2017-04-03: The (Strange) Emergency Heal Berry Run!
- Log: The (Strange) Emergency Heal Berry Run!
- Cast: Gwen Whitlock, Rudy Roughnight, Morgan Newkirk, Vash the Stampede
- Where: Berry Cave
- Date: 4/3/2017
- Summary: After an unprecedented swarm of cuccos attack Adelhyde, a small group of Drifters set off to Berry Cave, in order to replenish the city's dwindling supply of Heal Berries. There, they are joined by a very strange man, face stranger obstacles, and, at the end, possibly find the strangest thing of all.
================================<* Berry Cave *>================================ The Berry Cave once held an underground grove, where the curative berries found throughout Filgaia grew. However, monsters moved inside of it, which made the cave dangerous. The tenders of the Berry Cave relocated to Surf Village, located nearby. Since then, the cave has become a nest of the monsters known as Wels. The locals advise against entering these cavernous depths, but nonetheless, the Berry Cave's namesake lures people in: those berries still grow on vines in the depths and sell for a pretty penny. BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C55flOnlXMg
<Pose Tracker> Gwen Whitlock has posed.
-----URGENT: NEED HEAL BERRIES. WILL PAY-----
With the recent 'cuccopocalypse', while there have been no deaths (as far as anyone as known or admitted to), there have been, unfortunately, a lot of injuries: cuts, bruises, concussions, broken limbs, hallucinations, nightmares, anxiety, sprains, the occasional turned ankle, etc. As a result, the supply of Heal Berries is steadily lowering by the hour, with many drifters who have otherwise went to grab some also too injured to brave the caves.
With Gwen's ARM repaired and fully rested, the ARMs meister, knowing of the demand, directed the courier to the board. The pointed to her cart, which was, due to the cuccos and their negative effect on business, currently empty. The pay would be great, if she went by herself, but... it'd be by herself. Gwen needs people.
Dramatically opening the swinging doors for the slowly repaired saloon (only to have one ricochet right back and hit her in the face), Gwen looked around for familiar faces. Ah, if there was ever a face she couldn't forget, it's... what was that beastman's name?
Cut to minutes later, Gwen somehow convincing Morgan to go with her, either on her cart or walking beside her. Rudy, if he's on the way or likewise in the saloon, is somehow ushered into her grouping too. "It's a good amount of money, guys! Plus, it's for a good cause! I got a cart, so we can load up. Shouldn't be too hard, even if it's just the three of us, right?" They can handle Wels, certainly. Maybe. Gwen tilts her hat over her head to avoid exposing the sudden dread in the pit of her stomach showing on her face.
She would have invited more, but none of the faces looked particularly... friendly. Maybe it was just the time of day.
Arriving at the cave, Gwen dismounts Gulliver, and looks at the two brave souls who went with her. "... so, uh... still good for this?" With the cave right there, Gwen's sunny plan seems a bit more... rocky. Stormy. Maybe not so smart.
<Pose Tracker> Rudy Roughnight has posed.
As long as there are adventurers, there are always those that need healing items: Berries, potions, mystically enchanted meals The list goes on. So when asked if he was willing to participate for money, it was not really something he was keen on. Instead, it was helping out a down besieged by an odd problem that drew the blue haired boy here.
"We should be fine, I've been here before," Rudy replies calmly to the hesitation of it being 'just the three of us'. Of course, the problems have likely gotten worse in Berry Cave since he was here, but well, at least he's hopeful.
When the ride makes its way to an end, Roughnight climbs down and looks toward Gwen. The question causes him to just give a small smile, even as a brief breeze blows his bandana behind him, his blue hair flowing the gentle warm winds. Without saying another word, he moves toward the entrance of the Cave unless stopped by one of his allies or some other force of nature.
<Pose Tracker> Morgan Newkirk has posed.
Morgan on the other hand was perfectly happy to get paid for things.
The former battler, former prisoner, and current upstanding member of the Adventurer's Guild had seen the request and been happy to take the offer up. His ears twitching with some amusement he seems to have come out of the cucco attacks with only minor damage.
Ito he's either good at dodging, or good at fighting, or both. Its hard to tell sometimes.
To be fair, he had at least charged the Guild's lowest going rate for help. I mean they had dues to pay and most of them had to eat so free wasn't a thing. But. He did what he could. Maybe that counts for something.
He had walked, leaving Gwen the cart. His long legs kept pace easily and his stamina hadn't flagged for the trip. So again, points in his favor. Right?
"We'll be fine, darlin." His easy voice angled towards Gwen, the grin there across his features as he tilts the brim of his hat back. One ear twisted just slightly towards the cave entrance as he rests back on his heels. "And Rudy here is good in a scrap. I've seen it."
He claps the smaller man on the shoulder with one metal-sheathed hand.
Just before Rudy starts towards the entrance.
"...and eager too, that's gotta count for something."
<Pose Tracker> Vash the Stampede has posed.
The Berry cave. Truly, an ominous-looking cave for such a cheerful and pleasant name. Who doesn't love Heal Berries? And right over there is a whole cave full of 'em!
That they stand at the yawning maw of a dank dark cavern just means the berries are going to really light the place up with their festive colors when they finally find them.
But such is the state of things: Gwen, Morgan, and Rudy, standing at the entrance to the Berry Cave, steeling themselves for the sake of warding off the cuccomageddon -- or at least, helping people survive the ceaseless and horrifying peckpocalypse. Just three people against the world. Or cave. Yes. Just three--
"SUPPLICATE YOURSELF, -BIRDS-, BEFORE YOUR CUCCO KING!!"
--just three--?
"BAKAW"
--just--
--just three and what looks like some sort of horrifying, gargantuan red cucco, suddenly springing forth from the depths of Gwen Whitlock's cart as they make their way inside, eyes wild, body soaring, teeth bared and grit behind their mighty cardboard beak--
--wait.
By the time everyone might put everything together, the blonde-haired man who lunges with ninja-like efficiency is already upon Morgan, basically headbutting what looks like a crudely-fashioned makeshift beak into the poor fox man's forehead. Dressed up in a distinctive red coat, he otherwise seems to have made a (very, very poor) attempt at some sort of... strange... cucco disguise, feathers haphazardly strewn about that bright coat, beak and comb made out of cardboard and colored in what looks like red crayon.
Oh. And a crown. It looks sort of like aluminum wrapped around something. On it is helpfully inscribed 'CUCCO KING.'
"I HAVE PECKED THE LARGEST OF YOU, BOW BEFORE YOUR NEW ORD...eh...?"
Silence passes in which Vash the Stampede looms over Morgan, beak jammed against his face, squinting in confusion as he looks to try to grab the man by the cheeks and pinch. Thoughtfully. Critically.
