is true; it is still good to know why we are being paid. This is a strange place for a commander to come alone." Eris pointed out as she placed her hands on her hips. The whole place was strange to her, it was like he was inviting something bad to happen to him, plus the heartbeat of the tree put her on edge as well.

Eris nodded her head in agreement as the man spoke about a moving patrol. She also figured that would be the best way to keep an eye on what was going on in the tree. Though she found it strange that they hadn't seen any animals in the area. But she pushed the thoughts from her mind as she focused on the job at hand. She was going to need to put all of her focus on the task if she wanted to be on top of her game.

That was when she heard the screaming of something in the tunnels and quickly stood up, "Uh, what has that?" She inquired as she looked down the tunnel ahead of her, seeing something coming toward the group in the faint light. "Goddess Holfeel let me be the light in the dark so that I can be a beacon to guide the lost souls!" She chanted as she touched the top of her staff creating a dim light. As she saw the creature was coming into attack her. As she tried to get out of the way.

Beacon - Magic E, Divine Affinity F, Spell Duration F, Magic Range F - The caster can touch an object which then casts a light that creates bright light at 5 feet and dim light at 10 feet lasting for 1 minute - Grade E - 1 Post Cooldown

Mentions:

AbenSur · Oct 8, 2022

Tyrmar

It happened so fast that Tyrmar was caught flat footed, so caught up in the intermittent heart beats resonating from the tree they resided in their trio was caught off guard by an unknown scream and an ambush.

Ninelle and Eris were faster on the draw than he could’ve ever given them credit for, letting loose spells to hinder their enemy and light up their surroundings respectively. With his companions working so hard Tyrmar couldn’t just be found lazing around now could he?

Before he could take off he caught the glimpse of movement from behind him, a secondary attacker from behind lashed out at him but he grit his teeth and bore his wounds before taking off at full speed towards the creature targeting Eris. (Fast E)

Eris’ spell work lit the path for him and Ninelle allowed him an opportunity against a bound for, he really couldn’t ask for better support.

“Exalted Heart:” Stopping just in front of the ugly beast Tyrmar raised his leg up as far as possible, a sheath of golden force surrounding it before he let it drop down on his opponents head.

“Crushing Strike!”

Crushing Strike - Exalted Heart Fist [Body] E, [Aura] F - Hardening his hand with his Aura deeper than before he sends a descending chop meant to slam down upon his enemies and break their bones - Grade E - 1 Post Cooldown

Stats:
Vitality C
Strength C
F Grade Natural Armor Heavy
F Grade Natural Weapons

Novama SilverFeathers saxon

Skyhunter · Oct 8, 2022

Horatio Lebac

Horatio stepped through the roots of this confounded tree! Seeing this ugly beast appear before him, nasty as it was, spewing its filth, an ugly abomination upon this world that he would like to smash with his Morningstar. The soldier stepped forward with his shield up and his mace ready as he took steps forward. The corpse of a being laid on the ground as this thing was devouring its prey. Disgusting beast. It must die. Horatio was thinking with a grimace. The Soldier noted that the shadows were moving, that could mean anything as it approached. Horatio had armor, and protection. He could only use his mace as an attack while it approached with its ghastly stench. There was 30 feet between them Horatio knew, he had faced some strange horrors in his life, but this was something else. The firestones could be of use. Horatio scoffed and slammed his mace into the ground below him where firestone was laying at. He then would use his Morningstar as a shovel of sorts, throwing debris and firestone at the creature 30ft away, hoping it would light the air up for a moment for him to see and to either distract or blind the creature [Strength C.] Perhaps even burn it with the firestone. (1 action.)

In the midst of the debris, Horatio would charge in with his shield up after the debris he had just thrown with his shield up, attempting to block whatever creature would or attempted to throw at him while he made his move. The soldier when close enough, Horatio would attempt to shield bash in front of him, hoping to connect with the creature and knock it off balance. (Action 2 and 3)

Actions: 1-Fling firestone to attempt to blind or distract creature, possibly burn. 2-movement with shield up for protection. 3-Shield bashing in front of him to attempt to strike creature.

