Dice Our Shenanigans

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -
" Under the Wise Tree, Big Jaw Territory, Marshlands"​

Moss followed Isa and stood up with the same fire in his eyes. He collided with him in an embrace, making out like there was no tomorrow.

He didn't care about the food --- my gosh, he actually didn't care about his food --- as the next minutes were a whirl of leaves, tingling touches, and breathless kisses.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -
“Under the Wise tree, Marshlands”​

Annnnnnnd there goes his knees-!

Isa cling onto Moss as they made out. Leaves rustling as he was pinned again, sliding down only to be held up by Moss’ weight against him. By the end, the redhead could only gasp and huff heavily, dazed out of his mind.

” . . . F-fo-“ He weakly pointed towards the fire where the fried meat was becoming darker by the minute. Trying to connect his brain’s wiring again.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -
" Under the Wise Tree, Big Jaw Territory, Marshlands"​

"Come with me." whispered a passionate Moss, unwilling to let go of Isa. He held him up and quickly went over to take the food out of the fire, before returning to Isa's embrace. Moss was intimate, telling Isa he'd like to get their sleeping bags to rest on top. The food was quickly brought up, and the moment their sleeping bags were laid down, Moss was continuing where they left off, just as amorous as Isa is, drowning him in sweet affection.

The air was cool up here. the croaking chorus of frogs below rose up to the canopy accompanied by the exotic calls of the jungle. When they finally parted to eat, Moss squeezed Isa's hand, saying, " One day, I will be able to commit to you, Isa Bianchi, and when that day comes, when we're ready, I will pull you into my depths. Please pull me into yours too~"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -
“Under the Wise tree where we can feel the love tonight, Marshlands”​

With a quick nod, Isa wrapped his arms around Moss’ shoulders, trembling as they made their way to the fire. He fell on knees, sitting down besides Moss’ legs as the merman quickly tended to the food. Then he held his arms open for him to return, hugging him tight as he listened to his answer. A pleasant shiver went down his spine. “O-Okay~”

He managed to spread their tents across the floor before spreading their sleeping bags on top. Safe from the possible bugs that might sneak in or dampness from rain should it rain tonight. Then he jumped when he felt Moss coming from behind, hugging him tight as they continued their sweet affections. Drowned, he was. Tenderly teasing back with kisses and nibbles, tucking strands behind his ear in a happy daze. Relaxed within the merman’s arms.

Despite the cool night air of the jungle, Isa felt warm from their affections. Skin tingling as they parted to breath again. Panting, he listened and squeezed his hand back. Smiling warm and sweet. Dark blue eyes sparkling from the fire beside them. He gently pulled Moss’ squeezing hand close to his lips and swore with a low tone of his voice. ”I will. When the day comes and we can be together, I promise to pull ya in my depths too, Lysander Moss Adamaris~” He purred, tenderly brushing his lips on Moss’ knuckles.

Then he held a spoonful of Katsudon and rice out, gesturing the merman to eat it with a shy smile.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -
" Under the Wise Tree, Big Jaw Territory, Marshlands"​

"You are sweet." smiled Moss, and ate the katsudon. This was new for him. He offered to make Isa tea, asking if feeding someone was a romantic gesture in Montagna al Tramonto. He wanted to try it, and offered Isa a spoonful of katsudon too.

The night passed pleasantly in soft conversation. Moss caressed Isa to sleep, quietly singing sweet Nazja lullabies.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -
“Under the Wise tree where we can feel the love tonight, Marshlands”​

“Not sweet-!” Isa pouted — would have pouted if he wasn’t holding back a smile. When Moss asked if he could try and feed him, the redhead ate the offered spoonful, playfully licking the utensil before chuckling bashfully.

As the night passed, pleasantly in their quiet conversations, Isa mumbled his answers. Laying on his back and snuggling close to the merman’s chest with his cheek. Slowly fluttering his eyes closed while listening to Moss’ lullabies, lulled in by his caressing hand on his head. His breathing softened as he slept with a gentle smile.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -
" Next Day, Under the Wise Tree, Big Jaw Territory"​

The next morning, the weather was clear and sunny just as they had been the past three days. Moss slowly got out of their sleeping bags careful not to wake Isa up. Stifling a yawn, he pleasantly stretched, looking out at the misty jungle stretched out below their giant tree. He was surprised to see snow in the distant south just a day and a half's hike away from where they were. So they were this close to Three Horns Divide. He could see their mountains, a line of grey pointy blurs in the horizon . . . and beyond that . . . Sanctuary . . . where he was to meet the man who could help him.

He looked back at Isa. After they get Hellmist, he must continue his journey. How does Moss tell him?

Speaking of which, how far were the badlands from here? Moss stepped out of the tent and swung around the edge of the hole in the trunk, searching for a foothold. He leaped, catching hold of a branch and swung himself up, balancing on the swaying branch. He climbed up, higher, and higher until his head poked out of the canopy.

