2018-11-29: The Mechanical Page
- Log: The Mechanical Page
- Cast: Elvis, Ambrosius, Gwen Whitlock
- Where: Northern Veruni Control Zone
- Date: November 29th, 2018
- Summary: Just because the Veruni have allied with the Metal Demons doesn't mean that the progress of Science must stop. Science overwhelms all boundaries, especially when it's Elvis's Science. But can it conquer the wall between races?
===========================<* Memorial Sanctuary *>=========================== ===================<* CHALLENGE - I Can't Turn Away Now *>==================== |Type: Entry |Dungeon Ability: Brute |Challenge Rating: 2 | --------------------------< Challenge Information: >-------------------------- The approach to the Memorial Sanctuary is a difficult one -- not only is the ruin located far away from any settlement, but the road is ill-kept and the lands unfriendly. But finally, there the building stands -- what's left of it that rests above the ground, that is. Time has since buried much of it, but with a little searching, an alcove can be found, and within it, a door. At one point or another, the way into the ruin had been barred by a vault door... probably operated by that console that stands to one side, apparently now inactive. Some other poor schmuck did the heavy lifting, so getting in should be a piece of cake-- Until you cross the threshold, that is. Red lights flash and a klaxon blares, followed by the metal barriers that slam down on either side of you. Seems like the security system's still active. Meanwhile, you've got to get to breaking through the security doors, unless you're interested in sticking around on the threshold for the rest of your life. =Dungeon Conditions: Weaken, Tire=============================================
<Pose Tracker> Elvis has posed.
The forays were becoming more intense on Elru. Despite attempts to repel or eradicate the Human incursion, They closed in slowly on all sides towards the Photosphere. It was only a matter of time before they reached the northern throne. And while Elvis was dictated by Volsung himself, there was something else mentioned to go with it.
Elvis does not wish to kill Humans. So when fights come to a head, he either finds a convenient excuse to not be there, or do another important task, like destroying buildings.
He doesn't want blood on his good blouses. Or his conscience. However, a good excuse has presented itself. Veruni operatives have reported a unique ruin site has mysteriously opened despite being locked! "Oh I have to see this. Find me Ambrosius!" he orders the Veruni loyals.
---
"H-Hey!" the tall, moustached man shouts toward Gwen, having come out of apparently nowhere, running up to her. "I'm going to investigate some interesting ruins back on the mainland! Interested in coming? It will be uh, fun!" A cheesy smile spreads on Elvis' face. One that looks... strange. Maybe he is bad at this.
So, that is also an odd proposition to just ask someone you barely met and almost ended up fighting, no? Well, if this place is what the operatives suggest, then Frea would want to hear about it. AND it keeps her young charge from getting hurt! He is totally helping! Kinda.
Long as there are no death lasers in the ruins. That could be a problem.
---
Elvis stands outside the door, now having slammed down in front of him, alarms going nuts "Ugh..." the Sentinel objects with. The massive door was open, and now another set has closed. "Hm, wait..." A careful scan of the barriers holding those assembled back. "These doors aren't magical like the first set. Nor made from as hardy a material. We might be able to break through!" the Sentinel says, wrapping his hands, and getting ready to whomp those doors!
DG: Elvis has used his Tool PALB-3106 Power Gloves toward his party's challenge, I Can't Turn Away Now.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
Ambrosius, truthfully, had no desire to kill humans, either. He had never really bore them any animosity, but...in his travels throughout Ignas and beyond, he had become to appreciate them. So, having an excuse to avoid violence helps him, as well...
...And besides, there was a fascinating new ruin to explore. Though it had been locked for as long he could tell, he received word from an associate sent by Elvis that it had been finally opened. So, naturally, he was right there!
And now he's right there - 'there' being trapped inside a set of security doors alongside Elvis and Gwen.
"...Hm." Ambrosius mutters with a hint of distaste. He raises a hand toward the door and water begins to swirl around him before being sent out in a high-pressure, cutting blade.
He had not brought Veritas Varia with him this time, so he could not utilize it to focus the Ether. He had contributed the ARM to a...project of his he was working on.
DG: Ambrosius has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward his party's challenge, I Can't Turn Away Now.
<Pose Tracker> Gwen Whitlock has posed.
Scouting is definitely a great way to pass the time. With her trusty steed, Gullveig (her shaggier Elru stand-in for Gulliver) and her thick white parka, she's a perfect fit for investigation from afar. Confirming the existence of ruins, spotting soldiers on the march (or skidder, or leap, or... whatever), and then... watching snow fall.
Speaking of ruins, that's what Gwen is doing now, confirming the existence of it while looking up at the clear sky and surroundings for possible landmarks to track this place down later.
This is likely why Elvis manages to sneak up on her. "Ghh!" Gwen plants a hand on her chest. "Don't sneak up on a gal like that! Especially considerin' you probably have orders t'detain me or worse."
He smiles. A smile like that might mean a trick. Then again, it's... Elvis. But she should be careful. BUT FREA ASKED HER TO-
----
"Well, this certainly makes my job a whole lot easier," Gwen says, right before the alarm starts. But that's just to be expected, right? Things happen when you go into weird ruins.
