Graded [Taeko - The Republic] The Vanishing Villagers

[Karcen]

Katja Galinka

mentions: Spoiled Bread

​

Katja was a bit surprised that rei asked about her God, really most just kind of ignored it or already knew what a nun was. This world had a god that would match much of what she preached but Katja remained woth her own rather silent god. Still she had noticed how common the hum and God seemed to be amoung those brought to this world so that had to mean something.

Katja gave Rei a soft smile " You know it is kind of funny that the church always danced around God's name. Though one of the ten rules he gave us was not to use his name in vain, but the title has become the name to most. " Katja had found that she could question without slowing faith. " It likely sounds odd but that seems to be a common trend on other worlds, but his name is YHWH, I doubt you will go around taking it in vain " it was a bit of teasing but it was true likely the name would be forgotten and thay was fine. " and while sake is nice a few words of thanks are all he needs these days "

 

[Spoiled Bread]

Rei Unagishi

"Yoh...Va..Wehh??" Rei obviously was having a hard time pronouncing the God's name correctly, but she just started talking to the ceiling as if the divine can hear her. "I will count on you for the protection. Here, have the drink."

Rei lifted the bloody sake bottle up. Though once she realized the God likely won't just take it from her hands she simply handed the flask to Katja.

"A drink soaked by the blood of the enemy... hah, Ranthor would be jealous of it."

Karcen

Action:
1) Handed the bloody sake bottle to katja
​

 

[TheTimePiece]

Yukan Koyake
​

Maxxob

After they entered the space, the group had choices to make, the more narrow space making it difficult to keep a proper formation. "Should we get into a more open space and it is safe to do so we should reform the formation." Yukan announced matter of fact to the group, looking around skeptically keeping point. Yukan indeed got a bad feeling that there was something nefarious not all so far away which they were heading in to face.

When they reached the door and the dark path which led to who knows where, it was time to be decisive, but no one said they couldn't take the opportunity to examine their surroundings more, which Vince was taking the opportunity to do so. with How Okami was acting he could only assume she was assisting, even if he didn't exactly feel the appraisal skill going off. It was certainly useful to gather information with that skill which frankly was much less common among the non isekai'd like Yukan himself.

"Having someone whose skilled with the Otsuchi would certainly be useful right about now.." Thinking about those who knew how to use the [breaker] core, smashing through doors and walls alike if they desired, yes perhaps Yukan should recruit someone whose capable of such a feat.

Given the formation wasn't in effect at the moment, He didn't mind Katja using her abilities to support the point. Giving her a respectful nod, "Thank you for your protection."

Then there was Rei drinking, Yukan wasn't really sure if that was the best idea given the environment they were in with hostiles around but he wasn't about to reprimand her, it wasn't like drinking before battle wasn't uncommon it just usually wasn't done on the battlefield itself in an active conflict zone from his experience.

"Let's gain what we can before acting then..."

Yukan would attempt to gather his own information by using a combination of Dark Vision F + Danger Sense F + Heightened Sense D (Smell, Hearing, Sight) (D grade ability 2 post cooldown) to try to gain more information about any possible threats which were behind the door or around them, which would help inform his decision, hoping to assist with the information gathering.

Based on any information he could gain from this effort, Yukan would then share that information with the group to inform their decision, but at the moment before any additional information he was leaning toward taking the straight forward approach and overwhelming their enemies with force head on through the door.

Cooldown:
F: Ready
E: Ready
D: Ready 2 rounds
C Ready

 

[Karcen]

Katja Galinka
Mentions: @NachoGod

​

Katja smiled softly as Rei tried to get god to drink the sake and nothing happened. it was not surprising that people of this world would expect things to happen but still it was cute to watch. When Rei offered Katja the alcohol Katja took it. she wasn't going to go off about not partaking in others rituals, for long as it was no pledge she had little issue joining others in their celebrations.

" i will take it in the lords stead " Katja said opening the flask and taking a decent gulp of the sake. Having a little alcohol was nothing after all she had taken part in communion and well some more adult celebrations when the kids slept involved opening a cask of the latest wine to test it with the others.

Katja held it out for Rei to take " i am sure he would be She said nodding to Yukan as he thanked her for the protection and it seemed things were moving on. That was good the faster they went the less time the enemy had to get people behind the door. it would be very funny if the door was just a door and the room was empty.

 

[Maxxob]

Location: ???? - The Republic
Time: Night

Gwen_Temi | Okami
Karcen | Katja
Maverick Six | Vincent
Spoiled Bread | Rei
TheTimePiece | Yukan
@EMIYAman | Kurikara
GodlyDnD | Bariton

Katja's divine magic rippled outwards like a calming wave, enveloping each of the intended targets - Rei, Vincent, Bariton, Yukan, and the Ashigaru. The radiant shield of [The Lord's Protection] shimmered softly around them, providing an extra layer of defense. Each of them felt more secure, as if an unseen force was watching over them, ready to shield them from any unexpected hostility that might emerge from the ominous cavern.

While the protective aura settled around the group, Vincent and Okami turned their attention toward the massive double-wooden door that dominated the fork in their path. With careful scrutiny, they inspected every inch of the weathered wood and iron nails that riveted its surface. There was no sign of a trap, no concealed dangers waiting to spring upon those who dared to open it. The door had no knob or keyhole, but it wasn’t locked either. A solid push would be enough to unseal it if they chose to proceed.

On the other hand, Vincent, torch in hand, cast a probing light into the shadowy corridor that extended into the right passage. The warm flicker of the flame illuminated a small portion of the pathway, revealing more of the same jagged floor, the uneven rock formations, and the stalactites hanging precariously from the ceiling. For as far as the torch could reach, about 15 feet ahead, the corridor stretched into the unknown with nothing visibly amiss. The darkness, however, seemed unrelenting, as if daring them to venture further.

Yukan, with his sharp senses, quietly attuned himself to the surroundings. The cave's secrets slowly began to reveal themselves to him. From beyond the heavy wooden doors, he could hear muffled voices - a low, rhythmic chanting. The cadence of the voices suggested that they were engaged in some kind of ritual or prayer. The eerie harmony of their words was unsettling, and Yukan could feel a distinct chill at the base of his spine. Even though he could not decipher the words, the feeling of something unnatural stirred from deep within that chamber. Something dangerous. Something that was waiting.

Yukan would also receive some information from the dark corridor. This time, softer noises drifted through the darkness. He could hear the sound of shuffling and the rustle of clothing, muffled voices struggling against fabric, as if many people were gagged. Though it was impossible to make out their words, there was no mistaking the sound of multiple individuals further down the passage. Whoever or whatever lay beyond that darkness was being held captive - or silenced.

The Ashigaru shifted uneasily, their weapons ready, but their demeanor betrayed the growing tension in the air. Even as they remained vigilant, the oppressive atmosphere gnawed at them. The longer they stood at this crossroads, the more the surrounding darkness seemed to close in, suffocating and heavy. The temperature in the cave began to drop, the chill slowly creeping into their bones.

Though protected and prepared, there was no denying the rising sense of unease. Every moment they delayed felt like a step closer to danger, and yet, the group had to make their decision. Would they push forward through the double doors and face the unsettling ritual sounds beyond, or would they venture down the corridor, where the muffled voices of the unknown awaited?

The choices lay before them - each path filled with its own peril.

