Active [The Republic - Paizu Mountains] - In The Hall of the Monkey King - (PT 2)

[Develius]

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Part II​

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Spoiler: IMPORTANT NOTE

NOTE:
This RP takes place within in the setting of Isekai Hell. If you're interested in this RP, or in the general setting of the universe, please check out the sticked Isekai Hell links for more information. For existing players, please contact me on discord or via OCC/DMs for potential availability.

• For participants, please link your character sheet in your first post, as well as (if applicable):
  • 1). Any specific achievements/goals your character would have within the overall goal of the RP, such as trying to increase standing with a certain faction or obtaining a certain item/asset. So long as it doesn't diverge too much, I'll see what I can do to include it if possible/within reason.
  • 2). Any point boosters the character might have. (Attentive Student, Mentor, Devour, Narrative Booster, etc.).
  • 3). Any [Wanted] or criminal titles your character might have. (Note, some city or guild-related settings will make entry for criminals considerably more difficult and would need discussion pre-joining.)
  • 4). Any Buddy Skills, Masterwork Skills or Complex Assets your character might have.
• Posting pace will typically stick to a three - four day update pace. Meaning generally two updates a week. If you request further time, please let me know or you will be skipped. If the player doesn't respond after two weeks, they are at risk of being written out of the story.
• This quest will be leaning primarily towards an action-adventure style, with combat in mind.
• Estimated length of the RP is around 2 - 3 months.

SETTING:
Original OOC: - Several villages near the base of the Paizu Mountains have reported to have been the victims of raids brought upon their crops and food storages. Originally done during the night in secrecy, the raids have been growing bolder, with recent conflicts resorting further into violence and even attempts of arson. The assailants responsible are reported to be by a gang of rowdy simianfolk, however any attempts to locate their hideout have so far ended in failure. Upon the latest of these victims was that of Garagol Village, a quiet establishment sitting right at the southern base of these massive mountains. On behalf of the nearby villages afflicted by the raids, the elder of Garagol had requested assistance from the Adventures Guild to help with the investigation and potential arrest of said gang.

Addendum (PT1 Summary): - Previously, a group of adventurers had been assembled to find the location of the hidden simian hideout. On their way they encountered a small patrol of simianfolk with a stolen carriage full of various stolen goods. A brief skirmish occurred with the party achieving victory against the simians. They were able to retrieve the loot within the carriage, being food, supplies, coin, and even a map that appears to lead to said hideout. From the enemy group, only one was willing to help the party - a hairless baboon named "Chacha" who was abused by his superiors as a slave . He gave valuable info regarding the simianfolk and their location. However, three of the five party members had dropped mid-way through due to varying reasons, leaving only two adventurers - Lenara Alstadt and Samantha Nag'hagalgrim - willing to stay and finish the mission. The new adventurers partaking at this second go are to pick up where they left off and finish the job in apprehending and retrieving as much stolen goods as possible, with Chacha agreeing to guide the group to them...

Location: The Republic ---> Base of Paizu Mountains ---> Garagol Village
Time of Day: 9:25am
Weather: Cloudy with some cold wind.
Current Goal(s):

1. Assemble with the new group.

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Mentions:
| Maverick Six | Rev IX | Gadg8eer | Scoobie |
​

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Forest's Light

As the sun raises over the towering trees overlooking Garagol Village, both Lenara Alstadt and Samantha Nag'hagalgrim wake to yet another pleasant sunny yet cold morning. Life here had remained quiet yet guarded as the villagers continued about their daily routines while also looking out for any signs of sneaking bandits. The two adventurers had been staying in a small tavern since their initial arrival around two days ago and had been relatively patient in waiting for the new members to join them on their quest. A local was kind enough to relay these sudden turn of events to the adventurers guild in Ryke when they initially returned so that the quest can remain open or renewed. They promised to come back with an additional adventurer or two that were just as determined to finish the job as Len and Sam. Today was supposedly when they'd return...

During their stay, Lenara and Samantha were treated well by the locals. They were given a decent complimentary service of food and drinks as they stayed, with them being kind enough to let them stay without charging them a coin. This also applied to the baboonfolk refugee "Chacha" that was rescued as well, who also stayed in the same room. He'd begin to gradually trust them and explain certain bits of what life was like under the dreaded "Monkey King". It was, to put it bluntly, harsh for folks like him. Not all simianfolk were bad, only those that swore support and allegiance to him were. Those that weren't were either imprisoned or taken up as slave labor. Those that valiantly defied him were promptly killed to make an example of.

"Me... was... alive... only... because... apes... found me... funny." the baboonfolk had explained slowly, being not particularly fluent in common, "Was... also... good... at not... being... seen... was... good... scout... but... not... very good... fighter... and... timid."

The village elder, Copernicus the old Caprifolk, would visit them regularly to check on how they were doing and updating them on the state of affairs. So far there were no signs of the simianfolk near the village, though scouts had claimed to have seen patrols lurking around some of the side roads several miles up the Paizu Mountains. They seemed wary by the loss of a patrol, no doubt planning some sort of counter offensive. Perhaps they'd been scouting around for potential villages to raid or caravans to steal or simply making sure they wouldn't be attacked again. Still it was clear that the adventurers would have to depart quickly before things further escalated.

Though they wouldn't have to wait too long in the day...

The bells tolled as the escort boat had finally returned from their journey to Ryke. And luckily for them, it also brought with them some new recruits. Best for the others to get them up to speed before they depart back into the Paizu Mountains.

 

[Scoobie]

Leo Valenhart
Booster: Attentive Student | Titles: Human, Expert Tinkerer | Downtime: Increase Precision Grade​

Leo had never been known for his grace, and that wasn’t about to change today.

The sound of the dock bells jolted him awake, and for a moment, he flailed - his brain still half-asleep, convinced he was falling. In reality, he was just rolling off his makeshift pillow (his cape, which was now half-soaked in boat water), and nearly tumbling face-first onto the deck. He caught himself at the last second, blinking blearily at the cloudy sky above.

“...Oh, right,” he muttered to himself, rubbing his eyes. “I’m on a boat.”

With a deep, dramatic stretch, he sat up, immediately regretting the way the cold morning wind bit at his face. It made his already-messy hair even worse, strands sticking up at odd angles like he’d just been electrocuted. He tried to pat it down, then decided to pretend he meant for it to look this way. Aesthetic choice. Mysterious, rugged traveler. Yeah, that sounded cool.

Stifling a yawn, he turned to the crew that had brought him here, shooting them an easy grin. “Thanks for the ride,” he said, giving a lazy but sincere bow. “Five stars. Would sail again.”

One of them gave him a look.

Leo just gave them a friendly wave before hopping off the boat - only to nearly trip over his own boots, which he had, at some point, kicked off in his sleep. He scrambled to grab them, stuffing his feet in without bothering to fix the laces. It was fine. He liked to live on the edge.

Now then. Time to meet the others.

Garagol Village had that peaceful, early-morning stillness to it. The overcast sky, the cold wind, the faint smell of woodsmoke drifting in the air - it was almost nice. A shame about the whole “violent simianfolk gang” situation.

