(Event) Reclamation of Pride | Page 12

• 050 HP
• 040 EN
Clear Miasma

Haru coughs violently into his sleeves, eyes watering. Many things were happening all at once, and yet only one was brought violently to his attention: that fog. Everything about it caused his mind to fly into circles. It was fast acting, and from what he could see and smell it was beginning to corrode him entirely. What was this, some kind of acid? Haru had lived to understand dangers such as the one in the air right now, and yet it's nature was entirely out of his grasp.
--Perhaps it couldn't be understood.
A death-fog made by something supernatural. It seemed plausible, given his scenario. Still, what kind of bandit lair had ancient, incomprehensible horrors? He drew a few blanks trying to comprehend the setting, before violently crushing the train of thought in his mind. That wasn't important. The only thing on his mind now was how to utterly eradicate this unclean mist in his view.
If he thought of this thing as a spirit, the first likely case in an odd scenario such as this, he already had a countermeasure for the hazy threat created by these arms. Standing up, Haru simply holds his hands out wide, and forces his will upon the mist, calling out, "Be banished, miasma. You hold no place here!" The results were surprisingly effective. Along his field of view, from floor to ceiling, the thick fog ceased to exist, the sound of rushing wind echoing through the chamber as a vacuum takes hold of where it once was. Haru noted, with a feeling of disgust, that only the mist in his sight was removed, and the room soon once again filled up with fog, albeit thinner than before.

Tracker
Clear Miasma 1/3​

 

• 74 HP
• 136 EN
Clear Miasma

Alphabet Chocolate was not, by any definition, a happy camper. Although her lovely little insignia had been sufficient loot to make Alphabet's day, she didn't quite enjoy the frightening, harrowing song of some sort of eldritch abomination (that was what it was, wasn't it?) that drove people crazy by looking at it. In fact, she didn't like much about the past several minutes and had done her best simply staying away from the rest of the group, secretly envious of some of the cooler spoils the others had obtained. Unfortunately, her brief moment of peace and respite didn't last long.

Before she could even take a crown or do anything other than stand around for a bit, there was that chanting in some kind of foreign language that sounded like Klingon or something. It was not comforting in the slightest and, upon hearing Caccu's orders, wisely decided to heed her instructions. Alpha didn't enjoy horror movies much but she knew the basic premise of plenty terrifying stories: if you don't follow the group, you're dead.

And so, shivering with only Hector's constant presence to calm her, she immediately set about dispelling that hideous miasma that burned through her like a fire travelling down a rope. "Don't look down, don't look down," she murmured softly to herself, eyes closed as she desperately did not want to end up as monster chow. She signed up to face bandits, not this!

Maybe afterwards, she'd sue the Lion's Pride for misinformation or something. As thrilling as everything was, all she wanted now was a nice snuggle and some more of Roland's fruity candy bits.

Reclamation Tracker
Clear Miasma 2/3​

 

• 95/125 HP
• 104/164 EN
Supporting


​

-20eng, area healing
-20hp, miasma​

What was going on?

One moment Temperance was messaging some guy with a hurt shoulder that he ought to take it easy for a moment, and the next everything was shaking and people were screaming. A terrible chanting sounded from below and instinct said she ought to look- but the shout of Caccu ordering them not to gaze upon whatever was below reeled Temperance's mind back to matters at hand. It didn't matter how interesting a thing might be if it was just going to turn her into a gibbering mess, and so she reined herself in and used all her willpower not to sneak even one little peek. What could it really hurt...? But, no!

She might have given in to temptation. Might have stolen one forbidden glance... if not for the presence of the black miasma that appeared and began to burn her, painfully. Shouting, she back-peddled from the dark fog and looked everywhere but down, investigating the condition of her comrades. Plenty seemed to be scuffed and much the worse for the wear. She couldn't see health gauges, but she could see who looked the most hurt, and there were three that stood out. Including mister dislocated shoulder himself.

She slipped into some shadows and disappeared from sight for a moment using her high Incognito skill. She took a moment to rant something in the group's chat about how horrifying this whole situation was, and then stepped forwards again, appearing from the shadows no longer in disguise. The white-haired red-clad woman looked about for those three injured souls once more and found them, conjuring powerful White Magic forth and sending wisps of white energy flying towards each one to engulf them, healing wounds. People seemed to be pushing the miasma back with their magic, which was good... it meant that she could focus on healing people for whatever came next, while others held back the dark clouds, and everyone else finished placing those strange crowns.