Novama · Oct 9, 2022

Mentions:

D. Rex
OOC: Combat has already started. Actions other than defending oneself when attacked will be assumed to be no defense was taken prior to the attack being delivered. Dialogue longer than a few words is assumed to be an action as well. Missing posts during rounds where combat is occurring will result in character getting surprised.
Time: 10:20pm
Weather: clear sky with bright moon, chilly breeze, warmer in the stagnant air filled tunnels of the rotting tree
Cooldown:
TLDR: Rudi, although surprised, slays the beast that comes after him after it damaged his gear. Ninelle's aid arrived late and Eris was still taken down. Tymar was severely wounded from the ambush from behind, but his sturdy body would keep him upright a little longer. Horatio has his weapon damaged but slays his foe.
Post Listening:

Cegloth - Dead Tree of the Fae See

To the beat of an otherworldly drum and the occasionally inhuman cries echoing around Cegloth, many rushed to their fates with greater stakes in the balance. Rudi, being one among them, would be ambushed by a mysterious creature. The black ichor dripping from the creature's sinister grin and soon gaping jaws was acidic in nature. While Rudi's natural sturdiness protected him, his brigandine took 2 points of damage and is now reduced to E grade. The black ooze smelled similarly foul as the creature did and it stung to the touch, but it fortunately did not have a lasting effect and evaporated shortly after leaving the creature's body. A black stain now remains in the areas ate away by the acid on Rudi's armor. In the chaotic sprawl that followed, the creature was unable to mount a proper counter and was split in half as it tried lunging for Rudi again. The split open corpse smelled worse that the living version and the seared edges of the corpse where Rudi cut did it no favors. As the creature splatted to the tunnel floor, some of its fluids got on Rudi's boots. There was a hissing sound, but fortunately it was nothing serious. It may make Rudi wonder what might have happened had he been doused in the creature's entrails instead.

Rudi's appraisal returned little info. The creature was an E grade native of the Fae Nation but not exclusive to the nation. Common habitats include ruins, sewers, and other dark places of neglect and decay. The creature was human sized with an oddly shaped body like it was a few different things mashed together in a single form. It's head was the most repulsive and unusual part of the creature between its shape, its leaking acid, and mouth that was too big and long for the face. Scavenger type that feeds on anything it finds and will hunt if prey is available. Tends to live with family and extended family in groups called Mischiefs. Fae creature with not quite human intelligence.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Between Ninelle and Eris's talking, neither one appropriately reacted to the strange creature lurching toward Eris (likely neither one mounted a proper defense if i were strict about it). However, somehow a series of vines broke through the rotten tree's interior and grasped at the frenzied creature. It seemed promising, but unfortunately the creature's acidic saliva ate away at the vines holding the creature while its strength made quick work of the rest of the vines. Although slowed and barely half as lethal as it was, the fae creature bowled Eris over, its acidic saliva splattering her. The armor Eris wore and her clothes were made near useless as the acid destroyed the armor and ate away massive holes in her vestments. Eris herself was in worse shape. Whatever that claw attack that sent her ragdolling was, it severely lacerated her left leg just above the knee. The acid ate the rest of her leg off. Although damaged, the leg could still be reattached if preserved and/or a high level healing is used. (maim title will be granted during grading if not reattached this rp). The pain would likely be quite excruciating but she is not unable to continue. Death awaits her if she takes such a blow again however (currently has 0 health and 0 armor). Assume her light spell is still going for as long as she wishes it, but her dodge action never happened.

Tyrmar was similarly sent flying from the surprise rush on him. He was much sturdier than Eris, tanking a lot more of the hit and without aid to reduce the impact. Tyrmar would rise painfully to rush to Eris's side, but he would note his ribs had the consistency of hamburger with splits of some ribs poking through his flesh and/or into his lungs to cause him to cough up blood and flounder in his breathing. (when his turns comes back around, his regeneration will fix the obvious problems including his broken natural armor, however, if he suffers another powerful blow like this one again, it likely will neutralize the regeneration((aka instant death to stop the dinner from moving))). The damage to Tyrmar's body reduced his effectiveness to the creature attacking Eris survived the strike as it turned on Tyrmar.

In full light and with Ninelle's nature appraisal, Ninelle would learn this creature was called a Ratmaa (E). Supposedly it is a mixed breed of man, fae, and beast. Unclear what combination created such an abomination but it was hearty. It's society is relatively privative as they prefer to live in squalor and darkness. It is uncomfortable in the light in the same way most nocturnal animals are. The saliva they produce , although frequently weaponized, is used to determine friend from foe. Allies of Ratmaa are not affected by the black ooze. The horns spikes on the back of the creature are actually oddly placed, oversized ears. While only the females of the species give birth to offspring, both male and female parents can nurse the young. Favorite food is ooze softened meat.

