Them 0 Posted March 13, 2022 Author #41 Report Share Posted March 13, 2022 (edited) Spoiler --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Game State: South-East Pillar: ✓ South-West Pillar: ✓ North-East Pillar: ✕ North-West Pillar: ✕ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Info: South-East Pillar triggers South-East and South-West Pillars. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cleo stood at the base of the steps, dagger put to rest on her belt, and watched as Nari flipped the first switch. A blue flame ignited atop the pillar to which her eyes opened wide but then turned to pure bewilderment. "Way too simple. We're missing something..." She twisted to see a pylon behind - identical to the one from the first room - and placed a steady hand on top of it. As before, a message flashed into existence and floated above the object, reading yet another cryptic message: Four flames, unite. Trickery. Another blue flame followed suit after the first sparked, igniting the adjacent southwestern pillar. Now, both of the southern-based pillars harbored flames. Re-reading the message aloud, she turned back to Nari and, after catching sight of the other pillar's ignition, snapped her fingers at the newest flame. "Trickery. Nari, are we in Aincrad's first escape room?" At least there hadn't been any deadly twists—yet. Shifting up the steps, Cleo slowed and made two glances as she passed ignited pillars on either side and then quickly made way for the northwestern column. Feeling confident—or complacent—that no threats would jump out at them, she flipped the switch without hesitation, sparking a blue flame above the pillar. Then, a second later, the southeast pillar's flame extinguished. Missing it, Cleo looked to Nari. "Wait, what happened?" --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- North-West Pillar Lit. Spoiler --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Game State: S-E Pillar: ✕ S-W Pillar: ✓ N-E Pillar: ✕ N-W Pillar: ✓ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Info: S-E Pillar triggers S-E and S-W Pillars. N-W Pillar triggers N-W Pillar and S-E Pillars. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edited March 13, 2022 by Them Link to post Share on other sites
Nari-Lanreth 0 Posted March 13, 2022 #42 Report Share Posted March 13, 2022 Nari quickly passed her eyes over the brief message, too enraptured in how simply this entire endeavour was proving to be. It was…well, too simple – for something that Cardinal had created. She didn’t like it, and although she wasn’t about to voice her concerns, she was waiting for something to pop out of a hidden door and place them against the wall. She knew that with Cleo here, she’d be hard pressed to defend them against something likely to be brought into such a death trap. “If anything makes a sudden appearance, I want you to stay behind me – got it?” Her words were filled with a tone that spoke of a statement, in contrast to a request. She looked at the girl for a moment, her eyes concreting in that it hadn’t been a question at all, but rather a statement that she expected to be followed through. Once she was relatively sure that Cleo had at least heard her statement, she wandered to the next pillar, the one completely diagonal to where she was. Pulling it, she turned and watched as the flame behind her disappeared. However, the two that had been unlit suddenly burst into life, leaving them washed in glow – hurting Nari’s eyes ever so slightly. ------------------------------- Game State: S-E Pillar: ✓ S-W Pillar: ✓ N-E Pillar: ✓ N-W Pillar: ✕ Spoiler Word Count: 210 Link to post Share on other sites