"... you're not a cucco," he surmises, in his expert opinion.
"Phew! I seriously thought I was a goner there! Oh, hey Gwen! Fancy meeting you in a place like this! Ha ha ha ha haaaaaaa!!"
...
"Where is a place like this, anyway...??"
Vash the Stampede has joined your party!
DG: A party led by Gwen Whitlock is now entering Berry Cave. DG: Party formation is now over. An Entry Challenge will now be drawn and displayed to the party.
======================<* CHALLENGE - Militia Checkpoint *>====================== |Type: Entry |Dungeon Ability: Wits |Challenge Rating: 1 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------- One of the local men from Surf Village is assigned to watch the entrance of the Berry Cave. He has been told to not let anyone pass -- especially those Drifters. But, he seems to be dozing off, and he is certainly bored. Maybe you can find a way past? =Dungeon Conditions: Tire=====================================================
<Pose Tracker> Gwen Whitlock has posed.
Rudy is indeed a rare sort of soul; Gwen's just too used to enticing Drifters with the combined offers of money, food, a ride, or the satisfaction of a job well-done. Then again, having seen the sort of fare he's eaten at the pub, it may be that the young man has paid for being such a kind soul. "They're not paying by the pound," Gwen admits, softly. "Probably not expecting a cart full of em', either."
As the near the cave, Rudy and Morgan assure Gwen, easing the caution in the pit of her stomach as she drops off her cart, roping the mopey Gulliver to a safe area nearby. "Well, if you guys are confident, then I'll sure as hell be the s-"
'SUPPLICATE YOURSELF, -BIRDS-, BEFORE YOUR CUCCO KING!!'
"OhgodIdidn'tthinktocheckthecart!!" Gwen is already on this, reeling her right arm back and positioning her fist to slam right into the GIANT CARDBOARD CUCC- oh. "... M-mister Arashmatash?!"
---SOME CONFUSING MINUTES LATER---
Gwen, having introduced the CUCCO KING as merely a pleasant Drifter who happened by her one rainy day (without bothering to ask or question why he was still in her cart) who Owes Her A Favor And So He's Going To Help Them, moves to the cave entrance once more, where, of course, the TRUE CUCCO ENEMY awaits, probably having scared the usual villager back to the safe confines of Surf Village. Did anyone know that cuccos like Heal Berries too? This one just may.
"O-okay, let's just, quietly, move past it, okay? Quietly." Her grey-blue eyes plead at Vash just then. "H'okay, let's, uh, go." With this stellar plan, she moves, attempting to make the noisiest movements at the apex of each snore from the mighty cucco. "Careful, careful...."
<Pose Tracker> Rudy Roughnight has posed.
There is a man with a large chicken disguise on. Roughnight turns his head slowly as he takes in the new arrival, stopping from his walk. A hand eases from the knife at his side, the man not seen as a threat by Gwen and perhaps that along keeping him from ushering the man aside or demanding that he leave. After all, digs can get people hurt if they aren't taken seriously. And this man in red seems anything but serious. So he replies in the best way he knows how.
A BLUE BROW QUIRKS AT VASH. SO QUIRKED.
It remains quirked the entire time Gwen explains and even as people share their names. Only when the boy offers his name "Rudy Roughnight" that he lowers the quirked brow and resumes his work, figuring that if the new arrival did something out of line, that surely Morgan would do something about it. Clearly, the boy's not amused, but he seems to be a youth that takes life a bit more seriously than most. As he looks toward the patrol, he pulls out his radar. "I think I remember dealing with this guy before, but all you have to do is follow a path and it's easy." With that, he pushes a button, and a sphere grid of green comes across the screen, showing him the path. Calmly and silently, he points the way for others, attempting to make his way across as he is sure that others will do their part to help the stealth mission.
DG: Rudy Roughnight has used its Tool Portable Radar toward its party's challenge, Militia Checkpoint. DG: Gwen Whitlock has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Militia Checkpoint.
<Pose Tracker> Morgan Newkirk has posed.
Its not really that difficult to look awesome and composed when facing a dark cave. It is entirely a different matter to look awesome and composed when being attacked by a man dressed as the CUCCO KING.
"I. Am not a cucco."
Morgan biting out the words as he stares flateyed at the man pecking at his face. "I am a fox." One ear twitches. Tail lashes. Then he reaches up try to crush that cardboard beak with one hand but instead finds his face being pinched.
One hand comes up to slapslapslap away the hands. "Who even are you! I'm Morgan! Not a dang cucco!!"
...it takes a little bit of time for everything to get worked out right. However after a few confusing minutes of poor Gwen trying to explain what just happened things do get back on track. A few more moments, a few more introductions. Then
Only to be quickly untracked by a TRUE CUCCO ENEMY.
Morgan looks to Gwen as she begins to sneak. Then looks to Rudy as he starts to follow along, sneeking right along.
Then he looks to Vash.
"I think," The fox murmurs to his new 'friend'. Acquaintance. Party member. SOMETHING. "...that you should try your disguise out on him! Go! Establish dominance! You are the KING!"
DG: Morgan Newkirk has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward its party's challenge, Militia Checkpoint.
<Pose Tracker> Vash the Stampede has posed.
That brow is SO QUIRKED. It takes Vash the Stampede off-guard. It makes him question everything in the world. It makes him--
"Like the disguise, eh? Heh heh. Don't worry, little buddy. After we're done with... wherever this is (where are we again?), I'll be sure to teach you how to make one all for yourself!"
--makes him completely miss the point entirely.
WHOOSH
-Some confusing minutes later-, the blonde-haired man still doesn't seem quite sure where they are or what they're doing by the confused way he scratches the side of his head and kind of "uhhhhhhhhs" all the way towards the cave entrance, but, well -- he's still following along. Dutifully. Like a great hero.
(Why and how is he even here, again--)
But then, there it is:
The True Enemy.
"... cucco...!!"
Taken aback, the CUCCO KING suddenly shirks, hands held aloft in the air in a cross as if to ward off evil. The overly dramatic gesture is, at least, a silent one -- and one briefly cut through by those pleading eyes afixed on him. "Huh?" wonders the blonde, blinking in bewilderment as he stares at Gwen. Quietly, she begs. Maybe he might have listened. Maybe. -Maybe-. (Maybe not). But as they start to creep, well...
'Go! Establish dominance! You are the KING!'
"... welllll... I've never known a fox to play tricks......."
... With Morgan's helpful encouragement, he knows in his heart what he must do.
A fire seizes those narrowed sky blue eyes. Brows furrow. Lips curdle into a frown powered by SHEER DETERMINATION.
"It's okay. I can handle this--!"