Injured, annoyed by the light, and smelling blood, the ratmaa lunged for Tyrmar who was actively striking it. The attack would amount to 2 standard claw attacks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(ignoring the starting narration is it would eat up your defense action) Horatio's shoveling of fire stones caused them to flicker and light the hallway as they flew down the hall. The stones that flew near the creature would singe its fur and light it up better for Horatio to see for a while. Unfortunately, seeing the creature did little good as it was already on him. Horatio would not get the chance to rush forward as the acidic creature barreled into him past the flaming stones getting chucked its way. The acidic black ooze would deal 3 damage to his morning star(reducing effectiveness to that of a wooden stick) and 1 point to Horatio, himself. The fiery embers that danced in the hall smelling of death and echoing the cries of the damned would illuminate the 2 creatures as they squared off after the creature bounced off Horatio's sturdy form. Horatio's shield bash came in and the creature lunged into it. It's elongated skull and jaws were broken against the shield and the creature rebounded off it into a heap on the floor, dead. The shield took negligible scarring damage from the black ichor that got smeared onto it surface before evaporating and leaving black stained gouges in the metal as if an alligator had attempted to clamp down on the shield. Horatio's regeneration would recover him by his next post but his morningstar would remain damaged.

saxon · Oct 9, 2022

Eris let out a yelp of pain as she was clawed and sent flying, as she felt intense pain. Noticing her leg was missing as her quarterstaff still held onto its light. She quickly grabbed her severed leg to prevent it from gaining any more damage than it already had. However, she was having a hard time struggling to do much due to the pain as she continued to fight for consciousness with the pain.

Based on her group with her, they were already outclassed as she saw the creatures were still alive. She knew that she had to keep the light up in her mind. Reaching her hands down toward her missing leg, she was about to try something that would probably be a long shot. But she knew that she was useless in this fight. "Goddess Holfeel hear your high priestess, you're my shield, I have dedicated time to spreading your name, I request that my leg be mended so that I may walk in your light once more," she chanted as she tried her long shot.

Holfeel's Union - Religion F, Divine Affinity F, Magic F - Holfeel always listens to the prayers of her followers, upon starting to pray the caster may receive communion with Holfeel, or offer up a gift to her in the hope of gaining some favor. Limited to once a day to receiving anything by narrator's discretion. - Grade F - 0 post cooldown

Mentions:

D. Rex · Oct 10, 2022

Novama said:
To the beat of an otherworldly drum and the occasionally inhuman cries echoing around Cegloth, many rushed to their fates with greater stakes in the balance. Rudi, being one among them, would be ambushed by a mysterious creature. The black ichor dripping from the creature's sinister grin and soon gaping jaws was acidic in nature. While Rudi's natural sturdiness protected him, his brigandine took 2 points of damage and is now reduced to E grade. The black ooze smelled similarly foul as the creature did and it stung to the touch, but it fortunately did not have a lasting effect and evaporated shortly after leaving the creature's body. A black stain now remains in the areas ate away by the acid on Rudi's armor. In the chaotic sprawl that followed, the creature was unable to mount a proper counter and was split in half as it tried lunging for Rudi again. The split open corpse smelled worse that the living version and the seared edges of the corpse where Rudi cut did it no favors. As the creature splatted to the tunnel floor, some of its fluids got on Rudi's boots. There was a hissing sound, but fortunately it was nothing serious. It may make Rudi wonder what might have happened had he been doused in the creature's entrails instead.

Rudi's appraisal returned little info. The creature was an E grade native of the Fae Nation but not exclusive to the nation. Common habitats include ruins, sewers, and other dark places of neglect and decay. The creature was human sized with an oddly shaped body like it was a few different things mashed together in a single form. It's head was the most repulsive and unusual part of the creature between its shape, its leaking acid, and mouth that was too big and long for the face. Scavenger type that feeds on anything it finds and will hunt if prey is available. Tends to live with family and extended family in groups called Mischiefs. Fae creature with not quite human intelligence.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rudolph stood and took a deep breath. Immediately wishing he didn't, as the smell here was now absolutely putrid. His scent of his cigar being the only thing keeping him from covering his nose. He had no idea how he had been able to keep it in his mouth... but it survive mostly intact... save for him having bit into the end a bit.