Spoiler: Overall situation:

Ashigaru
HP: 10/10 + 4HP Barrier
Base Effectiveness: 10/10
Morale: 10/10
Learned skills: [Deflect F]

Vincent's Lucky Charges: 1/2

Rei, Vincent, Bariton, Yukan + 4HP (for 3 turns)

CDs:
Katja: E 0/0 (Cooldown locked for 3 turns or until dispelled.)

 

[Maverick Six]

Vincent​

Interaction: Maxxob Gwen_Temi TheTimePiece Spoiled Bread Karcen GodlyDnD
Equipped Titles: Human [Mundane], Novice Tinkerer, Novice Blacksmith, Isekai, Mechanic
Language Key: Common | %Analog% |

Each and every person had access to all the information Vince had found. And by extension, Yukan had granted the info he got from his senses.

"Chanting huh? Sounds important." Vince could scantly remember when the robbed figure was chanting near Yoshiro, with something imminently horrible to happen to him. This combined with Vince's own experience of room clearing.

"More people we can clear out the better. Let's expect trouble. They prolly know we're here. So let's give 'em trouble." Quietly, he hoped that he didn't have to deal with any hostages. But it seemed fairly likely that there might yet be someone in this room who's in imminent danger.

All this speculating, however, wasn't gonna do much good t'ill they actually got behind that door.

"I'll get the door." He stood quite a ways out of the way, making sure that Okami, Yukan, and Rei would be able to pour into the room in the next moment. With his gun hand, Vince would push gingerly on the door to quickly ease it open. There'd be no bang nor much noise to indicate the nature of who's entering.

Just opening the door like anyone else.

Legs spread as he took a firing stance. [Aim] With one singular arm, he held the gun out. And he made sure, turned his head slightly, and looked down his sight with both eyes. [Aim] He exhaled, and for a moment, his body would be still. Sights, prepared to settle upon a random target inside of the room. Whether or not he could even acquire a target he wanted to shoot, if anyone was visible from the doorway remained to be seen or if he was able to find a target at all remained to be seen.

"Wait here t'ill someone calls you." He told the Ashigaru.

While he remained in his aimed stance, his peripherals were open. While he wasn't actively looking for anything, the other path remained in his sights.

---

HP: 2/2 (E-Grade Vitality)
Armor HP: 1/1 (F-Grade Heavy)

Actions: 3/3

1. Other- Vince quietly opens the door to allow the others to enter.

2. Aim - Vince takes aim at a target in the room, if any. He remains in place.

3. Other - Instruct the Ashigaru to wait for a signal from anyone to enter.


Cooldowns:
Vince
F - 0 Posts Remain
E - 0 Posts Remain

Lucky Charges: 1/2

 

[TheTimePiece]

Yukan Koyake
​

Maxxob Gwen_Temi Maverick Six Spoiled Bread Karcen GodlyDnD

With the information shared, and what Yukan could gather he assumed that there were more than just a few people being held here against their will who they'd need to liberate down that dark path at some point.

Nevertheless he was content with taking the straight forward path with the door, with the chanting it likely meant they'd encounter adversaries. He'd nod at what Vincent had to say on the matter.

Ideally before Vincent opened the door he'd confirm to the Ashigaru they should wait until told to advance, He looked between Okami and Rei with a nod,

"Okami, Rei, wedge on me and take the point with me, prepare to breach and engage, " He spoke authoritatively with some Leadership F and when Vincent opened the door Yukan made his way to the doorway and quickly threw the torch which he had been given to hold into the space to act as a temporary distraction to any potential enemies or possibly trigger any traps that might be waiting for them, hoping to set them off if there were any with the torch rather than any of their bodies.

Afterward he'd brandish his Yari and look around the environment for the nearest enemy ready to attack or counterattack depending on what was or wasn't coming there way for the time being, or perhaps take advantage of an opening which he may have created by the additional distraction of throwing the torch.

He knew that Okami would know well enough what to do in a formation like this and focus her attacks along his for a team up if it meant winning faster since he had already been with her in battle multiple times, he hoped that Rei would follow suit in strategically engaging should the situation call for it.

Actions:
1. Communicate with Leadership F
2. Move just past door.
3. Throw torch as means to set off hidden traps or act as possible distraction to make opening for strategic follow up.

 

[Karcen]

Katja Galinka

​

Katja was ready to do something, well there was one thing she could do and that required her to be close. Still she took what she saw as her position behind then others but before the villagers. Wanting to protect them as best she could while sge herself didn't actully have the barrier she gave them. Well they had lives to protect and Katja belived if she was to die protecting them then that had been the lords plan.

" we should hurry the cultists might be trying to summon demons or even their God if such a thing can be done " KKatjaalmost whispered not wanting her voice to carry. She hadn't told them the nane of the god still not wanting to use such a beings name and risk that somehow calling the dark diety to them. Her God had had his name made taboo to speak for just such a reason.

 

[Spoiled Bread]

Rei Unagishi

"On it, boss!"

Following right behind Yukan, Rei stepped past the door. Using the thrown torch as distraction, Rei immediately rushed towards the nearest cultists she could see. The sword on her hand crackled with chilling aura as she brandished her sword and performed a sweeping attack on the area around her.

"Give my greeting to your god!"

Action:
1) Step into the room
2) Rush to the nearest cultist
3) Use Chilling Aura - Fighting Style (sword) F, Aura(cold) F, Area F, Blight (Ice) F, Selective F, Incurable F, Energized F, Initiative: attack - Exert a cold aura within immediate surrounding and then launch a sweeping circular attack, wounds created by this attack would be sealed in a layer of ice. Spare self and allies - Grade F - 1 action - 0 Post Cooldown
​

 

[Gwen_Temi]

Minashigo no Ōkami
​

It would seem that whatever Lord Yukan heard beyond that door was of more concern than what might lie in wait further down in the dark tunnel.

Okami glanced over her shoulder as she heard her name; the others gathering around the door to prepare for a breach.

"Right."

She joined Yukan and Rei at the front of the group as Vincent swung the door open; one hand holding her torch high and the other descending towards her blade. The latter would race in and throw at attack at the first person she saw, if she saw anyone. Okami would simply scan the room as she entered and mark every potential target as her sights swept over them.

All hell would no doubt break loose in the next few moments.

Actions (1/3):
1) Enter the room.​

 

[Maxxob]

Location: ???? - The Republic
Time: Night

Gwen_Temi | Okami
Karcen | Katja
Maverick Six | Vincent
Spoiled Bread | Rei
TheTimePiece | Yukan
@EMIYAman | Kurikara
GodlyDnD | Bariton

Wing of Hypocrisy - Lies of P

(Distance between squares is 5ft. When denoting movement or attack, include the coordinates with it.)

The heavy wooden door creaked open under Vincent’s push, its hinges protesting with a deep, guttural groan that echoed through the cavern. The dim light from the chamber's candelabras flickered, casting long, dancing shadows against the jagged, stone walls. The dim illumination stretched only so far, leaving the end of the chamber shrouded in darkness. But Yukan, with his keen senses, could see something moving within those shadows, beyond the reach of the light.

Taking quick action, Yukan threw a torch into the room. The flaming rag struck the ground, the flickering flame rolling slightly as it landed. Yet, the light did nothing to disrupt those within. Right at the chamber’s entrance, the group could see robed figures kneeling on either side, to the left and right. They chanted in low, rhythmic tones, their words foreign yet strangely mesmerizing, as if drawing the group into a trance-like state.