And that's about the only warning any of them get before he starts -marching his way towards that cuckoo-, hands tucked at his armpits in crude imitation of chicken wings and doing his best -possible- strut he can do before he waddles right up to that slumbering cuckoo and--
"PECKING ORDER ATTACK!!"
Lurches -right- down with every intention of pecking that much smaller creature -right in the face- like the Cucco King he knows he is at heart.
"BUKAW! SUBMIT TO YOUR DINO-KING!"
They truly have no one but Morgan to blame for this.
DG: Vash the Stampede has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward its party's challenge, Militia Checkpoint. DG: The party led by Gwen Whitlock has passed this challenge! The party gained 12 exploration! If anyone needs to use party management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw. DG: Rudy Roughnight has drawn a new Challenge.
====================<* CHALLENGE - Frightening Screech *>===================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Wits |Challenge Rating: 1 | --------------------------< Challenge Information: >-------------------------- A terrifying, loud screech echoes through the walls! Something makes the ground shake and thunder! In the darkness, you see golden eyes burn hatefully! It approaches--but what is it, and is there truly any reason to panic? Time is short, before whatever this beast comes! =Dungeon Conditions: Wound====================================================
<Pose Tracker> Gwen Whitlock has posed.
Snooze snooze, goes the cucco guard.
Sneak sneak, goes the courier.
Quirk quirk, goes the boy.
Enable enable, goes the fox.
Strut strut, goes the Stampede.
And somehow, it all works. The cucco, abruptly awoken by Vash's yell, stands to attention (as much as a large fat cucco can), quivering before the scary might of the TRUE CUCCO KING: Vash. Or whatever name he is currently going by right now. WIth a BA-QWAUK, the cucco guard flees outside the cave, allowing our brave adventurers to go deeper within.
<Pose Tracker> Rudy Roughnight has posed.
As the group manages to make it past the challenge, Rudy merely moves without a missing a beat. He seems to be intentionally NOT looking toward Vash or Morgan, as if merely glancing at them will somehow empower their ridiculous ideas. However, they seem to work, so he doesn't protect them for the time being. But they will not get the Rudy Seal of Approval (not that anyone cares for such things).
As the group continues into the cave proper past the bird of terror, Rudy suddenly stops in his tracks. He slowly frowns. The reason why is given a split-second later as there is a loud roar that tears through the cave. Small rocks begin to dance along the ground which every large step of the beast and within a few seconds the eyes make their presence known. The golden orbs make their way out from the darkness.
Is it a massive Wels, is it a beast of legend and lore Could it be a Cucco?
Rudy has no idea and clearly from the pulling out of his radar, has a plan to not find out. After pushing a button and getting a read out of handy information, Roughnight points out various possible hiding places for the others before he swiftly takes cover behind a rock formation.
DG: Rudy Roughnight has used its Tool Portable Radar toward its party's challenge, Frightening Screech.
<Pose Tracker> Morgan Newkirk has posed.
The plan was flawless.
Vash shows domanance and Morgan raises a hand to give the universal seal of approval of said plan. A big thumbs up. And a grin. Ears perked forward and tail bushed out just slightly. Nope. Nothing can go wrong with this kind of group he has decided.
...and then there is an earth shattering roar.
Slowly Morgan turns to stare at the eyes. The thunderous footsteps. The possibility that it could be a beast from legend. The realization that he left his biggest guns back at his place because he didn't think a Gear could fit inside this cave.
Apparently it can fit gear size monsters but not his Gear. Curse you physics.
Hrmmm. Possibly hiding. Or distracting it. Might be the best idea this time.
So as Rudy hides Morgan picks up a heavy rock and flings it down a side passage to make some noise. Before diving behind a boulder himself.
No one here but us rocks.
DG: Morgan Newkirk has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward its party's challenge, Frightening Screech.
<Pose Tracker> Gwen Whitlock has posed.
Well, Gwen did not expect Morgan's plan to work. At all. Maybe Beastmen are more more akin to the animals their features represent? After, all, there is that ol' phrase of 'crazy like a fox'. This is Gwen's theory, and she's sticking to it for now!
Especially now that they've got another problem to deal with. As Rudy stops in his tracks, Gwen does the same. She opens her mouth, about to ask, but the roar quickly answers whatever questions she may have thought to ask. In the confusion of the dark cave, Gwen barely can make out the young man's finger, point to some various areas. Judging from the soft green glow of his radar, he's clearly pointing to hiding spots. Maybe, That, or there's multiple monsters.
Gwen's just going to lay her bets on the first one, seeing as how he's moving into position behind another rock. Okay, just where... oh, yes. Here. The spot where she's just tripped over. 'Grh-" It hurts, it's solid, and it could probably serve as decent cover, if she just completes falling over it, and onto the side, where she may be safe against that rock and the cave wall. Peeking above it, she tries to see if anyone's still looking for a spot to hide. Seems everyone's accounted for, possibly-
<Pose Tracker> Vash the Stampede has posed.
Nostrils flaring with the intensity of his victory, Vash (or Mister Bashslashgoulash (or otherwise)) presses fists to his hips as the cucco rushes off. He, at least, is a graceful king.
"YES! RUN, SERF, BEFORE I HAVE YOU JAILED! GAHAHAHAHA!"
Sort of.
The illustrious Mister The Stampede spends the rest of the time meandering into the cave preening like a peacock (peacucco?), looking none too proud of himself for his daring feat -- until something glows within the dark. Twin points of golden light, searing within the shadows.
Vash blinks. His head tilts.
"... oh god it's the real cucco king," he whispers, voice scarcely a squeak -- and then he just very slowly... sloooowly... starts to back away.
That these dramatics last exactly until he's made sure each of the rest of them have found their hiding spots before diving behind a rocky outcropping that seems almost strategically picked to be between the other three is likely nothing more than fortunate coincidence. Right?
DG: Vash the Stampede has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward its party's challenge, Frightening Screech. DG: Gwen Whitlock has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Frightening Screech. DG: The party led by Gwen Whitlock has failed this challenge! The party gained 2 exploration! If anyone needs to use party management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw. DG: Morgan Newkirk has drawn a new Challenge.
======================<* CHALLENGE - Blocked Passageway *>====================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Brute |Challenge Rating: 1 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------- A large boulder has fallen down inside of the cave and rolled before the passageway leading to the next room. If you want to keep going, you need to do something to get rid of it. =Dungeon Conditions: Weaken===================================================
<Pose Tracker> Rudy Roughnight has posed.
There is a long pause as everyone takes their hiding points. The rock is thrown. The eyes seem to grow brighter.
