2020-09-29: The Gate to Home
- Log: The Gate to Home
- Cast: White Knight Leo, Day Muirwall, Hilde, Pearl, Naelle Sylkirk
- Where: Beneath Kattlelox
- Date: September 29, 2020
- Summary: After the battle of Kattlelox, the Guard charge through the main gate, hoping to survive.
DG: A party led by White Knight Leo is now entering Flight Through the Main Gate. DG: Party formation is now over. An Entry Challenge will now be drawn and displayed to the party.
=======================<* Flight Through the Main Gate *>=======================
======================<* CHALLENGE - Relentless Pursuit *>======================
|Type: Entry |Dungeon Ability: Agility |Challenge Rating: 2 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
Solaris has seized control of this facility. Or, more accurately, they've
awakened something that has done so on their behalf. With the main gate
blockaded, and a relentless robotic killer on your tail, you have one option
left:
Run.
Megaman Juno's voice rings down the corridor, calm and composed as ever.
It's coming from speakers on the walls, giving the illusion that he is
everywhere, at once. Nevertheless, the low, steady hum of his systems points
out his true location--he's nearby, and getting closer.
"System diagnostics complete. All security measures remain operational. I am
attempting to isolate and contain the invasive Biomass before further
contamination occurs."
With no warning whatsoever, a door to your left slams shut, sealing itself
tightly. A door up ahead does the same. Fortunately, there are more doors to
choose from, but Juno is doing a good job of locking down the area. The
network of sterile corridors turns into a dynamic, reactive maze--a clear
path could become a dead end at a moment's notice. It will take lightning
speed to outpace him, but if you're lucky, you might be able to gain a lead
on him.
=Dungeon Conditions: Fright, Hesitate, Slow, Vault============================
<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.
Leo, for all his faults, is true to his word--he's told his stranded fellow Guards that he would get them back to the Silver Star, and he meant it. This meant keeping an ear out for anything that might be a lead, regardless of how unrelated it seemed; an odd countdown emanating from a facility on Kattelox is precisely that sort of rumor. Even more alarming was the fact that everyone else seemed interested in it too. Leo did his best to keep his people protected, manipulating earthworks to keep them out of Odessa's lines of fire--
But then things happened, and the battlefield changed dramatically. There is no only one way forward.
The Main Gate is as alien and unwelcoming as any 'high-tech' ruin Leo's ever been in. At least Ash Hare had decent signage, and some semblance of decorations. This--this is a labyrinth. Every corridor looks like every other. The thing Solaris summoned taunts them, and Leo cannot tell where its voice is coming from.
Leo tries not to dwell on Brad Evans' sacrifice, or on the raw emotion he heard in Marivel's voice. He runs.
Up ahead, a door slams shut. Another slams shut moments later, to Leo's left. A bead of sweat drips down his forehead. "Damnation," the White Knight growls. "It's trying to pen us in!" He flares his cape out behind him, as much for signaling as for showmanship--in these stark white environs, it stands out. He races for the next door, sprinting like his life depended on it--as he closes in on the next door, he whips a rope grapnel off his belt and throws it at the portal. It catches the rim of the door itself, and Leo pulls on it, trying to keep the portal from closing. "HURRY!"
DG: White Knight Leo has used his Tool Rope Ladder toward his party's challenge, Relentless Pursuit.
<Pose Tracker> Day Muirwall has posed.
"There's nothing to be gained by fighting this one," Vess says, her voice soft but with an underlying urgency. "We should hurry."
Or is it Vess? She's still in her glasses, but her auburn hair flows about her more neatly and naturally, and her peasant dress has been exchanged for a green and white tunic that comes a little ways down her thighs. It's her, yes - but it's her as herself, Seraph Vesna.
Day's had time to get used to it but has no time, paradoxically, to dwell on it. Duty calls. And right now, it calls for keeping ahead of a horrible mechanoid abomination who clearly wants to exterminate him, and it calls for doing so by barreling past a man's tragic sacrifice into a technological hellhole that makes him want to crawl out of his skin.
Doors slam around them as Day reaches for the Shiro Tail at his hip, gripping it and letting the magic flow through his limbs. His pace quickens, unencumbered all of a sudden by the weight of his fullplate. The steel armour creaks and clatters but doesn't weigh him down as he dashes after Leo, rushing towards the next door.
"Commander!" he shouts as he leaps down the length of the ladder as fast as the Shiro Tail will let him. It gives him just enough lead to sprint out in front.
Just enough lead to try and wedge himself into the doorframe and force it open with both hands and his back, pushing himself to the side to let his arms form an arch.
"Gaah... hurry...! I can't hold this forever!"
DG: Day Muirwall has used his Tool Shiro's Tail toward his party's challenge, Relentless Pursuit.
<Pose Tracker> Hilde has posed.
A way back home... could it possibly be true? Filgaia was interesting, certainly, but Hilde was quite eager to return home. Her land, the people she had sworn to protect, they were all a planet away. She could do nothing for them here on this world.
Was returning to it worth the sacrifice that had been made? The emotional turmoil? ...She elects not to dwell on that for now.
And so, for now, Hilde finds herself running along with the others. Up ahead, a door begins to close - and Day and Leo move to try to force it open.
Hilde draws her Rope Lance from behind her cape and takes careful open, hurling it over their heads.
"If you feel you will not be quick enough, hold on to the rope!" Hilde shouts. Once anyone who intends to take it holds on Hilde recites the command word, causing the magic in the Rope Lance to drag them along behind it to where it landed.
DG: Hilde has used her Tool Rope Lance toward her party's challenge, Relentless Pursuit.
<Pose Tracker> Pearl has posed.
Battlefields are Pearl's bread and butter, and the fact that she did not take more of a part in what was seemingly a free-for-all is somewhat disappointing to her. She has bad priorities. However, the orders given were to ensure they get to this mystery gate and hopefully back to Lunar, so Pearl is doing her part there.
Now, unfortunately, they are pursued by something they cannot fight, and that seems to frustrate Pearl even more. Retreating is never a good feeling. Again, bad priorities. In this case, it feels like being a rat trapped in a maze, with the added difficulty that the maze cheats. This,too, is frustrating. She does not dwell on any sacrifices or the ramifications thereof because a maze is trying to kill her and her fellow guard and also because she doesn't seem to care.
Seeing the efforts of everyone else, Pearl flicks out the grapnel on her wrist, aiming to shoot through the arch created by Day. Assuming that works, she then flips to try and hold the door open from the opposite side, because it sure looks like a door someone could lose a limb to if they're not fast enough. "Move!" She yells, as soon as everyone else is past.
DG: Pearl has used her Tool Wrist-Mounted Grapnel toward her party's challenge, Relentless Pursuit.
<Pose Tracker> Naelle Sylkirk has posed.