There it was, just four days away, The Ghostlight badlands. It was shrouded in a tall dark fog that was more of shadow and an unnatural perpetual night, and true to its name, flickers of light like lines of hanging ghostly streaks illuminated the shrouded darkness within, Moss swore he saw the curling silhouette of giant arms, no, tentacles, hanging from the sky, before the light closed like a door and all was dark fog again. He shuddered, then climbed back down.

He looked at Isa sleeping underneath the covers. He was worth it, he smiled. Even if they didn't have the relationship they had now and they were just friends, he'd go in there for him. Moss must be crazy. 'And yet . . .', he thought as he gently laid back down to caress Isa's hair, he didn't mind at all.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -
“Under the wise tree, Marshlands, Highlands”​

When Moss returned and laid next to him, a sleepy Isa immediately snuggled up to him. A hint of a smile appeared on his face as he slept.

The redhead woke up after about an hour, groaning quietly as he felt the pleasant touch of caresses on his head. With a lazy rakish smile, fluttered a tired eye open to spot Moss as he melted from the nice touches. “Mornin’ Mosssss~ . . .“ He groaned before stretching his body like a supple cat before plopping back down and snuggled up to the merman again; wrapping an arm around his waist loosely.

With a bit of nudging and a few lazy kisses, Isa finally got up and let Moss go, helping him get ready for the day.

Spoiler: Stats and Backpack

Health: Fresh | Toughness: 11 +1 shield +2 light armor | Spell Power: 12+5=17 |Manna: 9/9
Condition:

Weapon: Raven staff | Mage staff. Enhanced by metal braces to not break easily unless hit by a strong or heavy weapon. Spell range +1 small area, +2 Spell Power. You may spend 2 Sp to increase a Spell's area of effect by +1 small area, or affect +2 additional targets if not an area effect spell. Combat +1.
Shield: Barneclaw scaled shield | Crude. +1 toughness. Wt. 1. Made of a giant fish’s scales and dented metal.
Armor: Leather padding | Light. +2 Toughness. Moss‘ gift.
Accessory I: Ghillie suit, Ruins edition| +6 to Stealth checks in 1 specific terrain: Greenery, Rocky, Snow, Desert, Urban, Wet. Doesn't stack with the stealth bonus from camouflaged light armor.
Accessory II: Hiking gear | +2 to climbing, traveling safely across the wilderness, and surviving noxious gases. Comes with a pair of crampons, pitons, hooks, ice axe, a hooded winter coat that's waterproof, and a firestorm shroud.


Alchemical = 95 alchemical | Metal = 85
Total Carrying Capacity: 12/25
Roleplay Points: 0

|||Backpack|||

Equipment:
Valkyrie ring of Loki | Enemy attacks him and Isa will see either the past or future of said enemy. It’s etched with the name, Salazaar.

Items:
Net | After making a successful attack with a net on 1 target, inflicts "Grappled". A major action can be spent to make a DC 14 Combat roll with a sharp weapon or DC 14 Survival roll to get out of the net or destroy it.
Chocobo Bell | Made in Bird Village. Made with tinkling sounding metal and etched running cute versions of chocobos around it. Each craftsman and settlement has unique handsome bell designs mostly based on culture. The bell can be made from brass, porcelain, glass, metal, crystal, bone, etc.
Ragnite lamp | Casts light in a 30 ft. radius. or 60 ft. cone. Has a hood allowing you to lower the light to a dim 5 ft. radius. Runs on 1 ragnite power crystal for 1 year. Can change color of light (Isa is gonna have fun with changing the colors). Can be hung on belt.
Cheirokmeta vol. 2 | written by Zosimos of Panopolis, and was a book on ancient alchemy and the transmutation of metals and souls. Stolen from Vanar by a pair of thieves. This is what the Templars have been searching for months. It’s powered by an unknown old stone, repelling anything from the book. Not even it’s pages are yellowing. It holds a bunch of spells that Isa translated.

Spoiler: Spell descriptions

There were spells to polymorph into different monsters, create arcane arrows, turn smoke into a ladder, turn leaves and paper into blades, create an umbral body, a long incomplete chapter on the creation of the Philiosopher's stone and many more, the more powerful spells requiring the use of soul stones.

And finally there was Adamas, a much greater spell to purify the corrupting taint of demons that are hard to remove through usual means. A spell circle was drawn on the page, where the corrupted individual was to lie down in the middle after drinking a vial of Sacred Flames. Three ingredients were to be set within three arcane points inside the circle immediately after that: blackthorn, crow's eye, and a vial of hellmist.

