Finished [Clockhaven - Widersia] Lend Me a Hand

[Maxxob]

DragonSlayer57 | Hunter - RP Goals: Get rid of the [Maimed] title and replace the lost arm with a prosthetic arm

Clockhaven
​

The bustling city of Clockhaven stretched beneath a haze of clockwork steam and the hum of scientific machinery. Towering spires of brass and steel glinted in the fading sunlight, their intricate gears visible even from a distance. This was the heart of Widersian innovation—a city where scientific curiosity and progress marched to the rhythm of ticking mechanisms.

Hunter Asphalt, cloaked in the somber shadows of his loss, stood at the door of an unassuming workshop. The plaque above read, "Dr. Gregorius House, Tinkerer Extraordinaire. Expect Attitude." Inside, the dim light of glowing thaumic conduits illuminated cluttered tables strewn with tools, scraps of metal, and partially assembled automata. The air reeked of oil and ozone.

Dr. House
​

Behind one such table, a man leaned over a schematic. His disheveled hair was streaked with gray, and his sharp blue eyes peered through half-moon spectacles perched precariously on his nose. Without looking up, he rasped, “You’re late. I despise lateness. Not as much as stupidity, but it’s up there.”

Dr. House straightened, tossing the schematic aside. “So, you’re the maimed one. I assume you’re here because you want me to fix you. Well, I don’t work for free, and I definitely don’t work for anyone who can’t survive my terms.”

He gestured toward a cloth-covered object on a nearby table. With a flourish, he yanked the cloth away, revealing a sleek, clockwork prosthetic arm. Its brass surface gleamed, faintly etched with arcane sigils to ensure seamless integration with the wearer’s body. It was a marvel of Widersian ingenuity—a testament to what science alone could achieve.

“Looks pretty, doesn’t it? Don’t let that fool you. This is experimental—untested, unproven. It might make you better, or it might kill you. Either way, it’ll be interesting to watch,” he said with a smirk. “But here’s the catch: I’m not strapping this on you until you prove you’re worth it.”

House slid a small brass panel aside, revealing a mechanism that hummed softly. “The Vanguard is hosting a trial in the Clockwork Gauntlet—a proving ground for our newest inventions. Survive that, and I’ll consider you worthy of this little toy. Fail, and... well, you won’t need the arm anymore, will you?”

A heavy knock at the workshop door interrupted the conversation. A Vanguard representative entered, clad in the faction’s signature clockwork armor. “Hunter Asphalt?” the soldier asked, voice metallic through a steam-filtered mask. “The gauntlet is prepared. Your trial begins at first light.”

House leaned back, grinning. “There you have it. Tick-tock, Mr. Asphalt. Let’s see if you’ve got what it takes.”

---

The Clockwork Gauntlet loomed in the distance, a vast, labyrinthine arena bristling with moving gears, swinging pendulums, and the faint echoes of clanging machinery. Its spires pierced the night sky, promising danger and glory in equal measure.

Would Hunter rise to the challenge? Or would this proving ground claim yet another would-be contender?

---

Hunter has the night to prepare and decide his approach. The gauntlet awaits, its mechanisms already in motion, ready to test his resolve.

 

[DragonSlayer57]

Hunter would flinch a little as the train screeched to a stop, his sensitive ears registering the noise as a little too loud. As he walked off and onto the station he’d adjust his bag and step out of the old, dusty train building into the light. The first thing he saw was the sky, the beautiful sun hiding behind miles of nothing but steel and steam, and what replaced birds were airships flying gloriously across the sky. The next thing he registered however, was the smoke. He coughed as he realized it rank of nothing but oil and machinery, far from the woods that he was used to. He decided he’d just hurry it up and get a move on. Hunter would attempt to put his left arm in his pocket before he looked. From the shoulder down was nothing, yet he could feel his fingers even now twitching and twisting to grab the card between his fingers. He was wearing a long sleeve shirt so if anyone were to look at it it would take more than a second to notice. He just sighed and put his arm in his left pocket to pull out the business card he saw before. “Dr house huh…”

---

He’d found himself outside of a workshop a couple hours later after fully visiting the place and getting some food. He’d seen the plaque and assumed this was the place. He had rapped the door smartly before sitting there thinking how it would change his life. He was tired of his mind wandering whenever he wasn’t doing anything to the place, he yearned to itch the space where his arm once. It was like he could feel the burning sensation once more and- it took him a minute to realize the door was already opened. He twisted the knob and walked through, looking up at the multitude of clocks in the workshop to realize he was late. He didn’t like the doctors remark but he could ignore it, he assumed. “Good evening dr house?” The man would talk some more and take off the cloth he had seen on a table near him on entry. There lay a beautiful, shining golden prosthetic. He shuddered in excitement, letting the doctors word pass by his mind until a singular sentence was made. And the answer for him was immenent. “Yes, I’ll do it. When can i start?” The knight would walk right in and he knew he was ready.