Naelle's ears are back and flattened against her head. Her agility is, as has oft been noted, cat-like, and right now she's scampering along at speed. "I don't wanna be isolated and contained! I'm scared of being all alone, especially on Filgaia!" She's trying not to think too hard about anything else. She is not great at this whole processing emotions thing!
"I gotta focus!" she decides, and as she scampers, grabs a bottle with a faded label from a pocket. The only word that can be made out is EXTREME, and she yanks the bottle open and downs it.
Is it really a good idea for her to be drinking energy drinks *now*?
DG: Naelle Sylkirk has used her Tool Energy Drink toward her party's challenge, Relentless Pursuit.
=======================<* Flight Through the Main Gate *>=======================
======================<* CHALLENGE - Relentless Pursuit *>======================
|Type: Entry |Dungeon Ability: Agility |Challenge Rating: 2 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
Solaris has seized control of this facility. Or, more accurately, they've
awakened something that has done so on their behalf. With the main gate
blockaded, and a relentless robotic killer on your tail, you have one option
left:
Run.
Megaman Juno's voice rings down the corridor, calm and composed as ever.
It's coming from speakers on the walls, giving the illusion that he is
everywhere, at once. Nevertheless, the low, steady hum of his systems points
out his true location--he's nearby, and getting closer.
"System diagnostics complete. All security measures remain operational. I am
attempting to isolate and contain the invasive Biomass before further
contamination occurs."
With no warning whatsoever, a door to your left slams shut, sealing itself
tightly. A door up ahead does the same. Fortunately, there are more doors to
choose from, but Juno is doing a good job of locking down the area. The
network of sterile corridors turns into a dynamic, reactive maze--a clear
path could become a dead end at a moment's notice. It will take lightning
speed to outpace him, but if you're lucky, you might be able to gain a lead
on him.
=Dungeon Conditions: Fright, Hesitate, Slow, Vault============================
==================<* Flight Through the Main Gate - Round 1 *>================== ========================< Results - Relentless Pursuit >======================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- White Knight Leo 0 --(8)--> 8 Pass Rope Ladder 2 Agility Effects: Quicken -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hilde 0 --(8)--> 8 Pass Rope Lance 2 Agility Effects: Quicken -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naelle Sylkirk 0 --(8)--> 8 Pass Energy Drink 2 Agility Effects: Cleanse and Efficient -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Muirwall 0 --(8)--> 8 Fail Shiro's Tail 2 Agility Effects: Quicken -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pearl 0 --(8)--> 8 Pass Wrist-Mounted Grapnel 3 Agility Effects: Rally -----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------ Leader: White Knight Leo 0 --(30)--> 30 Pass Conditions: Fright(2)|Hesitate(2)|Slow(2)|Vault(1) Effects: Cleanse|Quicken(1) ===============================< Dream Chasers >================================
DG: The party led by White Knight Leo has passed this challenge! The party gained 30 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: Pearl has drawn a new Challenge.
=======================<* Flight Through the Main Gate *>=======================
===================<* CHALLENGE - Inconvenient Laser Grid *>====================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Agility |Challenge Rating: 3 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
The Main Gate seems to have fewer traps than the Sub-Gates, but its army of
Reaverbots more than makes up the difference. Still, there are a few such
obstacles in evidence, and you've run across one now.
Bright red lasers illuminate the corridor ahead, stretching from wall to
wall in a complex spiderweb of crimson light. Will they slice you to ribbons
if you touch them, or just set off every alarm in the facility? Either way,
it's best not to touch them. At all.
Juno's voice crackles over the intercom.
"Megaman Trigger, this is a reminder that Unit Kamui presents an existential
threat to both the Objective and yourself. I apologize for whatever distress
this may cause you, but she must be subdued and retrieved as soon as
possible. Failure to do so will result in a permanent demerit."
=Dungeon Conditions: Slow=====================================================
<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.
Day tries to make himself into a living pillar--a noble gesture, but one limited by one simple fact. Even encased in full armor, there is only so much human flesh can stand up to, and there are some heavy-duty servos operating these doors. For a few seconds, Day is left to bear the crushing weight on his shoulders, and it is not pleasant. It only gets better after Leo and Pearl move in to help. Naelle's energy drink provides her with an extra bit of manic energy, and Hilde's rope lance offers some essential insurance.
Once the Guard is on the other side, the door slams shut with crushing force. Pearl was right. Someone could've lost a limb to that; Day and Leo were lucky they didn't. "Is--everyone--all right?" Leo asks, between breaths.
<Pose Tracker> Pearl has posed.
"I fear we must go on even if we are not." Pearl says, moving ahead of the rest of the group to see what awaits them. The look on her face seems... marginally more unpleasant than usual, as she turns back. "And yet we must hope what they are." She waves everyone over to the next barrier.
Webs of lasers crisscross the hallway ahead, in patterns unusual and difficult. There's no single clear path through here, it's a matter of contortion and speed. "....They've even prepared for people moving along the walls. Unusual." Pearl grimaces, and readies her grapnel once again.
As she does, the voice echoes through the facility, and yet Pearl doesn't react. She doesn't know who anyone involved is, so what's the point. "I'll go first." And then, despite what she just sad about the walls, she aims for a gap between the the ceiling and upper walland attempts to lunch herself through another small gap. It's a quick, risky path, that one false move could be her end. But speed is of the essence right now.
DG: Pearl has used her Tool Wrist-Mounted Grapnel toward her party's challenge, Inconvenient Laser Grid.
<Pose Tracker> Day Muirwall has posed.
Day may be a strong man, but he's not superhuman by any means. Blessedly, Leo and Pearl step in, and he's finally able to slip himself out of the door with a groan, nearly collapsing before catching himself. "Hah... ah... y-yes, I'm alright, Commander," he assures Leo, doing his best to compose himself despite the chord of pain underlying his voice.
Seraph Vesna touches down with the group and glances back over her shoulder. "I don't think we're free of that being yet, Sir Leo... he seems quite determined."
Day winces and rolls one shoulder. "I'm pretty determined too," he grunts. Determined to not die, he leaves unsaid.
Pearl, at least, isn't wrong. Day moves along after the martial artist, but comes up short at the sight of the complex laser web. Immediately he winces and grabs ahold of the Shiro Tail. "Ohhhh, this is going to be interesting," he mutters to himself as he watches Pearl somehow weave herself through the maddening interlace of lethal light.
Drawing a breath, the young knight steps up, mentally bracing himself and timing out how he should move. "Here it goes," he breathes.
He jumps through - more agile about it than he has a right to be, but there's only so nimble that you can be in fullplate. The path he takes exploits the widest gaps. It's much more circuitous than the one Pearl takes, but it's clear what he's doing: Recognizing his bulk disadvantage and using what edges he does have to play it safe.