Tent | 4 people. Protects against bad weather. Can be turned into a hanging tent.
Plush sleeping bag | Gives a comfy rest. +1 to Condition.
Lashings | Advantage to Overcoming Difficult Terrain when set up. Rope or similar that's 50 ft. in length.
Toolbox | He stole this one from the Kutulus. +2 Forging, building, tailoring, lock picking, and disabling traps. You can also excavate or gather more crafting resources = Artisan Skill Rank.
x1 Potion of Blandishment | +4 to charm rolls on people, seemingly making Isa charming. Doesn't work on creatures not similar to your race.
Translator notes | +2 knowledge to interpreting Arcana runes.
Fishing rod | +1 to Survival rolls when fishing. He got it to fish with Moss.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -
" Next Day, Under the Wise Tree, Big Jaw Territory"​

"Good morning, Isa~" smiled Moss, rubbing his back.

As they ate breakfast, Moss asked Isa what their plan was. "I think this Big Jaws isn't something we can take head on, we don't even know what it is. What do you think about getting a look around, see what we're dealing with, and then maybe we can lure it to a piked swinging log trap? I think our rope is enough for that."

Katsuya

Spoiler: Moss' Gear

Health: Fresh | Toughness: 18 +2 R.E. | Spell Power: 13 |Manna: 5/5
Condition: 5

Weapon: Worn Seraph Blades | Wt.1. Dual-Wield daggers. +1 Combat. Once per turn, you can attack twice but each attack has -3 to combat rolls. No penalty if making only 1 attack. Two-handed.
Shield: Steel Shield | Wt.2. +2 Toughness. Round shield made of bronze, bonded with obsidian. The sides of the rim have little cut outs where Moss can rest his spear while his shield is up. In the center is a riveted decorative boss that can be changed with the emblem of the Iron Itsumade.
Armor: Oriental Armor: Wt. 1. +2 Toughness. Light leather armor.
Accessory I: Ghillie Suit: Wt.1. +6 to Stealth checks in 1 specific terrain: Greenery. Doesn't stack with the stealth bonus from camouflaged light armor.
Accessory II: Hiking Gear: Wt.1. +2 to climbing, traveling safely across the wilderness, and surviving noxious gases. Comes with a pair of crampons, pitons, hooks, ice axe, a hooded winter coat that's waterproof, and a firestorm shroud.

Alchemical = 38 | Metal = 6
Total Carrying Capacity: 12/25
Roleplay Points: 2

BAG OF FOLDING:
*Any clothes you put inside will come out clean, freshly ironed, pressed, and folded. Backpack +20 carrying capacity.

1. Memento | A box made of blue coral with an engraving of him, two merman, and one mermaid. Moss stores his favorite tea blend here.
2. Battle horn
3. Blue Crockpot| Wt.1. +2 Cooking, potion brewing, and making medicine. Contains a mess kit and comes with a collection of containers for monster parts, unknown liquids, and acid. Gift from Isa.
4. Box of Blue Volcanic Ash | Can be sold for 5 alchemical. Gift from Isa. Moss ain't selling it.
5. Cookbook: Mistakes are Great| +1 to cooking rolls. Cookbook of delicacies in The Highlands. Gift from Isa.
6. Flint and Steel | Make fire. Comes with a box of tinder.
7. Isa's Toolbox | Wt. 1+2 Forging, building, tailoring, lock picking, and disabling traps. You can also excavate or gather more crafting resources = Artisan Skill Rank.
8. Lashings | Advantage to Overcoming Difficult Terrain when set up. Rope or similar that's 50 ft. in length.
9. Map (Ruins Raptor's Nest): +4 Survival if you are in the map region and if the map applies, such as: not getting lost, or finding the best hunting grounds.
10. Ragnite Lantern | Wt.1. Casts light in a 30 ft. radius. or 60 ft. cone. Has a hood allowing you to lower the light to a dim 5 ft. radius. Runs on 1 ragnite power crystal for 1 year. Can change color of light. Can be hung on belt.
11. Plush Sleeping Bag | Wt.1. Gives a comfy rest. +1 to Condition.

- CONSUMABLES -

1. x11 Spices | +1 to cooking rolls. Includes seasoning such as salt. 1 spice may be added per 1 cooking roll.
   x30 Spices (stored in the tavern)
2. x8 Fresh Ingredients (chilled)| Recently hunted meat, caught fish, picked fruits. Remains fresh for a day.
   x24 Fresh Ingredients (chilled) (stored in the tavern)
3. x6 Rations | These are snacks and preserved meals, coffee, tea leaves, etc. that can be eaten or drank during a short rest, recovering 2 manna instead of just 1 without having anything to eat or drink. Lasts for 2 months.
4. x4 Hygiene Kit: +1 Condition when used during a long rest. +1 to Crafting Disguises. Also contains cosmetics and all manner of bubble bath bombs.
5. x6 Oil Flask | 1 pint. Can be used in combination with fire attacks, increasing the DC for "Burn" by +1.
6. x6 Torch: Equipped in your off-hand or main hand. Casts light in a 30 ft. radius. Burns for an hour with a chance of being blown out in bad weather. DC 10 to avoid "Burn".
7. x3 Trauma Kit : +2 to Healing rolls. DC 12 Knowledge check removes one affliction or improves health by 1. DC 14 stabilizes dying character. If affliction DC is less than 12, affliction is automatically removed. Every extra 1 hour performing the medical operation gives +1 to Trauma Kit rolls. Uses up a major action when used during battle.