Rei acted swiftly, darting toward the robed figure at K11. With a practiced motion, she unleashed her [Chilling Aura], her blade sweeping out in a graceful arc. As she moved, an icy aura emanated from her, the air around her growing noticeably colder. The energy coalesced around her sword, and when she struck, the attack extended outwards in a circular sweep, cutting through the air with a chilling whisper.

The robed figure had barely a moment to react. As Rei’s blade connected, the icy energy surged through the creature, freezing it in place. The robes shifted slightly from the force, revealing the skeletal visage beneath—a ghastly, grinning skull, its jaw still muttering the macabre chant even as frost spread across its bony surface. In an instant, the chant was silenced, the skeletal figure freezing solid before shattering into countless icy fragments that clattered onto the cold ground.

The torch, still rolling from its earlier throw, was nudged slightly by the remnants of the shattered cultist, pushing it closer to the darkened end of the chamber. Slowly, the flickering light began to reveal what lay beyond.

'I have seen the Archbishop unearthed from his rest. I have seen his bones bathed in wine, then draped in silks and adorned with gold. I watched as they set jewels upon his face and pressed their lips to his brow. They slid rings upon his fingers, kissed his hands with reverence. They raised him high, chanting his name, and swayed him, as if to bring his steps to life once more.'

At the end of the chamber, an altar stood—a massive, stone structure adorned with intricate carvings. Ancient gravures etched into its surface seemed to tell stories of long-forgotten rituals. A small, furred creature shifted restlessly atop the altar, its mouth gagged by a piece of cloth. Its muffled whimpers echoed faintly, similar to the sounds Yukan had heard earlier from the other path.

?????​

​

In front of the altar, a disturbing sight unfolded. Pitch-black, gnarled hands, disembodied and grotesque, jutted out from the ground. There were several of them, each curling and twisting unnaturally, holding something—or someone. Dressed in white silk, a lifeless cadaver was propped up by these hands, its posture eerily reminiscent of a marionette suspended by strings. The body was adorned with crimson gloves, each finger decorated with rings that sparkled faintly in the flickering torchlight. A staff was clasped in one hand, its design intricate and imposing. One end of the staff bore a spiked sphere, while the other displayed the image of a man struggling to climb it. Atop the cadaver's head rested a golden crown, regal yet grim in its symbolism.

The sight of the creature’s skeletal visage was chilling. Dark, hollow sockets where eyes should have been stared out at the group, a cold, silent intensity emanating from them. The gnarled hands shifted, moving the cadaver as if animating it, forcing it to stand upright, facing the intruders.

As the torchlight revealed the grotesque, skeletal visage of the archbishop, a shiver of dread rippled through the ranks of the Ashigaru. Their eyes widened, and several of them tightened their grips on their weapons, the cold steel trembling slightly in their hands. What had once been firm, determined stances now faltered, the unease growing more evident with each passing moment.

One of the soldiers, barely managing to stifle a gasp, muttered under his breath, "What... what is that thing?" The words were barely audible, but they carried the weight of a man wrestling with terror. Another Ashigaru shifted his stance, his eyes darting nervously around the room as if searching for a way out, his earlier readiness replaced with a creeping sense of dread.

The sight of the archbishop, propped up like a marionette by those disembodied, gnarled hands, felt like a blasphemy against nature itself. The unnatural, puppet-like movements, the hollow, abyssal gaze—it all chipped away at the resolve of the Ashigaru. Fear gnawed at the edges of their courage, leaving them shaken, their morale visibly waning in the face of this twisted, unholy sight. [-3 morale]

But despite the fear clouding their eyes, they didn't retreat. Their feet remained planted, their weapons still held ready. For now, duty held them in place, even as their hearts whispered the urge to flee.

From the shadows, a sound broke the eerie silence. Footsteps. Calm, deliberate, and echoing across the chamber. Emerging from the darkness was a man, strikingly different from the skeletal figure being held by the sinister hands. His short, golden hair gleamed in the dim light, and his violet eyes shimmered with a mixture of arrogance and amusement. Draped in decorated white and gold priestly robes, he regarded the group with a cocky, almost mocking smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

????
​

"It seems like Taeko finally managed to find some aid for the disappearance, mmm? It doesn't matter," he drawled, his tone dripping with disdain. "They will just be more sacrifices." Each word was punctuated with a cruel, mocking cadence, his eyes glinting with a sinister delight.

Turning away from the group, his expression grew more solemn as he addressed the propped cadaver. "Your reverence, I'm certain you will be enough to take care of them. I shall depart to attend other matters." With a casual snap of his fingers, a crimson portal flared to life behind him. "Be sure to sacrifice them as well. They might have some worth." With those final words, he stepped through the portal, vanishing into the abyss as it closed behind him.

The moment he disappeared, a loud, unsettling stampede echoed through the chamber. The gnarled hands moved, their unnatural limbs surging forward, bringing the fallen archbishop closer to the group. The skeletal figure was dragged with disturbing grace, as if it were being guided by an unseen puppeteer. One of the hands lifted the cadaver’s arm, raising it high before slamming it down with force. The spiked end of the staff struck the ground, and a wave of energy burst forth, blindingly bright and searing with a holy radiance that filled the chamber completely. [1 x ? Grade Attack targeting all player characters except the Ashigaru.]

The light washed over the group, threatening to overwhelm them. Despite its brightness, there was an ironic, dark undertone to it, a perverse twist on what was supposed to be holy power.

Spoiler: Overall situation:

Ashigaru
HP: 10/10 + 4HP Barrier
Base Effectiveness: 10/10
Morale: 7/10
Learned skills: [Deflect F]

Vincent's Lucky Charges: 1/2

Rei, Vincent, Bariton, Yukan + 4HP (for 2 turns)

CDs:
Katja: E 0/0 (Cooldown locked for 2 turns or until dispelled.)

K11 cultist has been defeated.

 

[Karcen]

Katja Galinka

​

Katja wasn't sure she could have thought a a more evil culty room than the one she saw, black robed figures, scary god statue, sacrifice on an altar, and the leader of the cult along with some monster to protect him. yep this screamed evil cult about as much as any worshiper of the labyrinth, though it was missing a pentagram and a blood fountain or something. Spikes were also missing what evil lair lacked pointless decorative spikes? Katja didn't need to truly hear the leaders words to hear them as once he left she could fill in the blanks the kill them i have more important matters thing. That was likely a good thing for the group as if this was like other cults then the boss man was far more powerful than even his top minion. Said minion reminded her of vaguely of how one might depict a saint, well a dead saint, and the hands from nowhere were different but still the clothes and decorations were vaguely familiar in design. it was likely just coincidence. Once the boss man was gone the skeletal saint started to blast unholy energy at the group. Most would be shielded by [ The lord's protection] but Katja and okami weren't. though she couldn't really do to much while holding the barrier on the others she did have a mix of skills. she could Mix [ Magic f] [ Energized E ] and [ Barrier f] which lacked the range needed to go far and would at least not be weakened. " Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." Katja spoke almost shouting it so that the villagers shaken by the display might have some of their heart restored even if katja had no skills to do so, she hoped that the protection she used would protect their hearts as much as the barriers were to protect their flesh. She would use the energized to cast the spell a few times to protect herself and Okami also she was already behind yukan but she tried to more fully shelter behind him.


