Active [Western Ryke Near the Fae See - The Silk Road, Part 1]

[revior]

Lucianus

Location: Burning Bog
Mentions: Irihi Maxxob CrackCauldron

When the toad emerged, Lucianus's head went blank. Never had he seen something this big before. While he certainly expected to encounter gigantic creatures such as this on an adventure, wished for it even, he certainly found himself lacking when faced with the real deal. All he could do was absentmindedly pull on the rope in his hands to get Faan and Joanne back up the slope. Frankly, even he was surprised that he hadn't thought of running away in the moment.

Once Faan and Joanne was in the clear, the wagon was quick to take off, wanting nothing to do with the creature that had emerged. Lucianus was of the same mind, yet, his legs were having a hard time moving, as if they were submerged in the mire that the toad had just emerged from.

"What are you doing spacing out like that!? We have to get out of here!" yelled one of Lucianus's companions as they tugged on him, trying to drag him away.

"Wait! Just hold on a minute!"

Lucianus wanted to turn tail and run. It's not as if he could do anything even if he stayed, so running would have been the best option. The least he could do was stay out of everybody's way. Even so, when he realized that RU-I was caught by the toad's tongue. He couldn't just let it be. He couldn't pretend to not see it and leave them to their fate. Sure, perhaps he wasn't fond of James Rockwell who reside within, but that was no reason to abandon someone to their doom. Yet, at the same time, he still faced the same problem. He couldn't fight the giant toad. What could he possibly do in a situation like this?

It was right then that Cass spoke his suggestion, giving Lucianus a clear path forward.

"So a tug of war then? A-alright! Let's do it!"

His voice was trembling. Even he knew what a ridiculous idea it was, but it was better than doing nothing. Surely, it couldn't be worse. His companions, on the other hand, weren't quite of the same mind. Some were pale in the face and the one that spoke had his face in his palm while shaking his head. Even so, like always, they followed through. Quickly, they moved to help tie the rope around RU-I, and together, all six of them began to pull against the toad.

***

Spoiler: Actions

Actions:

All
1 - Move to RU-I
2 - Help tie rope around RU-I
3 - Pull

 

[RavenSong]

Joanne would hold the sword in her hands up above her head, assuming an old stance from the Templar of the Chalice. An ancient order that specialized in defeating non humanoid creatures. Although she had little experience, she felt it would be a good place to start should this monster attempt to attack those in the gooey swamp.

When the overgrown amphibian attacked however, Joanne took a step forward expecting to be met with an attack, yet it was not so. "We must hurry miss Faan!" She exclaimed as the elfmaid made her way back up the rope, using herself as an anchor so as to reduce any slack and swing in the rope.

Once her employer was safe, she then made her way back up her self fairly easily. What the crusader would behold however was beyond comprehension. She wouldn't falter, as the monsters enormous tongue attempted to bring RU-1 down with it. And the mechanical construct appeared to be struggling.

Compelled to act and without hesitation Joanne would bring up her sword and strike with all her might down upon the amphibian tongue with a roar. [Sword E - Fighting Mastery E [Knock back F - ]

After which she'd call out to her companions, "We must go! This fell creature isn't worth losing our lives over!" The knight would stand close to Faan and continue to parry on her behalf if necessary.

 

[Renny]

Connor Erland​

---

Connor took a good look at the giant toad just emerging from the water, squinting a bit as water droplets hit him from all the movement. The monster fortunately stopped it’s approach by RU-I, as it turned it’s attention to the metal automaton. It seemed to not even be bothered by the bullets, a not so great discovery. Sure enough, it immediately attacks with its tongue.

“Stay away why don’t you?!”

While staying put in his position while allowing for Faan to climb back up, Connor decides to help out RU-I, raising his violin and directing his focus towards the long tongue of the monster toad currently wrapped around the automaton. Immediately afterwards, he starts scrambling backwards without bothering to fight further, trying as best as he could and hoping to get off of the water as soon as possible and away from whatever the toad might be capable of.


Actions:
1. Cast [Sonic Strike] at monster’s tongue
2. Go to climb back up to the path

Spoiler: Ability Details

Sonic Strike - Magic E, Range F, Performance F - Briefly play a note imbued with magic, generating a sound dealing damage to a target up to 30 ft away - Grade E - 1 Post Cooldown

 

[Irihi]

Giant Toad
The toad was tough, but not invulnerable. Lucianus and Cass just barely tipped the scale in RU-1’s favor in the tug-of-war between monster and robot, preventing the automaton from being drawn down the slope. This left the tongue exposed to the combined attacks of RU-1, Joanne, and Conner. The toad did not have many pain receptors, but there were enough in the slimy appendage that it released its hold on the robot. Regarding the assembled fighters, the toad croaked again, and made a ponderous hop up the muddy embankment, following those fleeing up the ropes.

Cass, without [called shot] lacked the ability to take careful aim at range, and missed the toad’s eyes. Like RU-1, the bullets from his revolver seemed little more than minor annoyances to the monster toad.

The toad might be denizen of the swamp, but it was no less hindered by slippery muck than these two-legged interlopers. The hop took it halfway up the slope, and spattered everyone and everything with mud, but the giant amphibian found itself sliding back down before it could gather itself for a second hop that would put it on the path.

Deep in its froggy brain, a few synapses fired, putting two and goo together. The monster toad retreated into the deeper water, where its prodigious bulk was more buoyant. With a powerful kick, it glided alongside the wagon trail, tracking the wagon and team of oxen. Up ahead, the path descended closer to the murky pool. At the speed of the team, the toad would reach the low spot first, and have another chance at a draft animal, human, elven, or construct snack.

Wu’Faan Liewuun
Equipped Titles: Fae, Elf
Mentions: Renny revior CrackCauldron Maxxob RavenSong

Faan was far enough away to escape the worst of the mud shower from the toad’s hop. She grabbed her boots from the wagon and--quickly scraping as much muck as possible from her feet--pulled them on since being barefooted during combat sounded like a particularly bad idea.

The seamstress wracked her brain for ideas on how she could assist the combatants. The toad was quite large and formidable. It seemed as though their weapons and skills were barely able to match up to the monster’s tongue, let alone the rest of it, and now it was swimming to intercept them and block their path.

Faan came up with an idea, but she was not sure it was a good one. Do toads have a good sense of smell? she wondered. Hoping that they did, she climbed aboard the wagon and retrieved the remains of last night’s stew. Lugging the stewpot to the edge of the path, she called to Lucianus (or perhaps the closer of his companions). “Help me, Lucianus! Maybe we can distract the creature!” she cried. Faan’s idea to fling the stew into the pond would need at least one other helper to ensure the seasoned vegetables and meats made it into the water, and did not end up simply spilled on the embankment.

 

[Maxxob]

Reconnaissance Unit I

Titles: [Construct], [Offworlder], [Businessman]
Languages: "Common", "%Analog%" - #2a60e8
RP Goal - Acquire Asset Mine Ryke F
Point Booster - Attentive Student F

Irihi Renny revior CrackCauldron RavenSong

Seeing that the mechanoid was freed, thanks to the joint efforts of the caravaneers, James’ expression shifted considerably. While he was still visibly tense, a degree of worry had been washed away. Thankfully, he wasn’t able to feel the shiny coat of saliva left around the construct’s metallic outer shell. “I would love to give proper thanks, but it seems we are not out of danger zone just yet.” He said, observing the new movements of the creature.

And that was when the shower of mud rained on top of everything, thanks to the rotund reptile’s hop. One of RU-I’s hands hand to move towards the camera on top of the display, wiping away the muck to restore the video feed. “Where did that amphibian go?!” It took a few moments, and quite a bit of rotating of the machine’s torso, until it would finally lock towards the gigantic frog again.

Within a few clicks, Rockwell already had a good idea of what the animal was planning. “That thing is trying to reach the caravan in the lowest point of the path! If it ascends to the higher ground…” A horrible thought, considering they barely managed to deal with the creature’s tongue. Defeating it appearing to be a tall task, impossible even.

But there was a plan. One that James thought it had a chance of failure too high if he controlled the machine to join it. “I’m afraid RU-I’s grippers are not that well suited for that task.” He said, hoping that one of the others regular hands would attempt to help Faan with her plan.

