2021-07-02: The Mountain and the Wayward

From Dream Chasers
Jump to navigation Jump to search
  • Log: The Mountain and the Wayward
  • Cast: White Knight Leo, Day Muirwall, Kaguya, Pearl, Skylr Paer, Hilde
  • Where: Mt Gagazet
  • Date: July 02, 2021
  • Summary: A lost child of the Ronso leads his soldiers of Althena's Guard up Mt Gagazet. A Summoner born in a distant land awaits them. They make their way to Zanarkand, the six of them, to aid the Lady Yuna. Even as this may sit against the edicts of their Goddess.


DC: You switch forms to Wolf Style Martial Artist Pearl!
DC: Pearl switches forms to Wolf Style Martial Artist Pearl!
DG: A party led by White Knight Leo is now entering Mount Gagazet.
DG: Party formation is now over. An Entry Challenge will now be drawn and displayed to the party.
==============================<* Mount Gagazet *>===============================
========================<* CHALLENGE - Into the Cold *>=========================
|Type: Entry       |Dungeon Ability: Brute     |Challenge Rating: 2          | 
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
 You start up the slopes of Mount Gagazet. The first steps are the hardest,    
 too, as you come face-to-face with your constant companion for this trek:     
 the terrible, biting wind. A blast of cold air hits you, a steady wind that   
 sends flurries of snow and ice dust against you. It is unrelenting, chilling  
 you to the bone. Each step is like lifting a great boulder.                   
                                                                               
 You must force your way through it, up the slopes, and protect yourself from  
 the elements as best you can. It will not be an easy thing.                   
=Dungeon Conditions: Collapse=================================================
<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.

    Leo and his handful of Guards spent some time on the lower slopes of Mt. Gagazet, regrouping. While they're still far from warm, most of the Ronso leadership have recognized that they owe the former invaders their lives. Considering the brutality that transpired, it's no surprise that everyone needs time to recover before moving on.

    To the peak of Mount Gagazet, to Zanarkand, and to Yuna. Perhaps it's only fitting that a long-lost son of Gagazet leads the way.

    Leo at least looks the part of the Ronso guide. His chain shirt has been repaired, and his tattered, bloodied clothes replaced. A long fur mantle whips in the wind behind him. This place reminds him of Zulan, and he can't help but feel regret--nostalgia?--for those simpler times. "This way," he says, gesturing to his people. "A hundred yards and we'll be behind a windbreak."

    But the wind is ruthless, in the meantime. It howls like a living thing, pelting the Guards with snow. About ten paces in, Leo realizes that it would be best if he eased the way. His hands clench, and power surges through the amber designs etched into metal gauntlets.

    The earth rises. It forms a series of improvised walls, sheltering the path from the worst of the wind.

DG: White Knight Leo has used his Tool Earthgrasp Gauntlets toward his party's challenge, Into the Cold.
<Pose Tracker> Day Muirwall has posed.

This time, Seraph Vesna and Guingryph are bringing up the rear. They're both bundled up against the wind, she in a heavy fur-trimmed cloak, the horse in a large blanket draped across his back and neck.

Day gets less help. If not for the padding under his armour, he'd be freezing parts off that should not be frozen off.

"Try and shield your faces!" he calls back to the group, pulling his cloak around himself tightly and turning a cheek into the wind to try and let the fur-trimmed edge of the garment soak up the worst of the winter. "And keep your hands out of the wind if you can manage it!"

No magic Day has at his disposal will be of much use in stopping the wind - but as they climb, he murmurs a quiet prayer to Althena. For just a moment, the winter wind is suffused with something else - a touch of spring, bolstering, strengthening. Helping, at least a bit.

DG: Day Muirwall has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward his party's challenge, Into the Cold.
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya has posed.

Kaguya had to take time to tend to the dead; she didn't make a big deal out of it, but she helped, and conspired such that even the Rolancian dead had flowers at their bodies and graves. She didn't have a ton of wounds to contend with for her part anyway, but now...

Kaguya walks along up the mountain, not in the back but not in the front either. The wind is howling like a living thing all right. "Ugh," Kaguya says, and lifts her mask up to her face, breathing easier through the filtered warmth. "This is bullshit," she points out. "Living on a mountain is proof of the hubris of man, or something."

But she's mostly grousing for something to do; she's still distracted...

Thinking ahead, to Yuna. She came this way, didn't she?

Dressed in most of a Veruni containment suit underneath a Guard tabard, Kaguya is one of the best-equipped to handle the cold at the moment... and one of the most likely to be knocked down by the wind, given how small she is.

But Day's prayer sinks in, and, "...Right. We can do it. We need to cross."

DG: Kaguya has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Into the Cold.
<Pose Tracker> Pearl has posed.

    There is someone waiting ahead of the Guard, at the base of Mount Gagazet. A young woman, in a hooded cloak, pacing. There was no sign of the drifters who had said they'd be making this climb today, and had not objected to the Summoner joining them. That was frustrating, but dealable with. Something else was more concerning to her. "...Jean should be back by now." She says out loud, before hearing footsteps. A group. Instinctively, the woman hides herself behind an outcropping.

    Until she hears a little 'poik poik poik' mixed in among the footsteps. *Ah. It's them.* Slowly, carefully, Pearl steps out to announcing herself. She is interrupted by a loud 'Pukyuuuuuu!' and the poiks getting faster, as Leo Jr races up to her. The onion friend has a big fluffy scarf wrapped around him, and his usual cape. Can onions feel the cold?

    She tries to announce herself again, but the winds pick up suddenly and harshly. *Later. I can do this later.* She quickly slips on her clawed gloves- though her boots are nowhere to be seen- and drives her claws into the wall of the mountain to give herself extra pull. She's a tall woman, but not a large one, and these winds could be a threat to Ronso.

    "...The Ronso are suited to it, Duchess Alathfar. We are not." Okay she can't announce herself but she can sass Kaguya? Good going, Pearl. A hand reaches down to prop up Leo Jr, who has just now started tubling back from the wind. This will be a harsh climb.

<Pose Tracker> Skylr Paer has posed.

      Skylr had been one of the ones most busy for a few days, the healer knowing her calling, and doing her best for... well, everyone. She's not even said anything to anyone - any comments, carps, or anything else has been silently reserved, laboring in general silence unless she needs to ask or advise, aside from one conversation.
 
