Active [Republic of Kuridan - Yale Village Outskirts] Whack 'A Mole 2: Dirtier Business

[Elvario]

This RP is part of the Isekai Hell setting. It is a continuation of this part. It is currently open to be joined. Late participation is allowed, but no guarantees of any customized interactions and/or worthwhile remaining plot to join in for will be given.

What to expect out of character:
Pacing will be every Wednesday and Sunday, around 11:00 (CET / UTC+1). Post before that or risk being skipped. Missing a round during non-combat rounds likely won't matter too much. Missing a round during combat will likely result in negative consequences for the character.

As the RP is being split into parts, it is meant to least around 30-ish days per part. One more part is estimated for the story to wrap up after this one.

The RP will focus on map-based exploration and combat, but will have room for social interactions amongst PC's (and possibly NCP's). For the combat, a 'light' version of the Effectiveness system will be used (3 actions per round, base effectiveness, Cooldowns, etc.).

What to expect in character:
A while ago, odd mole monsters were spotted in the Drider inhabited village of Yale in the Republic of Kuridan. Scouts from the Kuridan Adventurer's Guild have located a cave that they assume to be their nest, but they found signs of it being tempered with.

The Adventurers Guild is now sending in adventurers to go investigate and to deal with the monster moles, as well as any other trouble they might run into. The party will have likely found this quest on one of the Adventurer's Guilds notice boards, along with a description to an area near the cave in question. The path there was already marked by scouts, so finding the meeting-up spot should not be of issue.

The party entered the cave and fought some initial moles. Now they find two paths ahead of them. One a giant chasm with some pillars and undead. Another a rope-bridge. A fox on either side.

When joining, please let me know the following things in your first post:

• Asset goals. – By Novama's word, whether it is related to the RP or not doesn't matter, if you wish to obtain an asset during the duration of this RP or upgrade an existing one, let me know so we can formalise it. That's enough to achieve it.
• Narrative goals. - Any side-goals and quests related to the plot that you might wish to add for the sake of lore/flavour. Also if you wish for the obtained of an asset/skill to be an 'involved' part of the RP. I'll see what I can do in such cases. Due to the nature of this RP and the amount of participants, I won't give any guarantees of it working/being implemented.
• Character owned Point Boosters. - Attentive Student, Mentor, Devour, Narrative Booster. So that I know when/if to include them during narration or in grading.
• [Wanted] Titles – So that I know to involved the Hunters somehow to ensure it won't negatively affect the aftermath. Also let me know where to find information about the Hunting party to use for their involvement.
• [Criminal] or [Monster] Titles – Certain settings might be more difficult to access as a criminal or monster. If those are in possession of the character, they might need some extra/alternative routes to be worked into the story and might risk facing some serious hostility form (N)PC's if found out.
• Active Downtime | Buddy Skills | Masterwork Skills | Complex Assets – If your character has an asset they wish to upgrade using the [Downtime] function or if they have any of these skills with passive elements to them, let me know so I can add it to the grading sheet post-RP.

Tags and character goals:
Elvario Almeida – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Increase her reputation with the Kuridan Adventurer's Guild. | Using Downtime to have stories of her deeds spread her reputation in other Adventurer's Guilds as well.
Femboy Whizziemin the Greatest, Reborn! – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Will be updated if new/recurring goals are given.
Maxxob Koralia Ironjaw – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem | Will be updated if new/recurring goals are given.
Develius Jebidiah Boone – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Will be updated if new/recurring goals are given.
IanThe170 Joshua Wincent – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Will be updated if new/recurring goals are given.
Fantasy-Cat Kiyo – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Will be updated if new/recurring goals are given.
Maverick Six Martin - Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Will be updated if new/recurring goals are given.

Spoiler: Full images and Sources

Mole https://www.artstation.com/artwork/R3gbm

Skeleton Warrior https://www.artstation.com/artwork/mqgZY

Mercenary Fox https://www.artstation.com/artwork/b569Va

Shaman Fox ]https://leossart.artstation.com/projects/1nD34o

Martin's [Comet] wouldn't strike the undead. Instead, their shields had started to glow... after which they deflected the energy projectiles back at where they came from. It wasn't entirely clear what magic they'd used, as it certainly wasn't something ordinary. To those with enough arcana or magic knowledge or perception, however, it'd be clear the magic stemmed from their shields. Not from them. Yet, oddly enough, they seemed to return to a more passive mode the moment they'd finished deflecting the attack. All the while, the Shaman fox's flute kept playing as the cave kept being lit up by magical lights.

Combat Mode is Active​

• Three actions per turn. (Including abilities, moving, attacking, long-winded speeches, dodging, aiming, switching weapons/gear, etc.)
• Cooldowns apply. Please keep track of them in your posts.
• Area specific debuffs and challenges may apply (limited light, loose rocks/gravel, narrow spaces, allies in the way).
• Effectiveness (light version) will be used when/where applicable.
• HP pool will be 3 + vitality (when using heavy armour) or speed (when using light armour) or character grade (when using no armour)

The party (Almeida, Kiyo, Martin and Koralia) are currently targeted by the following magic attack:

Comet - Gravity Affinity F, Magic E, Magic AOE F, Magic Range (E Metamagic), Homing F, Indirect F, Knockback F, Magic Targets F - Creates 5 "bolts" of gravitational energy that can come from and direction and seek out targets like missiles. Travel out to 100 feet and each individual comet explodes with a 15 foot AOE - Grade E - 1 Post Cooldown (INT B + CAT C + ABL E = 11 BE + 1 Homing = 12)

Meanwhile, on the other side, the Mercenary Fox was willing to give a bit more away.