For now, unfortunately, James couldn’t see any proper action he could take.

 

[RavenSong]

Joanne stepped back upon the sight of the massive amphibian jumping towards them, slipping and falling back as the muck slicked the ground. Getting up as fast as she could she cut through the knot around her waist and retreated. "Did we lose it?" She asked out loud running behind the wagon.

Yet just before anyone could respond, the creature revealed itself again. "Dala, help us." She gasped beneath her helm as she stepped forward, her sword raised in front of her. Muck would be slagging off her plated armor as her eyes beheld the sheer size of the towering monster. Deciding to act before the amphibian did, she closed her eyes as her amulet glowed with a soothing white light. "Even in this fell place, Dala reveals her divine light." Her eyes opened as her spell [Forced Penance] activated, chains made of ethereal light as if fallen from the sky attempted to incapacitate the frog forcing it into submission.

With her final action, she'd charge towards the massive toad and plunge her sword into the creature.
Action 1-2 : [Forced Penance]
Action 3: Lunge; Basic attack

• Forced Penance - Magic E - Holy Affinity F - Magic Incapacitating F - Magic Range F - 30ft - Forces a target within reach to kneel if able otherwise immobilized for the duration of [Magic - Incapacitating F] - 1 Cool down - Grade E

 

[revior]

Lucianus

Location: Burning Bog
Mentions: Irihi

Lucinus was bent over, his breathing labored from the tug-of-war against the giant toad. At first, he wasn't sure if his meager strength was going to last against such a large beast, but due to the combined effort of everyone, the toad seemed to have been made to give up, or so it first appeared.

"You've got to be kidding me! I don't know if I can take more of this!"

Soon enough, the toad had acquired a new target, the wagon itself. Surely, it couldn't be interested in the contents within the wagon. Lucianus surmised that, more likely than not, it was probably after the beasts of burden pulling the wagon, deciding that they would make a better meal than the hunk of metal that was RU-I. Perhaps Faan had arrived at the same conclusion, or perhaps it was a mere coincidence, but the plan she suggested seemed workable as far as Lucianus was concerned.

"Better than sitting around, I suppose... Let's get this toad fed!"

Without delay, Lucianus rushed to Faan's side and began helping with the pot. Briefly, he recalled memories of an intrusive thought he had the last time he help her move the thing, but he quickly cast it out of this mind. Now is hardly the time for such fantasies.

 

[CrackCauldron]

Cass Garret ​

Somehow the old 'tug o war' plan actually worked and James was free to do...whatever he did, an success if it didn't feel more like a merciful concession created from an combined flurry of attacks. Cass so concentrated alongside the others in holding, that when the moment the rope finally went slack, he nobly fell/slipped forward onto his knees- "God damnit!" There went clean trousers for the rest of the trip for some reason Jame's smart attire didn't help Cass's mood. Their words ringing a dial more hollow to Cass, who pettily spoke back: "James...I'll being waiting for that thanks, I don't want to have shamed the proletarian for nothing."

At least he'd not gotten his body dirty, let mud run wrecked through him or his smoking gun. His creaking joints despite how much they'd felt to burst had held on barely, leaving him now in a state his closet approximation to exhaustion, or in other words he'd have to agree with Lucanius, It really did seem like the creatures vigor was cruel joke. Still Cass took a deep breath and unloaded his gun of casings while he was down. With any luck the beast would give up or go for another target.

"Well...At least it seems to be having trouble with that slope-" A wave of mud interrupted that thought, splattering against the kneeling Cass as it did the others....A vein would've popped if he had one. Cass for a moment stunned, at the sheer audacity. His eye's tracking the beast sink and chase after the wagon. Before realizing the karmic retribution of mockery. "...DEVIL SPAWN! Bloody putrid shameful beast." For a moment Cass stopped his shouting tantrum to pick his hat back up and stand up. "Disgusting. Simply disgusting. Worse than the Hogs. Blight upon the earth. Scum. Abomination. I swear I'll come back with some dynamite and blow you and the rest of your worthless spawn to shimmers, you-"

Unfortunately he couldn't really do much. Lucianus and Faan was doing some plan involving food that he wouldn't dare to do, and his gun didn't have any effect(not that he had fired and missed of course), getting into melee just seemed a recipe for disaster. So Cass did what he could to move the animals out of the way, backwards or avert the outta the way, muttering curses all the while. He'd bide his time for now, trying to help even if it was mud-soaked.

 

[Renny]

Connor Erland​

---

Irihi Maxxob RavenSong revior CrackCauldron

Fortunately, going for the long tongue of the toad appeared to be a good choice, as now the monster finally lets go. As a bonus, it now also looks like it chose to back off, allowing Connor the opportunity to scramble back up towards the path they were on and catch up to the rest of the group.

"Ack, that monster is quick! W@tch our front!"

The toad clearly won't stop until it gets what it wants, as it now is moving to a position ahead of them, a!d Connor doesn't think that there is enough space or time for the wagon to change directions. With the top priority now being just getting away from the monster, there isn't much else to do but move quick and do whatever they can to stall. Connor rushes in for the melee, hoping that relentless aggression would delay it enough for Faan to do whatever it was she was planning to do. Shouting a quick warning for Joanne, he runs with his katana at the ready.

"To your right, I'm moving in!"

Actions:
1 - Move towards monster
2 - Attack with Katana (C)

 

[Irihi]

Giant Toad
Giant swamp toads, as it turned out, had no better sense of smell than their smaller brethren. The monstrous amphibian ignored the stew showering into the murky water, and clambered onto the path.


The wagon driver pulled his team up short--though he really needn’t have bothered. Both draft animals were terrified of the monster and began backing away as much as their traces would let them. ”Enuffa this!!” The wagon driver jumped from the cart and ran for his life, slipping and sliding on the soft muddy path as he fled past Faan and Lucianus.


The enormous toad hopped forward and eyed the team of oxen. They were smaller than the toad, but probably larger than it could swallow--even one-at-a-time. The monster blinked and emitted a thunderous croak. It shifted on its four legs, rotating so that it faced toward the wagoneer. The beast gathered itself, obviously about to make a lunge for the pair tossing soup.


The toad did not have the same prey drive of warm-blooded predators, and was just as happy to eat the two tasty morsels that decided to charge straight for its prodigious bulk, preparing to devour Conner and Joanne, rather than Faan and Lucianus. Even working as a team, knight’s and swordsman’s attacks were ineffective against the monster’s ability to [Stay Froggy B].


Used to smaller creatures using claws and teeth to try to escape their inexorable doom, the toad allowed its thick warty skin to absorb the attacks of katana and sword. While the fighters opened deep wounds in the toad’s hide, they were no worse than many of the old scars the monster bore. The toad decided to eat these volunteer snacks one-at-a-time, and swatted Conner with [Frogfoot C + Knockback F]. Joanne got [chomped D + Tongue-Tangled E], however, the long blades of the fighters caused the huge toad to protect its eyes, so its attack was poorly aimed. Rather than crush the knight’s midsection, the toad only managed to catch her arm in its toothless mouth, its sticky tongue getting only partial purchase on Joanne’s greaves. The toad’s mouth was powerfully muscled, but lacked any piercing teeth. It preferred to swallow it’s prey whole.


Joanne’s armor was dented, but the toad could not apply enough pressure to crush her arm. However, in a moment, it was clear that the giant toad would soon swallow her whole with a second attack.


Giant-er Snake
Toads did not have a great sense of smell, but titanic swamp serpents did. Where the muck, mirk, and slime had disguised the Toad’s smell and heat before, now that it was upon the path and actively hunting, it blazed with bright warmth for any creature able to see infrared light.


The great serpent of the burning bog had scented the food the moment Faan lifted the lid of her stewpot. Deep in the swamp, it had raised its head from the island upon which it was sunning itself, huge forked tongue flicking out to scent the breeze. The strange smell had grown much stronger when the group had thrown the victuals into the water--strong enough for the snake to slither off to investigate. Despite its large size, the great serpent had approached almost noiselessly; obscured by smoke and smog until it was nearly upon the party and the monster toad.