Heal @Haru / @Freja Sitka / @Celestine
(6+28)÷3 = 11 each
Tracker / Roll​

 

• 061 HP
• 040 EN
Clear Miasma

Haru centres himself, preparing to repeat himself. Every second this miasma existed was one that put lives in danger, and his pride would not allow that to happen any longer. Not when people such as the small girl assisting him and the... who was that? He hadn't seen her before. Regardless, she was doing her best to help them all. Haru would not allow such generous people to suffer any longer.

After exerting his will on this mist the last time, it felt less like and entity and more like a curse to him. Haru could understand something like that. This time, he chose not to focus outwards, but in, opening his spirit to the world around him. The vacuum of his spirit pulled at the miasma, greedily sucking in the curse to his own body. He requests of the smog, "Come, stain me so that you will not eat away at anyone else."

By the time he was done, there was no more miasma, and his robes were stained an ugly black. The corrosion had been particularly blunt on him, and much of his skin was quite a bad state, though the healing had lessened so. Still, Haru was satisfied with this result. These people were safer.

Tracker
Clear Miasma 3/3​

 

• 101 HP
• 50 EN
Central Bridge

As Valdrada made the trip to successfully deliver her first crown, she thought she saw... something down in the water. An odd, shapeless blur. But, too focused on successfully getting the heavy, heavy crown across the bridge, she resolved to get a closer look later. She needed to do this first, and she couldn't let herself be caught unawares by another orb.

She made her way back to try and haul another one, giving her arms a good shake as she walked. Phew! They were getting real tired from trying to lug these things around. But just as she reached the angel statue to pull anther one off, everything seemed to explode into action on the bridge. Whirling around, Val's eyes widened as she saw someone start screaming, the water pulsating and rising, and-

Eep. Caccu's loud warning about not looking down almost reflexively made her glance over the edge, but she realized just what was happening at the last instant and wildly swung her head back to look up across the way. The entire room seemed to be breaking down, with floating pieces rising in the air and- okay, okay, bad! They had to get these crowns, and quickly!

The very air around her stinging her eyes and nose, Val yanked a crown off the angel and made a run for it. The orbs weren't in her way now, thankfully, so she managed to get across without major issue. But- but just what was that thing in the water?

Gulping, and trying very, very hard to forget the sound of that man screaming, Val set the crown down and proceeded to very carefully not look down.

Tracker / Roll
79
Success
19/25
​

 

• 78 HP
• 108 EN
Supporting

There was a monster in the water, so terrible that it inspired enough terror in its gaze that even the proud lions were pulled into the depths of madness, the word 'kase' sounding over and ove again in this wretched passageway. A dark miasma scorched his lungs, blood spilling from the corners of his lips as Cain coughed back an agonized cry, while the incandescent fairy lights unveiled their true purpose: as magical wardens that sealed the evil within the waters that shattered stone and assimilated souls. It was wild. Absolutely, positively wild. And amidst the madness, Cain did what he always did best.

He smiled at the fear and marvelled at the glory of the floatibg debris. The path was clear now, desperate times calling to the fullest extent of his effort. Dropping @Seraphy down carefully, the midnight haired muse found himself drawn to the leader of the Witch Ops. Already, his lute was in his hands. Already, the beating of his heart functioned as a metronome, the lungfuls of breath as bellows of a harmonic fire.

Only a few crowns left. No more holding back!

"@Grand Witch Majolica, grab a crown and.go straight through! In the face of a forbidden beast rattling the walls of its prison, allow this Flagbearer of Miracles to assist your glorious charge! Let's both get the hell out!"

And with that, his cadenza began, thrumming.vocalizations echoing dramatically, viciously through the desecrated hallway. Obsidian wings, six in total, spread from the witch's broom, the feathers of a fallen angel swirling around her ominously.

"dee tna le me ha
ee nak ne shle fa
ke tu lee ve lei la
ny a mutha ah fa..."​

Buff @Grand Witch Majolica
20 + 21 = 41
Tracker / Roll​

 

• 95/125 HP
• 84/164 EN
Supporting

-20eng, single heal​

Alright. The miasma had been pushed back, people seemed to be taking advantage of the situation and getting more crowns delivered. That meant that Temperance could put aside having to hold off dark clouds, or lugging heavy damn objects around, and stick to what she was good at!