Them 0 Posted March 13, 2022 Author #43 Report Share Posted March 13, 2022 "Got it." Heeding Nari's suggestion, Cleo nodded, her eyes lingering on the purple-haired woman for a moment. Only, Nari's gaze didn't seem to avert—in fact, it only grew more intense—striking Cleo with imminent panic. "What? Oh. Oh." She didn't even want to wait for something to show up. Seeming to float across the floor, she took point behind the shieldbearer with a hand gliding down to her belt, fingers curled around her dagger, awaiting their next move. Watching on in uncertainty, Nari pulled down on the same switch she pulled herself not seconds ago. Preparing for the worst, she pulled out her weapon, still entirely unsure of what Nari could have been eluding. Had she seen situations such as this before? Were they always so deadly? Either way, as expected, flames alighted and extinguished, though not in any way that logic could explain. "Wait? But... no, this switch didn't... what?" The switch behaved in an entirely different manner. "That makes no sense. This room is a puzzle. A puzzle needs logic. Otherwise, it just makes no sense!" Seeing that one pillar remained unlit, she walked toward it in her infinite wisdom and tugged on the switch. All of the flames went out. "Oh, mother fucker!" ------------------------------- Game State: S-E Pillar: ✕ S-W Pillar: ✕ N-E Pillar: ✕ N-W Pillar: ✕ Link to post Share on other sites
Nari-Lanreth 0 Posted March 13, 2022 #44 Report Share Posted March 13, 2022 She couldn’t help it, she felt the laugh escape her in the darkness as everything went out – their work hindered by a single throw of a switch. She heard the curse from the girl, the frustration ripe within the tone – but that only made the laughing fit worse. It took Nari a few second to compose herself, tears streaming down her face as she tried to get back some measure of control over herself. “I don’t think that worked how you wanted it to, did it?” A few giggles broke up the sentence, and she was still trying to hold back another fit of laughter as she crossed to the south west pillar, pulling the switch on it and watching as two flames burst into life – directly across from her and back the way she had come. She’d never been a fan of puzzles, and this one was proving to test her patience almost as much as it was testing the other girl’s. From her shoulder Yuki gave a chitter of discontent as the lights flickering interrupted her sleep – something Nari knew she’d pay for dearly later. But that was a problem for later, once they made it out of here. “Try that one again, see if it extinguishes everything, or if we get lucky?” She wondered what the chances were that they wouldn’t make it out of here, tossing aside the idea almost as quickly as it had arisen. They’d get out, one way or another – even if she had to start breaking down walls. She wouldn’t die in a cave, stuck because of some silly lights needing to be lit. ---------------------------- Game State: S-E Pillar: ✓ S-W Pillar: ✕ N-E Pillar: ✓ N-W Pillar: ✕ Spoiler Word Count: 272 Link to post Share on other sites
Them 0 Posted March 13, 2022 Author #45 Report Share Posted March 13, 2022 (edited) Unsurprisingly, in the midst of all the chaos, the familiar had not yet graced the duo. After being brought to her knees in frustration, Cleo's head sunk into her chest as the other Player fell into a fit of laughter. "Funnily enough, no. It did not go as planned." To Cleo, it felt like they'd been beneath the ruins—trapped—for an age, but what was most likely less than ten minutes had already started to unravel her. Only upon seeing Nari get back into the action by flipping on a switch did the blue-haired woman stand once again. Brushing the rubble from her knees, she looked at the switch she'd pulled just before extinguishing the flames, giving Nari a resigned shrug. "Sure. Why not?" She stumbled over a brick on her way to pull the lever, catching herself before it turned into a fall, and brought a hand up to grab the handle. With nothing else to lose, Cleo yanked down. "What's the worst that could happen?" Click A loud, booming click rang throughout the room. The giant lever placed at the center of the platform juddered forward, the mechanism unlocked as all four pillars became crowned with a blue flame. Figuratively laying a brick, Cleo's skeleton jumped out of her skin as she ran for cover behind the other Player, fumbling the attempt at grabbing her dagger. "It moved. The thing moved. Tell me you saw it?" ID: 205756 | LD: 2+3=5 (Fail!) | Familiar search requirement lowered by 3 (9 > 6). | The Roller hits for critical damage. ---------------------------- Game State: S-E Pillar: ✓ S-W Pillar: ✓ N-E Pillar: ✓ N-W Pillar: ✓ Lever to Open Door: Unlocked Edited March 13, 2022 by Them Link to post Share on other sites