Mercenary Fox: “How about this. I'll let the small one cross and exchange some more information. If you bring back our Shaman, we might even help you get set-up with a better way to deal with the moles. They've been an annoyance to our goals here as well.”

He'd eventually call out to Whizzie and Jebidiah. He hadn't spotted Joshua yet. Perhaps for the better, as such a sight might not help with diplomacy.

Mercenary Fox: “I can't offer you any more without discussing it with our leader.”

He'd add, giving away that he, apparently, wasn't the one in charge.

 

[Femboy]

1
Whizziemin the Greatest

Equipped Titles: Monster, Incubus
Point Booster: Attentive Student (F)
Character Sheet
Common | #Abyssal#

Goals: Obtain/Upgrade Republic Nobility Title, collect samples and research info
Luckily, Whizzie had diverted his attention from the matters going on with the others, so the danger of a projectile being reflected wasn't of the slightest concern to him. If his companions turned out to die from such an incident, he knew exactly the way to escape out right after he'd collect samples from their bodies for research purposes. It didn't feel like he was getting anywhere with the mercenary, up until he had suggested that Whizzie was allowed to come over. It felt like a suspicious offer more than anything, but Cassidy nearby would be a useful ally with a ranged attack. That, and he somewhat anticipated he wouldn't be abandoned down here by the rest of his party.

Sighing softly to himself, maybe this could be more beneficial after all.
"As long as you're willing to play nice, I'll be willing to cross on over to have a nice conversation about things, it'll be a nice time for the both of us~" he peacefully chimed, before stepping towards the bridge.
"You best not have any mean intentions now, I'm trusting you that we can get along just fine, maybe it'll be more fun than you realise" Whizzhe smiled, a small smug smirk forming on his face as his slender tail swished and flicked a little. Giving the benefit of the doubt to the mercenary, he'd go ahead to try and cross, giving a glance back to Cassidy.

"Keep an eye in case there's trouble, make sure you and the others don't forget about me depending on how long I'm over there for" he'd quietly add, going to cross over.
"So, my dear~, what might you want to talk about? I'm sure there's looots of good things we can discuss" the incubus hummed on his way.

Actions
1.
Alternate Identity (F) (Be really convincing when making friends with the fox mercenary)
Alternative Identity (F), Deception (F), Seduction (F), Persuasion (F) - Name: Wicke La'Kaia - Titles: Fae, Beast - Looks the same, maybe with hiding his wings, tail or horns, but has a thematical appearance that could be convincingly passed off as one of the other races - F Grade - 0 Turn Cooldown
​

 

[Maxxob]

Koralia Ironjaw

Languages: "Common", "<Bestial>"
[Beastkin], [Native], [Thoroughly Petted], [Baby Eater], [Summoner Abducted], [Fish out of the Water], [Widersia Adventurer Guild F] - Color #876fd6
Point Booster: Attentive Student D
RP Goal: Obtain The Republic Adventurer Guild F asset; Downtime: None
Resilient [Surprised]

Elvario Maverick Six Fantasy-Cat

Koralia watched with narrowing eyes as smarty-farty-Martin used his hocus-pocus to try and take out the skelly-dudes. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to work all that well, so much so that whatever he had used was being launched back to the group. "Shit!" She exclaimed, as she readied her sword.

With her the muscles of her arms tensing and bulging, heart drumming in her chest, the shark would swing her sword in a half-arc in front of her, trying to destroy the incoming projectiles that sought to hit the whole group. The mercenary took care to limit its range, to not risk hitting the skelly-dudes again. [Action 1]

Not stopping her counter-attack, or perhaps better said protective offensive maneuver, she would slash, both horizontally and diagonally, at the magical projectiles with gritted teeth. [Action 2]

And, amidst all of it, her brows furrowed. "Ain't good to attack 'em from range! We need to get close and personal. Maybe push 'em off the ledges or somethin'!" That was the best she could think of it. And, while she had no idea if Almeida or Kiyo had ranged capabilities, she still warned them. "<Looks like attackin' from distance is bad. Maybe smashing 'em up and close will do the trick.>" [Action 3]

While she would rather not walk through that narrow-ass bridge, that seemed like the only option now.

Spoiler: Actions

1 - Zoom! - Fighting Style E + Deflect E + Penetrating E + Area E + Selective [Being used to shape the Area like a 180º half-circle in front of Koralia, sparring allies/environment as far as she can see, targeting only the incoming attack. Also being used to limit the range of it, so it doesn't reach the Undead.] E, Energized E - Grade E 0 Post Cooldown - Strength A (6) + Weapon B (5) + ABL E (2) = 13 Base Effectiveness, -2 to enemy stat if counter-attacking, -2 to enemy item
2 - Basic Attack +1
3 - Dropped some shark-wisdom

 

[Fantasy-Cat]

Character Sheet
​

Kiyo quickly dashed behind Martin and Koraliain in an attempt to dodge the incoming missiles. “By the grand tree! That was close” he said with an excited look in his eyes. He then poked his head out from behind Koraliain to see what was attacking the group. A wave of rage and disgust swept the happiness and innocence from his face. “Undead!” He spat. “We need to destroy them!” he shouted to the two before him.