He allowed himself a single puff as he put his head on a swivel, standing up to be ready for a new attack.... none came. It had just been a single monster.

A few more puffs to reignite the half lost cherry as he inspected his handiwork... Monster. Ugly ones. This world was complete ass. It smelled like it. It looked like it. And everything that came out of it was shit.

A hissing from below made him step back, seeing his boot was beginning to sizzle, though it had stopped before he had time to try and rub off the liquid on the ground... at least they were okay. Though his armor... well better his armor than his flesh. Might take another hit perhaps. If he was lucky. He didn't count himself among the lucky...

The screen didn't tell him much. Useless piece of crap... but it told him enough. Acid. Perfect. Arthur would be thrilled. Rudy wasn't. At least these things were stupid. But even stupid things could cause issue... stupid things were very good at causing issues. And from what the screen said... there were apparently a lot more of them.

Rudolph wasn't the most Intimidating of sorts... a shame. Maybe if he killed a few dozen they would see him as a predator rather than prey. But... well, what would a predator need with Intimidation? Scaring prey away cost them a meal. Ah hell... worthless thinking.

At least his blade survived. That was a miracle. Would need to be careful not to damage it with the acid. Easier said then done when you had to cleave through them... maybe the electricity saved it. Seared the innards before it got on the blade.

The ooze came from the mouth. So it well could have been the entire digestion system. Best to err on the side of caution, or whatever the phrase was.

Regardless, he couldn't stay here. Had to keep moving. So he did.

Rudolph started moving again, cautiously now. Checking behind him frequently, to make sure nothing else snuck up behind. It was dark, but not impossiblely so. He just had to aware. Ceiling and floor. Front and back. And careful of the corners. The worse the smell, probably the closer he was getting to one of those things. No more running, and no need to draw more attention to himself. But another attack could come at any moment.

Sword at the ready. Following that thundering sound in the deep of the tree.

Splitting up was a dumb idea...

Tl:dr

Rudolph moves deeper into the tree more cautiously, and checking behind him often. Ready for another attack.

SilverFeathers · Oct 10, 2022

Ninelle Lifeblossom (#54d1b0)

The sudden light was painful to the eye but even then, Ninelle saw everything clearly. Blood bloomed like blossoms from both her companions, one ragdolled with a lost leg, the other with blood trailing down their chin uncontrollably. She wasn't sure where the second ratmaa came from, or where it went, but her eyes were entirely focused on the first abomination, the one preparing to launch itself at the kind human, Tyrmar. Her mana was still recoiling from her last spell, she could not force out another one of that magnitude right now, but that didn't mean she would let herself sit and watch as her friend was lacerated.

Picking up the nearest wooden shard she could handle, sharp and pointy but fit for her size, she dived determinedly towards the ratmaa's back. Grabbing onto its spike and maintaining her balance, she ruthlessly stabbed the shard into the ratmaa's ear, before twisting it without mercy to worsen the wound. Such cruelty was unlike her, but there was no expression on her face as she acted.

Novama
---
Actions:

Grabbed a [Wood Shard] a fairy is able to wield
Flew atop the [Ratmaa]'s back whilst maintaining her balance
Stabbed and twisted her [Wood Shard] into the [Ratmaa]'s ear

Skyhunter · Oct 11, 2022

Horatio Lebac

The zealotous soldier growled deeply as he was knocked down with his mace taking the main hit of the weird creature. Horatio quickly stood up as the creature rounded to attack him again, this time Horatio was able to use his shield as a ram and slammed it into the head and face of the creature. Hearing the snap of bones and a neck Horatio growled as he felt his hand burn, looking at the hand where his mace was supposed to be. There would be nothing but a stick with his hand burning. Horatio's eyes were wide with shock but soon that shock turned to disdain. He looked at the dead creature in anger. He threw the stick as the stomach of the acidic creature hoping to stab it as Horatio wanted to beat it repeatedly with his shield but knew the ending result.