And speaking of weird...
Elvis is... hammering the doors, with his fists. At least Gwen's hand is nicely calibrated to *not* feel like she's smashed all the bones inside to bits every time she slams her right hand into something hard.
Gwen looks over at Ambrosius, probably the sole sane member of this team, and begins punching the wall as well.
DG: Gwen Whitlock has used her Tool ARM-ored Fist toward her party's challenge, I Can't Turn Away Now.
===========================<* Memorial Sanctuary *>=========================== ===================<* CHALLENGE - I Can't Turn Away Now *>==================== |Type: Entry |Dungeon Ability: Brute |Challenge Rating: 2 | --------------------------< Challenge Information: >-------------------------- The approach to the Memorial Sanctuary is a difficult one -- not only is the ruin located far away from any settlement, but the road is ill-kept and the lands unfriendly. But finally, there the building stands -- what's left of it that rests above the ground, that is. Time has since buried much of it, but with a little searching, an alcove can be found, and within it, a door. At one point or another, the way into the ruin had been barred by a vault door... probably operated by that console that stands to one side, apparently now inactive. Some other poor schmuck did the heavy lifting, so getting in should be a piece of cake-- Until you cross the threshold, that is. Red lights flash and a klaxon blares, followed by the metal barriers that slam down on either side of you. Seems like the security system's still active. Meanwhile, you've got to get to breaking through the security doors, unless you're interested in sticking around on the threshold for the rest of your life. =Dungeon Conditions: Weaken, Tire=============================================
======================<* Memorial Sanctuary - Round 1 *>====================== =====================< Results - I Can't Turn Away Now >====================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Elvis 0 --(3)--> 3 Pass PALB-3106 Power Gloves 3 Brute Effects: Fanfare ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ambrosius 0 --(3)--> 3 Pass Force 0 Brute Effects: BASIC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gwen Whitlock 0 --(3)--> 3 Pass ARM-ored Fist 2 Brute Effects: Strengthen ----------------------------------< Party >----------------------------------- Leader: Elvis 0 --(20)--> 20 Pass Conditions: Tire(2)|Weaken(2) Effects: Strengthen(1) ==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
DG: The party led by Elvis has passed this challenge! The party gained 20 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.
============================<* Memorial Sanctuary *>============================ =====================<* CHALLENGE - Timing Is Everything *>===================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Agility |Challenge Rating: 3 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------- The first thing that one notices upon stepping into this chamber is that the walls are absolutely littered with lights, as if to mimic the stars glittering in the night sky. The second thing that one would notice is that the floor is largely absent. Floating cubes at various intervals provide means to pass over the gap to the doors on the opposite end, but one thing only becomes clearer the further out across one gets: It's not just the passage over the gap that's a problem, it's the switches floating high overhead. They need to be hit to open the doors, and the doors won't stay open long. Oh, and a particularly pristine-looking chest sits just inside one of the doors, so perhaps there's a little extra incentive to make the crossing properly. =Dungeon Conditions: Tire, Treasure===========================================
<Pose Tracker> Elvis has posed.
Yes, in hindsight Elvis did trigger the alarms. Despite being analytical, he tends to miss the small tings, like light-based tripwires. "No telling what kinds of secrets are in here!" the Veruni mentions to his comrade. "Scouts have been watching this place for a long time, seems like it either disabled on its own or someone was able to guess the password!"
A pause. Who could have guessed that password???
As for detainment orders, the only one with them relating to Gwen is Frea! And keeping her safe. It kinda felt like having soneone... else... here...
...
Elvis pushes those thoughts aside for the moment. He wails in to the door with all his might, as it begins to dent! Gwen's ARM-Fist does the same, the metal caving under impact unusually well. It gives to Ambrosius' efforts as well! It cuts cleanly, like plates under a water saw.
Together, they chisel out a good sized hole in the massive door, large enough for the group to head through. "Well, guess it is time to see what is deeper in, eh?" Elvis attests, unwrapping his hands. "Whatever we find, we can split. I'm not going to snub your contributions, Promise," he adds toward Gwen. An approving nod is given to Ambrosius. "Good work!"
<Pose Tracker> Gwen Whitlock has posed.
"Look, if it's somethin' that'll help your people out, I'm okay with it. Just as long as it's, like, not a really strong weapon or somethin'." It's foolhardy, but if two people are going to go in with Gwen (not that she was planning to go in by herself), it's better if it's two Veruni, allowing her to avoid any possible interruptions by Veruni (and hopefully Metal Demons).
That's what Gwen is telling herself, anyway.
"Well, that was easy enough," Gwen states, marching forward. "If that's a sign of what's t'come, we should be in the cl-"
.... When did the floor end? And when did the walls and ceiling become the night sky, glittering with stars?
Once Gwen has a moment to silently admire the architecture (and quietly recover from almost marching off an edge) she looks for a way across. Should be simple enough. Just find the right path, or the right switches, annnnnd...
Two rounds are shot into the air at the floating switches, Gwen's lips curling in a pleased smile that is evident enough, even in the dim glittering light.
Then, in a time frame that feels woefully short, the doors close back shut.