Actions:

1. use magic f Energized E and barrier F to create a barrier over herself.
2. use magic f Energized E and barrier F to create a barrier over Okami
3. use magic f Energized E and barrier F to create a barrier over herself.

cooldowns
E- currently in use 3 turns
F- open

 

[Spoiled Bread]

Rei Unagishi

Oh, crap. How can I even dodge that. Rei said to herself as she watched the skeletal... creature? casted a spell and sent a burst of light to every direction of the room. Rei tried to avoid getting blinded by covering her eyes with her left arm, relying on YHWH's protection to be able to protect her from the worst of the attack.

Once the assault of unnatural light ended, Rei immediately kicked back into action. Leaping to the midst of nearest group of cultists, Rei once again swept her sword in circular motion, attacking every cultist within her immediate range while emanating cold aura that would crystallize the chanting skulls. She didn't know if the cultist were even still alive at this point. but she better cull them fast before they started attacking the group too.

Action:
1) Dodge attack
2) Move to J14
3) Use Chilling Aura - Fighting Style (sword) F, Aura(cold) F, Area F, Blight (Ice) F, Selective F, Incurable F, Energized F, Initiative: attack - Exert a cold aura within immediate surrounding and then launch a sweeping circular attack, wounds created by this attack would be sealed in a layer of ice. Spare self and allies - Grade F - 1 action - 0 Post Cooldown
​

 

[Gwen_Temi]

Minashigo no Ōkami
​

Okami's eyes scanned the room as soon as she walked in.

First, she noticed the robed figured who continued to chant even as the chamber was invaded. Then, the eerie statue on the other end of the room. The light from Yukan's torch would slowly illuminate the room even more, and bring a far more disturbing figure into sight. A corpse, draped in gold and cloth, suspended in the air by the shadows of many, many hands. One of her own would draw near the handle of her sword. The Ronin's eyes widened for a brief moment before her expression sharpened. Her sights flickered over to the others for a fleeting moment. The Ashigeru seemed unnerved yet held strong. Katja decided to raise additional defenses for both herself and The Wolf.

But a voice would cut through the moment before a single strike could be thrown.

A young man in gold and violet whose appearance reeked of ill-gotten wealth. He seemed to be the orchestrator of this whole operation from how he spoke. He gave an order to the undead thing across the room before disappearing through a portal. And, with unsettling speed, it raced across the room towards them. Or, at least, whatever entity had been carrying its body did. The lich's staff rose then fell against the earth, sending a cascade of destructive magic radiating throughout the entire chamber.

Without a moment's hesitation, The Wolf responded in kind.

In a thunderous blur, The Fang would leap from its scabbard to cleave through the the unholy magic and sink into the rotten flesh of its source. The strike would flow directly into a second, then a third in rapid succession. One could not expect a spray of blood from an old, dried corpse, yet still, Okami found herself yearning for the familiar hue of red in that moment. To split the radiance of a faux priest in twain...

...and protect those at her back.

Actions (3/3):
1) Perform [Red River Flow] +2 to counter 'The Skeleton Priest's' magic attack and cleave it in two.
2&3) Basic attacks to combo with [Red River Flow] and raise its effectiveness by 2.
​

Red River Flow- Specialized Fighting Style [Wolf's Blood Red Fang] D, Range D, Deflect (1) D- The Wolf draws and sheathes her sword with such speed so as to leave her blade unseen by untrained eyes as she attacks. The thunderous shockwave released from performing this kata acts as an extension to the strike, allowing Okami to cleave a man in two from distances far beyond the edge of her blade. The name of the form comes from the ominous spray of blood that often follows a successful strike.- Grade D- 1 Action- 100ft range- 2 post cooldown.

 

[Maverick Six]

Vincent​

Interaction: Maxxob Gwen_Temi TheTimePiece Spoiled Bread Karcen GodlyDnD
Equipped Titles: Human [Mundane], Novice Tinkerer, Novice Blacksmith, Isekai, Mechanic
Language Key: Common | %Analog% |

There was a lot to process. A whole lot of moving parts were presented before him. Many clues that had yet to be put together. A question that had been Yet the first thing Vince did as he peered into the room was fire his weapon.

BANG

A gunshot would ring out from Okami, briefly lighting up the room. The bullet would be heard whizzing through the air, as Vince sought to nail what he knew to be a cultist right in the dome. It was then and only then, would he answer the question.

"Somethin' to kill." He said, smell of gunpowder in the air from his peacemaker revolver. Vince's answer was brief but deliberate, seeking to reduce the daunting, unholy abomination before them to nothing more than another target in his mind. The quips and grim humor serving to keep himself calm -- as he simply sought to laugh in the face of the abyssal gaze before him.

The man spoken to them. "Done jacking yourself off, pretty boy?" Vince said crudely. The man's smug, condescending monologue had barely merited much response -- despite the fact that Vince was going to be remembering what he said. It didn't mean much. He didn't really have a good bead on him at all and he soon got away. And as he left, something moved towards him.

"Someone needs to grab the person they're sacrificing. Cultists look like they're helping skeleton man somehow. Let's send the Ashigaru when we got a chance." This time, he sought for it to be him who moves the person that they're conducting the ritual on. The other fighters were too important to the fight.

The manner in which Okami, Yukan and Rei's abilities worked was a complete mystery to him. The way energy fired from their blades and whizzed through the air to hack at people a hundred feet away or summon up ice was an enigma. Especially since from what he understood, it wasn't even magic. But he had the luxury of dealing with horrifying undead in his past time. Indeed, he had been killed by on of such undead. But he had been acclimated to dealing with the unnatural, even if he could be smushed before it like a fly.

And that seemed just what the thing was intent on doing.

"Incoming!"

The Gun is quickly holstered in favor of the crowbar when the thing rushed forward, as Vince raises the crowbar in a defensive stance. [Athletics F] Given he was already behind Okami, he crouched behind the shorter woman for good measure. [Defend] Hopefully the combination of all of these would shield the most vulnerable portions of his body.

All that was left was to see if he'd still be standing.

---

HP: 2/2 (E-Grade Vitality)
Armor HP: 1/1 (F-Grade Heavy)

Actions: 3/3

1. Attack - Vincent fires on a cultist as he enters the room. [Precision D + Peacemaker E]

2. [Athletics F] - Vince holds up his crossbow, supported by his torch with athletics F. [Vit E + Crowbar F + Ability F + 1 Combo]

3. Defend - Vince crouches behind okami for good measure. [Vit E +Heavy Armor F] [Combo Action 2]

Note: Possible defense teamup due to Katja's Barrier

Cooldowns:
Vince
F - 0 Posts Remain
E - 0 Posts Remain

Lucky Charges: 1/2

 

[TheTimePiece]

Yukan Koyake
​

Languages: "Common" "<Beastial>"

Maverick Six Gwen_Temi Spoiled Bread Karcen Maxxob

It appeared upon examination in the room that some sort of occult activity had been going on, involving something undead no less, which only further supported one of Yukan's concerns, that they were dealing with possible necromancers and or dangerous magic users. When Yukan saw the group of skeletons, he knew this was pretty bad. But if he had fought against a horde of undead before and his side had survived and come out on top then he wasn't sure why this encounter couldn't either.

"Tch, a sacrifice of what's ordered for a corrupt power no doubt." He'd speak simply after what Vincent had commented.

It probably wasn't hard to hear that some of the Ashigaru were freaked out by this undead mess, which realistically who could blame them, but Yukan wasn't about to back down from whatever these figures were. He didn't even need to give orders and Okami was doing just what he would have wanted her to do, showing her experience on the field yet again, he felt quite fortunate to have her in that moment once again. Rei also sprung into action, hopefully taking out some of those cultists would help.