Vile monsters! A blight on the natural world. The voice said in pure anger.

“That’s something we can agree on” Kiyo responded with a whisper ass he extended his head forward while analysing the undead enemy. “I’ve read a lot about these monsters…” he told Martin and Koraliain. He tried to remember what he had learnt when studying the arcane…

Actions

Dodge the missiles [speed F]
Analyse the undead [arcane E]​

 

[Maverick Six]

Martin
Mentions: Elvario Maxxob Fantasy-Cat
Equipped Titles: Abomination, Human (Mundane), Construct, Expert Tinkerer, Isekai, Mad Scientist, Student of Higgs Boson F
Languages: |Common | %Analog% |

"Shit." Martin watched as the comets he summoned from above bounced off the creature's shields. Soon his own attack was headed for him. His face nearly like stone most of the time and as cold as others described -- widened with surprise.

"Incoming." He said at just about the same time as Koralia did.

"Accelerate." With that word came another two spells. spell. Two gravitational waves manifest midair, spawning about 15 feet from Martin's person. Just as Koralian said, he'd seek to knock aside. [Accelerate]

They dare use my own attacks against me?

However, he smile turned to something of a smirk.

"Quite interesting." From Martin's eyes, mythical energies enhanced his so called "appraisal" as an equal to his scanners. Using this, Martin sought to scan the surrounding area. His glowed dimly as he used mana to augment the radius of his scan. The targets of the scan were both the undead themselves and the strange weapons they carried. He leaned quite a great degree onto his knowledge of crafting and his knowledge of mythical forces. [Quite Interesting] However, his eyes would look through incoming data to find anything else that he might stumble upon.

Assuming Martin managed to aid in nullifying the kinetic forces of his own attacks and being tossed like a ragdoll by them.

"Almeida, I recall you wanting to have at the moles. Now's your chance. I'll aid you in your next attack. And I may decide to collapse structures if they decide to flood the place. Perhaps attacking from multiple angles might make this easier." Martin said, trying to coax the eager-seeming woman into going first.

In truth, this was hardly a mission worth dying for.

---

Spoiler: Actions

Actions: 3/3

HP: 6/6 (D Grade Vitality + 3 HP BUFF)
Armor: 2/2 (E Grade Heavy)

1. and 2. Accelerate - Gravity Affinity F, Magic F, Indirect F, Energized F, Magic School F, Metamagic Range F, Knockback F, Telekinesis F - Martin spawns a gravitational wave out of thin air to throw a target in any direction. Can appear from anywhere within 30 feet. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown (INT B + CAT C + ABL F = 10 BE + 1 Homing + 1 Combo = 12) (Counter Reflected attack)

3. Quite Interesting C.... - Artisan: Tinkerer C, Appraisal E, Magic E, Magic Range F, Metamagic AOE (E), Magic School F, Physics F, Arcana F, Engineering F - Martin dedicates his knowledge and areas of expertise to gather information on something. Using magic, he extends the range and area of his appraisal to encompass multiple targets of interest. Range of 30 feet and radius of 100 feet - Grade C - 3 Post Cooldown [Analyze Skeletons + Their Weapons]

Cooldowns:
Martin
F - 0 Posts Remaining
E - 0 Posts Remaining
D- 0 Posts Remaining
C- 3 Posts Remaining
B- 0 Posts Remaining


Text: #7DF9FF

 

[IanThe170]

Character - CharactersJoshua Wincent
Languages: %Analog%; Common
Titles: Construct; Born for This; BIV
RP Specific:

Spoiler

• Asset Goals: Obtain metals or minerals which could eventually be used to enhance his body.
• Narrative Goals: Asset Goals, with the addition of finding any neat hobbies from the other characters involved.
• Character Owned Point Boosters: N/A
• [Wanted] Titles: N/A
• [Criminal] or [Monster] Titles: N/A
• Active Downtime | Buddy Skills | Masterwork Skills | Complex Assets: Masterwork: Gatherer(Ores and Minerals)

Miscellaneous:

Spoiler

• Spoiler: Stats

  Strength - F
  Precision - D
  Intelligence - E
  Vitality - D
  Speed - D
  Character Grade - F
• Spoiler: Skills

  Resilient E (Fatigue - doesn’t need food, water, sleep; suffocation)
  Engineering F
  Survival F
  Barrier F
  Electric Affinity F
  Magic F
  Artisan Tinkerer F
  Masterwork: Harvester F
• Spoiler: Abilities

  • Electromagnetic Shield - Barrier F, Electric Affinity F, Magic F - Creates an electric Force Field around a target, which protects from damage, but may cause a slight shock when touched - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown - 1 Post Duration
  • Look, don’t touch - Electric Affinity F - Shocks upon will anyone or anything that comes into contact with it - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown
  • Mobile Battery - Electric Affinity F, Engineering F - If an electronic device can be charged, Joshua can charge it - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown - Narrator Discretion
• Spoiler: Equipment

  Built-in toolkit required for robotics/engineering of own body.
  Central Core F(Natural Catalyst)
  Gathering Set for Ores and Minerals

The gang over at the bridge near the graveyard seemed to be having fun, that was for sure. Based on what Joshua saw of the fellow constructs offensive power, perhaps it was for the best to stay near the skeleton and boy-toy. At least until it's figure out exactly how the magic deflection works. He already had one near death experience due to unlikely chance, he did not wish for another one.