DG: Day Muirwall has used his Tool Shiro's Tail toward his party's challenge, Inconvenient Laser Grid.
<Pose Tracker> Naelle Sylkirk has posed.
"I'm okay, Boss, I'm fine, everything still attached and good and not trapped and alone forever! But we should keep running! Running is a good idea! Gosh that drink helped! I'm going to have another before I go through this!!" Before someone with any sense at all can stop her, Naelle has another bottle in her hand, and quaffs the contents in a single go.
This scared kitty really has the zoomies now.
DG: Naelle Sylkirk has used her Tool Energy Drink toward her party's challenge, Inconvenient Laser Grid.
<Pose Tracker> Hilde has posed.
"I am, yes. Thank you." Hilde says, offering a polite bow toward Day, Leo, and Pearl for their intervention. They move forward, into a hallway lined with lasers! Hilde frowns.
"Hold a moment, friends - I have read of treachery like this during my time in Filgaia. Allow me to do something." She says. She takes up the Rope Lance and unties the rope from the end. Does that make it just Lance?
Let's not think about that.
She recites a different command word, this one causing the lance to lower drastically in temperature and emit a cold vapor. She hurls it through the air to the other side, careful to try and avoid any of the lasers.
Where it flies, the vapor trail begins to settle... and this might briefly reveal some lasers that might otherwise not be visible.
DG: Hilde has used her Tool Rope Lance toward her party's challenge, Inconvenient Laser Grid.
<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.
Leo catches that note of pain in Day's voice. He places a Heal Berry in the young man's hand as he passes by--no instructions, just trust that his soldier will heal himself. Likewise, he gives Naelle a wide-eyed glance as she assures him she's fine, totally fine, completely fine, why would he even be worried. What in Althena's name is in that drink?
"Agreed," Leo says, to Vesna. "It speaks as though the entirety of this labyrinth is its domain. If if could do something as simple as controlling doors, Goddess knows what else it could do."
Lasers. Leo's run into these before. In his experience, they tend to cause excruciating burns on contact, though there's also the possibility they're harmless, but linked to something that isn't. He watches Pearl's grapnel placement carefully, and hurls his own grapple into place. He loops the excess around his arm, jumps, and swings over several lasers. Pulling the grapple free, he drops through another, pulling his body into as tight a curl as he can. Like Day, he's at a disadvantage in terms of mass.
DG: White Knight Leo has used his Tool Rope Ladder toward his party's challenge, Inconvenient Laser Grid.
=======================<* Flight Through the Main Gate *>=======================
===================<* CHALLENGE - Inconvenient Laser Grid *>====================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Agility |Challenge Rating: 3 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
The Main Gate seems to have fewer traps than the Sub-Gates, but its army of
Reaverbots more than makes up the difference. Still, there are a few such
obstacles in evidence, and you've run across one now.
Bright red lasers illuminate the corridor ahead, stretching from wall to
wall in a complex spiderweb of crimson light. Will they slice you to ribbons
if you touch them, or just set off every alarm in the facility? Either way,
it's best not to touch them. At all.
Juno's voice crackles over the intercom.
"Megaman Trigger, this is a reminder that Unit Kamui presents an existential
threat to both the Objective and yourself. I apologize for whatever distress
this may cause you, but she must be subdued and retrieved as soon as
possible. Failure to do so will result in a permanent demerit."
=Dungeon Conditions: Slow=====================================================
==================<* Flight Through the Main Gate - Round 2 *>================== =====================< Results - Inconvenient Laser Grid >====================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- White Knight Leo 8 --(12)--> 20 Pass Rope Ladder 2 Agility Effects: Quicken -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hilde 8 --(12)--> 20 Pass Rope Lance 2 Agility Effects: Quicken -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naelle Sylkirk 8 --(12)--> 20 Pass Energy Drink 2 Agility Effects: Cleanse and Efficient -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Muirwall 8 --(12)--> 20 Fail Shiro's Tail 2 Agility Effects: Quicken -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pearl 8 --(12)--> 20 Pass Wrist-Mounted Grapnel 3 Agility Effects: Rally -----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------ Leader: White Knight Leo 30 --(20)--> 50 Pass Conditions: Fright(1)|Hesitate(1)|Slow(2) Effects: Cleanse|Quicken(1) ===============================< Dream Chasers >================================
DG: The party led by White Knight Leo 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: Day Muirwall has drawn a new Challenge.
=======================<* Flight Through the Main Gate *>=======================
=================<* CHALLENGE - Distraction Urgently Needed *>==================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Wits |Challenge Rating: 3 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
Your path through the Gate has taken you to a large chamber lined with
viewscreens and terminals. No sooner have you entered than the door slams
shut, trapping you inside. Juno's smiling face appears on every screen,
looking down at you from a dozen different angles.
"This Biomass cluster has been successfully isolated. Now, for the next
priority..."
The terminals are all active, and those who can read Zeboim can identify a
particular highlight on each of them--they're being accessed remotely by the
Chief Administrator. Not all of the text is in that language, though--and
either way, it's clear Juno's paying attention to what this system is doing.
If you're clever, lucky, or well-equipped, it might be possible to feed Juno
false information, or otherwise distract him. It might just save your
comrades' lives.
=Dungeon Conditions: Stupify, Suffer==========================================
<Pose Tracker> Pearl has posed.
It's a close run thing, even for those who make it through unscathed. Pearl lands first, turning back to watch her comrades coming through. Naelle runs though as quickly and gracefully as, well, a cat. Pearl raises an eyebrow at this. Does she have to reassess the girl? Hilde's effort to freeze the air pays off, showing several lasers that weren't so kind as to be visible. It's a slower passage for her, but safe. Leo is able to grapnel through to the otherside, cape billowing as he lands is optional. Pearl looksback at the grid, and her hard expression hardens further. "He's cutting it too close."
Day does the best he can, but as stated earlier, heavy plate and agility go together poorly. It's fully three quarters of the way through the grid before laser sparks against armour. It's bright and fierce and hot, and makes life even harder.
"Guardsman Muirwall!" Pearl shouts, looking for any easy way through the grid from where Day is. "There!" She points for low point to the floor. It's an option that will cause more sparks, but hopefully not fry Day entirely.
<Pose Tracker> Day Muirwall has posed.
Sometimes Day regrets speccing into Paladin and not Rogue. If nothing else he might be a little faster about things.
He does, at least, come through in one piece, largely thanks to Pearl pointing him in the right direction. He manages to dart through, wincing and taking just a moment to catch a breath. His armour somehow survives, though the carbon scoring on his armour speak to just how close a call things were.
Through a door they go, Day pushing into the lead. The room beyond is filled with screens, with a door at either end.
Doors that slam closed. Day tenses and draws his sword. "Tch--"
One by one, the screens wink to life with the startlingly sedate face of Megaman Juno.