Leo strolled toward the meeting point with the confidence of a man who either had everything under control or had no idea what he was doing. (It was usually the latter.) His hands were stuffed in his pockets, and he was whistling something that didn’t actually sound like a tune so much as a series of random, off-key notes. A few villagers glanced at him, eyebrows raised, probably wondering who let this guy in.

By the time he reached the group, he could feel their stares. He didn’t blame them - he was probably a bit of an odd sight, between the windswept hair, the half-tied boots, and the generally relaxed attitude.

But Leo had never been one to let awkward silences fester.

“Morning!” he greeted, spreading his arms like he was announcing himself to an adoring crowd. “Leo Valenhart, at your service. Not with the guild officially, but I like to help out when I can.” He gave a slight bow - casual, but still polite.

Straightening up, he clapped his hands together. “So! What’s the plan? We sneakin’ in? Storming the place? Maybe dressing up like monkeys to blend in? Just throwing out ideas here.”

Silence. To be fair, he didn't really give them that much time to respond.

Leo blinked, then cleared his throat. “No? Too soon for jokes? Right. Serious faces. Got it.” He smoothed down his expression and nodded sagely. “I, too, am serious.”

The effect was immediately ruined when the wind blew his cape up over his head.

“This is fine,” he mumbled from under the fabric, pretending like this was all part of his process.

 

[Gadg8eer]

Gadg8eer​

Spoken Languages: "Common"
Literate Languages: Common

Construct Languages (SpyWear* F): <speak(analog.lang)=no>
Translated Languages (The Story So Far): <Terran>

*Construct Language Packs and cool AugReal HUD features not included. Requires 1 double-eye soul battery. Rated e10+.

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That morning in the Yale Inn, Gadg8eer had woken up from a strange, vivid dream about a place called Glace Valley and an assignment to study a wraith. However, seemingly the whole thing had never happened, and no such recruitment occurred at the bulletin board at the local adventurer's guild hall.

Instead, the most promising ad was one for an area that might look familiar to him if Glace Valley actually existed. Apparently a "monkey king" was causing problems for everyone in the Paizu Mountains. He'd traveled all morning, reaching Garagol village after following the wooden signs that no one else he'd seen on the way could read. He actually had to ask a guardsman where the Garagol Adventurer's Guild was.

He was disappointed to find Darin - someone from the dream - was not, in fact, present anywhere he'd been, and that Tomashi's whereabouts was unknown. Determining at that point that it really had just been all a dream, he decided to focus on the job. "...hi? I'm, um... I'm called Gadg-eight-eer."

 

[Maverick Six]

Lenara "Len" Allstadt

Interaction: (See below)
Titles: Human, Squire, Rotia Nobility Bastard F
Language Key: Common | [Terran]

Spoiler: Important Stuff

Goal: Obtain Rank in local Adventurer Guild (Republic)
Point Boosters: None
Wanted or Criminal Titles: None
Buddy Skills, Masterwork Skills and Complex Assets: None

​

Prelude​

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"That's terrible!" Lenara replied to Chacha as he told her the woes that had befallen the local monkey people. A terrible monkey king taking over all with his gang and forcing all other into slavery or death.

In a manner quite unprofessional and likely not very adventurer-like, the hairless ape would find himself being yanked into a hug. Lenara's bleeding heart made her practically on the edge of bawling her eyes out. Yet with surprisingly resounding confidence, she'd affirm to him:

"I'll make sure to help this village and as many of your people as I can! Or die trying!" She declared to him. And it was very easy to tell she meant every word of it.

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The coming days were spent more actively then one might think.

The sun had crept up into her room. Yet by the time it had hit -- Lenara was already dressed. Bright and early, particularly given the days of idleness.

"HUP!" The morning stillness would be broken up by dutiful training. It appeared that Lenara would spend her time in the mornings carrying out exercise in some attempt to remain fit. Villagers would notice her running laps around the area. She'd spend time picking up stones and putting them back down with a very high amount of reps. And this would be complemented by her swinging around a very large stick with a stone tied to it.

Yet she didn't seem to stop there.

"Hi! Can I help you! Let me help you carry that!" She asked.

"Need some help chopping wood?" She'd ask another.

So to it was that during the empty hours of the day, the villagers would find themselves with an additional yet mostly unskilled helping hand. Lenara was decent at performing manual labor and that seemed primarily what she wanted to do. However the more complex tasks of farming seemed to be beyond her reach. She'd chop would, help carry hay bales and the lady with noble blood -- could even seen shoveling animal waste and feces by pens and stables. Though it wasn't without difficulty.

The particularly observant might catch sight of her heaving out her lunch from the smell. Thankfully, she was just in the right place to be cleaning that all up.

When the day had come to an end, she'd conclude her work.

When it came to their guest, she'd question him at the end of the day.

Now, the Inn​

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Rev IX Gadg8eer Develius Scoobie

Word on the street was that they were going to get new adventurers to reinforce what they had lost. And today was about the day they'd arrive. Thus Lenara would be sitting in the tavern's lobby waiting with Sam and Chacha the Escapee.

Her eyes turned as two approached the inside of the inn. They didn't look like they were from this village but she still didn't want to be presumptuous. Thus just as she opened her mouth to speak, she found one man brazenly introducing herself before she could ask.

Lenara's eyes moved to scan that of her friends but then she found herself looking at the guy. Her mouth had opened again and again but the guy seemed to keep on talking. Though, towards the end when some wind blew in, a sound had finally escaped her lips as she saw his cape blow over his head: A giggle.

Her eyes fell upon the smaller one raising an eyebrow of her own. Of them both, he looked about the strangest. The texture of his clothes seemed exotic. And the name seemed stranger. Was it a play on "gadget?"

"So you're the new reinforcements, huh? My name is Lenara Alstadt!" Reaching both of their hands, she would begin to shake one of each with her two hands in a motion that was both eager and aggressive. Her bubbly voice made her conversation known to all in the inn.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Gad-eight-teer and Leo!" She said, with a giant and warm smile on her face.

Up close, Lenara was a short young woman of about 5 ft 3 -- wearing light armor all around her person which seemed to be comprised of thick normal clothes, chainmail and bits of plate. On her back was an enormous and intricate sword comprised of steel and what appeared to be scales. At the center of a hilt seemed to be a gem. One might almost swear they would see a slit in the center -- like the eye of a reptile. Like something watching them.

Closer inspection would show no such thing however....

"Tactics! Oh yeah! I...don't know yet... HOWEVER. Now that we're all here, it's the perfect time to discuss!" She scratched her head and turned to Chacha. "This is Chacha! We freed him from the Monkey King's bandits!"

Speaking directly to him, she asked a question before making too many assumptions.

"Chacha! We're leaving real soon! How many enemies are there. And, what's their home like! Any traps? Defenses...?"