Near the bridge where he himself had stayed, things were progressing rather smoothly between the mercenary and the boy-toy. Well, as smoothly as walking towards the mercenary on the safety hazard that could be referred to as a bridge could go. Regardless, they had no clue if and when the moles would pop out again, nor the mercenaries intentions, so he'd still and try to observe the situation, prepared to rush in and deploy his [Electromagnetic Shield] or just zap with [Look, don't touch], if necessary. Hopefully and most likely it would not come to that, but you never know.

Since it appeared he wasn't exactly noticed either, due to lack of presence and conversation, he'd keep it this way.

 

[Develius]

---

"CURRENTLY DISGUISED AS 'CASSIDY B. FLINT'"
Languages:
| Common | #Abyssal# |
Mentions:
| Elvario [Fox Mercenary + Almeida] | Femboy [Whizzie] | IanThe170 [Joshua] | Maverick Six [Martin] | Maxxob [Corallia] | Fantasy-Cat [Kiyo]​

---

Cassidy squinted cautiously upon hearing the mercenary's request to let one of their own across, which in this case would be Whizzie. In addition should they bring back the shaman to them, they might help his possy with their mole problems given they were annoying them as well. But anything more would be something for their boss to speak on. Something wasn't terribly sit right with the gunslinger with this whole exchange. "Now hol' up just a lip-smackin' min!" the gunslinger growled leerily. It was evident that he was getting concerned and mildly-aggravated by all this dillydallying, "Ya'll jus' expect us to continue with this lil tradin' game for info with one of our own as damn collateral like dis? When we hardly be trustin' yas in the first place? Just what n' tarnation is the point of all dis for whatever sus-"

He'd be interrupted as Whizzie would willingly agree to the trade as he walked across the bridge to be beside them. Cassidy was absolutely dumbstruck by this display. "Wut?" he called out to Whizzie, "Ya serious? What if he-?"

He clicked his teeth in frustration as Whizzie ensured he had this under control, only asking they all keep an eye out for trouble if any arise. Of course, he should see about asking the others whether or not they've seen a shaman... but neither did he want to loose a potential employer like Whizzie if the opposing force decided it was best to kill him. If only he knew for sure they could trust their word. Truly... he had to force himself to truly trust these strangers. Hopefully their research friend got it all covered.

"Ah shiet..." he mumbled defeatedly before calling out, "A'ight fine. I'll be back in a jiffy though to let the rest know..." He then glared directly at the fox mercenary, "Ya'll both stay RIGHT here now. If you HURT 'im... or if I don't see ya two 'ere once I git back... I'll skin ya alive. Ya hear?"

With that, Cassidy proceeds to exit the cavern and make his way towards where the rest of the group are - missing sight of Joshua who had been silently watching them the whole time. Though by the time he reached them he'd notice that they were already in combat. Already there was mole carcass was standing right next to Martin and Kiyo. "Oi Martin!" Cassidy called out to Martin, "What's happenin' over there? That foxy guy be askin' if we can git em back their fox shaman for more info. Meanwhile he got that Whizz-kid with em in exchange for more info and while Whizzle claims he got dis covered, I dun think we canz let em be fer long! Sumthin' mighty sketchy about all this I tell ya what!"

He readied his revolver in the meantime, preparing to engage the current situation before them if needed...

---

Actions:

1. Moves towards Martin.
2. Explains situation to Martin.
3. Readies revolver if needed.

 

[Elvario]

Fantasy-Cat (Remember, Kiyo wasn't said to speak Common. Use some language indication on whether he's speaking Sylvan (Fae) or Beastial (Beast) to communicate.)

Tags and character goals:
Elvario Almeida – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Increase her reputation with the Kuridan Adventurer's Guild. | Using Downtime to have stories of her deeds spread her reputation in other Adventurer's Guilds as well. (Rounds: I)
Femboy Whizziemin the Greatest, Reborn! – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Obtain/Upgrade Republic Nobility Title. | Collect samples and research info. (Rounds: I)
Maxxob Koralia Ironjaw – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem | Obtain The Republic Adventurer Guild F asset (Rounds: I)
Develius Jebidiah Boone – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. (Rounds: I)
IanThe170 Joshua Wincent – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Obtain metals or minerals which could eventually be used to enhance his body. (Rounds: I)
Fantasy-Cat Kiyo – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | (Rounds: I)
Maverick Six Martin - Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. (Rounds: I)

Spoiler: Full images and Sources

Mole https://www.artstation.com/artwork/R3gbm

Skeleton Warrior https://www.artstation.com/artwork/mqgZY

Mercenary Fox https://www.artstation.com/artwork/b569Va

Shaman Fox ]https://leossart.artstation.com/projects/1nD34o

The combination of Koralia's and Martin's counters was enough to to slow down and eventually dissipate the incoming gravitational energy.

