Graded [Frontier] - Ruins Right Route

[Novama]

Mentions: LadyOfStars NeramoDJI eloise The Last Curse EMIYAman
OOC: You may freely use skills, abilities, and titles as appropriate outside of combat. I'll let you know when in combat or otherwise not appropriate to use abilities. We will strive for a 2 day post cycle. Faster if everyone actually posts. If you cannot post, let someone know or get skipped. If we have notice, I am willing to wait an extra day if appropriate. Outside of combat, you can post freely without limit or order so long as you don't post back to back. If you make a post that relies on feedback from the world aka me, then it may be useful to at least get some clarification from me directly.
Time: 9:00am
Weather: hot in the sun. Humid and baking even in the shade. no breeze. Ruin or thick canopy gives spotty cover from the sun.
Cooldown:
TLDR: Kurikara, Sage, Hope, Su Chen, Tomiko are running for their lives from a boulder while in the process of aiding the ryke military with a mission.
Post Listening:

West Ryke - Jungle Ruin - North Kabnak Bank​

This chapter of Isekai hell will follow Su Chen, Tomiko, Hope, Sage, Kurikara as they lend assistance to the Ryke Military in fulfilling a mission. Adventurers recently reported finding and exploring a ruin found in the area and noted its potential for historical relevance. A noble in the region, hearing news of the report, dispatched men to secure the location for a future expedition of scholars to investigate once their safety could be assured.

Eventually arriving at the location noted by the Adventurers, the military unit quickly realized they were in over their heads. The jungles were filled with threatening flora and fauna, which they were ready and prepared for, however, the adventurers failed to find or disable all the traps still active in the ruin. To further strain the situation, Beastmen belonging to the northern beast kingdom were sighted in the area and likely looking to secure the site for themselves if given the opportunity. It was not uncommon for ruins found along nation borders to be of special interest to all adjoining nations. Proof of a nation's old borders could be established. Priceless relics, information, and valuables could be salvaged from such places as well. The characters that helped secure the area would grow their renown and relations with the ryke military as well as ryke noble overseeing the project. They would also be reworded for their efforts.

Their mission was simple: explore a portion of the ruin indicated to them by a crude map provide by the captain over the military unit. By neutralizing the traps and clearing any other potential hazards, or at least noting them, the group would fulfill their end of the deal and save the soldiers time and effort as they worked to maintain camp perimeter and secured other areas of the ruin.

It was still early morning when the group entered the ruin and encountered their first trap: a massive boulder that quickly gained speed and momentum as it chased them down a sloped corridor running deep into the ruin. The stones beneath their feet were mostly even to make running easy enough, but there were gaps in the floor in places and plenty of moss and vines growing in form crumbled stonework which occasionally littered the path. As the air rushed by them, they could smell the earthy aroma of the jungle as well as the dirty stone around them. Their ears would be filled with the rumble of the boulder pursuing them. The path ahead forked left and right. Which way would they go and would the boulder be able to continue pursuing them? The heavily worn, dirty walls around them were decorated in all manner of carvings, the details of which were lost on them as their situation was quite urgent.

 

[LadyOfStars]

Su Chen​

Out of frying pan and into the fire. Su Chen had hoped to avoid another ruin after their encounter with Dahak had left her feeling like she just escaped the underworld. Kurikara had been a somewhat uneasy traveling companion, but seeing as he caused her no harm she had no complaints. He apparently wasn't an NPC, but something about him was very weird. Yet, she'd seen him fight and couldn't deny that he'd be an invaluable asset during their current venture.

"Damn!" Her misplaced footing in the sloped corridor caused her to slide, bringing out of her thoughts and back to the groups current troubles. The rumbling of the boulder behind her was all she needed to be reminded that their lives were in danger. As she sprinted in the middle of the group, Su Chen kept proper form and ran as if she were a football player from the old world. She had considered trying to stop the boulder, but there was no telling if this new strength of hers would be enough to hold it.

Thankfully they had another option up ahead. "Everybody go right!" The herculean woman insisted as she tried to yell over the noise of the trap that pursued them. It was her motherly instinct that made her want to take charge of the group's safety and it was that same instinct that forced her to stop at the fork in the road and usher everyone to their right. If the boulder proceeded to follow them down that tunnel then she'd risk trying to stop it.

Novama NeramoDJI eloise EMIYAman The Last Curse

 

[The Last Curse]

Hope Mitchell


Mentions: Novama LadyOfStars eloise NeramoDJI EMIYAman ​

It had been three days since Hope was transported into this world, and each was filled with nothing but confusion. Not even a week ago, she was reclining in a nice, air-conditioned room, scrolling through her phone, snacking on some corn chips, and preparing to join an upcoming neighborhood rally. Then, a few hours later, she died, and rather than drifting off to some blissful afterlife, [God], or that's what it claimed to be, plucked her from one existence and placed her into a new, scary, fantastical world. In another life, Hope would've been intrigued, excited maybe, except that [God] had thrown her here with nothing more than a set of new clothes, a strange amulet around her neck, a completely new body, and a pat on the back. It didn't even take Hope ten seconds to start longing for her old life again.

Fast forward to today, where now she's sprinting from a giant boulder, clutching onto her oversized sunhat, and praying she doesn't get squished into a pitch-black stain on the floor. Just minutes before, Hope was so confident. Sure, she'd never explored ancient ruins before or been underground for that matter, but she'd seen all those adventure movies back in her previous life. From the writhing snake pits to the ancient pressure plates to the iconic collapsing ceiling traps, Hope thought her cinematic knowledge of them would give her just the slightest advantage. But then, as she stepped into the first sloped room, and a loud rumbling sounded behind her, followed by the noise of something massive rolling downhill, Hope realized:

She'd forgotten about rolling boulders.

"Nonononono! Oh God, oh God, oh God!" She had pleaded, sprinting as fast as this new body could. Thankfully, she was still as fit as her previous self, but that didn't mean she could outrun a giant ball of death - there had to be some way to escape it. Fortunately, there was a way. Two paths forked out in front of her, presenting a choice one of Hope's fellow adventurers took for her. She recognized them as Su Chen, one of the travelers she stumbled across in the woods. Hope wondered where the other one was, Kurikara, if she recalled, but he was likely running downhill too.