---

His bag was packed as he stood by the labyrinth. The sun was rising, it was about 5:30 am at dawn but he knew it was best to come early. Last night he had stocked up with materials since he hadn’t brought any he’d had to go to the store. He took a deep breath and readied himself.

 

[Maxxob]

DragonSlayer57 | Hunter

The first rays of dawn caught the gleaming brass walls of the Clockwork Gauntlet, giving the entire structure a burnished glow against the smoky skies of Clockhaven. Situated at the edge of a sprawling courtyard, the Gauntlet’s entrance stood tall and imposing—two colossal, gear-shaped doors that rumbled and clicked as they opened. A thick layer of steam hissed from vents along the base of the arena, making it seem alive with its own mechanical breath.

Vanguard Guard
​

Several Vanguard guards stood to either side of the entrance. Their armor—fashioned from carefully machined plates and internal gearwork—reflected the city’s fusion of engineering and scientific progress. Upon seeing Hunter approach, they gave him a brief, appraising nod. Their stances suggested that many hopefuls had passed this way before, and not all had returned.

Dr. House
​

A short distance from the gates, Dr. House lounged against a railing with his arms folded, waiting. Despite the early hour, the doctor looked sharp-eyed and alert, as though he thrived in these high-pressure situations. The gleaming prosthetic rested in a specialized carrying case by his side, unlocked and ready—but still unattached.

He caught sight of Hunter and cracked a wry grin. “You’re early. I was expecting you’d have second thoughts and decide to run back to your trees. Glad to see you haven’t.” Without further prompting, he flipped open the case and gestured for Hunter to join him. A series of precise brass joints, wires, and finely tuned mechanisms adorned the prosthetic—impressive, though hardly the super-powered marvel stories might have suggested. Rather, it was a carefully balanced creation intended to mirror the dexterity, strength, and subtle nuances of a natural limb… with a few kinks still to be worked out.

“One more thing,” Dr. House added, eyeing Hunter pointedly. “Don’t expect this to handle any better than your real arm did—at least not right away. It’ll catch, it might jam, and it certainly won’t lend you superhuman strength. If you manage to survive this deathtrap,” he gave a sardonic jerk of the chin at the Gauntlet’s doors, “I’ll do a final calibration. Think of this as your trial by fire—or steam, in this case.”

Vanguard Guard
​

A uniformed Gauntlet official approached. His face was hidden behind a simple metal mask fitted with small steam valves. He bowed politely and handed Hunter a small punch card embedded with gear-like filigree. “Present this at each checkpoint within the Gauntlet. Once your card is fully punched, you’ll be deemed to have officially completed the trial. Any questions or concerns should be directed to Dr. House, provided… you find him still waiting.”

A loud klaxon sounded from somewhere deep within the arena, and the two giant gear-doors slid apart, revealing a dim corridor of shifting metal panels and faintly glowing coil-lamps. Steam poured out in rolling waves, and the rhythmic clank of internal machinery pulsed like a distant heartbeat.

Dr. House
​

Dr. House pushed off the railing, hoisting the prosthetic case under one arm. His earlier smirk had faded, replaced by a distant seriousness. “Let’s get you strapped in.” From a belt pouch, he produced a small jar of medicinal salve, presumably for sealing the connection between flesh and steel. “This won’t be painless, but if you’ve come this far, I’m guessing you’re ready for a bit of discomfort.”

All around, nervous onlookers—several wearing the Vanguard crest—gathered at a safe distance. Whispers circulated: Is this the newcomer who lost his arm dealing with the Hive? Will this experimental limb even hold up? Their curiosity was palpable, tension thick in the air. Yet the city’s signature blend of invention and daring promise shone through as well. There was always a chance for success—no matter how slim—here in Clockhaven.

As the final locks on the prosthetic clicked into place around Hunter’s shoulder, the brass plating shifted and settled with a series of soft hisses and whirs. A brief surge of mechanical current coursed through, sending a tingling, jarring sensation across the stump. House adjusted a gear or two, then stepped back, studying his work.