'This Biomass cluster has been successfully isolated. Now, for the next priority....'
A few terminals around the room flicker with text - and Seraph Vesna, suddenly, gasps as she darts to one of them. "What... this can't be," she murmurs, laying her hands on the monitor. "I know these characters...!"
With a blink, Day moves over to the console, leaning over to peer at it. "I don't understand it at all. What is it, Vess?"
"It's the Old Tongue." The Seraph delicately touches a few points on the screen, pointing out one block of words, then the other. "This is some kind of thing that communicates with someone called the Chief Administrator. He's paying attention to it. I... I think we can use these keys to distract him while we try and get the door open!"
DG: Day Muirwall has used his Tool Vess's Guidance toward his party's challenge, Distraction Urgently Needed.
<Pose Tracker> Hilde has posed.
They make it past the laser field just in time to find themselves locked in a room full of technological looking devices. Hilde frowns, drawing her sword as Juno appears on-screen.
"Do not think it will be so simple." Hilde says. She has no idea if he can hear them or not. Nearby, however, Vess spots something, which Hilde glances over to.
"Truly? ...But, alas... I am afraid I am no good with machines such as this." Hilde says, shaking her head before looking toward Naelle. "I shall leave this matter in your hands, Lady Naelle. I have faith in you!"
If there was anyone here who could do it, it was her.
DG: Hilde has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Distraction Urgently Needed.
<Pose Tracker> Pearl has posed.
This new room is not a good room for Pearl. The second she hears the door close, she whirls around to do something, but even she is too slow. She lets out a low, wolf-like growl of anger. She shoulder barges the door to no success, and turns around back to the rest of the Guard. "We are locked in." Pearl says, stating the obvious. She then looks to Day and Vess, after her comment about the Old Tongue. "Can we use that in some way?"
The heavily scarred martial artist walks over to a display and stares down at it. It has unknown letters. It has Megaman Juno's face. It has things she can touch. She pauses. "I understand none of this."
She walks back to the door. "Commander, we may be able to force it."
DG: Pearl has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Distraction Urgently Needed.
<Pose Tracker> Naelle Sylkirk has posed.
Naelle looks to the left, then the right. Then she points at herself, eyes wide. "M-me? I-I mean, I could try but I don't know what any of that says and...uh..." In backing away slowly she suddenly trips over a big cable, and in trying to retain her balance her hand smashes on a console. Buttons mash.
"Uh..." Naelle says, looking at the screen. "Huh. That changed some things! And it looks like...this button does this...and then if I...arrange..."
Whatever she's doing, it should hopefully do *something* helpful.
"D'you think I should have another drink? I could focus better wth another drink, maybe?"
DG: Naelle Sylkirk has used her Tool Big Book o'Blueprints toward her party's challenge, Distraction Urgently Needed.
<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.
Leo stops in his tracks as the doors slam shut. His blade leaves its scabbard in a gleaming arc; he holds it at the ready, as if staring Juno down. He turns, slowly, looking from screen to screen, as if trying to tell which one were the real Juno.
But this is another of that thing's tricks, isn't it? None of them are the real Juno. "Release us, you mechanical fiend!" Leo roars. "Or face the wrath of Althena's Chosen!"
There's no reply. Juno, as he mentioned, has other priorities, like stopping the half-dozen or more other biomass clusters that are running rampant in his facility.
Vess' statement earns a blink, but Leo seems to catch on after a moment or two. "Then do so," he says. "I will draw its attention."
"You know not what you have done, automaton," Leo says. "I am White Knight Leo, and these are among my finest soldiers! Once we break free--and we will--we will deliver the Goddess' own justice to this benighted hellscape!"
Leo you're not helping
DG: White Knight Leo has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward his party's challenge, Distraction Urgently Needed.
=======================<* Flight Through the Main Gate *>=======================
=================<* CHALLENGE - Distraction Urgently Needed *>==================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Wits |Challenge Rating: 3 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
Your path through the Gate has taken you to a large chamber lined with
viewscreens and terminals. No sooner have you entered than the door slams
shut, trapping you inside. Juno's smiling face appears on every screen,
looking down at you from a dozen different angles.
"This Biomass cluster has been successfully isolated. Now, for the next
priority..."
The terminals are all active, and those who can read Zeboim can identify a
particular highlight on each of them--they're being accessed remotely by the
Chief Administrator. Not all of the text is in that language, though--and
either way, it's clear Juno's paying attention to what this system is doing.
If you're clever, lucky, or well-equipped, it might be possible to feed Juno
false information, or otherwise distract him. It might just save your
comrades' lives.
=Dungeon Conditions: Stupify, Suffer==========================================
==================<* Flight Through the Main Gate - Round 3 *>================== ===================< Results - Distraction Urgently Needed >==================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- White Knight Leo 20 --(20)--> 40 Fail Investigate 0 Wits Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hilde 20 --(20)--> 40 Fail Investigate 0 Wits Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naelle Sylkirk 20 --(15)--> 35 Pass Big Book o'Blueprints 2 Wits Effects: Enlighten -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Muirwall 20 --(20)--> 40 Fail Vess's Guidance 1 Wits Effects: Cleanse -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pearl 20 --(20)--> 40 Fail Investigate 0 Wits Effects: BASIC -----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------ Leader: White Knight Leo 50 --(10)--> 60 Fail Conditions: Stupify(2)|Suffer(1) Effects: Cleanse|Enlighten(1) ===============================< Dream Chasers >================================
DG: The party led by White Knight Leo 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> Day Muirwall has posed.
"I think we can," Vesna says with a smile at Pearl, pointing to a couple of blocks of text. "Here, I'll try to translate for you."
Day, not much of a tech-head himself, folds his arms and stands back to let someone more sophisticated than her deal with things. Hilde too leaves things to Naelle, while Leo turns to challenge the mechanoid on the screen.
Megaman Juno seems to be focusing on something else right now. Biomass are Biomass, after all, and this cluster is isolated. Nevertheless, Naelle seems to make some headway. The screen on one of the terminals flickers--
A pair of vertical bars pop up. A single fat pixel bounces between them.
boop.
boop.
boop.
boop.
boop.
"Oh, how fun!" Vesna gasps, clasping her hands together. Day groans and buries his face in his hands.
By the time Pearl busts down the door, it's a relief. The game on the screen...
...keeps playing. One of the panels is moving. Juno's face on the screens looks focused.
boop.
boop.
boop.
DG: Hilde has drawn a new Challenge.
======================<* Flight Through the Main Gate *>======================
===================<* CHALLENGE - A More Personal Touch *>====================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Agility |Challenge Rating: 3 |
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
The Main Gate is a true labyrinth. It's larger than each of the three
Sub-Gates, and would be difficult to navigate even if it had landmarks worth
the name. Just when you think you've gotten lost, someone decides to lend
you a hand.
