Graded [Kananto Village] The Dead Awake at Night, Part 2 (Blue Viscera Occult)

[LadyOfStars]

Finally something to catch her interest, although it wasn't exactly what she had expected, but according to this creature there might be another person like her and luckily enough that person was nearby. The monster's threat to take her head did not go unnoticed, but Su Chen was more focused on the fact that perhaps this world was not what she thought it to be. The idea of introductions seemed a bit odd after having been threatened, but to her was a very NPC behavior to want to share information and lore.

Dahak was the person she needed to find as he alone might understand her current situation. The sound of enemies approaching drew Su Chen from her thoughts and a grin formed across her face. She stepped away from the group and cracked her knuckles as she did. "If you need your weapons to fight, then its stay back, I'll handle these guys by myself." She warned while shooting Selani and thumbs up.

Without hesitation Su Chen lunged forward, rushing to meet the group head on. "Spear Hand!" As her voice filled the corridor, Su Chen brought her fingers together on her left hand and thrusted it forward, aiming for the nearest foe's head.

• Spear Hand - Herculean Strength F - Penetrating, Super Strength E - This skill allows Su Chen to utilize her strength to ignore grades of an item when it is used to defend. Ignores two grades of defending item. - Grade E - 1 Post Cooldown

Skyhunter The Last Curse

 

[The Last Curse]

Mentions: Skyhunter LadyOfStars ​

The ghoul's tirade only raised more questions than answers. Apparently, Selani was thrown in these crypts for reasons other than being fodder for these First Rulers, though the ghoul hadn't explained why. Nevertheless, it did make her wonder: Why was she so important? Was it because she was an Anuran? Her people were a rare sight up north; maybe that had to tie into something? Or perhaps it was something to do with all the 'NPC' and 'stats' mumbo-jumbo the ghoul and Su were speaking of? All this thinking made her head throb. Just how did she get tied up in all of this?

But before she could pry for more answers, Selani heard the familiar groaning of the undead further down the corridor. Instinctively, Selani reached for her bow but stopped mid-way, remembering that she was completely armless. Luckily, Su Chen had already lept into battle in her stead, but still, Selani felt embarrassed. Of course, Selani had nothing to prove to these people, especially to the ghoul beside her, but the thought that she had to rely on a stranger to protect her made her feel small. Here she was, trying to appear self-reliant, yet she couldn't even defend herself. Though she'd likely leave these crypts with her gear, Selani couldn't say the same for her pride.

On the other hand, while Su Chen handled the undead, Selani would have the chance to question the ghoul further. "While our friend here takes care of those guys, I think y'all got a bit more explainin' to do." Her eyes trailing between the child and the monster, she said, "Firstly, it's Selani, not frog-girl, thank you very much, and secondly, you said the guards think I'm important? What for? I ain't got nothin' to do with any of this bullshit. How am I a part of this?"

 

[Dante Verren]

Gawain
Interactions: Skyhunter Elvario II-CinderRadcliff-II Silent Angel EMIYAman


Gawain marched forward in the front of the group with his other tankier companions by his side. While it was actually the brothers who were actually at the very front, Gawain had positioned himself on the right flank of the vanguard. This way he could use his sword arm more effectively, and use momentum to swing his shield considering the integrity of his left arm had become a little questionable. At one point Gawain turned his head to look at the group towards the back. They seemed to be having a tense conversation. Tempers looked like they were beginning to flare and Kalina in particular looked volatile. Perhaps it was just one of those sibling disputes? Something that could be tense but patched up quickly? He never had any siblings so he wasn't sure how those disputes worked. Hopefully in this world it wouldn't turn bloody...

Once Tarko reveled the entrance to their prey's lair it became obvious that Dahek was meeting with someone, another enemy that was going to get cut down by this rag tag group. In all honestly Gawain did not pay to much attention to what words were being said. While the vision appeared and taunted them the skeleton toned them out. He even toned out what retorts or jeers his companions gave. Instead the Skeleton crouched down and placed the shield on the ground, letting it stand up right and rest against his leg. With his right hand he held his sword out horizontally in front of him, while he reached down to the tucked away cloth pouch he had kept the ashes in. Keeping it in the palm of his hand he craned his neck downwards and bit the strands on top between his teeth. All it took was a gentle tug to undo the wrap exposing the ash to the open air. Pulling his head away he brought the sword to the cloth and started to run the cloth up the length of the blade, almost as if he was cleaning it.

By the time the short interaction at the entrance was done, Gawain had finished as well. Looking at the blade he saw bits of the ash clung to it, mixing in with the current bits of gore and grime that now clung to it. He would clean it later, but not yet. Now when he ran the bastard necromancer through with it, the necromancer would die not just by his hand but by bits and pieces of the people who he had harmed. Why did he do this, not even the skeleton knew the actual answer. Perhaps he thought it would be poetic in a sense... or maybe it was just a silly ritual to keep him focused on his goal. A ritual so he could keep telling himself he had a justified reason to be here, and wasn't just here to murder some freak for his own pleasure.

Gawain bent down and picked up the shield, grasping it with what strength his left arm answered. Rolling his shoulders he set forth following his companions into an encouter that would leave one side dead. The question was what side would that be?

 

[EMIYAman]

Kurikara
Interactions: Dante Verren ​

moved at an even pace keeping with the group but positioned near the front with his ally Gawain. Ready to strike down any would be undead. With Garett and the others at his side he felt invigorated with desire to prove himself worthy of these warriors trust. He took a moment to keep the ranged members of the group within sight of one of his eyes, and couldn't help but notice their impassioned conversation. It irked him to see them distracted in a most likely soon to be dangerous situation but he knew while they often wasted time with inefficient acts they could center themselves when necessary so he stayed his tongue. Lady Kalina could be trusted at least, he still wasn't sure about that Witch though...