      Even hearing that they're climbing the mountain isn't enough to get more of a rise from her, although she does pack her bag a bit more carefully.
 
      Skylr herself has dressed sideways for this event. While her normal garb was comfortable enough, by all considerations she needed to go a bit extra, and has. A pair of long underwear are tucked into her boots, tightly laced up, over which she's layered a pair of heavy pants, a matching shirt, and a pom-full hat. A slightly over-large cloak has been wrapped around her, to protect her hands, and cover her weaponry on her back. She struggles through the snow and the wind, slower than ever, firmly planting her feet one step at a time - stopping only when she hears a all too familiar voice.
 
      Her voice breathes out, questioning - "Pearl?"

DG: Skylr Paer has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Into the Cold.
<Pose Tracker> Hilde has posed.

Hilde has had a lot of time to think, and a lot of time to mourn her fallen brethren. But now is the time for action, the time to get moving. She follows behind Leo and the others as they make their way through the harsh Mount Gagazet weather. The mountain pushes against them and Hilde pushes back. The wind howls, cutting and chilling. She has found another cloak. Her armor is enchanted for protection from the elements, but it can only help so much - added protection is needed.

She was surprised to see Pearl, but not displeased - it's good to know that she still at least seems outwardly alright.

Her gaze tracks, briefly, toward Leo Jr.

"Hold strong, young one." She comments with a slight smile.

Leo brings up a wall of earth, and Day offers a strengthening prayer to the wind. It helps, and it gives Hilde a window of opportunity. She reaches into her coat, into the magical pouch at her side.

"I've brought us some provisions. Drink quickly, they will not remain warm for long... but not too quickly, mind you." Hilde says. And so she draws out several thermoses, each containing a hot beverage for bolstering onself against the cold.

DG: Hilde has used her Tool Magical Pouch toward her party's challenge, Into the Cold.
DG: Pearl has used her Tool Wolf Claws toward her party's challenge, Into the Cold.
==============================<* Mount Gagazet *>===============================
========================<* CHALLENGE - Into the Cold *>=========================
|Type: Entry       |Dungeon Ability: Brute     |Challenge Rating: 2          | 
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
 You start up the slopes of Mount Gagazet. The first steps are the hardest,    
 too, as you come face-to-face with your constant companion for this trek:     
 the terrible, biting wind. A blast of cold air hits you, a steady wind that   
 sends flurries of snow and ice dust against you. It is unrelenting, chilling  
 you to the bone. Each step is like lifting a great boulder.                   
                                                                               
 You must force your way through it, up the slopes, and protect yourself from  
 the elements as best you can. It will not be an easy thing.                   
=Dungeon Conditions: Collapse=================================================
=========================<* Mount Gagazet - Round 1 *>==========================
==========================< Results - Into the Cold >===========================
Player                               Exhaustion                      Pass/Fail
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
White Knight Leo                    0 --(5)--> 5                   Pass
Earthgrasp Gauntlets                3   Brute   Effects: Fanfare              
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaguya                              0 --(17)--> 17                 Fail
Force                               0   Brute   Effects: BASIC                
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hilde                               0 --(5)--> 5                   Pass
Magical Pouch                       1   Brute   Effects: Cleanse              
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pearl                               0 --(5)--> 5                   Pass
Wolf Claws                          2   Brute   Effects: Strengthen           
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Skylr Paer                          0 --(17)--> 17                 Fail
Force                               0   Brute   Effects: BASIC                
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Muirwall                        0 --(5)--> 5                   Pass
Force                               0   Brute   Effects: BASIC                
-----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------
Leader: White Knight Leo            0 --(20)--> 20                 Pass
Conditions: Collapse
Effects: Cleanse|Strengthen(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.
<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.

    Leo sees a figure on the path ahead--someone clad in the raiments of a Summoner. Did they lose their way?, Leo thinks, stepping forward through snow that comes halfway up his calves. "Summoner!" he shouts--and then they're gone, vanished. Leo blinks, rubs his eyes. Day's sorcery brings a hint of fresh growth and spring rain to the next breath he takes, and it helps steady him. The others are undoubtedly experiencing the same odd but comforting phenomena.

    And then, with a 'poik', a familiar figure emerges. "Leo Jr...?" Leo says, stopping in his tracks. As a seeming afterthought, he gestures with his right hand, and the earth to his left shudders and rises, shedding snow as it rises into a wall. Stabilized with her claws, Pearl is able to make the way down to her former comrades for a most unexpected reunion.

    Leo's mouth falls open. He looks back at Skylr, then at Pearl, then at Skylr again. Hilde puts a mug of hot tea in his hands, and he just holds it for a moment, words whirling through his head like the snow outside their improvised shelter. He doesn't know what to say. Finally, he takes a long pull of his tea, and, bolstered by the warmth, manages an honest smile. "It's good to see you well," he says. "Both of you. I hadn't expected... any of this. But it'll be easier for all of us if you join us."

<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.

    Of course, beyond the touching reunion, there's the matter of the climb to deal with. Kaguya and Skylr need to be warmed up and hefted out of snowdrifts several times, but everyone makes it to the windbreak in one piece.

DG: Pearl has drawn a new Challenge.
==============================<* Mount Gagazet *>===============================
=======================<* CHALLENGE - Narrow Ice Paths *>=======================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Agility   |Challenge Rating: 2          | 
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
 You come to a chasm. No switchbacks seem to lead down -- nor do you spot any  
 on the other side leading up. There are, however, thick cones of ice that     
 reach across the chasm. Some may be brittle, but some look sturdy enough to   
 let you shimmy across. Nonetheless, they are very slippery -- and a fall      
 could be very perilous indeed.                                                
=Dungeon Conditions: Slow, Wound==============================================
DG: Day Muirwall has left your party.
<Pose Tracker> Pearl has posed.

    A very unexpected reunion. In fact, she had planned on avoiding them for as long as possible, because they were sure to have questions. Unfortunately for her, the littlest Guardian likes his Guard Friends. (You are all his Guard Friends. He is a very friendly onion.)

    Now that they are safely stopped, Pearl pauses, even as Skylr asks if it's her. "...Yes." Leo's smile, more than anything, throws her off. "I am not sure... why you are happy to see me. But I agree. This would be easier with all of you." Leo Jr bounces up and down next to her. "...And he would be happy if you joined us."

