The Beast that Rattled the Stars

Ashifili · Jan 23, 2018

The Beast that Rattled the Stars

Heavy spring rain bit at exposed skin, chilling the adventurers to the bone as they marched, no, stumbled through the muddy terrain. It was a bad time for a fight, but the urgency of the quest spoke to them, and when the band of brave youths set out a couple hours ago, the weather had not yet worsened to the extent it has now. It was almost as if Heaven itself was crying for them, shedding endless tears at the foolhardy nature of the immortals who believed that they need not fear death. More children of gods, flaunting their undying nature, wishing to display their valor and their might to the Elysid on high.

Foolish, mortal errors, drenched in pride and blind to the savage abyss beneath, always hungering, always devouring.

Each step brought the party of six closer to what remained of Rugome Fort, and the signs of the Skull Faced Goblin became clearer and clearer. The puddles that formed beneath their feet were reddish brown from the blood that had permeated the dirt. Not a single forest critter could be seen, all that was prey scared off by the sheer bloodlust that drew goosebumps up their skin and chills down their spine. Broken weapons, shields, tools could be seen after a few more moments, signs of a cowardly retreat, shattered resolve, arms tossed aside to expedite a hurried retreat. And closer, closer, the bodies appeared. A fair knight, heartbreakingly beautiful, her neck at an odd angle as she hung from low branches. A noble youth, young enough to still taken care of by his parents, entrails trailing behind him as he laid, crawling for an eternity. A scarred veteran, face lined with laugh lines, rested against a boulder, his lower body missing, his green eyes glazed over as his right hand was clenched into a fist.

So many slaughtered all around, the bodies of failed adventurers serving as enough of a deterrent for anyone who wandered the woods for sport. There was no burial. There wasn’t even decomposition and decay. Not even mindless scavengers came near now.

In the distance, the lone tower stood, surrounded by irregular crimson spire. Piercing the canopy, they loomed over the adventurers. Soon, the brave would cross over to the ruptured clearing, where they would be able to fully witness the extent of the devastation wrought by a single Goblin.

But for now, they were safe to steel their nerves, sharpen their blades, focus their magic, prepare for the hell that awaited them.

And in another place, another time, another world, another dimension, another being peered down from the Outer Veil, into the Garden of the Elysid, the paradise that it had been denied.
It watched.
It hungered.
And it smiled.

OOC
@Magdalyn @Alric Stalwart @Comet @Velka @Blake Elgis @Megan Tritor

Minimum of 100 words and maximum of 500 words. Posts with less or more will be ignored.

1 post per character per cycle, with DM posts resetting the cycle at 4PM PST, daily.

All dice must be rolled in this thread.

If you want to do some extra communication between party members, do so here.

This first post should include arrival, as well as what your characters do to prepare for the coming battle. The action you can take for this round are any one of the below:

If you have Harmonic Magic, Nature Magic, Spirit Magic or White Magic, you can use the Support spreadsheet to preemptively buff yourself or others with your spellcasting.

If you have Tinker, Berserk or Summoning Magic, you can use the Support spreadsheet to preemptively buff yourself, either through working yourself up into a rage, priming your Tinkering machines, or by summoning your magic familiar.

If you have Astral Magic, Beast Taming or Hunting, you can make a d100 roll in the Roll Thread, getting a +5 bonus for every tier in the relevant mastery past Beginner. Once you have that result, divide it by 25, rounding up. The number you get is the amount of Zones you can choose to scout out. Tell the DM which Zones these are. Upon doing so, the DM will tell you of the terrain, the monsters within, and whether or not there are traps within.

You may verbally discuss a starting strategy going into this fight. Everyone who acts out the discussed strategy in the next cycle gains a +5 to their roll. You can follow multiple Strategies and thus gain multiple buffs. Ensure that the Strategy is 'proactive' instead of 'reactive'.

A viable strategy is 'The Rogue should stealth up to Zone 7.'

An unviable strategy is 'We should attack when we are ambushed.'

If you have Incognito, Acrobat, Illusion Magic, or Martial Arts , you can approach cautiously and stealthily, halving any damage you may take on the next cycle.

If you have Shield, Geomancy, Hydromancy, or Parry, you can protect a single other person in your party from damage they may take in the following round, provided they are in the same Zone as you. In return, you will be the one taking damage for them.

If half your party agrees, they can all advance two Zones instead of one this turn, with the panache and poise of confident adventurers.

At the end of your post, move your character to Zone 1, 2, or 3. If they have chosen to Gloriously Advance, move to Zone 4, 5, or 6.