".... y'gotta be kiddin' me. Okay, lessee how long it takes for those doors t'shut!"
DG: Gwen Whitlock has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Timing Is Everything.
<Pose Tracker> Elvis has posed.
"I have no idea what is in here," Elvis admits to Gwen with a shrug. "This building has been closed for decades, the console the only thing that was accessible, but couldn't be hacked. We are going in about as blind as you are. The architecture is familiar though..." The large man rubs his chin with a hand as he scans the environment for anything interesting.
"Oop!" says Elvis suddenly, a foot hitting the edge of solid ground. "Oh... what is this now?" A look around makes it look like the night sky. "Lights on walls... floating platforms... If I didn't know any better, it looks like it might be a starmap...?" the man estimates. WHy else would this room be built? Unless just to confound intruders. "Oh boy. Jumping."
A look toward Ambrosius. "You are far better at this than me. I will go after you both!" Though a glint across the way gets his attention. "There's a box over there!" No telling what was in it!
As the others go, Elvis will start jumping from platform to platform. A very easy feat for him, but not terribly quick it seems in targeted landings. Bursts of speed are quite within his grasp, but being tactful with it, he takes his time.
"Be careful you two! No telling how far down that goes!" he says, pointing into the dar kbelow. Actually...
There are lights there too. "Never mind, its not too far. I think."
DG: Elvis has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward his party's challenge, Timing Is Everything.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
"Not to worry...Miss Whitlock..." Ambrosius replies with a glance toward Gwen as he passes through the doors, now open thanks to their efforts. "We are merely viiisiting...in the iiinterest of...sciiientific cuuuriosity..."
He didn't expect there to be any really strong weapons here...but then again, he didn't know what was here. But that was the point of exploration!
It is not long before he realizes the layout of the room. No floor, instead with a series of floating cubes and switches high over head...that, judging from Gwen's shot, stays activated for only a very short while.
Ambrosius, as a rule, tends to take things slowly and carefully. This is not the time or the place for slow and careful, however. So Ambrosius...
...continues to do as Ambrosius does. And by that, he slowly makes his way from platform to platform, occasionally drawing his revolver to fire up at one of the switches.
DG: Ambrosius has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward his party's challenge, Timing Is Everything.
============================<* Memorial Sanctuary *>============================ =====================<* CHALLENGE - Timing Is Everything *>===================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Agility |Challenge Rating: 3 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------- The first thing that one notices upon stepping into this chamber is that the walls are absolutely littered with lights, as if to mimic the stars glittering in the night sky. The second thing that one would notice is that the floor is largely absent. Floating cubes at various intervals provide means to pass over the gap to the doors on the opposite end, but one thing only becomes clearer the further out across one gets: It's not just the passage over the gap that's a problem, it's the switches floating high overhead. They need to be hit to open the doors, and the doors won't stay open long. Oh, and a particularly pristine-looking chest sits just inside one of the doors, so perhaps there's a little extra incentive to make the crossing properly. =Dungeon Conditions: Tire, Treasure===========================================
=======================<* Memorial Sanctuary - Round 2 *>======================= =======================< Results - Timing Is Everything >======================= Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elvis 3 --(23)--> 26 Fail Rush 0 Agility Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ambrosius 3 --(23)--> 26 Fail Rush 0 Agility Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gwen Whitlock 3 --(23)--> 26 Fail Rush 0 Agility Effects: BASIC -----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------ Leader: Elvis 20 --(10)--> 30 Fail Conditions: Tire(2)|Treasure(1)|Weaken(1) Effects: ===============================< Dream Chasers >================================
DG: The party led by Elvis has failed this challenge! The party gained 10 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.
<Pose Tracker> Gwen Whitlock has posed.
"I dunno, they seemed pretty fine t'me." Not hacked at all! Why would someone hack away at a good piece of... whatever those things are?
The party makes their way across the floating platforms, piece by piece, until...
Gwen stops. "Since we're doin' pretty good, lemme see if I can get to that chest. I bet I can manage to at least get a peek."
---- MINUTES LATER ----
The three barely manage to make it to the other side, the platforms shuttering before falling down into the abyss below. Gwen pants, a hand on her chest. "... N-never got to see what was in that chest..."
DG: Ambrosius has drawn a new Challenge.
===========================<* Memorial Sanctuary *>=========================== ===================<* CHALLENGE - Begone From This Place *>=================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Combat |Challenge Rating: 2 | --------------------------< Challenge Information: >-------------------------- A sort of storage chamber greets you as you explore the depths of the Memorial Sanctuary, tucked just off one of the curved passageways wending through the place. As is typical for many of the rooms in here, the chamber features shelves and shelves of slides, scraps of metal in some ancient script, odd circular discs, and other items -- perhaps this is how the ancients stored their information, which makes this place a sort of archive. An archive, that is not without its custodian. From behind, a non-humanoid automata -- a Golem -- drops from the ceiling without warning. What might be its eyes glow red, and without hesitation, it attacks. =Dungeon Conditions: Fright===================================================
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
Ambrosius doesn't comment on the misunderstanding of the word 'hacked'. It's probably better that way.
Unfortunately, they don't get to see what's in the chest...but they do find what, to Ambrosius, is a much more interesting find.
