2024-04-24: The Past Comes Back to Haunt
- Log: 2024-04-24: The Past Comes Back to Haunt
- Cast: Redi Hayworth, Yulie Ahtreide
- Where: Ruins of Altered Memory
- Date: April 24, 2024
- Summary: Redi and Yulie enter the Ruins of Altered Memory. While it starts of well, it brings to mind unpleasant memories. And some of those prove real and that they've never stopped giving them chase.
DG: A party led by Redi Hayworth is now entering Ruins of Altered Memory. DG: Party formation is now over. An Entry Challenge will now be drawn and displayed to the party.
=========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
==================<* CHALLENGE - Speed-Running Old Content *>===================
| Type: Entry | Dungeon Ability: Agility | Challenge Rating: 2 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information >----------------------------
To reach the Ruins of Altered Memory, one must first cross through the Ruins
of Memory proper. Although many of the dangers in the Ruins of Memory are no
longer so great, and you may know of them, it still takes time to get
through them -- unless you do something to shave time off. Perhaps some pits
are leaped over; perhaps some secret doors are known. Whatever the reason,
you should hurry!
You will know when you reach the door into the depths of the Ruins. The
large, double doors are covered in Elw runes. Those runes are inert, without
any light to them. Nonetheless, when you approach, the double doors of stone
open -- revealing chambers of dark green stone, occasionally alight with the
glow of strange, spectrally lit blue torches.
============================= Dungeon Conditions: =============================
| Injure:_Exhaustion_Up_On_Failure! and Reckless:_Wits_Down!_Brute_Up! |
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
<Pose Tracker> Redi Hayworth has posed.
Redi and Yulie had planned to go looking into some of the ruins, caves, and dungeons near Adlehyde. It is part of being a Drifter -- and it's good for Redi, too. She needs to do something to feel productive.
And they heard, below the Ruins of Memory, there is a deeper dungeon. One with depths not plummed.
Which is why, right now, they are sneaking through -- following a map gripped in Redi's hand. They dart past a group of monsters, hurrying along. Redi glances back at Yulie, fingers clutching the map -- and her eyes wide, as she peers into the darkness.
(Her very pale blue eyes glow a little, with the exertion of running.)
"I think... the door is ahead?" she says. "If I'm reading this right. Kinda handy, actually, isn't it?"
She is dressed in her usual outfit -- minus the blue jacket, which she can't bring herself to wear -- but she has her mailbag again.It might just come in handy.
DG: Redi Hayworth has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Speed-Running Old Content.
<Pose Tracker> Yulie Ahtreide has posed.
The Ruins of Memory...!
...Are, by the standards of Yulie and Redi, fairly on the easy side by this point. But with rumors of deeper floors, it's definitely worth checking out - and the easier sections at least make for a good warm-up on the way there.
With map in hand, they sneak their way past monsters and around puzzles. She holds a Crest Graph close at hand, occasionally reciting a whispered prayer as she casts it - a calming spell to deter wandering monsters from attacking.
"It is. I do like exploring and seeing new things... but sometimes it's nice to know exactly where we're going." Yulie replies with a nod and a smile toward Redi.
Yulie's back in her Paladienne uniform - perfect for adventuring into unknown territory.
"I'll keep an eye out..." She says with a nod, alert.
DG: Yulie Ahtreide has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Speed-Running Old Content.
=========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
==================<* CHALLENGE - Speed-Running Old Content *>===================
| Type: Entry | Dungeon Ability: Agility | Challenge Rating: 2 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information >----------------------------
To reach the Ruins of Altered Memory, one must first cross through the Ruins
of Memory proper. Although many of the dangers in the Ruins of Memory are no
longer so great, and you may know of them, it still takes time to get
through them -- unless you do something to shave time off. Perhaps some pits
are leaped over; perhaps some secret doors are known. Whatever the reason,
you should hurry!
You will know when you reach the door into the depths of the Ruins. The
large, double doors are covered in Elw runes. Those runes are inert, without
any light to them. Nonetheless, when you approach, the double doors of stone
open -- revealing chambers of dark green stone, occasionally alight with the
glow of strange, spectrally lit blue torches.