The stew was not appealing--besides as a curiosity--to the snake; it was far too little to make even a trifling snack. Likewise, the disparate heat signatures of the adventurers were just a bit too small for it to bother chasing. The ox team was a better prospect, but--to the delight of the serpent’s snakey brain--it saw, scented, and sensed the presence of its favorite food; monster swamp toad.


One moment, the toad was about to lunge upon, crush, and devour Joanne--and perhaps another party member or three--the next, it had disappeared, replaced by a ten-foot wall of scales that was rapidly sliding across the path before the lumber wagon, like a runaway freight train. The great serpent had struck and carried the toad cleanly off the path. It continued on its way as its jaw unhinged to swallow the struggling amphibian caught in its maw. Water and muck from the snake’s passage washed up to the hooves of the wide-eyed oxen that were stamping and lowing with terror, threatening to break their traces and overturn the wagon in their fright.

Spoiler: Giant Toad’s & Giant-er Snake’s Actions

TOAD

Action 1: [Stay Froggy B] (STR S, TECH B, WEAP A) (18)

Action 2: [Frogfoot C + Knockback F] at Conner. (+1)

Action 3: [chomped D + Tongue-Tangled E] to Joanne (+1)

(BE 20 v 14 (Teamed Joanne and Conner) - 6 damage split between Conner (3) and Joanne (3) as you choose. Normally this would be weapon damage, but you can choose to share it out across weapons, armor, or HP as you prefer.


SNAKE

Action 1: Slither 180 Feet (Fast A)

Action 2: Strike S at Toad! [Sneak (Snake?) Attack - Narrative Victory - Toad Devoured]

Action 3: Slither 150 Feet (Fast B)

NOTES:

Conner, you can resist the knockback per the knockback rules, or not. Joanne, you can remain tangled, resist, or react as you choose. If you REALLY want to, she can get carried off by the snake along with the toad, but otherwise I’m going to assume the snake strike ripped her free.

Wu’Faan Liewuun

Equipped Titles: Fae, Elf

Mentions: Renny revior CrackCauldron Maxxob RavenSong

The ox team (and driver) were not the only ones struck with terror. Faan had just barely kept hold of herself at the sight of the monster toad swatting away Conner and about to consume Dame Joanne--who had selflessly rushed to her defense. When the toad disappeared down the maw of a gigantic serpentine head, she dropped the stewpot and clung to the nearest party member--who just happened to be Lucianus. It was an involuntary reaction of extreme fear, and not nearly as pleasant as one might imagine. Faan’s [Telepathy C] reflexively flooded her consciousness into Lucianus’s mind, subverting his own will to her own. For just an instant, the man would find himself trapped in a body controlled by someone else.


Distributing her consciousness in such a manner broke Faan out of her terrified state. When she realized what she had done, she quickly released Lucianus and retreated from his mind. The whole process lasted only a moment, and little of Faan’s thoughts would remain in Lucianus’s mind. He would, however, have the distinct memory of Faan suppressing her own reflex to force his body to throw itself into the path of danger while she escaped.


As for herself, Faan was shaking with the reaction to what she had almost done. The elfmaid backed away from Lucianus, suddenly breathless and unable to meet the man’s gaze. Clenching her fists, she turned away from him, ashamed by her cowardly reaction.


As the last of the great serpent’s tail slid past, Faan forced herself to run past the wagoneer to get to the panicked draft animals. The elfmaid was not certain the snake would not turn to devour the rest of them. But I’m not going to stand around and ready myself to throw my companions under the bus[-sized snake], she berated herself as she tried to keep the oxen from overturning the wagon.


Faan’s telepathy was ineffective without sentience, and so she had to rely on her mundane skill of [Animal Husbandry D] to calm the beasts. The largest animal on her farm was a smallish donkey, and the elfmaid struggled to manage the team of much-larger oxen.

 

[revior]

Lucianus

Location: Burning Bog
Mentions: Irihi

For a moment there, Lucianus could hardly understand what had happened. Before his eyes, something humongous was passing through at a speed which he felt an instinctual fear toward. It had been something far larger than the toad, enough so that it could make a meal out of that big, amphibian beast. In fact, Lucianus believed that it did just that. In but a single swoop, the giant toad that they had so much trouble with, that they could not do a thing to with the combined strength of everyone in this party, so easily was it carried away.

Even without having Faan's powers over him, Lucianus wouldn't have been able to move regardless. Rather, he might have completely lost control of his body if it weren't for her. At the very least, it wouldn't have been odd if he were to soil himself right then and there, that was how frightened he had been. Even after Faan had moved away from him, Lucianus remained on the ground, there in the mud. Like a prey trying to hide from its predator, Lucianus's body had instinctually froze on the spot, perhaps it hopes that he would not be noticed.

"Hey! You alright!? Get a hold of yourself!"

It was only when him companions rushed to his side that he regained some of his senses. Slowly, with their help, Lucianus began to stand back onto his feet.

In a blurred recollection, he felt as if he was almost thrown in front of Faan to be her meat-shield. But how could that be? Sure, he might not the strongest or largest guy around, but it couldn't have been easy for Faan to shove him however she wanted. Or was there an attempt? No, there was a thought to do so, but the impulse was suppressed, denied.

For a moment, Lucianus thought about Faan's ability, the one she told them the night before they set off, the ability to enter the mind of others, or something alone the lines.

"An empath, was it...?"

Still, she didn't end up doing it. Though her survival instincts might have urged her to use him as a shield, in the end, she rejected it. In a sense, it meant that she valued their friendship a bit more than survival, right? At least, that was how Lucianus chose to interpret it.

Turning his sight to Faan currently struggling with the oxen, Lucianus made his call.

"Let's give her a hand. We need to get out of here as soon as possible."

Alongside his companions, Lucianus made his way to Faan to lend her his aid. Upon nearing her, he intentionally bumped his hand with with hers to get her attention, as well as letting her know that their relationship was not going to be strained just because of something like that.

"Never been much of an animal person, but we could help hold them down, if need be."

 

[RavenSong]

As Joanne charged at the toad swamp monster, she quickly noticed Connors footsteps and call out. Heeding his instructions the knight would widen the gap forcing the toad to have to pick one or the other.

Joannes magic had apparently failed to do its intended action, but she couldn't stop now. No, the creature was right in front of her, and with a roar she would pierce the toads hide. Surprisingly the toad wouldn't recoil, looking up at its face then down at her sword in a thick layer of blubbery fat. It was then that the giant amphibian would kick Connor away but before she could act , Joanne was flung through the air via it's massive tongue and into its jaws.

Horror overcame the crusader, all she could do was point her sword towards the incoming mouth. It all happened in a near instant as she found herself looking up at the foggy sky, pale and alabaster like the Cathedral of Shields in Ruaan. She could only wait to be crushed by her midsection. "Perhaps, it would be better this way." She said at last as a stray tear, crystal and pure fell and mixed with the murky sludge below.

But before she knew it she was dangling by the mouth of the toad. The knight kicked and struggled and tried to get her arm free, but the more she did the tighter the vise constricted. Joanne gasped as she could feel her forged greaves bucking to the sheer pressure of the toads jaws. A forced moan escaping her gritted teeth. However, as Joanne began to consider this her end, an even greater nightmare would slither forth from the swamp. A giant serpent, the very one the frightened wagoneer mentioned. "Dala protect me, for the darkness now towers before me."

The serpent would take its meal, yet would the slithering monster know that she was attached to its prey? Putting her sword in her back scabbard she freed up her other hand to wrap to the toads tongue using it like a rope. It's mouth began to ooze substances as it's life began to fade. All Joanne could do was hold on.

 

[Maxxob]

Reconnaissance Unit I

Titles: [Construct], [Offworlder], [Businessman]
Languages: "Common", "%Analog%" - #2a60e8
RP Goal - Acquire Asset Mine Ryke F
Point Booster - Attentive Student F

Irihi Renny revior CrackCauldron RavenSong

The mechanoid began approaching the wagon, threads rolling against the damp terrain, marks being left behind the large metallic shell as it moved. "It seems there is always a bigger predator, just waiting for its time to strike." James murmured to himself, incredulity and suspicion were etched across every line of his face. "Classify that world as a high-class risk. One thing is having bandits and marauders waylaying passersby for coin. Giant frogs and snakes? Now, that is a whole different wilderness that needs to be tamed." Speaking to someone, the display of the machine would, once more, be filled with smoke.