Have fun. The Mother of Monsters is watching.
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Blank · Jan 24, 2018

180/180 HP

Megan marched bravely in the rain. While others might have been dishearted or downtrodden by the falling water, Megan took it as a good omen. She was after all, "The greatest Ice Mage that ever was," a phrase that she had said more than one time during the trek towards the fort. To prove her point she had used a small amount of energy to constitute the extra moisture into a shroud of mists that surrounded her, concealing her exact location to those around her. Travelling like this seemingly had its flaws, however, and after the third time she had tripped on a branch and fell flat on her face she had dismissed the fog, replacing it with a thin layer of ice she covered her clothes in.

Eventually, they closed in on their location, and it was Megan who spoke up first, "Hmmm my dark heart feels the pulsing of a powerful enemy before us." She smiled pulling her hat forward to cover her evil eye, "Fu~ Fu~ Fu~ Truly this will be an adversary worth my true might." Megan flourished her cloak and thrust her staff forward in melodramatic fashion before chanting, "Lady Shiva send a servant worthy of your disciple, one strong enough to carry the bonds of my companions, and hardy enough to endure the blows of my enemy. Come forth! Ice-Kun!" As she spoke a small blue circle formed before her from which a small ice golem took form. The golem, standing about three feet tall, took shape similar to that of a gorilla with long, lanky arms, and broad chest, lacking only facial features and fur. Despite this it somehow made a happy chirping sound as Megan moved to embrace the cold familiar, struggling to grasp it, as it fidgeted excitedly.

Pulling back, Megan thrust her staff forward in the direction of the tower, "I say we move straight forward, with Ice Kun leading the charge!" She smiled as she flourished her cape once more, before leaving her free hand at her hip demonstrating a rather confident aura, "We shall lay waste to all the enemies in the name of Lady Shiva! Goddess of the ice itself!"

Summoning Ice-Kun (Calculated as buff)/ Voting for glorious advance
Moves to Zone 2
10 + 26 = 36
(Roll) Rugome Fort II / Rugome Fort Tracker

Comet · Jan 24, 2018

150 / 150 HP

A deadly persistence drew Comet in towards such an ill-reputed quest, death sure to follow if pursued, and carried her legs when the rest of her body became limp in response towards the devastating scenery. Trekking through weather that gnawed on the pale-skinned woman's already brittle bones seemed hardship enough. She believed that'd be the height of suffering during the trip. Leather attire snug against an uncomfortably flushed body hardly provided an escape from mud that seemed to coat every inch of Comet's length awkwardly traversing a terrain much different than that of which she often spent her time on. Not much of her time was spent opening pursed lips. However, the pink-haired woman ensured that acknowledgement of each and every member of the team joining in would be noticed with an accepting nod of the head. Perhaps even a slight smile could be seen if she recognized them.

Bile churned her sympathetic gut but never dared to rise up and burn her throat. The recent war had prepared her for the smell and sight and sound of blood. Mutilated corpse weren't anything new, either, considering a multitude of strange adventures brought upon by fate had led her to see things that could never be unseen. Especially in a setting so spectacularly similar to the real world that they could be confused for one another if not for the contrast in time periods.

"I say we take things slow and figure out what to do first. There are dead bodies lying around for a reason..." she spoke out against @Megan Tritor despite being rather impressed by her magic, a new feat she'd never seen before. Comet wasn't one to speak up much, more of a people-pleaser at heart, but if no one else would put her down than the young woman certainly could manage putting out a few good words here and there. "It's a group effort. Without working together and sticking close the quest will be more dangerous." she defended her position, judging Megan from afar with a questioning raise of thin brown. This lasted a second before she decided to stick to her goal and figure out what the area looked like, and what dangers may lie ahead. Comet felt an obligation to do her best but also allowed selfish reasoning to lead the way. Ignoring the scent of death and feeling of impending doom she would await any others planning to join her. "I'll respect any other decisions but something tells me that rushing in without a plan won't work out long-term." the pink-haired woman tacked on, not wanting to seem rude in the eyes of her peers, before stealthily scouting the lands with attentive eyes.

OOC: choosing to scout Zones 3, 4 & 5

Scouting
Moving to Zone 2
56 + 20 = 76/25 = 3 Zones
Roll / Tracker

Magdalyn · Jan 23, 2018

140 / 140 HP

Normally, Magdalyn loved the rain. She found it soothing, and it had a way of cleansing her troubled soul, the world around her. Entire afternoons could be dedicated to curling up under a warm blanket and listening to the sharp staccato of the rain on the roof of her apartment. She would find every gentle plink oddly calming, and allow it to lull her into a peaceful trance.