Katja knew well enough to protect Okami too which was great.

"<Fear not! We will push on and triumph today for all those who have been lost and those who will be saved! This is not my first time facing against the undead! I will charge onward for you even if I must as a ghost!>"

Yukan exclaimed in beastial, with a declarative very much directed at the Ashigaru his Sashimono back flag bearing the Koyake clan symbol shifting, as he honed in on where Okami had possibly made a break in the magic attack, Yukan thrust his spear forward with great intensity in that moment, hoping to seize the moment to strike the skeletal religious looking figure hard, having to focus where the light had hopefully dissipated some to make it less blinding, hopefully in the process also countering any would be attack headed toward him.

A striking energy came off of his spear and ripped forward with a

[Specialize] Fighting Style [Falling Spear] Greater Transcendent Transpierce - Range C. Penetrating C, Hot Shot C - C Grade Ability - 3 round cooldown.
Yukan attempts to stab his target up to 1000 ft away with a great penetrating force ignoring up to four grades of opponent's defensively used item, dealing double damage if successfully strikes a weak spot.

Against the central ornate skeleton who was casting corrupted holy magic.

Yukan then followed up with two basic Yari strikes of his own, which were violent and focused.

1. Use
[Specialize] Fighting Style [Falling Spear] Greater Transcendent Transpierce - Range C. Penetrating C, Hot Shot C - C Grade Ability - 3 round cooldown.
Yukan attempts to stab his target up to 1000 ft away with a great penetrating force ignoring up to four grades of opponent's defensively used item, dealing double damage if successfully strikes a weak spot.
On the "Reverence"
2. Follow up Basic attack on Reverence
3. Follow up Basic attack on Reverence

Cooldowns:
F: Ready
E: Ready
D: Ready
C: Ready in 3 Rounds.

 

[Maxxob]

Location: ???? - The Republic
Time: Night

Gwen_Temi | Okami
Karcen | Katja
Maverick Six | Vincent
Spoiled Bread | Rei
TheTimePiece | Yukan
@EMIYAman | Kurikara
GodlyDnD | Bariton

Wing of Hypocrisy - Lies of P

The temperature in the chamber, already stifling, climbed steadily higher, the archbishop's unleashed wave of energy flooding the space with an almost blinding light. The force of the blast surged outwards, filling the air with a suffocating heat and casting every crevice of the cavern into sharp, eerie relief. Katja, anticipating the threat, swiftly raised her hand, calling forth [The Lord’s Protection] once more. The shimmering barriers enveloped both herself and Okami, adding to the protective ward that had already been extended to Rei, Vincent, Yukan, and the Ashigaru. The translucent shield rippled with a subtle, warm glow, bracing them against any immediate danger.

Yukan, sensing the wavering morale of the Ashigaru, let out a rallying war-cry, his voice cutting through the chaos. The sheer force of his words was an attempt to inspire resolve, urging them to stand firm against the horrors they faced. Yet, despite the determined inflection of his tone, the sight of the reanimated corpse—the archbishop's skeletal frame suspended by countless disembodied, gnarled hands—was a sight that struck deep into their core. The Ashigaru’s resolve wavered, fear flickering in their eyes. Still, they refused to turn and flee, their grips tightening around their weapons. They stood poised, ready to spring forward at the first command, despite the cold dread settling in their bones.

Vincent’s steady hand brought his firearm to bear, the barrel aimed squarely at the chanting cultist at K4. The chamber echoed with the sharp, resounding crack of the gunshot, the bullet streaking through the air. The projectile hit true, striking the cultist’s skull with a sickening crack, a brief spray of darkened blood misting around the impact. The robed figure crumpled to the ground, its rhythmic, hypnotic chanting cutting off abruptly, leaving behind an unnerving silence that made the chamber feel even more oppressive.

As the wave of energy bore down upon them, Okami and Yukan reacted with swift, synchronized precision. Okami’s blade flashed through the air, the sheer speed of her strike leaving a crimson arc in its wake. Her [Red River Flow] swept out with a thunderous shockwave, cleaving through the holy energy that threatened to engulf them, the force of her attack creating a brief, protective barrier. At the same time, Yukan's [Falling Spear] thrust forward, the spear tip glowing with a searing heat. It lanced out like a bolt of lightning, striking through the energy wave with precise, unyielding force. The combined might of their strikes collided with the incoming attack, dispersing its power, though not without consequence—Katja’s barrier around them cracked and splintered, barely holding against the archbishop’s unholy might. [-2 HP to barrier]

Rei, nimble and quick, dodged to the side as the energy wave barreled toward her. She felt the barrier shatter around her, the protective shell crumbling into glittering fragments like shards of ice. Yet, it had served its purpose—she was unharmed. With practiced ease, she darted to J14, her blade humming as she activated her [Chilling Aura]. Frost spread from her, the air around her blade crystallizing as she launched into a sweeping, circular strike. The cultists at I13, I16, K13, and K16 were caught in the chilling arc. Ice crept up their forms, encasing them in a solid, unforgiving layer of frost. For a brief moment, they stood frozen, as if captured mid-chant. Then, with a brittle crack, they shattered into pieces, the icy fragments scattering across the stone floor. [-4 HP to barrier]

Vincent and Katja’s tactical positioning allowed them to remain relatively unscathed as the remnants of the archbishop's attack washed over them. Sheltered behind the steadfast forms of Okami and Yukan, they felt only the faintest of tremors as the wave lost its potency, barely nicking the barriers that surrounded them. The shimmering shields still held, though they pulsed weakly, the strain of absorbing the previous assault evident. [-1 HP to barrier]

Archbishop
​

The skeletal archbishop remained an eerie, silent presence, its pallid, bony form held aloft by the multitude of dark, twisted hands. Even as the cultists fell one by one, there was no reaction from the creature—no sound, no movement beyond the slow, deliberate motions of its staff. Its hollow, abyssal eyes bore into the group, black pits swirling with an inscrutable malice. Yet, for all its stillness, something was shifting. With every cultist that fell, the oppressive weight in the chamber seemed to lessen, the dark aura dimming, thinning, as if the creature’s power was slowly but surely being drained away.

The skeletal archbishop, its gaunt, motionless form still hovering unnaturally above the ground, raised the staff it wielded once more. The spiked sphere atop the staff crackled with a sinister energy, dark tendrils spiraling around it. With a slow, deliberate motion, the archbishop brought the staff down, slamming it into the cavern floor.

From the point of impact, a ripple of dark energy surged outward, the air around it distorting and shimmering ominously. The wave twisted and coiled like serpents, then split into four jagged streams, each one lashing out towards Okami, Yukan, Vincent, Katja and the Ashigaru. As the attack surged forward, a faint, echoing chant began to emanate from the archbishop, a haunting, hollow sound that reverberated throughout the chamber, intensifying the oppressive atmosphere. [1 x ? Grade Attack targeting Okami, Yukan, Vincent, Katja and the Ashigaru]

The streams of energy moved with a mind of their own, curving and slithering to pursue their targets with precision. As they closed in, they solidified into sharp, dark spears, their tips glinting with an eerie, unholy light. The attack carried a palpable chill, as if the air itself had frozen around the spears, a testament to the archbishop's relentless, malevolent power.

The skeletal figure remained motionless, its hollow eyes fixed upon the group with an intensity that felt suffocating. Though it was not physically moving, the dark energy that surrounded it seemed to pulsate, each pulse sending a shiver of dread through the chamber. The attack was swift, merciless, and it bore down upon its targets, intent on piercing through their defenses and shattering the fragile barriers that protected them.