But there was no alcohol around to get drunk on, so she'd probably have to just heal instead.

Casting about, she saw the injured form of @Magdalyn who had been going all out against things, as far as Temp could tell. She couldn't tell how hurt the woman was, but that sort of vigor would be needed later on... and everyone else was more or less okay for now. Conjuring up some white magic, she sent a wisp flying towards the other figure, healing wounds so that Magdalyn could continue the good fight.

Heal @Magdalyn
1+21 = 22
Tracker / Roll​

 

• 58 HP
• 24 EN
Debris Carry


EN-20
HP-20

"Hehehe, I don't know what you're talking about, hehe, but it looks like Majolica is going to have to save the day! All of you dummies owe me some treasure! And gold! Majolica wants gold... hehehe..."

As Majolica shouted, a thought crossed her mind. Weren't there, like, a lot more people on the way up here? It felt like the raid's members had dwindled considerably.... weird. Well, they surely wouldn't swoop in later and last hit any final boss to steal loot from poor Majolica, right? Hehehe...

Hehe... I'm starting to run out of energy. If we fight a boss... hehehe... I don't know how much I'll be able to do. Hehehe, well a grand witch always has a trick or two up their sleeve, hehehe! And besides, Hehehe, energy's meant to be used! Hehehehe. I better get a reward for all this effort... hehe... don't look down...

"Alright singing guy, hehehe, I'll accept your help this time because of the monster and all that! Hehehe, but even without your help, hehe, I would have been able to do this all by myself anyway! The invincible Grand Witch never fails when it counts! And if she does, hehehe, she illusions people into forgetting that it ever happened! Hehehehe!"

Majolica patted her broomstick on its side with her eyes locked on the target in front of her. If Anything happened, she would be sure to close her eyes before looking in any other direction. The little witch had a job to do and falling victim to a monster here, wouldn't do one bit!

"Hehehe, time to show these dummies what the Witch Ops Commander can do! Broom! Maximum power! Hehehe, the Grand Witch rides!"

With the power of Cain's song spurring her on, Majolica grabbed the crown and headed straight for the debris. Because there was no flying in Terrasphere, Majolica's broom actually worked similarly to a hoverboard powered by aeromancy. Because of this, Majolica could not simply 'fly' over the debris but had to accelerate enough to reach each platform before the lack of ground disturbed the air underneath. Even so, this was pretty easy without the orbs, all things considered, and Majolica quickly reached the end of the platform placing the crown into the water.

After placing the crown in Majolica breathed in deep. Expending her magic ferrying the crowns was definitely taking their toll.

Tracker / Roll
35 + 41 + 20
Success
20/25

​

 

• 81 HP
• 74 EN
Central Bridge

HP: 101-20 (miasma) | EN: 84-10 (Bridge Carry)​

It was so easy to watch the altars almost alternatively shine as people attempted to cross the bridge. So easy that it wasn't difficult to figure out the pattern of one shining when someone succeeded, and the other when someone failed, which then prompted the question of what exactly each was building up to.

The Astral Mage pondered that, for a time, observing the dark room around her, until eventually deciding to carry the crown once more. Everyone else was putting in effort, so should she.

She was maybe a tenth of the way in, hopping left to evade an orb, when she heard a splash on ahead. A glance over revealed the water floating upward, catching her attention for one nearly fatal moment as she nearly lost her footing herself.

And then came the scream of agony, accompanied by the snap of bone.

She needed no further motivation. It was time to get the heck out of Dodge.

Unimpeded by the orbs, she steadily made her way across despite the shaky footing and the rising sensation of burning in her lungs, eagerly placing the heavy crown upon the altar upon her arrival. A sweet breath of relief followed, that was, up until she looked back to check on what the others were doing, noticing not what was down -- she certainly needed no reminder to look upon such a sight -- but up.

Alkaid focused back on those still crossing the bridge. And then she smiled. "Heeeey everyone! Caccu here just said she'll give free hugs to anyone that makes it across, so come on and hustle!"