After a tense time of being guided by the strange undead head they arrived at a cave entrance. The foul monster would be in here. That Necromancer which dared tamper with the natural order. They were notified that the Necromancer Dahak was speaking with someone. Who were they? As much as Kurikara wished to rush in and cut down the monster his logic held out. As the apex tactical support unit he could not allow himself to be made reckless by these... emotions. As the approached an apparition appeared before them Kurikara readied his blade the eyes upon his armor twitching as they fully took in their surrounding preparing for battle. However the apparition merely taunted them and chided the head, Tarko was it? He didn't care to remember the abominations name. He found no battle was coming yet and so he cared not for the apparition and its jeers. He looked to his companions the warrior Garrett and his hunter brother then to the undead knight Gawain. He was an abomination much like the creatures they fought, yet he was not consumed by madness, hunger, or greed he was a just soul one who cared for the safety of his peers something Kurikara could relate too though not quite the same way. The knight was handling a pouch which he took something out of and proceeded to rub against his sword. The sword was covered in grime and blood from the many battles just to get here. So at first Kurikara assumed it to be maintenance of his weapon a cleaning to keep it sharp and ready. But that was not the case. His eyes could see otherwise he was rubbing ashes on his blade and it didn't take much intelligence to guess from where and why. The knight was caring perhaps too much for him to carry out his duty effectively, Kurikara was... concerned. He walked over to the side of the knight saying nothing for a moment as he went about his work. His skeletal face betraying nothing, but the intensity of his gaze.

Kurikara said nothing but he met the gaze of the knight, tightened his grip upon his sword and nodded. The creature would be slain today. His karmic debt shall be paid in full and the cold steel of Kurikara would aid in that endeavor. Together him and his companion stepped to the entrance ready to let this long night come to an end.

 

[Silent Angel]

Sophia Smith

The blacksmith frowned even deeper still, but decided it would be best to drop the subject. Ruining a friendship in the middle of such a perilous situation would only cause worse things for her and her friends, and overall she chose the option to talk when everyone was cooled down once they had defeated the horrible monster who believed that torturing people was fine as long as they weren't good people either. She spat on the ground just thinking about the disgusting person she had met before drawing her eyes to her weapon. She checked it once more, confirming that it was ready to fire at a moment's notice, before her eyes went back up to the entrance.

"Kalina? Renee? I'm not sure, but I have a feeling that the guy in there isn't going to play fair. Going up to him might cause more issues than it solves. Should we be a bit more cautious?" She followed the others, but her eyes were always moving, never settling on any single thing. She seemed to not be fully happy with her current situation, and that uncomfortability was shown in every step she took.​

 

[Skyhunter]

The Entrance of the Kananto Crypts...

Renee Nyx

​

Renee was able to catch the amulet with ease, looking at it, she now saw the pearly necklace as they approached the tomb. Looking at it she still held it as they moved to the entrance, once Tarko was able to bring down the illusion of the imploded cave and revealed the true entrance, Renee felt an unnatural allure in her hand, looking at her, she would see the necklace she held was different... Something different, Renee nearly jumped as her eyes widen for a moment and then grew a smile. " That damn mayor... " Renee whispered, the necklace was transformed in her hand from the pearly amulet to a strange green glowing eye. Staring into her soul, it was very off putting. Renee couldn't help but gulp in nervousness.

​

Renee looked up seeing that everyone was getting ready to head on into the tomb, Renee placed the amulet into her side bag as she followed after the group. Dovus was up to something, but it never came to fruition, mainly because Gawain killed the damn bastard before they got any more information out of him, Renee didn't agree with killing the mayor at the time. Maybe after they got everything out of him but that prideful prick was too far up his own ass. He was up to something... But what was it? Renee took one more look to her side bag that the amulet was in before looking forward to the entrance of the crypt. They were about to enter the beast's lair, a lair potentially trapped.

​

The group would make their way down the stairs, they went on for a long way, luckily their vision was brightened by the torches until they finally reached ground where a door stood, large steel doors. Garrett stared at the doors and walked up to them, placing his hands on the doors, he pushed them open slowly before shoving them open, quickly they opened for all of them. Garrett sighed and walked forward in; the group would find themselves in a decrypted dining room of sorts, torches were still alit, the group would see figures in the shadows of the room, the room was split by one long dining table in the middle of the room, the room was still dark even with the torches alit. When the group moved forward, that was when the undead woke up, purple eyes lit up in the shadows and heads turned to the group, about six guards awoke as they stepped from the shadows and into the light. They gave deep breathes and they bared weapons. Each of them carried a large bastard sword, they then began walking towards the group in single file on both sides.

​

Garrett growled and sprang forward on the right side, carrying his axe, he swung it in a wide arc and attacked one zombie, his attack was blocked by the first zombie with its sword, a loud clang echoed in the room, but the force of the attack made the zombie flew over the table and fall onto it's face. Garrett chuckled evilly as he was able to block the next attack from the next guard.

Garvin sighed and moved in behind Garrett, aiming his crossbow and firing at the last zombie on the right side, his bolt shot through the chest of the exposed zombie which shot it back a few feet, causing it to stumble backwards. Wyland stepped in onto the left side now that there was more on this side. " By the power of the Golden Wings, you shall burn! " Wyland called, golden light emitted from the palm of the old priest, the light enveloped the now four guards, they began to burn, causing major pain stunning them. it was time to attack now!

---

In the Kananto Crypt Dungeons...

​

The large Ghoul laughed seeing as Su Chen attacked the undead herself, turning his cloaked head to the small, cloaked child that was with him. " Skullprovider, help our new friend, she will be very useful. She is no use being undead morsel. " The ghoul stated, the small child looked to the large ghoul then stepped forward, moving towards the undead corpses and Su Chen. Turning his ugly head to Selani once corrected, the large Ghoul chuckled, with a hint of a growl in it. " Of course, Selani. A name to remember. I am called Chaox. " His large eye that protruded from the back of said Ghoul stared at Selani. " What abilities do you have? To help increase our survival chances. Or do you have anything to help us out. " His eye turned to the fight that was happening down the hallway.

​

Su Chen was able to take out one undead with her attack, easily turning one animated corpse's head into mush, the other two immediately were upon her, each of them grabbed her arms ready to turn her into a mess of a buffet as she was unable to escape. But small footsteps could be heard behind Su Chen, then a shadow flew past Su Chen as a foot kicked the head of one undead, knocking them back as they released Su Chen, letting out a groan of pain. The small child landed on it's feet as the corpse turned it's attention to the child who stood there staring at the zombie, then the child turned to Su Chen to see what she would do. The child looked fearless, but even their eyes... They looked dead.

interactions: LadyOfStars Elvario Dante Verren EMIYAman Silent Angel The Last Curse

 

[Elvario]

Kalina Chivernu
​

Mentions: Renee Skyhunter | Sophia Silent Angel

Kalina was a little annoyed when Renee couldn't even give her a 'thank you' for handing over the amulet or some blood for an equivalent exchange, and instead just stared at it for a while before pocketing it without saying or explaining anything. “Love you too...” she muttered under her breath. This day was getting worse and worse by the minute.