It's a room off to the side of one of the curved passageways, featuring shelves full of slides, scraps of metal bearing an ancient script, and various discs...among other things.
"Ah...an archiiive..." Ambrosius murmurs, making his way through it. He doesn't even seem to notice as what first appears to be a hunk of metal falling from the ceiling unfurls itself into a non-humanoid Golem. It's 'eyes' flash aggressively and it swings one massive arm toward Ambrosius...but without even taking a look back he stops it with a single hand.
"Do not interrupt me." He states, then turns to look at the source. He is a little surprised to see it.
"...Ah, an aaancient model...how faaascinating..." He murmurs, then forces it back. The hand disappears into his poncho, coming out with a silver canister. He flips the switch on the side and it begins to let out a pleasant mist that should hopefully alleviate some of the aches from their previous misadventure.
"Look sharp...Miss Whitlock..." He warns. He doesn't say anything to Elvis, though, because he knows the Sentinel will be just fine.
DG: Ambrosius has used his Tool Mist Canister toward his party's challenge, Begone From This Place.
<Pose Tracker> Elvis has posed.
Getting across was one thing. Going for that optional chests is another. and BOY was it a bad idea!
Elvis has to claw his way up the opposite ledge due to missing the jump. Collapsing platforms throwing off his, well, platforming.
"GUH!" Elvis blurts out, heaving breath after breath. So the glittering stars below is some kind of illusion, he never heard the platforms hit the bottom. "Okay, not fun! That wasn't great. BUT! Let us move on! Because something liek that won't stop the... uh."
A glance to Ambrosius and Gwen. "Do we need some kind of team name or something?"
---
"Oh, here we go!" Elvis says, wringing his hands at the archive. "Look at all this technology from the old days! Older than even me! Bahaha!" The man quickly makes his way over to some of the older scraps, and checks out a segment of some kind of contraption. It would take time to see what it would be to!
A thud gets the Sentinel's attention. "Hm? OH!"
Elvis drops what he is looking at, wandering over near Ambrosius. "Would you look at that! Still in great condition! We should try to disable it for use later!" he comments to his Veruni comrade. Learning how ancient Golems were made would surely help research!
"Do be care, yes!" Elvis comments toward Gwen "Feel free to get involved if you wish, but don't get hurt! I would rather a certain person not chewing my ear off about it."
The man's fists groan as they are tightened, and THE PROFESSOR moves to engage the golem!
DG: Elvis has contributed a Combat Basic Action toward his party's challenge, Begone From This Place.
<Pose Tracker> Gwen Whitlock has posed.
"Dunno. Make things real awkward when we're back t'our respective sides." Gwen idly itches the side of her head. "But I 'spose it wouldn't *hurt* t'brainstorm on a name, either. Maybe, uh...."
Gwen trails off into dumbfounded silence as she follows Ambrosius into the archives. "... All these books... Even just a few of these would...!" It couldn't replace Frea's collection. But even a few books would soothe Gwen's lingering guilt.
The falling hunk of metal is next to catch Gwen's attention, prompting her to whistle as it slowly unfurls. "Oh man! if only Dean was here. He'd be pleased as punch t'see somethin' like this, just movin' around in the archives as busy as a bee."
The mist helps ease some of the pain from that last stunt. Gwen lets out a sigh. "... Hm. Maybe we can just... restrain it? I mean, it's doing its job." Dean's such a bad influence.
But still. There is an uncanny intelligence in them.
"Older than you, Elvis?" Gwen laughs. "I mean, I'd hope so. Neither of you don't look *that* old." She pauses, then squints at Elvis, then at Ambrosius. She presses a hand to her chin. "Ah, man... don't tell me you guys are long-lived too?"
Bah. Turning to rifle through a book that's caught her eye, Gwen's head snaps up.
".... eh?" Gwen pauses, tilting her head at the Professor's comment. "What person?" She turns her head towards Ambrosius. "Y'know what he's talking abou-"
Ah. There. That's the moment the Golem just slings a massive fist right into Gwen's freckled cheek. "OW! Dat huart!" Clutching her cheek with her left hand, Gwen moves in, trying to snag one of those free limbs. "Yauh need t'quiddit!"
DG: You must use a Tool that matches the Challenge's Dungeon Ability. If you do not have one, use the matching Basic Action instead by typing +act Brute DG: Gwen Whitlock has used her Tool Full Metal Courier toward her party's challenge, Begone From This Place.