---

Spoiler: Actions

HP: 3/3 (D Grade Speed)
Armor: 2/2 (E Grade Light)

Actions: 0/3

1. Nothing of note.....

Cooldowns:
Len
F - 0 Post Remaining

Passives:
None

 

[Rev IX]

Samantha Nag'hagalgrim
​

The days passed by without much of note. Samantha kept mostly to herself, spending most of her time meditating or tending to her weapon. While she did participate at some points, she left the "Empathy with Chacha" mission to Lenara. "Talk about tyrants..." Or something along those lines is what she'd say whenever Chacha brought up the horrible treatment he went through. While Samantha wasn't the kindest person, she did feel anger at such levels of unjustified cruelty.

The day of the reinforcements' arrival felt just about the same. With Samantha sitting before a humble cup of tasty mint tea with her legs crossed. She'd eye the new faces, trying to see how good and helpful they might actually be. One was clumsy and very talkative, clearly a good match for Lenara. For the talking, at least.

Then there was the kid with a particularly odd name. The astral scholar wasn't sure of what to make of it. Nervous and awkward? Maybe, but a book shouldn't be judged by its cover. Time would tell how helpful he might actually be.

When chats about strategy began, she'd sip her tea as ideas were thrown around. Samantha turned to Chacha. "Lenara is right. Please share as much as you know about we are headed, Chacha. Don't skim on the details, anything can be helpful in the right situation."

 

[Darkbloom]

After coming back from the monsters for tuition program, Thomas asked around for things he might be able to engage in. Some people told him to keep the monsters away, someone else told him to keep going to school, and another person's recommendation was to join the army. However, none of these is what Thomas was looking for. Certainly not the army, and the school seemed to be on a bit of a teaching hiatus. So he browsed the quest board in town, scanning over the various jobs he could take until his eyes settled on "In the Hall of the Monkey King." Thomas had heard stories of the monkey king before, how he wielded a mighty bo staff with unrivaled skill and proficiency. He read the description and where everyone was meeting, which was in the city of Ryke at an inn, so off to Ryke he went.

Once Thomas reached the inn he was gasping for breath, having ran all the way here from his transport. It was far past the meeting time, and so he had taken to running because he was going to be late again. "GAH! I'm late agaaaaaaaain!" He fell to his knees, panting and out of breath. It wasn't too hard to find where everyone was meeting. It looked like a fun group by all appearances, so as soon as Thomas had recovered from his short run, he made a beeline for the table and took an empty seat. "Hey hi hallo! My name is Thomas, pleasure to meet all of you. So sorry for being late, I seem to have a knack for not being able to show up on time for literally ANYTHING!" He asks for a water and downs it in one gulp, then asks for another one. "All right my new friends, what did I miss? Anything important?" He looks from one adventurer to the other, seeking to know what he missed.

Rev IX Maverick Six Gadg8eer Develius Scoobie

 

[Gadg8eer]

Gadg8eer​

Spoken Languages: "Common"
Literate Languages: Common

Construct Languages (SpyWear* F): <speak(analog.lang)=no>
Translated Languages (The Story So Far): <Terran>

*Construct Language Packs and cool AugReal HUD features not included. Requires 1 double-eye soul battery. Rated e10+.

---

"Um, not much. The adorable monkey- sorry, I wasn't trying to infantilize you, I just- never mind." Gadg8eer stopped himself, not wanting to diminutize the primate ally. "This monkey was explaining why the Monkey King is bad. I guess the King's not like the one in Chinese myth. Apparently the king has bandits? Oh, um... Also, I know it's weird but I guess I should introduce myself again. Let's see... Options... Player Profile... Make username publicly available!" he said, and navigated a strange spellbook-like projection that simply appeared from nothing in front of him.

The modified settings caused his nametag to appear as a hologram-looking magitech-based XR thingy above his head. He left it at that. The nametag somehow remained visible to each person until they were aware of it enough that the nametag could stop being visible to them. "It's weird because it's a nickname. I'm sort of careful about not telling people my true name."

 

[Develius]

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Location:
Garagol Village ---> Tavern
Mentions:
| Maverick Six [Lenara Alstadt] | Rev IX [Samantha Nag'hagalgrim] | Gadg8eer [Gadg8eer] | Scoobie [Leo Valenhart] | Darkbloom [Thomas Carter] |
​

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Forest's Light

One by one, the new recruits would make their way to the inn in a rushed semi-organized manner. The first to make his appearance was Leo Valenhart, who approached with the confidence of an individual knowing both what he's doing while also looking woefully oblivious to what exactly he's in for. Given he wasn't part of the Adventurer's Guild, as he admitted himself, this seemed to check out. Standing outside with Len and Sam, glanced blankly at Leo's joke with a curious look, as if trying to see what the punchline was. Or perhaps he knew naught this was a joke at all. Though as the cape flew comically into his face, the hairless baboon folk couldn't help but chuckle meekly at this turn of events.

"Hee... hee..." he awkwardly chuckled at the unintentional slapstick before realizing his rude manners and proceeded to shy away in silence.

Next to arrive was a kid decked out in a variety of unique gear unlike anything seen here. With sporty yellow goggles, a brown cap, red shirt and pants, mixed with a unique assortment of gadgets and gizmos straight out of a late-90s to early 2000s toy commercial, this was none other then Gadg8eer, who meekly and politely made his acquaintance to the other adventurers. Chacha's gaze curiously glanced over his unique attire, getting fairly close to the young boy as he inspected this odd tech curiously and excitedly. "Ooh... ooh..." ooed and ahhed the baboon as he felt compelled to reach out and touch his armor, though was barely able to restrain himself. "Cool... gear..."

By this time, the boatman - a hunched back melanistic wolfkin with an eyepatch - would make his way to the front and address to them the cargo. "Deez be all of em." he stated with a raspy, gravelly voice, "Jus' these two." With that, he sauntered back to the docks and left the others to get acquainted with each other. Once the initial introductions were confirmed, Lenara's bubbly and confident aura took lead of the group as they'd begin to discuss their plans before they'd leave. And in order to do that, they needed info from Chacha, who continued to stand awkwardly gripping his long wooden stick. He waved at the cast with a slow wave of his paw.

"Y-Yes... Chacha will... explain... all he knows." He was a bit intimidated in being put on the spot so quickly, but the hairless baboon knew his role here. As he stepped forth, they'd see that he was among the shortest of the crew, though still taller then Gadg8eer at around 4 feet and 10 inches. While common clearly wasn't his first language he spoke enough to understand and explain in a slowed yet perfectly legible voice. Clearing his throat, it took a moment for Chacha to get comfortable in the spotlight.

But before he'd start, one last late recruit enters the scene in a mad-dash. A silver-haired young lad in a classic wizards' attire stumbled into the tavern in a panic, claiming to be late to the debriefing. This was Thomas Carter and as one wizard had once said "A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to." After settling in, the main debriefing would finally begin.