Every so often, static could be seen distorting the screen, buzzing would leave the speakers. As it began to became stable once more, the man had lighted another cigar and was taking generous drags of it. "Does any of you know how to guide the oxen beasts? With our driver fleeing, a replacement will be needed to keep the wagon moving." Asking the others, the machine would slowly roll towards the back of the caravan. When reaching it, the metallic arms would move towards the largest and more durable-looking place of the wood. James performed a small test, checking if, in the worst scenario, RU-I would be capable of pushing the wagon itself. Maybe it would end up doing a better job than the beasts of burden themselves?

After the small test, he began surveying the area, getting ready to properly thank the caravaneers for saving a very valuable asset to his operation. However, something didn't appear quite right and the single raised eyebrow on his face certainly told much. "Wait... where is the crusader?" The quiet zooming of the construct's lenses could be heard, as it scanned the area, trying to find Joanne or at least traces of where she could be.

 

[Renny]

Connor Erland​

---

Irihi revior Maxxob RavenSong CrackCauldron

With the help from the knight beside him, Connor's katana struck the toad cleanly. It was a solid hit, yet it still did not matter much up against the toad's thick skin, acting as it's natural armor. Without giving him a chance to evaluate what to do next, a froggy foot appears to make the choice for him. Hurriedly raising his weapon to parry the retaliating toad, he instinctively also tries jumping back. Without much time to properly move, Connor was just barely able to catch it with his katana, although with his balance already compromised, it wasn't much of a parry and it instead was enough to force the weapon away as well, taking him with it. He hits the muddy ground hard, and he immediately rolls with the momentum and stands back up as quick as he can, ignoring the sting of the impact. Joanne was gone.

“Joanne!! Huh? What just happened..?!”

The question wasn’t necessary, as a huge serpent appeared seemingly out of nowhere to take the frog that they were just fighting, taking the knight with it. Now they really are in a bad spot. Connor considers prioritizing their escape, and approaches Faan trying to deal with the wagon abandoned by it’s driver.

“Hey, new monster, we need to get out! Get this wagon moving and… Damn it! That snake’s got Joanne! Lucianus, I’ll be counting on you!”

Leaving someone for dead didn’t sit well with Connor, after all. He starts running off to chase the giant serpent, but the speed of the beast was incredible, and it was already gaining distance as he focused on it’s tail end. Nonetheless, he tried as hard as he can to find anything in the surroundings that might provide even a little bit of help, or for signs of the knight that vanished along with it.

 

[CrackCauldron]

Cass Garret​

By some miracle the Apex predator had made its appearance, taking that damned frog with it in one fell swoop. An leviathan of a snake who's entrance Cass had almost mistaken for a earthquake if the whale of scales didn't tip him off, having caught a glimpse from beneath the tip down of his hat(because like hell was he gonna get more mud in his eyes) and that was enough for him. Terror followed by amazement scrawled across his and probably everyone else's faces, at least proving he hadn't lost his marbles yet-"Haha! Serves the bastard right!" Wonder replaced anger like it was nothing, a grudge gone as fast it came supplanting rightful fear. Cass stood up clutching his belt and watching as it went(not like his gun would do anything to such a beast). Lost for a moment as he watched the beast disappear, too amazed to notice the suspicious absent before being brought back to the agitated animals near, breaking this moment's peace, another crisis after the other.

Fortunately enough Cass, oweing to being made of metal, excluded himself from animal duty. Instead choosing to inspect the damager to the wagon, alongside James apparently, who's words made Cass spin around and see their driver really had taken a runner. going...somewhere that's for sure. Quite obviously the tales from the night before had only served to weaken their spirit. But without them as a guide, this trip would be even more of a challenge. So before James could finish Cass jogged after them.

"Oi, Wagonmaster it's safe! You can stop running! The frog got eaten by that leviathan, and then it went back into the depths of this forsaken swamp we're in and hopeful out of in a jiffy. Now hurry on back before we start pilfering your stuff for a manual, we really don't want to stay here as much as you do. " Cass shouted while following in their muddy footsteps, hoping at least that the Wagon driver would see that the danger was past and all of them were still- Connors shouts were legible even over the Oxen. "Ah god-damnit not Connor too. Alright Wagonguy just help or not! Your choice! But like hell I'd waste time digging a deserters grave! " His final rather brash attempt at negotiation before he moved to chase after the other runner. At least now he was sodden enough that his clothes' couldn't get any dirtier.

Joanne who out of the pair of fighters had seemed to have been taken by the beast/beasts, Connor now left running after her in the jaws of the beast but it had already transpired across such a distance it was hopeless to intercept. A shot taken would only serve to spook the animals. For as much as it was grim, Joanne really seemed in the jaws of the beast. Still Cass went running after Connor who was running after Joanne, for once thankful for exhaustion evading him enabling him to try and calm him down, speaking half to himself and half to the desperate Connor. "W-Well sorry lad. Are you sure she's well-still in one piece. A beast like that, of that size, w-well it'd be painless you know. Ah- ahem- Well if she is alive best save your breath to shout for her, ain't no way we're catching up. Best to make fire for her follow."

 

[Irihi]

Giant Snake The serpent continued on it’s way, quite pleased with its amphibian lunch. Monsters of the size of the titanic toad and stupendous serpent operated on a much slower timescale than normal creatures. This meal would take the snake weeks to digest, and perhaps a month or so would pass before it would hunger enough to hunt again. Once it found a warm and quiet part of the swamp in which to reside, the snake would lie quiescent for a long time--unless it were, itself, hunted by some even larger predator…

But, no, the serpent was likely the apex of predation of he Burning Bog, for the wagon driver had told no tales of enormous eagles or mountainous mongooses.

The predator in question now quested for a place in the sun, preferably one with fire-heated dry land where it could warm its scaly bulk. In seeking such, the freight-train-sized serpent took to higher ground, leaving a track smashed flat through drier parts of the swamp--an alternative to the boggy wagon trail, although one that led to great peril. Maxxob RU-1 and Renny Conner would have no problem following the serpent’s trail. For a little while, they would be able to make out Joanne’s figure dangling from the monster’s jaws, until it was lost in the murk. Enhanced senses would avail them to see that the knight was still alive when last they caught sight or sensor of her, but the head of the train-sized serpent would eventually be lost to view, and Joanne’s fate would be unknown--though her plight seemed quite desperate and possibly hopeless.

If Joanne RavenSong continued to hang on or be stuck to the toad tongue, she would find herself dragged closer and closer to the serpents’ maw as it began to swallow the amphibian. The crushed toad was close enough to death that it would no longer struggle, nor was there any strength in the tongue (though still stickiness) by which Joanne was held. She might be able to pull or hack herself free before she joined the remains of the toad in the snake’s belly.

Spoiler: Giant Snake’s Actions

SNAKE
Action 1: Slither 120 Feet (Fast C)
Action 2: Slither 90 Feet (Fast D)
Action 3: Slither 60 Feet (Fast E)
NOTES:
Joanne, you can be devoured if you want, though it might be tough to cut you out. There’s probably some frog-flavored air in the snake’s belly. Otherwise feel free to get yourself loose before the snake swallows Mr. Toad.

We can all catch up to the snake narratively during this round, if that’s the direction everyone goes.

Wu’Faan Liewuun
​

Equipped Titles: Fae, Elf
Mentions: revior CrackCauldron Maxxob Renny RavenSong

He knew. As she worked beside Lucianus revior to calm the ox team, Faan’s hand brushed his. She couldn’t help but read his surface thoughts, and sensed that he knew her first reaction had been to sacrifice his life in trying to save her own. Faan gritted her teeth and tried not to let her upset at her shameful behavior transfer to the Oxen. She could not read or push thoughts into animal minds, but they had their own form of empathy, and her disquiet could upset them. “Lucianus, I am sorry. I was not myself and let my fear take control. There’s no excuse for how I acted, but I would ask your forgiveness, all the same.” She said quietly, finding that she could not bring herself to look at the man.

With the help of Conner Renny , Lucianus, and his crew, they brought the draft animals under control.