"Activating remote manipulator system in sterilization mode."
Something punches through the wall with a horrible shriek of shearing metal.
It's a massive arm, identical to Megaman Juno's, and the palm of its hand
boils with iridescent energy. A searing beam lances through the corridor,
missing you by inches--and there's only a moment's reprieve before the
weapon fires again. Run!
=Dungeon Conditions: Slow, Suffer=============================================
<Pose Tracker> Hilde has posed.
The door is pried open, and everyone runs. But, the Main Gate is practically a labyrinth - it's hard to tell if they're actually getting anywhere, or if they're just being lead about by Juno.
It's about the time that they pass a fifth corridor looks exactly the same that something massive smashes through the wall in front of them. It's one of Juno's arms - the palm pointing out as energy begins to build.
This, possibly, may be what he was focusing so intently on. Hilde's eyes go wide, and she draws her shield, bracing it in front of her as she interposes herself between the hand and her allies. The first shot misses them barely, but the next begins to charge immediately.
"We must not remain here - fly!" Hilde says. She backs away, and as she moves, a familiar aura begins to emit her body. She draws her Rope Lance - the rope now firmly attached once more - and hurls it back the other way. She holds on tight, but remains focused on Juno's manipulator, staring it down and waiting for the right moment to activate the Rope Lance.
DG: Hilde has used her Tool Rope Lance toward her party's challenge, A More Personal Touch.
<Pose Tracker> Day Muirwall has posed.
Vesna looks very disappointed that she doesn't get to play Megaman Juno in Pong....
They sprint on nevertheless, and Day manages to keep up with some effort, breathing all the more heavily under the weight of his armour. He's not lacking in speed without it, but he came dressed for a fight and ended up in a wind sprint.
A wind sprint that ends with something massive bursting through the wall. Vesna yelps in shock and jerks away, and Day instinctively moves between the arm and her, clutching the Shiro Tail to let the speed-enhancing power of the talisman flow through him.
"Vesna, RUN!" he shouts as he snaps his sword out, taking a violent swing and raising his voice to a roar. "HYAAAHT!"
A shockwave bursts from Day's sword, booming towards the massive limb. The recoil of it hurls him back, too. His heels drag against the corridor - and he whirls as the wave does whatever it does to that arm. Scrambling with a clatter of steel, he tries to take off after Hilde as fast as his tired legs will carry him.
DG: Day Muirwall has used his Tool Shiro's Tail toward his party's challenge, A More Personal Touch.
<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.
Leo keeps ranting at a sysadmin who is paying absolutely no attention. This lasts until the door gives way with an audible groan--it must've taken Pearl tremendous effort to get it open, and Leo feels a twinge of guilt for not thinking to help. But he must've bought them some time at least, right?
The thunderous crunch of steel caving in grabs Leo's attention. Hilde immediately interposes herself between them and it, pitting the steel of the Silver Star against whatever power Juno wields. The beam whizzes by, coming close enough to singe Leo's hair. The White Knight growls. "Not without teaching it a lesson!" he cries. "A lesson in manners!" A grappling hook whips out towards the arm. Rather than run for it, Leo tries to grapple with it, and point it so it's not shooting at his soldiers.
DG: White Knight Leo has used his Tool Rope Ladder toward his party's challenge, A More Personal Touch.
<Pose Tracker> Pearl has posed.
Off-screen, the effort of door opening involves growling angrily, hammering at the door, and eventually getting leverage. "We should leave." Pearl says, once it gives way.
What happens next, though, is less pleasant, as the laser barely misses them. She flicks out with her grapnel to the nearest safespot, only for it to jam. "This is a problem." She does not have the time to fix it, either. "Fine."
The Wolf School is not a school with cool techniques, and energy waves and such. It is definitely not designed to fight a giant murder arm. As much as she loathes to do it, Pearl runs. It's all she can do against this monster with her present limitations.
But when she sees Leo grapple it, she shouts back. "Now is not the time for a valiant sacrifice, Commander. Do not force us to come back for you." Is... is Pearl giving a shit?
<Pose Tracker> Naelle Sylkirk has posed.
Naelle tries to have another drink. Naelle's hands are tremoring, because she's so scared and so wired already, and the bottle crashes to the floor, smashing and pooling its EXTREME contents on the floor.
Naelle makes a startled nya, glances behind her, and runs. But then...
"Boss, no! You gotta come with us!"
DG: Naelle Sylkirk has used her Tool Energy Drink toward her party's challenge, A More Personal Touch. DG: Pearl has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward her party's challenge, A More Personal Touch.
======================<* Flight Through the Main Gate *>======================
===================<* CHALLENGE - A More Personal Touch *>====================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Agility |Challenge Rating: 3 |
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
The Main Gate is a true labyrinth. It's larger than each of the three
Sub-Gates, and would be difficult to navigate even if it had landmarks worth
the name. Just when you think you've gotten lost, someone decides to lend
you a hand.
"Activating remote manipulator system in sterilization mode."
Something punches through the wall with a horrible shriek of shearing metal.
It's a massive arm, identical to Megaman Juno's, and the palm of its hand
boils with iridescent energy. A searing beam lances through the corridor,
missing you by inches--and there's only a moment's reprieve before the
weapon fires again. Run!
=Dungeon Conditions: Slow, Suffer=============================================
=================<* Flight Through the Main Gate - Round 4 *>================= =====================< Results - A More Personal Touch >====================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ White Knight Leo 40 --(15)--> 55 Pass Rope Ladder 2 Agility Effects: Quicken ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hilde 40 --(20)--> 60 Fail Rope Lance 2 Agility Effects: Quicken ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Naelle Sylkirk 35 --(20)--> 55 Fail Energy Drink 2 Agility Effects: Cleanse and Efficient ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Day Muirwall 40 --(20)--> 60 Fail Shiro's Tail 2 Agility Effects: Quicken ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pearl 40 --(20)--> 60 Fail Rush 0 Agility Effects: BASIC ----------------------------------< Party >----------------------------------- Leader: White Knight Leo 60 --(10)--> 70 Fail Conditions: Slow(2)|Suffer(1) Effects: Cleanse|Quicken(1) ==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
DG: The party led by White Knight Leo 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. DG: Pearl has drawn a new Challenge.
=======================<* Flight Through the Main Gate *>=======================
=======================<* CHALLENGE - Gorubesshu Squad *>=======================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Combat |Challenge Rating: 3 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
You've been running for what feels like forever, but somehow, you've gotten
a moment to catch your breath. You've come to a stop in what might be some
sort of storage facility--the walls are lined with capsules, though the dark
glass covering them keeps you from seeing inside.
"Deploying countermeasures," says Juno's disembodied voice. "Gorubesshu Unit
31-C, engage Biomass purge."