    As they move forward, Pearl decides to get on the front foot and ask the first question. "...Why are you all pressing on to Zanarkand?" It's a dangerous trek, and there's nothing for the Guard there. Not that all is well in the Guard. The commander could be acting on his own, such as it were.

    The path opens to a chasm without a crossing. Pearl pauses, looking out ahead, before she catches something that only the alert will notice. A flash of green hair. Pearl looks... relieved. and gives a sly thumbs up. This is easier to do at the head of the pack. Was there actually someone there? "White Knight," she says, pulling her loose sleeve back to reveal her grapnel, "could you pass me one end of your ladder? If I can get across, we can secure it at both ends." She readies, and aims the grapnel at a solid looking rock at the other side. It's the best path she can see, picking up Leo Jr with her free arm.

<Pose Tracker> Kaguya has posed.

"Oh hey, it's you!" Kaguya looks over at Pearl at the sass and says, "Fine, fine, hubris of man not Ronso. It's still a terrible place to live." Her voice is a little muffled thanks to the mask, but that's not all that strange for Kaguya, anyway. ...Though she will have to bring it back down, briefly.

For the drink. "Oh, thanks--" Glug glug glug, mask back on.

"Well, they're pretty sentimental," Kaguya points out to Pearl about happy. "But I'm OK having you around too." She grins. "...Nah, seriously. We should talk soon... when we're not on a mountain."

But Kaguya has had to be bailed out a few times already and she's not thrilled with it, covered in snow. But here...

"I think we all have our own reasons," Kaguya says. "But I'll let Leo speak for the group as a whole. Not my place."

Kaguya will try to move carefully forward.

DG: Kaguya has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Narrow Ice Paths.
<Pose Tracker> Skylr Paer has posed.

      Has Skylr been avoiding Leo? No. Maybe. ... yes.
 
      She catches his gaze, then smiles crookedly at him, a soft, awkward smile. "Hi..." She finally mumbles, kicking her foot abit, abashed. However, there is more snowdrifts she is fetched out of, and her tension unknots, leaving her much more relaxed, even as they come up to the chasm.
 
      Looking at the chasm, then Pearl and Leo, Skylr struggles up to them the rest of the way, breathing heavily, digging out a flask from her bag. "Here." She says, taking a swig from it. "Take a drink and pass it on to everyone - it should help energize you... hopefully make it a bit safer. If you'd like, I can... take him." Skylr hedges, glancing at Leo Jr., even as she offers Pearl and Leo the flask.
 
      "Bless and guide us..." She murmurs to herself, a indistinct prayer to seemingly everyone or no one.

DG: Skylr Paer has used her Tool Galloping Potion toward her party's challenge, Narrow Ice Paths.
<Pose Tracker> Hilde has posed.

"Then you will have our aid." Hilde says with a nod, as Pearl says it would be easier with them. "You are still one of us. And... I owe you an incalculable debt, for the service you provided my brethren."

She had Sent them when no one else was available to, granted them that mercy. If they had become Fiends... it would have been another stab at her heart.

She agrees that they should talk, but like Kaguya, she also thinks it's better left until they're not on the mountain.

She lets Leo handle the question of why they're pressing on to Zanarkand instead turning her attention to the chasm before them with a frown.

"...A perilous crossing." She observes. But fortunately, they do have things for this. Leo has his ladder, Pearl has her ladder... and Hilde has her Rope Lance. She draws it out from within her cloak. She holds onto one end and hurls it across the chasm, aiming for the other side. It lodges itself into the wall and freezes itself in place for greater stability. She then ties part of the rope around her waist, before offering it to the others.

"If you are afraid of falling, then please tie this around your waist. It will provide added security." She explains, before accepting accepting Skylr's offered potion and taking a drink before passing it on again as she waits for her turn to cross.

"You have my thanks." She says with a smile.

DG: Hilde has used her Tool Rope Lance toward her party's challenge, Narrow Ice Paths.
DG: Pearl has used her Tool Wrist-Mounted Grapnel toward her party's challenge, Narrow Ice Paths.
<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.

    Leo pats his tiny namesake on the fronds, and smiles. That smile fades, slightly, when Pearl speaks, but it doesn't become a frown. "Others would call you a traitor and a heretic for what you've done," he says. "But with all that's happened, I... How? Why?" He shakes his head. Snow falls from his hood. "But Kaguya is right, we can speak when we're not on a treacherous mountain trail."

    At Pearl's question, Leo rolls his shoulders in a shrug. "Lady Yuna is our best hope for slaying Sin," he says. "Even a Calm would provide us with time to search for a more permanent solution... if it comes to that." Leo looks aside. The thought of the young woman's death sits heavy on his shoulders. Would he be willing to do the same, if he were in her shoes? But Pearl gives him something else to consider. "Here," Leo says, passing one end of the knotted rope to the neophyte summoner. He holds the other end tight, his grip steady--even when the potion is passed to him. Leo takes a single gulp before passing it on.

    Once all the supports are in place, Leo sets out, holding on to steady himself. A fall here would... not be ideal.

DG: White Knight Leo has used his Tool Rope Ladder toward his party's challenge, Narrow Ice Paths.
==============================<* Mount Gagazet *>===============================
=======================<* CHALLENGE - Narrow Ice Paths *>=======================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Agility   |Challenge Rating: 2          | 
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
 You come to a chasm. No switchbacks seem to lead down -- nor do you spot any  
 on the other side leading up. There are, however, thick cones of ice that     
 reach across the chasm. Some may be brittle, but some look sturdy enough to   
 let you shimmy across. Nonetheless, they are very slippery -- and a fall      
 could be very perilous indeed.                                                
=Dungeon Conditions: Slow, Wound==============================================
=========================<* Mount Gagazet - Round 2 *>==========================
=========================< Results - Narrow Ice Paths >=========================
Player                               Exhaustion                      Pass/Fail
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
White Knight Leo                    5 --(17)--> 22                 Fail
Rope Ladder                         2   Agility Effects: Quicken              
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hilde                               5 --(5)--> 10                  Pass
Rope Lance                          2   Agility Effects: Quicken              
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaguya                              17 --(17)--> 34                Fail
Rush                                0   Agility Effects: BASIC                
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pearl                               5 --(5)--> 10                  Pass
Wrist-Mounted Grapnel               3   Agility Effects: Rally                
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Skylr Paer                          17 --(17)--> 34                Fail
Galloping Potion                    2   Agility Effects: Quicken              
-----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------
Leader: White Knight Leo            20 --(20)--> 40                Pass
Conditions: Slow(2)|Wound(2)
Effects: 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.
<Pose Tracker> Pearl has posed.