DRAMATIC PAUSE
The creature then moves back into the darkness. The plan worked! Or mostly worked. Because while the creature of mystery goes for the rock there is suddenly another loud cry, one that seems to chill the bones as it becomes to do.... something to that rock, as if not content until it is merely dust under its feet (the creature even HAS feet). The violent action causes some rocks to fall from above perhaps hitting people from above as they move past, but that might not be nearly as adventure stopping as the fact that the group knows the creature is there, hyper aggressive, and seemingly ready to rend the party at a moment's notice.
<Pose Tracker> Morgan Newkirk has posed.
The violent roar echos off the stone as the creature does unmentionable things to the rock that Morgan threw. Seemingly satisfied with the violence the creature slinks off...
...but the stone of the cave itself...is the problem.
The echos seet off a case of loose stone in the roof of the tunnel. Rocks cascade down infront of the stalwart crew, blocking off the only way forward.
Well. Unless they want to follow the creature that caused the cave in the first place.
"...if gathering medicine is this difficult I can see why not too many people study to be doctors!" Says Morgan with a huff as he starts to look towards the cave in. "I suppose we should get to moving rocks before that thing comes back..."
<Pose Tracker> Gwen Whitlock has posed.
Gwen pumps her fist once in silent victory as the ominous eyes trail away. That very same arm is then used to shield herself as she attempts to move further in, her gaze frantically checking on the safety of the other people she dragged into here. "H-hey-" She wants to call louder, but the fear of the yellow-eyed beast hearing her causes her to keep from shouting any louder.
When the rumbling does settle, Gwen coughs from dust, wiping some of the grey debris from her arms and body. "What's it look lik- oh." Gwen moves to stand by Morgan, then squints at the boulder.
Of course it's a boulder.
"I just got it fixed, too," Gwen mumbles dourly as she carefully steps ahead. "Uh," she looks behind her. "Oh, um, gee, I just might not be that strong? But I bet I better try to help move this boulder, so we can... move on..." Her shoulders slump forward as she sighs. "Okay, not gonna even pretend," she whispers, trying to keep her force low to avoid detection. "No telling people. Shushshush, I'm still a courier, perfectly normal, you know the drill."
She's not looking forward to trying to smash things after having just gotten her ARM fixed from having smashed things in a rapid succession. Touching her gloved fingers to the boulder in an attempt to feel for a crack, she reels her right arm backwards, and, gritting her teeth, begins punching.
With luck, it'll hopefully begin to crack. But will the sound attract more attention?
DG: Gwen Whitlock has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Blocked Passageway. DG: Morgan Newkirk has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward its party's challenge, Blocked Passageway.
<Pose Tracker> Vash the Stampede has posed.
"Be appeased with this sacrifice, cucco king," prays brave, brave Vash the Stampede, making a little, vague sign of the cross - what religion does he belong to exactly? - before he peaks over that outcropping.
Right in time for the bloodcurdling screech.
"Forgivemyinsoleeeeence!" is the blonde man's bold battle cry as he suddenly -darts- his way across the dank dark expanse of the caverns, moving at speeds frankly alarming for a man as ungainly-looking as him. Maybe it's the sheer power of his overwhelming cowardice. That would make sense.
Perhaps that's what makes his sudden, chickeny squawk all the more convincing as those rocks crumble and fall -right- in front of him; by pure luck (clearly) he manages to tumble backwards flat onto his ass seconds before he's crushed to death by rocks. Rocks that now impede their path.
"Bukawwwwwww," croons Vash in dismay, as he is utterly committed to his roles.
But then there rolls up Gwen, just kind of... punching it. Punching a boulder. With her fist.
"Ummmmmmmmmmm." The blonde man blinks with all due naive innocence, as if scarcely comprehending what he's seeing. Truly. Someone with a false arm? It boggles the mind. His lips purse, slowly.
"H-hey wait, is that how you managed to hit me so hard?!" It looks like he's finally putting -everything together- --
"Through intensive boulder punching training!?"
Orrrr not.
"... I thought your throw had rock-like strength behind it... Very well!!"
Suddenly, VASH THE STAMPEDE stands up. He marches right over to that boulder. He lifts his hand mightily. "ROCK CHOP! HUAAAH--"
And decides he, too, will join the fabled boulder training, with every intention of suddenly and violently karate chopping that boulder. There is a momentous CRACK of impact.
... and if the boulder manages to split open just a little bit to plant charges on it, well, that's probably pure serendipity that Vash the Stampede will not be able to appreciate as he hops around in the background, holding up his throbbing hand in the air and crying out in pain and confusion.
"I think I broke something!! This is terrible!! Why can't I have rocklike strength!!"
DG: Vash the Stampede has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward its party's challenge, Blocked Passageway.
<Pose Tracker> Rudy Roughnight has posed.
The beast is gone, but Rudy has a bead of sweat where it once was. Even though he doesn't say as much, it's clear the young man is shaken a little. He takes a deep breath though and moves on, finding himself encouraged by those that are willing to advance onward. If they can keep going, so can he.
Or so he thinks because shortly there after, stones fall and block the path. In the wake of the cave-in, Rudy doesn't even move, only closing his eyes briefly as the wave of dust and debris wash over him. He opens his eyes and takes it in. His brown eyes scan the area, even as Gwen makes her powerful impacts as Vash attempts to. Also try his less than impressive impacts. Calmly, he reaches to his side, just moving to the boulder.
"Might be able to help," Rudy offers softly as he places the LARGE HONKING EXPLOSIVES around the boulder. He does love his excessive firepower, that's for sure. Once the charges are set and the people make their way from the site, Rudy walks away a short distance before the explosion goes off. The rocks fly about him as his hair and bandana flow in the wake of the blast as he continues to walk away. Why? Because Zepet taught him many things, including one thing that many true valiant men know.
Heroes never look at the explosions.
DG: Rudy Roughnight has used its Tool Excavation Charges toward its party's challenge, Blocked Passageway. DG: The party led by Gwen Whitlock has passed this challenge! The party gained 27 exploration! If anyone needs to use party management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw. DG: Vash the Stampede has drawn a new Challenge.
========================<* CHALLENGE - Twisting Paths *>======================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Wits |Challenge Rating: 1 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------- The paths leading through the Berry Cave are many and twisted. Carved from water long ago, they don't always lead in straight lines. Case in point, as you round the bend, you enter a familiar room. A very familiar room. You're sure that you've been here before... but did you take the right or left fork when you entered? How would you be sure? =Dungeon Conditions: Bad Luck=================================================
<Pose Tracker> Morgan Newkirk has posed.
"Or we can punch it, punching it works." Morgan says slowly as he watches Gwen just slide up and...well...lay into it. There is a bemused smile on his face as she cautions them that she is just a COMPLETELY NORMAL COURIER. His lips twitch into a smile as he glances between her and the rest of the group.