But not this time. On this particular morning, Mags found it easy to understand why so many grew distressed at the sight of rain. It shifted between heavy sheets and stingy drizzles, and the woman was unsure which she found more bleak. Upon first hearing of the city in need, the spearwoman had relished the thought of a new adventure. Joining up with her fellow players to defeat an evil entity? Well, that was what Terrasphere was all about!

Reality, however, had sunk in very quickly. There was nothing exciting, nothing uplifting, about this particular journey. Everything around Magdalyn was painted the same dull gray, and the sheer misery of it all seemed to suffocate her. Even Hobbes, her newly trained animal companion, lost much of his enthusiasm. Usually content to run a few strides ahead, bounding like a young house kitten, the mountain tiger now plodded along, head down, tail dragging through the mud puddles. The sight of it made Magdalyn shiver for a reason entirely unrelated to the rain.

Of course, the bodies strewn about did nothing to improve the atmosphere, or lighten the mood.

The gore-stricken reminders of previous failures churned Mags' stomach, and had she focused on them any longer, she might have spilled her breakfast. Fortunately, she spotted a small gathering of players up ahead, and she honed in on them to avoid retching.

"Comet!" Magdalyn greeted warmly, genuine surprise and affection lighting her features, even despite the rain. "It's so good to see you!" Then, turning to the other woman, she added, "And it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Magdalyn, but most call me Mags."

Having arrived just in time to catch the tail-end of the discussion, the blue haired woman pursed her lips in thought. "Personally," she began, "I more prefer the cautious approach. Maybe do a little bit of scouting, before we jump into anything? Hobbes and I can go look around, if that's all good with you guys."

@Comet @Megan Tritor

Scouting
Searched Zone 2
Moves to Zone 2
11 + 15 = 26/25 = 1 Zone
Roll / Tracker

Velka · Jan 24, 2018

140 / 140 HP

Surveying the battlefield, Velka had to say that she was impressed. If this was the work of a single goblin, she would gladly meet it in battle. A clash against a worthy foe was one of life's higher callings, next to triumphing over said foe. Hopefully if it wasn't a mage though, casters were fickle to fight even in the best of times. After the initial barrage of scouting was done, she followed Magdalyn to her destination in Zone 2. With her weapon at the ready, she stood ready to protect the beast tamer from harm. Information would be a key part of the fight she could feel, and the terrified villagers hadn't told her much. A slow sweep would be best she felt, especially since their foe would have time to set up the field however they wanted.

Safeguard (@Magdalyn)
Move to zone 2
Vote against Glorious Advance
NA + NA = NA
No Roll / Tracker

Alric Stalwart · Jan 24, 2018

130 / 130 HP

The walk to Rugome Fort had been far from comfortable and at some point along the way Alric passively fell back to the rear of his party. His mind raced as it tried to come up with a reason to justify accepting this task. Despite the fear that coursed through his body, he knew the rewards for surviving what lied ahead would likely be great. Temptation brought on by the prospect of fame drove him to sign his life away for this cause.

Upon arrival they were all met with a grisly scene. Mutilated bodies were strewn about the land like someone's idea of demented party ornaments. Acting as both a warning and insight into what kind of foe they'd be facing, the Alric was ultimately relieved most seemed to prefer a slower advance into enemy territory. Even through the heavy rain that was desperate to keep them down their destination was clear in the distance. They had a ways to go.

---

Each player prepared in their own way and as his teammates began their advance three shapes would catch his eye. Unseen to everyone besides him the beautiful knight, the young noble, and the veteran were not as gone as they might have thought. Their spirits were still connected to the horrid place that served as their grave and seeing this it was time for the man to put his magic to work.

While holding up his palm the spell ring he wore emitted a soft glow as he began to trace. The words floated briefly before joining to cast Soul Tether. When it was complete an ethereal chain connected @Magdalyn, @Blake Elgis, and @Velka each to a single ghost and empowered them through the connection. The buff provided by the connection was only minor and wouldn't last long, but it was something. One of the few ways he could contribute before all hell inevitably broke loose.

AoE Buffing @Magdalyn, @Blake Elgis, and @Velka
Moving to Zone 2
4 + 13 = 17
Roll / Tracker

Ashifili · Jan 24, 2018

The Beast that Rattled the Stars

It appeared that the plan for advancement was in unity as the group of six broke out into the clearing, feet splattering against the drenched grass beneath. Now that foliage no longer obstructed their view, the terrible beauty of Rugome Fort could be witnessed plainly. It was otherworldly, to say the least, red spires and ruptured earth reminiscent of the apocalypse that had descended upon Terrasphere eras past, while the lone tower that stood in the distance shone with an eldritch light, a red beacon rising to pierce the dreary clouds above. Before them, it was soon clear just how dangerous Megan’s suggestion would have been: a yawning chasm, fathomless and wide, stood before them. Even the rainwater that fell down never seemed to hit anything, the pit reaching into endless infinity.