===========================<* Memorial Sanctuary *>=========================== ===================<* CHALLENGE - Begone From This Place *>=================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Combat |Challenge Rating: 2 | --------------------------< Challenge Information: >-------------------------- A sort of storage chamber greets you as you explore the depths of the Memorial Sanctuary, tucked just off one of the curved passageways wending through the place. As is typical for many of the rooms in here, the chamber features shelves and shelves of slides, scraps of metal in some ancient script, odd circular discs, and other items -- perhaps this is how the ancients stored their information, which makes this place a sort of archive. An archive, that is not without its custodian. From behind, a non-humanoid automata -- a Golem -- drops from the ceiling without warning. What might be its eyes glow red, and without hesitation, it attacks. =Dungeon Conditions: Fright===================================================
======================<* Memorial Sanctuary - Round 3 *>====================== =====================< Results - Begone From This Place >===================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Elvis 26 --(5)--> 31 Fail Fight 0 Combat Effects: BASIC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ambrosius 26 --(0)--> 26 Pass Mist Canister 1 Combat Effects: Cleanse ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gwen Whitlock 26 --(0)--> 26 Pass Full Metal Courier 2 Combat Effects: Embolden ----------------------------------< Party >----------------------------------- Leader: Elvis 30 --(20)--> 50 Pass Conditions: Fright(2)|Tire(1) Effects: Cleanse|Embolden(1) ==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
DG: The party led by Elvis has passed this challenge! The party gained 20 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: Elvis has drawn a new Challenge.
===========================<* Memorial Sanctuary *>=========================== ===================<* CHALLENGE - You Shouldn't Be Here *>==================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Wits |Challenge Rating: 1 | --------------------------< Challenge Information: >-------------------------- Most of the Memorial Sanctuary is but dimly-lit, with numerous spots and spaces shrouded in darkness. Still, the way forward is typically clear enough, and this passageway is no different-- Until the assortment of the pale lights in this hall turn a dull menacing red, as text in an ancient lost language slides across the panels. An alarm blares, briefly. Then the lights go out, plunging the chamber into complete darkness. A sense of oppression and menace settles in after. You've got to find your way out of here. =Dungeon Conditions: Reckless, Cripple========================================
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
...A team name?
"...I am afraaaid...I am bad at names..." Ambrosius admits. Gwen has a point, too - it might make things a little awkward. Ambrosius knew all about that. Despite repeated assurances that he was welcome despite their differences, he always felt nervous about the thought of going back to visit the people of Wayside.
He felt awful about it. He was doing a poor job as Janey's engineering teacher...but that was neither here nor there.
Because here is a giant Golem that is not happy to see them.
Gwen comments on a 'Dean', and then suggests just restraining it. Ambrosius considers this, and nods.
"...Perhaaaps that would be best." He agrees, then at her comments on age...Ambrosius chuckles.
"I am one hundred and twenty-six years old." Ambrosius comments. He's telling the truth, but with his tone it's hard to tell if he's joking or not...
Elvis mentions a 'certain person', and Gwen asks if he knows who he's talking about.
"I'm afraaaid...I don't know..." Ambrosius replies. He doesn't know, but he does have a good idea...he doesn't share it, though.
Amidst the conversation, the three of them move in to try to restrain the Golem to prevent it from rampaging. Gwen manages to grab one of them and lock it down, while Ambrosius goes for the other one.
And then, Elvis...!
...Accidentally goes a little overboard in his own attempts, smashing right into the Golem and sending parts flying everywhere. Oops.
Well, on the bright side, it isn't attacking them anymore...?
"...That can probably be fixed..." Ambrosius comments, looking at the wrecked Golem.
<Pose Tracker> Elvis has posed.
Elvis, despite fighting a Golem, squints at the mention of Dean. That blue haired boy. That kid just ruffled his blouse every time they were together. "That's the plan, anyway!" the man says, dodging an attack, just barely. His chin gets grazed. "Longer lived than Humans, yes! Generally about two to three times the lifespan of a Human!"
In other words, yeah, pretty long lived! "I'll have you know I am over two hundred years old, and still in my prime!"
"You know who I am talking about! You talk to her all--" WHAP.
The Golem gets a good hit in, catching his jaw proper this time. Elvis flies back a bit, skidding to a halt. At that point, everything gets a bit hazy.
---
"Oops," is the next thing Elvis recalls, holding a few Golem parts in his hands. A look to Ambrosius. "The parts will still reveal great insight by themselves at least!" The Sentinel sets them down. He will come back for them.
The next hallway ahead seems oddly dim, much liek the last room where darkness was the motif with bits of light. "Huh. Wonder what the purpose of this place was? Seems strange most areas are so poorly lit. It doesn't seem to be a failing of the system, its--" Another alarm goes off before anything can be mentioned further.
"Oh. May want to hurry across!" The Professor pulls out a book, a specific book. DOesn't have any topic relevant to the current issue, but it lights up a little when opened, like some kind of small night light! "Keep going! If we get separated, come back to my light!"
From there, Elvis will try to use his ADVANCED INTELLECT to recall how to run down a hall properly and not run in to a wall.
DG: Elvis has used his Tool Copious Research Notes toward his party's challenge, You Shouldn't Be Here.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
"...Iiindeed." Ambrosius agrees with a nod toward Elvis. See, the situation wasn't entirely unsalvageable! "We should also...arraaange for transportaaation...of this data..."
There was so much they could probably learn from the archive! But there was so much they had yet to find in the rest of the ruin, as well, so it's time to move forward.
This time, however, an alarm sounds and they find themselves in complete darkness!
"...Hrm. How iiinconvenient..." Ambrosius mutters. There's an ominous sensation in the air here. He doesn't like it. And so, he reaches into his poncho and draws out what appears to be a short, slim rod with buttons and switches on it. He inputs a combination and the top slides open to reveal...a light? It's fluctuating in a strange manner, though...