And Vash entirely missing the point.
"Yes. The secret of your stone strength training technique is safe with me." He drawls out finally even as Vash does his best to crack his hand open on the stone. "...I think you got the angle wrong on that..." He adds helpfully towards the him.
But then Rudy is stepping forwards with explosives.
Hrmmm.
"Hey Aragabadash," Because Morgan doesn't remember his actual name. "Gwen has a medical kit!" So he distracts Vash. Reaches over and pulls Gwen back from the bolder before the earth shattering kaboom. Before which he takes a long step back so Vash is infront of him and Gwen before said kaboom goes off.
The boulder cracks down the middle to reveal the path down and deeper into the cave.
"Nice trick, Rudy."
Cough. Cough. Dusteverywhere.
<Pose Tracker> Vash the Stampede has posed.
"Owowowowowwwwwwwwww I think I broke every bone in my entire aaaaaaaarm--"
BOOM
"OH GOD MY EARS"
That explosion goes off and Vash is still -dangerously close- when the boulder blows, rock shrapnel flying -everywhere-. And yet, when it all clears? The red-coated man is still standing, and still completely unharmed. It has to be some complete fluke of chance. It also doesn't stop his ears from ringing any less.
"WHAT? THAT'S -MISTER- BANANADASH TO YOU" he shouts unnecessarily loudly over the din that lingers in his ears, rubbing at them with all due futility with his free hand as Morgan distracts. "WHAT?" shouts the bewildered Vash, -RIGHT NEXT TO THE FOX-. "ARE YOU SAYING SOMETHING ABOUT MY HAND? DON'T WORRY I THINK GWEN HAS A MEDICAL KIT."
Slowly, he looks behind him. Blinks. Squints.
"Oh hey look, an ominous trail."
And just like that, the young (?) blonde man's voice goes back to normal as if he was never imperiled in any way, natural curiosity urging him to forge ahead towards certain danger. Even with his broken (?) hand (arm?).
DG: Vash the Stampede has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward its party's challenge, Twisting Paths.
<Pose Tracker> Gwen Whitlock has posed.
"Yeah, yeah! Lots of boulders." Gwen gives a solid nod. "Ancient style, rarely used because it's not real useful at all! Nothing unusual, at all, just waitnodon'thit-" In the resulting chaos, Gwen is pulled away by a quick Morgan, who places her away from the blast supplied by a far more prepared Rudy. Probably a good thing his body blocked what she could have possibly seen as Vash's horrible, fiery death.
Vash's words may clue to the other two as to how the red-garbed Drifter and Gwen met, though it probably leaves more questions than answers. And firmly establishes Rudy further as the most sane person here, possibly followed by Morgan, who is clever like a fox. On the bottom? The courier who decides to punch her way through a boulder, and a man who tries to establish his role as the cucco king.
Coughing, Gwen whips out said medical kit, and tries to hold Vash's injured(?) hand still. "Gah, hold still, Let me see if I can..." She trails off as she does her best attempt to stabilize the the broken(?) hand, surprised at the fact that Vash, who certainly Does Not Have a Metal Arm, seems to be in better shape than she originally thought he'd be. Still. His pain is real. "You're reaaallly lucky, Mr. Bananagash," she says, completing her quick treatment. "Now let's..."
He's already off. "W-wait!" Gwen runs after him.
DG: Gwen Whitlock has used her Tool Medical Kit toward her party's challenge, Twisting Paths.
<Pose Tracker> Rudy Roughnight has posed.
As the group moves forward, Rudy really doesn't take the time to marvel at his work. Instead he just walks on, even as The Man in the Red Coat continues on.
"Um...." Rudy begins, actually for the first time ever actually initializing conversation with the Stampede. "Sir?" Rudy doesn't even try and give names because well, they seem so complicated. "We really need to have a plan going forward or else we could get really lost in here." He pulls out his radar. "Here, this shows a lot of good information like things we can push to move toward our objective, and might even give us some clues to get out of here." He presses the button, letting Vash look at the read out in the hopes that somehow, reason will prevail. He gives Gwen and Morgan a look as he continues on that says one thing:
Someone else PLEASE take the lead from the fool, he doesn't want to spend the rest of his life stuck in here!
DG: Rudy Roughnight has used its Tool Portable Radar toward its party's challenge, Twisting Paths.
<Pose Tracker> Morgan Newkirk has posed.
"Thats right Ragadagabash!" Morgan's ears slowly go back as he gets his massive and sensitive sensory organs shouted right into. My god on top of the explosion its a wonder he can even see right after that. Everything is ringing and shaking and...
...and then Vash is walking off.
"Wait we should put down a marker or...I don't know. Something!" A glance over towards Gwen then as he raises an eyebrow, dislodging a puff of dust. "...you alright though?"
Sorry Rudy. Looks like they have a plan.
Moving forward!
It'll work out fine he's sure.
DG: Morgan Newkirk has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward its party's challenge, Twisting Paths. DG: The party led by Gwen Whitlock has passed this challenge! The party gained 7 exploration! If anyone needs to use party management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw. DG: Gwen Whitlock has drawn a new Challenge.
=====================<* CHALLENGE - Well-Stocked Goblins *>===================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Combat |Challenge Rating: 2 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------- Drifters aren't the only ones to brave the Berry Cave. Goblins, semi-intelligent humanoids known to live in caves and other deep places, sometimes seek the same treasures. The ones that approach, however, aren't the half-starved creatures that one often finds. They carry battered gunsmoke ARMs -- and a supply of Heal Berries to tend to their wounds. =Dungeon Conditions: Treasure=================================================
<Pose Tracker> Vash the Stampede has posed.
Perhaps it's just twist of fate. Perhaps Rudy speaking words for a rare, beautiful moment. Or perhaps Vash the Stampede maybe isn't quite as insane as one might think (he is).
But regardless of the whys, the blonde man stops when the blue-haired boy calls out to him. He blinks. Squints. Turns about. Marches -right- up to the other, red-haired youth (?). And, as Gwen tends to his injured (???) hand, Vash inspects that screen carefully. Critically, even. Thoughtfully.
Perhaps strangest of all, though, is the fact that there's no real confusion in the blonde's eyes as he reads that screen, inspecting it with all the comfort and ease of someone well-versed in such strange devices. He reaches out, taps a finger against one path in particular and declares, boldly,
"I have no idea what any of this is but that looks like it's flashing the prettiest."
...
... and off he marches, single-minded and undeterred. And perhaps most frightening of all?
He manages to get them exactly where they need to be.
DISCONCERTING.
<Pose Tracker> Gwen Whitlock has posed.