Almeida

Spoiler: full image and source

From: Almeida

Although Almeida had also raised Valerius, it seemed that was no longer needed “<Ohh... I thought we were going to play a game of smashing that back and forth for a bit.>” She grumbled.

As for not attacking from range, Almeida shrugged. “<We could've deflected it back again, maybe, to see who keeps up the longest? Or maybe throw more rocks at them? The dead mole also seemed to hit... Or yeah, we just go and smash them up. I just don't want to be knocked off of those bridges.>” She looked down. That wouldn't be a fun fall.

As Martin talked to her, she tilted her head, then shrugged. “%If you're talking to me, you're not speaking my language. I got no clue what you're saying mate.%” She admitted. Then she pulled out a rope. “%If we tie this to someone's waist and let them go first, we can at least pull them back up if they fall.%”

Turning to Koralia and Kiyo, she'd repeat herself. “<If we tie a rope around someone's waist, we can try pulling them back up even if they fall.>” Then she'd hold up the rope, looking around to see if anyone would volunteer to go first.

Thankfully for Kiyo the inbound attack was already stopped by Koralia and Martin. His arcana knowledge would confirm that the glow on the shields had been a magic enchantment. The undead themselves, however, he couldn't confirm too much about. It was possible they were plain monsters, some created by a necromancer, perhaps even constructs, animated piles of bones. Yet he'd need to get closer to learn more with just his arcana knowledge backing him.

Whilst Martin's arcana knowledge was lower, the use of magic and other knowledge to back him got him some different results. The skeletons themselves could be appraised, which confirmed they were [Monster], [Undead], [Skeleton], [Guardian] and [Ritual Bound]. Their shields and swords both evaded appraisal.

As Jebidiah came over to explain the situation, Almeida would ask him. “#What is going on on the other side? Are there skeletons over there as well?#” She then held up the rope. “#Also, if you're down to cross the bridge first, you can. We'll tie this to your waist and hoist you back up if you fall!#” She would offer. “#Worst case, I guess we'll need to vote on who to go.#” “%Should we vote on who to go, if nobody's wanting to try cross the bridge?%” “<Should we vote on who's crossing the bridge first?>” She'd ask the others as well.

Meanwhile, Whizzie had gone on to make a friend.

Mercenary Fox: “Sure, I'll play nice.” The mercenary would reply to Whizzie. “I've got no clue what 'fun' you're yapping about.” He sounded a tad annoyed as he added the last bits.

As Whizzie would move across the bridge, he'd enter a small cave on the other side. A large crate was blocking off further access into the tunnel.

Mercenary Fox: “First. What the hell is up with your tone? Second. Why are you here. Really. Are you truly here for just those Moles?” His eyes would seem to pierce Whizzie. “I've got a sharp nose for lies and deceit, so I'd suggest you to be honest if you want to stay healthy and safe and have a 'good time' right now.”

As Joshua was standing by alone, he'd hear some dirt fall, likely causing him to deploy his shield. Although it ended up merely being some gravel shaken loose by Koralia and Martin's counter attacks. Still, it did bring up somthing. He could technically try gather some of his minerals right here and now. Not like anyone was watching him. Right?

 

[Maxxob]

Koralia Ironjaw

Languages: "Common", "<Bestial>"
[Beastkin], [Native], [Thoroughly Petted], [Baby Eater], [Summoner Abducted], [Fish out of the Water], [Widersia Adventurer Guild F] - Color #876fd6
Point Booster: Attentive Student D
RP Goal: Obtain The Republic Adventurer Guild F asset; Downtime: None
Resilient [Surprised]

Interactions: Elvario Maverick Six Fantasy-Cat Develius
Mentions: IanThe170

Seeing that her and smarty-Martin's efforts were enough to deal with the reflected attack, Koralia let out a long, loud sigh. "Ain't that a bitch? But at least we didn't end up becomin' a colander." Shooting a glance towards smarty-Martin, she gave him a thumbs up with her thick thumb. "Nice job, old man! That there fancy-tricks ya have sure are effective." Her rumbling tone, and smirk, pointed that it was an attempted praise.

"<I dunno 'bout destryin' 'em, kitty. But we sure are gonna push their bonny asses outta way. Maybe they end up splatterin' when hittin' the bottom of that hole.>" Giving Kiyo a new nickname, the shark pointed her sword towards the deep chasm in front of them. "<That should be enough to deal with 'em.>" She concluded.

And, rolling the shoulder of her sword arm, there was a nice, and loud, cracking of bones, along with an expression of relief on her face. "Not lyin', this is the first time I see somethin' reflectin' back stuff. Glad it didn't get us by surprise or somethin'." That would have been a bit nasty. "<Yeah, fallin' from that narrow-ass bridge doesn't look fun.>" Agreeing with Almeida, Koralia started looking around, seeing if there was anything she could use to make the crossing safer.

"<So, usin' the rope as a life-line...>" Murmuring, her eyes started sliding from each of the adventurers: The newly arrived Cassidy, then Kiyo, Martin, Almeida and even Joshua at the distance. Her bestial gaze focused on a specific part of their bodies, namely, their arms. "<Ya sure these guys would be able to hoist someone up? I mean, look at the old man! Bet he would throw his back if he tried!>" The index of her free hand pointed towards Martin, before it moved to the sleeve of the one holding the sword. And, pulling it up, revealing her muscular arm, she tensed it, even without needing to flex, making the musculature bulge.