    When Skylr offers a drink, Pearl takes a swig. "Thank you." After a moment, too, she passes Leo Jr to Skylr because she needs an extra hand. "...Be careful with him, please." Hilde, too says she's one of them. "...The sentiment is appreciated." Even if she doesn't agree. "I was just doing my duty." 'As a Summoner' goes unsaid. She pauses at Leo's story. "...It's a complicated situation." And Kaguya gives her an out and she takes it. "Yes. Let's press on."

    She listens to Leo's reasoning, as she takes the rope ladder. "...True. Lady Yuna has much on her side. But we cannot put all our hopes on her." Perhaps, that might indicate to Leo why Pearl is crossing the mountain now. It probably won't make him feel better.

    Pearl rockets across the chasm, and secures the rope ladder while Leo does the other side. Hilde throws her rope lance across, and it's good that she does- the winds are dangerous and the ladder is unsteady. Without it, people would have easily fallen. Right now, it's just a dangerous, scary unsteady crossing.

    Once everyonbe's across, Pearl leans on the rock for a minute. "...Thank you all. For your help." Now that's a new one.

DG: Hilde has drawn a new Challenge.
=============================<* Mount Gagazet *>==============================
===========================<* CHALLENGE - Grats *>============================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Combat    |Challenge Rating: 2          | 
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
 You come to a broad, snowy ledge that has a gentle slope. It seems like it    
 might be easier moving at first... but then some of the snowdrifts break to   
 reveal strange fiends: large, bulbuous plants. They have a spiky exterior,    
 blue and violet patterning, and long limbs. Then, one opens its mouth -- and  
 spits out a steady stream of seeds at high speeds for you.                    
=Dungeon Conditions: Fright, Injure===========================================
<Pose Tracker> Hilde has posed.

"Even so." Hilde replies, as Pearl says she was just doing her duty.

Working together, they're able to cross over safety. Hilde is relieved, by that. It would be difficult to retrieve anyone, and she's already worried about where Day might be. On the other side she gives a light tug on the Rope Lance. The rope unties itself and the ice around it thaws to allow her to retrieve it.

With that done, she takes to assessing where they've ended up. A broad, snowy ledge with a gentle slope and a series of snow drifts... It seems easy, until...

"Fiends!" Hilde warns, as the snowdrifts disperse as Fiends dig their way out. They resemble large, blue and violet spiky plants with long limbs. Hilde reaches into her cloak, drawing out her battle standard and planting it into the snow.

"Do not let them push us back! We cannot falter here!" Hilde calls out. One hand holds tight onto the battle standard to steady herself while the other holds her shield out, intercepting a volley of seeds. She can handle defense - she'll leave offense to the others.

DG: Hilde has used her Tool Battle Standard toward her party's challenge, Grats.
<Pose Tracker> Day Muirwall has posed.

"Hang on, we're here too," Day's voice comes from off to one side.

Day, Vesna and Guingryph took the long way around the chasm. They're clambering through the snow en route to catching up with the rest of the gang.

They're merging back into the gaggle of Guards at just the right time. Day's far enough back that he can spot the movement first. With a startled gasp, he reaches for his warhorn and blows a sharp blast to warn the group.

It is not too loud a blast. It occurs to him that they are on a mountain.

"Stay back here," he warns Vesna and Guingryph before drawing his sword and storming through the snow with a shout. It takes him a moment to catch up with the rest of the Guard, but soon enough he's wading into the battle, swinging out to the left and the right with hard strokes aimed to carve through the fiends as they approach. He sweeps his shield into position, crowding in and trying to position himself to cover the squishier healers* in the group.



* Skylr. The squishier Skylr in the group.

<Pose Tracker> Kaguya has posed.

"I'm often right," Kaguya opines cheerfully, before she takes another swig of this potion and goes, "Hmmmm. Interesting." Mask goes back up.

She doesn't comment on Yuna, Yuna's impending death, or Sin at the moment. She just stares into nothing for a moment.

When they eventually do make it across, Kaguya in part because of that rope she definitely used, Kaguya shakes her head and tries to brush off some of the snow. Finally she says, "You thinking of fighting Sin yourself?" to Pearl. Then a pause. "Oh, uh... you're welcome, I guess."

"Right, Lady Hilde," Kaguya says as she warns of fiends, and actually seems to smile after a moment. It's hard to tell through her mask. It's in the eyes. "Planty fiends. Exactly my kind of fiends. Let's test something..."

The small Veruni pulls a few orbs from her bag and tosses one up before throwing it out, followed by a second and a third. They burst as they hit the snows, and from them emerge great red tomatoes, each perhaps Leo Jr's size, with great fanged maws. They chomp forward towards the Grats. "Go!"

DG: Kaguya has used her Tool Killer Tomatoes toward her party's challenge, Grats.
<Pose Tracker> Skylr Paer has posed.

      Skylr isn't that squishy!!! She's decent enough!!
 
      Skylr hears the horn, as accustomed as she is to being the near back of the group, so she looks behind her and spots Vess, Day, and good, sweet Guingryph. Having also been given champion of Leo Jr., she takes a few steps back away, glances at the creatures, and thinks long and hard, before advising:
 
      "Don't eat seeds that you can't be sure of where they came."
 
      Thanks, Mom.

DG: Skylr Paer has used her Tool Lessons From Althena toward her party's challenge, Grats.
<Pose Tracker> Pearl has posed.

    Day turns up with horse in tow. That makes sense- he was not the sort to abandon his Seraph and horse. And Kaguya asks the question and Pearl nods. "I made a promise to someone who gave me something I can never truly repay them for," she answers, in a way that sounds distinctly un-Pearl but also genuine. "I intend to face Sin."