"O-oh, uh-" Gwen looks to Morgan. "Sorry, got a little carried away. I was scared I inspired him to break his hand." She holds up her own, wiggling each finger to assure Morgan, as well as a wide grin, which, even if the cave is probably dark enough to obscure it, the expression still manages to travel in her voice. "Also, thanks. Both here and, well, at the entrance. I realize I'm sort of making things up as I go along, but, I figure, if everyone else has done a pretty swell job of managing a party, I should be able to to as well, right?"
Such naive confidence is displayed as they follow a pleading Rudy and a foolhardy Vash, but the edge of worry starting to creep into Gwen's smile shows she's not exactly ignorant of the potential dangers present here. She sighs, slumping forward. "... I really suck at this..."
Later, as hands are bandaged and Rudy attempts to lead the party on the quiet strength of desperation, Gwen moves forward, straightening as she hears signs of life. She raises a hand to alert any others.
Goblins. With ARMS. The worst sort of goblins.
"Hey, uh, everyone, look towards the goblins. Very dangerous. Keep your eyes on them," Gwen says, her last words obscured as she bites the tip of one finger off her leather glove, exposing the metallic skin of her right hand. "Nwo ven hook hack," she adds, silently pleading that, indeed, no one looks back at her. She spits out her glove and catches it underneath her left armpit, then draws back her right sleeve, pinning it in place. "And make sure you get out of the way of where I'm talkin'." She grabs a few bullets with her left hand, willing a compartment to open near her right shoulder. Electricity sparks audibly. "Because I'm gonna try to take control of this situation here the best I can."
Coil rings embedded into the strange metal flesh of Gwen's ARM thrust each thick bullet through an opening hole in the palm of her hand, the courier directing it towards a goblin not being blocked by one of her companions. Her body jerks backwards from the recoil of each shot, and she pauses to load more. "Just keep looking forward, nothing to see back here!"
DG: Gwen Whitlock has contributed a Combat Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Well-Stocked Goblins.
<Pose Tracker> Rudy Roughnight has posed.
A soft breath of relief is given as somehow, somehow they got out alright. However, the way that Vash seemed to understand his device concerns Rudy. While he's young, he's far from stupid. But the question is to Rudy, if the person seems smart, then why pretend to be stupid? What is to gain from it? Is he a smart man pretending to be stupid, or a stupid man that can look smart?
The wheels of thought in Roughnight's mind are soon halted as Gwen warns of incoming monsters. The brown eyes of the young man narrow into slits and as the woman exposes her ARM, a glance is given toward Morgan and Vash. If she trust them, he supposes he can do the same. With that, he reaches back, pulling out his own arm, the Hand Canon, an odd mix between rifle and revolver. He twirls it a few times in his right hand as his left forearm is left. It gives a soft blue color and when it ends, the spinning gun is leveled at one of the goblins, trying to end it with one powerful shot that explodes out, even sending a bit of a shockwave in the wake of the attack. The process will repeat again and again with a trained effectiveness one would expect out of your standard soldier.
The fact that Rudy is without fear despite his age, without hesitation as he shoots and walks toward the fray might be empowering to some And quite concerning to others.
DG: Rudy Roughnight has contributed a Combat Basic Action toward its party's challenge, Well-Stocked Goblins.
<Pose Tracker> Morgan Newkirk has posed.
"I've seen worse," Morgan replies with a chuckle. "You're doin' just fine, Gwen." He adds with a wink towards her. "I've found that most people just make up things as they go. Even the ones with what they say are foolproof plans. So don't feel too bad about it."
Of course right on the heels of him saything that comes...Goblins.
Morgan just sighs.
"Alright fellas, time for ya to clear out." He starts just as they start. Well. Shooting. Several rounds go flying past before his ears flatten back and he grumbles to himself.
The sleek armored gauntlet on his arm begins to hum as his own ARM activates. Glowing lines of power flow from the tips of the fingers to the elbow of the gauntlet, gleaming electric blue. As his hand curls into a fist the blue glow expands as the Fox advances.
Apparently he isn't that shy about using his own ARM.
"Ya should have listened..." He murmurs with a shake of his head as his eyes flicker towards Rudy. One ear cants round backwards and Gwen starts to fire as well. "Right. Nothin' ta see at all I'm sure. Definitely not anyone firing a high caliber weapon downrange." He drawls over his shoulder without looking, but the teasing is still there.
The glow from his hand grows and the gunsmoke shells start to careen away, slowing and spiraling though the air away from the little group as he gives them cover enough to hide behind. Even as the roar of weapon fire fills the cavern.
DG: Morgan Newkirk has used its Tool Shield Gauntlet toward its party's challenge, Well-Stocked Goblins.
<Pose Tracker> Vash the Stampede has posed.
ARMs and arms and ARM arms everywhere.
It's madness! Sheer madness!
"Ba-kawk?" is just about all Vash has to say to all of -that-, uttered in confusion the second those goblins make their appearance. His head tilts, staring at the little, bearded, grinning monstrosities with a confused gaze. A second passes.
"Oh hey, little buddies! We're sorry to barge in on your little... dwarf fortress...? ... you've got going on here, so, maybe you can just show us where the Heal Berries are and we'll be on our way? We'd greatly appreciate any help you can" BLAM BLAM BLAM "OH GOD I DON'T THINK THEY LIKE BEING CALLED DWARVES"
This would be the sound of Vash the Stampede trying and failing for diplomacy that leads towards a tragic firefight and/or a bunch of goblins shooting wildly at him. Each one he manages to all but awkwardly dance his way out of, becoming as wriggly as the wily worm such that, by all accounts, he doesn't -seem- to notice Gwen doing her suspicious, very non-courier weirdness with her arm. Or ARM arm. That he turns just in the nick of time for to see wild arcs of electricity just behind him doesn't seem to catch his notice beyond a, "THEY'VE LEARNED TO HARNESS LIGHTNING!! THEY'RE RIDING THE STORM!!"
So Gwen is covered. Probably.
But a keen eye, which Vash the Stampede certainly doesn't have, notices things. The separated pulses of recoil from each shot from Gwen's arm; the stoic experience behind Rudy's unflinching shots for one who seems so very young; the cover that Morgan is somehow, strangely managing to supply. A wise man might notice all these things, use them to his advantage.
Or a Vash man might topple over in a panic behind a rocky outcropping -just- as another one of Gwen's high recoil rounds go off. The boom of it, accompanied by the shot of Rudy's ARM, drowns out the sudden *CRACK CRACK CRACK* that would have otherwise filled the air from behind that rocky outcropping. -Something- happens. Perhaps one of Gwen's shells just going astray. Maybe a wild arc of Rudy's own ARM. Who can say?