Yes, a Glorious Advance into the unknown, no matter how daring and heroic, would have, without a doubt, led to their deaths.

But the Reaper’s Scythe wasn’t so easily swayed, and from the moment they trespassed upon the ravaged territory of the Skull Faced Goblin, the six braves were marked for death. With a banshee cry, a shadowed figure emerged from atop thin spires, eyes burning red, half her body consumed with an inky blackness. She was human, merely a child of fourteen years old, tawny hair stained red, but any who held an inkling of magic within their bones could feel the presence of another dwelling within her. Drawn mad by the heretical magic that caused her to fight beyond her natural death, the animalistic girl launched off, red vapors streaming behind her.

With meteoric impact, she slammed into @Velka , the shockwave of the attack flattening the others. Mud splattered all about as the ground itself caved inwards, and the fair berserker snarled, somersaulting off the lancer and landing on all fours as she glared at them all with a suffocating rage.

It was in that moment, where all attention was drawn to the Berserker, that the second guardian of the Fort launched her assault. A monochromatic blur diving through the battlefield, the lithe fiend was elegant in her destruction, her once-flesh legs replaced by onyx blades that she skated on. Before @Megan Tritor ’s frost golem could respond, a thin red line was already drawn over her back, the wound bursting open moments later. Unshielded by any others, @Alric Stalwart too received a lightning fast slash across his back, the lightless sylph dancing and weaving between the disorganized crowd before leaping into the thick brush.

The rattling of chains could be heard following that quick attack, a barbed spear sailing across the pit, towards the blue-haired beast tamer. Before it could land, however, Velka’s arm shot out, hot blood splattering over Magdalyn’s face as the tip of the spear was stopped inches from her face. But such a miss didn’t bother the sniggering Felis from across the chasm. No, it didn’t matter at all! This was GREAT! Like a fishercat reeling in her catch, the Blackened Harpooner grasped the chains with inhuman strength, ready to reel Velka over into the abyss.

And, from behind the Harpooner, red flame scorched the skies as the Ashen Swordsman, wreathed in flames that vaporized the icy rain, unsheathed his longsword. Long strides carried him through the battlefield with a decisive violence that the Lightless Sylph did not have, the earth rumbling beneath his approach.

The battle had begun, and already, fresh blood mixed with old.

But as for the Skull Faced Goblin, there was not a single sign.

The fallen that once fought him would fight for him. That was the promise that his Master had made, the one kindness she afforded her Revenant, so that there may be at least a single moment of peace in this unending battle.

A moment of peace, even as the tower shook with the might of Her corrupted warriors.

He stroked her face, gentle despite the monstrous might within his fingers.

I must go.

OOC
@Magdalyn @Alric Stalwart @Comet @Velka @Blake Elgis @Megan Tritor

Minimum of 100 words and maximum of 500 words. Posts with less or more will be ignored.

1 post per character per cycle, with DM posts resetting the cycle at 4PM PST, daily.

All dice must be rolled in this thread.

If you want to do some extra communication between party members, do so here.

This is the final cycle for @Blake Elgis @Magdalyn @Velka buffs.

This is the first cycle for @Megan Tritor 's buff.

Are you having fun?
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Ashifili · Jan 24, 2018

Cycle 1
Battle Conditions

Zone 2 Berserk Seigi [350/350]
Zone 3 Lightless N [250/250]
Zone 8 Blackened Briar [400/400]
Zone 4 Ashen Sean [300/300]

Damage:
Due to not managing to make a post in time, @Blake Elgis is moved to Zone 2.

@Alric Stalwart @Megan Tritor @Comet @Blake Elgis receive 30 damage. Due to [Safeguarding] @Magdalyn, @Velka receives 60 damage.

@Velka receives 30 damage and is afflicted by the Status Effect [Chained]. They can only attack Blackened Briar, and must advance to the most direct path towards them. In this case, she must advance to Zone 5.

@Megan Tritor and @Alric Stalwart receive 20 damage. Due to Lightless N's [Grievances], this damage is applied to their Max HP as well.

Zone 1, 2, 8 Short, dead grass, soaked in blood and rain. It squelches beneath your feet as you walk over it, but is of no concern.

Zone 3 Many trees from the bordering forest have collapsed onto this area, creating cover from prying eyes and some protection against ranged attacks. Ranged attacks targetting those in this zone receive a -10 penalty, unless it is a Pyromancy or Naturamancy attack. Incognito rolls in this zone receive a +20 bonus modifier.

Zone 4, 10 Signs of a brutal fight linger, jagged, broken spikes and shrapnel filling the cracked earth, still sharp enough to cut. When entering or ending a turn in this Zone, receive 10 damage.