"...This light will...deteeect movement around us... If it turns red...watch yourselves...there may be an ambush...or a trap..." He warns. He waves it around carefully. In addition to Elvis's own light, it should help them get through.
In theory.
DG: Ambrosius has used his Tool Advanced Multi-Tool toward his party's challenge, You Shouldn't Be Here.
<Pose Tracker> Gwen Whitlock has posed.
"One hundred and.. oh, c'monnnn. I'd be lucky t'see three fourths of that! N' over two hundred, too?! I'm like an infant compared to the likes of you two!" Gwen lets out an exasperated sigh for effect, but it doesn't do much to stop the twitch of a smile. She almost wants to joke about the difference in age lengths. But then she remembers Kaguya, and how pale and fragile her health was. How angry it made her, almost as angry as Gwen had gotten herself, back when she was a far less sturdy child. They had a right to live the lives they meant to live, free from outside influence.
Elvis mentions someone Gwen talks about, all the time, who is a she. ".... Auntie Frea? Wait, wait does she know you're Veruni? I mean- oh." The PROFESSOR is sailing ahead, and-
Gwen covers her horrified mouth with her left palm. "..... N-nobody tell Dean 'bout this, 'kay...?"
----
Walking out into the dim hallway, Gwen flinches back as writing on the walls pulse, sending up an alarm. "... Right... uh... I'll, uh, follow you two's lead, then." Something feels off-kilter in this hallway. Like there was some deathtrap, certain to click into motion in a few frantic moments. "Just... stay calm, n'... steady..." Or, hurry, like Elvis says. Because that seems to be more Gwen's language. "This-hallway-is-too-damn-creepy!!" she yells, sprinting down the hallway.
DG: Gwen Whitlock has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward her party's challenge, You Shouldn't Be Here.
===========================<* Memorial Sanctuary *>=========================== ===================<* CHALLENGE - You Shouldn't Be Here *>==================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Wits |Challenge Rating: 1 | --------------------------< Challenge Information: >-------------------------- Most of the Memorial Sanctuary is but dimly-lit, with numerous spots and spaces shrouded in darkness. Still, the way forward is typically clear enough, and this passageway is no different-- Until the assortment of the pale lights in this hall turn a dull menacing red, as text in an ancient lost language slides across the panels. An alarm blares, briefly. Then the lights go out, plunging the chamber into complete darkness. A sense of oppression and menace settles in after. You've got to find your way out of here. =Dungeon Conditions: Reckless, Cripple========================================
======================<* Memorial Sanctuary - Round 4 *>====================== =====================< Results - You Shouldn't Be Here >====================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Elvis 31 --(0)--> 31 Pass Copious Research Notes 2 Wits Effects: Enlighten ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ambrosius 26 --(0)--> 26 Pass Advanced Multi-Tool 2 Wits Effects: Enlighten ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gwen Whitlock 26 --(0)--> 26 Pass Investigate 0 Wits Effects: BASIC ----------------------------------< Party >----------------------------------- Leader: Elvis 50 --(20)--> 70 Pass Conditions: Cripple|Fright(1)|Reckless(2) Effects: Enlighten(1) ==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
DG: The party led by Elvis has passed this challenge! The party gained 20 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.
============================<* Memorial Sanctuary *>============================ ====================<* CHALLENGE - Percussive Maintenance *>==================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Brute |Challenge Rating: 4 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------- One thing becomes immediately clear when you enter this room: someone must have been in here recently, or the machine currently projecting a series of images against one blank wall has been running on its own for a /very/ long time. A fire burns. It's hard to determine what precisely is burning at first, until the realization comes that an entire landscape is burning. In the inferno a single silhouette can be dimly seen-- And then, naturally, the whole operation grinds to a halt. The current image pixelates and shakes with distortion against the wall. Maybe something's jammed. Whatever the cause, you're not going to get much more out of this unless you can convince the machine to resume normal play again. =Dungeon Conditions: Slow, Vault==============================================
<Pose Tracker> Elvis has posed.
The lights go out, but those assembled do nto fear it! After all, how often is it that adventuring folk come int osomewhere that is dark and spooky, right?
Elvis offers a beacon to return to iff one gets too far away and exploration yields nothing. Ambrosius' tool is able to detect the subtle nuances of the red lights i nthe darkness, and sense a strafing pattern, one used for detection. While the light is near undetectable by eyes, the Multi-Tool can sense the photons and where they go.
As for Gwen, she bolts down the hall, and with a little luck, manages to avoid all the sensors, ending in much-wanted light!
"Well, this place can't be too much bigger," Elvis says.
"Hopefully we will soon fight out why this place seems to favor low light conditions."
<Pose Tracker> Gwen Whitlock has posed.
The previous hallway did well to instill a sense of foreboding, regardless of its true purpose.
The walls reflect the flame red of the projected landscape, flickering in tandem with the hellish display.
It's all made worse by the lack of sound, like a quiet scream. The crackling and snap of a flame would almost be preferable here, grounding the scene in some sense of the normal world.