The soldier instead turned his attention to the dead assassin and made his way over, careful to move around the blood. Horatio now finding himself weaponless looked at the corpse and did his best to get it away from the main puddle of acidic saliva. Horatio quickly looted the body, finding a dagger that he placed on his belt for easy access. Next, Horatio would find a sword that he growled at, he wanted to break the damn thing. Horatio was more proficient using a mace than a damn sword. It felt better too, crushing an enemy and hearing their cries for mercy. But now he had to use a weapon he wasn't that proficient in. But he knew how to swing and stab. Horatio deeply growled but sheathed the sword as he continued to loot the body, finding another one of the Empire's bombs. Reminded him of that nuclear payload, the first one ever used in this world war he was once involved in. It destroyed two cities and one army stepped down after that. This was something similar from what Horatio knew and was told by some other soldiers.

Horatio sighed after pocketing the second bomb before looking behind him at the creature before he moved forward, he unsheathed the sword and continued walking forward with his shield in front of him ready for what was next.

AbenSur · Oct 12, 2022

Tyrmar

Even as he landed his blow he knew that it hadn’t struck with his full weight, the acid that had begun to eat its way into his stomach caused him to cough up part of his insides onto the ground and hampered his attack. He was given but a moment of relief as he felt his wounds begin to mend themselves from the melting but it wasn’t long before the Ramaa struck at him again, thankfully not as deadly as the sneak attack it allowed him to take in his surroundings as best he could. (Regeneration E)

Ninelle was valiantly trying to deal as much damage as possible while Eris was off to the side muttering under her breath, a spell perhaps? Even if it was a small prayer he’d welcome it to help them forward.

A part of him wondered what he was doing here, fighting in an old tree away from the friends he’d made in this world. Wondered why he was here fighting and trying to protect near strangers for a war he had little to no part in. He wondered if this is how he’d die here, not attaining the glory he’d dreamed of for so long just for the chance at an errant fight somewhere new.

Oddly enough that part of him sounded like how he was before he’d been reincarnated and so he easily dismissed its concerns and cowardice.

‘Enough thinking’ As the claws approached him he dropped under as if falling to the ground before charging into the Ratmaa and carrying it with him across the cave before slamming it headfirst on the ground. Mounting it he raised his elbow covered in a familiar golden sheen before he dropped it straight into the center of the beast skull, and began reigning down as many blows as he could.

‘It’s time for action.’

“STUNNING STRIKE!”

Stunning Strike - Exalted Heart Fist [Body] F, [Aura] F - Focusing his battle spirit over his attacks, he sends out a hardy blow reinforced by his impactful glow - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown

Stats:
Vitality C
Strength C
F Grade Natural Armor Heavy
F Grade Natural Weapons

Novama · Oct 13, 2022

Mentions:

D. Rex
OOC: Autohitting is illegal. Do not phrase attacks in absolute terms. Also, when abilities are on cooldown, please track them in post. F grade abilities are obvious and do not need tracked.
Time: 10:30pm
Weather: clear sky with bright moon, chilly breeze, warmer in the stagnant air filled tunnels of the rotting tree
Cooldown:
TLDR: Rudi is lost in the tunnels, Eris is seeing butterflies, Ninelle is ineffective with splinter attack, horatio is between a ledge and a blood bath, Tyrmar is heartless and at risk of being faceless.
Post Listening:

Cegloth - Dead Tree of the Fae See

Following the beat that made the tree shudder, Rudi would roam the lonely tunnels of the massive tree for a while until finally coming to a fork or knot in his path. Having passed a few corpses at this point, he could determine a few things: there were a lot of those humanoid rats in the tree and there were still assassins like himself left alive. However, rather than seeing an ally or an enemy, he was met with several directions to go and no clear way forward. The sound he was following up to that point was seemingly coming from all directions. He had at least eight different tunnels to choose from and no clear way of knowing which would ultimately take him to his destination in a timely manner. Out of the corner of his eye he could see the shadows move. Turning to look he would find nothing there. This was not an uncommon sensation in the Cegloth and it was only growing worse. The echoing tunnels made it difficult to discern which sounds of death and otherwise were close at hand and which were far away. The tunnels didn't all lead in a uniform direction. One path leading down one moment may have the traveling scrambling up the later end of the tunnel. Some tunnels would appear to go up only to have a sheer drop off of several dozen feet. Rudi needed to figure out how to get through Cegloth and in a hurry. Should he be the last to place his bomb, he may go up with the tree. [D grade challenge]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Presumably, Horatio was in a similar situation. Less equipped than he was before, he would stomp through the tunnels to find that any assassins or monsters had moved on already. He only saw the tell tale signs of battle and death. At least, that's what he would believe them to mean. It was hard to know, with all the shadows around, precisely where any of the beasts that skulked the shadows might be. Had they truly moved on or were they simply biding their time snacking in the darkness and waiting for another assassin to pass by their shadow hidden hole.