“Don’t die in there,” he said, with casual indifference. “It’s bad for my reputation.”

With that, the official gestured for Hunter to step inside. The humming corridor beckoned, its gaping darkness broken only by the occasional swirl of steam and flicker from coil-lamps. Somewhere beyond lay the first chamber of the Clockwork Gauntlet—and the beginning of Hunter’s test of skill, will, and endurance.

Would the prosthetic prove to be enough to see him through? Or was this contraption destined to buckle under the demands of the trial? In the hush before action, that question lingered on everyone’s mind—most of all, perhaps, Dr. House’s.

 

[DragonSlayer57]

Hunter held the punch card and put it in his pocket, nodding politely with a smile. People had gathered around and he chuckled a little, not noticing the the signs from the guards. It was just a little thing, it shouldn’t be bad. But when he looked, he saw people with worried faces. Hushed voices and hurried speech. He could even see some betting! What on, maybe his safe return. This seemed like it would be harder than he initially thought, he was thinking this would just be a publicity stunt of some kind. As he drifted off, he flinched a little as the cool medicinal salve touched his shoulders. He hissed as the phantom pain flared up, before he felt a jolt. It went up his shoulders and down his spine and he shivered as the burning in his arm instantly dissapeared before being replaced with a weight on his mind. Wait a minute, not on his mind. His shoulders. He looked down to see a clean, brass arm sitting where his of flesh had once sat. He moved his fingers slowly, before his elbow, and then a shoulder roll. His look of shock quickly turned into a gleeful smile, and he enwrapped the doctor in a bone crushing hug, before hoisting his bag, and stepping into the no mans land.

---

The steam that had once filled his nose as he first got here returned and he double backed. Even the blacksmithy didn’t have this kind of smell, it was of crude oil and kerosene. Coil lamps occasionally flickered light to guide him and he smiled. This is it, the moment he was waiting for, although it was a bit ironic that it resembled the place where he had once lost the arm. His arm. The hive. Suddenly something came crawling under his foot that resembled a spider. Instantly emotions came flushing back, his world twisted and the spider seemed to grow bigger He needed to kill it now or it would kill him or hurt somebody he knew ohgodhewassoafraidhejustwantedallofthispainandthoughtsthatweren’thistoendand-

---

he blinked and he was standing where he was. It was a couple months ago, maybe 6-ish but the poison hadn’t really left him. It had seeped into his nervous system and wracked his brain. He’d still need some time to deal with the poison but he had readily jumped up. He just needed to recover, and he had recovered. That was just a one time thing and it would never. Happen. Again. The weariness left his face and he smiled. He was fine! He strolled and whistled a tune with both arms in his pocket before reaching the end of the tunnel and closing his eyes from the sudden burst of light as his left arm instantly covered his eyes and his right flinched to the hammer on his back.

 

[Maxxob]

DragonSlayer57 | Hunter

The corridor opened onto a cavernous chamber bathed in the glow of overhead coil lamps. Massive metal gears adorned the walls, continuously turning with precise, rhythmic clicks. Steam vented sporadically from pipes snaking across the ceiling, creating a hazy veil that shifted in the light. The air tasted of machine oil and hot metal—an atmosphere distinctly different from any typical blacksmith’s forge. This was the heart of the Clockwork Gauntlet, and it pulsed with mechanical life.

A ring of brass pillars lined the chamber’s perimeter, each one crowned by a different rotating device—some akin to clock faces, others more like spinning pincers or whirligigs. A raised platform stood at the center, bearing a broad iron hatch. Its surface was etched with a single gear symbol: the mark of the Vanguard. A lectern beside it held a thick ledger, blank punch cards scattered about its base. This, presumably, was the first checkpoint.

Clockwork Spiders
​

From somewhere near the chamber’s edge came a sharp, metallic scrape. A mechanical spider—larger than a human head—scuttled out from behind a pillar, its spindly legs clicking against the metal floor. Its eyes glowed faintly, relaying data through a small lens array. In the swirl of steam, three more emerged, their jointed limbs and tungsten-tipped mandibles reflecting the flicker of the lamps. Clusters of steam tubes along their backs vented puffs of vapor with every skittering step.

Each spider moved with unnerving precision, as if controlled by a single hive-minded directive: Test the intruder. One scurried up a pillar, its needle legs finding purchase in the slightest of grooves, while another took a wide path around Hunter’s flank, pincers clacking. Their constant mechanical chatter—gears meshing, servos whirring—produced a relentless, insectile hum.