She didn't have much time to think of it though, so Hope drifted over to the right path, just as Su Chen suggested. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you-" Her voice trailed off as she disappeared further down the corridor. As she did so, she prayed for two things: One, that she'd taken the right path, and two, for the safety of her teammates. Hope hadn't known them for long, but they were the only company she had. She wasn't willing to lose them, especially so early.

 

[EMIYAman]

Kurikara
Interactions: Novama The Last Curse LadyOfStars NeramoDJI eloise ​

Despite the time that had passed Kurikara found the rage he felt hadn't diminished, and the situation he had come into was only exasperating the issue. On his journey he had encountered the woman he had logged in his archives as "Su Chen" the woman was strong, but facetious. He had gave her very little thought other than how she could contribute to his battle. They had happened to come across each other as they journeyed away from the undead lair. Out of obligation he told her of how the battle had ended and the vile escape of the Necromancer. The anger as he spoke was palpable. Seeing her now only reminded him of his failure to destroy Dahek, serving to feed the fire of his rage. The voice in his head had only grown louder, and in this current moment all Kurikara could think of was his own weakness.

A growl hung in his vocal systems, as he turned to look at the boulder threatening to crush them. He could survive the impact he was sure of that, but his weaker allies of flesh and bone would more than likely be killed. Something like this should be nothing to him, but here he was running. "Weak." The word echoed in his head, He had gotten stronger he could feel it. It was a fraction of his prime but he was closer he had to be! And he would prove his power to these weaklings, show the fate of all that stands in his way! He heard the cries of the people around him and the voice of Su Chen as she called for them to dodge out of the boulders way, it was a wise decision but Kurikara cared not. He ignored the order and instead turned to face the boulder [Rikudō Tsuchi: Six Realms-Earth] He held his blade up intent to rend the boulder into pieces. It came closer and closer, and the logical part of his mind which told him of the foolishness of his actions that this move to validate himself was irrational and needless. Yet the rage quashed it. He let out a loud roar as he swung at the boulder.

• Rikudō Tsuchi: Six Realms-Earth - Focus F, Fighting Style Kishin-ryu E, Athletics F, Multidimensional F, Penetrating F - Kurikara goes into a ready stance and when the moment is right performs a single powerful strike cleaving an enemy in twain. Penetrates through F grade armor and can effect ethereal entities. - Grade E - 1 Post Cooldown​

 

[eloise]

Tag — Novama
LadyOfStars
The Last Curse
EMIYAman
NeramoDJI

Tomino — Narinagi

“

Running came easy to her as did jumping, sliding or even falling but running for her life? That was entirely a whole different thing. Who knew the minute they entered the ruin that a giant boulder would come out of nowhere and force them down a sloped corridor? Things like this only happened in Indiana Jones movies, or so she had thought. Tomino ran at the near front of the group, agile legs aiding her in such swiftness and it was at Su Chen's yell, loudly heard despite all the chaotic noise, to go right on the forked path that her body twisted to comply, sandals kicking up dirt as she did so.

The company she found herself with were strange, not in a bad way, however. Because really, what right did she have to go around judging people based on their physical qualities. But this world was fantastical and mysterious, so it would have been quite unusual if there weren't people who could be called strange.

Tomino skidded to a stop and quickly whipped around just in time to see Kurikara stand unmoving, right in the middle of the path of the boulder, and wield his blade with the obvious intent of obliterating it into pieces. Immediately alarm bells rang out in her head. Was that even a good idea with how invaluable this ruin might be? Thousands of possible bad situations crossed her mind if he did indeed succeed in splitting the boulder in half. Damn him if he got all of them killed or possibly arrested by the military with his refusal to simply listen. Becoming a fugitive would be so inconvenient.

”

 

[NeramoDJI]

Sage Valla
​

Sage fluttered along his companions, his sword easily following along with him in his little arms. He had come here on a quest posted in the Adventurers guild, which is how he had come too meet the group in the woods. He always seemed to be finding himself around such strange people. Particularly pretty girls. That was something he thought was strange. Plus a golem that seemed like it took itself too seriously. He saw the tall ladies and did what he could to introduce himself before they had actually entered the ruins,

However, as he was fluttering, he hummed a little bit as he looked around the cave, thinking it would be stupid to keep flying away from the boulder since he knew he couldn't outrun it, and was actually most likely slower than it for now, so instead he looked up, fluttering to one of the gaps in the ceiling, figuring that the others were a lot faster than he was and could outrun it, and he would catch up once the boulder had passed by him. "I can't outrun it! I'm gonna stay in the ceiling and let it pass! I'll catch up with you guys after!" He didn't want to look like he was being selfish, but he couldn't let himself get killed out of solidarity. He couldn't outrun that boulder, so he'd do the smart thing for once.

 

[Novama]

Mentions: LadyOfStars NeramoDJI eloise The Last Curse EMIYAman
OOC: Post order is not yet necessary. Post as you can or like. Be sure to communicate your intentions to the group. The adventurer's guild did not commission a job for this. The soldiers didn't realize the issue until they had arrived on site.
Time: 9:10am
Weather: hot in the sun. Humid and baking even in the shade. no breeze. Ruin or thick canopy gives spotty cover from the sun.
Cooldown:
TLDR: Hope, Su Chen, Tomiko are running for their lives from a boulder while in the process of aiding the ryke military with a mission. Kurikara was smashed into the stone floor. Sage was floating safely overhead.
Post Listening:

West Ryke - Jungle Ruin - North Kabnak Bank​

While Sage was able to safely float his way over the oncoming boulder, Kurikara held his ground and used a powerful slash to try and slit the boulder. With penetrating force, the blade had the means to slice stone and stone chips and sparks showered KuriKara as his attack met the unstoppable momentum of the massive boulder. A grinding squeal filled the air for the split second the slash assaulted the boulder.