- UNEQUIPPED GEAR -

1. Ghillie Suit: Wt. 1. +6 to Stealth checks in 1 specific terrain: Ruins. Doesn't stack with the stealth bonus from camouflaged light armor.
2. Lance | Wt.1. +2 Combat. Light. At the start of your turn, before taking any actions, you can declare to add the hit bonus of your weapon to your Toughness instead of your attack roll until the start of your next turn. Made of steel with a staff decorated in oriental designs.
3. Silk Shirt | Wt.1. +1 Toughness.

- MISCELLANEOUS-

1. Dorudon Soul Shard | Gift from Isa.
2. Pocket Watch | Runs on ragnite. Has beautiful engravings and space on one side of the locket for a small photo or painting.
3. x6 Cheap goods | 2 sets of worn clothes, old mess kit, vintage oriental kettle, wooden comb, pouch of drawing charcoal and chalks.
4. x4 Common goods | 1 set of traveling clothes, 1 journal, Second-hand book: Ninjas of Love Vol. 1, Vial of Citrus Light

- JUNK -

1. Scrap | Can be sold for 14 metal. When smelted and turned into steel ingots, can be sold for 24 metal. (stored in tavern)
2. Scrap | Can be sold for 16 Metal. Or forged into steel ingots for 32 Metal. (stored in tavern)
3. x5 Raptor claws | Bounty 25 alchemical each.

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -
“Under the wise tree, Marshlands, Highlands”​

“Sounds like a good plan to me.” Isa agreed before eating a piece of the mystery meat katsudon. ”Shall we get started after eating?”

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -
" Big Jaw Territory, Marshlands, The Highlands"​

"Yes." said Moss, sharpening his spear. He checked his shield, armor and the rest of his gear, making sure all was in tip top shape. He looked over Isa's ghillie suit too, making sure no stray leaf revealed his purple coat underneath before they left their tree.

They searched together, Moss preferring to travel above ground, leaping from branch to branch than hike on the muddy mucky swamp. They found large claw prints a ways away from the scratched up tree and dinosaur skull and followed it deeper into the marshlands. Swarms of mosquitoes followed them, as Moss hacked through the thick foliage with his daggers. After about an hour of searching, the tracks led them to a rising rocky slope, drier than the other parts of the marshlands, and there before them was a sink hole, with a sloping rocky entrance that angled downwards into a dark cave.

THUD, THUD, THUD

The rising and falling of giant approaching footsteps. And there emerged a great red carnivore, furred grey at the back, with black scales and a wicked spiked tail. Its feral yellow eyes looked around the marshes unafraid, unhurried. And then it began stalking away towards the north, pushing down trees in its way with a loud crack and a thunderous crash.

Katsuya

Spoiler: Big Jaw

Hp: 6
Toughness: 14
Damage: 2
Rolls: +1
Special: "Swallow Whole", DC 14 Survival roll to escape, deals 1 damage every round you are being chewed.

Spoiler: Art

Art by Raph Herrera Lomotan

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -
" Big Jaw Territory, Marshlands, The Highlands"​

Isa pecked Moss‘ cheek, thanking him for checking on his ghillie suit over the purple coat. Then he tucked in the last bit of their items in their bags. Then off, they went.

Isa preferred to traverse close to the ground, jumping on the roots to avoid the muddy dirt. Using his wind spell to boost himself off when needed be as they searched. He didn’t want to fall off a branch and be stuck in the swamp. Ignoring the mosquitoes flying around them as they continued their searches of the track marks. Testing the dry ground with a foot before starting to run and hide in the leafy bushes and vines.

Just as they spotted the sink hole, Isa held onto the tree, melding into the ivy leaves as the heavy thuds seemingly moved the lands the closer it got. His eyes widened in surprise behind the leaves and vines, pinching his lips shut tight as he watched the large red T-Rex with the massive jaw and tiny arms lurking around. Then it went away. It was quiet, even the animals around them stopped making noises when the Big Jaws came by and it stayed that way for a while.

Then . . .

“ O Loki, pray for our sanity. For we are about to kill a T-Rex with a sharp or blunt log.” Isa prayed in a whisper. Deadpanned as he realized that he is the same size as the smaller teeth of the Big Jaws. “Should we lose it, ya know why.”