"The... Monkey King..." Chacha starts off slowly, "Lives deep... in... the Mountains. In a temple... or a... monastery as... you humans say. He has warriors... patrolling... nearby routes to... loot and capture... caravans and... villages... like this one. There are... two ways to... enter." He then gestures for a map and as it unfurls the apekin glances over at the marked map and begins pointing to locations marked with a red circle. "There is... front gates... where... previous group... was headed. It is... guarded by... patrols and... guards. Traps too. Since... these two from... previous combat... escaped from fight... no recommend... going here... now." He referenced the patrol Lenara and Samantha engaged in with the previous group, where two opponents fled the scene. Both a baboon crossbowmen and a chimp warrior. Going the same direction was not advisable given the gang were now on high alert and would likely double their patrol routes and potential traps.

Chacha's finger then moved to another red circle close behind to the north-west end of the monastery. "Here... back entrance." he explained, "Is... secret... but route... longer-ish... then front. Terrain here... not suited... for carriages.. Must... go on foot. Chacha... knows way in." Len and Sam would recognize the fork in the road from where Chacha's finger started - where the right route up into the mountains lead to their encounter and would've lead them to the front entrance. The left route would take them further down the mountain and towards a stream, where they'd be passing an old mill. The path would then merge with a main trading route. Yet between the mill and the connection route, there was a red squiggly line that diverted into the mountains and towards where the back entrance would be. "Entrance is... a cave system... which leads to... back of base. Some guards... present... but should be... less then... front door. Traps are... likely? Chacha has not... gotten good look."

Then his finger moved towards the center of the base. "Once inside... we must be... stealthy, yes. Guards... numerous. Eyes watching. Maze-like... multiple... floors... and Monkey King... sitting on throne... in middle of... base." Chacha paused as he glanced over at the rest of the group with a brief nod, "Chacha can... guide you better... once inside." The baboon looked at the other group members seeing if they had any questions or inquires before they'd move on

 

[Gadg8eer]

Gadg8eer​

Spoken Languages: "Common"
Literate Languages: Common

Construct Languages (SpyWear* F): <speak(analog.lang)=no>
Translated Languages (The Story So Far): <Terran>

*Construct Language Packs and cool AugReal HUD features not included. Requires 1 double-eye soul battery. Rated e10+.

---

The room was silent for a moment as everyone took in the information. Gadg8eer didn't have to say much, but something about the situation drove him to do so. "I know you guys probably have a plan, but... Does anyone think it would be a good idea to distract the front gates while someone sneaks in? Or maybe disguise ourselves as guards with prisoners and bluffing our way in? A Plan B just seems... prudent."

 

[Maverick Six]

Lenara "Len" Allstadt

Interaction: Rev IX Gadg8eer Develius Scoobie Darkbloom
Titles: Human, Squire, Rotia Nobility Bastard F
Language Key: Common | [Terran]

Spoiler: Important Stuff

Goal: Obtain Rank in local Adventurer Guild (Republic)
Point Boosters: None
Wanted or Criminal Titles: None
Buddy Skills, Masterwork Skills and Complex Assets: None

​

The Inn​

---

Another newcomer appeared. And that newcomer like the others, would not go ungreeted. "Hello Thomas! I'm Lenara! Nice to meet you." Lenara began, waving eagerly at him. Despite him bieng late, she seemed she was glad he was there. "You're just in time! We're leaving soon. And we can probably fill you in on the way." Soon however, her attention turned to the matter at hand.

As Chacha gives a detailed explanation, Lenara pulls out the map the received from a pocket. As he speaks, she reviews it and matches with what he said. "So this must be what that other path lead to!" She says, feeling as though she'd connected previous dots from yesterday.

"Well that settles it! Rear entrance it is, I say! We should do our best to sneak in and then go loud if we need to." She decides., summing up her take on the plan in more or less a single sentence.

Looking at Gadg8eer however, she takes a moment to contemplate his plan. And for about ten seconds she silently paces around, looking away from everyone as she almost retreats into her own mind. She didn't linger there for long however.

"I don't think that will work...." She says simply.

"I don't know if anyone here is good at making disguises. And what's more is that this group is made up of monkey and ape beastmen. I don't think we'd be able to pass." She said, before motioning to Chacha.

"Posing as prisoners? Maybe. But it would be too risky. We killed all the bandits except one. That one who escaped told them what would happen." Wandering about the room, Lenara eyes settle upon Samantha's deadly scythe. One that she'd used to decapitate the monkey.

"Meaning Chacha would have to explain how Chacha managed to catch warriors like us by himself. And they might kill him if he's seen again. Speaking of which -- you're being very brave Chacha, coming with us." Shifting uncomfortably in place a little bit -- the idea of risking the life of someone the group rescued not really sitting all that well with her. Still, they were probably going to have a hard time mapping this place out.

"You're being brave helping us out. So if you to run, don't feel bad." Lenara looked off to the door.

"Either way, I think we should get going." Slowly and carefully, she drew the great sword from her back and inspected it, making sure it was as sharp as it ever was. An idle motion, given that Gremir never seemed to dull.

---

Spoiler: Actions

HP: 3/3 (D Grade Speed)
Armor: 2/2 (E Grade Light)

Actions: 0/3

1. Nothing of note.....

Cooldowns:
Len
F - 0 Post Remaining

Passives:
None

 

[Gadg8eer]

Gadg8eer​

Spoken Languages: "Common"
Literate Languages: Common

Construct Languages (SpyWear* F): <speak(analog.lang)=no>
Translated Languages (The Story So Far): <Terran>

*Construct Language Packs and cool AugReal HUD features not included. Requires 1 double-eye soul battery. Rated e10+.

---

He lowered his voice and followed closely behind Lenora. "Um... one last thing? What about- wait no. I see. So we can't be caught too early. What about waiting until after dark? If we approach at night, I might be able to make something to climb over walls or make people fall asleep before sundown." he said, pivoting halfway through his sentence. He thought for a bit and then added "If we're in a hurry and can't wait, how long do we have?"

 

[Rev IX]

Samantha Nag'hagalgrim
​

Samantha's eyes narrowed when yet another clumsy kid barged in. A particularly uncivilized one, while at it. The scholar sipped on her tea after giving one last displeased look. The one with the odd name displayed it in a peculiar way. She rose an eyebrow, but kept it at that.

Her focus then turned to Chacha. Taking every word and measuring its value as he went, trying her best to formulate potential approaches and decisions to be taken. Still, she kept it to herself at the moment. Samantha didn't want to intimidate Chacha again, not since it was clear he was done dirty by this ape clan of sorts.

After Chacha was done, talks resumed. Of which Samantha did chime in. "I don't know about you. But a disguise of such caliber might be troublesome to make convincing", she told the youngest looking person of them all. Lenara had it covered to, which etched a faint smile on the medic. As a matter of fact, Lenara took over the scheming. "We'd need a convincing guard, and I'm afraid Chacha wouldn't cut it." she contributed to the young knight's thoughts again.

The quick plan Lenara put together was simple. Sneak through the back door, get to their target, profit. Being that it'd be better to get this over sooner rather than later, she gladly picked up her scythe and got moving... After calmly finishing the leftover tea she had, that is.