Zone 5 A large, fathomless pit stands before you, promising absolute death for those that fall. When entering this Zone, roll a d100 + 5 for every tier of Aeromancy, Acrobat, or Mobility. If you make a total of 85 or more, you are able to grab onto the ledge. If not...

Zone 6 A forest of thin, black stakes have suspended bodies above. All ranged attacks made within this Zone, as well as all ranged attacks targetting those in this Zone, receive a -10 penalty, unless it is an Arcanamancy attack.

Zone 7 A massive crimson spike scrapes the skies, its base heavily damaged. With a strong enough blow, perhaps it could be made to topple...

Zone 9, 12 The land is exceptionally ravaged here, thick mounds of earth mixing with fissures and cracks. Combined with the heavy rain turning everything into a quagmire of sludge, this is exceptionally difficult to move through. Leaving this Zone takes 2 Movements instead of 1.

Zone 11 - 1 The bottom of the ruined tower. Shielded by a sanguine light that must be physically or magically destroyed before entering.

Zone 11 - 2 The top of the ruined tower. Ranged attacks targetting those in this zone receive a -20 penalty, unless it is a Geomancy or an Aeromancy attack.

Movement Every turn, you may move to one Zone adjacent (diagonal movement is allowed) to your current one for free. If your Mobility is Adept, you may move two Zones instead of one. You may also spend your action for this round and move to another Zone after your free movement. Ending your turn on certain Zones may trigger events.

Range Ranged and Magical attacks can reach any zone, but may have reduced damage due to terrain. Melee attacks can only target those within the same Zone as the attacker. If you have the Tinker Mastery, you can switch freely between Ranged and Melee attacks, but you only gain Bonus Damage in Melee.

Bonus Damage Melee attacks gain Bonus Damage if they have Berserk, Tinker or Heroic Might. Ranged attacks gain Bonus Damage if they have Hunting. Magic attacks gain Bonus damage from Summoning Magic. In the DPS spreadsheet, apply the relevant Mastery with the highest tier only.

Actions

Everyone is allowed to perform one of these actions per cycle. RP-wise, you can do a number of things, but the system only counts the action you pick from the spreadsheets.

Tank - Protect allies, disrupt enemies, and mitigate zonal damage.

DPS - Damage, damage, and more damage.

Support - Heal, buff, and dispel conditions from allies.

If you are a Beast Tamer, your Beast has its own HP and actions. The modifier for their rolls is +5 for every tier of rarity. Refer to the Equipment section of the Wiki for information on Rarity. For example, a Basic pet will have +5, while a Great pet will have +20.

Their maximum HP is 50 + modifier.
They can Attack, dealing d20 + modifier damage in Melee combat.
They can Protect one person in the same zone as themselves.
They cannot be buffed, and can only be healed by their Tamer.
They can only move one Zone away from their Tamer.

Liberate [Alric Only] - Roll a melee attack using Spirit Magic. If the result is 120 or above, the target is instantly destroyed, their souls freed from the eldritch chains that drove them to madness.

Terraform [Magdalyn & Megan Only] - Roll a d100 + 5 per tier of Hydromancy or Geomancy, as you use your magic to form a safe surface of ice or earth over the fathomless chasm. Culminative DC of 150.

Feats are special actions that can be performed at the cost of one's HP. These are to signal truly desperate times, and outside of Strenuous Effort, can only be used once per Challenge.

Important: Do not formulate combat strategies around these and force people to sacrifice themselves for the sake of the party. Usage of Feats should be a personal choice.

Strenuous Effort By permanently sacrificing HP (reduce both your current HP value and your maximum HP value), you can gain a bonus modifier to your roll equal to the amount of HP spent, up to a maximum of 50. This modifier can not be applied to Buff rolls.

Soul Filled Strike This is the climax, the final clash. Offer up your heart in exchange for godly strength and ensure that your nemesis falls. Roll a d100. If your result is 90 or below, you die. If your result is 91 or above, your HP is set to 1. Your next attack is (100 + modifiers + buffs) x 2.

Bravery's Gift You swore to yourself once that you will never see a friend fall, and now, it's time to fulfill that promise, even at the cost of your own. This Feat can be used retroactively. Usage of Second Wind is sealed. In place of a maximum of five others, take two times the damage they would have taken during this turn.

The Last Prayer If there is Divinity that watches upon, then with your earthly desires, pull them down from their lofty throne and force a miracle out of them. Heal all allies with the Single Heal action in your spreadsheet. At the end of this turn, you die.

Death caused directly by the usage of a Feat can not be overturned with a Ressurection spell.