When Isa reaches Moss and they started planning in a safe spot, the redhead suggested ideas. “Are we gonna use decoys? If we are, I can make illusions of raptors to catch it’s attention and lead it to the trap. Oh and to lessen the time needed, I can mold the log’s end and make it pointy. We need a good spot to swing it though because that thing can part trees just by walking.”

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -
" Big Jaw Territory, Marshlands, The Highlands"​

"Wow, you can mold wood too?" said Moss amazed, "Yeah, I'm all for the decoys. So next is to find a good spot. I wish we could dig a big hole too, just to keep it from moving too much so that the log can hit it better." He looked around. "Maybe we should make the trap wherever we find a good big log for this job, I doubt we can carry it just the two of us if we're planning to set up the trap anywhere else . . . Or, can you make a log from a living tree, Isa?"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -
" Big Jaw Territory, Marshlands, The Highlands"​

“I can try.” Isa replied, looking at the trees. He’s gonna eat a lot after this, isn’t he? Then he perked, looking back at Moss. “Why not use the sink hole as the thing to trap it? The illusions could walk over it to trick it into believing it’s safe.”

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -
" Big Jaw Territory, Marshlands, The Highlands"​

"Yeah, it's less likely to suspect its own home as a dangerous place. We're going to have to cave-in some of this area, or it'll just duck down the sink hole and escape inside the cave." said Moss peering down.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -
" Big Jaw Territory, Marshlands, The Highlands"​

“Or shut it closed.” Isa started to swing his legs, looking down as his gloved hands held onto the bark tightly. “I could mold the stone too. Make the entrance close up.”

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -
" Big Jaw Territory, Marshlands, The Highlands"​

"You can also mold stone too?! Wow!" said Moss, even more amazed. "Okay, so we'll trap it here. What can I start helping you with?"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -
" Big Jaw Territory, Marshlands, The Highlands"​

“Y-yea!” Isa grinned, ears turning red. Embarrassed and flattered. He didn’t think Moss would be amazed about that.

“O-okay then can ya find a log while I close that up? It’s gonna take a while for me to close it enough that the Big Jaws won’t fit through the entrance.”

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -
" Big Jaw Territory, Marshlands, The Highlands"​

"You got it, boss~" he saluted Isa.

Moss went to search for a good log. They were surrounded by giant old trees and he thought maybe it would be faster if he just chopped one of the branches then lower it down. That didn't take long at all. Borrowing Isa's rope, he tied their ropes on either side of one of the top branches that was about as thick as an ordinary pine tree and slung it over a higher branch, then down, down to a root at the bottom, then he began to hack away with the saw from the toolkit he borrowed from Isa long ago.

Isa would hear the crack of branches above him, and Moss jumping up and down the sawed branch to break the little bit of it off still connected to the tree. With a snap it broke off, swinging from the two ropes. Moss whooped, jumping from on high and splashing into the marsh, then immediately regretted it as he ended up splattering mud and getting stuck waist deep in the goop and needing Isa's help to get pulled out. The mud even suctioned off his boot.

It required the two men to be able to slowly lower the heavy branch down. Moss watched in fascination, as Isa worked, and after two hours, they had the sink hole ready to collapse under another hole when the Big Jaws walks in, and the large piked branch ready to swing and hopefully hit it.

Then they waited, Moss was up on a tree watching the surroundings for any sign of a red scaly head poking out from the tree tops. And about four in the afternoon, they saw it.

It was dragging half the corpse of a huge dead tricerotops through the wider swamp waters, sloshing guts and blood everywhere. Small birds, kind of like the ones that were cleaning the raptor's teeth back in the Ciros labyrinth was on its back and around its jaws, pecking at the corpse. It emerged from the waters and on to the dry rocky slope, moving closer and closer to the trap.

Moss crossed his fingers, ready to drop on to the dinosaur with spear and shield in hand.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -
" Careful planning equals bountiful success"​

The trap worked a lot better than they anticipated.

The T-Rex didn‘t even notice the hidden sink hole, stepping into the sticky land that’s seemingly sucking it down. It roared in alarm, dropping it’s meal as it squirmed in place. With a nod to the merman, he cut the rope with his spear and it swung. Piercing the T-Rex’s scaly temples through just as it turned it’s head around.

With a might thud, the Big Jaws dropped to the ground. Not moving. Not breathing.

Isa gaped, blinking owlishly. “ . . . Wha-? W-we did it ? . . .” He croaked, throat roughed from singing for two hours. Then he grinned widely. “We did it!! Holy smokes! We- *coughs* *coughs* did it!”

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Quest Finished -
" One Day Later, Bird Village"​

"AHHHH!" yelled Moss victoriously, and slid down the ropes, swinging to a halt in front of Isa. He hugged him."Yeah, we did! I thought we were going to have some kind of gigantic battle riding on the back of that thing --- I mean, this is more dangerous than a raptor --- wow . . . " He gave Isa an energetic high-five.