She sighed upon hearing Sophia. “I'm planning to stay out of sight and sneak in a bit later, for that very purpose. If we go in all at once, we'll all be caught as one big group. I'd say it's best to split our chances in the hope that some of us won't get caught in whatever trap he's got prepared. Other than that, I doubt those foolish brothers can be convinced to do anything other than walking straight into the enemy's lair without as much as a sliver of a plan, so whatever you do, keep some distance from them and don't walk alongside them when entering a room unprepared. I'm pretty sure the best way to fall into a trap is to blindly follow those two.”

As planned, she let the rest of the group go ahead of her and followed them in [stealth] a bit later. She took some time checking for hidden doors, alternative pathways and whatever else she might find in this place, although being weary of traps being an equally likely find. It's why she heard the sounds of battle coming from a distance, rather than being caught up in it. She silently shook her head. This made no sense. Why would the guy bring them all the way to his lair only to attack them at the first opportunity? Did he need them for something? If so, what in the world could he need them for? In either case, she was confident the group could handle this for a while and that her talents were more useful if she tried to continue exploring these side-rooms.

 

[Dante Verren]

Gawain
Interactions: Skyhunter Elvario EMIYAman II-CinderRadcliff-II Silent Angel


As Gawain finished his little ritual and stepped forward into the enemy's lair he became aware of the armored from of Kurikara who had moved over to stand next to him. The Skeleton looked the armored man in the eyes, well the place that he would have had eyes and nodded. He was grateful that his companion did not ask any questions, rather he just moved silently a sense of resolve coming off him. While other members seemed to lack the devotion to killing Dahek, he could count on at least one other person sharing his own ambition.

The ifrst part of the trek was uneventful, that was until they rushed straight into a trap. Garret rushed on the right and sent one corpse flying, while Garvin shot another one on the same side of the room. That left the other side, the left side open. Gawain rushed to fill the gap, shield raised and sword striking from behind the coverage. Hopefully if it worked out Kurkiara would follow up behind him. The two of them could hopefully match at least one of the brothers in progress.

 

[LadyOfStars]

Su Chen smirked from ear to ear when she saw her hand crush the skull of the skeleton that marched towards them all. She was proud of course, but this was something else; an enjoyment that seemed to come out of her whenever she engaged in combat. She would have boasted, even patted herself on the back, but then she was attacked by two more and they managed to get the drop on her. Now under attack she struggled against them until the cavalry finally arrived. "Ha!' She chuckled when she saw the skeleton go flying. With the odds now even, she looked to her remaining foe and without hesitation she threw herself into the creature with enough force to through them both into the nearby wall. She hoped to crush it or at the very least disable it.

• Emperor’s Grace - Regeneration F - This ability treats Su Chen's wounds, healing them over time. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown

Skyhunter

 

[The Last Curse]

Mentions: LadyOfStars Skyhunter ​

Selani held back the urge to scowl at the ghoul. She didn't know if the creature was purposely holding back information or if it was just as clueless as she was, but regardless, the frustration was starting to get to her. Still, she nodded along as the ghoul introduced itself, "Right, Chaox. Sounds exotic." She grumbled before looking back towards the corridor, "Well, I ain't one for braggin', but I can hold my own with a bow, not half bad with a blade either." Selani's eyes drifted over to the recently killed zombie and the dull sword resting in its hand, a sly smirk formed on her face as she zeroed into the weapon, "As you'll see shortly..."

Selani crouched down and steadily slinked over to the blade, hopefully not drawing the attention of the remaining zombie. However, Selani was quickly caught off guard once she picked up the sword. For one, the blade was a little heavier than she expected, and she could've sworn it looked less shabby from afar; the thing looked like it'd shatter if she stared at it for too long. Nonetheless, Selani knew one good swing or stab would be enough to slay the zombie - she just hoped her swordsman skills were as good as she made them out to be.

With the boy distracting the undead, Selani sneaked next to it and readied her weapon, aiming for the zombie's vulnerable chest. Once her hands steadied, she jabbed the sword forward with all her might. Hopefully, this would be enough to put the corpse down.

 

[Silent Angel]

Sophia Smith

The blacksmith looked around the room, making sure there weren't more sneaking up on them... and also perhaps stalling. She felt much more nervous than the previous fight against the undead. Maybe it had something to do with what happened after? But she shook her head, knowing that hesitation wouldn't help, and maybe even get someone hurt. She took a breath in, walking to where she could get a good shot at the three on the left side, where she lifted up her crossbow, hefting it and letting out her breath slowly before firing at one of the zombies, making sure that they wouldn't overwhelm her ally who alone stood against them.​

 

[Skyhunter]

Renee Nyx​

​

Renee could hear fighting in the next room with large doors, she made her way in as everyone had already pushed their way into the room, watching what was going on, the witch casually pulled out her book she would use to summon the dark spirit in her book to help manifest her powers into reality. Entering the room, the group had gained control of the situation as these undead have now been thwarted, they were lucky to have Garrett and Gawain as they were more bulky and great shields against attacks as Renee wasn't, but she was great with her magic.

Eventually as these undead moved forward, they were pushed back, the fighting continued and in the center of the room, the same ethereal vision of Dahak appeared before them all. " Stop you fools! " The vision commanded the undead warriors, they immediately stopped their fighting and backed off, even with their injuries they listened like obedient dogs. The vision sighed, " They are here to see Lord Dahak, leave them be. " Quietly the undead knights fully backed off, moving out of their way. The vision shook his head, " Come. Follow me, I'll take you straight to Lord Dahak, he is a bit busy. " The zombies wouldn't bother the group; the vision would lead the group through the tomb they were within. As they made their way through the tomb, they would see that this place was once a great place, it was different than an actual tomb, different from the tomb that Garrett and Garvin knew about. Reality had been warped to form this sanctuary of Dahak.

Each room had many torture victims, racks with skeletons with fresh blood, torn skin, these victims were fresh. With each room, more and more bodies would be piled up, more and more victims would be found, their skins torched and seared off. They would come to a set of doors with two large undead standing in front of them, as they would approach with the vision leading them, the two guards would open the doors for them, bones creaking and flesh tearing, the doors revealed more stairs for them to go down. The vision would lead them down, Tarko looking around. " MASTER IS VERY CLOSE. TARKO SEE BODIES WITH WORLDS AHEAD, BODIES ESCAPED PRISON CELLS. " Tarko spoke, when they reached the bottom, they would find themselves in some sort of dungeon.