*crack*

Then Kurikara's blade cracked and the boulder rolled over him without so much as a speed bump. Kurikara's body was badly damaged as was his sword. Any more damage would render both unusable for the duration of rp or until repairs could be made. (-1 grade on sword. -2 grade on vitality until heals/repairs can be made) The shattered stone floor cradled him precisely. When he rises, there will be a Kurikara imprint left behind.

Fortunately, Kurikara managed to slow the boulder just enough for everyone else to escape down the right passage. The boulder, in pursuit, slammed into the T with great force. It then slowly started to creep right toward the party. For the moment, it needed to build up momentum again but the boulder was easily 10feet or more in diameter and likely weighed several tons. Would be nearly impossible to stop if it were allowed to regain momentum. The passage the party was currently in sloped down like all the others. The visibility of the passage was not nearly as good either as it descended deeper into the earth. The holes in the ceiling providing light grew scarce and less useful.

 

[LadyOfStars]

Su Chen ​

Something about everyone following her suggestion made Su Chen smile. Perhaps it was their willingness to trust her, or maybe it their a control thing, but she couldn't deny it felt good. Just when she thought that everyone would make it without trouble, Kurikara turned to face the boulder. It seemed that he had the same idea she did, but he did not do as well as either of them had hoped. The sound of his snapping blade was Su Chen's cue to move aside and she quickly stepped into the right tunnel. "Are you all right?" Her voiced called out to Kurikara in the hopes that she would get a response from her travel partner.

Sadly the boulder was not done with them just yet and as if it were alive, it started to roll towards the path that they had chosen. "Shit." Quickly she threw her arm up and pointed down the tunnel. "This thing is about to start up again, you guys should get moving!"

The dark-haired woman turned back to the boulder and quickly looked it over. The sound of it slamming into the wall was a warning of the weight of the sphere and she knew from that alone she wouldn't be capable of destroying it and would probably struggle to move it. However, she planted her feet firmly on the sloped ground and slammed her hands against the boulder. She grit her teeth and gave her all as she started to push against it, utilizing her [Super Strength - D] to try and prevent it from gaining momentum. If she was lucky she'd get it to go the other direction. "Kurikara! Can you move?"

Novama EMIYAman NeramoDJI eloise The Last Curse

 

[The Last Curse]

Mentions: Novama LadyOfStars EMIYAman NeramoDJI eloise ​

As she continued bolting down the path, Hope heard all sorts of sounds behind her. She suspected the crashing and rumbling was the boulder traveling down the other way, but as she turned to look, that wasn't the case. Her eyes dilated into large glowing saucers, not only by seeing the boulder slowly creep into the tunnel but by witnessing Su Chen's attempt to halt it. "Wait, Su Chen, you're going to try to push that thing?! But look at it!" She cried, her eyes comparing Su Chen to the massive stone. Hope thought the woman was crazy, but then she realized what kind of world she was in. The same world that had magic, fairies with swords, and ancient underground ruins, with fantastical traps to boot. Nothing made sense here, so maybe, it wouldn't be too farfetched for a human to push a boulder. Of course, Hope was still worried, but she managed a nod to Su Chen's decision, "Nevermind, just be careful. Please!"

With that said, Hope continued her sprint down the tunnel, though the farther she ran, the darker it became. Alarmed, she looked around for her teammates, but other than Tomiko and Su Chen growing in the distance, it was just her alone. Even worse, Hope couldn't even see Sage or Kurikara. The fairy had announced he'd meet up with them later; she remembered that, but Hope couldn't recall the latter saying anything. Perhaps the crashing she heard before wasn't just the boulder rebounding but something much worse. The thought put a pit in her stomach.

Still, Hope kept running, running, and running, until exhaustion started to wear on her. Finally, she stopped to catch her breath. Then, between gasps, she looked up at the darkness ahead, now beginning to wonder how far this tunnel stretched or what she'd find if she kept going. Hesitant to push forward, Hope grasped at the amulet around her neck. Hope narrowed her eyes, channeling wisps of iridescent black chaotic magic into her vision. "[Enchanted Appraisal]!" She exclaimed, releasing a pulse of magic down the tunnel, hopefully revealing something down the way.

Spoiler: Abilities Used

Enchanted Appraisal - Appraisal F + Magic Range F + Magic Targets F + Magic E + Empathy F + Sixth Sense (Chaos) F + Affinity (Chaos) - Hope magically extends the effectiveness of her appraisal skill, allowing her to use the skill on multiple targets at an increased range. - 1 post Cooldown - Grade E

 

[EMIYAman]

Kurikara
Interactions: Novama The Last Curse LadyOfStars NeramoDJI eloise
​

His sensors went dark as the sound of his cracking blade reached him. Great pressure and pain suffused his being for a moment as he felt himself being smashed to the ground. When his vision returned Kurikara found himself staring up at the ceiling the rays of light which managed to reach into the ruin shining down. He had made a mistake. His the systems which made up his mind realized his error quickly, he probably could have even noticed it beforehand if he hadn't been so blinded. From upon the ground he clenched a fist the damaged metal creaking in response. Its possible he could have stopped the boulder, but his blade had not been up to the task and had nearly shattered completely. If he had teeth he would no doubt be gritting them. Kurikara felt like his whole body was tense like he would explode at the slightest provocation. So great was his rage it even seemed to dull the pain.

With some force he shoved his arm out the indent in the ground he had made, before pushing the rest of himself out of it. He rolled onto his front and pushed himself up. The pain flared again along with his anger. In a moment of rationality Kurikara ran a diagnostic upon his armor gauging the damage.

INITIATING KURIKARA UNIT-01 SYSTEM INTEGRITY SCAN

...

WARNING: FIERCE DEITY KURIKARA CONCEPTUAL FORTIFICATION ARMOR HAS SUSTAINED EXCEPTIONAL DAMAGE. 0.6% FUNCTIONAL

WARNING: SIX REALMS ACTUALIZATION. 28% FUNCTIONAL ATTEMPTING MENTAL ELIGHTENMENT PROTOCL FIVE RINGS

-SIX REALMS EARTH. TRUE
-SIX REALMS WATER. TRUE
-SIX REALMS FIRE. FALSE
-SIX REALMS WIND. FALSE
-SIX REALMS VOID. FALSE

...