Comet · Jan 24, 2018

120 / 150 HP
Zone 3

The shockwave had Comet stumbling over her feet and eventually falling on all fours in humiliation. The foe, such a young looking girl, had astonishing power and effortlessly had the pink-haired woman in a lower position. She gripped her bow bravely while crawling back onto her feet in order to take a defensive stance. Pulling an arrow out in preparation Comet observed her surrounding. Mud splattered and blurred her vision. It stung with a fierceness that burned both her eyes and her heart. The situation frightened her, had her heart racing into oblivion, and seemed too much of a risk to be worth it. But the chances of the Archer quitting on both herself and her team happened to be so low that running away wouldn't be an option, and neither would holding back. To show off for such strong teammates, especially @Magdalyn whom she truly cared for, would be a great opportunity as well as a chance to grow. To be a leader.

The enemy so capable of relentlessly attacking each and every one of those surrounding her proved to be devastating to watch. To stand and not be able to step on those that consistently threatened her safety and life was difficult. Would be difficult. Shaking off the mental and psychical impacts, she began to move her mouth as if meaning to speak but losing the right words to say. "We need to save her!" emerald eyes settled on the harpooned woman (@Velka) harmed by the eerie Felis and sympathy chained her heart down to a specific goal. "I'll do what Mags said, and try to get the spire to fall, but everyone else should keep moving and attack. The cat is distracted so let's focus on someone else all together," she spoke loudly as if sure of herself. Comet nodded towards @Megan Tritor. "Let's try to get this thing to fall together, okay? It's worth a shot no matter what happens. You are the greatest mage out there, right? Show me." though a slight concern laced her words, and pity pulled at her gut, Comet fell back on knowing that having more people around was a better option. She'd have better luck with surviving and succeeding. That mattered first and foremost, but no one had to know.

Whether or not she would be accompanied by the witch-like girl Comet had decided to shift positions. She raised her bow; trained hands and eyes and focus aiming for the spire. With the foliage provided by the specific Zone she felt much safer than when out in the open. It meant less of a chance of taking a hit while lining up her shot. The arrow flew faster than the beat of her heart drummed against a chest weak from the stress of anticipation.

Ranged Attack
Moved to Zone 3
72 + 30 + 9 = 111
Roll / Tracker

Blake Elgis · Jan 24, 2018

115 / 145 HP
Zone 3

Woohoo, a Blake exists! She had been silent for the planning phase, since she really hadn't much to add. Both because she didn't felt like she was bright enough to come up with something decent, and because the scenery they had just gone past was giving her a mix of nausea and dread, something she didn't felt in this game since she had to run from a man-eating plant's belly while its tendrils wanted to make her melt into mush. And it wasn't like she missed that feeling or anything.

Anyway, after they went through the field of corpses and blood, they eventually ended up on... Another field filled with corpses and blood. The only difference was the gigantic hole that was a few meters in front of them, and other not very pleasant views and places. "What in the world even happened here? Its just a goblin..." She thought, although her thoughts were quickly thrown into the bin, when a band of the deceased started to attack. The shockwave threw her balance away, but didn't quite knock her into the ground. And thankfully, the rest of the attacks didn't target her.

But now, she was crossed. She wanted to help Velka, but others told her to let her go and focus on the other threats. She didn't want to let her die, but they would die too if they focused their attention on something trivial. She was almost agreeing with her gut and going to save Velka, but then she listened to @Comet , and sighed, reliefed. Velka had people going after her, and that made her decision easier. Now, she needed to decide if she was going to face Seigi, or cover Comet against the fast opponent that was hiding where she was. After some consideration, she believed covering Comet was a better option for the moment, rushing towards the canopy-filled field.

It didn't take long for her to spot her target, her amethyst eyes shining like jewels in the night. If this was another situation, she would commend said pair, but right now, she wanted to see those closed shut. She rushed towards Lightless N, punching her in the stomach, her strength being enough to lift the girl a few centimeters into the air, before kicking her in the gut, sending her flying into a log nearby. A solid hit, but she knew she would need way more to keep her down.

Melee attacking Lightless N
50 + 25 + 17 = 92
Roll / Tracker

Blank · Jan 25, 2018

130 / 160 HP
Zone 3

Megan groaned as the attacks came her way, slamming against her ice armor, and then slicing through it with relative ease. The pain was so sudden that she barley had any time to react, gasping in shock as she wheeled backwards. In fact, everything had moved so far she wasn't entirely sure who attacked her, glancing at the others though she immediately forgot about her pain. Velka stood there, blood pouring from her, wrapped in a chain. "Velka! I'll save you!" She screamed in panic as she raised her hand preparing to summon her mana. Her spell preparations were ruined by the coward masquerading as a healer, however, as he cruely declared she was a lost cause.