All the while, a scattering of onlookers watched from behind grated barriers built into the walls—likely Vanguard engineers monitoring the Gauntlet’s many trials. Their faces were partially obscured by the steam and the mechanical hush. Some scribbled notes; others maintained levers on control panels. A faint whirr overhead suggested that any sudden movement might trigger additional traps or reinforcements.

Before Hunter, the path forked:

• To the left, a narrow catwalk extended over a dizzying tangle of cogs, leading toward a locked gate.
• To the right, the central platform and the iron hatch promised a more direct, if guarded, route deeper into the Gauntlet.

But first, he’d have to deal with these clockwork spiders. Their segmented legs scraped ominously against the metal floor, drawing closer inch by inch. Whether they were testing his mettle or outright threatening him hardly mattered; they looked poised to attack at the slightest provocation.

Somewhere in the distance, a klaxon droned again, accompanied by a trickle of mechanical echoes. The Gauntlet had just begun to show its teeth, and Hunter’s newly attached arm hung in the balance—ready or not, it was time to see if the prosthetic (and Hunter’s nerve) would hold under pressure.

Spoiler: Spiders:

• Spider #1 (Pillar Climber): 10 feet away, perched on a brass pillar to Hunter’s left and several feet off the ground.
• Spider #2 (Flanking Right): 10 feet away, moving slowly to circle behind Hunter.
• Spider #3 (Center Floor): 10 feet away, directly in front of Hunter, inching closer.
• Spider #4 (Hanging Back): 20 feet away toward the far side of the room, observing before moving in.

Spoiler: Notice

Time-sensitive scene has started and with that, we have actions economy in place with 3 actions per round. Whenever describing the character's actions, remember to calculate its base effectiveness. Example:

Action 1: use Fighting style -Faux Innocence- [E] - Aura [F] [Bloodlust] - Blight [Poison] [F],Incurable [F]- Naori stabs his victims with a posion laced blade, radiating the feeling of blood thirst. - Dagger/Catalyst D (3) + Strength C (4) + Ability E (2) = 9 Base Effectiveness
Action 2: mundane attack - Dagger/Catalyst D (3) + Strength C (4) = 7 Base Effectiveness
Action 3: mundane attack - Dagger/Catalyst D (3) + Strength C (4) = 7 Base Effectiveness

 

[DragonSlayer57]

Hunters smile dropped. Immediately. He grabbed his hammer, and felt the cool glow of the fire. He breathed heavily as the memories flooded his mind. He sensed the spiders around him, looking at the spider hiding in the back. That one was one of the last priorities, although it seemed to be watching him for any opportunity to jump in. Spider number 1 looked like it’d do the same thing, but it’d be an aerial attack so he’d have to watch out for that as well. His ears could hear the click, click, click of something behind him, and he turned around to meet the spider that was just flanking right, hitting his farmer so that it was lunged to be in front of him and hitting it away. He’d lung forward and smash his hammer onto the spider lurking in the center and hit it away, focusing his eyes on the pillar climber and tensing his body for any potential actions the two he may have just hit do.

---

• Action 1: Rose flame - (Fighting style) Blight (fire) F- Causes a fire to ignite that causes bad 2nd degree burns. Cool to the touch, but very bright. A pink flame-Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown + [Dragonslayer] B + Strength A = 12
• Action 2: Lunge forward 10 ft
• Action 3: Basic attack- [Dragonslayer] B + Strength A= 11

 

[Maxxob]

DragonSlayer57 | Hunter

Clockwork Spiders
​

Mechanical Rhythm - Xenoblade Chronicles

The scuttling of metal legs and the hiss of pressurized valves echoed through the chamber as Hunter sprang forward—his Rose Flame flickering harmlessly in the air, too distant to reach Spider #2. Still, the abrupt surge left a residual glow along his hammer, like embers that failed to catch.

Metallic hisses and the whir of gears continued to fill the chamber as Hunter next lunged for Spider #3, hammer swinging in a downward arc. The spider, locked onto its oncoming target, jerked in an attempt to pivot aside. Tiny servomotors whined as it snapped a segmented leg upward—trying to bash or parry Hunter’s weapon before it could connect with its main chassis.