SYSTEM INTEGRITY SCAN COMPLETE RECOMMEND TO SEEK GRAND FORGEMASTER UNIT AMANO
ALL HAIL ALVHEIM

Kurikara felt frustrated knowing no matter how hard the System tried the rest of the Six Realms would be locked to him. Just another reminder of his sorry state. He looked to his armor, 0.6%, when he had first awoken it was operating at 2% functionality it may have a one or two percent since then which means he was a third weaker than he had been. He faced a serious risk of being put out of commission for the next century unless a skilled enough Artisan reached him and even then they would be working with systems and armor well outside the current eras capabilities. He felt a growl settle in his throat, he would have to act carefully from now own. "Dammit!" He slammed his fist into the ground in anger the pain once again shooting through him. The sound of a voice echoed out from deeper within the tunnel. He turned his head quick toward the sound. It was Su Chen, the woman was calling out to him. 'The pathetic nature of mortals lies in their reliance on other weaklings, a god has no need of such things' The voice had gained even greater clarity in his mind, when before it had been like a specter whispering to him now he could almost feel it talk as if directly behind him. "Maybe so, but as I now one of the weak. Then I too require them." It was a tough pill to swallow but it did nothing to change his resolve or his goal just recon textualized it, the rage remained. "I remain functional Su Chen! Though I have sustained great damage..." He was reluctant in the admitting his state. He stood up with a slight stagger before righting himself. Noticing the boulder at the end of the tunnel slowed much by his efforts but slowing starting to gain traction. He seethed as he realized what was going to happen and what he would need to do. "Su Chen the boulder speed up if we don't do something! I will do what I can from this side to slow it but I'll need your... help as well." With that damning utterance he went over to the boulder as quickly as he could. Doing his best to plunge his grip into it and slow it pulling with all the might he could muster.

 

[Novama]

Mentions: LadyOfStars NeramoDJI eloise The Last Curse EMIYAman Garbage Pail Kid
OOC: If you can't post, say so. If you can post, say so and when.
Time: 9:20am
Weather: hot in the sun. Humid and baking even in the shade. no breeze. Ruin or thick canopy gives spotty cover from the sun.
Cooldown:
TLDR: Su Chen and Kurikara are holding onto a boulder. Hope is findind out why running ahead in darkness in a dangerous place..is dangerous. Tomiko and Sage are durping as their friends' lives hang in the balance.
Post Listening:

West Ryke - Jungle Ruin - North Kabnak Bank​

Acting quickly, Su Chen's herculean strength was brought to bear on the stony boulder. Momentarily stopped in her hands, the full weight and size of the boulder was made all the more clear to Su Chen. It was not a good situation. While her strength seemed sufficient to keep it from gaining momentum, she could not keep it from rolling. She would be forced to take a step back every few seconds if she wanted to keep hands on the boulder and not get crushed underneath. Perhaps the thought of slowly rolling the ball someplace out of the way briefly crossed her mind, but Su Chen's strength would not hold for that long. That was also with the assumption they wouldn't run into any other traps on their way down.

Then Kurikara came in from behind and gripped the uneven backside of the rounded boulder. His current strength paled in comparison to Su Chen's, but the added weight and force from the opposing side was enough to give Su Chen some relief to bring the ball into standstill. They were on an uneven floor, but so long as they two held it, the boulder would stay still. Unfortunately, Su Chen's incredible strength would run out quickly running at full power. They would need help or a plan and quickly.

Meanwhile,

Hope was far ahead of the party in the dark and dangerous ruin. Her appraisal did little in the darkness. Occasionally, it would spot some moss or other greenery growing on the stone. It would also reveal some foreign script carved in the stones. It would not reveal the pit trap that opened up beneath her feet.

 

[Garbage Pail Kid]

Mad Maw:

A past being left behind had so many facets and different meanings; bad memories to some, trauma to others. Mad Maw had left a sane, foolish girl behind in a world she could hardly remember. She much preferred the insane, even more foolish girl she had become in this new world. She could do anything here, free to make her own decisions and eat all the house plants she wanted! An unfortunate amount of her previous arcana had been torn to shreds and transmogrified into a gibbering bard who could lick her own eyeball. It was a matter of perspective on whether this change was for the better. She had managed to bumble into enough scrapes on her travels to get scouted by an outfit looking for adventurers to brave some ruins. It sounded fun so she already signed up, though they for some reason didn't take 'knock knock jokes' as a proper signature. (That's what she assumed the problem was anyhow).

The other party members saw this wild creature for only a short while until she seemed to vanish, easily distracted being an understatement as her scatterbrained nature was almost intrinsic with getting herself in trouble. The rumbling from a boulder that size could be heard through much of these halls and it didn't take long for the curious gnoll to reunite with her compatriots, albeit under dire straits. A giggle spilling out of her lips as she saw the situation unfolding, a tick of hers that came (un)natural. Su Chen and Kurikara were struggling against the barrel, and she guessed the other two were probably scouting ahead, or practicing arm-pit farts. She sprang up behind Kuri and observed him as he worked on keeping the boulder from moving forward. It looked like really tough!

She tried to help, but had no strength to speak of, her strength lying in her arcana and trickery. her arms wobbling with even the slightest pressure before she wiped her forehead and instead decided to bug Kuri, maybe he had a plan!

"Wow, you look busy! How heavy is that you think? This one can help...with moral support! Psychic doesn't really affect boulders ya know? Or...does it?" She leaned forward and gave the stone a knock, whispering to it for a moment before shrugging, looking at Kuri again with delight.

"Might speak a different language! Like Pig Latin, or Parmesan!."

 

[VictoryatLast]

Viktorie Elkan
​

---

"Oh- OH! There you are!"

The echoing sound of tapping boots made its way through the ruins as someone quickly made their way down the incline to the party, followed by other footsteps as well- a multitude really. The first set of boots stopped just before the boulder as the young scholarly artificer gave it a good look up and down, lifting up her goggles and letting them rest around her neck.

"Uh... you guys are still alive back there, right? Don't worry! The cavalry is here to help! ...Oh boy that really is big..."