Megan prepared a spell to prove him wrong, summoning forth her mana in a frothed rage. Her plan was to simply freeze and shatter the chain holding Velka but as she concentrated on managing her mana, she was interrupted yet again, this time by Comet. "Nggg...." Megan moaned in reply as her eyes darted to Velka's chain back to Comet, before she finally relented. Thrusting her hand towards her summon she began to funnel her magic into the familiar stating, "Ice Kun~ Hold on to that for me!"

The ice golem purred as it was filled with her power, following her in stride as she ran off after Comet. Ice Kun couldn't exactly see like a normal being but it could sense heat, and magical energy which made tracking Megan rather easy even in the turbulence of battle, so when it saw her summoning her powers once more, it returned her borrowed mana empowering the spell she was casting.

Meanwhile, Megan stood on top of a fallen log in order to gain view of the spire Comet had seen previously. The archer's arrow surprisingly managed to make the spire bob heavily in the air clearly only requiring a love tap to send it plummeting down. Megan, however, was not one for half measures as she began to chant in a deep rhythmic manner channeling a powerful wind spell. Further empowered by her familiars help she suddenly screamed, "...and feel the wind's fury! Razor Winds!"

A sudden gust of wind blew throughout the battlefield as an unseen force slammed into the back of the spire, sending it toppling over in tumultuous manner before it crashed home creating a makeshift bridge across the once uncrossable chasm. Ignoring, the enemy behind her Megan thrust her staff at @Alric Stalwart and shouted, "That's what hero's do!"

Attacks Tower with Aeromancy
94+ 28 + 36 = 158
(Roll) Rugome Fort II/ Rugome Fort Tracker

Velka · Jan 25, 2018

60 / 150 HP
Zone 5

As the spear pierced Velka's arm, a few thoughts came to her mind. First of all, this place should have been burned down a long time ago. Second of all, getting hit by a harpoon hurt. After struggling with the pull for a little, Velka had enough. Figuratively and literally putting her feet down onto the newly created bridge that her party members had so helpfully created, she grasped the chain and pulled. It wasn't a very powerful tug, as the pain was still distracting her, but clearly the cat was off in dreamland thinking about tuna or whatever cat people thought of. With a heave, she pulled Briar onto the bridge. Tearing the barbed implement out of her arm and reaffirming her grip on her Ultralance, she was ready to show Briar how to really use a spear. And if push came to shove, she'd make sure that the Felis would be sleeping with the fishes by the end of it all.

Pull Chain
17 + 30 = 47
Roll / Tracker

Magdalyn · Jan 25, 2018

140 / 140 HP
Zone 3

65 / 65 HP
Zone 3

Horror and blood both splashed across Magdalyn's face. The attack had been so sudden, so unexpected. The hand arm that rose to block the shot was just as much so. As the shock ebbed, Mags felt two things: first, a flare of relief, and then, a sinking dread. Velka had taken the hit for her. "But-" she breathed, tone pained with confusion and regret. Velka was not even a tank! Why had she done it?

But there was no time for contemplating life's big questions, and worse, no time to thank the woman for her sacrifice. Before Magdalyn could say more, Velka was being torn from her, yanked forward by the tie connecting them. Her body jerked like a ragdoll, the motion akin to a fish on a line. Mags' stomach flipped.

It took only a quick exchange for the team to fall into place, each with their new orders. Comet and Megan worked to topple the crimson spire, forging a bridge for Velka to cross. Had she not been so focused on Velka, she might have paused to celebrate the small victory. Instead, she found herself torn. Her healer stood behind her, while the vast majority of the party was exposed in the zone nearby, having moved to shoot the spire. Velka was being dragged into yet another zone. What would she do?

"Come on," she called to Hobbes, thundering toward zone three. It tore at her to leave her healer alone, and Velka at the mercy of the enemy. But an attack was already taking place, with Lady N at the center. If they could combine their forces to take out one threat, they would have fewer to worry about next time. Over her shoulder, she called to Alric. "I'll be right back!" Granted, it was a stupid thing to announce, but it did not feel right just abandoning him.

Boots smacked earth, crunching over twigs and brush as Magdalyn neared Lightless Lady N. The terrain had changed here, featuring fallen trees that would provide good cover, were the situation to call for it. She stored this information away for later as she freed her spear. Hobbes gave a low growl in his throat, before both player and tame fell upon the enemy.