"The more time passes, the likelier it is for these bandits to strike again. Moreso since we killed a few of their own and some lived to go back and tell the tale." As she slinged her blade over her shoulder, she concluded "If you can figure something out on the road, that's great. If not, well that's that, kid."

 

[Darkbloom]

Thomas listens to everyone speak before making his own voice heard on the matter. Plenty of good ideas, plenty of risks with just about all of those ideas. "Trying to use disguises would be the hardest thing to pull off. We don't know the cycle of the guard rotations, and they're sure to notice if someone goes missing if we knock em out and borrow the suits, OR if there are suddenly new arrivals no one was informed of."

Thomas takes a long drink of water he got from one of the workers before continuing. "I do like the idea of a distraction. Are any of you good with being sneaky? I personally don't have any experience in that area so I'd most likely fail miserably. In which case, a distraction may not work either." He sighs, scratching the itch on his head, and then raises an eyebrow when a back entrance is mentioned.

"If the back entrance is less guarded or even better, unguarded, I'd go with that. I have a few tricks if we get caught in a sticky web." Thomas watches with intent as Lenara draws out the greatsword. He hasn't seen such a well crafted weapon up close before, so he naturally ogles it. "That looks amazing! I don't know much about smithing, but that sword must have been no small feat to make, especially with as much detail as it has! Alas, two handed weapon fighting isn't for me. Maybe in another life."

Develius Gadg8eer Maverick Six Rev IX

 

[Gadg8eer]

Gadg8eer​

Spoken Languages: "Common"
Literate Languages: Common

Construct Languages (SpyWear* F): <speak(analog.lang)=no>
Translated Languages (The Story So Far): <Terran>

*Construct Language Packs and cool AugReal HUD features not included. Requires 1 double-eye soul battery. Rated e10+.

---

"You're right, our resources are limited and the other side is too prepared. I just... wanted to be sure there wasn't an easier way." he said, audibly stressed. "Do we have a map of this area, aside from Chacha leading us to the stronghold? I might be able to figure out a shorter or less obvious route." He waited a second for the response, but the confused looks and lack of one being mentioned demonstrated that clearly no such map existed among the party. "Okay, fair enough. I'll see what I can come up with once we get there."

 

[Develius]

---

---

Location:
Garagol Village
Mentions:
| Maverick Six [Lenara Alstadt] | Rev IX [Samantha Nag'hagalgrim] | Gadg8eer [Gadg8eer] | Scoobie [Leo Valenhart] | Darkbloom [Thomas Carter] |
​

---

Forest's Light

Lenara's map from her first outing would help Chacha explain where they'd be going as well as the secret entrance around the opposite trail. "Y-Yes... sneak..." the hairless baboon replied to the swordwoman's suggestion with a reluctant nod, being still wholly nervous about this whole thing, "Or... keep... enemies from... alerting... others." Combat was going to be inevitable whether he liked it or not. The question was how this would all play and what would the end result be - be it a daring escape or unadulterated regicide.

Listening to Gadg8eer's suggestion of disguises and distractions, both Lenara and Samantha would knock that decision down, with the latter proclaiming Chacha as a poor guard. The baboon sighed quietly as they already relinquished the truth of their position long ago. Disguises would also be tricky to pull off given no one has magic to transform or disguise folks into apefolk. And even so, Len also addressed a very difficult fact that there were survivors from the encounter. "Two... escaped... conflict." Chacha further elaborated before pointing to the two veterans, "Baboon crossbow... and chimp... warrior. Both would... get... descriptions of... Len and... Sam. They would... also... not be... trusting... of outsiders." Had this not been the case, it could've potentially been achieved with careful planning and maneuverability. "Chacha's... friends... are also... only slaves." he muttered sadly, "None are... of... higher rank... sadly. Not liked... by them... anyways."

He would smile softly at Lenara's comment saying how brave he was in helping the group. "T-Thank you..." he replied graciously with both brown eyes looking directly into her's with the relief and trauma he'd endured, "It is... high time... that someone... fought back... against... Monkey King. I feel... bad for... villagers... too. Want to... help... anyway I... can."

The thought of going at night was also turned down given the urgency of the matter. The longer they waited, the more at risk other villages were in getting raid. It was best not to dally for too long. Thomas also asked if anyone in the group was sneaky and that he alongside anyone else could use some tricks to navigate through the back entrance. "Much less... guards... at back door." Chacha replied with slightly more enthusiasm, "Supposed to... be secret. Best chance... to be... sneaky there. I too... am... sneaky. Can... help out... too."

Gad's last question revolved around the possibility of them having a map that would guide them through the monastery itself, though the silence which followed indeed indicated none existed. Though Chacha would respond, "I can... guide way through. Have... good enough knowledge... of layout. May have... slave friends... who can... guide us... too... if... we happen... to see them."

With that, unless anyone else had any questions at that moment, the party would promptly begin to leave for the mission at hand. Elder Copernicus had already arranged for both supplies and a new carriage to ferry the adventurers up the daunting Paizu Mountains and towards their destination.

---

Location:
Paizu Mountains - Main Trail [Southbound]
​

Mountainous Travel

Taking the same road as before, the party traversed through the old rocky paths upwards as they encountered the pristine views and sights of the vast frontier. Admittedly it wasn't that much different compared to before, perhaps save for the howling winds blowing in the opposite direction or the skies being a bit cloudier than before. Aside from that not much has changed here. Even the animal life of deer-like creatures and small fleet-footed rabbits and lizards were skittering about in the brush and meadows below. Knowing now where to go and coupled with the urgency to get this done, the trip this part of the woods would in fact be a bit faster.

Eventually the group reached the first split in the road. As seen in the map, the left path had the trail moving further down into the valley towards the river and old mill, while the right path had them moving up the mountain range. However, there was also a large divet and caved in divet in the rock right in between the branching paths, as if someone attempted to cave through. This would be more than an unusual, if not concerning sight, for the new recruits. What could've caused such a thing? Was it a monster? A weapon? Or a giant strong ape?

"W-What... caused this?" Chacha chattered nervously.

Yet for Lenara and Samantha, they knew exactly who caused this. They were both there when it happened.

Nonetheless the group would stick to the plan, not choosing to dally further as they descended down the left path further down into the valley below.

---

Location:
Old Watermill​

Settling into the forest below, the party would begin making their way through the serene yet pleasant trails below. The sound of ambient wildlife here was more prevalent with the chirping of birds and harmless calls from animals far in the distance. It was warmer here compared to the chillier elevations up on the high cliffs with a vague mugginess lingering in the air. The gentle pouring of the nearby river could also be seen not far off the path to their left. They wouldn't encounter any apefolk as of yet, but signs of ruined carriages and spilt trash could be seen once in awhile. There were three in total: one was poorly hidden off the road in some bushes for some time, another looked as if it fell off the elevated cliff and tumbled into the rocks below, and another was tipped over on its side with a human body crushed underneath.

Needless to say, tension here was on the rise.

Sometime later they would reach the old abandoned water mill at the lowest point of the trail. In its prime, it looked to be a cozy little establishment that served as a nice area for one to work in. It had the classic cottage look though now since long decrepit with ivy and moss growing all over. Portions of the roof had already collapsed with debris littering the surrounding vicinity. The water wheel was still working surprisingly, though it creaked at a painfully slow rate.