Rei’s swift victory was interrupted by a sudden, icy grip around her ankle. If she glanced down, she would see the skeletal hand of a fallen cultist, its bony fingers tightening around her leg. Despite its broken form, the creature’s eyes glowed with a faint, unnatural light, its jaw hanging open in a silent, eternal scream. The grip was cold, unnaturally strong, and it seemed determined to keep her rooted in place, as if trying to drag her down into the darkness from which it came. [1 Action to break off its grip.]

Spoiler: Overall situation:

Ashigaru
HP: 10/10 + 4HP Barrier
Base Effectiveness: 10/10
Morale: 7/10
Learned skills: [Deflect F]

Vincent's Lucky Charges: 1/2

Vincent + 3HP (for 1 turn)
Yukan + 2HP (for 1 turn)

CDs:
Yukan: C 0/3
Okami: D 0/2
Katja: E 0/0 (Cooldown locked for 1 turn or until dispelled.)

K11, K4, I13, I15, K13, K15 cultists has been defeated.

 

[Maverick Six]

Vincent​

Interaction: Maxxob Gwen_Temi TheTimePiece Spoiled Bread Karcen
Equipped Titles: Human [Mundane], Novice Tinkerer, Novice Blacksmith, Isekai, Mechanic
Language Key: Common | %Analog% |

CRACK!

Vince held his ground, but not totally without damage. The forcefield in front of him showed signs of giving way, even with the combination of things protecting him. Tremendous force was being dispersed in front of him by the samurai to his front. The man could vaguely sense that more than likely, he'd barely be alive if not for the fact that she was eating the brunt of it. "Remind me to buy you somethin' after this." He commented, showing appreciation. "Can't sit pretty here forever though."

"I'm moving to the tied-up person when I get the chance. Need to clear the cultists like Rei is." Having seen that the people were the targets of the cultists -- it made sense that the person was the source of their power if they could harvest power from Yojiro. The cultists seemed all of but devoutly unphased.

Another attack came in the form of a wriggling coiled serpent. Vincent attempted to stay behind Okami so that he could benefit from her cover, maneuvering his crowbar so as to block what he could of whatever came him. [Defend] But his stance had been a little less firm than the one before. Why was this? Because he intended to run.

"Here goes nothing."

Whatever the damage received, Vince sought to run, darting off to the left as he ran around The Archbishop, cut through two cultists to the left and ran right towards the woman at the altar.

"I'm coming sweetheart...."

But she was pretty far away. To get to her was going to take time.

---

HP: 2/2 (E-Grade Vitality)
Armor HP: 1/1 (F-Grade Heavy)

Actions: 3/3

1. Athletics F - Vince crouches a bit behind Okami defends himself with his crowbar. [Vit E + Crowbar F + Ability F]

2 and 3. Movement - Vince books it towards the alter. [40 Feet] Final Position: E-5]

Cooldowns:
Vince
F - 0 Posts Remain
E - 0 Posts Remain

Lucky Charges: 1/2

 

[TheTimePiece]

Yukan Koyake
​

Languages: "Common" "<Beastial>"

Maxxob Maverick Six Gwen_Temi Spoiled Bread Karcen

As the cultists fell, Yukan could feel the large skeleton's power become less strong in the area, which could only suggest to him that the robed skeletons were some how supporting this, what YUkan could only assume, was an evil at worst, or at best corrupted being. This much was clear when one of his most powerful attacks came through and didn't appear to do as much damage as he had been aiming for. Thankfully Katja's barrier soaked up a good deal of the incoming damage from the looks of things, that had proven to be essential, truthfully Yukan was grateful he had such support in this battle and past ones more often than not, from those who could support him in battle.

Seeing Vince run toward the one on the altar in the distance, Yukan felt that he might have been similarly minded had he not need to stay where he was and continue to soak up the would be damage, by trying to keep the big skeleton occupied.

Yukan used his Light Tatami Armor Set C to try to defend against the Reverence skeleton's assault on him, in tandem with whatever was left of the barrier.

before calling out to the Ashigaru not long after he did this. "<Defend yourselves! Use [Reflect] like Rei Taught you! Do not bow down to those who try to terrorize you and your friends and families! Show them that the beasts of Taeko are not to be trifled with! Then attack these hooded fools as a united front!>" This time Yukan appealed with Leadership D + Warfare E + History E

Yukan then locked onto the cultist who was on I11 before unleashing a
[Specialize] Fighting Style [Falling Spear] Lesser Transpierce- Range F + Penetrating E, Hot Shot E E Grade Ability 1 Round cooldown.
Yukan attempts to stab his target up to 30 ft with a great penetrating force ignoring up to two grades of opponent's defensively used item,
dealing double damage if successfully strikes a weak spot.

In order to try to fell them, hoping that his strike would land true.

Spoiler: Yukan Actions

Yukan Actions:
1. Leverage his Light Tatami armor set Grade C to defend against skeleton attack in tandem with what remains of the barrier on him.

2. Try to inspire and call Ashigaru into an organized unfiied action to defend themselves using what Rei taught them and help take out remaining cultists, using a combination of Leadership D + Warefare E + History E -D Grade Ability 2 post cooldown

3. Try to use [Specialize] Fighting Style [Falling Spear] Lesser Transpierce- Range F + Penetrating E, Hot Shot E E Grade Ability 1 Round cooldown.
Yukan attempts to stab his target up to 30 ft with a great penetrating force ignoring up to two grades of opponent's defensively used item,
dealing double damage if successfully strikes a weak spot.
On cultist at I11

Cooldowns:
F: Ready Next Round
E: Ready After Next Round
D: Ready in two rounds
C: Ready in two rounds.

​

 

[Karcen]

Katja Galinka

​

With the barriers being damaged to various degrees Katja had little choice but to keep trying to protect others and herself. She luckly had enough casts to keep most everyone shielded. Though she couldn't shield the girl in the altar, but the skeletal saint didn't seem to want to attack her. That could just be because she wasn't a threat and was already marked for sacrafice.

" Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me." katja prayed casting [ The lord portection] on Vincent, Okami, yukan, Rei, and Braiton. Then using the same combo from before on herself and the villagers.

Actions

1 use the lords protection on Vincent, rei, okami, yukan, rei, and braiton
2 use magic f Energized E and barrier F to create a barrier over herself
3 use magic f Energized E and barrier F to create a barrier over the Ashigaru

 

[Spoiled Bread]

Rei Unagishi

Rei didn't seems satisfied as the skeletal cultists crumbled around her. These.. things, they didn't fight back, they didn't fear death. Fighting them felts as good as whacking wet sandbags. Rei shifted her attention towards the so called bishop on the middle, it's time for her to help the other dealing with it. Rei was about to move when she felts something tugging at her leg, she looked down at the remaining bits of one of the cultist that was grabbing her leg.

"Not now, Emma-sama, It's not time for me to go to hell yet." She said as if conversing with Kuridan's Lord of Hell themselves before smashing the hand that grabs her with the sword. Once done, Rei immediately dashed next to the skull bishop and swung her sword towards it in a downward arc, creating a trail of mist as the blade freeze the air it made contact with.