Melee Attack - Lightless N
Move to Zone 3
3 + 30 + 17 = 50
19 + 15 + 0 = 34
Roll / Tracker

Alric Stalwart · Jan 25, 2018

93 / 110 (130) HP

Alric wasn't sure what hurt more: The wound running down his back that was bleeding out or the taunting of the young ice mage after she somehow managed to save their teammate from certain death. No wait, it was definitely the fucking cut. Who knew one of the requirements for worshipping Shiva was that you had to be bad at tanking? Unlike Megan, he wasn't a hero and never claimed otherwise. It wasn't like before they came the group wasn’t aware of the danger; of the possibility of losing someone along the way.

...And yet even in the face of adversity they were all still alive. The girl had been right. What was he thinking? Fear and desperation drove him to accept a darker path; to kill off someone he had promised to protect. Until now the fight was only occurring in black and white. Simple solutions to complicated problems. He felt like crap. His body hurt. But he wasn't dead yet. That had to count for something. Anything. A chance at redemption in the eyes of his fellow adventurers.

Watching Velka's miraculous survival and his teammates move to chase after one of the figures, Alric glanced around the field at their positions then toward the girl before him who had blown them all away before. He was alone with no effective method of fighting her, but he could at least be a shield if she decided to attack him and still help to the others at the same time.

He raised his palm again and traced out an incantation for Incorporeal Embrace, calling upon the might of three more spirits from past battles held on this land. The fallen heroes moved to latch on to @Velka, himself, and @Blake Elgis from various angles and slowly their wounds would start to close due to being exposed to the supernatural energy.

AoE Healing @Velka, @Alric Stalwart, and @Blake Elgis
4 + 9 = 13
Roll / Tracker

Ashifili · Jan 25, 2018

The Beast that Rattled the Stars

Blake could feel the crunch of bone giving away to the might of her martial arts as the Lightless Sylph flew back, bouncing over a thick branch before tamer and tamed leapt from the canopy, spear and fang biting into the too slender girl’s body with devastating effect. But there was no response, no shudder of pain, no coughing of blood. No feedback at all from the devastating blows as the monochromatic kicker extracted herself from the jaws of the tiger, cartwheeling back to gain some distance.

A pause. A consideration. A tension before the storm, and then…

“GRAAAAAAH!!!”

The battle cry of a heretical Berserker consumed their minds with bloodlust, the earth trembling behind them as the raging madwoman leapt skywards, fist clenched into another meteoric blow. That transient distraction was all the time the Slyph needed to disappear, only the whistling of wind indicating her movement. Amethyst eyes appeared for a split second behind @Blake Elgis , a criss cross of kicks slicing open her back, before the dancing blade doll retreated further, zipping away a heartbeat before calamity descended upon them.

A single strike blasted all the small twigs and leaves away, a herculean impact tossing the players asunder once more. Rising from the baptism of mud and blood, the tainted Berserker snarled at them, eyes aflame with demonic fury. Cowards. Weaklings. Prey! To run away in the face of a challenge?! She’ll show them what happens to the meek! Another howl rattled what branches remained within the blasted canopy, loud enough to mask the snaking chains.

Loud enough to mask the sickening thud of a harpoon digging itself into @Megan Tritor ’s chest, barbs sinking into flesh before the chains grew taut, reeling her in. Unlike Velka, the pretentious mage could feel the full effects of the affliction upon her, the writhing blackness not only sealing her body, but also the full extent of her magical might. And, in the distance, the cat that caught her fish smiled, taking a few hops back away from the Faerin Lancer, as if a ‘real’ fight was the least she cared about.

Oh, but she did spare a wink and a blown kiss in @Velka 's direction, as if asking her to come closer.

And, all alone by himself, as everyone else left to fight off their respective demons, @Alric Stalwart could feel the smouldering gaze of the Ashen Swordsman, steam coming off his white haired body as he brushed past the Sylph. With one step, a zone-encompassing magical circle emerged, before four blazing walls rose, boxing the Spirit Mage in. With one stroke of the incandescent longsword, he cleaved into Alric’s shoulder, the flesh melting where the blade made contact. With one kick, he sent the healer tumbling onto the ground, the mud around them already crusting due to the furnace-esque heat.

There was no emotion, no rage, no taunting, no satisfaction.

There was only duty, ironforged and unyielding.

The Blazing Excalibur pointed skywards, its resplendence increasing tenfold.
“With this one strike, I shall inflict extinction.”

OOC
@Magdalyn @Alric Stalwart @Comet @Velka @Blake Elgis @Megan Tritor

Minimum of 100 words and maximum of 500 words. Posts with less or more will be ignored.

1 post per character per cycle, with DM posts resetting the cycle at 4PM PST, daily.

All dice must be rolled in this thread.

If you want to do some extra communication between party members, do so here.

This is the second cycle for @Megan Tritor 's buff.

Show me your fangs!
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