Nari-Lanreth 0 Posted March 13, 2022 #46 Report Share Posted March 13, 2022 Nari looked behind her at the player, cowering as she’d been instructed to do so. A broad smile split her face as she nodded, both amused and surprised at how well she’d done – albeit, mostly for naught. “Yeah, it uh…it moved. But it’s okay – for now. Nothing more dangerous than another level unlocking…Shall we see where this one leads us?” She strode forwards to the mechanism in the centre of the raised platform, seeing that it had shifted slightly as whatever locks had held it in place had disengaged. Throwing a smile at the other player – pretending to be fearless for her sake – Nari threw the lever, her eyes darting around as she waited for something to open and unleash hell on them. She was partially right – something did open. Another doorway, leading down another tunnel – this one across from where they had entered. ‘This is going to take a few moments…I can already feel it.’ Shrugging internally, she waved over at the other, before making her way towards the new hallway. “Come on, let’s get out of here.” Spoiler Word Count: 179 Link to post Share on other sites
Them 0 Posted March 14, 2022 Author #47 Report Share Posted March 14, 2022 (edited) When the door opened up after Nari had pulled the lever, Cleo shrank, realizing she'd been a touch too hasty running for the hills at the first sign of 'danger.' Hoping to save face, she eased up a little but remained cautious as the two approached the newly opened hallway. "Sure. And, Nari?" Her eyes shifted to the purple-haired woman's back as they walked. "My bad for being so on-edge and for roping you into this." Then, remembering something Nari told her when they first met, Cleo went wide-eyed, guilt wringing her stomach like a damp cloth. "Shit, you said you were meeting your friend in the bazaar. I am so, so sorry if this is making you late." Hating to be a burden, the blue-haired Player felt the situation become a little more desperate as each second passed. Ahead, the hallway remained unlit, extending further than the naked eye could see. They would need to venture deeper to learn what may be lurking, laying in wait in the shadows ahead. Edited March 14, 2022 by Them Link to post Share on other sites
Nari-Lanreth 0 Posted March 14, 2022 #48 Report Share Posted March 14, 2022 Her smile at the apologetic words of the girl for having dragged her into this only broadened when she mentioned the friend waiting. Nari stopped, reaching out a hand and gently placing it on the girl’s shoulder, gently turning her to focus on Nari. Once their eyes had locked, Nari spoke – wicked grin on her face as her tone dripped with humour. “It’s honestly no worry. Once we get out of here you can come explain it all to Onóra. I’m sure she’ll only kill you a little bit.” Her barking laughter echoed down the hallway, and for a moment Nari felt herself shaking as the laughing fit took over control of her. “I’m just… in just kidding. Onóra won’t mind. She knows I’m helping someone, and for her… that’s enough. She’ll just be happy if we make it out of here alive. So let’s focus on that, okay?” Once her laughing fit had calmed a bit, she turned back to the direction they’d been heading. Ahead, she could see a small opening of bright orange light – something off putting about the whole situation. Nodding towards it, she took a few steps, speaking to Cleo as she did so. “I don’t like this, stay ready, just in case. Okay?” Spoiler Word Count: 209 Link to post Share on other sites