"This is... old... mill." Chacha commented as the carriage entered the premises, "Heard it was... abandoned... long ago. I believe... apefolk... once used it... as outpost. Though... strange to... see it... so still."

Indeed, it seemed like nobody was home... nor were any signs of truly recent activity.

The party could stop here for a moment to investigate or catch a break before continuing on their way to the mountain passage further up... or simply press on as intended. Time was indeed of the essence after all.

 

[Gadg8eer]

Gadg8eer​

Spoken Languages: "Common"
Literate Languages: Common

Construct Languages (SpyWear* F): <speak(analog.lang)=no>
Translated Languages (The Story So Far): <Terran>

*Construct Language Packs and cool AugReal HUD features not included. Requires 1 double-eye soul battery. Rated e10+.

---

Before they walked out of the building in Garagol, while Lenara was explaining the general route with Chacha, Gadg8eer made sure to save a virtual copy using his smartgoggles. "Huh? This is what I meant, a map of the region we'll be traveling through. What was with the blank stares?" he asked. After hearing the explanation he responded with "Oh, now I get it. I mean, a map of the inside would be useful, but I didn't think there was much chance of us having one."

He was oddly quiet after that, not saying a word while the carriage conveyed them to the drop-off point. The ride in the carriage was extremely uncomfortable, as the iron walls and complete lack of suspension meant it was very different than traveling by self-driving car in 2034. He ended up sitting on the roof after it proved too uncomfortable to sit with an unremovable backpack.

When they got to the huge hole, he noticed Lenara and Samantha didn't look puzzled, just worried. He made a mental note of it, in the sense that smartgoggles contain Electroencephalograph (EEG) hardware and he was able to operate it purely by thought when he focused enough. Or at least, it operated in a similar manner to the systems he knew from his old life. With a text document on his storage medium now there to remind him about it, he silently followed the others to the next landmark.

When they found the destroyed carriages, Gadg8eer rushed with concern to the body under the carriage, to check their vital signs. Not being a trained doctor, this amounted to him attempting to feel if the body was still warm and/or breathing.

 

[Maverick Six]

Lenara "Len" Allstadt

Interaction: Rev IX Gadg8eer Develius Scoobie Darkbloom
Titles: Human, Squire, Rotia Nobility Bastard F
Language Key: Common | [Terran]

Spoiler: Important Stuff

Goal: Obtain Rank in local Adventurer Guild (Republic)
Point Boosters: None
Wanted or Criminal Titles: None
Buddy Skills, Masterwork Skills and Complex Assets: None

​

The Inn​

---

Smiling brightly at Thomas' comment, Lenara got a little bit off topic. "Thank you, Thomas! It's a family heirloom. It's very precious to me! I hope I can live up to it's legend some day. I wouldn't too much about using it. We could use a mage!" She said, before putting the sword away and taking the map back out.

Holding the map open for Gadg8 to scan it, Lenara would soon neatly fold it and store it in her pocket as she sought to lead the group.

"I actually kind of agree with Gadg-8. I don't think moving on the place at night is such a bad idea. I don't know if apes and monkeys have particularly good vision in the dark. However!" She closes the map. "We should leave now no matter what. If it seems right, we can just wait for nightfall when we get there."

The Road​

---

With that, the journey with the group would begin. Lenara sought to walk in the front, scanning the area for anything of note using her knowledge of how War was waged. [Warfare F] Given the fact that the bandits seemed keen on using the tactics of raiders and often fought in armies, she'd do her best to assess where anyone might be hiding, potential ambush positions and how the enemy might decide to approach them, based on the area.

"Oh! That's where Kong tried to tunnel! He raised his club and brought it down hard! Then bam! It was like an explosion! He was trying to tunnel through the ground! The whole ground was shaking! But he couldn't dig through the ground very well or navigate....

....anyway let's move on!" She chirped, contuining on her merry way before they saw something of note. It was slightly familiar to her -- an old mill which was circled.

"Oh! It's a mill! Like this one circled on the map! I think this is worth checking out. Especially cause Chacha mentioned it was an outpost. Maybe they're using it again...." At that realization, Lenara reached behind herself and drew her sword.

Slow but assuredly, she would explore the area a little bit, keeping her sword held to her body. . Noticing a cart which had fallen down she'd walk up to the edge carefully and looking around.

Maybe I can go down there but not yet.

First Lenara wanted to make sure the area was clear. Wielding her sword, she'd go check the mill after checking the cliff.

---

Spoiler: Actions

HP: 3/3 (D Grade Speed)
Armor: 2/2 (E Grade Light)

Actions: 3/3

1, 2 and 3. Use [Warfare F] to investigate the surrounding area, the cart and the mill.

Cooldowns:
Len
F - 0 Post Remaining

Passives:
None

 

[Rev IX]

Samantha Nag'hagalgrim
​

Having taken a mental note of Chacha's thoughts on her way out, Samantha gave them some thought as they boarder their ride. "Chacha. If you happen to know where we could be able to get talking with those friends of yours, while not outing ourselves, it'd be great to know." she proposed.

The ride through the same road was rather uneventful. Up until the split in the road, where Chacha asked about the rock displacement. With a sigh, Samantha explained "Remember the big, dum-..." Lenara had her beat, however. "Yes, Kong." she'd finish.

As the group was heading towards the mill marked in the map, signs of banditry were apparent on the sides of the road. The kid ran towards the one visible corpse. To which the medic shook her head. "If he wasn't dead already, the weight would have suffocated him long ago. Don't bother."

Moving into the actual mill, Chacha's remark didn't sit right with her. An outpost, that seemed even the smallest bit odd was worth inspecting. Since Lenara had, once again, taken the lead, Samantha settled with holding her blade over the shoulder at the ready. Opting to inspect and guard the outside. Just in case one of these apefolk tried running away yet again.

 

[Darkbloom]

Thomas spends the carriage ride in silence, scarcely taking a look out the window unless something caught his eye. The staff resting in his grip has seen better days and looks as if it's about to break into a thousand tiny wood pieces begging to become splinters in someone's skin. Though he was silent, Thomas was listening to every word spoken by the others, specifically when they arrived upon a fork in the road.

"W-What... caused this?" Chacha chattered nervously.

"Oh! That's where Kong tried to tunnel! He raised his club and brought it down hard! Then bam! It was like an explosion! He was trying to tunnel through the ground! The whole ground was shaking! But he couldn't dig through the ground very well or navigate....

That sounds like something Thomas would have much liked to witness himself, though he had been stuck as a peasant in the discord channel visiting his family in his home town much further away from the city. Thomas told them about everyone he met while he was away and the new things he picked up at the school in his researching time with the students of the academy and a teacher or two as well.

The ride through the same road was rather uneventful. Up until the split in the road, where Chacha asked about the rock displacement. With a sigh, Samantha explained "Remember the big, dum-..." Lenara had her beat, however. "Yes, Kong." she'd finish.