​

As the group moved through cells they would empty cells, fresh dead bodies, and old skeletons. They were growing closer, the atmosphere was much more different, much darker and still. Magic would be felt, a deathly type of magic. Coming through the hallways of cells, they would find a dismembered and fresh body of a rather large undead, pass that they would see new people. A large, cloaked beast, a frog woman, a small, cloaked child and an eastern looking woman.

---

Chaox chuckled at what Selani said " I will not be sticking, Selani, you will have to face Dahak alone. Thwart his plans, me and the skullprovider must go. Of course, once we find our shovels. " The ghoul watched Selani help dispatch of the remaining zombie, or rather having it get stuck into the wall. The small cloaked child watched a arrow pierce the undead and stick it into the wall, not saying a word as it was now stuck, he pulled on Su Chen's tunic and pointed pass Selani and Chaox where the group of adventurer's would be revealed. Choax turned it's head, " We have visitors, Selani. I would turn around and make yourself non threatening. " The ghoul spoke. Garrett saw the large ghoul and rushed forward quickly with his axe ready, leaping forward to attack, swinging his axe down at Chaox, the large ghoul easily blocked the attack with the sword it wielded. " Weak attack, that won't help you fight Dahak. " The ghoul chuckled in a evil tone, still having Garrett in the air, the beast pushed Garrett back with it's bastard sword, throwing the executioner back onto his feet back to the group. Garvin placed a hand on his brother's shoulder, " Hold on, brother! These aren't enemies. " The hunter stepped forward, " Sorry about my brother, he attacks before thinking. You all look like prisoners. " Garvin spoke, being the more diplomatic of the two, although his eye was on the large ghoul Choax, " You look eerily familiar. " Garvin commented. The ghoul's eye on it's back blinked, " You do as well. " Garvin stared at him momentarily before looking to the rest of the group, " Dahak is what we are after, a necromancer. I do not know if you know him or not but he is the reason you are prisoned here. We found many bodies before getting here. You all would be like them. " Garvin explained.

Renee looked ahead and stared at the group, she gasped and moved forward quickly, passing Garvin and straight to Selani, staring at her with her strange red eyes, " you look like a frog. " Renee stated dryly, looking her up and down, " Are you a monster? no. You seem kind. You know magic? What water breathing if you're frog like. " Renee kept going, her eyes full of wonder as she had a weird and concerning smile on her face. Her eyes moved pass Selani to the child, Choax and Su Chen, " Whoa... Weird monster and strange strong looking woman. And... Child. " She said the last part almost with disgust, Renee was very strange. " By the way, I am Renee, Renee Nyxm frog lady. "

" Are you lost souls okay? " The priest Wyland moved forward, staring at the large ghoul, Choax.

Interactions: Elvario The Last Curse Silent Angel Dante Verren LadyOfStars EMIYAman

 

[Elvario]

Kalina Chivernu
​

[TL ; DR] Kalina stays in the shadows, behind the group. Got even more thirsty for blood.

Kalina was going through some pretty weird places. Both mentally and literally. Trying to remain in the shadows, behind the rest of the group, she'd taken some time to go through the various side-rooms and did her best to quickly scout through what was going on in there. That's exactly where and when things were getting really difficult for Kalina, as she was under a full assault of mixed input from her senses.

Her eyes were seeing some terribly gruesome scenes. The gruesomely tortured and killed victims were plentiful, which made her stomach churn a little. If she looked at it for too long, she almost felt like it was going to make her hurl. However... the scent... It was wonderful. Such an amazing scent of fresh blood, of varying flavours and nicely 'milked' out of its hosts. For as much as what she saw was making her want to throw up, what she smelled was only making her drool a little.

She found her eyes glued onto a particularly nicely smelling one. Surely they wouldn't mind it if she just... took a sip or two, right? These folks were already dead. Nobody would see it, nobody would care... she could just... just... a little...


No.
She shouldn't.

She clenched her teeth together. She really shouldn't give in to those types of temptations. It felt like she'd really give up something for good if she started to just go after blood like that. As much as she wanted it, she knew that giving into this desire would be the end of something, somehow.

With all the mental fortitude she could gather, she instead looked for something else that could be of use. Perhaps someone was still alive, someone that could give them some vital information. Perhaps there was something here that could be of use. A weapon, information on what Dahak had been doing here, or anything else. Perhaps even the ways they were tortured might be an indication of something. Whatever would help her get her mind away from going after those wonderful scents and instead focus on what might be useful for their incoming confrontation would be what she'd try setting her mind onto.

She found none such things, sadly enough. If anything, she had to struggle to keep her mental fortitude up to such an extend that she barely even managed to focus on other things. She soon entered the darker area, where it was darker and where there was an odd sense of magic in the air.

That's when she caught up to the rest of the group. They were confronting another group, but there wasn't an active fight going on. Kalina glossed over the situation from the shadows, her Darkvision was allowing her to see a little better in these dimly lit dungeons. Her eyes glossed over the giant ghoul, along with odd kid besides it. They looked like undead, but they didn't seem to be actively attacking the others. Had they already fallen for another trick, or was this one actually an ally? Kalina wasn't sure.

Among the other group also was some sort of frog-like thing. Kalina couldn't really discern any gender to it and wasn't even sure if it was some sort of lesser monster or some sort of [beast] person. What stood out more to Kalina was the oddly regal looking woman, as she had an air of strength and power to her. The latter subconsciously made her lick her lips again, as she couldn't abstain from wondering whether physical strength would equate to nicer tasting blood...

With some effort, she managed to get her mind on track once more. She wasn't sure what was going to happen soon, so it was best to be prepared for the worst. She readied her crossbow, deciding to stay hidden for now. She wasn't really eager for a conversation anyhow, as the little argument she had with Renee and Sophia was still weighing on her mind. It was almost as bad as her bloodlust. To that extend, she wondered if she'd be able to speak without drooling if she were to address any of them. Her thirst had already been considerable, but walking through all those hallways filled with the heavy scent of fresh blood... That had really been torture to her. She wondered if it'd go down if she kept managing to ignore it like she was, or if it would only get worse.