As one, the capsules slide open, revealing the Reaverbots within. These are
Gorubesshu, heavily-armored units equipped with durable shields and buster
cannons. They move as one, falling effortlessly into formation and adapting
their tactics to counter those used by their foes. These are among the most
dangerous Reaverbots Diggers have recorded, and for good reason. Can you
defeat them?
(OOC:
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/megaman/images/b/bd/Gorbesh.jpg/revision
/latest?cb=20090807045024)
=Dungeon Conditions: Wound, Suffer============================================
<Pose Tracker> Hilde has posed.
Day draws his sword and slashes a shockwave toward the arm. It recoils back, and the second shot goes wide... but it's not enough to stop it outright, as it begins to charge yet another shot. Hilde moves to defend. The beam impacts her shield solidly... but, while it endures it, the sheer force of it is enough to send her flying back, even in her empowered state.
Pearl and Naelle run, but the arm aims for them next... at least, until Leo grapples with it, redirecting the attack. It'll take some effort, but he'll eventually be able to overpower it and send it crashing until a wall.
...But, it isn't destroyed. It'll be back, and possibly at a very inopportune moment.
<Pose Tracker> Pearl has posed.
Pearl is spared the wrath of the laser, through Leo's intervention. "We should find somewhere to take cover." Pearl takes the lead, on a run that seems to take forever. She bolts into a side hallway, and into... a warehouse. For a moment, there is respite. "Is everyone accounted for?" She asks, looking around. Walls, lined with capsules. What could be in them?
"Deploying countermeasures, Gorubesshu Unit 31-C, engage Biomass purge." Megaman Juno's voice echoes through the room. The capsules open, and that awful alert that reaverbots make is heard. Pearl drops into a battle stance as soon as she hears it, looking around. There's a lot of these armoured, one eyed robots coming out, and busters are aimed at the Guard.
Pearl smiles, her silver fang glinting in the dark. THESE she can fight. And looks eager to. She turns to Naelle, that smile on her face. "Stand back. The Commander and Muirwall is good at defending people. I am not."
And then she launches at the nearest reaverbot, her claws flash as she charges, even as the Reaverbots open fire.
DG: Pearl has used her Tool Mantra of Rage toward her party's challenge, Gorubesshu Squad.
<Pose Tracker> Naelle Sylkirk has posed.
Naelle is good for one thing in a fight--freezing up and freaking out. She tries, oh she tries to be brave, and bold, like the Boss, like the Boss keeps telling her she should be. But at the end of the day, she's...
A scaredy-cat. Yes. I said it.
She stands, trusty wrench held in front of her, unsteady given that Naelle is nearly knocking her knees together. Her ears lay flat back against her head. "I will be brave I will be brave I will be brave" she mutters. She knows this is the sort of thing that she's going to end up getting chastised for. But she's managing to stand her ground, at the very least.
DG: Naelle Sylkirk has contributed a Combat Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Gorubesshu Squad.
<Pose Tracker> Day Muirwall has posed.
Throwing a look back over his shoulder, Day widens his eyes at the sight of Leo throwing himself into the face of the arm. "COMMANDER!" he shouts with a spark of horror.
Must it always be lasers? He manages to cover Vesna with his shield, but soon enough, the arm's halted for now, and they're moving on. A wave of relief overtakes the young knight as Leo escapes alive and intact. "We're here!" he assures Pearl tensely. "Stay close, we don't know what else is--"
'Deploying countermeasures.'
"HYAAAAAAHT," Day cuts himself off with a roar as he immediately wheels and aims to carve his broadsword through one of the emerging Gorubesshu units.
There are plenty of Reaverbots, though - taking down one won't stop them all. And they've got ranged weapons - ranged weapons they're firing up and letting flare.
"DAY!" Vesna shrieks as buster fire converges on the young knight. A blast of fire and smoke consumes Day as the shots hit home. Dust and hot wind bloom out from where he once stood.
A few seconds later, a voice rises.
"THAT WON'T BE ENOUGH!"
The smoke parts, and Day strides through, lowering his shield. The rearing pegasus on its face has been scarred from the impacts, but behind the shield, he's whole and gearing up into a charge, his voice revving with defiance and focus as he throws a battle cry into the face of the Reaverbots. "IN THE NAME OF THE GODDESS!! HOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!"
What follows could pass for a master class in Lion's Heart swordsmanship, save to one already a master. Day Muirwall is not quite on White Knight Leo's level as a master of the style, but as he throws himself into the thick of the Reaverbots with bold, driving strokes and slashes, whirling and pivoting, guarding and striking, one thing becomes clear soon enough.
Whatever Day was when he joined the crusade in Spira months ago, his skill as a swordsman has increased dramatically.
DG: Day Muirwall has used his Tool Kite Shield toward his party's challenge, Gorubesshu Squad.
<Pose Tracker> Hilde has posed.
"My pride has been damaged, but I'll live." Hilde says with a grunt, forcing herself back to her feet. It isn't long before she joins the others, where they find themselves in what looks like a warehouse.
"...I do not like this. Stay on guard, friends." Hilde warns. For good reason, it turns out - Juno gives the order and a large amount of Reaverbots drop down - shield-bearing Gorubesshu, known for being dangerous.
Hilde glances briefly toward Naelle before surging forward. While Day moves to engage them directly, Hilde brings out her shield and her battle standard, planting the latter into the ground.
"Stand firm, friends! They are not the only ones with a shield. Should you need it, I will be there! We cannot, will not, let these mechanical monstrosities stop us. We must reunite with our friends and allies." Hilde says encouragingly.
DG: Hilde has used her Tool Battle Standard toward her party's challenge, Gorubesshu Squad.
<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.
That thing was stronger than Leo anticipated. He takes a few precious seconds to roll his shoulders, and ensure nothing was strained or dislocated--there's nothing more than a faint ache in both arms, but he knows how close he came. "I'm all right," Leo says, and he flashes his most reassuring smile. Mostly.
Leo is already eyeing the pods with suspicion as the Guards enter the room. They remind him too much of the machinery in Ash Hare, and that turned out to be nothing but horror--and he's proven right when Juno opens them, and fills the room with deadly automatons. Leo's first thought is for his troops--he presses two fingers to the Crest around his neck, focusing as the power of the White Dragon wells up within him. It washes out over the battlefield, bathing the others with pearlescent light. The protective barrier may mean the difference between life and death.
Once that's done, Leo steps forwards, drawing his blade with a shing of ringing steel. The Blade of Althena traces out a zwerchhau, flying over a Reaverbot's shield and burying itself in the automaton's neck. Leo whirls into a kick, knocking the sparking drone free. Fire pours in from its comrades; the White Knight's blade becomes a blur as he shifts into a defensive stance, reflecting most of it. A shot clips his side, and he winces in pain. "Indeed!" Leo cries, as Hilde makes her bold proclamation. "Stand firm! Double Demon Fang!"