Them 0 Posted March 15, 2022 Author #49 Report Share Posted March 15, 2022 Stopped in her tracks by a hand on her shoulder, Cleo's eyes locked with Nari's, and she looked to the other Player as if guilty of a petty crime. A panic-stricken face lasted milliseconds as the shieldbearer's laughter echoed throughout the hallway, and she gasped in relief, finding it in herself to smile and even laugh a little as well, if only nervoulsly. Comforting words from Nari made it quickly evident that Cleo hadn't as much of a need to worry as she originally thought, causing the blue-haired woman to perk up and her shoulders to loosen. "Okay. Alright, yeah. Let's get our asses out of here first, and panic later." Focusing on just that—of getting out of there alive—she contained her reaction to the orange light ahead, keeping light on her feet and ready to react at a moment's notice. "Mhm." As they pressed onward, the hallway opened up. The orange light seemed to recede into a new room and, as they came out into a sprawling chamber, the source of the lumination revealed itself; daylight, high up above, a ladder's climb out of reach. Life would never be so easy, however. Before the ladder stood two hulking scorpions, goliaths of their kind, one adorned by scorching flame and the other layered with heavy glowing crystals, each guarding a trove of treasure. Constructed on either side of the room, a pair of ballistas sat curiously aimed for the beasts, perhaps as a boon for lower-levels, though the game rarely gifted such a simple out to a challenge. A stark parallel to their other trials, the Cardinal truly saved the worst for last, seeming to mock the Players' fight earlier in the day. Then, the sunlight cut out as the exit to the chamber became sealed, and crashing sounds echoed from afar as the cavern behind them started to cave in. They'd but one direction to move; into the chamber, toward danger. "Run. Run!" Spoiler Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 6 | HP: 720/720 | EN: 84/84 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 147 | ACC: 3 | REC: 8 | EVA: 0 | LD: 0 | STH: -5 | THORNS [72 DMG] Them | HP: 180/180 | EN: 36/36 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 5 | ACC: 1 Jewel-Sewn Scorpion | HP: 350/350 | DMG: 45 | EVA: -1 | ACC: 1 Fire-Kissed Scorpion | HP: 350/350 | DMG: 45 | EVA: -1 | ACC: 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Nari-Lanreth 0 Posted March 15, 2022 #50 Report Share Posted March 15, 2022 (edited) “Now this…is more like it.” The tone spoke of frustration, rather than pleasure at what lay ahead, and as Nari glanced over at Cleo she felt her frustration only grow. For herself, this challenge wouldn’t be too bad, but with the lower level player…she cursed Cardinal again, knowing that it wasn’t doing much to help their situation. “Stay behind me, I’m going to draw their attention in. Hopefully I can stun them both and we can finish this off rather quickly…That’s the plan, at least.” She took a few steps into the room, pulling her shield up and levelling out her spear, glancing between both creatures for any sign that they were preparing to rush her. Both seemed content to await Nari’s arrival however, which made the woman even less comfortable – it meant that they were far more dangerous where they were, and she was forced to approach to end this…not a good sign at all, in her mind. “Get ready, Cleo. It’s time to send these things back to Cardinal in shards.” Spoiler Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 6 | HP: 720/720 | EN: 84/84 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 147 | ACC: 3 | REC: 8 | EVA: 0 | LD: 0 | STH: -5 | THORNS [72 DMG] Them | HP: 180/180 | EN: 36/36 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 5 | ACC: 1 Jewel-Sewn Scorpion | HP: 350/350 | DMG: 45 | EVA: -1 | ACC: 1 Fire-Kissed Scorpion | HP: 350/350 | DMG: 45 | EVA: -1 | ACC: 1 Combat Start Round One ID205960 | BD: 8 + 3 = 11 | <<Tech-F vs. Jewel-Sewn Scorpion>> | Minor Critical Hit; (8 + 1) x 12 = 108 DMG | Paralyzed ID205961 | BD: 7 + 3 = 10 | <<Tech-F vs. Fire-Kissed Scorpion>> | | 8 x 12 = 96 DMG | Stunned Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 6 | HP: 720/720 | EN: 71/84 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 147 | ACC: 3 | REC: 8 | EVA: 0 | LD: 0 | STH: -5 | THORNS [72 DMG] Them | HP: 180/180 | EN: 36/36 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 5 | ACC: 1 Jewel-Sewn Scorpion | HP: 242/350 | DMG: 45 | EVA: -1 | ACC: 1 | Paralysed [1 turn] Fire-Kissed Scorpion | HP: 254/350 | DMG: 45 | EVA: -1 | ACC: 1 | Stunned [1 turn] Spoiler Word Count: 173 Edited March 15, 2022 by Nari-Lanreth Dice roll results Link to post Share on other sites