============================= Dungeon Conditions: =============================
| Injure:_Exhaustion_Up_On_Failure! and Reckless:_Wits_Down!_Brute_Up! |
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
=========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>========================== ================< Results - Ruins of Altered Memory - Round 1 >================= ===================< CHALLENGE - Speed-Running Old Content >==================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Redi Hayworth 0 --(5)--> 5 Good Rush Bsc Agility Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yulie Ahtreide 0 --(22)--> 22 Bad Rush Bsc Agility Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Leader: Redi Hayworth 0 --(20)--> 20 Pass Conditions: Injure(2) and Reckless(2) Effects: = Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
DG: The party led by Redi Hayworth 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> Redi Hayworth has posed.
"I know what you mean," Redi says, as they sneak along. "I've never gone here before... but I heard lots of famous Drifters got their start with this one! It's--"
They don't quite notice the pressure plate.
Which turns the not-quite-steep stairwell they're going down into a suspiciously sharp ramp, and sends them hurtling downward. Redi smacks into the wall; Yulie smacks into the door, covered in Elw runes, which pulses with light...
...and then opens.
"...w-well," Redi says, sheepishly. "Maybe... I shouldn't have underestimated it. You okay, Yulie...?"
DG: Yulie Ahtreide has drawn a new Challenge. =========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
=========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
======================<* CHALLENGE - Black Tie Spectral *>======================
| Type: Exploration | Dungeon Ability: Combat | Challenge Rating: 2 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information >----------------------------
When you enter the next room, you find that blue spectral lines begin to
trace in the air. They are translucent, and they take the shape of a man
wearing a dusty shirt and tie, and wearing a facemask. The man turns towards
you, directing an ARM.
The heat that pours from it feels real -- and the spectral fire that leaps
from the flamethrower is, too. The powers within this dungeon have
reconstructed a Black Tie, somehow, from your memories.
============================= Dungeon Conditions: =============================
| Injure:_Exhaustion_Up_On_Failure! and Reckless:_Wits_Down!_Brute_Up! |
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
<Pose Tracker> Yulie Ahtreide has posed.
There's a soft 'click' that goes unnoticed - and then, the stairs are no longer stairs.
"Ah...!" Yulie gasps as her feet hit ramp. Suddenly, she's sliding, until she smacks right into the door. Yulie winces, but draws herself to her feet.
"I'm a little sore, but I'm good to keep going..." Yulie replies, rubbing her forehead. She can't help but chuckle just a little, though. "Looks like we found the door, at least... Or maybe it found us?"
She brushes off the skirt of her uniform before moving over to give Redi a hand up, if she needs it.
"Whatever's waiting for us up ahead is probably going to be serious..." She warns. She leads the way forward, carefully. The mystic light and faint hum of sorceries doesn't stop at the door - this level of the ruins is suffused with it, it seems...
...And as they progress forward, blue lines begin to trace through the air - until, eventually, they coalesce in front of them. It starts as a non-descript, translucent humanoid form, but as more and more of those spectral lines gather, details begin to appear.
A man in military uniform wielding a rifle, his equipment bearing the emblem of a certain organization. ...Yulie remembers this. These were the men on the Warwing Varukias...
"...It's them..." Yulie whispers, taken aback with her breath caught in her throat. "That man - he's with the people who are after me. Brionac, Odessa..."
She takes a deep breath.
"It's... just an image. They aren't actually here. Let's-" The man before them raises his rifle - and Yulie dodges to the side reflexively as he fires off a shot for her leg. The bullet impacts the ground, vanishing into motes of blue light - but the hole left behind is still there and very real, making clear the danger these images pose.
"...Be careful! They're dangerous!" She warns. One hand reaches for one of her rings, tossing it ahead toward his weapon - while the other reaches for a holy symbol of Granas, gripping it tightly for comfort to still her trembling nerves.
Even after all this time, they still terrify her...
DG: Yulie Ahtreide has used her Tool Holy Symbol toward her party's challenge, Black Tie Spectral. Cleanse! All negative effects will be cleared at the end of the round!
<Pose Tracker> Redi Hayworth has posed.
"Maybe we met it in the middle," Redi says, scratching at the back of her head -- and then she adjusts her hat, which had fallen crooked on her head. Then, she takes Yulie's hand up -- and hops to her feet.
She follows after. Her eyes look over the light of the runes and engravings upon the walls; the light is a little eerie, she thinks.
Her lips purse -- and her eyes narrow, at the shifting blue light that takes a form of a man. A form not familiar to her, but carrying a rifle, and--
"Those are the people after you?" Redi asks, her voice quiet. "They look--"
The rifle fires, and Redi yelps to see the bullet hole left in the ground. She pulls out a small, hand-painted card; it flashes, embuing them both with a red glow. Redi looks at Yulie, her expression worried to see how she looks terrified.