And then, there was the old abandoned water mill. Everyone was leaving the carriage, so Thomas jumped out after mostly everyone had left and joined them in the brief history lesson.

"This is... old... mill." Chacha commented as the carriage entered the premises, "Heard it was... abandoned... long ago. I believe... apefolk... once used it... as outpost. Though... strange to... see it... so still."

Indeed, it seemed like nobody was home... nor were any signs of truly recent activity.

"Oh! It's a mill! Like this one circled on the map! I think this is worth checking out. Especially cause Chacha mentioned it was an outpost. Maybe they're using it again...." At that realization, Lenara reached behind herself and drew her sword.

Slow but assuredly, she would explore the area a little bit, keeping her sword held to her body. . Noticing a cart which had fallen down she'd walk up to the edge carefully and looking around.

When they found the destroyed carriages, Gadg8eer rushed with concern to the body under the carriage, to check their vital signs. Not being a trained doctor, this amounted to him attempting to feel if the body was still warm and/or breathing.

As the group was heading towards the mill marked in the map, signs of banditry were apparent on the sides of the road. The kid ran towards the one visible corpse. To which the medic shook her head. "If he wasn't dead already, the weight would have suffocated him long ago. Don't bother."

He looks at the scene, greatly saddened by the loss of a stranger he'll never know. "Terrible way to go. I wouldn't wish the fate of being crushed like that upon anyone, not even my enemies." Thomas moves on and joins Lenara looking around the fallen cart, using his staff as a walking stick and a poker of random things on the ground. "Are you expecting trouble? Bandits, maybe?" The question was prompted by Lenara's drawn sword.

Develius Maverick Six Gadg8eer Rev IX

 

[Gadg8eer]

Gadg8eer​

Spoken Languages: "Common"
Literate Languages: Common

Construct Languages (SpyWear* F): <speak(analog.lang)=no>
Translated Languages (The Story So Far): <Terran>

*Construct Language Packs and cool AugReal HUD features not included. Requires 1 double-eye soul battery. Rated e10+.

---

Overhearing Lenara talking about 'Kong' perked Gadg8eer's ears up. He'd seen how big the hole was and thought someone took a military-grade weapon to the area. Then Samantha confirmed the name, which he assumed he'd misheard. "The Monkey King is Kong? As in King Kong? As in 'the giant gorilla, that everyone knows climbed and then lethally fell from the Empire State Building in the famous movie of the same name' King Kong?" he asked. "Because if you're implying what I think you're implying, I really wish I pirated and watched that old movie. Not like Universal Studios still owned the copyright when they tried to sue Nintendo in the 80s, let alone in 2034."

 

[Develius]

---

---

Location:
Old Watermill
Mentions:
| Maverick Six [Lenara Alstadt] | Rev IX [Samantha Nag'hagalgrim] | Gadg8eer [Gadg8eer] | Scoobie [Leo Valenhart] | Darkbloom [Thomas Carter] |
​

---

At the Inn + On the Road...

"Apes... no have good... dark vision." Chacha replied to Lenara's suggestion, "Rely on torches... and... lanterns. Usually... inside at... night. But cautious... very cautious. Still... have patrols at night." Essentially, there may be some advantages to going in at night, but there was risk regarding the use of additional countermeasures to compensate for their more diurnal style of life within the nocturnal hours of the night. Still, it wasn't completely off the table.

Chacha took a moment to think regarding Samantha's suggesting in finding other slaves they could talk too secretly. "Chacha... not sure." he admitted with a worried glance, "They are... usually guarded... when working and... eating. Maybe somewhere... inside base... a chance to... find them. Hopefully..." With the slaves usually monitored by patrols and guards, separating those willing to work with them would be risky. Chacha wasn't the individual who often actively thought about escaping given their submissive attitude towards the Monkey King's authority when he was under their control.

At the split in the road, Chacha's face grew fearful upon seeing the brutish work of yet another familiar character. "W-W-Was this... big man's... work?" he chattered worryingly at the mention of "Kong". He remembered the savage fury the mighty beast of a man that he had committed to his patrol, slamming his hammer down on the enemy like they were ants under his feet. Even the gorillafolk brute couldn't match up quite to his might, combined with Lenara's flaming hot attacks with her blade that quickly dispatched him. He wasn't aware of what "King Kong" was, but the comparison of two royal primates was enough to give him the heebee jeebees. "S-Scary..." the poor baboon whimpered, before they finally moved on.

---

Mountainous Travel

At the Mill...

Inspecting the fallen body underneath the carriage, Gadg8eer would quickly reveal by checking his neck for a pulse that he was cold and unmoving. The victim, a middle-aged elven man, had long since drawn his last breath; his face being muddied and sprinkled with dried blood. While unclear as to exactly how long he'd been laying there, it was safe to say it had been within the past few days. Yet scavengers miraculously hadn't gotten to his corpse yet. Chacha glanced over at the scene with a solemn frown while gripping his stick. "Poor... guy." he said sorrowfully, "Apes... raid caravans. Take... all loot... take... leave... few survivors." Not much could be found on the victim's person either.

The tipped over carriage was also mostly stripped bare of whatever cargo and valuables it carried. Only a small wooden chest was left open with nothing inside... save for one small thing. A small metal locket. Inside it was a compass on the bottom half, with a picture of the man alongside his fellow elven wife and two sons situated on the top.

Meanwhile, the rest of the party would begin investigating the old mill itself, with Chacha wanting to stay close to the carriage to help guard it. They would've parked just off the right side of the road across from the mill. Understandably everyone was wary on what they might find in what was supposedly an old makeshift outpost for the apefolk.

Scanning around closely with [Warfare F], Lenara would be able to confirm that this mill was used as some sort of minor makeshift-outpost at some point in the distant past. However looking closely, there was in fact evidence of recent-ish activity. For one, there were piles of old wooden and stone debris that had been stacked neatly into small piles beside the walls. Old discarded fruit were littered in the hot sun, emitting a pungent scent of rotting matter that suggested they've been out for several days. And as Thomas poked around in some of the long grass patches with his walking stick, he'd find it clanging against what looked to be bleached bone that had signs of being carved into...

Someone, or something, have been making use of this location fairly recently...

Before she'd continue with her investigation, Lenara would take a slight detour to look over the nearby cliff to check on the cart that had fallen off. It had been broken to pieces by the time it had hit the rocky river's edge, being completely destroyed and scattered across the ground. Traces of dried blood and bones could also be seen atop the light gray rocks, suggesting casualties that had been plucked by lucky scavengers. Though there were also signs of large rocks being flipped over, given their damp, mossy undersides having been exposed. Something big and/or strong appeared to have flipped them over.

But as they approached closer to the front door, they'd hear something stirring from within. It was this slow yet deep sounding breathing groan, coming from what must be a large animal or monster. Its breaths were deep and nasally... yet calmly consistent. It sounded a lot like... snoring. And if so, whatever was sleeping inside wasn't made aware of the party's presence yet. Perhaps it shouldn't be disturbed... then again, it could be an enemy? Or maybe one of those friends Chacha mentioned?