Them 0 Posted March 15, 2022 Author #51 Report Share Posted March 15, 2022 (edited) Quote Hopefully I can stun them both and we can finish this off rather quickly. Flashing back to their scuffle with the skeletons, Cleo recalled every missed attack, and every bit of criticism tossed her way afterward. She realized this was her chance to prove her worth both to Nari and to herself, to show off at least some of the skills she'd gained. The blue-haired Player knew that she could do better and knew that she could be a boon rather than a burden despite her level. "I won't let you down." This time, she meant it. Seizing the opportunity with both Scorpions stuck in place, she ran ahead of Nari, her dagger aimed high. The blade gleamed purple with energy as she swung and lacerated each of the Jewel-Sewn foe's legs, heaving upwards at the end to cut into its tail. Inflicting a gaping wound that disappeared in a flash, the damage stuck, the first arachnid brought within an inch of its life. Spoiler [2.2]Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 6 | HP: 720/720 | EN: 71/84 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 147 | ACC: 3 | REC: 8 | EVA: 0 | LD: 0 | STH: -5 | THORNS [72 DMG] [0,0]Them | HP: 180/180 | EN: 36/36 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 5 | ACC: 1 Jewel-Sewn Scorpion | HP: 350/350 | DMG: 45 | EVA: -1 | ACC: 1 Fire-Kissed Scorpion | HP: 350/350 | DMG: 45 | EVA: -1 | ACC: 1 Round One ID205988 | BD: 10 (Major Critical!) | <<ST-I vs. Jewel-Sewn Scorpion>> | Major Critical Hit; (13 + 2) x 12 = 180 DMG | Paralyzed [2,2]Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 6 | HP: 720/720 | EN: 71/84 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 147 | ACC: 3 | REC: 8 | EVA: 0 | LD: 0 | STH: -5 | THORNS [72 DMG] [1,0]Them | HP: 180/180 | EN: 26/36 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 5 | ACC: 1 Jewel-Sewn Scorpion | HP: 62/350 | DMG: 45 | EVA: -1 | ACC: 1 | Paralysed [1 turn] Fire-Kissed Scorpion | HP: 254/350 | DMG: 45 | EVA: -1 | ACC: 1 | Stunned [1 turn] Edited March 15, 2022 by Them Link to post Share on other sites
Nari-Lanreth 0 Posted March 15, 2022 #52 Report Share Posted March 15, 2022 (edited) Her own strikes had done essentially what she was hoping, and just as she saw both scorpions begin to freeze up in place, Cleo went rushing by – slamming an attack of her own into the jewelled scorpion; bringing its health bar to a near empty state. Nari gave a quick nod towards the girl, before turning her attention back towards the targets before them. Neither was completely gone yet, and she knew that the longer this fight went on, the more dangerous it would get. She was determined not to let that happen. Letting her shield drop slightly, she pulled back her spear, taking a moment to line it all up before slamming it forwards towards the fire-kissed scorpion – wondering, not for the first time, how Cardinal ever came up with the names for the creatures in this game. It always seemed to be…well, fairly random. At least in Nari’s mind. Spoiler [2,2]Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 6 | HP: 720/720 | EN: 75/84 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 147 | ACC: 3 | REC: 8 | EVA: 0 | LD: 0 | STH: -5 | THORNS [72 DMG] [1,0]Them | HP: 180/180 | EN: 26/36 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 5 | ACC: 1 Jewel-Sewn Scorpion | HP: 62/350 | DMG: 45 | EVA: -1 | ACC: 1 | Paralysed [1 turn] Fire-Kissed Scorpion | HP: 254/350 | DMG: 45 | EVA: -1 | ACC: 1 | Stunned [1 turn] Combat Start Round Two ID205989 | BD: 10 + 3 = 13 | <<RAW-A vs. Fire-Kissed Scorpion>> | Major Critical hit. [+2 DMG] | (72 + 