But Ambrosius and Elvis would likely know enough of what's really happening here, especially as the image pixelates and distorts into jagged lines, each attempt failing to push past whatever second of footage that is being projected.
Gwen, meanwhile, shrinks back from a scene that already draws an anxious inhale of the breath. Backing away, she feels the outline of some contraption against her back. Wheeling around, she punches at the machine, then does it again, and again, and again, with abandon.
There have been many times Gwen has had to face fire, and many times, she's lucked out, either by moving too fast for her to register its danger, or cases where it wasn't real. This is the latter.
Gwen just... doesn't know that. Maybe, with how freely she hits the machine, it might work out in everyone's favor if she continues at this pace.
DG: Gwen Whitlock has used her Tool ARM-ored Fist toward her party's challenge, Percussive Maintenance.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
Ambrosius nods, agreeing with Elvis. He had to admit, it was trying his patience. He almost feels as if he should have come here with his helmet - it was perfect for seeing in dark conditions like this. But he'll have to do without it.
But eventually, there is light - though not in the form they expect. An image is projected, of a flaming landscape framing a single silhouette. But before they can figure out who or what...it distorts.
"...Hrm..." Ambrosius mutters. Of course the one piece of machinery that would break down here is the one that might've had important information held within. And then he hears the sound of metal hitting metal and whirls to see Gwen punching a device repeatedly.
"Miss Whitlock...!?" Ambrosius says, alarmed. He begins to extend a hand...but doesn't quite feel like getting punched, and stops. But...hm.
Maybe he could use this.
He adjusts a few settings on the multitool and approaches the machine carefully. Maybe the damage she was inflicting on it would expose its internals and allow him to fix the problem.
DG: Ambrosius has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward his party's challenge, Percussive Maintenance.
<Pose Tracker> Elvis has posed.
Moving forward, the intrepid party is finally somewhere with some light. Though the light quickly becomes of a disturbing sort. Images of embers and infernos roar against the walls, the heart of a raging storm. Each snap of fire a death knell of something snuffed out that wasn't the fire. And yet, in it all, a lone figure or object remains untouched. "What is..."
Once again, before he can extrapolate, the whole thing shuts off. "Damnit!" he says, stomping a foot. "Someone was in here before is, I just know it! Whoever opened the path up. They must have tampered with the equipment!"
A look to Ambrosius. "We should try to fix this! It shouldn't be too hard, much of the our tech has base forms in ancient things such as these." To see just what it was trying to show.
Gwen rather... loses her cool. "Calm yourself! That isn't-- actually." A look to the machine. "...Keep doing that! I am going to see of something is jamming the system inside! Hitting it could lossen whatever it is."
DG: Elvis has used his Tool PALB-3106 Power Gloves toward his party's challenge, Percussive Maintenance.
============================<* Memorial Sanctuary *>============================ ====================<* CHALLENGE - Percussive Maintenance *>==================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Brute |Challenge Rating: 4 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------- One thing becomes immediately clear when you enter this room: someone must have been in here recently, or the machine currently projecting a series of images against one blank wall has been running on its own for a /very/ long time. A fire burns. It's hard to determine what precisely is burning at first, until the realization comes that an entire landscape is burning. In the inferno a single silhouette can be dimly seen-- And then, naturally, the whole operation grinds to a halt. The current image pixelates and shakes with distortion against the wall. Maybe something's jammed. Whatever the cause, you're not going to get much more out of this unless you can convince the machine to resume normal play again. =Dungeon Conditions: Slow, Vault==============================================
=======================<* Memorial Sanctuary - Round 5 *>======================= ======================< Results - Percussive Maintenance >====================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elvis 31 --(0)--> 31 Pass PALB-3106 Power Gloves 3 Brute Effects: Fanfare -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ambrosius 26 --(0)--> 26 Pass Force 0 Brute Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gwen Whitlock 26 --(0)--> 26 Pass ARM-ored Fist 2 Brute Effects: Strengthen -----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------ Leader: Elvis 70 --(30)--> 100 Pass Conditions: Cripple|Reckless(1)|Slow(2)|Vault(1) Effects: Strengthen(1) ===============================< Dream Chasers >================================
DG: You have overcome the dungeon's trials! This run is a success! DG: The party led by Elvis has successfully explored Memorial Sanctuary!
============================<* Memorial Sanctuary *>============================ ===============<* CHALLENGE - A Small Step Towards A Big Dream *>=============== |Type: Discovery |Dungeon Ability: Conclusion|Challenge Rating: 1 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------- In the end, once the Golem twitches its last and lies still... ...Even though the foe has been vanquished and the alarm system calmed, none of the doors open. Perhaps there's a short, or perhaps time and geologic shifts have rendered said chambers inaccessible. For a moment, it might look as if you have come all this way for a hollow victory against the ruins-- Until you look again at the Golem you've felled. There, gleaming alongside its broken body -- that's a completely undamaged and likely still functional Golem core, isn't it? And an ancient one at that. Not only is /that/ worth a lot of money, in the right hands it could be a valuable resource. Enough to power a similarly sized Golem, or perhaps put to other technological uses. The sky's the limit. And that's to say nothing of what else could be scavenged from the defeated Golem. Maybe things aren't so bad after all. =Dungeon Conditions: Treasure=================================================
<Pose Tracker> Gwen Whitlock has posed.