"<I have to be in the rope pullin' duty.>" She said, her tone having an edge of frustration. "<Damn, I really wanted to push those stupid skelly-dudes off that platform.>" Sighing, she turned to Cassidy. "Shaman? Ain't that the one playin' the flute that made this room bright?" Giving him a chance to hear the flute player, she continued. "We need someone to cross over and push those stupid skelly-dudes outta way. And I ain't that confident ya'll twigs for arms ain't gonna snap while pullin' the security rope. So, time to figure out who gonna cross it. Or I guess I can try to throw someone across too." That was an option too, a dangerous one.

 

[Femboy]

2
Whizziemin the Greatest

Equipped Titles: Monster, Incubus
Point Booster: Attentive Student (F)
Character Sheet
Common | #Abyssal#

"It'll be fiiine~. I have you all to trust too, don't I? Just make sure to not spend too long doing whatever you're all doing, and come get me soon enough. I doubt he'd just be sitting in this cave if he didn't have unfinished business here, so he wouldn't get far if he tried to do something" Whizzie answered to Jebidiah, the gunslinger's concern was a good sign of their reliability. Jebidiah might've quite easily come into someone trusting of Whizzie enough to not question his monster status, a good outcome without even trying.

Having crossed to the other side to join the Mercenary, Whizzie would shake his head a little when the other didn't understand the fun.
"Talking with me is going to be more fun to the both of us than either of us having to deal with the things that are elsewhere in this cave. Besides, it is the companions that I here with that'll likely come across any missing friends you have here. You don't have much reason to remain against us, when we're only likely to help you free of charge" Whizzie had first answered. Crossing his arms, his gaze had briefly drifted over the suspiciously obstructed path. Hearing out what he had to say, the concern of him sniffing out the incubus' own biggest secret was a fear. Then again, Whizzie himself wasn't trusting that the other wasn't also keeping secrets.

"This is just the way I talk, there's nothing wrong with that, is there?" he cheerfully hummed, pacing a little back and forth.
"I've only said the truth. I'm a researcher here to study the monstrous and magical, I mean no harm to you or anyone else. Opportunities for my own interest in research don't come around often, much less that I can partake in. Besides, it's okay to have secrets as long as they're not hurting anyone else, or intend to. Besides, it doesn't feel very nice to question me about secrets when I can tell you've got some of your own~" Whizzie's face would grow to a soft smile, almost devious, as he'd look back to the blocked passageway.

"Doesn't seem that normal for someone to be in a cavern of monsters, and be all defensive and agitated once people show up. So, I can keep my own personal business to myself, and I won't question yours. It's also a reminder that if you did do anything against me, you're only going to paint a really big and nasty target on yourself and everything in this cave. So for now, I'd suggest we discuss things like reasonable people, rather than start accusing eachother of business that doesn't matter to the other" Whizzie answered, a quiet giggle as he stopped his pacing. He would've liked to know what was behind the blocked passage, but he wanted to get the Mercenary working with him rather than against him.

Actions
1.
Alternate Identity (C) (Convince the Mercenary, get on his side and trust)
Alternative Identity (C), Deception (F), Seduction (F), Persuasion (F) - Name: Wicke La'Kaia - Titles: Fae, Beast - Looks the same, maybe with hiding his wings, tail or horns, but has a thematical appearance that could be convincingly passed off as one of the other races - C Grade - 3 Turn Cooldown​

 

[Maverick Six]

Martin
Mentions: Elvario Maxxob Fantasy-Cat Develius
Equipped Titles: Abomination, Human (Mundane), Construct, Expert Tinkerer, Isekai, Mad Scientist, Student of Higgs Boson F
Languages: |Common | %Analog% |

"Ah yes that's right. You know several languages yet the one you don't know is the one that is most spoken." Martin mumbled in common, this time deliberately, before replying in analog to Almeida. %"I was suggesting you be the one to go across. I am not very mobile. My options are more limited on the move."% Though as he spoke, he was deeply focused on something else.

Martin's pupils danced beneath a minute glow.

"Such strange titles on these things. "Monster", "Undead", "Skeleton", "Guardian" and "Ritual Bound." I can't see their weapons either. Either my scanning abilities are quite lacking or those weapons are too powerful for me to glean." Martin rattled off the titles as Jebidiah appeared.

"We've gone from moles to skeletons." He said.

"I have a theory. There is another party who wants something else with this cave. Likely, there is something valuable here. Hence why that mercenary was being quite tight lipped earlier. What if anything this has to do with the moles, I have yet to figure out."

He motions to the skeletons. "But these things seem to be guarding something."

He motions to the fox. "And this one seems to be a treasure hunter of some sort."

"Of course, this is only a "theory" of sorts."

Doubts were levied towards Martin's physical capacity. And he shrugs. "I am quite old indeed. My power is quite literally in my mind as opposed to this body." With his average at best strength (F) and below-average movement speed (G), Martin wasn't exactly going to get many places quickly, and not while lifting a lot. Appearances of heavy-looking armor aside that contained advanced technology to lighten the load.