With the two of them in high spirits, they gouged out the eyes of the Big Jaws, keeping it in the net, hanging from each of their backpacks. Moss reckoned they could make it back to the Ciros Labyrinth before night fall if Isa rode on him in his orca form, and made it they did. The alpha raptors were pleased with the death of the Big Jaws, celebrating by eating its eyes. They said that they will begin to move out and travel swiftly back home where they can hunt in peace without being hunted themselves.

Moss and Isa told the good news to the Asger hunters, and the next day they braved going inside the labyrinth to check, and true enough not a single raptor was left. Not even the eggs, and the hunters were able to retrieve the remains of their comrades who had perished in the labyrinth.

With this the job was done. It was way more successful than what the hunters initially hoped for, and though the bounty was only for the raptor claws, they rewarded Isa and Moss more than what was agreed upon for actually making all of the raptors move out. This part of the Highlands wasn't going to have any trouble from them anymore.

"We'll also keep an eye out for that Lorenzo and his friend for you." Vera said to Isa. "We'll send a message if we hear any news about them. Thank you, Isa, Mos, for fixing our problem." she shook their hands.

With that, the afternoon of the next day found Isa and Moss once again in the familiar Bird Village with its homely smells of baked goods, and the hubbub of peaceful village life, Moss holding Isa's hand and very satisfied with their pay and how they finished their job.

Katsuya

Spoiler: Reward

Isa and Moss +100 Alchemical each, and +1 Roleplay Point

Spoiler: Moss' Gear

Health: Fresh | Toughness: 18 +2 R.E. | Spell Power: 13 |Manna: 5/5
Condition: 5​

Weapon: Lance | Wt.1. +2 Combat. Light. At the start of your turn, before taking any actions, you can declare to add the hit bonus of your weapon to your Toughness instead of your attack roll until the start of your next turn. Made of steel with a staff decorated in oriental designs.
Shield: Steel Shield | Wt.2. +2 Toughness. Round shield made of bronze, bonded with obsidian. The sides of the rim have little cut outs where Moss can rest his spear while his shield is up. In the center is a riveted decorative boss that can be changed with the emblem of the Iron Itsumade.
Armor: Oriental Armor: Wt. 1. +2 Toughness. Light leather armor.
Accessory I: Ghillie Suit: Wt.1. +6 to Stealth checks in 1 specific terrain: Greenery. Doesn't stack with the stealth bonus from camouflaged light armor.
Accessory II: Hiking Gear: Wt.1. +2 to climbing, traveling safely across the wilderness, and surviving noxious gases. Comes with a pair of crampons, pitons, hooks, ice axe, a hooded winter coat that's waterproof, and a firestorm shroud.

Alchemical = 138 | Metal = 6
Total Carrying Capacity: 12/25
Roleplay Points: 3​

BAG OF FOLDING:
*Any clothes you put inside will come out clean, freshly ironed, pressed, and folded. Backpack +20 carrying capacity.

1. Memento | A box made of blue coral with an engraving of him, two merman, and one mermaid. Moss stores his favorite tea blend here.
2. Battle horn
3. Blue Crockpot| Wt.1. +2 Cooking, potion brewing, and making medicine. Contains a mess kit and comes with a collection of containers for monster parts, unknown liquids, and acid. Gift from Isa.
4. Box of Blue Volcanic Ash | Can be sold for 5 alchemical. Gift from Isa. Moss ain't selling it.
5. Cookbook: Mistakes are Great| +1 to cooking rolls. Cookbook of delicacies in The Highlands. Gift from Isa.
6. Flint and Steel | Make fire. Comes with a box of tinder.
7. Isa's Toolbox | Wt. 1+2 Forging, building, tailoring, lock picking, and disabling traps. You can also excavate or gather more crafting resources = Artisan Skill Rank.
8. Lashings | Advantage to Overcoming Difficult Terrain when set up. Rope or similar that's 50 ft. in length.
9. Map (Ruins Raptor's Nest): +4 Survival if you are in the map region and if the map applies, such as: not getting lost, or finding the best hunting grounds.
10. Ragnite Lantern | Wt.1. Casts light in a 30 ft. radius. or 60 ft. cone. Has a hood allowing you to lower the light to a dim 5 ft. radius. Runs on 1 ragnite power crystal for 1 year. Can change color of light. Can be hung on belt.
11. Plush Sleeping Bag | Wt.1. Gives a comfy rest. +1 to Condition.