Making her way around the front of the boulder, humming in question, the artificer turned on her heel to look at the group of soldiers that had followed her down. Maybe one of them had something on their person that could give her an idea? Or- or perhaps she could attempt to slip past the boulder to assist in keeping it in place!

Hm... option after option after option... none of them could truly create a viable plan, could they? Unless of course... she had some assistance! Glancing once again at the boulder, along with how closely it could fit within the wall, it was highly possible that they could just... wedge it in using their weaponry. Of course, however, that would mean several of them would be left without any means to defend themselves- nono, that wouldn't do at all!

...Then it hit her like lightning.

"Ah! That's it--" She quickly dug through her bag and pulled out her tools, beginning to build a quick design in her mind. The girl then glanced up to those that followed her into the ruins behind the main party.

"Do what you can to try and lodge the boulder in the hallway- buy me some time!!" The artificer pulled off her left glove, flexing her last few artificial digits while channeling her core's auxiliary power into her fingers. If she was right, hopefully this would do the trick! Magic sparked off of her finger tips and began to colesse into a solid structure akin to a hexagon. Meanwhile, her right hand was quickly unrolling a tool belt and pulling out small pieces that would be fixed to each corner- color didn't matter, therefore these were multicolored- silver, gold, copper colored edge pieces used to build her signature catalysts.

"OI! How many of you over there can use spells that are Rank E and up?!"

---

 

[The Last Curse]

​

After using her spell, Hope expected to learn something new. Instead, the small HUD before her revealed some ancient scribblings and some grass, proving the inconceivable fact there were plants in a jungle ruin. Regardless, the writings managed to draw her attention. Though she hadn't a clue what they said, they did conjure up another faint memory of the adventure movies back home. Unfortunately, what didn't remind Hope of those films was the pit that opened up beneath her. She couldn't even turn and run before she plummeted into darkness. "W-Wait, Someone - HELP!"

The farther she fell, the more panicked Hope became. Her imagination went wild with what could be awaiting further down in the pit. Snakes? Spikes? Lava? A cold, hard floor? All options were equally as terrifying as they were deadly. Then, she wondered, what next? She'd already died in her previous life, so what would happen here? Would [God] place her in another body? Or would that just be it? No more second chances?

That thought alone was just enough for Hope to snap back to reality. While she still had no clue what lurked down below, she would at least prepare herself for it; that is, if it wasn't going to kill her. So, slowly but surely, Hope tucked in her legs and braced for impact. She'd only prayed that the others would find her - wherever this pit would take her.

 

[LadyOfStars]

Su Chen ​

So much was happening right now and as, Su Chen tried to keep her focus on the boulder, she struggled to keep track of their party and what was happening with them. Kuriklara was badly injured, but was still alive and even able to assist with the boulder. But she had heard another voice appear and start to talk in a away that made very little sense. "W-What's going on?!" She pressed against the boulder a little harder, now leaning into it with her shoulder as well.

Then there was, Hope's cry for help with came from further down the tunnel. Suddenly, Su Chen caught a glimpse of her children, flashbacks of the little toddlers crying for help whenever they would be afraid or injured. "I'm coming, Hope!" The brawler called back in a somewhat strained voice. The flashbacks also brought emotions with them, key among them was panic. Parenting was never easy and Su Chen had always feared she would fail her babies. Perhaps she had failed because on her death bed, they didn't bother to show up when she was sick. But she would not fail this time around, she would protect her people. "Everyone step back!"

"Warning Shot!" With a loud roar, Su Chen announced the use of her skill and drew back both of her hands, then just as quickly she thrust her open palms forward to slam against the boulder with all her might. She hoped that the boulder would be moved by her force and pushed down the other tunnel. They needed to find, Hope before something happened to her.

Novama EMIYAman The Last Curse VictoryatLast Garbage Pail Kid NeramoDJI eloise

 

[EMIYAman]

Kurikara
Interactions: Novama The Last Curse LadyOfStars NeramoDJI eloise VictoryatLast Garbage Pail Kid

​

Kurikara maintained his grasp upon the boulder but its weight was too much for him in his reduced state. Fortunately Su Chen was on the other side adding her own considerable strength to counter the boulders momentum. With the both of them working together they managed to half much of its movement but on their own they could not move it much further. As he held the boulder his mind raced with possibilities but none of which he could possible do without dropping the boulder and crushing Su Chen let alone in his current situation. He... would need help. Kurikara mentally grit his teeth, just because he understood the necessity of the action didn't mean it made him any less angry about it.

No sooner than he had thought this a laugh echoed around him in his position he couldn't move but they eyes upon his armor swept from side to side looking for the source he noticed a brief furred figure but wasn't able to make out the details. Suddenly it was next to him a beast women, who appeared completely unhinged. The women launched into a almost meaningless slurry of words before trying her luck with the boulder and being far weaker than him or Su Chen could muster up nothing in aid. Then she... whispered to it? "I have not the time for these games crea-..." He grunted as his artificial muscles grew more strained. Then another voice reached him this one belonging to a young girl. Kurikara hadn't spared her much attention but he recognized he as being one of the people commissioned by those soldiers, along with himself. Though he remembers that he had been happening to go the same way as them and suddenly found himself roped in. The girl came up along his side of the boulder. Where their entrance to these ruins had been. Mustering up his energy he yelled at her. "Heed me girl! We can't hold it much longer, but if you require magic..." He called out to the crazed beast women "You creature you can perform magic can't you!? Aid the girl, now!" The pain he felt affected him along with his rage. The last sentence coming out almost like an angry growl. The voice of Su Chen reached his sensors and in a moment of disbelief he realized the women was going to try to strike the boulder, which meant she would drop it... "Hol-!" Then the weight grew in his hands and he strained to keep it still.