 

[The Last Curse]

Mentions: Skyhunter Dante Verren EMIYAman Silent Angel LadyOfStars ​

With the last undead slain, Selani could finally get a moment to gather her thoughts. Her next course of action was to find Dahak and give them a piece of her mind, but with her last viable weapon stabbed firmly implanted into a zombie's chest, she'd be quite literally arriving empty-handed. Selani contemplated bringing Su Chen with her, as the woman was a walking weapon herself, but Selani was unsure if Su Chen shared the same desire for vengeance. If anything, she could've left the dungeon and skipped town - not that Selani would mind; she would've been gone if this weren't personal.

However, Selani wouldn't have much more time to think about it as Chaox announced the arrival of some new faces. She turned, half-expecting another horde of shambling zombies, but only saw a large figure leap out of the shadows, bearing an equally large ax down on the ghoul. Selani's eyes shot wide open as the two clashed, and she scanned the corridor for another weapon, seeking something to assist the ghoul. Although Selani wasn't particularly trusting of Chaox, especially after all the skull-taking talk, they did manage to free her, so she wasn't about to show her gratitude by watching them get bisected.

But before she could find another sword, a new voice sounded in the halls, and from the shadows, another man emerged. Seemingly more tactful than the last, the man quickly defused the situation and stated his intentions. Selani, however, was more interested in the strange posse behind him. The first person she saw was a skeleton armed with a sword and shield, then a figure dressed in a strange suit of armor, a tall woman with a witchy aesthetic about them, and finally, a woman armed with a crossbow, but instead of arms, she had two pairs of insect-like pincers. Her non-existent eyebrows quirking, Selani let out a long, bewildered croak. First, there were fake bounties, then zombies, and now witches, skeletons, and bug people? Selani wondered if she was stuck in some vivid nightmare; there was no way this was real.

But the surprise she felt as the witch rushed up to her was very real, and so was her confusion when they started spouting questions. "Woah! Easy! Easy!" Selani took a quick step back, the woman's strange intrigue flustering her, "Let's start over, okay, Renee? Name's Selani, not frog lady, and I'm an Anurian. I reckon you folks don't have much of us up north." She looked past Renee and the group behind her, "So y'all said you were lookin' for Dahak, right? Same here. That sonuvabitch locked me up and didn't even have the courtesy to tell me why." She gave an indignant croak, "When I find em' I'm gonna give em' a little piece of my mind - don't you worry."

"But enough about me," Selani said, looking back to Renee, "Mind telling me about your friends here?"

 

[LadyOfStars]

Su Chen

​

Su Chen was relieved that the foes were not difficult to handle and that her current party was capable of defending themselves to some degree. With the enemies bested they set forth and all that she could think about was whether this Dahak person was an actual living person like herself or another NPC like the rest of the world she had encountered. The monster that accompanied her spoke as if the man was like her, but who could trust the words of some dungeon beast.

She was starting to get irritated by the maze of corridors when they stumbled upon a second party. Right away she wrote them off as NPCs, even as she watched Renee's quirky personality play out in conversation with Selani and spectated the attack made by the other party. The other members of their group were odd looking and even suspicious, but this game had taught her not everything was black and white. While she wasn't too keen on cooperrating with yet another group of NPCs, Su Chen didn't see a way forward without them. She certainly couldn't fight them all, not if she wanted to live. She would just have to keep her guard up until she found the person that they all seemed to be looking for.

"What exactly are you guys doing here? Why are you seeking out Dahak?" She inquired.

 

[Dante Verren]

Gawain
Interactions: Skyhunter Elvario II-CinderRadcliff-II Silent Angel EMIYAman LadyOfStars The Last Curse


On one hand, the skeleton was annoyed that he had missed out on his chance to bring down more of Dahek's abominations, but on the other hand he was glad that they could move ahead. Each second they spent getting to Dahek was a second they were not spending slaying the nightmare. He gave the other skeleton's a glare as he passed them, not that his face gave indication that was what he was doing. Once he was past them an odd thought struck him. Why wasn't he like that? Or perhaps was that what he was supposed to have been. Ever since being reborn into this skeletal existence he hadn't thought about it before. Skeleton's were always low level push over mobs in really any game. Mostly likely it was only because a divine being had ripped him from the jaws of death on one world and placed him into the existence of undeath in another. It was an eerie thought.

As Gawain followed the brother's forward he noticed one of there party members were missing, Kalina had disappeared likely into the shadows. She was a sneaky one, good at her craft for sure. He had also noticed her mood growing more and more foul as the mission continued. She had seem at least somewhat positive and even a little upbeat the day before and the morning of. Yet she seemed to be degrading a bit. Renee had seemed to be jumping back and forth between obsessive with Dahek's amulet and bickering with her sister. Sophia had not changed persnality wise, just taht her and Renee had somehow bonded in this short time. Even Rei seemed to fit in more with Renee, Sophia, and Kalina. Hopefully it encouraged a level of trust, so that when the time came to fight Dahek himself they could rely on each other.

Gawain once again roused his fighting spirit as his gaze fell upon another large creature. Some kind of ghoul wielding a large sword. Garret charged in and Gawain moved to follow him, even though the creature blocked Garret's blow, Gawain's strike would land true. Well that would have potentially happened if Garvin's signal to halt hadn't stopped both of them. Gawain glanced from the younger brother to the two past the ghoul, a human and a.... a frog? Gawain sighed and just decided to accept it. Renee seemed to be the most excited about this occurrence so he was fine with letting her do the talking. However when the human spoke Gawain answered her. "We intend to separate his head from his shoulders, and make sure that monster does not plague this world any longer. " He said. He would have spit on the ground to prove his hatred , but he physically wasn't able to spit.

 

[EMIYAman]

Kurikara
Interactions: Dante Verren LadyOfStars Skyhunter
​

As they moved through Dahak's Lair Kurikaras eyes stayed focused on all the undead around them. He was itching for battle it, to put an end to this and scour one more source of evil from this world. It was worrying that no defense had been mounted against them as they fully intended to kill the undeads leader. Either Dahak had a plan which assured him of victory, or he was arrogant. Kurikara hoped the latter. His mind raced with thoughts of how he would destroy the Necromancer. As loathe as he was to admit it he was particularly vulnerable to Dahak and his ilk. His physical defenses were one of his strongest advantages, but his spiritual defense was almost nonexistent compared to the past. Should magic which affected the soul reach him then he may just be destroyed utterly. As he though on the battle ahead on of his widened and darted around. Where had Lady Kalina gone? Suspecting the worst Kurikara almost peeled off from the group right then to look for her, until an large imposing undead wielding a sword.