Sure that he did not wish to be the one to go across, Martin decided to try something else, launching a new set of attacks through nothing more than trial and error. However, this time he didn't really target the skeletons as moreso the ground they were standing on.

And he had yet to either grant himself the equipment nor technology to augment his strength.

He chose the island to the leftmost section and began to cast a spell.

"I appreciate it Ms. Ironjaw. You must quite the sword arm to contest my attacks." At the moment, it seemed best to remain in her good graces. "I hope you're potentially ready to do so again. I'll make this one weaker. Though it may prove useful in other ways." He said with a smirk.

%"I'm going to attack again."% He warned Almeida, before he did it.

"Fissure." He clasped his hands together and then spread his arms apart -- a motion akin to ripping something open. The ground on the island would begin to rumble before.

BOOM BOOM BOOM

The ground on the islands would simply explode until 10-foot craters would spawn in the ground like artillery. The left-most area seemed to be of little importance. Matter would be momentarily manipulated until pockets of negative matter formed with positive and then violently repel one another. As the gravitational forces worked, there'd be no signs of any chemical, fire nor did anything strike the ground. [Fissure. Done 3x]

The ground beneath simply became a weapon. Or more accurately, the violent removal of the ground. If this place was unstable, he'd seek to exploit that in the party's favor.

However, a question came to mind as Martin scanned the room and the fox played his flute. Martin wondered as to what exactly was being guarded. Were there any other entrances in sight? He sought to scan the area as he contemplated potential consequences. He didn't want to accidentally prevent the party from progressing.

However, his main focus was on as to whether or not he'd managed to outwit his opponents.

---

Spoiler: Actions

Actions: 3/3

HP: 6/6 (D Grade Vitality + 3 HP BUFF)
Armor: 2/2 (E Grade Heavy)

1. Fissure - Gravity Affinity F, Magic F, Quake F, Indirect F, Energized F, Magic School F, Metamagic Range F, Knockback F - Martin manipulates the gravity in an area below the ground, causing a 10 by 10-feet ( Approx 3 by 3 meters) hole in the ground to spawn. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown (INT B + CAT C + ABL F = 10 BE) [Target. The island to the left)

2. Fissure - Gravity Affinity F, Magic F, Quake F, Indirect F, Energized F, Magic School F, Metamagic Range F, Knockback F - Martin manipulates the gravity in an area below the ground, causing a 10 by 10-feet ( Approx 3 by 3 meters) hole in the ground to spawn. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown (INT B + CAT C + ABL F = 10 BE) (Another spot on the island to the left)

3. Fissure - Gravity Affinity F, Magic F, Quake F, Indirect F, Energized F, Magic School F, Metamagic Range F, Knockback F - Martin manipulates the gravity in an area below the ground, causing a 10 by 10-feet ( Approx 3 by 3 meters) hole in the ground to spawn. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown (INT B + CAT C + ABL F = 10 BE) (A third spot on the island to the left)

Cooldowns:
Martin
F - 0 Posts Remaining
E - 0 Posts Remaining
D- 0 Posts Remaining
C- 2 Posts Remaining
B- 0 Posts Remaining


Text: #7DF9FF

 

[Develius]

---

"CURRENTLY DISGUISED AS 'CASSIDY B. FLINT'"
Languages:
| Common | #Abyssal# |
Mentions:
| Elvario [Almeida] | Femboy [Whizzie] | IanThe170 [Joshua] | Maverick Six [Martin] | Maxxob [Corallia] | Fantasy-Cat [Kiyo] |​

---

"Skele-boys now?" Cassidy replied curiously before looking out at the caverns before them, "Wuz next? Man-eating bats or sumthin?" Indeed, more of his kin were just lying around. Though from what he overheard just before he reached them they were also considered "guardians" and "ritual bound". These weren't just fallen corpses and now they apparently posed a threat to the party as a whole. In fact Martin even confirmed they appeared to be guarding something...

Though as Corallia replied to his "shaman" question, she pointed towards the fox "treasure hunter" perched up on a separate rock island to their right. Taking a glance Cassidy would indeed see who they were talking about, playing the flute as he oversaw the situation. "Ye... yeah! Dat oughta be him!" he called out enthusiastically before cupping his hands to his mouth region. He directed his voice towards the shaman. "Oi! You 'dere! Youz the shaman right? Couple o' us ran into your fellow foxy sword friend jus' a wee-bit ago! He be worried mad about'ya! We'll getcha down and take care o' deez boney boys, somehow, and take ya back to him!" Perhaps he was being a bit redundant, but any confirmation about finding their friends is enough to hopefully bring confidence to him

With that now solved and out of the way, it was time to figure out their next move.

Martin would utilize his gravity powers to try and destroy the skeletons on board, crashing gravitational ordinance upon these boney savages. Still, there was the thought of someone having to go across to investigate or deal with them up-close, so long as they had a rope tied to their waist in case they fell. Jebidiah considered whipping out his abyssal in an attempt to communicate with them, but he doubt it would be of much use against those stage to guard whatever they were guarding.

Maybe if he had some mind-control powers could he commit a whole "Lich" situation, which would be funny but wholly unrealistic...