 

[Garbage Pail Kid]

Kurikara
Interactions: Novama The Last Curse LadyOfStars NeramoDJI eloise VictoryatLast Garbage Pail Kid

​

View attachment 996836 Kurikara maintained his grasp upon the boulder but its weight was too much for him in his reduced state. Fortunately Su Chen was on the other side adding her own considerable strength to counter the boulders momentum. With the both of them working together they managed to half much of its movement but on their own they could not move it much further. As he held the boulder his mind raced with possibilities but none of which he could possible do without dropping the boulder and crushing Su Chen let alone in his current situation. He... would need help. Kurikara mentally grit his teeth, just because he understood the necessity of the action didn't mean it made him any less angry about it.

No sooner than he had thought this a laugh echoed around him in his position he couldn't move but they eyes upon his armor swept from side to side looking for the source he noticed a brief furred figure but wasn't able to make out the details. Suddenly it was next to him a beast women, who appeared completely unhinged. The women launched into a almost meaningless slurry of words before trying her luck with the boulder and being far weaker than him or Su Chen could muster up nothing in aid. Then she... whispered to it? "I have not the time for these games crea-..." He grunted as his artificial muscles grew more strained. Then another voice reached him this one belonging to a young girl. Kurikara hadn't spared her much attention but he recognized he as being one of the people commissioned by those soldiers, along with himself. Though he remembers that he had been happening to go the same way as them and suddenly found himself roped in. The girl came up along his side of the boulder. Where their entrance to these ruins had been. Mustering up his energy he yelled at her. "Heed me girl! We can't hold it much longer, but if you require magic..." He called out to the crazed beast women "You creature you can perform magic can't you!? Aid the girl, now!" The pain he felt affected him along with his rage. The last sentence coming out almost like an angry growl. The voice of Su Chen reached his sensors and in a moment of disbelief he realized the women was going to try to strike the boulder, which meant she would drop it... "Hol-!" Then the weight grew in his hands and he strained to keep it still.

Mad Maw knocked on the boulder a few more times, laughing as if in response to something the boulder said. Kurikara's words perking her interest, hearing VIc's call for magic users and grinning with delight as her muzzle lit up like a light bulb. A serrated row of teeth glinting against the torchlight of the hall as she nodded excitedly "Magic is what I am good at! The ol' razzle dazzle huh? You're doing great, you smell like pennies and I like that!" She said with a knee slap before tumbling into a roll and making her way over to Viktorie. She was quite the small fry as she leaned around Vik to get a look at her catalyst and cooed with interest, eyes shimmering with the amber glow of a wild animal; contained behind the veneer of a crazed entertainer.

"What can I help with? Origami? Llama herding? Oh oh- right you just said! I listen to what I want, but I will do my best! My ears don't listen to anything I tell them so-" She raised a hand and flicked at her ear "Ohp there we go! I can use E Rank, but it's all super duper psychic and brain melty goodness. Is your hair made of cotton candy? Can I taste it??" She asked, reaching up and patting at one of Vik's braids before lighting up with a grin, removing an instrument from her back that looked rather odd. It is a stringed instrument that is played with a wheel crank, creating beautiful, and strange melodies. It was the perfect catalyst for a mad creature such as she. "My music, hymns, and flummoxes are to be heard all over this great land soon! This one has a very good feeling" She said with a vivacious nod, playing a few brazen notes as she clicked her tongue.

A melody sporadically flying forth from her fingertips, one hand playing buttons on the side while the other pulled a crank and created a wild melody that saturated with her magic as she readied any spells VIk would need, or even if it was simply raw magic she could supply vik's own catalyst. She danced incredibly offbeat from the music, and paraded around her 'friend' all the while she worked on a plan to save them. She was incredibly difficult to deal with, but could be a great asset to those who had patience.

Spoiler: Mad Maw's Tune

 

[Novama]

Mentions: LadyOfStars NeramoDJI eloise The Last Curse EMIYAman Garbage Pail Kid VictoryatLast
OOC: Assume Sage and Tomiko are MIA until they choose to post again. Took some liberty with Su Chen's ability choice and power output.
Time: 9:30am
Weather: hot in the sun. Humid and baking even in the shade. no breeze. Ruin or thick canopy gives spotty cover from the sun.
Cooldown:
TLDR: Su Chen carries team through situation. They are then able to start making their way down the ruin to catch up with Hope. Hope, meanwhile, is having audience with some ancient entity of the ruin.
Post Listening:

West Ryke - Jungle Ruin - North Kabnak Bank​

While new members of the team joined the intense scene and old members fled into darkness, none were much help to those left holding the massive ball of stone. The strain likely made Su Chen's veins bulge and sweat to pour down her face if the humidity hadn't started it. The salt would sting the eyes. There was no more time. Vik's plan, whatever it was, might work, but there was no time and no one moved to buy more. It fell to Su Chen, the physically strongest of those present.

Despite calling out Warning Shot, Su Chen put in a lot more force than Warning Shot would entail. Throwing in elements of Spear Hand and all her remaining strength, her twin palms broke stone as the ball rolled to her. The boulder then rolled backwards for the first time as the force of Su Chen's punch sent it back into Kurikura's arms prompting him to get out of the way. The distance traveled was miniscule in comparison, but it was enough that the crushing ball started careening down the opposing tunnel at the T and safely avoided the rest of the party. At the same time, Su Chen broke just about every bone from hands to shoulder, taring muscle, and knocking both arms out of socket (Su Chen's regeneration can put things back together over the course of her next post).

The rumble of the boulder became distant as it worked its way through the ruin springing traps and crushing any monsters left to roam. Hope could hear the rumble although she knew not what it was or where it was coming from. Suddenly, she made contact with a previously smooth stone surface. Dirty and debris covered it was abrasive to the clothes and body if any made contact. It slowed her descent enough that when the slide leveled out, she was gliding on smooth stone in a undulating, circular pattern that took her deeper into darkness.

Eventually, Hope would be launched through the air to plop into a half sphere impression in the floor. Sconces of fire would suddenly light up the large open chamber she founder herself in. Once the flames completed their circle of coming alight, the Red Eyes of a central statue carved into the wall depicting a beast glowed fiercely. It's massive jaw broke stone and wall as it stretched and moved similar to how a normal mouth would.

"Ohr orohrohg or ohrohro roh ororro or rohgroroh!"