He charged forward along with Garrett and Gawain intent to cut it down. When Garretts strike missed he Kurikara moved with parallel to Gawain intent to cleave the beast in twain from both sides. Well, that would have been what happened had Garvin not called for them to stop. Kurikaras lust for battle was coming to a head and being interrupted and forced to leave these abomination alive was frustrating him. He looked past the undead to notice, a frog... As well as some women in oriental garb it vaguely reminded him of something. With great reluctance he put away his sword. The Witch Renee suddenly grew excited as she rushed up to the frog like thing questioning it. Having long since grown used to the Witches mood swings and strange proclivities he paid it no mind; he found she was actually the least eccentric among her kind. The woman questioned their reason for seeking Dahak. Gawain gave a good answer to such a question related to that monster so he let it be. However, he chimed up to keep this efficient and move thing along the longer they lingered the more time Dahak could prepare and attack while the element of surprise had long been lost the least they could do is not waste time. "By the end of this night Dahaks evil will be annihilated. This is a fact. Whether you will aid us, or not the end result does not change." He gripped his blade meaningfully. "But should you stand against us know that I will cut you down without a second thought." Feeling his point was sufficiently made he said no more.

 

[Skyhunter]

Within the Kananto Dungeons...


​

The large ghoul was able to deflect Garrett's attack and flung him back, but seeing both Gawain and Kurikara follow up, made Choax laugh as a purple magic conjured into his hand that was free of the bastard sword, like he enjoyed the sentiment of being attacked, a strange magic would envelope both Kurikara and Gawain, stopping them in their tracks as a purple magic took over their bodies, freezing them in their place, this magic would feel very familiar to Gawain. It was similar to the magic that Dahak used on him back in Kananto, the two bodies would be lifted in the air, the power difference now would be shown between this ghoul and the two warriors; they were not on the same level. The ghoul's eyes were glowing purple, revealing his face to be one of a large rat, but he was twisted and something more, something eldritch and uncanny. " I appreciate the compliment of attacking me, you fools, but I am afraid you two will no longer be able to go on with your pathetic lives. Your skulls will not do. " His face showed resentment and anger, but then Choax would begin laughing like he was joking. He would gently placed the two down on their feet before him, his eyes stared at the two. " Dahak will wipe you two on the floor if you try to pull that on him. " His magic would release the two and they would begin moving again, Choax laughed again as the small cloaked child came up before the two, moving in front of it's master in a protective manner, staring at the two. Choax looked at the Vision of Dahak,. " You are nothing like him. You are nothing but a pretender. " The vision said nothing to this.

Renee Nyx

​

Renee stared at this frog that called itself Selani, " Sounds like salami to me... " Renee said with a raised eyebrow and narrowed eyes, but she held a playful smile. " Well, Salami, who is a Anurian, actually I'm going to write that down really quick. I've never met one of you before. " Renee pulled out her journal, which emitted a ghostly green glow from it, she opened it as she pulled out her quill from her bag. A strange black shadow would form behind Renee staring at Selani with unearthly red eyes, Renee bit her finger hard enough for blood to come out, a tear came rolling down her cheek, but the woman did not care nor make a sound from the pain, she was too focused on wanting to write she even blocked out her teammates getting attacked by Choax, using the quill to dab in the blood as she flipped through pages in her journal, Selani would notice her journal was filled with strange drawings, writings, symbols, and different languages. It would occur to Selani that this woman was a witch, finding a blank page, she would write Selani's race and her features, looking up at her every other moment then went back to writing, before dabbing her quill in her blood again then back to writing.

Finally when finished, Renee closed the book and the shadow disappeared into thin air, putting the book and quill back into her bag. Looking back to Selani like nothing happened, " So, Salami. It is nice to meet you. For your next question, we are after Dahak, he besieged a town with undead corpses to fuel a ancient artifact for his own use. Some necromancer amulet he calls the Lifelend. We want to kill him and I want that amulet. Want to help us? More bodies mean better chances. " Renee had a welcoming smile, but there was something off about Renee. In Renee's mind, she didn't really care much for these new people, if they joined it would be more fodder to throw at Dahak so that she could get the Lifelend. Or something to help her out. Her eyes moved pass Selani to look at Su Chen, " Oh hello! Come here and talk to me! You look very pretty. " Renee called, looking at Selani again she still held the welcoming smile. " You're cute too, I want to touch your skin, is that okay? Is it sticky? Your skin looks sticky. " Renee asked, she was a very strange woman Renee was.

Garrett growled when he was thrown back, he hated that this monster was stronger than he was, Garvin walked to Gawain and placed a hand upon his shoulder, " We are after Dahak, he needs to pay for what he has done. We have another one of ours around here, she likes to slink in the shadows so don't mind her if she appears out of no where. " He warned the new cast of characters. " We hear Dahak is meeting with someone, we may be able to attack him and this new enemy. " Garvin stated. Choax laughed again, almost like a cackle, " Please, you won't be able to do anything against Dahak, and if he is meeting who I think he is, you do not stand a chance attacking both. You will need to attack Dahak and more than likely my former student will try to attack who he is meeting, he always hated authority. " Choax explained.

Interactions: Elvario Silent Angel LadyOfStars EMIYAman The Last Curse Dante Verren

 

[Elvario]

Kalina Chivernu
​

Mentions: Garvin, Chaox Skyhunter | Selani The Last Curse | Su Chen LadyOfStars | Kurikara EMIYAman |

Kalina sighed deeply and heavily upon hearing Garvin call out what she'd been trying to accomplish. If as openly going to warn the vision of Dahak and any eyes and spies he might have in this area, she might as well show herself. “You know, my dear light-headed friend, the point of someone trying to stay hidden is a little ruined when you proudly announce to the world that you've got a friend that's trying to stay hidden with you~” Her words were a mixture of teasing and annoyance. Perhaps her thirst was making her a little more venomous with her words.