2) x 3 = 222 DMG | Paralysed [2,4]Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 6 | HP: 720/720 | EN: 67/84 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 147 | ACC: 3 | REC: 8 | EVA: 0 | LD: 0 | STH: -5 | THORNS [72 DMG] [1,0]Them | HP: 180/180 | EN: 26/36 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 5 | ACC: 1 Jewel-Sewn Scorpion | HP: 62/350 | DMG: 45 | EVA: -1 | ACC: 1 | Fire-Kissed Scorpion | HP: 32/350 | DMG: 45 | EVA: -1 | ACC: 1 | Stunned [1/4 turn Immunity] | Paralysed Spoiler Word Count: 151 Edited March 15, 2022 by Nari-Lanreth Dice roll result Link to post Share on other sites
Them 0 Posted March 15, 2022 Author #53 Report Share Posted March 15, 2022 (edited) The end of the battle drew near as both enemies clung to their last inches of health. With the <<Fire-Kissed Scorpion>> weakened from Nari's blow, Cleo took point behind both enemies to try and take them out simultaneously. Preparing another Area of Effect art, her weapon glowed a mesmerizing blue as she started to run and turned into a spin, aiming for the closest set of legs of each mob. Missing the first Scorpion, she felt resistance from the second as the dagger tore across its body and, before the metal blade had left its flesh, the beast disintegrated in a thousand fine shards. Tumbling over as she came out of the spin, Cleo landed a little way behind Nari with a grunt. Though dizzy, Cleo had a clear view of the fight as she watched on in awe, hoping the other Player could close out the fight and open their path to freedom. Spoiler [2,4]Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 6 | HP: 720/720 | EN: 71/84 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 147 | ACC: 3 | REC: 8 | EVA: 0 | LD: 0 | STH: -5 | THORNS [72 DMG] [1,0]Them | HP: 180/180 | EN: 27/36 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 5 | ACC: 1 Jewel-Sewn Scorpion | HP: 62/350 | DMG: 45 | EVA: -1 | ACC: 1 | Fire-Kissed Scorpion | HP: 32/350 | DMG: 45 | EVA: -1 | ACC: 1 | Stunned [1/4 turn Immunity] | Paralysed Combat Start Round Two ID205990 | BD: 2 + 2 = 4 | <<AOE-I vs. Fire-Kissed Scorpion>> | Miss. ID205991 | BD: 10 | <<AOE-I vs. Jewel-Sewn Scorpion>> | Major Critical hit. [+2 DMG] | (13 + 2) x 11 = 165 DMG | Paralysed [2,4]Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 6 | HP: 720/720 | EN: 71/84 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 147 | ACC: 3 | REC: 8 | EVA: 0 | LD: 0 | STH: -5 | THORNS [72 DMG] [1,1]Them | HP: 180/180 | EN: 14/36 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 5 | ACC: 1 Jewel-Sewn Scorpion | HP: 62/350 | DMG: 45 | EVA: -1 | ACC: 1 | Fire-Kissed Scorpion | HP: 0/350 | DMG: 45 | EVA: -1 | ACC: 1 | Edited March 15, 2022 by Them Link to post Share on other sites
Nari-Lanreth 0 Posted March 15, 2022 #54 Report Share Posted March 15, 2022 (edited) As the first of the two exploded into thousands of shards, Nari shot a quick smile towards Cleo – trying to show the girl her awareness of her skills. It had been a large improvement from their previous battle, and Nari wanted to try and bolster the courage within the girl – something that she herself had once required, not too long ago. The final scorpion seemed to hesitate in its advance for a brief second as its partner exploded – likely trying to figure out if it was able to take advantage of their distraction from the fight, or recalculating possibilities. Nari didn’t truly care what had caused it, it was something she wanted to take advantage of. ‘Time for you to be put down too.’ She let her feet slide her to the right, bringing up her spear as she went. She knew that a single hit could finish this, if she could only reach the weak point that she saw before her. Spoiler [2]Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 6 | HP: 720/720 | EN: 71/84 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 147 | ACC: 3 | REC: 8 | EVA: 0 | LD: 0 | STH: -5 | THORNS [72 DMG] [1]Them | HP: 180/180 | EN: 14/36 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 5 | ACC: 1 Jewel-Sewn Scorpion | HP: 62/350 | DMG: 45 | EVA: -1 | ACC: 1 | Round Three ID205992 | BD: 4 + 3 = 7 | <<RAW-A vs. Jewel-Sewn Scorpion>> | 72 x 3 = 216 DMG | Jewel-Sewn Scorpion is defeated! Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 6 | HP: 720/720 | EN: 63/84 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 147 | ACC: 3 | REC: 8 | EVA: 0 | LD: 0 | STH: -5 | THORNS [72 DMG] Them | HP: 180/180 | EN: 14/36 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 5 | ACC: 1 Jewel-Sewn Scorpion | HP: 0/350 | DMG: 45 | EVA: -1 | ACC: 1 | Spoiler Word Count: 162 Edited March 15, 2022 by Nari-Lanreth Dice roll result Link to post Share on other sites