The wagonmaster slowed as Cass CrackCauldron called after him. He waited up the path a ways, listening to reason since there were more snacks people between his person and the monsters. ”S’pose yer makin sense, gunslinger,” he relented. He returned, scratching his head, now that the danger had passed. “By the whip, them monsters was huge!” he said. “Thankee, brave souls, fer keepin’ the wagon frum gettin upset! Now let’s git outta here!” He clambered back aboard the conveyance and grabbed his whip. ”Et’s too bad about yer lady knight friend, but nun uv yeh have a chance against that snake!”

Given a moment to collect herself, Faan stepped back from the ox team and processed what had happened. RU-1 was tracking Joanne and Conner had already started off after the serpent that had taken her. Cass thought they should stay put and light a beacon for Joanne. The wagon driver was saying they should cut their losses and abandon the knight. “No, sir, I will not abandon Joanne to the monsters of the swamp.” Faan addressed the wagon driver first.

“Well, gud luck to yeh, then. I’m not waiting around fer yeh ta get us all devoured.” So saying, the driver urged his team forward.

Faan did not know what to do. Should they allow the wagon to continue on? Should they split up and send a search party for Joanne? Would anyone even follow her lead--she who was so ready to sacrifice any one of them to save herself? Faan’s self-doubt might not have been as widely shared as she thought, but she was still shaken by taking involuntary control of another mind out of terror, and had no confidence in her own judgement. But the wagon was rolling away, and her equipment and goods were going with it. The elfmaid pulled herself aboard the wagon and tried to appeal to the driver. “Sir! Wait! We should not split up! You know the way through the swamp; without you we might take a wrong turn! Give us time to try to retrieve our companion, please!” Faan pleaded.

”I hate ta say no to yeh, Miss, but “no.” I’ll not risk my life and livelihood by stayin in this swamp a moment longer than I hafta.” The wagon driver stood firm on his position. ”I said we needed to hasten through the swamp, and it was yer foolin’ around wot drew the monsters to us.” he pointed out. ”Don’ make the same mistake twice an get us all kilt!”

He’s right. Faan thought, the color draining from her face as the wagon driver chastised her. It’s my fault Joanne’s been carried off! Faan’s blood ran cold with that thought. Though it distressed her to realize that the blame fell on her, there was a sort of steely resolve that the wash of blame uncovered in the elfmaid. Without another word, she reached over and touched the driver’s arm.

”Woa,” “Woa” said the driver and Faan, bringing the wagon to a halt as Faan compelled him with [Mind Control D]. She needed a minute to think, and she was taking it whether the driver willed it or not.

Holding the man in thrall felt awful; she could feel his consciousness struggling against her, like a bird fluttering within cupped hands. Faan swallowed and addressed her companions. “I will go after Joanne; I won’t give her up for lost until I know her fate for certain. He’s right; I am responsible for this mess, and for her. I hope you can forgive me for endangering you all. I won’t ask any of you to come with me,” she asserted, though it seemed Conner was already well on his way to running down the snake, “but I don’t know what to do, or how to find our way back once I f-find Dame Joanne’s--Dame Joanne.” Faan stopped herself from mentioning the expectation that she would likely only find Joanne’s remains.

“You are all experienced adventurers, and I am not. Before I release this man to lead you out of the swamp, I need what advice you can share.” she asked. Faan was hoping that someone would volunteer to leave markers for her to follow, or offer to join her, or just tell her what to do. But, in the end, Joanne was her employee and her plight Faan’s fault, she couldn’t abdicate her responsibility by asking any one--or all of them to take charge of the party.

That didn’t mean some small part of the elfmaid didn’t hope such a leader--or consensus--would emerge.

 

[Maxxob]

Reconnaissance Unit I

Titles: [Construct], [Offworlder], [Businessman]
Languages: "Common", "%Analog%" - #2a60e8
RP Goal - Acquire Asset Mine Ryke F
Point Booster - Attentive Student F

Irihi Renny revior CrackCauldron RavenSong

Watching Joanne being carried off by the titan-esque serpent, James eyebrows furrowed. Tapping of fingernails against wood could be heard: it was rhythmically, an even cadence of four consecutive taps. Leaning back on his chair, smoke slowly was blown from his mouth. While in silence, like the cautious investor he was, the human shown on RU-I flickering display was considering what to do. Years of being adverse to unnecessary risk brought him where he currently was and would certainly continue guiding his steps. And as such, he was calculating the risk/reward of both setting off after the crusader or leaving her to her fate.

This moment of deliberation, only lasting a few moments, appeared to stretch endlessly. Eventually, however, he would reach for a decision. "While I won't deny that your mishap was what put us in this perilous situation to begin with..." The machine's threads moved in different directions, allowing it to rotate and its front to face Faan. "... it isn't all that important, as long as something was at least learned from it. So far, the values of our assets remain the same, but it doesn't mean it that market fluctuations won't happen. Keep that in mind." His tone, while admonishing, was kept even. It was hard to read any emotion from it.

"You going after the zealot by yourself is an ill-conceived notion. As far as we know, there will be just another predator around the corner, looking to cash-in, smaller yet deadly enough to cause you problems. I'm no expert, but being dragged around by a massive serpent does seem to potentially reduce one's fighting capability. Therefore, Joanne might as well be out of commission, even if freed alive." James stopped his spiel to take a long, drag of his cigar. Blowing out the smoke and removing the ash from the burnt tip, he continued. "It seems only prudent for us to try and go after her as a group. The odds are better that way."

Shifting his gaze towards the driver, James' expression became more inscrutable. "Seems like we have a 'Chicken Crossing' dilemma on our hands. If we let that man be, he might as well drive the wagon away, while we search for the crusader." He said, unaware of the Mind Control taking place. "An option would be to tie him up and leave him at the back of the wagon, but there are a possibility of another creature to prey upon a bound victim. Another option would be to have him drive the wagon after the apex predator, the slowness could make unlikely to make a proper chase possible." A glass was brought to the man's lips, a tentative sip was taken. "Binding him and taking him with us seems to be the best option."

 

[CrackCauldron]

Cass Garret​

"Connor! Come Back!" Cass held onto his knees, god-damn that lad had ran away fast, leaving Cass in the dust(mud). Well he tried. Giving one last shrug before making his way back to the Wagon. The lad could most likely handle remembering the way back after all, when has noble ambition ever outstripped sense. For now though Cass sauntered over to the wagon, catching the argument in progress. Apparently his words had lasted all of a couple moments. Now the Wagon driver was deserting with the wagon. Great. Just great. Though Cass would've been lying if he didn't see where he was coming from.

Most likely Joanne was dead and already sunk down to the bottom of whatever bog she'd gotten loose into or had simply been eaten in one finite gulp. The amount of tenacity and skill required to survive such a encounter, well the priest truly needed a miracle right about now. A search would be like finding a needle in a haystack, a corncob in a field, all the while risking another foul beast killing the rest of them; however It was wrong to leave one's allies' under duress, abandon their bodies to rot. Joanne had in Cass's mind died to save them, the least they could do was pay a few hours to search. it would also give Faan something to channel her guilty conscience towards. That look on her face and desperation all to familiar. Guilt and the overwhelming desire to do something about it.

Still didn't mean Cass weren't about to shoot the son of a bitch for running off with all their stuff. Though Faan had jumped onto it before Cass could leave let loose a warning shot. One moment their words seemingly stopped, echoed from each other's mouth, The man's face looking off. "What the hell you'd do to them?" He said with a edge of rare fear, he would then try and wave his hands in front of their face, whatever the result it unsettled him. To have one's freedom so narrowly plucked away. Terrifying. Enough to send a unconscious chill down Cass's back even as he listened to the rest of Faan's words. The question of witchcraft swallowed down for now. They'd have plenty of time to talk while searching for the corpse she couldn't say.

First James had spoke, then Cass joined. "Ah c'mon James lay off the lass a bit." Cass slinging his arm round Jame's 'shoulder'(jealously watching that lovely cigar disappear). Faan didn't need anymore guilt right about now. "Didn't you notice, that beast was totally eying us up from the start, it had that sorta hungry look in its eyes, y'know like mad dogs. I bet it would've happened either way so there's no point dividing up the blame here. Hell at least we know now nothing's stalking us. " Cass lied a tad, he'd been a bit preoccupied at the time to notice 'it's look' though maybe Lucianus would join in on the white lie, if only to spare Faan spiralling more into self-flagellation. "Could've happened to anyone anywhere. Now this plan James."