She then turned to new faces, attempting to sound a bit more polite. “My apologies for the belated introduction, I was merely attempting to stay hidden so we wouldn't all walk into an ambush as a single group. Now that any chance at that can be written off... I'm Kalina Chivernu. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintances, barring circumstances, of course.” Her eyes glossed over each of the group, first the frog-person. Kalina hadn't really caught their name yet and she doubted they were really called Salami, so she couldn't even ascertain a gender yet. That said, the frog wasn't of all that much interest to her. Beast-types tended to have nasty flavours in their blood.

The ghoul and its servant were a little more interesting. One thing in particular stood out. “You seem to know a lot about Dahak. What's your relation to him?” She also figured she might as well get straight to the point. “You also seem to know his strengths. Do you perhaps also know his weaknesses? Oh, and that student you mentioned, how likely is he to team up with us against Dahak?” The latter sounded like a golden opportunity. These prisoners aiding them might still be within Dahak's range of expectations, but perhaps that ghoul's student along with their entire group all joining hands would be too much for the necromancer to handle.

“Considering he calmly invited us into this place, I'd say strength in numbers is our best option.” She also had an inkling that Dahak was the prideful type who wouldn't wish to admit that he was taking on more than he could handle. The latter meant they only needed to assure that they were really giving him more, such as by teaming up with whomever they could get on board. That included the large ghoul and its servant. “For that matter, mister, sorry I didn't catch your name earlier, would you not team up as well? It seems like you'd have some grudge to settle with Dahak if he put you in this place.”

She then realised she hadn't greeted Kurikara yet. “Welcome back, by the way. It's good to see you're still up for dealing with this bastard~” She had a feeling the knightless shiny armour, alongside Garret, would be very useful assets to have in any possible upcoming battle. Especially as they'd be the first line of defence if the Necromancer were to attack them with brute force.

Her eyes then rested upon the last new face, Su Chen. She couldn't abstain from having a hint of thirst show as she was laying eyes upon one of the few people that seemed like she might have some good quality blood and to whom Kalina hadn't any immediate things preventing her from desiring her blood. Even so, her stubbornness wouldn't let her admit to these cravings, so she quickly tried to suppress it once more. She also realised she'd been staring, so she better make some sort of an excuse. “I've been staring, haven't I? My apologies, I was merely fascinated by what strength and regality you're managing to display even in these circumstances.” That should probably work. Either that, or the 'cure' was going to be worse than the disease. In any case, what's said was said.

 

[EMIYAman]

Kurikara
Interaction: Elvario Skyhunter
​

His attack against the fell creature never met its target. His body had been frozen still by its abominable magic. Kurikara did his utmost to struggle against it but he was powerless he didn't even move an inch, what was this creature to do such a thing to him? It insulted and threatened him and Gawain as its ilk often do, but unlike those who tried to make good on such threats it laughed almost good naturedly. Then Kurikara was released gently even. He was a bit confused, but more than that he was irritated for creatures like this to treat him like this and he unable to do anything about it was beyond frustrating. Then the creature has the gall to lecture them!? What impudence! Kurikara clenched his hand into a tight fist the metal of his arm creaking and rustling. "Enough of this monster," He then turned to the Vision. "Shadow of evil! It matters not Dahaks foul power our duty remains the same! Either remove yourself from our path or give us the knowledge we need to strike this evil down!" If he could take a deep breath he would have done it, but his mind screamed at him to cut the evil present in this place down. "The difference between us and Dahak is known. As we are we fare little chance facing him let alone whatever other abomination he is meeting with. Yet we cannot leave him to sully this world with his influence. This is fate." With that he extricated himself from the conversation.

Kurikara could hardly look at the creatures lest his rage overwhelm him, he had rarely ever been so angry before, but this long, seemingly fruitless undertaking was getting to him. Lady Kalina had begun to speak with them so he focused on her rather than them. It bothered him somewhat that she would deign to be polite to those things but she was far better in conversation than he was. He simply wasn't suited for anything but battle, and he doubts that would ever change.

'Cleanse them from this world'
"Evil..."
'dEsTrOy ThEm WiThOuT a TrAcE'
"Weak..."

They pushed Kurikara on, the voices. One of righteous judgment and the other of unadulterated power. They were always there in the back of his mind, but they had grown stronger over time now it felt like they were bearing down on him. There, just over his shoulder. Closer and closer still. So close he could feel them, feel their desires. He gripped his blade tight soon soon soon soon soon soon soon soon soon...

He twitched words bringing him out of, whatever that was. He turned Lady Kalina had spoken to him. "Indeed Lady Kalina, I would not abandon my duty over anything. My... reservations as to this upcoming battle are assuaged partially knowing you will aid me in the eradication of Dahak." Kurikara nodded to her, showing his form of gratefulness.

 

[The Last Curse]

Mentions: Skyhunter Elvario Dante Verren ​

Selani watched in intrigue and slight distaste as Renee scribbled down her features, taking moments to glance at the witch's journal when she wasn't looking. Selani couldn't comprehend much of what she saw, simply dismissing it as magical mumbo-jumbo, but it was clear Renee was well versed in her studies, albeit Selani wasn't too keen on being studied. Likewise, she wasn't too keen on being called Salami or having her sensitive skin touched by this obsessive woman. "It's Selani, and thanks for the compliment, but no, you can't touch me. Maybe after we find this Dahak fella," She croaked, drawing slightly away from the witch, "And for the record, best not scrutinize every Anurian you see, alright? Most folks won't take too kindly to that."

Selani noticed another new face slink out of the shadows, this time another tall black-haired woman with a similar, albeit less witchy aesthetic than Renee. She seemed a bit on edge, but with everything happening in the crypts, plus whatever transpired up above in the village, Selani could understand her irritation. Of course, there could have been another reason behind Kalina's temper, but Selani was none the wiser. "Yeah, likewise, Kalina," She looked the woman up and down, finally finding something similar between the two, "Heh, you look like the sneaky type." She chuckled, "Good, subtlety's a dying breed nowadays."

With that said, it was time for Selani to make a decision. The group's goal had lined up so perfectly with hers, and better yet, they'd extended an offer for her to join. Selani knew she wouldn't get too far on her lonesome, especially without her bow, but with this rag-tag team, she saw promise. It didn't take long for her to decide, and she turned back to Renee. "Well, I can see y'all are a no-nonsense bunch," She took a moment to scan the faces of everyone involved before returning to Renee, "Sure, I'll tag along." She agreed with a nod, "And like your skeleton friend said: let's rip this guy's head off!"

So much for subtlety.