Regardless, it became clear to him on who was probably to cross. It was risky, but with the added safety precaussions and his "secret identity", there at least seems to be a chance. He turned to Almeida. "#I'll flip a coin 'n ere and cross if none of yall wanna do it.#" he soffered in abyssal to the dwarf, repeating in common for the others, "#Just make sure yall don't slip up if I fall. Hell, maybe my abyssal speak can help tell dem folk to stop rattlin' in dere boots.#"

Should they agree, Cassidy would offer to have the rope tied to his waist before carefully crossing the bridge with steady steps... approaching the nearest skeleton with a careful glance and an arm stretched out in front of him.

 

[Elvario]

Tags and character goals:
Elvario Almeida – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Increase her reputation with the Kuridan Adventurer's Guild. | Using Downtime to have stories of her deeds spread her reputation in other Adventurer's Guilds as well. (Rounds: II)
Femboy Whizziemin the Greatest, Reborn! – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Obtain/Upgrade Republic Nobility Title. | Collect samples and research info. (Rounds: II)
Maxxob Koralia Ironjaw – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem | Obtain The Republic Adventurer Guild F asset (Rounds: II)
Develius Jebidiah Boone – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. (Rounds: II)
IanThe170 Joshua Wincent – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Obtain metals or minerals which could eventually be used to enhance his body. (Rounds: I)
Fantasy-Cat Kiyo – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | (Rounds: I)
Maverick Six Martin - Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. (Rounds: II)

Spoiler: Full images and Sources

Mole https://www.artstation.com/artwork/R3gbm

Skeleton Warrior https://www.artstation.com/artwork/mqgZY

Mercenary Fox https://www.artstation.com/artwork/b569Va

Shaman Fox ]https://leossart.artstation.com/projects/1nD34o

Almeida

Spoiler: full image and source

From: Almeida

Sharky made a point, as Almeida looked at the folk in question. “<Maybe if they all worked together?>” Even then it was a 'maybe' at best. “<Perhaps we'd have to tie the rope to something... maybe... Hmmm....>” She looked around, but couldn't really spot something that'd work well enough. If Sharky had to be on rope-pulling duty, perhaps Almeida herself would have to cross? She debated it. Although she did want to double-check if someone else dared going first.

It seemed Martin wasn't down for it. “%Oh, right! I guess I could try. I bet Koralia could hoist me up if needed.%” She'd nod, as it seemed like she was getting volunteered anyhow. She was shocked by what he said next. “%What, attack again, but...?!?%” As it didn't seem like Martin would change his mind, she just readied Valerius to deflect the attack again if needed.

Yet it wasn't needed. It seemed that the fissure attacks had indeed landed. Whilst the skeletons would move their shields downwards, it didn't deflect the damage back at the party. Instead, it seemed to negate most of the impact from hitting their torso's, having it only hit their legs. That said, it did reveal that these skeletons were relatively sturdy, as they were left mostly unscathed by the impact. The ground below them, however, was not, as the terrain was now a lot more uneven and covered in loose gravel.

When Jebidiah called out to the Shaman, he wouldn't hear a reply. Instead, the flute would just change its tune as the lights that kept the entire area lit would change a little into a more yellow-ish hue.

As Almeida still debated going, it seemed someone else offered. “#Alright, me and Koralia will drag you back up if needed, no worries~#” She'd speak as she'd be happy enough to tie the rope around him. Although depending on how tight he'd pull it, they would notice that he was unhealthily thin around the waist. You'd almost think he was all skin and bones when getting a rope tied around him. “#Mate, you should come have dinner with us after. You could really stand to gain some weight, this can't be healthy.#” She'd suggest.

As for Jebidiah crossing, he'd be able to get across most the bridge with ease, although as he got near the end, the skeleton's undead head would suddenly jerk towards him. Its hollow eyes gazed upon him and it took a defensive position.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

Elsewhere, Whizzie was chatting it up with the fox mercenary. The latter didn't seem the most eager to chat, but even though it was low-grade, the exposure therapy to Whizzie's Seduction, Deception and Persuasion seemed to slowly chip away at him. At the very least it kept him talking and paying attention.

“I'll see it when I see it.” The mercenary would reply. “Although you're relatively easy to talk too, I'm not eager to end up tricked just that easily.”

The fox sniffed the air. “It's a weird way to talk. Just like it 's a weird way to smell.” His hand remained on his weapon. “Let me remind you. We got here first. I'm the one with the weapon here. Your research excuse is... not the most believable.” It was clear the fox remained at least somewhat on edge.

When he himself was challenged, it was only Whizzie's tone of voice that saved him from triggering the fox to get more physically aggressive. “Depends on what's normal. We have a mission here that's confidential. Such things aren't the most uncommon now, are they?” He snarled a bit. “You're the interloper. You're the one trying to talk things through. So if anyone's bound to start talking, it's you.”

As for the threat, that got him to snarl a bit louder. “You think threatening me like that works? How about I return you the favour? Your group was pretty eager to leave you here. Perhaps they won't even notice if I kill you and toss your corpse into the chasm, then claim you ran off.”

He calmed himself again. Just a bit. Long live persuasion skills. “Fine. How about you at least say why you study such things? Let's hear something more convicning.”