As the three work on the machine, a fourth entity approaches. It steps forward delicately, with halting, awkward steps, like a yearling in its first minutes of life.
Or an elderly horse, nearing its end.
What likely finally declared its existence is the crash it makes when it collapses it the ground, spilling more of its contents from before.
Even Elvis slamming into it wasn't enough to quell its dedication to its duty. And as the the remaining bits of it slip out onto the floor, it becomes clear why: a gleaming, nearly pristine Golem core.
The alarms promptly stop, leaving the room in true silence.
Dean's such a bad influence. She likely wouldn't have given this event that much thought. But because of him, and people like him, it's hard _not_ to assign importance to its last moments. Or maybe, it's due to the fact that the physical heart that beats within her own chest makes her wonder if she would understand a little of its last thoughts.
Gwen stands, and walks over to the fallen golem, kneeling beside it. "... It's okay, big guy." She extends her right hand, pressing its gloved surface against the remains of one metallic hand. "You can rest easy now, okay? You did a good job." Would that be what a golem would want to hear?
She doesn't move to grab the core. "... That's your share," Gwen says, to Ambrosius and Elvis. "I just ask that you remember this little meeting. And look forward to another day when we could do this more freely. It was... fun."
<Pose Tracker> Gwen Whitlock has posed.
As the three work on the machine, a fourth entity approaches. It steps forward delicately, with halting, awkward steps, like a yearling in its first minutes of life.
Or an elderly horse, nearing its end.
What likely finally declared its existence is the crash it makes when it collapses it the ground, spilling more of its contents from before.
Even Elvis slamming into it wasn't enough to quell its dedication to its duty. And as the the remaining bits of it slip out onto the floor, it becomes clear why: a gleaming, nearly pristine Golem core.
The alarms promptly stop, leaving the room in true silence. No doors unlock, no hidden compartments reveal themselves. It is, for now, a dead end.
Dean's such a bad influence. She likely wouldn't have given this event that much thought. But because of him, and people like him, it's hard _not_ to assign importance to its last moments. Or maybe, it's due to the fact that the physical heart that beats within her own chest makes her wonder if she would understand a little of its last thoughts.
Gwen stands, and walks over to the fallen golem, kneeling beside it. "... It's okay, big guy." She extends her right hand, pressing its gloved surface against the remains of one metallic hand. "You can rest easy now, okay? You did a good job." Would that be what a golem would want to hear?
She doesn't move to grab the core. "... That's your share," Gwen says, to Ambrosius and Elvis. "I just ask that you remember this little meeting. And look forward to another day when we could do this more freely. It was... fun."
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
Ambrosius doesn't notice the Golem approaching them at first. He's too busy working with the insides of the machine - and it's a very fascinating one, at that. And then a loud crash sees him turning around quickly, preparing to defend himself.
...But in the end, there's nothing there but the Golem from before, having managed to drag itself all the way here. Ambrosius stands at his full height, looking down at it quietly.
It's dedication was...admirable. For a moment, he thinks back to his own Golem.
He watches as Gwen approaches it, speaking to it with a compassion few humans would show a machine.
"...Very well." Ambrosius replies. He rummages through his poncho, drawing out a container - one made for the safe transportation of delicate items. He places the core inside and seals it before looking back up to Gwen.
"...I, too, wish for that day, Miss Whitlock." Ambrosius replies, a bit quiet.
<Pose Tracker> Elvis has posed.
The machine doesn't seem to want to work again. But who was that on the monitor! Unfortunately somethign slames in to the projector a little too hard and causes parts to fall down. "What was that?! That wasn't you, was it?!" Elvis asks Gwen, a metal echo to his voice from inside the machine. Fighting ensues outside, and Elvis scrambles out to assist.
---
"Was quite resilient! I am impressed! We were never able to fully replicate the grandeur of Golems from ancient times." THh ancient ones were always so powerful. Veruni Golems are stable, cost effective, and strong, but there is an indomitability and power to the ancient models that escaped Elvis.
"Defeating it may not be a full loss...!" Elvis says, spying a glint within the chest cavity of the Golem. An intact, unharmed cored. After everything they did to it, something must have shielded it. "HAH! Look at this, you two!" the Sentinel says, removing more plating and pointing it out. "An intact core. And old days style core, too. The power this could output is something else!"
A look back to Gwen. "Sure you don't want anything? All sorts of parts here still usable!" Does she even have a Gear? "Perhaps when this is all over with the Metal Demons, we could do something else for certain!"
When this is all over, there could be party members missing from their usual troupe. And he doesn't mean him and Ambrosius.
Speaking of fellow Veruni... "Using that core would be quite beneficial, I surmise," he comments towsrd him. Elvis pulls out a book himself, and moves closer to the Golem. "This is a good chance to get soem specs and metallurgy done. I havent built a Golem for myself in... It has been almost a century, really. Being confined to the labs took up much of my time. I used to assemble them when I was a young sprout!"
The quill goes to his mouth to be wetted. "...Perhaps I will finally build another."