Horatio actually found such a hole once. As he was walking, a dark portion of tunnel hid a hole in the floor. His first step was immediately followed by him tumbling down the tunnel until it leveled out. Not the most comfortable of rides and definitely an out of control experience. However, he took no damage. He had landed in something soft. Unnaturally soft given the circumstances. In the dim, red glow of the tunnel he found himself in, he would stand up from piles of 'leftover assassin'. Bones were plentiful and scraps of equipment were mixed with the meat. There were subtle signs of teeth and claw marks. The acidic fluids of the fae made much of the assassins mix together in puddles of brown bile. With a steep climb behind him, Horatio would see to the end of the tunnel that there was another steep grade descent. Unlike the first, this one did not appear to have a gentle bottom to it, but the tunnel was heavily pocketed. Perhaps with enough time and care, there was a way down that didn't result in free falling dozens of feet. However, that time and care would have to pass. Horatio could hear the scrambling and screeching of several of those things coming after him. Their disfigured hands splashed and clawed at the tunnel as they went. He had little time and nothing but troubles on both sides. [D grade challenge] or [Combat next to hazard]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As predicted, Ninelle's splinter didn't do anything to the creature. Its tussle with Tyrmar would be sufficient to shake the fairy loose (do not auto hit). The nasty creature, although awkward in movement was not as slow and clumsy in its claw attacks. Tyrmar failed to dodge and took the claw attacks that he couldn't quite shake free of. Tyrmar also didn't grab it and shove it across the chamber and smash it into the far wall (do not auto hit). The 2 health he regenerated from his regenerated made his lungs and ribs feel better, but the creature immediately hit him hard enough that everything healed was split back open or worse off than it was before, this time taking his heart as a snack for later. As the muscle was crushed under hand, it would continue to beat and empty its contents onto the floor. Tyrmar's regeneration would keep him alive despite the trauma, but the ratmaa's nasty black grin made the creature appear to be playing a game. Despite the creature's smiling face, it had been severely wounded already. It was merely taking advantage of the situation while it could. Seeing an opening the ratmaa would lunge for Tyrmar with acidic chompers [E grade ability].

Meanwhile, Eris remained on the ground barely keeping her blood in her body from her severed limb as she pleaded to the heavens for a boon or mercy. What mercy their was to be had in such an accursed place was a wonder. Surrounded by death and decay, it would not be unlikely the only gods listening were those of death and balance, neither of which were the sorts to stay the passing of mortals as all was part of the cycle. However, from the darkness above the light Eris held constant for the party, a butterfly the size of a coin with wings of light slowly fluttered down to Eris. Perhaps it was a delusion caused by blood loss. Perhaps it was an illusory effect caused by her light spell. However, when the butterfly landed on the stump of her severed leg and fluttered its wings a few times, the sparkles of light given off by the wings subdued the pain in the stump and stimmed the flow of blood. Eris wouldn't bleed to death and had enough relief to think without being racked with worlds of pain. The butterfly was gone. Had it ever been there? Eris would not find the answer for some time. Beady eyes, like black marbles momentarily reflected the light in the tunnel behind Eris and then were gone.

D. Rex · Oct 13, 2022

Novama said:
Mentions: Skyhunter Garbage Pail Kid saxon SilverFeathers AbenSur D. Rex
OOC: Autohitting is illegal. Do not phrase attacks in absolute terms. Also, when abilities are on cooldown, please track them in post. F grade abilities are obvious and do not need tracked.
Time: 10:30pm
Weather: clear sky with bright moon, chilly breeze, warmer in the stagnant air filled tunnels of the rotting tree
Cooldown:
TLDR: Rudi is lost in the tunnels, Eris is seeing butterflies, Ninelle is ineffective with splinter attack, horatio is between a ledge and a blood bath, Tyrmar is heartless and at risk of being faceless.
Post Listening:

Cegloth - Dead Tree of the Fae See

Following the beat that made the tree shudder, Rudi would roam the lonely tunnels of the massive tree for a while until finally coming to a fork or knot in his path. Having passed a few corpses at this point, he could determine a few things: there were a lot of those humanoid rats in the tree and there were still assassins like himself left alive. However, rather than seeing an ally or an enemy, he was met with several directions to go and no clear way forward. The sound he was following up to that point was seemingly coming from all directions. He had at least eight different tunnels to choose from and no clear way of knowing which would ultimately take him to his destination in a timely manner. Out of the corner of his eye he could see the shadows move. Turning to look he would find nothing there. This was not an uncommon sensation in the Cegloth and it was only growing worse. The echoing tunnels made it difficult to discern which sounds of death and otherwise were close at hand and which were far away. The tunnels didn't all lead in a uniform direction. One path leading down one moment may have the traveling scrambling up the later end of the tunnel. Some tunnels would appear to go up only to have a sheer drop off of several dozen feet. Rudi needed to figure out how to get through Cegloth and in a hurry. Should he be the last to place his bomb, he may go up with the tree. [D grade challenge]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Presumably, Horatio was in a similar situation. Less equipped than he was before, he would stomp through the tunnels to find that any assassins or monsters had moved on already. He only saw the tell tale signs of battle and death. At least, that's what he would believe them to mean. It was hard to know, with all the shadows around, precisely where any of the beasts that skulked the shadows might be. Had they truly moved on or were they simply biding their time snacking in the darkness and waiting for another assassin to pass by their shadow hidden hole.

Horatio actually found such a hole once. As he was walking, a dark portion of tunnel hid a hole in the floor. His first step was immediately followed by him tumbling down the tunnel until it leveled out. Not the most comfortable of rides and definitely an out of control experience. However, he took no damage. He had landed in something soft. Unnaturally soft given the circumstances. In the dim, red glow of the tunnel he found himself in, he would stand up from piles of 'leftover assassin'. Bones were plentiful and scraps of equipment were mixed with the meat. There were subtle signs of teeth and claw marks. The acidic fluids of the fae made much of the assassins mix together in puddles of brown bile. With a steep climb behind him, Horatio would see to the end of the tunnel that there was another steep grade descent. Unlike the first, this one did not appear to have a gentle bottom to it, but the tunnel was heavily pocketed. Perhaps with enough time and care, there was a way down that didn't result in free falling dozens of feet. However, that time and care would have to pass. Horatio could hear the scrambling and screeching of several of those things coming after him. Their disfigured hands splashed and clawed at the tunnel as they went. He had little time and nothing but troubles on both sides. [D grade challenge] or [Combat next to hazard]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As predicted, Ninelle's splinter didn't do anything to the creature. Its tussle with Tyrmar would be sufficient to shake the fairy loose (do not auto hit). The nasty creature, although awkward in movement was not as slow and clumsy in its claw attacks. Tyrmar failed to dodge and took the claw attacks that he couldn't quite shake free of. Tyrmar also didn't grab it and shove it across the chamber and smash it into the far wall (do not auto hit). The 2 health he regenerated from his regenerated made his lungs and ribs feel better, but the creature immediately hit him hard enough that everything healed was split back open or worse off than it was before, this time taking his heart as a snack for later. As the muscle was crushed under hand, it would continue to beat and empty its contents onto the floor. Tyrmar's regeneration would keep him alive despite the trauma, but the ratmaa's nasty black grin made the creature appear to be playing a game. Despite the creature's smiling face, it had been severely wounded already. It was merely taking advantage of the situation while it could. Seeing an opening the ratmaa would lunge for Tyrmar with acidic chompers [E grade ability].

Meanwhile, Eris remained on the ground barely keeping her blood in her body from her severed limb as she pleaded to the heavens for a boon or mercy. What mercy their was to be had in such an accursed place was a wonder. Surrounded by death and decay, it would not be unlikely the only gods listening were those of death and balance, neither of which were the sorts to stay the passing of mortals as all was part of the cycle. However, from the darkness above the light Eris held constant for the party, a butterfly the size of a coin with wings of light slowly fluttered down to Eris. Perhaps it was a delusion caused by blood loss. Perhaps it was an illusory effect caused by her light spell. However, when the butterfly landed on the stump of her severed leg and fluttered its wings a few times, the sparkles of light given off by the wings subdued the pain in the stump and stimmed the flow of blood. Eris wouldn't bleed to death and had enough relief to think without being racked with worlds of pain. The butterfly was gone. Had it ever been there? Eris would not find the answer for some time. Beady eyes, like black marbles momentarily reflected the light in the tunnel behind Eris and then were gone.