Them 0 Posted March 15, 2022 Author #55 Report Share Posted March 15, 2022 And then, almost as soon as the fight had begun, it drew to a finish. With the players emerging victorious, the last remaining Scorpion dispersed into a cloud of shards and drifted up into the sky, and, high above, the slab of rock that had sealed the exit to the room shifted again, allowing a few handfuls of sand to topple into the collapsed ruins. Cleo, sighing in relief, allowed her head to fall back onto the rocky floor. Having expected a pile of sand to cushion the fall, she recoiled forward on impact with a whine and then, trying again, laid her head to rest softly instead. She half-expected something else to leap out at them, a more impressive scorpion, a second phase to the fight, something. However, at least for the moment, they were on the home stretch to getting the hell out of dodge. "You good?" the blue-haired woman asked, looking up to shieldbearer. "We crushed it! Do you remember what you said earlier about actually trying to hit them? That was pretty fucking solid advice, right there." Link to post Share on other sites
Nari-Lanreth 0 Posted March 15, 2022 #56 Report Share Posted March 15, 2022 Nari paused at the words – a few milliseconds of silence, before she burst out laughing. The girl had taken the words to heart, she had to give her that. “Yeah…yeah generally that does make a pretty big difference. Something about…actually doing damage. Well done, by the way.” She threw a thumbs up and a smile at Cleo, before glancing up towards the hole, their escape from this underground cavern. Or so she hoped. She was becoming more and more concerned that this would lead them to nowhere again, or worse – another underground tunnel. “How about we go have nappy time above the ground, rather than below it?” She was still looking up at the hole as she spoke, not willing to take her eyes off it lest it disappear forever. Deciding now was as good a time as any, she strode forwards, making her way up the ladder and out into the sand swept horizon beyond – breathing air that was filled with dirt, and… She glanced around, realising she had absolutely no idea where they were. None of the surroundings were familiar – wherever they’d come up, Nari had never been before. Spoiler Word Count: 191 Link to post Share on other sites
Them 0 Posted March 15, 2022 Author #57 Report Share Posted March 15, 2022 (edited) "Hm. Thanks." She smiled, giddy about the feedback. 'So that's what a compliment feels like?' The suggestion sounded like music to her ears. There was only so much a person could take of being underground, away from the sunlight and any traces of modern civilization, and although present company had made the endeavor far more palatable, Cleo had about reached her limit. Following up the ladder behind Nari, a shimmer nearby grabbed her attention. Wordlessly dismounting, she followed the shimmer to a corner of the cave, which, getting closer, housed a lockbox-sized chest. Cleo carried the container up the ladder through sheer will and determination, heaving it up into the air as she poked her head from out of the hole. The chest flopped into the sand nearby as she pulled herself up into the open world, and, drawing in a deep breath, she relaxed, releasing an exaggerated sigh. They were, of course, slap bang in the middle of the wilderness. There was nothing, everywhere, besides sand. "Huh. We're... completely lost. Anyway, I found something shiny down there; Do you want to do the honours"? She pointed out the chest in the sand, in case Nari hadn't already caught wind of it. ID: 206048 | LD: 18 (Treasure Chest found!) Edited March 16, 2022 by Them Link to post Share on other sites