    And then the fiends burst from the snow, and Pearl chastises herself for not noticing earlier. How could she let herself be surprised? She pulls up not her claws but her Summoner's staff, and sends forth a burst of dark magic towards the Fiends, providing ranged support for Day and Hilde. How very different. She's also, unusually, careless as a fiend emerges from the snow behind her. She starts to turn, but something else happen. Leo Jr wiggles out of Skylr's grip, jumps to the ground, and launches toward the Grat with a frankly vicious, high speed headbutt, his entire onion body going for the plant fiend. Onion vs Seed Thing, who will win??

DG: Pearl has used her Tool Leo Jr. toward her party's challenge, Grats.
<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.

    "Agreed," Leo says. What he doesn't say is that he wants to support her in any way he can--to do something to make things right again. Once everyone's safely on the other side, Leo looks down at Pearl, a smile on his face. "You're welcome." Whatever happened seems to have changed her profoundly. Leo might be dense at times, but she seems less tense, less aggressive. She hasn't recommended horrible violence even once, not that she's had much opportunity to. But speaking of violence...

    An innocent series of snowbanks turns out to be anything but. Hilde sounds the alarm, and Leo rounds on the fiends, his sword leaving its sheath with a bell-like SHING. He presses his free hand to the Crest hanging around his neck, and his eyes go distant. A wave of pure, pearlescent white washes out from him, clinging to the bodies of those nearby. A sense of peace settles over them as the White Dragon's protective aura takes shape.

    Leo surges forward, meeting the plants' vines with his sword. Sap and Pyreflies fly every which way as he cuts into the enemy--though even he has to pause a moment as Kaguya's minions launch themselves into the fray. Where did those come from?

    Leo Jr., on the other hand, is making his namesake proud. Good on Leo Jr.!

DG: White Knight Leo has used his Tool White Dragon Crest toward his party's challenge, Grats.
=============================<* Mount Gagazet *>==============================
===========================<* CHALLENGE - Grats *>============================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Combat    |Challenge Rating: 2          | 
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
 You come to a broad, snowy ledge that has a gentle slope. It seems like it    
 might be easier moving at first... but then some of the snowdrifts break to   
 reveal strange fiends: large, bulbuous plants. They have a spiky exterior,    
 blue and violet patterning, and long limbs. Then, one opens its mouth -- and  
 spits out a steady stream of seeds at high speeds for you.                    
=Dungeon Conditions: Fright, Injure===========================================
========================<* Mount Gagazet - Round 3 *>=========================
=============================< Results - Grats >==============================
Player                               Exhaustion                      Pass/Fail
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
White Knight Leo                    22 --(5)--> 27                 Pass
White Dragon Crest                  2   Combat  Effects: Embolden             
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hilde                               10 --(5)--> 15                 Pass
Battle Standard                     1   Combat  Effects: Embolden and Fanfare 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaguya                              34 --(5)--> 39                 Pass
Killer Tomatoes                     3   Combat  Effects: Rally                
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pearl                               10 --(5)--> 15                 Pass
Leo Jr.                             3   Combat  Effects: Rally                
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Skylr Paer                          34 --(5)--> 39                 Pass
Lessons From Althena                2   Combat  Effects: Embolden             
----------------------------------< Party >-----------------------------------
Leader: White Knight Leo            40 --(20)--> 60                Pass
Conditions: Fright(2)|Injure(2)|Slow(1)|Wound(1)
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.
<Pose Tracker> Hilde has posed.

Together, the Guard fight against the Fiends. Hilde focuses on keeping the others safe, moving in to defend when the Grats attack. Pearl strikes them from afar with dark magic, which Hilde takes not of, while Skylr and Leo offer support - the former with some very good advice, and the latter with the protective aura of the White Dragon before moving in to carve his way through the Fiends with his sword.

Kaguya, meanwhile, throws out three orbs which produce... tomatoes! Red, fanged tomatoes. Hilde frowns, just briefly, thinking back to the last time she encountered a tomato.

Kaguya and Leo Jr. will soon discover something interesting - the Grats don't really regard other plants as targets, instead electing to ignore them. What this means is that Kaguya's tomatoes and Leo Jr. will be able to chomp and headbutt the opposition without resistance, making their job that much easier.

But there are a lot of Fiends, and they seem pretty hardy... but then there is a sound of a familiar horn, at a careful volume with the current terrain in mind. Day has returned, carving through Fiends as he rejoins them! With him by their side again, the Grats are soon quickly dealt with.

"Ah, Sir Day - welcome back." Hilde greets politely, then looks around. "Is everyone alright?"

DG: Skylr Paer has drawn a new Challenge.
=============================<* Mount Gagazet *>==============================
========================<* CHALLENGE - Broken Lines *>========================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Agility   |Challenge Rating: 2          | 
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
 The slope you find next is a steep rocky one, but it is easy enough to set a  
 few lines. You get your climbing rope set and start up them. As you're        
 partway up, though, the line suddenly slackens -- and the rope snaps. You     
 will need to grab onto something -- and your friends -- before you take a     
 very unfortunate spill.                                                       
=Dungeon Conditions: Slow, Injure=============================================
<Pose Tracker> Skylr Paer has posed.

      Skylr watches Leo Jr. jump out of her arms and barrel into the fight, and her eyes brighten, sparkling like the light mage she is. "Ganbatte Leo-junior!" She cheers him on as everyone takes a moment to quickly deal with the Grats. She politely applauds, as she normally is appreciative of her combat betters. "I'm fine, Lady Hilde - thank you."
 
      The back now the front, Skylr beckons towards Leo Jr., offering him another ride wrapped up in her fuzzy cloak, before she and the rest of the group follow the available path, leading up to the slope. Skylr looks disconcerted, looking back at Day and the horse. "Uh... I have no idea how to do anything in regards to this." Frankly, it looks like her worst nightmare.
 
      "Here... take this and pass it around." Skylr says after a moment, giving everyone another familiar looking flask to sip from, even as the ropes get passed around and everyone gets themself situated... or finding another path, poor Day-kun.
 
      Going on their way, and it's Skylr who is the first to realize she's done her ropes wrong, as she finds herself frantically clinging to a line in teh rock no bigger than the arms of her glasses frames.
 
      "Everyone--!"
 
      Possibly too late, Paer.