Either way, -something- hits a precise cluster of stalactites just above the goblins themselves, pitched with exacting enough timing that it is meant to send them all crashing down around the creatures -- ideally, hopefully, trapping the rest of them beneath the rocky weight, yet killing none.
Someone might suspect Vash of having done something there, but...
"Owwwwwwwwwwwww my tailbooooonnnnnneeeeee..." comes a groan from behind those rocks where he is clearly hiding away from the fight.
... he obviously is dealing with entirely different problems. Right?
DG: Vash the Stampede has used his Tool Machinegun Arm toward his party's challenge, Well-Stocked Goblins. DG: The party led by Gwen Whitlock has passed this challenge! The party gained 26 exploration! If anyone needs to use party management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw. DG: Rudy Roughnight has drawn a new Challenge.
=======================<* CHALLENGE - Tangled Vines *>======================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Brute |Challenge Rating: 1 | --------------------------< Challenge Information: >-------------------------- The open archway leading into the next cavern is, unfortunately, covered. Thick vines run from the ceiling and dig into the loose gravel below -- and they prove impossible to simply yank aside. These need greater force to clear the way. =Dungeon Conditions: Tire=====================================================
<Pose Tracker> Gwen Whitlock has posed.
Morgan's words seem to prop up Gwen's falling confidence. She slowly nods. "You seem to be one who'd know it if he saw it, Mr. Newkirk." Even fi he did use her first name, it'd feel strange to do it back without proper permission. Old habits die hard.
Gwen knew about Rudy's ARM already, for better or worse, but she's never seen him use it. This is the same boy who, without Gwen's knowledge, gently sacrificed his own sleeping bag just so she'd stay warm, and insisted on keeping watch all night as she and Rosaline. Now, he handles an ARM like a battle-hardened solider, rather than the young teen Gwen had thought him to be.
Strangely, it was also Vash who kept watch on Gwen all night as well, his strange brand of humor allowing the courier to realize that she, perhaps, could feel comfortable falling asleep around someone else who *didn't* know her secret. But now, possibly, he does, and he seems rather scared by it.
Morgan's dark humor distracts Gwen (though thankfully not her aim), allowing the courier to relax. "I just didn't want to, uh, surprise anyone!" she shouts, over the pulsing blast of each bullet.
Then, as if on cue, stalactites rain upon the advancing goblins, yet strangely not the party charging in. Gwen glances up at the cave ceiling. Just... how did that happen? She had thought about doing that instance, but it'd take a tactical genius to get the bullet to hit just right. Maybe luck *is* on their side.
Or not. "H-hey, Mr. Agahsabash, you okay? I, uh," she notices her ARM showing, then promptly hides in behind her back as he comes into view. "There's nothing scary here, honest! Everything's okay!"
<Pose Tracker> Rudy Roughnight has posed.
As the rush of battle begins to fade, the presence of plant life begins to make itself known. It's small at first, just a few ivy plants here and there, but by the time they get to what appears to be an important cavern to get through, there are vines that seems stronger than usual, perhaps empowered by the same waters that cause the Berries in this cave to grow in such number. They twist and curl and cover the entire path moving forward, dark crimson thorns showing that they will not yield without a fight.
<Pose Tracker> Rudy Roughnight has posed.
The battle might have been long, the battle might have been painful, but Roughnight still stands. In the wake of the battle, the ARM is placed behind his back, Rudy giving a soft sigh, unaware for the time being that he is being judged for his actions by one or more parties.
"Good work, everyone," the young man states to the adventuring party, his tone soft but assured. Gwen and Morgan get a nod of approval, not expecting their unique gifts, but clearly appreciative of them. Vash gets a long and careful stare. If there is something Rudy wanted to say to chastise or approve, he doesn't, but the the grunt he gives as he passes the jovial jester in red suggests the blue haired is not amused.
As he walks, Rudy's shoulder begins to blossom with bleed, staining yet another white shirt red with his blood. He doesn't even look at it, however, merely training his eyes toward the prize, which seems to be the cavern up ahead.
As he notices the vines, Roughnight pulls out another charge and just begins to do his work for a second time. And people say Rudy doesn't have a green thumb.
DG: Rudy Roughnight has used its Tool Excavation Charges toward its party's challenge, Tangled Vines.
<Pose Tracker> Morgan Newkirk has posed.
The glow from Morgan's ARM fades as he flexes his fingers, not even having bothered to summon a weapon of any kind. He half turns towards the rest, grinning wide. The rush of adreneline still sings in his veins and his eyes are bright and shining in the darkness.
"Just Morgan will do, leastwise among friends." They've been shot at together. Makes them all friendly enough doesn't it. Right. "And yer just fine, Gwen." He adds before casting his eye wider to check on the other two.
Vash seems to be...ok? Judging from the way that voice sings out from behind the rocks. But Morgan strolls over to check on him anyway.
Its Rudy that gets his attention though at the change of color in his white shirt. "Hey boyo, you might want to let Gwen take a look at your shoulder there. Seems to took a few hits before I could get the shield up."
But Rudy seems singlemindedly focused on the task.
"Or...blow up some plants I suppose that works too."
Then back to Vash as he peers around the rock. "You ok there Ragabash?"
DG: Morgan Newkirk has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward its party's challenge, Tangled Vines.
<Pose Tracker> Vash the Stampede has posed.
"Wh--" begins Vash or Mr. Agahsabash as Gwen approaches him with her hesitant reassurances. He blinks; his head tilts slowly, a curious angle as he peers at her for a long, quiet moment.
And yet the smile that is ushered in afterwards is something that can't help but be utterly comforting in its warmth, as if to say without saying it, 'don't worry -- it's okay.'
And it's only a second later that whatever was there vanishes to the sight of Vash the Stampede, getting on his knees and gripping Gwen's hands with tears - literal tears - streaming from the corners of his eyes. "Oh! Oh, you saved my life! You're like a beautiful angel here to courier my salvation right to my heart~~!" Sparkles go... here. "Thank you, Super Courier Gwen! I, Abrakadabradash, am forever in your debt!"
Vigorous handshaking goes.... here.
Soon, though, Vash is hopping back up onto his feet with nary a scrape in sight; the same can't be said for Rudy, however, and even as the boy grunts, the blonde doesn't seem focused on that -- his attention is solely on the injury that might otherwise mingle with the red of Rudy's vest. His brows furrow faintly -- but soon enough, he is marching along behind the young man as he sets up his charges, providing some inspirational whistling as he looks around at all the greenery.
"Huh?" asks the red-coated, tall, spikey-haired man whose name mysteriously and suspiciously changes with each telling. "How dare you! I have the constitution of an ox! An ox pumped up on illegal stimulants! Oxbowlosh, they call me! HA HA HA HA!"