Leo's blade whips through the air. A pair of energy waves rip up from the floor, laying into the Reaverbot line. Chunks of plating and bits of circuitry fly everywhere.
DG: White Knight Leo has used his Tool White Dragon Crest toward his party's challenge, Gorubesshu Squad.
=======================<* Flight Through the Main Gate *>=======================
=======================<* CHALLENGE - Gorubesshu Squad *>=======================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Combat |Challenge Rating: 3 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
You've been running for what feels like forever, but somehow, you've gotten
a moment to catch your breath. You've come to a stop in what might be some
sort of storage facility--the walls are lined with capsules, though the dark
glass covering them keeps you from seeing inside.
"Deploying countermeasures," says Juno's disembodied voice. "Gorubesshu Unit
31-C, engage Biomass purge."
As one, the capsules slide open, revealing the Reaverbots within. These are
Gorubesshu, heavily-armored units equipped with durable shields and buster
cannons. They move as one, falling effortlessly into formation and adapting
their tactics to counter those used by their foes. These are among the most
dangerous Reaverbots Diggers have recorded, and for good reason. Can you
defeat them?
(OOC:
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/megaman/images/b/bd/Gorbesh.jpg/revision
/latest?cb=20090807045024)
=Dungeon Conditions: Wound, Suffer============================================
==================<* Flight Through the Main Gate - Round 5 *>================== =========================< Results - Gorubesshu Squad >========================= Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- White Knight Leo 55 --(22)--> 77 Pass White Dragon Crest 2 Combat Effects: Embolden -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hilde 60 --(22)--> 82 Pass Battle Standard 1 Combat Effects: Embolden and Fanfare -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naelle Sylkirk 55 --(22)--> 77 Fail Fight 0 Combat Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Muirwall 60 --(22)--> 82 Fail Kite Shield 1 Combat Effects: Embolden and Fanfare -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pearl 60 --(22)--> 82 Pass Mantra of Rage 2 Combat Effects: Embolden -----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------ Leader: White Knight Leo 70 --(20)--> 90 Pass Conditions: Suffer(1)|Wound(2) Effects: Embolden(1) ===============================< Dream Chasers >================================
DG: The party led by White Knight Leo 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: White Knight Leo has drawn a new Challenge.
=======================<* Flight Through the Main Gate *>=======================
======================<* CHALLENGE - What Lies Beneath *>=======================
|Type: Final |Dungeon Ability: Wits |Challenge Rating: 3 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
One of the Main Gate's great secrets lies bare before you--it was built atop
something much, much older, something repurposed by whomever constructed the
Gate facilities.
This chamber is massive, and lined with crystalline circuits that look like
they were grown, rather than built. Structures that look like cracked-open
geodes sit in front of banks of ancient machinery, which still thrums with
power. At the very center of the room is a great gyroscope made of crystal,
a gimballed mechanism that presently sits idle.
It's slightly different from the ones you've seen before, but this is
clearly an Elw teleporter. Activating it is your only chance to escape Juno
and his hordes.
"The Biomass infection has penetrated the deployment level. Megaman Trigger,
I order you to divert there and purge them at once. Additional units are en
route to assist."
Get it working again, and hurry!
=Dungeon Conditions: Stupify==================================================
<Pose Tracker> Pearl has posed.
Althena's Guard has a few things that they're very good at. Stamping out heresy is one. Upholding the law of the Goddess. And fighting.
By and large, Althena's Guard are very good at fighting.
The reaverbots descend upon the guard, Leo leading the charge with the Double Demon Fang slicing through reaverbots. Hilde's battle standard holds the line. Pearl takes the fight to the reaverbots, moving with hatred and rage. Day charges in with sword and shield, but the battering they've taken in this facility is starting to show, but he holds the enemy back. Naelle doesn't run away. Today, that is enough.
"We shouldn't stay here. There may be more." There isn't time to relax after this. This facility is still trying to murder them.
<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.
Leo kicks a Gorubesshu head out of the way, a frown on his face. There's oil on his uniform, but other than that--and the glancing hit he took--he seems unharmed. "Well done," he says. He turns to Day, having noticed the young knight's impressive swordsmanship. He nods, once, smiling in approval.
With the Reaverbots wrecked, the way seems clear for now. As the Guards move deeper into the facility, the scenery starts to change. The sterile white walls give way to something more stone-like, threaded through with veins of scintillant crystal. Leo glances about, eyes lighting up in recognition. "This is--Elw craft!" A broad grin spreads across his face. Day and Hilde and Vess might be less than familiar with the concept, so like a good commander, Leo explains. "They're an old, old people from the Blue Star. Long gone, of course, but they left great works behind--among them, the very working that ferries us between the Stars!"
For once, Leo's supposition turns out to be correct. The corridor dead-ends in a large, elaborate room, full of arcane-looking machinery. "A teleporter," Leo says, and it's like a great weight has been lifted from his shoulders. "We must activate it, at once!"
Leo leaves that to the others. He knows he's no good at this, but he can stand watch in case Juno or his lackeys try something.
DG: White Knight Leo has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward his party's challenge, What Lies Beneath.
<Pose Tracker> Day Muirwall has posed.
In truth, Day's armour and weapons aren't the same quality as something one of the Four Heroes would wear. They're good, but they're going to wear down after cutting through so many all-metal enemies and taking so many energy shots. But one thing isn't wearing down.
His spirit. As he slashes through a Reaverbot with a massive blow, he gives Leo a quick glance, and catches that smile and nod.
A flood of warmth races through him, and he returns the smile, his eyes coming alight. Leo, in his eyes, is a true master of the art. To win his approval is to win something truly precious.
They press onward, and what they find is truly remarkable - enough that Day widens his eyes with sudden understanding. "The Elw? I'd heard about them... that their teleporters could cross between the worlds. Incredible!"
Drifting forward as if on a breath of spring breeze, Seraph Vesna hovers over some of the damaged equipment. "I can understand a little of these characters," she reports as she squints at a few etched letters. "These diodes here are part of some sort of magic circle, or focusing ring or something. Sir Day, if we can replace one of these, we might be able to get it working again!"
"Then let's do it before that automaton catches us." Day boosts up the platform, taking a piece of crystal in gauntleted hands and moving it back into position.
"Lady Naelle, would you assist me?"
DG: Day Muirwall has used his Tool Vess's Guidance toward his party's challenge, What Lies Beneath.
<Pose Tracker> Naelle Sylkirk has posed.
Naelle spots the Elw teleporter. She forgets to be scared for a moment, almost letting out a purr of delight. "Nya! I've had some ideas about this kind of situation and I'm going to make sure we end up *right back where we want to be* back home! Just you wait!"