Simultaneously, the other spiders seized their own openings:

• Spider #2, having flanked Hunter’s right side, skittered in swiftly. Pincers wide, it reared onto its hind legs and thrust forward, aiming to clamp onto Hunter or force him off-balance at the very moment he was committed to attacking Spider #3.
• Spider #1, perched higher on a brass pillar, braced itself against the metal plating. Its body tremored with pent-up mechanical tension, and in a burst of released pressure, it sprang from the pillar. Legs extended and mandibles snapping, it sailed through the air in a calculated strike toward Hunter’s left flank.
• Spider #4 advanced steadily from across the chamber, steam valves chuffing. Though cautious, it shaved down the distance between itself and Hunter, positioning to attack once the others had forced him into a disadvantage.

Whether through skill, timing, or sheer determination, Hunter would have his hands full. Between Spider #3’s frantic sidestep-and-strike maneuver, Spider #2’s flanking lunge, and Spider #1’s aerial attack, the Gauntlet’s mechanical predators all converged at once—leaving him precious seconds to react before the next wave of steam flooded the arena.

At the last possible moment, Hunter pivoted expertly, forcing Spider #2’s flanking lunge to scrape past empty air and Spider #1’s aerial strike to land harmlessly behind him. Meanwhile, his hammer crashed full-force into Spider #3 with a resounding impact. Though the spider had tried to deflect the blow, its servos squealed under the force, and plating cracked where the hammer struck home. Sparks arced from the damaged section, and it staggered back on crooked legs—still active, but clearly suffering from the jarring hit.

A tense hush fell as the spiders regrouped under the swirling steam, their whirring servomotors echoing ominously against the brass walls. Despite Spider #3’s new dents and sputtering gears, the danger remained high—the Gauntlet was far from finished testing its unwelcome guest.

Meanwhile, a few scattered observers behind grated barriers watched intently, marking each shift in the battle. The overhead coil lamps flickered, bathing the scene in stark light and shadow. Every clang or hiss echoed across the brass pillars and echoed up to the vaulted ceiling.

Hunter has the initiative.

Spoiler: Spiders:

• Spider #1 (Pillar Climber): 5 feet away, to Hunter's left.
• Spider #2 (Flanking Right): 5 feet away, behind Hunter.
• Spider #3 (Center Floor): 5 feet away, directly in front of Hunter. (Damaged)
• Spider #4 (Hanging Back): 10 feet away from Hunter.

 

[DragonSlayer57]

Hunter breathed heavily, he got lucky that last time. That was brash and improper, he needed to lock in. He knew.. he was gonna have to take a hit to get one of these things to die permanently. He gripped his hammer as he looked around himself. His advanced hearing was starting to come in clutch as he listened to the soft clicking behind himself. He was breathing heavily. He stared the spider down in front of him and gritted his teeth. His face seemed soft as tears welled up in the corners of his eyes. He wouldn’t go back to that place, he was a different person now. “none of your machines are getting past me you sick bastard!” He would scream this at the top of his lungs, making sure the “doctor” heard him well. This was all some bullshit to embarass him, but he’d show him. Hunter would lift his hammer, going on a rampage as he rushed to the spider in front of him, swinging with all his strength. He’d smash it onto the spider, before turning around and swinging himself around in a circle to hit both the spider on the left and the one behind him.

---

• Action 1: Basic attack (combo)- [Dragonslayer] B + Strength A= 12
• Action 2: Rose flame (combo) - (Fighting style) Blight (fire) F- Causes a fire to ignite that causes bad 2nd degree burns. Cool to the touch, but very bright. A pink flame-Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown + [Dragonslayer] B + Strength A = 13
• Action 1: Basic attack (combo)- [Dragonslayer] B + Strength A= 12

 

[Maxxob]

DragonSlayer57 | Hunter

Clockwork Spiders
​

Mechanical Rhythm - Xenoblade Chronicles

Hunter’s war cry echoed off the brass walls, reverberating through the chamber. His hammer felt like a natural extension of his body—flesh replaced by ingenuity, all driven by a fierce determination not to relive old nightmares. As he surged forward, the spiders closed in, their limbs rattling in a chorus of metal-on-metal.