Such inspirational laughter is sure to encourage Rudy to victory--!!
DG: Vash the Stampede has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward his party's challenge, Tangled Vines.
<Pose Tracker> Morgan Newkirk has posed.
Taking one look at all the sparkles and the handshaking and the tears, Morgan just slowly drawls. "...yup. Gonna say he's fine."
<Pose Tracker> Gwen Whitlock has posed.
"Right, Morgan, then." Gwen laughs. "I guess, with that neat ARM of yours, mine isn't so scary. Still, keep it a secret, 'kay?" She holds a finger to her lips, and winks. "Gotta keep my ordinary not-so-scary courier cover. That's just the way business is."
Speaking of scary, moving to Vash, Gwen stops the secondary apology she begins to whip up before catching sight of his grin. It's just a second or two, perhaps, but in those few moments, her anxiety, now that she has the party's acceptance, is completely sealed away. She's about to grin back when-
Yeah, it was very short-lived. "Now, now, ah, I wouldn't call me an angel.." Gwen holds up her hands (one still ungloved), a hesitant laugh escaping her lips before she says, "I'm totally taking you up on you owing me a favor, though." The statement is brisk and final, ensuring Vash shall be in Gwen's debt until the next thing he manages to find himself in with her.
Now, for Rudy. "Y'need to take care of your arm," Gwen softly chides, taking some bandages out from her kit as the blast settles. "I know my arm is awesome and all, but you're plenty strong as you are. Y'looked pretty cool from the angle I was seeing you at. Kinda surprised, I'll admit, but you did tell me you were strong." Even if Rudy tries to get away, Gwen will use her own, stronger arm to hold him still. "I'll need both those arms to get the berries back to the cart. And when we're done, I'm gonna cook a meal for all of us, and you're gonna enjoy it because you worked hard, just like everyone else 'ere." If Rudy allows for it, Gwen lightly whaps him on his uninjured shoulder. "Now let's get goin'. Berries await!"
DG: Gwen Whitlock has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Tangled Vines. DG: You have overcome the dungeon's trials! This run is a success! DG: The party led by Gwen Whitlock has successfully explored Berry Cave!
==================<* CHALLENGE - Hydroponic Section Panel *>================== |Type: Discovery |Dungeon Ability: Discovery |Challenge Rating: 1 | --------------------------< Challenge Information: >-------------------------- In the deepest levels of the Berry Cave, in a cavern far away from the others, there is a room quite unlike the rest. Embedded into the wall of the cave is a large piece of metal plating. In large stencilled letters, worn away by time, the text "SEED CORPORATION" is written across the upper half of the wall. Below that, in smaller print at the words "Botanical Laboratory BN-1303." The lower part of the wall has a flat black screen, with two large ports and a series of buttons. The buttons seem to do nothing. The screen never turns on, whatever button is pressed. You should send a +request regarding this discovery! =Dungeon Conditions: Treasure=================================================
<Pose Tracker> Rudy Roughnight has posed.
The explosion goes off and soon the way is clear! It was all thanks to Vash's encouragement. Or at least it seems to be because that explosion defiantly seems to have an extra bit of 'uppmh' to it.
In the wake of the explosion, Rudy just gives a faint smile toward Morgan. "I'm fine," he states calmly, clearly not really thinking that much of the injury. Considering it's one of the few times he's smiled down here, it's a little off. But despite Rudy's personality, there is always something a little off about him. But it's Gwen that finally stops him. She compliments his skill, she tells him he needs to take care of himself. She affirms his strength. "I'm fine" he repeats, though this time, there is faint red within his cheeks in his words. After he's released he moves his way into the cavern and looks around to see Nothing that he remembers from last time. What are his thoughts on everything that he sees?
"Huh."
<Pose Tracker> Morgan Newkirk has posed.
The smoke clears, vines and plant matter are flung to the far ends of the room and the intrepid adventurers push past the last obstacle. Heal Berries dot the room they find themselves in, plenty to take back with them. More than enough to finish the contract.
But its the room itself that gets Morgan's attention.
Should anyone be watching the fox, its an odd flicker of recognition that flashes into his eyes. He tamps it back down quickly enough, but its there for more than just a moment. Familiarity with the odd arrangement of the room. The black screen on one wall. The buttons. He passes the berries as he closes on the console and the odd words worked into the wall.
SEED CORPORATION.
BIO-LAB.
He doesn't say much as he peers at the screen, one hand reaching out to poke at the buttons before he circles around the console again.
Power. Its dead, the whole room is dead. But then again, it might not be. The berries growing where they shouldn't proves that. What powers it. What causes it to grow. Just where are they.
Eyes track the lines of the room, back past the passages they came though. Was this an entire complex or...just part of one.
Once again. This Dig leaves more questions than answers. He hates that.
He seems to come back to himself with a snap though as he turns back to the rest. A lopsided smile on his face. "Don't worry, Gwen. I won't be telling anyone." Fear? Nope. None there. Apparently the man is either used too, or just too dumb to be scared of, an ARM.
He seems to shake himself though, again checking behind the panel. Trying to fit those words and numbers to memory. A slow sigh then before he squares his shoulders. This place isn't going anywhere.
"We should get those berries back then, I'm sure the town could use them after that birdmess. Don't want to keep any Diggers waiting. They can get...onery."
<Pose Tracker> Gwen Whitlock has posed.
Rudy *is* a little off. Then again, as Gwen surveys the assembled party, everyone here seems to be- the strange disconnection between Rudy's gentle nature and his stalwart soldier personality in combat, the way Vash, despite acting like a complete idiot, seems to continually show signs of a deeper understanding. Things just seem to go *right* when they shouldn't, just like how a log throw at his face didn't actually manage to damage him beyond a momentary lapse of consciousness. Or is it just her imagination? Then there's her, of course. Enough said about that.
And, of course, there's Morgan, the fox with the gauntlet ARM, who steadily advanced to being the most 'normal' one of the group, is now advancing into a room of foreign technology and, as he glances around, seeming to recognize a glimmer of what's around them. It's brief enough that Gwen may have missed it if she wasn't around where he was the second he came in. But even that glimmer doesn't seem to offer any clues.
".... Seed Corporation... Botanical Laboratory BN-1303...?" Gwen reads the words aloud the words, then digs into her vest for a spare piece of butcher paper, as well as a piece of graphite. Placing it over the words, she rubs the graphite over each letter, making note of everything she can think of. This is the second possibly big find she's stumbled across, and unlike the last one, she doesn't want to leave anything to chance.
"Okay, time to load up," Gwen says, taking off her jacket. "Grab as many berries as you can find. We're gonna surprise them with all the berries they can possibly even want!"