 

[LadyOfStars]

Su Chen found this new group to be...rambunctious and not just that, but varied in personalities. It reminded her a great deal of her children when they were young and still full of energy and prone to shenanigans. These children were quick to choose violence though and while she wasn't usually against that, she didn't approve of their use of it against total strangers. At least know who it is you're swinging on.

There were also a chatty few among them with quirky personalities. Renee for one was very much the social butterfly and her inquiry about her skin made her want to swat the girl like she was an insect buzzing around. "Why don't we save the physical contact for the fight ahead?" Su Chen suggested with a somewhat disgusted face. "But thank you for the complement."


Kailina on the other hand seemed more civil, despite her lurking in the shadows. More complements, at least they were kind enough to flatter her and not attack her like their allies had done the ghoul. "Thank you. You are an impressive bunch for sure and to have come so far in the pursuit of justice is very admirable. I have some questions that I'd like to ask Dahak but other than that our goals are aligned."

Elvario Skyhunter

 

[Silent Angel]

Sophia Smith

Sophia's arms shot up as the two comrades were lifted, her crossbow being drawn up and aimed directly at the ghoul, fully prepared to bring it to full cock to fire, but something kept her from doing that. Something felt... off. As the two of them were set down on the ground, she her scowl turned into a deep frown. She eyed the undead warily, wondering what he was playing at. He definitely didn't sound like he had been joking, and she felt like he hadn't been. Something had occurred to make him decide against the violence. And she wasn't exactly excited to fight someone like him, so she dropped the sights of her weapon, keeping him in her vision as long as he was with them.

She glanced to the newcomers, giving them nods of acknowledgement, but her gaze was still fixed on the apparition until Kalina came out from the shadows. Up to this point, she had been thinking about her talk with the other girl. She knew that they both had issues with their points, but she had removed herself from the conversation not only to think, but to calm down. Any more words at the time would have been filled with vitriol, and it would have completely destroyed an already frayed friendship. However, now that she had calmed down, she felt in her gut that, even if she didn't get one of her own, there was something she needed to say to the vampire.

The blacksmith lightly clanked as she made her way towards Kalina, the girl obviously nervous. However, it was something that she needed to say. She stepped up to the vampire, using one of her claws to drag her away from the group enough so they wouldn't hear, and even then her words came out in a whisper. "Kalina? I... I just wanted to say that I'm sorry. About getting so heated with you. I know you had your reasoning, but I grew up... in a different space of mind. Where I grew up, the morals are... different than here. Death wasn't as much of a necessity, and neither was killing. At least, not as frequently as in this place. Where I was from, killing helpless people was seen as one of the most detestable things to do, and that's why it was something that I was so against."

She let out a shaky breath, her voice cracking slightly from emotion as she continued her explanation. "But I understand you have a different upbringing, and you wanted to be more practical. It would have probably been better when it comes to practicality if we had done what you wanted, but I just... couldn't. It felt like I would be betraying where I came from, and the person I am now. I check every person who comes into my shop to make sure I'm not selling to a criminal, and if I had gone through with killing someone defenseless, I would have felt like a hypocrite, because even if I didn't have the title, I would have been just as much of a criminal as anyone I refused service to. But... now I don't know what to do."

The more she talked, the more emotional she obviously got. Tears welled at the edges of her vision, pooling lightly. She took out a handkerchief and swiped at her eyes, ridding them of the blurs, but they just got replaced. She knew this wasn't the place to get emotional, but she had a gut feeling that, if she didn't say her piece now, she might not get the chance in the future. So, she finished by saying, "Could... could you help me?"​

 

[Elvario]

Kalina Chivernu
​

Mentions: Sophia @SilentAngel

Kalina was glad to have Kurikara still on board and had to admit she liked being called 'lady Kalina' more and more. It also looked like the other two newcomers, the frog and regal looking woman were good folk. At least good enough to beat up Dahak with.

More surprising than all of that, was Sophia having a last-minute outburst. She wasn't sure how to react to it at first, so she just gave a deep sigh. “I don't think killing helpless people is good either, but when there is a choice between killing or risk being killed, I've learned to err on the side of caution and self-preservation. When Tarko was rising up out of the ground, there was a very plausible risk of him getting ready to kill us and that risk was only taken away when those weird heads were cleared out of him by the priest. Now that I know that Tarko is no longer a threat, I harbour no ill will towards him and admittedly feel a little sorry for him.”

That left them with the more difficult part. “I'm not sure how to help, but I do know one thing. It'll be incredibly cruel to bring the head along when we're about to fight Dahak. Either it'll see Dahak kill all of us and afterwards he might just get told he's worthless for losing his body with all its weird heads, or he will see us kill Dahak and therefore lose his beloved master. For now, I'd say just leave him here. When we return, make up a lie, hope he's dumb enough to buy it, and find some manner he can live. That said, considering the state he is in, you shouldn't be surprised if the only thing keeping him alive is Dahak's magic and that he will die the moment we defeat Dahak.”

She sighed. “That said, I can't focus well. I'm getting too frustrated at Dahak and too thirsty to think straight. Let's put Tarko somewhere safe and defeat the fucker that caused all this without him learning of it and figure out if he's still alive and what to do if he is after. That's the best I can come up with in this state. I'm sorry if it's not of any considerable help.”

 

[Dante Verren]

Gawain
Interactions: Skyhunter Elvario EMIYAman LadyOfStars Silent Angel The Last Curse


Gawain nodded his head with more enthusiasm then he had previously. The presence of new allies was inspiring. These new ones were certainly unique, but so was everyone else in this group of compatriots. Selani the frog seemed to be the one in the most high spirits, and her own energy was reassuring. The human woman seemed a little gruf, but at the same time Renee had not made the best first impression. In fact Gawain found her obvious annoyance of Renee's forwardness a rather entertaining. For the last one, the ghoul he already disliked. That was mostly since a lot of people have had a habit of casting the same spell on him lately. It was getting old fast.

For a brief moment he caught sight of Sophia pulling Kalina away. Perhaps the blacksmith had some last words for her friend before they departed into a likely deadly encounter. What she said Gawaun did not here, nor did he actually want to. If they were words shared between the two of them away from the group then they were not meant for him to here. Instead he turned his attention to Selani. "My name is Gawain. We would be grateful for your assistance in dealing with the villain Dahek". He gave a slight bow as he said so, trying to be at least slightly formal and respectful compared to the others in the group.