And while the wooden door was currently closed, it wasn't locked shut either...

 

[Rev IX]

Samantha Nag'hagalgrim
​

Prior to inspecting the mill, 8 spoke of a lot of things that Samantha thought to be flat out nonsense. To which she decided to speak up "Empire State? How is an Empire a State?" Yet it didn't stop there "...Movie?" Nor there "What is a nintendo?" wanting to avoid a headache, she cut herself off "Nevermind. I don't want to know."

As for Chacha, Samantha listened intently, keeping in mind the details she didn't have the chance to comment on. "So a king of thieves, slavers, and murderers. How charming..." Samantha thought aloud, clearly displeased. She wasn't exactly the nicest of people, experiments and all, but this was way worse and on a bigger scale. "Find anything but the corpse, young one?" Samantha asked, not expecting a positive answer. This group's behavior made her doubt anything would be left.

Much to what she expected, there were signs of activity around. But that's not what caught her ears. There was someone there. Samantha readied her scythe and began looking for other potential exits. She would non-verbally gesture to the ones who didn't pick on it. She would not burst in. She'd rather act as back up for now.

 

[Maverick Six]

Lenara "Len" Allstadt

Interaction: Rev IX Gadg8eer Develius Scoobie Darkbloom
Titles: Human, Squire, Rotia Nobility Bastard F
Language Key: Common | [Terran] |

Spoiler: Important Stuff

Goal: Obtain Rank in local Adventurer Guild (Republic)
Point Boosters: None
Wanted or Criminal Titles: None
Buddy Skills, Masterwork Skills and Complex Assets: None

​

The Inn​

---

To Thomas' question Lenara answered with an oxymoronically confident. "I don't know what's here. But this place is enemy territory. So we should be careful..." A lack of too much pride meant that she wasn't afraid to tell when there's something.

Blinking and looking at Samantha concerning Gadg8's comment, she looked off in the distance. "No, Kong and the Monkey King are different!" She exclaimed. "Why does the word "movie" sound familiar...." She said, as if going down a lane of broken memories. But other things in Gadg8's comment came at her and they came at her fast! "A Giant Gorilla? That doesn't sound like the guy we knew! And what do PIRATES have anything to do with this? We're fighting bandits here! And-" She clapped her cheeks as Sam too seemed to be confused, and then reoriented herself.

"You're right Sam! Let's get searching!"

Once Lenara had begun her search, she figured out at least a little bit of what had happened. It seemed that there was a fight of some type that had gone here. The sight of corpses and dried blood was unpleasant, but it didn't stop her from doing what she needed do. Onxe within the mill, she'd share her findings.

"It looks like there was a battle and big tore through this place. Flipping a cart is one thing. Throwing it over a cliff with people in it is another....."

However, something did stop her. As she walked inside the place and found bits and remains of things which seemed to be abandoned and rotting, she heard a sound which sent a shudder down her spine. The sword briefly "sang" as it was whipped through the air and into an en guard position -- pointed towards the source of the noise. Lenara's held her breath and bit her lip. Yet nothing seemed to be coming for her.

"H-hey guys." She said, sounding a little uneasy. "I hear something.....maybe it's whatever did this...." She spoke rather low, noticing Sam was quietly motioning.

Looking around for the source, her bright, green eyes landed on a door. She a deep gulp as soon, she steel herself for what was to come. Or more accurately, what she was about to do.

"I'm gonna open the door. Does anyone have good senses...?" Len looked to Sam first. Then she looked to Thomas. Then she looked to Gadg8. And back at the door. With a set of gloved hands, she would then she would try to slowly but assuredly open the door and see what was on the other side.

Though she would open the door, she didn't seem to keen on going into the room just yet....

---

Spoiler: Actions

HP: 3/3 (D Grade Speed)
Armor: 2/2 (E Grade Light)

Actions: 2/3

1. Open the door
2. Try to look inside

Cooldowns:
Len
F - 0 Post Remaining

Passives:
None

 

[Gadg8eer]

Gadg8eer​

Spoken Languages: "Common"
Literate Languages: Common

Construct Languages (SpyWear* F): <speak(analog.lang)=no>
Translated Languages (The Story So Far): <Terran>

*Construct Language Packs and cool AugReal HUD features not included. Requires 1 double-eye soul battery. Rated e10+.

---

Gadg8eer would have answered Samantha and Lenara's confusion as best he could, but the realization that the man hadn't been alive in days - judging by the coldness of the body and complete lack of breathing - combined with the need to keep the party's mission in motion led him to follow them into the mill well before the conversation was put on hold. He used his left hand to close the unfortunate man's eyes, quickly searched the carriage itself, and found A small metal locket which had somehow been left untouched by the bandits.

As they arrived at the mill, however, the loud snoring inside made it clear there was someone here.

"I do. These goggles aren't just for show." Gadg8eer responded to Lenara in a whisper. Not willing to take chances on anyone else's lives, he put a finger to his lips to indicate he thought everyone should probably stay as quiet as possible. He then seemed to summon some sort of magical projection, of a two-dimensional 'page' and what appeared to be - for those who were familiar with such a thing - some sort of typewriter or computer keyboard.

With a few silent "taps" on the ghost-like apparition of an interface, the words began to appear on the interface in English/Common. The full sentence would have been something like this...

Spoiler: Plan (No Longer Relevant)

Okay, don't stand by the windows yet. I think I might have a plan. Stay out of view and with someone by the door to take down anyone who might see me. I'm not sure, but I think I can use my goggles to see stuff in darkness.

Once they made it clear they understood, he was planning to find an object to stand on and peer over the ledge of one of the mill's windows into the building, using the lens filter on the SpyWear for "night vision", through the cracked glass into the dark interior.

However, Lenara was too hasty for him to react logically in time, so he reacted in the only way that could handle the situation. He tapped the "X" in the upper right corner in a hurry as Lenora moved to open the door. Then, with a mental command he'd pre-assigned while traveling to the original meeting place earlier that day, he turned on the aforementioned night vision and dove sideways to glance around the door that Lenara had just opened into the building, and hoped it wouldn't turn out to be some sort of Pandora's Box.

Fortunately he was able to land without so much as an exhale, let alone an 'oof', so unless 90 pounds of boy landing on soft riverbank ground was somehow too loud, there wasn't much chance that they would be heard.

---

Spoiler: Actions

HP: 2/2 (E Grade Speed)
Armor: 1/1 (F Grade Light)
Actions: 1/3

1. ["SpyWear" XR Personal Area Network F] Try to look inside with Perception F.

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[Darkbloom]

Thomas leans over to inspect the bleached bone more closely, but is abruptly stopped when Lenara tells everyone she's going to open the door. "No! Don't...!" Too late. She opened the door slightly, and now all Thomas can do is brace for whatever might happen next. He doesn't think it was all that good of an idea to open without knocking first, but it hadn't been him making the choice to begin with. Though it may be interesting. Thomas chalks it up to calling it an interactive thought lesson.