He gestured to the strange man that replaced their guide: "So what, you wanna tie him up and carry him with us into the depths of a swamp he wants to run from? Seems exceedingly cruel for you..." Cass thought about it for a moment, walking about, thinking while idly tapping at his gun before shrugging- "Then again he did pretty much try and rob us so fair play I guess. Still we could just leave him here as James said, we already need some people to stay to watch the cattle so why not watch over him as well. Not like he's gonna willingly stick around after whatever the hell Faan did to them. Which by the way you should undo as soon as possible and never do again." His last words pointed at Faan.

"Now if we're talking who's gonna go. I do feel it prudent for either one of me, James or Connor to stay here and go. Since we have guns and Connor's got his music, if we split up them up we can use the loud noise as signals along smoke from an fire to orient ourselves, or to show either group is under attack. Though I can't imagine there'd be any more of those beast's lurking, don't seem like pack animals anyway. " Cass said. While James's plan for them to go as a group of the most able was probably safest, if the wagon was attacked or the away team lost their way they'd basically already be dead. "But still be best to give it til sundown, if the moon starts coming down give it up okay, no exceptions. Joanne wouldn't have wanted you to die on her behalf. "

Depending on how the other's volunteered Cass would be up for staying behind, unless they proposed a better way of communication between the two groups(perhaps via magic or something) Cass would up to be the member of their group to stay. Lucanius would be going even if Cass had to force em with a multitude of stares, Connor meanwhile seemed to already be half way there. Hopefully both of them would be enough to stop the self-destructive streak before it started to get worse, or maybe James would view as an 'unnecessary expenditure' or something and just drag her away. 'Hmm, what a heartless thought. ' A death of ones companion should've been sad yet Cass felt- 'Aw well just another thing to fix in the big city.'

Onto more important things. The plans to rescue an crusader.

 

[RavenSong]

Joanne would hang on as the massive serpent slithered through the wilds of the swamp. She would briefly see the caravan and the party disappear through the thick mist as the distance grew between them.

Joanne in that moment felt a sudden hopelessness, one that was born from fear. It wasn't exactly difficult to see why as her gaze shifted to the shrouded emptiness down below.

Once the monster appeared to find a favored location to devour its prey the serpents jaws began to crush the toad. It was then that Joanne made the choice to let herself fall. As the toad grew colder the muscles in its jaws froze in place, yet by the sheer force the serpents teeth exuded upon the fleshy toad it's maw released. The crusader would release herself holding on to it's tongue as it almost belayed her down before letting go.

Joanne fell for a moment before crashing upon the muddy surface of the bog. Drawing her sword quickly as she got up her features hardened, then, like a soft breeze there was a sudden realization that she was no match for such a gargantuan beast. Her instincts told her to flee, but her faith seemed to lead her to call out to it.

Hesitation overwhelmed the holy maiden as she looked back into the nothingness of where they came from, then back up at the feasting monster. Her stomach turned, and her voice cowered and continuously betrayed the knight. If she spoke, and the beast was incapable of speech she'd have to face her odds against a more instinctual species. But.. what if the serpent was indeed capable? Her body appeared to falter as well, for as she hesitated her feet began to follow the trail the serpent left behind. She began to breathe heavily, anxiety overcoming her sense of control before telling herself softly, "Dala, I can only ask for a swift death."


And with that, Joanne lowered her sword, widened her posture and called out with every ounce of courage she could muster, "My name is Joanne, who are you? Do you know of a dragon that attacked Ruaan eight moons ago?"

 

[revior]

Lucianus

Location: Burning Bog
Mentions: Irihi Maxxob CrackCauldron RavenSong

The attempt to have Faan read his thoughts seemed to have backfired as she began to apologize profusely about what happened, or rather, what didn't happen. It was but a thought, a reflex, survival instinct even. Lucianus wasn't one to mind that. When has he himself not thought about throwing one of his companions under the carriage to save his own skin, even for a split second? He certainly had many times before, yet he never did, because ultimately, he treasured the bond he had with them more than his own safety, despite the protest from his own will to survive. How many times had his companions thought to abandoned him to his folly, only to end up sticking with him till the end? Lucianus couldn't read minds so he wouldn't know, but surely, for all the troubles he caused them, it had to be more than once. Yet, there they still are, standing by him no matter what. Lucianus wanted Faan to understand this, he wanted her to know that it was sincerely how he felt. That was why he had her read his mind, to have her know that, beyond a shadow of doubt, that it was fine.

Once more, Lucianus wanted to try communicating that, but a word from James, and soon by the others, alerted him to a far more pressing issue.

"Lady Joanne? Wait... She's not here!?"

Following the discovery, Cass and even James began discussing about searching for her. No whether or not to search for her, but how they'll approach the search. It was as if searching for Joanne was a matter of course. As much as Lucianus felt some distaste for James's character, he had to admit that he might have misjudged the man. As for Cass, as far as he knew, Cass was an impressive gunslinger who shot down those escaping highwaymen without even looking, or so he heard from one of his companions, but he's showing himself to be a decent and reliable fellow here as well.

But before a proper consensus was reached, another incident occurred. It seemed that Faan was having an argument with the wagon driver. The man was rather eager to leave this place, a sentiment Lucianus could sympathize with after encountering the giant toad and even more giant snake. If more of those were found lurking around, well... Lucianus dare not imagine. Upon the wagon driver insistent on leaving, Faan went and grabbed the man. Though at first, Lucianus didn't think that Faan had the strength to hold a fully grown man, that she wound up being able to keep the man held on the spot was surprising, though it soon became rather chilling when Lucianus realized what was going on.

To be able to hold a person against their free will, subverting it even. Lucianus would be lying if he claimed to not be unsettled by the sight. Indeed, even Cass, a man who had certainly seen more of the world then Lucianus did, appeared to be disturbed by what he saw.

"Hm? Wha?" Lucianus was hardly paying attention, but he did catch bits and pieces of the conversation, enough to surmised that Cass was trying to defend someone from fault. "We can play the blame game later. There is a more pressing matter at hand." Lucianus's tone came off colder than he intended in his attempt to sound neutral in order to hide the fact he wasn't paying attention. That, and his mind was focusing on the problems laid out before him at the moment.

Frankly, he was not fond of the idea of doing something like tying the driver up against his will to be in such a place. It may be so that they could search for Joanne, but to involve someone who was basically a stranger, though perhaps no more than they were to Joanne, in this life threatening endeavor was something Lucianus could not swallow with a good conscience.

"Now, now, let's not be hasty," Lucianus addressed the driver with an attempt at persuasion. "We don't know how many more monsters are lurking about. It could dangerous with just you and your oxen. And say that you do make it out of the bog in one piece, there might yet be more bandits and highwaymen laying in wait. Are you sure you'll be fine without my fine, albeit somewhat violent, friends here? Besides, the serpent just ate a big meal. If I know anything about snakes, it'll be off find a place where it can digest its meal in peace. if the worst thing to worry about in this swamp was that snake, I'd say that the worst may very well be behind us. So please, just give us till sundown. Once the time's up, or once lady Joanne is found, we'll escort you and your wagon right out of here and to your destination. What say you?

Spoiler: Action

Persuasion - Persuasion F + Character Grade E = 3

Should his persuasion be successful, Lucianus would volunteer to stay with the wagon. If not, he'll volunteer to stay behind to guard their belongings... At least, that was the plan. However, when he tried to, he found himself the subject of Cass's death glare. For reasons unfathomable to Lucianus, the gunslinger seemed to have some strange expectations of him. In the end, unable to bear the pressure, Lucianus would end up with the group searching for Joanne.

As for his companions, four would be left behind. The last one he'll take along so that they could use their sixth sense (Sixth Sense [Aura Perception] F) to help search for Joanne. Hopefully, she'd be alive enough for the sixth sense to pick up.