64
Success
21/25​

Tracker / Roll
​

 

• 120 HP
• 40 EN
Floating Debris

-20 HP from Miasma
-20 EN from Debris Carry​

Just hearing... everything made sure that Velka would not look down. She didn't see what happened, but decided it didn't matter. This was a true battle now, not against a normal foe, but conflicts that are truly worthy rarely were. Complete and utter focus, no deviation and no distractions. That was what separated the victors from the dead. Nimbly moving from platform to platform, she grabbed another crown and made her way back. This being her third attempt, she could definitely feel the strain on her body. After all the crowns were moved across, she would definitely find a moment or two to rest. Preferably before the next battle, but if push came to shove... she wouldn't hesitate.

Tracker / Roll
98 + 30 = 128
Success
22/25

​

 

• 101 HP
• 40 EN
Central Bridge

Two crowns across. Jogging across the bridge again, Val occasionally took short glances up at the others who were making their way through the fragmented section of the room rather than going across the bridge. They didn't seem burdened by the weight in their hands as they made their way to the other end of the chamber.

But at the same time, that path looked a lot more treacherous than just using the bridge. Val gave herself a quick look, and winced as she tried imagining herself trying to hop to and from the floating pieces of rock and debris while wearing her clanking metal armor. And not dropping the crown, while she was at it. There was no way that was going to happen, she thought miserably as she picked another crown off the statue's head.

It looked like they were almost done. If she could get this one through, then they'd probably have enough, especially with all those people already partway through delivering their own crowns. Now that there were no more orbs going after her (don't think about who those orbs were going after, where they're headed, just don't) it should just be a simple walk across.

Unfortunately, the exertion of trying to carry so many of those dense crowns was too much for her. Her fingers couldn't hold onto this one crown, and halfway across the bridge, it slid from her hands and smashed onto the ground. As the chamber began descending, Val didn't have time to turn around to try and grab one more--in fact, she wasn't even sure if she could carry it across again, even if she made it back. Letting out a growl of dismay, she started running for the far end of the chamber, hoping that the others could get the crowns through.

Tracker / Roll
12
Fail
​

 

• 78 HP
• 98 EN
Supporting

"ee ka nei ya le heva sen ayae
ee kei ay aa de mo ay ee
eeze nes eya le zembu lu shi te ie
ee kei aya aa del ayae..."​

The scarlet witch reached the Promised Land, bearing her crown of thorns, as others strove to reach that same pinnacle. One by one, the altar was filled with the sins that burdened them, light shining brightly with each repetition. But it still wasn’t enough, and the song of the midnight haired muse drawled on and on, crescendoing above the cacophony and the tension. Silvered threads from a bygone Reminiscence swirled around him, a three dimensional magical array cradling him as he swayed gently, the strings glittering like needles raining down upon an outmatched hero.

The tenacity of the immortal, and the unshakeable desire to surpass this trial. No matter what eldritch monstrosity bubbled beneath, no matter the designs of this ancient architect, it mattered not. Each one of them was a hero, a legend, blessed manifold by the Elysid who staked this land as their own. They will not falter here.

His fingernails were cracking, and fatigue was building up even for a Master Class Harmonics mage such as himself, but Cain slapped the Lilac Spiritspeaker on the back anyways.

If she could do it once, alone, then she could do it again, with the hopes of everyone pushing her forward, with the might of his magic restoring the strength in her body.

One last Crown.

One last push.

One last…

“GO GET ‘EM, SERAPHY!”

Amethyst brilliance spilled from the bloody handprint he left on her back, wings that would help her accomplish anything she sought to do.

Buff @Seraphy
13 + 21 = 34
Tracker / Roll​

 

• 69/103 HP
• 40/100 EN
Carry

Freja wasn’t expecting the trial to answer her challenge, let alone so . . . extremely. She had no idea just what could have been lurking down below, and if her experience with Lovecraft and all influenced by it told her anything, that was a blessing. First was the screams and the gnashing of flesh and bone—then came the bizarre chants. When other unfortunate adventurers attempted to investigate, they found themselves entrapped into the same pattern. It should have been obvious by now, but their catty leader made it loud and clear just to be safe: don’t look down.

Their only way out of this was to complete the trial, and so Freja returned to pick up another crown—ignoring the giant arms, the seemingly collapsing structure around them—and kept running. Again, she returned to her complaints and cursing as she gripped the crown against her stomach, if only to keep her mind off the chaos surrounding her, but this time she had the fortune of going straight to the altar. Still, by the time she made it, she couldn’t help but feel winded.