1. First Strike – Spider #3 (Front)
   Hunter lunged with a powerful overhead blow. Despite the spider’s attempt to brace itself, the hammer crashed down against its cracked chassis.
   A shrieking crunch echoed through the air. Gears, springs, and shards of brass scattered across the floor as Spider #3 collapsed in a sparking heap, its legs splayed in a final twitch.
2. Second Strike – Spider #1 (Left)
   In the same fluid motion, Hunter channeled his Rose Flame, the pink fire coursing along the hammerhead. He pivoted on his heel and brought the blazing weapon around in a scything arc.
   Spider #1 tried to recoil, but it was too slow. The pink flames scorched its plating, leaving blackened streaks where the metal warped. The impact cleaved through critical support joints, and the spider collapsed in a crackling heap of slag and molten brass.
3. Third Strike – Spider #2 (Rear)
   Without missing a beat, Hunter spun a full 180 to face the machine flanking his back. His prosthetic arm held steady, ensuring he wouldn’t falter mid-swing.
   The hammer connected with a teeth-rattling clang. Spider #2’s center chassis caved in on itself, a brief spark flaring before its optics dimmed. The once-relentless predator clattered to the floor, inert.

Around Hunter, the floor was littered with broken arachnid limbs and twisted metal. Steam mingled with the acrid stench of scorched lubricant, swirling in pink-hued wisps where the Rose Flame had singed brass plating. The watching Vanguard engineers and onlookers exchanged startled looks; none had expected the one-armed elf—and his freshly mounted prosthetic—to dispatch so many mechanical beasts so quickly.

---

​

Dr. House
​

Behind a reinforced observation window high in the chamber’s wall, Dr. House narrowed his eyes at a series of gauges measuring Hunter’s vital signs and the prosthetic’s stress levels. His lips curled into a sideways smirk as he watched the final spider spark and tumble to the ground.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” he muttered, pressing a small microphone switch. His voice crackled over a nearby speaker in the arena. “I’m almost impressed, Asphalt. Didn’t think your brain could handle swinging a hammer and using that tin arm at the same time. Almost makes me wonder what else you’ve got hidden under that mop of hair.”

He rolled his eyes theatrically before leaning back and adding, “Try not to get yourself squashed by the next thing that crawls out of the gears—I’ve got a reputation to uphold, and I’d rather not redesign that arm from scratch.”

---

Spider #4’s Move​

A sharp hiss from across the chamber interrupted the brief lull. Spider #4, the lone remaining foe, was still intact—and now poised to strike. It skittered forward another 5 feet, halving the distance between itself and Hunter, small bursts of steam venting at each joint.

1. Action 1: Advance – The spider lunged closer, alignment systems whirring.
2. Action 2: Focused Leap – Gears in its abdomen spun faster, gathering tension.
3. Action 3: Strike – With a burst of speed, it sprang at Hunter, front legs extended to slash or clamp down, aiming to capitalize on any opening in his frenzied momentum.

The overhead coil lamps flickered with building intensity, almost as if the Gauntlet itself was watching—hungry for the outcome. Despite Dr. House’s mocking tone, Hunter’s performance had plainly caught the doctor’s attention. The showdown was far from over.

The opponents have the initiative.

Spoiler: Spiders:

• Spider #1 (Defeated)
• Spider #2 (Defeated)
• Spider #3 (Defeated)
• Spider #4: Attacking hunter

 

[DragonSlayer57]

Hunter spun around, his heart pounding as a massive spider lunged at him. He stumbled backward, falling hard onto the rough ground. The impact knocked the breath from his lungs, and a thick steam enveloped him, filling his nostrils with a metallic, acrid scent that made his stomach churn. In the chaos, he felt an unsettling itch on his prosthetic arm, like something was trying to crawl beneath his skin. He scratched desperately at the surface, panic rising within him. Suddenly, the spider’s razor-sharp leg slashed across his arm, leaving a deep imprint on his prosthetic.

Hunter knew he had to act fast. With a surge of adrenaline, he kicked the monstrous creature off him, its mechanical legs clattering as it stumbled back. He could hear the whirring of its gears, a chilling sound that sent a shiver down his spine. Grappling with his fear, he fumbled for his hammer. His fingers finally closed around the familiar grip, and he raised it high, his resolve hardening. He swung with all his might, aiming for the spider’s exposed body. The hammer connected with a resounding thud, the force reverberating through his arm as metal crunched under the impact.

The creature let out a horrific screech, a sound that pierced through the steam and filled him with both dread and determination. It staggered back, and for a brief moment, he could see the flicker of its mechanical eyes, a hint of malfunction that fueled his resolve.