Action:
1) Untangle herself
2) Move to J10
3) Use Cold Steel - Fighting Style (sword) F, Blight (Ice) F, Incurable F, Energized F, Initiative: attack - Lauches a sword attack towards a target, the flesh that touches the steel would feel extreme cold - Grade F - 1 action - 0 post cooldown
​

 

[Gwen_Temi]

Minashigo no Ōkami
​

The sound of thunder echoed through the chamber as the strikes of The Wolf and The Tanuki clashed with The Archbishop's disturbed magic.

Much of the magic's force cascaded around the two- diverted by the force of their counters- but what remained barreled into them; fracturing the barriers that Katja had put around both of them. It swept past them, nipping at those they fought to protect. The Ronin felt the breath forced from her lungs as it slammed into her; muscles straining to maintain balance as she slid back slightly on the floor; her back pressing into Vincent just behind. Her hair fell undone, a rise of adrenaline crept through her veins, and her stance widened a bit.

In that moment, she recognized the foe standing before her.

In that moment, she recognized its strength. And, as Rei and Vincent began to chip away at the cultists' numbers, she began to believe that that strength might not have been its own. Interesting. But these were concerns for later. Her free hand neared the tsuka of her blade.

"KEEP IT UP, KATJA!"

The next wave was upon them just as swiftly as the last.

And she would answer it all the same. Another fluffy of thunderous blows to part the river of faux divinity and defend the comrade at her back. Let the waves crash against her once more; it was an honor to endure the devil's fury for her comrades for as long as she could. But, this time, she would spare a strike for a nearby cultist to cleave its body in two with a sparing slash. She was of a similar mind to Yukan and Vincent.

And perhaps, if their intuition held some truth, they might gain soon gain an advantage over this uncanny foe.

Spoiler: Actions

Actions (3/3):
1) Counter The Archbishop's attack with [Red River Flow] (E Grade)+1 and provide Vincent with some cover before he advances towards the hostage.
2) [Basic Attack] to combo with [Red River Flow] and increase its effectiveness by 1.
3) Attack the cultist at K6 with [Red River Flow] (F Grade).​

Red River Flow- Specialized Fighting Style [Wolf's Blood Red Fang] E, Range E, Deflect (1) E- The Wolf draws and sheathes her sword with such speed so as to leave her blade unseen by untrained eyes as she attacks. The thunderous shockwave released from performing this kata acts as an extension to the strike, allowing Okami to cleave a man in two from distances far beyond the edge of her blade. The name of the form comes from the ominous spray of blood that often follows a successful strike.- Grade E- 1 Action- 30ft range- 1 post cooldown.

Red River Flow- Specialized Fighting Style [Wolf's Blood Red Fang] F, Range F, Deflect (1) F- The Wolf draws and sheathes her sword with such speed so as to leave her blade unseen by untrained eyes as she attacks. The thunderous shockwave released from performing this kata acts as an extension to the strike, allowing Okami to cleave a man in two from distances far beyond the edge of her blade. The name of the form comes from the ominous spray of blood that often follows a successful strike.- Grade F- 1 Action- 10ft range- 0 post cooldown.

 

[Maxxob]

Location: ???? - The Republic
Time: Night

Gwen_Temi | Okami
Karcen | Katja
Maverick Six | Vincent
Spoiled Bread | Rei
TheTimePiece | Yukan
@EMIYAman | Kurikara
GodlyDnD | Bariton

Wing of Hypocrisy - Lies of P

Katja’s magic surged once more, renewing the shimmering barriers that encased each of the adventurers. The protective aura flickered momentarily as the cracks across their surfaces mended, reasserting their strength. Though the archbishop's previous assault had left them marred, they now glowed with renewed vigor, their light a defiant stand against the dark, creeping energies suffusing the chamber. Yet, as the adventurers readied themselves, there remained a silent understanding: this protection could only hold for so long, and the creature’s relentless assault was unlikely to relent.

As the dark, slithering spears surged forth from the skeletal archbishop, intent on skewering its enemies, Yukan’s voice echoed through the chamber once again, a clarion call that pierced through the oppressive darkness. He spoke of family, of duty, and of the lives that depended on their strength, while also fanning the embers of their pride. His words washed over the Ashigaru, sweeping away the lingering shadows of doubt that had gripped their hearts. Each man and woman among them felt a renewed surge of purpose, their grips tightening around their weapons. Fear was still present, a chill in the back of their minds, but Yukan’s rallying cry gave them the strength to stand firm, ready to face down this unholy monstrosity to protect their people.

Okami's eyes sharpened as she faced the skeletal archbishop, her blade moving with a fluid, almost serene grace. The air around her seemed to still for a moment before she executed [Red River Flow], her sword flashing faster than the eye could track. In one swift motion, she drew and resheathed it, sending out a thunderous shockwave that sliced through the dark tendrils, dispersing the energy that lashed out toward her and the Ashigaru. Despite their distance, the Ashigaru took advantage of the brief reprieve, swinging their improvised weapons against the encroaching spears. Clubs and scythes met the dark tendrils, swatting them away, and for a moment, the skeletal archbishop’s assault faltered.

Rei, having freed herself from the cold, deathly grip that sought to root her in place, advanced with swift, purposeful steps to J10. She could feel the icy chill of her [Cold Steel] radiating from her blade, a sharp contrast to the stifling heat of the chamber. Her attack came in a smooth, fluid motion, her sword cutting through the air and striking true against the skeletal archbishop. The touch of her blade left behind patches of frost that clung to the creature’s bone, a creeping cold that attempted to sap away its dark strength. Okami’s earlier shockwave, Rei’s chilling strike, and the Ashigaru’s unyielding stand all coalesced, diminishing the archbishop’s power. Even so, the creature’s dark energies were not fully suppressed, and tendrils of shadow continued to lash out, grazing the protective barriers of Okami and the Ashigaru, leaving faint cracks upon them. [-1 HP to Barrier]

Meanwhile, Yukan, Vincent, and Katja braced themselves, choosing to stay on the defensive. Yukan positioned himself as a bulwark, armor gleaming as he absorbed the brunt of the attack with unyielding resolve. Behind him and Okami, Vincent and Katja found safety, their barriers shimmering as the archbishop’s dark tendrils glanced off them, weakened yet persistent. Though the protective wards around them were strained, they held, but it was clear that another direct hit could very well breach their defenses. [-2 HP to Barrier]

Seizing the momentum, Okami pressed her attack, performing another swift execution of [Red River Flow]. Her blade flashed in a crimson arc, sending another shockwave slicing through the air toward the cultist at K6. The strike landed with unerring precision, cleaving through the skeletal figure without resistance. The cultist crumbled to the ground, its bony remains scattering across the chamber floor. Yukan followed up with [Falling Spear], his lance striking with deadly accuracy, piercing through another cultist at I11. The skeletal figure barely had time to react before it was impaled, its form shattering as Yukan’s strike drove through it with brutal efficiency. With only four cultists left standing, the oppressive aura surrounding the skeletal archbishop grew noticeably weaker, its power visibly waning.

The Ashigaru, bolstered by Yukan’s earlier words, surged forward to engage the skeletal hooded cultists. They advanced as one, a ragtag formation of resolve and defiance. Their makeshift weapons rose and fell in unison, a flurry of scythes, clubs, and hammers raining down upon the cultists at I6 and I4. Each strike landed true, cracking bone and splintering skeletal limbs, until the figures crumbled under the assault, its dark energies dissipating into the air.