Having put down her second crown, Freja plopped herself several paces next to @Alkaid Zexis, still panting, but at least able to smile about it. “Hey there, uh, I’m here for my free kitty hug? I think whoever overdid it on Arm Day up there needs to be told it’s the cat doing the hugging and not the other way around.”

Tracker / Roll
76
Success
23/25
​

 

• 79 HP
• 77 EN
Scary Carry

(-20 Energy, Carry Crown-->Scary Edition)
(-20 Health, Miassmursz)

Seraphy came to, to see the raven-locked bard strutting forward with his fist raised and his back to her like the end of the breakfast club or something.

He must have caught me... But I'll have to thank him later, I can tell there's still work to do. We're not out of this just yet...

The situation had changed considerably, and after inquiring what the general status of the trial was, she nodded.

"...but why didn't we just blow up the bridge in the first place...?"

Seraphy mumbled. She didn't dwell on it. There would be time enough to mull on such things later. The water was terrifying and Seraphy DIDN'T DARE LOOK DOWN, but even so she knew that that would be the path she would have to take to ensure the greatest chances of success. The weight of her karma was simply too great for the bridge since she had also come to shoulder the weight of her many contracted Fairy Wisps. Anchor, in this case, had a double meaning. Seraphy was exhausted besides, risking her body was the wiser of the two options, or so she decided with a shudder and firm nod. Holding the crown before the new path, it was certainly lighter, Only... she hesitated.

A voice (@Cain Darlite) shouted her name. HER NAME! Someone believed in her! A voice was cheering her on!

"I WON'T LET YOU DOWN!!!"

As Seraphy leapt, amethyst wings erupted from her back to make all the more brilliant, the light of her periwinkle halo.

Landing, she didn't hesitate. A hop, a skip, another leap, she followed the directions of her Fairy Wisp companion perfectly.

My name! My name! My name! He called my name! I won't let him down! I have to answer for everyone's faith in me! I think I can! I think I can! I think I can--------

"I! CAN! DO! THIS--------!"

Seraphy leapt one final leap for the other side, and she flew. Right now, at his very moment, she was Nike, the maiden of victory. Seraphy was not the least bit arrogant of that fact. All of this power, had come from her friends!

Tracker / Roll
34 +20 +34(buff) = 88
Success
24/25​

 

• 78 HP
• 4 EN
Debris Carry


EN-20

"Hehehe, one more."

Majolica didn't know if she could actually make the last trip, but with a monster breathing down the raid's neck and her reputation as Grand Witch on the line, she decided to for it. Once again, keeping her eyes locked in front of her, she spoke to her broomstick.

"Hehe, come on, Broom. One more time. Show that Kitty Commander how great Witch Ops Commander, Grand Witch Majolica is. Hehehe, I could probably take down the monster below all by myself, hehehe but I wouldn't want the others to feel useless, hehe. That Bandit King is going to be my frog footstool when this is over... hehehehe.... hehe..."

Taking a few breaths to steady herself, Majolica slapped her cheeks. Using her magic to again place the crown on her broom she readied herself for one last run.

"Hehehe, one more time. Hehehehehe, FOR THE WITCH OPS!"

And with that battle cry, Majolica again rushed forward atop her broomstick. Watching her dash through the debris again, it was obvious Majolica was under great strain. At points during the run, Majolica nearly slipped off her broom, though at the final moment she straightened herself. Thankfully, Majolica was sure to keep her eyes either locked ahead or shut tightly the entire time. Against seemingly all odds, Majolica reached the end of the bridge landing roughly.

Surely, it was obvious to everyone that had watched Majolica that she had earned the title of Witch Ops Commander, even if she had made up the Witch Ops and given herself the title.

Furthermore, anyone who had seen the Grand WItch's display of effort, fortitude, and daring must have also been inspired to take up a crown, or join her Witch Ops, or be Majolica's friend/Henchmen, or do none of these things.

Having reached the end one last time, Majolica used the last of her strength to push the crown into the pool. After hearing the crown hit the water, she collapsed. Picking herself up and crawling to the wall with sheer willpower, Majolica propped her back against the nearest wall while using her broomstick to keep herself up.

Hehehe... I think... that's all I got

Witch Ops Commander, Grand Witch Majolica let out a few coughs.

"Beat that, dummies... hehehe... all of you owe me treasure..."

Tracker / Roll
88 + 41 + 20
Success
25/25
​