Boomed the deep voice of the giant statue. It spoke it some old dialect of Beastman. Its eyes twinkling as if alight by fire inside. Meanwhile, the boulder continued smashing and crashing its way through the ruin in the background. The room smelled of the fires burning away at the debris and ancient fuel and of the vegetation that had infiltrated much of the room. It was all earthy in tone, texture, and feel. Visible sections of the floor were covered in various pictures and squiggles of old writing.

 

[LadyOfStars]

Su Chen​

"Ahh!" Su Chen was strong, but not strong enough to deny the pain that overwhelmed her senses as the bones in her arms faltered to the attack she used against the boulder. As the sphere rolled the other way, Su Chen fell to one knee, arms hanging at her side. Now she was sweating, now her body temperature seemed to shoot through the roof, even her vision was blurred and hazy.

"Kurikara..." She called in a hoarse whisper. Already her body started to mend itself, but that hurt almost as much as her body breaking. "Hah!" The warrior growled as her shoulders reassembled themselves and popped back into place. "We have to...find, Hope." Su commanded while she forced herself to her feet. Her bones and muscles slowly repaired themself; sliding back into their proper places, reconnecting the torn tissue.

The only thing that she could think to compare this pain to was the miracle of giving birth. That was a pain that she would never forget and now this one she could add to that list. He staggered breathing echoed through the tunnel while she thought back to the birth of his children, using the memories to drown out the suffering she currently endured. Her husband standing to the side of the room, not offering her any comfort or support, and the sound of her doctors trying to tell her what to do.

Slowly she peeled herself off of the wall and finally opened her eyes to clearer vision. That was when she finally saw the others that had been speaking. All of them slow to act, with the exception of Kurikara who had already risked his life to try stopping the boulder. "Let's move." Her bones started to repair themselves and the feeling was uncomfortable, but not nearly as painful as the rest of the process had been. Taking such drastic measures would not happen again, not unless there was an absolute emergency.

Su Chen turned to face the darkness of the tunnel and started to slowly progress down the sloped path. "We're coming, Hope!" She shouted. Kurikara had new companions to keep him company and assist him if he needed help, so whether they came along or not, Su Chen was going forward.

Novama NeramoDJI The Last Curse eloise Garbage Pail Kid VictoryatLast EMIYAman

 

[The Last Curse]

​

The deeper she fell, the closer Hope brought her legs to her body - it was only a matter of time before she hit bottom. Then, anticipating the worst, Hope shut her eyes, not wanting to witness the stone floor that'd shatter her bones, the pit writhing with creatures ready to devour her, or strangely enough, the slide leading her further into the ruins? It seemed the latter was true, as when she opened her eyes, Hope found herself sliding...somewhere. Blinded by the darkness, Hope couldn't tell how far she had gone, but as the slide shifted and surged underneath her, it was clear she was nowhere near where she had fallen. Yet, in the distance, she could faintly hear the echo of someone's voice. Hope was too far to discern whoever it was, but the sound was enough to calm her nerves just a little, "They're looking for me!" She reassured herself, feeling a wave of relief wash over her, "You're going to be okay; they're coming! They haven't forgotten about you-" Before she could finish her thoughts, the slide ended, and Hope was airborne.

Hope landed not too long after, faceplanting onto the stone floor, her sunhat flying some distance away. Groaning in pain, Hope crawled about, groping through the darkness. Eventually, she felt the wide brim of her hat, but as if on cue, several flames erupted around her, causing Hope to jump back with a yelp. She watched as the fire slowly illuminated the room, revealing a massive statue before her. Hope stared dumbfoundedly as the stone figure came to life, and when it began speaking to her, Hope could've sworn she was going to faint on the spot. Giant boulders, traps, and underground slides were one thing, but now talking statues? Maybe she was trapped in a movie.

Hope steadied herself, but she still couldn't fathom what the statue was or what it just said. To her, it just sounded like someone was gargling a whole bottle of mouthwash. Regardless, she quickly lept to her feet, eyes wide and hat clutched to her chest, "H-Hi!" Hope squeaked, awkwardly curtseying to the giant figure. "My name's Hope Mitchell. I'm an adventurer, kinda, but I think I've lost my way..." Her voice was tiny compared to the statue's, even when she was practically yelling, "Um, I'm sorry, but who - what are you?"

Hope activated her [Sixth Sense F - Chaos] as her eyes scanned its massive stone face. While there was a huge language barrier between the two, maybe she could get a sense of the statue's feelings, if it had any to begin with. Right now, she couldn't know if the thing was angry, curious, or a mixture of both.

 

[Novama]

Mentions: LadyOfStars NeramoDJI eloise The Last Curse EMIYAman Garbage Pail Kid VictoryatLast
OOC: It'll be up to the party up top to move their characters. I'll not move them until it is clear to me they know where they are going and how they are getting there.
Time: 9:40am
Weather: hot in the sun. Humid and baking even in the shade. no breeze. Ruin or thick canopy gives spotty cover from the sun.
Cooldown:
TLDR: While the rest of the crew scramble to find Hope, she has a chat with an old Rorgrim.
Post Listening:

West Ryke - Jungle Ruin - North Kabnak Bank​

With time seemingly on their side, the rest of the party would begin to navigate the ruin filled with yet undiscovered traps. How they intended to catch up to Hope was up to them. But it may turn into a long walk, so there was plenty of time to talk and get patched up.

Meanwhile, Hope was still in the half sphere impression in the floor before the massive talking statue. Her mood ring power showed the statue in a green aura. Wasn't clear what that meant, but at least it wasn't the angry color. Then the statue spoke again,

"Doth thou understand me now, daughter of source? I am Rorgrim, the master of this sanctuary. How could thou not wot this already? Is mine temple not obvious as thou enter? Hast thou brought tribute or doth thy ignorance extend to this as well? Thy tongue is not that of thy kin or the natives of this land. Art thou an outsider?"

Its deep voice boomed in an archaic form of common. Rorgrim's words suggested he knew little of the world outside currently.