DG: Skylr Paer has used her Tool Galloping Potion toward her party's challenge, Broken Lines.
<Pose Tracker> Day Muirwall has posed.

"Dame Hilde," Day answers as he flicks Fiend blood off his sword and into the snow. "Apologies for falling behind. Getting a horse across a chasm is no small task."

A bundled-up Guingryph snorts irritably.

As it turns out, getting a horse up a cliff is not going to be any easier. Skylr, at least, is kind enough to distribute a potion. "Thank you," he answers with a quiet smile. "We'll find a way."

From Guingryph's back, Vesna waves a hand. "Guingryph and I will look for another slope. I think we can do it."

"Very well," Day answers, before the pair move off. Day sticks with the group, bringing up the rear in the hopes of keeping watch for fiends. He hasn't done his rope up yet by the time the others start climbing.

It gives him a particular vantage point for something he doesn't want to see. A rope going slack.

"SKYLR!" he shouts without thinking. His hand snaps to the shiro tail at his waist, and with a sudden burst of magical agility, the young knight lunges partway up the slope with about as high a leap as he's ever managed.

It is a jump aimed at catching a falling Skylr in midair.

<Pose Tracker> Kaguya has posed.

Kaguya's minions, speaking of, bounce around after the enemy are turned to Pyreflies, and then begin hopping along down the path. They don't attack any of the Guard, at least. They just sort of... are there...

"Success," Kaguya notes. "Now I didn't test them for resilience in this much cold, so I doubt they'll persist much longer, but... Go on! Be free, guys!"

She thinks Leo Jr. is doing a good job, too. Their next rocky path, though... Kaguya indeed accepts some more potion, but looks around to see if she can't find a better path--before--

"Whoa!"

Kaguya reaaaches out, extending her hand to reach for Day, so that on his way back down he has a hand to grab to help him get back onto the mountain.

How is she going to get up there? Ehhhh, maybe she'll jump with Day! Maybe she'll cheat and teleport. It's fine.

<Pose Tracker> Hilde has posed.

"I am glad to hear that." Hilde replies with a polite nod toward Skylr before looking toward Day. "It is quite alright - the important thing is that you are all safe."

With the Fiends defeated they can continue up the slope. But the terrain is treacherous, and soon enough there's a problem!

"Ah!" Hilde gasps as Skylr is put into a precarious position. Fortunately, Day goes to the rescue, and Kaguya moves to help him out. In response, Hilde brings out the Rope Lance again, stabbing it into the side of the slope to steady herself and, once more, tying the rope around her waist.

This time, though, she uses it as a makeshift rappel line, carefully descending and making herself available just in case any of them need a hand getting back up. If not, then it'll be easy enough for her to climb back up to where she was.

DG: Hilde has used her Tool Rope Lance toward her party's challenge, Broken Lines.
<Pose Tracker> Pearl has posed.

    The onion is victorious, and he bounces up to Pearl with a proud "Pukykuuu!" Pearl kneels down to him, and pats him on the head (body?), with a small smile. "Alright, yes. You're doing a good job as a Guardian." He preens a little, before seeing Skylr offering him a lift, and Pearl nods. The onion friend bounces dutifully back to Skylr, jumping into the cloak.

    Pearl looks up at the climb ahead, and aims up with her grapnel, before shaking her head. The snow's too thick to get a solid grip with it, so the climbing ropes it is. She's quick at this, at least, but this is what she does. Did. Whatever.

    And then Skylr's rope breaks and everything goes to hell. "SKYLR!" She shouts, about the same time Day does, but Day is moving first, then Kaguya after them. There's no way her grapnel can support three people, especially given Day's heavy armour. They're swinging back toward the mountain so how can she help? Her limited grasp on ice magic isn't enough to increase the snow so they have somewhere soft to land. She grimaces.

    Hilde throws down her rope lance so she can rappel. There's enough people going down, surely. Maybe she can go up. "Land safely!" She shouts, as she drives pitons into the ice and throws a rope towards the falling trio. "Or if you can, grab on!"

DG: Pearl has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Broken Lines.
<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.

    Pyreflies trickle off Leo's blade as he brings a hand up in salute. "Sir Day," he says, relief audible in his voice. "For a moment I feared we'd need to go looking." Which is perfectly sensible--it's far too easy to get lost in the snow, and unless one is extremely lucky, that's a prelude to dying alone of hypothermia. Leo sheathes his blade, and takes up his place at the head of the group.

    Unfortunately, Mount Gagazet takes this opportunity to remind the group why people don't bring pack animals to its slopes. Even chocobos would have a difficult time of it, Leo thinks. "Try to stay within sight," he says, to Vesna. "If you need help, shout, or send up a sorcerous signal."

    Leo throws up a rope line, which hooks around a sturdy-looking boulder with a *clink*. Leo gives it a solid tug to be sure it's anchored, and starts to climb...

    But Skylr isn't quite as fortunate. Leo hears that horrible snap, and looks down just in time to see her fall. Day leaps out and grabs for her, and Kaguya grabs for him--with one hand securely on his own line, Leo grabs for Kaguya, trying to stabilize her. If they distribute the weight amongst all these ropes, it might just work. Right?

DG: White Knight Leo has used his Tool Rope Ladder toward his party's challenge, Broken Lines.
DG: Kaguya has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Broken Lines.
=============================<* Mount Gagazet *>==============================
========================<* CHALLENGE - Broken Lines *>========================
|Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Agility   |Challenge Rating: 2          | 
--------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------
 The slope you find next is a steep rocky one, but it is easy enough to set a  
 few lines. You get your climbing rope set and start up them. As you're        
 partway up, though, the line suddenly slackens -- and the rope snaps. You     
 will need to grab onto something -- and your friends -- before you take a     
 very unfortunate spill.                                                       
=Dungeon Conditions: Slow, Injure=============================================
========================<* Mount Gagazet - Round 4 *>=========================
==========================< Results - Broken Lines >==========================
Player                               Exhaustion                      Pass/Fail
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
White Knight Leo                    27 --(17)--> 44                Pass
Rope Ladder                         2   Agility Effects: Quicken              
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hilde                               15 --(17)--> 32                Pass
Rope Lance                          2   Agility Effects: Quicken              
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaguya                              39 --(17)--> 56                Pass
Rush                                0   Agility Effects: BASIC                
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pearl                               15 --(34)--> 49                Fail
Rush                                0   Agility Effects: BASIC                
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Skylr Paer                          39 --(34)--> 73                Fail
Galloping Potion                    2   Agility Effects: Quicken              
----------------------------------< Party >-----------------------------------
Leader: White Knight Leo            60 --(15)--> 75                Fail
Conditions: Fright(1)|Injure(2)|Slow(2)
Effects: Quicken(1)
==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
DG: The party led by White Knight Leo has failed this challenge! The party gained 15 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> Skylr Paer has posed.