 

[Renny]

Connor Erland​

---

Irihi Maxxob CrackCauldron RavenSong revior

Connor was giving it his all to run as fast as possible, but it quickly became clear that it was a futile effort. Just the sheer size of the serpent was enough for it to move a great distance even when moving at it’s normal pace. He soon stops, giving up the chase. Joanne was well out of sight now, and he heard the Garret’s voice shouting after him as well. He was left with no choice but to turn back, with the saving grace being that the serpent’s size might serve as a benefit for them as well as it makes it very obvious where it passes through.

Jogging back, Connor arrives just in time to see the rest discussing what to do next. Fortunately, everybody else seems to be aware of the situation, saving him time from having to explain what happened. Lucianus was already working on reasoning with the wagon driver to allow them to search for the missing knight.

“I know the situation we are in is not ideal, but he has a point. I want to believe there’s still a chance Joanne might be alive and just along for the ride.”

Connor, a bit antsy, chose to back up his argument. Also, Faan having to get him to stay using her abilities was an uncomfortable idea, and he just hoped the wagon driver would choose to keep staying with the group.

“To be honest, seeing how what was giving us so much trouble was easy pickings for that snake, we’re going to have to hope it would be satisfied with just one meal. Getting lost would be a problem, but wouldn't we be able to just follow the tracks back once we can catch up to where they went? I admit that I am not an expert tracker, but I'm not planning on just lingering around.”

One moment Joanne was fighting alongside him, and the next she was gone. It didn’t sit well with him abandoning her after that, and it felt like he just got lucky. He just hopes that the serpent hasn’t the time yet to look for seconds. Without hesitation, he immediately volunteers to be part of the search party.

 

[Irihi]

Giant Snake
The enormous serpent had curled up atop an island in the swamp, warming itself in the wan sunlight filtering through the smoke as it began to digest its meal. At first, it’s only response to Joanne’s inquiry was a long slow hiss, not unlike a steam engine venting its boiler.


After a while, however, the snake’s enormous eye cracked open, its slitted iris rolling to point at Joanne. Having identified the speaker as a tiny armored human woman, the great eye closed again. The serpent was fully sated, humans were generally too small to be satisfying prey or pose much threat, individually. Also, Joanne was covered in metal. She’d be far too crunchy for the snake’s taste.


If Joanne persisted in her inquiries, eventually the serpent would hiss again, but this time there would be common embedded in the deep whistling of the serpent. “I am known, in your language, as Ssssssulkannn. I am a sssssssserpent. What do I care for the wayssssss of wyrmssssss?”


The giant serpent had a question of its own in response to Joanne’s. “Where did you come from, little metal woman? Why do you sssssssseek a dragon in my ssssssswamp? Thosssssse treassssure-hoarding cowardsssss make their homesssss high on the cold mountainssssss.” The serpent thought for a moment. “We fork-tongues do not all know each other. What doessssss this wyrm look like?” it asked, idly.

Wu’Faan Liewuun
​

Equipped Titles: Fae, Elf

Mentions: revior CrackCauldron Maxxob Renny RavenSong

The party offered a mixture of opinions of how to proceed. James suggested binding the wagon driver and bringing him along on the search. Conner wanted to split the party and leave the wagon driver behind under guard. He had caught on to Faan’s mind control, and insisted that she release the driver’s consciousness immediately.


Lucianus did not seem to understand that the driver was under Faan’s control, and attempted to reason with the man; to convince him to stay behind while a search party was sent out. Conner, when he returned, also volunteered for the search.


“He is frightened and angry. If I release him now… he will…” Faan relayed part of an idea to Cass, when the gunslinger insisted she immediately retreat from the wagon driver’s mind. Faan was having a little trouble holding a conversation with the others while trying to reason with and calm the man she held in thrall. Her speech to the group was a slow and halting. She understood the gist of what most everyone was saying, but could not track the finer details, nor could she effectively plan with her attention so divided. Keeping the wagon driver from doing himself mental damage as he fought her control was too difficult. Faan latched on to Cass’s insistence and followed his direction to release the man, despite what she had said.


Wagon Driver
The moment he was freed, the wagoneer lashed out at Faan, striking her and knocking her from the wagon. ”WITCH!! GEROFFA ME MIND!!” He screamed, causing the oxen to start and low with fright. The driver picked up the, lash which had fallen from his frozen fingers, and made to strike the elfmaid. The man was at once incensed and terrified. The lashing he directed at Faan was not done with any great strength or accuracy. Yes, he wanted to hurt the empath who had invaded his consciousness, but he also was fearful of her swarming back up the wagon and taking over his mind again. After a couple of strikes, he stayed his hand, though he was red-faced and trembling. How… how dare ye! Yew evil magicker! I’ll see yew clapped in irons fer that!”

Only the lingering influence of Lucianus’s [Persuasion F] kept the man from turning his lash upon the oxen and driving off then and there. The four-eyes had a point; the giant frog might very well have made a meal out of him, were he not travelling with this escort. The driver was too angry to say so, but he was fearful enough of the perils of the bog to at least listen to some reason.


Faan
Faan fell from the wagon when she was literally kicked out, but the soft ground prevented her from suffering any real injury from the fall. The lashing might be a different story, if none of her companions intervened. The elfmaid raised an arm to shield herself from the cracking whip.

When the driver stopped, Faan would lower her arm and try to reason with the man and her party. “I have wronged him, and the consequences are mine. Do not touch him!” She implored her companions. She did not want criminal titles to fall on any of them, as had surely happened now to her.


Struggling to her feet, she faced the shaking wagon driver. “I am sorry for what I did to you, but I will do it again to save Joanne.” Her lips pressed in a thin white line. “We are going to try to--we are going to rescue her, and I won’t let you abandon us.” she warned him. “All the same, I have transgressed against you; is there aught that I can do to earn your forgiveness?”


The wagon driver saw that he seemed to stand alone against the group in his desire to abandon Joanne to the swamp and drag Faan to a black orb so she could be properly punished. Still mulling Lucianus’s words, he settled and muttered: ”Stay in the swamp an get eeten either way, but I kin pick yer punishment. Goody. Sum deal this is,” he groused.


“Fine! But ahm nawt runnin’ off ta jump in no giant’s snake’s gullet. I’ll wait until an hour before sundown, then we’re movin’ on. Stayin’ in this bog after dark is death!” he said to Lucianus and the others. “It’s nawt yet noon, if’n yew ain’t found that tin-plated fool in a few hours, she’s dead fer sure!” The driver wasn’t sure he had the ability to set the terms he did, but the tricky elf witch had ceded him some authority, so he would give it a go.


“As fer yew, ya stupid bitch; gettin eet by the monster’s punishment enuff,” he said, still furious with Faan. ”If’n by some miracle yew come back alive, I’ll thinka somethin’ else.” He growled.


“Fair enough.” Faan agreed, scraping more muck and debris from her travelling clothes and examining her arm for damage from the lash. She had a myriad of bumps, bruises, and weals, but she'd been done no serious injury. She’d have to serve penance for her crime before she could continue with her business and travels at Ashoc. If she could discharge the [abuser]--or whatever title the god of justice saw fit to lay upon her--on the way, all the better.

Probably.

And maybe I’ll just get eaten, like he says. She thought, wryly.

It seemed her companions had already sorted themselves into a rescue party. Faan was responsible for Joanne and had no desire to remain near the wagon driver. Conner insisted on going, Lucianus was voluntold to go while four of his companions and Cass or James would likely stay with the wagon and enforce the agreement with the driver.


So settled, the away team checked their arms, left behind any nonessential equipment, and set off at a trot down the crushed path left by the snake. They needed to make haste. It was still early, but now they were in a true race against the sun.

Spoiler: Notes

Feel free to sort yourselves differently--thanks to Lucianus for figuring out a way for everyone to go on the rescue mission.


If you want to put in defensive or offensive actions against the driver, go ahead. I’m narrating that the man is (more-or-less) within his rights and acting in self-defense and against Faan who is now a criminal title holder. Attacking the driver may be treated as a criminal act during grading, depending on how your character responds.

 

[RavenSong]

The holy maiden trembled some and flinched when the serpent hissed. Her chainmail would lightly clink and clank from broken links against her plated armor. Her golden locks muddled by the sludge and grime of the bog and the gargantuan that attempted to eat her alive.