- CONSUMABLES -​

1. x11 Spices | +1 to cooking rolls. Includes seasoning such as salt. 1 spice may be added per 1 cooking roll.
   x30 Spices (stored in the tavern)
2. x8 Fresh Ingredients (chilled)| Recently hunted meat, caught fish, picked fruits. Remains fresh for a day.
   x24 Fresh Ingredients (chilled) (stored in the tavern)
3. x6 Rations | These are snacks and preserved meals, coffee, tea leaves, etc. that can be eaten or drank during a short rest, recovering 2 manna instead of just 1 without having anything to eat or drink. Lasts for 2 months.
4. x4 Hygiene Kit: +1 Condition when used during a long rest. +1 to Crafting Disguises. Also contains cosmetics and all manner of bubble bath bombs.
5. x6 Oil Flask | 1 pint. Can be used in combination with fire attacks, increasing the DC for "Burn" by +1.
6. x6 Torch: Equipped in your off-hand or main hand. Casts light in a 30 ft. radius. Burns for an hour with a chance of being blown out in bad weather. DC 10 to avoid "Burn".
7. x3 Trauma Kit : +2 to Healing rolls. DC 12 Knowledge check removes one affliction or improves health by 1. DC 14 stabilizes dying character. If affliction DC is less than 12, affliction is automatically removed. Every extra 1 hour performing the medical operation gives +1 to Trauma Kit rolls. Uses up a major action when used during battle.

- UNEQUIPPED GEAR -​

1. Ghillie Suit: Wt. 1. +6 to Stealth checks in 1 specific terrain: Ruins. Doesn't stack with the stealth bonus from camouflaged light armor.
2. Silk Shirt | Wt.1. +1 Toughness.
3. Worn Seraph Blades | Wt.1. Dual-Wield daggers. +1 Combat. Once per turn, you can attack twice but each attack has -3 to combat rolls. No penalty if making only 1 attack. Two-handed.

- MISCELLANEOUS-​

1. Dorudon Soul Shard | Gift from Isa.
2. Pocket Watch | Runs on ragnite. Has beautiful engravings and space on one side of the locket for a small photo or painting.
3. x6 Cheap goods | 2 sets of worn clothes, old mess kit, vintage oriental kettle, wooden comb, pouch of drawing charcoal and chalks.
4. x4 Common goods | 1 set of traveling clothes, 1 journal, Second-hand book: Ninjas of Love Vol. 1, Vial of Citrus Light

- JUNK -​

1. Scrap | Can be sold for 14 metal. When smelted and turned into steel ingots, can be sold for 24 metal. (stored in tavern)
2. Scrap | Can be sold for 16 Metal. Or forged into steel ingots for 32 Metal. (stored in tavern)

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -
" One day later, Bird village"​

High fives abound as Isa and Moss cheered. After cutting out the T-rex’s eyes and wrapping them in nets, the redhead agreed to riding on Orca Moss. “O-only because it’s faster and if you’re really okay with me sitting on ya.” He muttered, cheeks tinting pink.

As they rode back to Ciros ruins and presented the eyes to the alpha raptors, the redhead stayed close to Moss. A little protective still. It wasn’t until the pair returned to the hunters and let them know, is when Isa relaxed. Grinning impishly at the news of the hunters being able to go in and out of the ruins safely. No raptors in sight. They are a lot more honorable than Isa thought, he’ll keep this in mind. He was surprised to receive the reward and accepted it gratefully.

”Thank you. I really appreciate that.“ Isa rakishly grinned. Telling others about his uncle was a good idea after all. It eases the weight on his shoulders a bit. “You’re welcome, Vera.”

Squeezing Moss’ hand, Isa lean his head on the merman’s shoulder as they walked back to the cozy Bird Village. Smiling happily with their results and how they weren’t in a rush back. He enjoyed their walk back too, filled with flirty banter and teasing touches like a bump of the hips or a ticklish poke on the sides. ”Should we celebrate with food? How about a picnic? Oh! I need to check on Johnny. Ordered something from him — Maybe we can get a few desserts from him too, with wine or the yummy drink from the tavern~”

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -
" One Day Later, Bird Village"​

"A picnic sounds good!" grinned Moss, heartily slinging his arm around Isa's shoulders. "Wine too, and yes, desserts! A picnic isn't complete without something sweet. Maybe I should buy some sweet cinnamon buns, or no, maybe that's too much sweetness because I already have a very sweet, soft, cinnamon bun." he smiled at Isa, bumping his hip.

They arrived at the outskirts of the village and passed by Johnny's farm where he had put up his baked goods stall next to a cart where he was having a sale of wool linen. The giant sheep grazing in the paddock outside his home had all been sheared. As they waited with a basket of their goods for Johnny to return with Isa's order, Moss checked out the rolls of cloth together with some house wives and young ladies perusing the wares. "Hey, Isa, can I fix the patches on your coat?" he called to him.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -
" One day later, Bird village"​

Isa resisted on smiling, cheeks flushed red. “N-not a cinnamon roll, ya yummy Maki roll~” He bump his hips back and lightly nipped his cheek; squeezing his hand.