Nari-Lanreth 0 Posted March 16, 2022 #58 Report Share Posted March 16, 2022 The chest made a small thud as it hit the sand, the girl having tossed it out before she followed – Nari staring with curiosity as she collapsed onto the ground. Nari herself had been far too concerned with escaping the underground tunnels to consider searching for anything of value, let alone clambering up a ladder with a full chest in tow. “Finders folly. I actually have horrible luck with these sorts of things…maybe you should do the honours…” She eyed the treasure chest, wondering what it would contain. She’d heard rumours of the things becoming monsters, rather than rewards. She wasn’t key to find out if those rumours were true or not. Her wary gaze moved from the chest to Cleo, nodding towards the chest as she caught the girl’s attention. “All yours.” Subtly, she shifted her weight, turning so that her shield faced towards the chest, her left foot sliding backwards into a readying stance. She wouldn’t be caught off guard if this thing did decide to become violent. Spoiler Word Count: 170 Link to post Share on other sites
Them 0 Posted March 16, 2022 Author #59 Report Share Posted March 16, 2022 (edited) "Yeah? Suit yourself." Cleo observed the dinky chest in the sand. "Let's hope the Cardinal isn't leaving us with one last surprise." Though unlikely, the possibility couldn't be entirely out-ruled. Still, if it were going to attack them, she reasoned that it would have done so already down in the caves. The blistering sun reflected from the polished metal reinforcements on the chest, which Cleo blocked with her hand as she dropped to her knees in front of it. With a click, the chest's lid flung open, revealing a few simple treasures inside—materials, some unidentified equipment, a measly sum of Col, and no such monsters on this occasion. Whelmed by the find, Cleo hummed disappointedly, tilting the chest for Nari to see. "Could be worse, I guess. How about as a gift for making the dagger and for putting up with this whole ordeal, you take the materials, and I'll take the rest of the stuff?" A fair deal, she thought, leaving the loot in place for the other Player to decide. ID: 206317 | LD: 9 (Treasure Chest opened!) | Found: | Unidentified T1 Rare Weapon | Unidentified T1 Rare Consumable (2) | Materials (5) | 500 Col Edited March 16, 2022 by Them Link to post Share on other sites
Nari-Lanreth 0 Posted March 16, 2022 #60 Report Share Posted March 16, 2022 Her shield lowered as the lid popped open and nothing jumped out at them. She watched as Cleo sorted through the chest, quickly tallying what she had found. It was meagre, as finds go – but at least it was something. She cocked her head at the offer, shaking it in response. “Oh, no. The materials are loot are all yours – don’t worry about it at all, a single trip to Nemo’s garden more than replenishes stock for me. But thank you, for the offer. I do appreciate it.” She smiled at Cleo, hoping that her denial didn’t set a bad mood – she simply wanted to ensure the girl gained as much as possible from this excursion. And Nari herself didn’t want for much, not anymore, at least. “Now, if you come across any unique enhancements – especially frost based ones…then we may talk trade.” She gave a wink alongside her smile, before turning to survey their location. Her review of the map had told her what she’d already assumed – she had no idea where they were, other than to say it was somewhere they hadn’t been before. Shrugging internally and physically, she brought her attention back to Cleo. “So, thoughts on next steps? I’m…not familiar with this area. I don’t spend a lot of time in deserts, or warm climates generally, for that matter.” Spoiler Word Count: 223 Link to post Share on other sites
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