Improbable amounts of scrap and bits and pieces of various technology levels are prduced from her pouches and pockets, and with her wrench and surprising speed, Naelle has soon assembled some...assemblage of wires, batteries, calipers--all of which she hooks to various spots on the Elw teleporter according to the sketches in her blueprints.
"And now all we need to do is replace..the...I'm sure I have a diode here somewhere..." She starts rummaging. "Anyone got a diode?"
DG: Naelle Sylkirk has used her Tool Big Book o'Blueprints toward her party's challenge, What Lies Beneath.
<Pose Tracker> Pearl has posed.
At last, an opportunity to escape presents itself. And once again, Pearl is utterly useless in the face of it. An ancient Elw artifact, non-functional and in desperate need of being online. Pearl walks towards it. Maybe she does have an idea? She looks for a few moments.
And then she kicks the teleporter. When that fails to help, she too takes a position to stand guard. "I wonder where this one will send us."
Pearl is a good conversationalist.
<Pose Tracker> Hilde has posed.
Hilde ensures that no one takes unnecessary harm, while the others ensure that the Reaverbots are harmed immensely. This is what teamwork is all about.
"Agreed." Hilde says with a nod toward Pearl. She doesn't put away her shield - instead keeping it out and at the ready as they move forward. Finally, they arrive at a chamber that looks very Important. Hilde doesn't recognise the make, but Leo does.
"Fascinating... these Elw must have been very wise." Hilde commes, impressed. And at the end of it, they find one of said teleporters. Hilde smiles with visible relief. "Goddess be praised. This truly is a miracle."
And so, it's time to get the teleporter working again! Except... there's one slight issue.
"I... must again confess that I know little of this." She says. She doesn't even know what a 'diode' even, only that it implies two of...something. "I shall stand watch with Lord Leo. Should you need an extra pair of hands, however, you need only ask."
DG: Hilde has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward her party's challenge, What Lies Beneath. DG: Pearl has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward her party's challenge, What Lies Beneath.
=======================<* Flight Through the Main Gate *>=======================
======================<* CHALLENGE - What Lies Beneath *>=======================
|Type: Final |Dungeon Ability: Wits |Challenge Rating: 3 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
One of the Main Gate's great secrets lies bare before you--it was built atop
something much, much older, something repurposed by whomever constructed the
Gate facilities.
This chamber is massive, and lined with crystalline circuits that look like
they were grown, rather than built. Structures that look like cracked-open
geodes sit in front of banks of ancient machinery, which still thrums with
power. At the very center of the room is a great gyroscope made of crystal,
a gimballed mechanism that presently sits idle.
It's slightly different from the ones you've seen before, but this is
clearly an Elw teleporter. Activating it is your only chance to escape Juno
and his hordes.
"The Biomass infection has penetrated the deployment level. Megaman Trigger,
I order you to divert there and purge them at once. Additional units are en
route to assist."
Get it working again, and hurry!
=Dungeon Conditions: Stupify==================================================
==================<* Flight Through the Main Gate - Round 6 *>================== ========================< Results - What Lies Beneath >========================= Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- White Knight Leo 77 --(101)--> 178 Fail Investigate 0 Wits Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hilde 82 --(101)--> 183 Fail Investigate 0 Wits Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naelle Sylkirk 77 --(101)--> 178 Pass Big Book o'Blueprints 2 Wits Effects: Enlighten -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Muirwall 82 --(101)--> 183 Fail Vess's Guidance 1 Wits Effects: Cleanse -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pearl 82 --(101)--> 183 Fail Investigate 0 Wits Effects: BASIC -----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------ Leader: White Knight Leo 90 --(10)--> 100 Fail Conditions: Stupify(2)|Wound(1) Effects: Cleanse|Enlighten(1) ===============================< Dream Chasers >================================
DG: White Knight Leo is too exhausted to continue! DG: Hilde is too exhausted to continue! DG: Naelle Sylkirk is too exhausted to continue! DG: Day Muirwall is too exhausted to continue! DG: Pearl is too exhausted to continue! DG: You have overcome the dungeon's trials! This run is a success! DG: The party led by White Knight Leo has successfully explored Flight Through the Main Gate!
=======================<* Flight Through the Main Gate *>=======================
===================<* CHALLENGE - Out Of The Frying Pan... *>===================
|Type: Discovery |Dungeon Ability: Conclusion|Challenge Rating: 1 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
With a few last adjustments, the ancient mechanisms whirr to life. Blue
ley-light arcs through the crystalline wiring, collecting in the gimballed
mechanism in the room's center. In the space of a few seconds, the device is
too bright to look at directly. You've done your part--all you need to do is
wait for the others to do the same. As you wait, Juno speaks over the
intercom.
"The Biomass infection has activated the deployment mechanism." Is it just
your imagination, or is there a faint hint of anger in his voice? "Megaman
Trigger, I order you to purge every last one of them. Whether or not you
remember your duty is irrelevant--there is far too much at stake for you to
do otherwise. Please, Trigger. I'm sorry for any distress this causes you,
but it is misplaced. If Mother becomes aware--"
The light erupts in a brilliant flash. Concentric rings of Elw glyphs
encircle each of you, and the world around you vanishes. To some, the
sensation of long-distance teleportation may be familiar, but to others, it
may be strange and frightening--a sense of aimless vertigo, and a lack of
other sensory input.
Then, another flash, and reality comes pouring back. There's sand beneath
your feet, and smoke hangs thick in the air. Screams and gunfire echo in the
distance.
Where are you, and what the hell is happening?
=Dungeon Conditions: Save Point===============================================
<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.
If given a few hours, it's possible Naelle and Vess could figure out how the Elw teleporter works, and tell it to send them back to Pentagulia or Spira. The problem is that they don't have that kind of time. There's no telling when more Reaverbots will show up, and if one of Juno's hands could cause as much damage as it did, who knows what the whole automaton could do. Leo stands vigil as Vess and Naelle fiddle.
Sadly, the teleporter does not respond to Pearl's percussive maintainence. It doesn't respond to the others' efforts, either; Elw technology is even rarer on the Silver Star than it is on Filgaia, and Naelle has to do a lot of guesswork. Some of her jury-rigging attempts just don't work. Likewise, Vess can make out some of the arcane structures, but others are beyond her experience.
It's a long, tense process. But through some miracle, Naelle arranges a few crystals just so, and Vess realigns the grid just right. The teleporter flickers to life, blue light collecting in the great gimballed mechanism.
"Praise Althena," Leo breathes, even as Juno rants at some 'Trigger' individual. Mother? he thinks.
And then, a brilliant flash. Vertigo. Nothingness, save for the blue-white glyphic rings.
And then, light. Heat. Desert sands. Screams, and gunsmoke.
==TO==BE==CONTINUED===>