While waiting for his order, staring at the fuzzy wool linen, the redhead looked over at Moss. Spotting him quickly as he was taller than the ladies. He smiled, mentally swearing to not rip his coat apart now. “Sure~ as long ya can try something on for me?”

”I promise it’s nothing bad too.” Isa said, hoping to sooth over the merman’s weariness about his tricky tendencies.

Spoiler: Stats and Backpack

Health: Fresh | Toughness: 11 +1 shield +2 light armor | Spell Power: 12+5=17 |Manna: 9/9
Condition:

Weapon: Raven staff | Mage staff. Enhanced by metal braces to not break easily unless hit by a strong or heavy weapon. Spell range +1 small area, +2 Spell Power. You may spend 2 Sp to increase a Spell's area of effect by +1 small area, or affect +2 additional targets if not an area effect spell. Combat +1.
Shield: Barneclaw scaled shield | Crude. +1 toughness. Wt. 1. Made of a giant fish’s scales and dented metal.
Armor: Leather padding | Light. +2 Toughness. Moss‘ gift.
Accessory I: Ghillie suit, Ruins edition| +6 to Stealth checks in 1 specific terrain: Greenery, Rocky, Snow, Desert, Urban, Wet. Doesn't stack with the stealth bonus from camouflaged light armor.
Accessory II: Hiking gear | +2 to climbing, traveling safely across the wilderness, and surviving noxious gases. Comes with a pair of crampons, pitons, hooks, ice axe, a hooded winter coat that's waterproof, and a firestorm shroud.


Alchemical = 232 alchemical | Metal = 85
Total Carrying Capacity: 12/25
Roleplay Points: 1/3

|||Backpack|||

Equipment:
Valkyrie ring of Loki | Enemy attacks him and Isa will see either the past or future of said enemy. It’s etched with the name, Salazaar.

Items:
Net | After making a successful attack with a net on 1 target, inflicts "Grappled". A major action can be spent to make a DC 14 Combat roll with a sharp weapon or DC 14 Survival roll to get out of the net or destroy it.
Chocobo Bell | Made in Bird Village. Made with tinkling sounding metal and etched running cute versions of chocobos around it. Each craftsman and settlement has unique handsome bell designs mostly based on culture. The bell can be made from brass, porcelain, glass, metal, crystal, bone, etc.
Ragnite lamp | Casts light in a 30 ft. radius. or 60 ft. cone. Has a hood allowing you to lower the light to a dim 5 ft. radius. Runs on 1 ragnite power crystal for 1 year. Can change color of light (Isa is gonna have fun with changing the colors). Can be hung on belt.
Cheirokmeta vol. 2 | written by Zosimos of Panopolis, and was a book on ancient alchemy and the transmutation of metals and souls. Stolen from Vanar by a pair of thieves. This is what the Templars have been searching for months. It’s powered by an unknown old stone, repelling anything from the book. Not even it’s pages are yellowing. It holds a bunch of spells that Isa translated.

Spoiler: Spell descriptions

There were spells to polymorph into different monsters, create arcane arrows, turn smoke into a ladder, turn leaves and paper into blades, create an umbral body, a long incomplete chapter on the creation of the Philiosopher's stone and many more, the more powerful spells requiring the use of soul stones.

And finally there was Adamas, a much greater spell to purify the corrupting taint of demons that are hard to remove through usual means. A spell circle was drawn on the page, where the corrupted individual was to lie down in the middle after drinking a vial of Sacred Flames. Three ingredients were to be set within three arcane points inside the circle immediately after that: blackthorn, crow's eye, and a vial of hellmist.

Tent | 4 people. Protects against bad weather. Can be turned into a hanging tent.
Plush sleeping bag | Gives a comfy rest. +1 to Condition.
Lashings | Advantage to Overcoming Difficult Terrain when set up. Rope or similar that's 50 ft. in length.
Toolbox | He stole this one from the Kutulus. +2 Forging, building, tailoring, lock picking, and disabling traps. You can also excavate or gather more crafting resources = Artisan Skill Rank.
x1 Potion of Blandishment | +4 to charm rolls on people, seemingly making Isa charming. Doesn't work on creatures not similar to your race. Swore to never use it on Moss again.
Translator notes | +2 knowledge to interpreting Arcana runes.
Fishing rod | +1 to Survival rolls when fishing. He got it to fish with Moss.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -
" One Day Later, Bird Village"​

Moss laughed. "Maki roll? I like that." he offered his neck too for nipping.

At Johnny's stall, Moss quirked an eyebrow. "Try what?" It was at that moment that Johnny arrived with a package neatly wrapped in cloth and closed with a gold leaf brooch.

"Here you go, I hope it's just as you imagined it to be."

Katsuya