So it was that Rudolph came to a stop. A tangled mess of an intersection. A bunch of dark corridors leading to God knows what, and with God knows what lurking in there.

Well. He couldn't just wait around here expecting the tunnels to just speak which one was correct... they would probably lie anyway.

So he did the only thing he could. He took a moment, walking around the intersection. Keeping ears and nose open at each, all the while expecting one of those things to jump from the shadows at him. Wouldn't put it past the Fuckers.

But also, he would pay attention to the floor. Surely a place as old as this had some signs. Markings he probably wouldn't even understand anyway... but there could be footprints, or well-worn paths, or bloodstained, or any other such indicators that might give him a clue.

Even taking a moment to look up at the ceiling just in case some creepy crawlers were lurking up there too.

He had a brief moment in this light filled room. Might as well take advantage of said light. Goodness knows he'd miss it once he descended further into this hellhole.

Summary:
Rudolph inspecting the tunnels and floor for clues. Keeping ready at the defense.

Relevant Stats:
Intelligence B
Precision B

saxon · Oct 14, 2022

Eris wasn't sure if the butterfly had even been there. She wasn't even sure if she was seeing things correctly at this point or not. The butterfly had disappeared as soon as it had appeared. Though her leg had not been reattached, the pain and the bleeding was gone. Knowing now that she could store the leg for now and worry about finding a healer once they were out of this place. Snapping back to reality when she saw Tymar was engaging the creature.

Seeing at the two were fighting, she quickly stored the severed leg and used her staff to get up of the ground hoping toward her companions that seemed to be having just as hard of time fighting as she was. I must do something, I cannot let this gift go to waste. If Holfeel has granted me peace from my pain then I must fight, I can get my leg reattached later. She thought to herself as she stopped when the creature was in range. Still rather wobily as she hopped around.

With her goal in mind, she started to chant her spell, "Holfeel merciful goddess of rebirth and guider of souls hear your servant's prayers. For there are those who do not walk the path of your welcoming light and souls are in need of guidance. Please lend me your retribution."

Retribution - Religion F, Magic E, Magic Area of Effect F, Divine Affinity F, Magic Range F - The caster can call down a beam from the heavens causing radiant damage to the target. The target must be within 10 feet of the caster. - Grade E - 1 Post Cooldown

Mentions:

SilverFeathers · Oct 15, 2022

Ninelle Lifeblossom (#54d1b0)

Flung backwards by the ratmaa's ferocity, Ninelle flailed about in the air, conducting something resembling a mid-air somersault in order to regain her balance. Her heartbeat was pounding noisily in both her chest and ears, but even then, she understood she needed to avoid crashing into the wall or floor as much as possible, her misshapen and oddly-sewn together body wouldn't be able to handle it.

Glancing upwards, the noise in her ears seemed to momentarily stop as she laid eyes upon the still-beating heart gripped in the monster's claws. Whipping her head towards Tyrmar, words couldn't describe her relief to see the human still standing... if he was even a human at all. Tyrmar... what are you? Questions could be asked later, she was just glad her friend was still alive. The priestess somehow seemed to be in better shape also, her bleeding halted by some divine intervention.

Whether it was the rekindling of hope or the internal replenishment of her mana, Ninelle found the strength to wave her wand once more, calling upon one of her favourite spells in the fae tongue. "A weightless cloud blossoms." Large white, puffy flowers, somewhat resembling lotuses but more cloud-like, materialized in front of the ratmaa's lunging maw, hoping to hinder or otherwise soften the blow for her companion. Though in all honesty, watching Tyrmar's flesh regenerate itself, she couldn't tell the level of danger his health was in at all.

"I'm sure it's obvious by now, but avoid their spit at all costs. These things are called ratmaa, they thrive in the dark and are uncomfortable in light, and those horns on its back are its ears. I can't really recall much else, I'm sorry." She spat out hurriedly.