Her sword would lower as much as it would lightly quiver. Her mental prayers brought no peace to the anxiety that overcame her in those moments as she backed away slowly. However, the serpent seemed to hear her, at least, she got a reaction. Joannes mind rushed to conclude that the serpent didn't speak common. Boldly, she'd repeat herself. "W-who are you?" She stuttered, before standing up straight in an attempt to regain her composure. "If you kno-"

Then something extraordinary happened, the serpent with its own accent began to speak.

Joannes heart nearly stopped as she gasped with surprise. "Y-you can speak?" She replied softly. A mixture of surprise, fear and hope mixing within her mind. "I.. I'm pleased to meet you Sulkan." She began, her eyes widening a bit at the fact that she was actually speaking to a massive mythical serpent. It's white scales glistened in the sun, radiating the spectrum of color; like glass. "I only ask because only a living being of old could know of a dragon. If presume too much, forgive my bold assumptions."


When it came to her origins, she flailed for the correct words to say, lest they'd be the last. "I have come from Ruaan, the holy city." When Sulkan mentioned where dragons make birth she couldn't help but press further. "I.. I understand.. and yes, they are indeed cowards." She'd begin to recollect the smell of dragon fire and burning bodies in the cobbled streets of her home. "Kraliamun.. his name is Kraliamun, he is a black scaled filth that destroyed our most sacred site and stole our holiest artifact The Chalice of Life, also known as the Chalice of Dala."

Joanne came forward, her fear now becoming anxiety, "I have been sent by the Church of the Lady of Shields. But.. I fear the worse has happened within our leadership. Please, I must return our artifact. I must return Dalas favor to our ruined city and restore our hope and faith." Dropping her sword, it landed with a steely ring upon the steamy wet ground. The crusader would entwine her hands. "Please, will you not help me?"

 

[Maxxob]

Reconnaissance Unit I

Titles: [Construct], [Offworlder], [Businessman]
Languages: "Common", "%Analog%" - #2a60e8
RP Goal - Acquire Asset Mine Ryke F
Point Booster - Attentive Student F

Irihi Renny revior CrackCauldron RavenSong
Raising his eyebrow, the man in the magic painting listened to Cass as he tried to downplay Faan’s part in all the madness it took place. If Cass were able to feel it, as soon as his arm slung around RU-I’s broad shoulders, he would notice how warm the machine’s surface was, thanks to its inner-workings. “Perhaps… still, that is only a possibility. We don’t know what could have happened, but we know crystal clear what actually happened and who put things in motion. But, perhaps, there will be a more appropriate time for this conversation… but I bet there won’t be. I don’t keep holding dangerous assets in my portfolio for too long.”

During the small pause, in which the caraveneers trying to strike a deal with the driver, and even Cass thought of James’ plan to be a bit too extreme, someone enter the frame of the display, only slightly, handing a stack of documents to the businessman. Taking them firmly with his hands, he began reading through its contents, turning the first few pages. At some point, his eyes were raised, focusing on the situation at hand.

“We don’t usually negotiate with others when we hold all the cards. We say how things will be… and things just are.” His tone, while even, revealed some of the iron grip which was present in every negotiation James conducted. “But, I suppose tying the driver up and carrying him into the depths of the swamp would end up slowing us down.” It appeared that someone, staying behind, would be the best bet.

Still holding the documents he had received, a soon as he would resume reading them, the driver had an outburst of anger. Enough of an outburst to make James put the papers away. Slowly, the metallic box turned towards the ongoing whipping, to have a full view of it. The man in the picture, propping both elbows on the table on front of him, rested his chin on his balled fists as he watched it. His expression was inscrutable, the machine making no move or attempt to stop what was happening. That was what she asked of them, after all.

And, when it was done, the man in the display cleared his throat, the sound leaving the speakers of RU-I loudly. “Now that whatever that was is done, I believe we can continue this as the rational adults we are, mmm? Falling prey to emotional outbursts reduce us to mindless animals and get us nowhere closer to get out of this pitiful swamp.” The edge on his tone was bordering a parent scolding a child. “I will stay behind with the wagon. I will make sure that nothing too dangerous come close to it.”

With the machine groaning, its torso turning towards Connor, Faan, Lucianus and Cass, the display being away from the driver, James continued. “The deal that was struck will be kept: if the group is not back one hour before sundown, the driver will be allowed to leave.” The faintest smirks played at the corner of the man’s mouth, using very specific words to reinforce the deal. “Good luck out there.” James was as good as sending them off to the rescue.

Rolling next to the driver, the machine would stop and, James would start addressing the man. “You seem to be in the wagon-driving business for quite long. Are the roads in this place always like this? Bandits, marauders, gigantic amphibians and snakes?” Raising one eyebrow he continued. “What else is usually found? Demons? Undead? Tollbooths? Tax Collectors?”

 

[Irihi]

Giant Snake RavenSong
Sulkan was unimpressed by Joanne’s description of the dragon she sought, and unmoved by her entreaties, but he had little demand on his time, and so humored the little metal-clad human’s conversation. “There are many black wyrmsssss in the world, I think. Ssssssome may fly over my sssssswamp, but sssssseldom do they come calling and sssssspeak their namesssss.” The slow steam-vent hissing of the serpent seemed to vary in pitch and intensity. Joanne might identify it as Sulkan’s laughter.

Snakes have no eyebrows, or Sulkan would have raised a hedge-sized one at Joanne’s entreaty. Instead, his slitted eye widened a bit. “How doesssss thisssss ssssssmall human think Ssssssulkan can help?” he asked, with genuine interest. The monstrous snake had no intention of troubling itself with the trials of some sect of tiny humans, but he was curious as to what Joanne would think he could do for her, and vice versa. ”And what can sssssshe offer in exchange?”

Wagon Driver Maxxob
The man wasn’t in much of a talkative mood, but he eventually settled down as the distance between him and the mind-scraper increased--along with the likelihood of her being lost to some variety of swamp monster, and never returning.

“Noisy stupid elven slags is another.” he grumped to the man in the magic box on the metal machine. “Bandit’s usually duzn’t trouble theyselves much over a load uv lumber.” He said. “I’da dickered with an’ paid ‘em off if’n it’d been jus me; lumbermill sends me with a “forest tax”--payin’s cheaper an safer than hiring guards and killin’ folk.” he said. “But that fae and her fancy-pants luggage put a target on our backs.” The wagon driver continued to grouse about the empath.

“Tain’t never seen giant frogs--an only ever seen the serpent’s trail; but that bitch did a bang-up job attractin’ both with her screwin’ around,” he frowned. ”If I’da known she wuz so much trubble, I wouldn’ta agreed ta carry her along and steered clear uv her, instead. I’d advise the same ta yew, Mr. Jack-in-the-box,” the driver opined.

“Now we’s delayed; jus sittin’ here fer hours, and I da’esn’t even dare have me a smoke or a chaw.” he expounded, bemoaning the fact that it was too dangerous to indulge in the tobacco he carried, before answering the rest of James’ question. ”Well, it’s purdy peaceful after the bog. The track follows a nice little creek with decent enuff fishin’--Gets misty sometimes is about all. After that, we get ta the edge o’ the wood. There’s an abandoned logging camp there that sum say’s haunted, but I keeps ta meself and--if there’s spooks--they do as well,” the man related. ”After that is Ashoc, where I delivers me load.”

After a moment, the wagon driver did come up with another threat, and spoke it aloud. ”Kobolds.” He raised a finger. “Them nasty little buggers are usually the worst I runs inta. They’ll steal the fookin tack offa the oxen if yew lets ‘em.” The wagon driver raised his lash. “Couple’a good cracks with this beauty usually sends ‘em runnin’ tho.”

The wagon driver sat in contemplative silence for a while, after some of the conversation with Mr. Roboto. ”Yeh ain’t from around ‘ere, are yew, mister? Yew know about the god o’ justice?” The driver asked, evidencing just what he’d been thinking on. If James answered in the negative, he’d explain his (rather incomplete) understanding of criminal titles and punishments. Having laid this groundwork, he moved on to the topic he’d been contemplating. ”If’n by some miracle, that elf do come back, I kin make ‘er my property ta discharge ‘er criminal title, fer makin’ me prisoner in me own mind.” The driver said. “Yew seems like a savvy businessfella; if yew had an elf slave, what’d yew make ‘er do fer ya?”