      Skylr, hearing her name from multiple throats, is startled, and seizes up, causing her grip to slip, and down she goes. Day is rocketing up, though, and healer falls into knight's arms, guaranteeing her a softer landing than, well, death. Although that's not technically off the table with how Mt. Gazaget is offering up it's spicy mysteries to the Althena's Guard.
 
      Kaguya reaches her hand out to the handy knight, and the assistance gets them back up against the mountain, Skylr attempting not to visibly freak the hell out, which has the beautiful fact of allowing her to not disrupt the savior mission. Hilde's lance allows her to descend down to allow her to assist in securing Skylr back up to the team again, using Pearl's rope as an additional secure line.
 
      Leo's final hand keeps the group secure, and eventually the whole thing is scaled, Skylr sitting there on more secure ground with her cloak pulled up over and around her head. Everyone survived... physically!
 
      Emotionally, mentally, come back later.

DG: Kaguya has drawn a new Challenge.
==============================<* Mount Gagazet *>===============================
========================<* CHALLENGE - Into Thin Air *>=========================
|Type: Final       |Dungeon Ability: Agility   |Challenge Rating: 3          | 
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
 You come to a mountain ledge on the other side of Mount Gagazet. From here,   
 it is a simple climb downward -- there are even stairs carved into the        
 stone, to help -- and you have sight of the end of the summoner's journey:    
 Zanarkand. Its ruined spires tower in the distance, though a smaller peak is  
 between you and the bulk of the ruined city. That one, at least, has a cave.  
                                                                               
 But then you hear it: a massive, terrible rumble. Then, you look up to see a  
 huge wall of snow, ice, and boulders pouring down. An avalanche is falling    
 straight for you.                                                             
=Dungeon Conditions: Cripple==================================================
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya has posed.

Survival assured, Kaguya rolls her shoulders a little, though grabbing two people is not terribly hard for her. It's still cold as anything and her muscles are stiff as a result. "We all good?" Kaguya asks, looking around. "We seem fine..."

They get a nice couple of seconds of ease before things start going wrong again. The seconds stretch into even a minute--they climb the stairs to the top of the mountain... and there--there is--

"Zanarkand..."

Then--rumble. Rumble. Shudder. Shake.

"...Shit," Kaguya says, turning and looking around as--everything starts to go. A huge wall of ice, snow, and boulders is pouring down, and Kaguya reaches into her bag immediately to try to feel around for something--

And also starts running.

"MOVE!"

<Pose Tracker> Day Muirwall has posed.

Day snags Skylr in a princess carry before his spurred heels hit the slope and he begins to skid. Fortunately, Kaguya's got them covered. He manages to catch the Duchess's hand at the last moment, skidding a little, but stabilizing.

"Are you alright?" he asks Skylr as he sets her down with a little blush.

Anything else he might say is drowned out by a growing rumble. Slowly, ominously, Day looks up towards the crest of the mountain. A crest that is rapidly coming closer.

"RUN!" he shouts, turning to help Skylr along if she needs it - indeed, he stays behind a moment to usher the others ahead of him, ensuring everyone's safe before he begins to sprint along at the rear of the Guard column. Soon enough, Vess and Guingryph are rejoining them as well, and Day boosts himself up into the saddle in the hopes of gaining a little extra horsepower in outrunning the immense force of nature.

<Pose Tracker> Hilde has posed.

Everyone is, thankfully able to make it back up in one piece. Hilde takes a moment to look around to ensure they haven't lost anyone... but, thankfully, it appears they're all safe. And, finally, they've made it to the other side of the mountain, where Zanarkand is visible.

"...That is our destination, I take it." She comments. But before anything else can be said... there's a rumbling. An avalanche.

Hilde is confident in her abilities to defend against a lot of things. An avalanche is not one of them. She breaks into a run, though she makes sure she can keep everyone in her line of sight so that no one gets left behind. All the while, she looks for an opportunity to pick up speed... and soon enough, one presents itself.

In the distance there's a rocky overhang across their path. Once more Hilde draws out her Rope Lance and hurls it at the rock ahead. It strikes in solidly and sticks in, upon which Hilde leaps - using the momentum to swing ahead. One hand holds tightly to the rope, while the other is held out toward the others. If anyone wants a hand, there's plenty of time to come along for the ride.

DG: Hilde has used her Tool Rope Lance toward her party's challenge, Into Thin Air.
<Pose Tracker> Pearl has posed.

    They make it back up, slow and stady, and she looks to Skylr... and Day. "Are you alright?" She asks both of them as they land. Leo Jr pops his head out of Skylr's cloak with a 'Fuuuuu...'. She nods. "...I'm glad." But then she hears Kaguya speak, and Pearl rushes ahead.

    "That's it... Where the secret to facing Sin is." Her final destination as a Summoner, if she's supposed to believe it. She's a little awestruck, even at it's ruined state.

    And then the mountain rumbles, and they have to run. Pearl flicks her wrist out in front of the group, she can pull herself forward but... She looks to Kaguya, and remembers her difficulties. "Duchess Alathfar!" She fires the Grapnel, and launches forward, grabbing the Veruni. She's light, not much of a strain on the mechanism, but still more than it's used to. But it's faster than walking.

    Whatever technology Lunn found for this... it's good. She hated that she had to admit that.

DG: Pearl has used her Tool Wrist-Mounted Grapnel toward her party's challenge, Into Thin Air.
<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.

    Leo's muscles ache with strain. He breathes deep, drawing in the essence of the mountain beneath them--the mountain that has taken on new importance to him now that he knows his family's history. That power keeps him from dislocating both arms as he holds a fully-armored knight and two more lightly-armored individuals in place long enough to keep Skylr from plummeting into the abyss. When they reach the top, he downs a Potion in a single swig, and waits for it to take effect.