---

Action 1. Block

Action 2. Kick (Strength A= 6)

Action 3. Rose flame - (Fighting style) Blight (fire) F- Causes a fire to ignite that causes bad 2nd degree burns. Cool to the touch, but very bright. A pink flame-Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown + [Dragonslayer] B + Strength A = 13

 

[Maxxob]

DragonSlayer57 | Hunter

Clockwork Spiders
​

Mechanical Rhythm - Xenoblade Chronicles

Spider #4’s blade-like limb carved through Hunter’s chainmail with a harsh, metallic rip. Links of finely wrought steel split under the force, scattering onto the floor with a chiming sound. The impact threw him backward, skidding him across the brass deck. He quickly rolled onto one knee, ragged breaths rising through his chest. Though the slash didn’t penetrate deeply, the chainmail was ruined, leaving part of his torso exposed.

Undeterred, he gripped his hammer with renewed focus. A swift kick forced the spider back, scraping mechanical limbs as it tried to regain balance. Seizing the opening, Hunter raised his weapon, igniting the Rose Flame. Pink fire flared around the hammerhead, cool to the touch but glaring bright in the steamy air. In a decisive swing, he brought the hammer crashing down against the spider’s abdomen.

Metal crunched under the blow, and the creature emitted a piercing screech before its chassis warped and collapsed. Gears clattered across the floor as the final spider toppled into a wreck of broken limbs and sputtering steam.

---

From an observation window high above, Dr. House monitored the scene. His voice crackled through a nearby speaker, carrying a sardonic edge:

Dr. House
​

“Not bad, Asphalt. You survived, even if you did ruin a perfectly good suit of chainmail in the process. Wouldn’t advise taking too many more hits like that, though. I don’t offer free repairs on your gear.”

The room fell eerily silent as the last of the spider’s hisses died. Watching Vanguard engineers behind grated barriers lowered levers and clipboards. One of them flipped a large switch, and a distant clunk echoed from the next set of mechanical doors, unlatching and sliding open with a groan.

Steam swirled at the threshold of the new passage. Flickering coil-lamps illuminated what seemed to be a long corridor beyond—possibly hiding more contraptions or additional sentries. Hunter now had a chance to take stock of his battered gear and the scratches on his prosthetic. The path ahead lay open for the next challenge, the distant hum of machinery hinting at deeper trials in the Clockwork Gauntlet.

 

[Maxxob]

DragonSlayer57 | Hunter

​

The clank of gears and hiss of steam followed Hunter through winding corridors, past whirring turbines and overhead chains. Though there were more trials—winding catwalks over churning cogs, rotating blades timed to slice intruders, and even an experimental clockwork golem—he pressed on. His chainmail hung in tatters, and new dents marred his prosthetic arm, but he refused to yield.

Finally, at the end of a corridor lit by flickering coil-lamps, Hunter reached a massive set of doors. Emblazoned on the panels was the stylized gear symbol of the Vanguard—the last gateway of the Clockwork Gauntlet. With a final heave, he pushed them open. Sunlight spilled into a spacious antechamber, where a handful of Vanguard officials stood waiting beside Dr. House and a small crowd of onlookers.

A hush fell as he emerged—battered, but victorious. His footsteps echoed across polished metal flooring as he came to a stop before the gathering. Several of the officials exchanged looks of relief and murmurs of approval. Dr. House, true to form, wore a lopsided smirk.

Dr. House
​

“You’re alive. Astonishing,” the doctor remarked dryly, tapping a series of dials on the prosthetic’s side. “I suppose this means I’ve got some calibrations to finish. Wouldn’t want you flailing that thing around off-balance in normal life, now would we?”

With brisk efficiency, House produced a compact toolkit, making quick, precise adjustments to the metal arm’s fine controls. He tightened a hidden gear, repositioned a tiny piston, and wiped away some of the oil residue from the day’s trials.

“There,” he said, stepping back. “You might actually keep this attached for more than a week. As for the damage, consider it a reminder not to strut through spiked corridors in flimsy chainmail next time.”

A few of the Vanguard members chuckled. One stepped forward, handing Hunter a completed punch card stamped with the official crest—proof of his successful run.

Vanguard member
​

“Congratulations,” the official said, bowing respectfully. “You have conquered the Clockwork Gauntlet. The Vanguard stands ready to offer you future contracts, should you wish them.”

In the glow of midmorning light, Hunter tested his newly adjusted limb, rotating the wrist and flexing the fingers. Though scuffed from the ordeal, it felt secure and responsive. With the adrenaline of combat cooling in his veins, he could finally appreciate just how well the prosthetic functioned—an extension of himself, not just a replacement.