Vincent, having cautiously moved forward to E5, now had a clear view of the altar’s grim contents. The sight that greeted him was a wolf girl, her dark fur matted and dirtied, hands and feet bound tightly, gagged, and blindfolded. She writhed against her restraints, a soft, muffled whimper escaping her as she struggled to free herself. Her ears flicked and twitched, her body jerking with futile, panicked movements. The dim light of the chamber revealed tear tracks cutting through the fur on her cheeks, a clear sign of her fear and distress.

Archbishop
​

The skeletal archbishop, though visibly weakened, raised its staff with deliberate, almost ritualistic movements. From the hollow voids where its eyes once were, a sinister, pulsating light began to grow, casting an eerie glow across the chamber. A low, rumbling chant emanated from its skeletal form, each word echoing like the grinding of stone against bone. Dark wisps of energy spiraled around the staff, coiling tighter and tighter before coalescing into a dense, shadowy orb at its tip. The orb pulsed, growing darker and heavier, its surface swirling like a vortex of night.

With a sudden, violent motion, the archbishop thrust its staff forward, and the orb shattered, sending forth five jagged, shadowy spikes. Each tendril shot out with serpentine speed, twisting and snapping as they sought their targets. The first spike lunged toward Okami, cutting through the air with a hissing, venomous sound, its dark energy seething and writhing [1x E Grade Attack]. The second veered sharply, aiming straight at Yukan, undulating as if it was seeking a gap in his defenses [1x E Grade Attack]. The third coiled and snaked toward Katja, its movements erratic, almost playful, as it darted back and forth, closing the distance with unsettling precision. [1x E Grade Attack]

The fourth spike arced through the chamber, twisting around pillars and debris before hurtling directly at Rei. Its form pulsed, swelling and shrinking as if alive, the tendril extending with a predatory grace [1x E Grade Attack]. Finally, the fifth spike split from the main cluster, darting toward the Ashigaru ranks. It moved with vicious speed, a jagged tip leading the charge, aiming to pierce through their defenses and scatter the morale they had just regained. Each spike carried a dark, malevolent energy, the very air around them vibrating with their dark intent, ready to tear through anything standing in their path [1x E Grade Attack].

Spoiler: Overall situation:

Ashigaru
HP: 10/10
Base Effectiveness: 10/10
Morale: 10/10
Learned skills: [Deflect F]

Vincent's Lucky Charges: 1/2

Barrier:
Vincent, Yukan 2HP for 3 turns
Okami 3HP for 3 turns
Rei: 4HP for 3 turns

CDs:
Yukan: C 1/3, D 0/2
Okami: D 1/2, E 0/1
Katja: E 0/0 (Cooldown locked for 3 turn or until dispelled.)

K11, K4, I13, I15, K13, K15, K6, I11, I7, I4 cultists has been defeated.

 

[Karcen]

Katja Galinka
languages: common

​

Were things going well or going badly" it was hard to tell, most of the cultists were dealt with by the others and the skeletal archbishop was having issues dealing with them. The question was how could they hurt it and if getting rid of its followers would just make it mad. With Vincent moving to save the villager on the altar anything that could be powering the undead was slowly being removed. The problem was distance as Vincent was now out of range so she couldn't renew his shield. The question was what would these spikes do? It could perhaps try to get through her barriers so she needed to reenforce them. Most of those she wanted to reinforce were out of range without having to drop the shield on vincent, though he didn't seem to be a target right now. The spears were targeting Her, the villagers, Yukan, Okami, and Rei.

As far as barrier went Rei and the villagers were at full power which meant there was nothing more she could do without messing up the barriers around everyone. As far as damage went it was her and yukan that had the ones closet to breaking that were also targets. She would have to settle with just reenforcing the barrier around her. Katja would just have to add barriers on top of the weakened ones, a short term solution for Yukan and okami. katja of course had lost her last barrier already given they didn't last long, but well she was trying. Then it came to her that the villagers were likewise only slightly shielded, but she had to pick to let Vincent have his shield or give one to the villagers. he was an adventurer, Vincent could hopefully take a hit the villagers were just villagers who she needed to protect. This of course meant she could use [The lord's protection] to shield everyone but Vincent. Still she didn't like it, she didn't like not protecting everyone it ate a pit in her stomach and made her doubt herself. it was times like this that it was her faith that gave her the strength to continue one to believe god's will guided her hand to pick what was best. Still an idea also appered in her mind something she could try. " Lord protect your faithful" She almost whispered the quick prayer as she activated [The lord's protection]

Still she wasn't done as she decided to try a the trick that would require timing and precision. She would catch the spears of darkness inside barrier of their own. The chance of this working was low as her stats in the needed area's weren't great she would use [Precision F] [speed g] [Barrier F] [energized f] and [magic f ] to attempt to quickly form the barriers around the spikes heading for Okami and Yukan as they were the ones in range anyways. Even if this failed the reinforced barriers around them would likely protect them. The idea of using the trick not he one coming at her never crossing her mind, it was better to live to save others than ones self in her mind after all.

actions:

1: The lords protection on Yuakan, Rei, Katja, Okami and Ashigaru
2: use Precision F speed G Barrier F energized F and magic f to try to catch the spike heading for okami in a barrier
3: use Precision F speed G Barrier F energized F and magic f to try to catch the spike heading for Yukan in a barrier

 

[TheTimePiece]

Yukan Koyake

​

Maxxob Karcen Gwen_Temi Spoiled Bread Maverick Six

Yukan grunted a bit as he felt the foul magic hit him, but thankfully between his armor and Katja's barrier he was okay. He would have to thank Katja later for her essential support.

Thankfully his attack had landed and fell one of the hooded figure's himself.

It looked like the group was finally making strides as the oppressive aura became lessened the more cultists in the room were fallen, not only that but the Ashigaru had gained their resolve and were ready to fight it looked like. Now they were fighting like true beasts from the Republic were supposed too, it only further filled Yukan's heart with pride and determination to see a group who had been terrorized so finally standing up against their terrorizers in a united front.

"<May Hachiman smile upon you all fondly today! As our witness Today you take back Taeko's security together!>" He exclaimed, while, due to cooldowns he'd have to eat yet another E grade magic attack, hopefully Katja's barrier would help a bit again as Yukan opted to use his Armor C to block again. Knowing full well discomfort was probably to come again, but he braced himself.

Yukan was a bit relieved to see Vince get ahead and help out the one who was captured and in distress, but he couldn't focus very long at all on that in this high action situation.

"Okami on me! Let's finish off these undead, then focus on the caster!" Yukan moved until he was in position to avoid friendly fire and strike the cultist on I2 with a well placed

Mobile Lesser Transpierce - [Specialize] Fighting Style F [Falling Spear] - Range F + Penetrating F, Hot Shot F + Fast F. F Grade Ability 0 Round cooldown.
Yukan moves up to 40 ft and attempts to stab his target up to 10 ft with a great penetrating force ignoring up to one grades of opponent's defensively used item,
dealing double damage if successfully strikes a weak spot.

The energy from his strike defiantly heading toward the selected enemy. Presumably if this went to plan, while he did this Okami would finish off the other one, and Katja would know well enough to maintain the protection on herself and others.

Spoiler: Yukan Actions:

Yukan Actions:
1. Leverage Light Armor C again+ Katja barrier to defend against magic attack.
2 and 3: Move and Attack Cultist on I2 with Mobile Lesser Transpierce - [Specialize] Fighting Style F [Falling Spear] - Range F + Penetrating F, Hot Shot F + Fast F. F Grade Ability 0 Round cooldown.