 

[LadyOfStars]

Su Chen​

Their reason for venturing down into the ruins had totally slipped, Su Chen's mind as she made her way down the tunnel in search of her companion rather than intending to complete the task they were requested to do. As she finally neared the trap were, Hope had fallen, Su Chen felt the rest of her arms complete the healing process and she exhaled a loud sigh of relief. The pain was now behind her and she could think more clearly. That being said, she hadn't changed her mind about going after, Hope. "I think, Hope fell down this hole you guys!! I'm going after her!" The brawler yelled back to the rest of their party.

Her fists tightened and she inhaled deeply, then jumped down into the darkness without fear or hesitation. Her coat, dress, and hair all whipped around in the air as she plummeted downward with no certainty that she would survive. "HOPE!!" Su Chen called out before she was nearly suffocated by the wind as it rushed by her face.

Novama The Last Curse

 

[VictoryatLast]

Viktorie Elkan​

---

"Don't worry! I'll hurry as much as I can! Just give-" The artificer's words were cut off as she turned around towards the strange bard in front of her, still quickly attempting to piece together the Rank F catalyst as fast as she could. "Me... a second?"

The woman blinked at Mad Maw as she skipped around with her strange instrument, nearly losing concentration on her work until the sound of Kurikara's voice brought her back into reality.

"Uh... thanks, no, no, and no it's definitely NOT edible-" Scrunching up her freckled nose and infusing her creation with a final flush of magical energy, she let the catalyst drop into her left hand with a triumphant grin. "Got it! Ok ok, what we need to do is work together and push a LOT of magic into this thing. If we do that and aim it under the boulder, it should--"

That was about when she heard the loud CRACK of Su Chen's Warning Shot pierce through the boulder and send it flying off to who knows where. Turning around slowly to face the now cleared hallway, the girl blew her fringe out of her face and chuckled awkwardly, tossing the catalyst up and down as her face and ears reddened like tomatoes.

"...Well... uhhhh... no kaboom, I guess! Maybe next time, ya know?" She stood up, shrugging to Mad Maw apologetically with the sound of creaking metal echoing from her joints as she hastily slid on her gloves and ran for the group that used to be hidden behind the boulder. That same sound continued as she approached, slowing and becoming quiet as she gave them all a brief salute and muttered something about 'oiling her joints later'.

"Pleased to meetcha! The name's Viktorie- ....yep, V like-- did she just jump in?!"

The artificer grabbed the braids on the side of her head and rushed past the others to look down the hole that Su Chen had suddenly leaped into with an aghast expression, skidding to a halt before she herself could fall in with her.

"What- what do we do?! Jump in after her?!"

---

 

[EMIYAman]

Kurikara
Interactions: Novama The Last Curse LadyOfStars NeramoDJI eloise VictoryatLast Garbage Pail Kid

​

When Su Chen had let go of the boulder Kurikara suspected the worst, fortunately the woman was strong. The brief moment the weight became to much for him and the boulder started to roll again was all she had needed to strike it with incredible force. Feeling it shift towards him Kurikara had moved out from its path, as the boulder was hit just enough to move it to a far safer direction. The stress he had exerted on his body hit him at that moment causing his arm to ache as the artificial muscle fibers slowly repaired themselves from the damage. He turned to see Su chen emerge from where she had once been in the wake of the boulders crushing weight. She looked worse for wear almost as bad as he did and he had been literally crushed. Her attack, while strong had practically destroyed her arms.

Kurikara watched in abject fascination as her arms reknit and healed themselves, slowly but far faster than his own current processes which could only imitate natural recovery. He was envious. If had access to such an ability then he would not be in this state. 'a testament to your pathetic self steeped in failure. Destruction is the only truth which may save you.' Kurikara felt the rage flow through him at the voices words. But he was finding it harder and harder to identify if it truly came from himself or some other being. He clenched his fist, imagining doing battle her. Though her destruction he would grow stronger, right? The tension suddenly escaped his body as Su Chens words brought him back to the situation. "Hope, that shadow. Ridiculous thing." Kurikara could care less about the creature but, as it did not seem evil he had no desire to destroy it. 'heh...' "So long as it is not a waste of my time." With that he made to follow Su Chen as fast as possible, though with his damage it was an ordeal.

Though he was remiss to follow her down a hole with no clear way back up. "Troublesome woman, her emotions force her into foolish acts." He reasoned however, that he could probably destroy whatever may get in his way. So he made to fall into it. He turned to the incredulous Artificer girl. Her creations were quaint but she must be of some skill for this era. "Your legs are metal, jump." He gave no leeway in his words. Then leaped down after Su Chen.

 

[The Last Curse]

Mentions: Novama ​

Rorgrim, being a colossal statue, also projected an equally colossal wave of green chaos. Hope watched wide-eyed as the torrent crashed into her, muddling her thoughts and footing as she was left in its wake. "Wow, I uh, um. E-excuse me..." Hope stammered, stumbling a few steps forward. Whatever that was didn't tell her anything about Rorgrim, but, at the very least, she knew he wasn't angry. In fact, he almost seemed curious, as curious as a statue could be, anyway.

Then came his questions, both making Hope visibly pause. For one, she wasn't too keen on telling Rorgrim that his once-grand temple was now just a dilapidated ruin, fearing what he'd say, or more precisely, what he'd feel next. The guardian had nearly knocked her over just by asking a question. Hope couldn't imagine what'd happen if he got angry - she'd probably fly off the platform like a napkin in the wind. As for the second question, Hope had the answer, but it wouldn't help her psyche one bit. By all means, Hope was an outsider; she felt like one too. All the others seemed so sure of themselves, and here she was, stumbling about like a clueless child. Hope thought she was chosen to change this world, so why did she feel so aimless?

With a sigh, she shook the thought out of her head. For now, she'd answer the statue's questions - maybe then she'd be doing something productive. "No, Mr. Rorgrim, I wasn't expecting to find you here. I'm sure someone would've told me about tributes, but this place - I don't think anyone's been in here for a long time." Her eyes fell to the floor as she moved on to the next subject, "And, yeah. I think I am an outsider." She muttered with a rueful nod, "Almost a week here and I've still no clue what I'm doing. Hell, I don't even know what I am." Hopes eyes fell upon the statue again, "You said I was a 'daughter of source', what... is that?"