House cast him a final, measured glance before crossing his arms. “I’ll admit, you exceeded my expectations,” he said, voice tinged with a grudging respect. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got half a dozen other experiments waiting. Don’t get yourself killed—or do. Just make sure my designs stay intact in the process.”

The clank of lifting gates signaled that the labyrinth behind him was resetting, gears turning in anticipation of its next challenger. But for Hunter, it was over; he’d earned both his victory and a renewed sense of wholeness, sealed by the hiss of meticulously-fitted clockwork. As he gathered his belongings and stepped out of the antechamber, the sun’s warmth fell across his face. Somewhere in the bustle of Clockhaven’s streets, the future awaited—new trials, new journeys, and the lingering possibility of facing down the Hive once again.

Yet here and now, with the Clockwork Gauntlet conquered and his prosthetic arm finally his, Hunter Asphalt stood tall, ready for whatever came next.

THE END
​

Spoiler: Grader Information

Narrators Involved (List the narrators who participated in the roleplay.)
Maxxob

Narrator Standing (Provide the standing of each narrator involved, including links to their standing sheets for reference.)
Maxxob
Highest - Standing S
Adelhein El-Melloi von Breyer

Summary of the Roleplay (Briefly summarize the events and main storyline of the roleplay.)
Having lost his arm, Hunter Asphalt seeks help from a tinkerer/doctor in Widersia, named Gregorius House. House offers an opportunity to Hunter test his latest prototype of a prostethic arm, taking it through a challenge devised by the Vanguard to test the newest inventions. Hunter agrees to the challenge and delve into the Clockwork Gauntlet.

Goal Achievement (Indicate whether the goal of the roleplay was accomplished. Note that this affects grading, as failed roleplays typically receive lesser rewards.)
Hunter sucessfully completed the trial, thus earned the right to keep the prosthetic arm.

Criminal Acts Perpetrated (List any criminal acts committed during the roleplay, with links to the specific posts where they occurred.)
None occurred.

Lore to Establish (Detail any new lore you'd like to introduce, including brief descriptions for lore moderators, links to the posts where the lore was established, nation of origin associated with the lore.)

[WIDERSIA]

Dr. Gregorius House, or Dr. House for short. Tinkerer and doctor 'extraordinaire', he is an inventor, having his shop located in Clockhaven. His genius is only matched by his toxic personality, being sarcastic and cantankerous even when dispensing praise to others. Dr. House isn't a [Native]. (Character Grade B)​

Partial Participants (Provide a list of partial participants, including their character names and roleplayer (RPer) names.)

• None

Partial Participant Invaders (Note if any partial participants were invaders. Specify whether world rules or player versus player (PvP) mechanics were utilized.)

• None

Full-Time Participants
List all full-time participants, including:

• DragonSlayer57 | Hunter

Characters with Point Boosters (Identify any characters who used point boosters, including links to the posts where the boosters were used to gain points (for narrative boosters, the first post in the scene is sufficient)).

• None

Recommended Titles (Suggest titles for characters based on their actions or outcomes within the roleplay.)

• Free for grader to decide which ones would fit the character best

Assets/Titles Roleplayed For (List any assets or titles that were roleplayed for, along with justifications for each.)

• None

Characters with [Wanted] or Criminal Titles (Provide a list of characters who already possess the [Wanted] title or any criminal titles.).

• None

Hunters' Involvement (Indicate whether any characters with the [Wanted] title had their hunters appear or play a part in the roleplay.).

• None

Special Skills or Assets (List characters possessing Buddy skills, Masterwork skills, Complex Assets.)

• None

Transactions Performed (Note any transactions that occurred during the roleplay, such as, weapon exchanges, asset transfers.)

• None

Rules Utilized (Specify the level of rules used in the roleplay.)
RP used a modified type of the Advanced Rules (less punishing) + the new DICE mechanics (base effectiveness)d2

Character Sheet Oddities (Mention any noticeable oddities or inconsistencies in character sheets related to their purchases. Note: There's no need for a full evaluation; simply highlight any unusual findings during your review.)

• DragonSlayer57 | Hunter - Changelog lacks any sort of date record for changes.

Aftermath and Potential Lore Updates (Describe any potential aftermath or consequences based on the events of the roleplay. Suggest any updates that might be needed for the lore.)
Nothing changed as far as lore is concerned.

Narrator Bonuses (Recommend any bonuses you'd like to award to narrators based on their performance.)

• None

Additional Notes (Include any other observations or points you'd like feedback on or that require further commentary.)
None