    And then: "Achoo!"

    Leo rubs at his nose. Where did that come from? Is he catching cold?

    But he sets that worry aside as he starts off after Kaguya, takes in the same ancient vista. "It's... so old," he whispers. "But not like--"

    The rumbling cuts him off. Leo's ears flatten, and his hands dart for his belt. Rather than throwing it forwards, he throws it backwards. "Grab on!" he cries, as he ties the other end around his waist. Leo grabs hold of Hilde's lance, and starts reeling himself in--while simultaneously making himself an anchor point, yet again. His heart races in his chest as he half-runs, half-pulls himself ahead. It's a sheer drop beneath them. If someone falls, they'd be broken on the rocks--or worse yet, buried alive.

DG: White Knight Leo has used his Tool Rope Ladder toward his party's challenge, Into Thin Air.
<Pose Tracker> Skylr Paer has posed.

      Leo sneezes and Skylr looks over at him *before* he finishes sneezing. She'll check up on that later - you've found her again, you're in for it now, bossman...
 
      Finally standing, Skylr dusts herself all off, squeezes Leo Jr. - who she's kept a gripping, protective hold on, and stares at the rumbling avalanche. Whatever she says is enough to make a Seraph's ear burn if they were listening close enough - shame on her. She should speak like a lady.
 
      "Thanks!" She declares finally, audibly enough as they start bolting. "I hate it!"
 
      Spoken like a teenager. That oft familiar flask - now down to barebones - is sipped from and tossed up to Day, as everyone does what, comically, they're turning out to be rather decent at: Running into danger.

DG: Skylr Paer has used her Tool Galloping Potion toward her party's challenge, Into Thin Air.
DG: Kaguya has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Into Thin Air.
==============================<* Mount Gagazet *>===============================
========================<* CHALLENGE - Into Thin Air *>=========================
|Type: Final       |Dungeon Ability: Agility   |Challenge Rating: 3          | 
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
 You come to a mountain ledge on the other side of Mount Gagazet. From here,   
 it is a simple climb downward -- there are even stairs carved into the        
 stone, to help -- and you have sight of the end of the summoner's journey:    
 Zanarkand. Its ruined spires tower in the distance, though a smaller peak is  
 between you and the bulk of the ruined city. That one, at least, has a cave.  
                                                                               
 But then you hear it: a massive, terrible rumble. Then, you look up to see a  
 huge wall of snow, ice, and boulders pouring down. An avalanche is falling    
 straight for you.                                                             
=Dungeon Conditions: Cripple==================================================
=========================<* Mount Gagazet - Round 5 *>==========================
==========================< Results - Into Thin Air >===========================
Player                               Exhaustion                      Pass/Fail
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
White Knight Leo                    44 --(5)--> 49                 Pass
Rope Ladder                         2   Agility Effects: Quicken              
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hilde                               32 --(5)--> 37                 Pass
Rope Lance                          2   Agility Effects: Quicken              
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaguya                              56 --(22)--> 78                Fail
Rush                                0   Agility Effects: BASIC                
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pearl                               49 --(5)--> 54                 Pass
Wrist-Mounted Grapnel               3   Agility Effects: Rally                
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Skylr Paer                          73 --(22)--> 95                Fail
Galloping Potion                    2   Agility Effects: Quicken              
-----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------
Leader: White Knight Leo            75 --(35)--> 110               Pass
Conditions: Cripple|Injure(1)|Slow(1)
Effects: Quicken(1)
===============================< Dream Chasers >================================
DG: You have overcome the dungeon's trials! This run is a success!
DG: The party led by White Knight Leo has successfully explored Mount Gagazet!
==============================<* Mount Gagazet *>===============================
==========================<* CHALLENGE - 20,000 Gil *>==========================
|Type: Discovery   |Dungeon Ability: Conclusion|Challenge Rating: 1          | 
---------------------------< Challenge Information: >---------------------------
 As you make your way towards the cave leading to Zanarkand, you see           
 something in the snow: a still sealed treasure chest, covered in ice. With a  
 little work, you manage to open it... and find it has thousands of gil        
 inside. It seems this was the personal funds of some now-dead traveler, in    
 ages past, and had likely been buried under the snow until freed by an        
 avalance.                                                                     
=Dungeon Conditions: Treasure=================================================
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya has posed.

Skylr helps Day, and Pearl helps Kaguya--these two being the slowest for the moment, what with all their various ways of getting through. But the potion works; the grapnel is effective. And Hilde's rope lance swings her along. Sneezing Leo similarly works well with his ropes, and soon, the avalanche breaks off around them, an outcropping of rock proving decent shelter for the rest of the way for it to pass and leaving them all just fine. Even Leo. Jr. It was tiring, but the worst of the mountain is behind them...

And Kaguya pushes herself up off the ground from where she'd fallen and sees--

"Huh. Chest."

It is money!!

"...Heheheheheheh. Ironic, huh? All this cash..."

"Way out here, beyond any shops." She looks ahead, to Zanarkand. "...Might as well bring it anyway. But it is funny."

<Pose Tracker> Pearl has posed.

    Pearl has a rough landing, but not too rough, landing near Kaguya, sliding onto the snow. As Kaguya opens the chest, Pearl pulls herself up and looks to her fellows, going to offer them hands up. Leo's right, something HAS significantly changed in Pearl.

    That done, she walks over to the chest Kaguya has found, and kneels down. "...True." She says. This is supposed to be the end of the journey. Gil might be pointless. On the other hand, travelling without the support of the Guard is... expensive. Assuming she leaves Zanarkand alive.

    "We should keep moving, and find somewhere to camp. I for one would like to get in front of a fire."

    There's a complaining 'Pukyu!' from somewhere in Skylr's fluffy cloak. "You don't have to sit too close, but I need warmth." "Pfuuu..."

<Pose Tracker> Skylr Paer has posed.

      Pukyu... Skylr giggles a bit and squeezes Leo Jr. contently as he protests. "Pfuu..." She agrees with him.
 
      That being done, she finally lapses back into silent solidarity, gazing around at everyone tiredly, but with a bit of warmth to those muddy brown eyes. She does, however, look ready to fall over and take a very dramatic nap right where she's standing, which would be a probably terrible idea.