And that worry pushes her forward. "Don't worry," Redi says. "I'm here. And they're not real!"
Her staff swings out, aglow with red light, and slams for the spectral light's solar plexus.
DG: Redi Hayworth has used her Tool Critical Card toward her party's challenge, Black Tie Spectral. Embolden! Party Combat boosted! Shortsighted! The party will suffer a penalty next round... but not this round! =========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
=========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
======================<* CHALLENGE - Black Tie Spectral *>======================
| Type: Exploration | Dungeon Ability: Combat | Challenge Rating: 2 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information >----------------------------
When you enter the next room, you find that blue spectral lines begin to
trace in the air. They are translucent, and they take the shape of a man
wearing a dusty shirt and tie, and wearing a facemask. The man turns towards
you, directing an ARM.
The heat that pours from it feels real -- and the spectral fire that leaps
from the flamethrower is, too. The powers within this dungeon have
reconstructed a Black Tie, somehow, from your memories.
============================= Dungeon Conditions: =============================
| Cleanse:_All_Effects_Removed!, Embolden:_Combat_Up!, |
| Injure:_Exhaustion_Up_On_Failure!, Reckless:_Wits_Down!_Brute_Up!, and |
| Shortsighted:_All_Stats_Down! |
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
=========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
================< Results - Ruins of Altered Memory - Round 2 >=================
=======================< CHALLENGE - Black Tie Spectral >=======================
Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redi Hayworth 5 --(5)--> 10 Best
Critical Card Maj Combat Effects: Shortsighted and
Embolden
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yulie Ahtreide 22 --(5)--> 27 Best
Holy Symbol Min Combat Effects: Cleanse and
Inefficient
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leader: Redi Hayworth 20 --(20)--> 40 Pass
Conditions: Injure(2) and Reckless(2)
Effects: Cleanse, Embolden(1), and Shortsighted(1)
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
DG: The party led by Redi Hayworth 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> Yulie Ahtreide has posed.
Yulie nods wordlessly at Redi's question. She takes a moment to gather her composure - but that red glow helps, bolstering her and giving her back a little of the strength she lost.
"You're right... Thank you." Yulie says with a nod.
The spectral man fires off a few shots, but they're moving too quickly. He takes aim at Redi - but before he can fire again, Yulie's ring soars in, striking his gun and knocking it off target. And before he can recover, he gets a staff right in the solar plexus. He doubles over, winded, with his rifle knocked clear out of his hands -
And then the light constructing him disperses. He vanishes - and they're once more alone.
Yulie takes another breath - and then sends Redi a grateful, if a bit shaky, smile, a bit of her confidence restored.
DG: Redi Hayworth has drawn a new Challenge. =========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
=========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
======================<* CHALLENGE - Torchlit Patterns *>=======================
| Type: Exploration | Dungeon Ability: Wits | Challenge Rating: 1 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information >----------------------------
The emerald hallways of the Ruins of Altered Memory have numerous torches on
them. As you walk along, however, you notice that the torches in some
sconces are not lit. No azure light glows out from these, and you find
portions of the hallways darkened.
When you enter the next room, you find a row of eight torches in braziers.
All are unlit -- and the door across from you remains locked. The torches
hold the key to moving forward, but how will you decide which ones to light?
============================= Dungeon Conditions: =============================
| Embolden:_Combat_Up!, Reckless:_Wits_Down!_Brute_Up!, |
| Shortsighted:_All_Stats_Down!, Treasure:_Exploration_Up!, |
| Weaken:_Brute_Down!, and Wound:_Combat_Down! |
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
================================<* +CAMP - *>================================
================<* Redi Hayworth - Lost Letter Carrier Redi *>================
Brute: 16 Agility: 10 Wits: 11 Combat: 16
Exhaustion: 10/100
=================================<* Tools *>==================================
Available Tool Slots: 4
1 Trusty Mailbag Minor Wits Limit: 2/2 Effects: Cleanse, Inefficient
2 Critical Card Major Combat Limit: 1/2 Effects: Shortsighted, Embolden
3 Magic Clay Major Brute Limit: 2/2 Effects: Rally
4 Animal Whistle Major Wits Limit: 2/2 Effects: Fanfare
Basic Actions: Force, Investigate, Rush, Fight.
Yulie Ahtreide Agility: 11 Brute: 13 Combat: 16 Wits: 10 Exhaustion: 27/100
Tools: *Magic Gem, *Holy Symbol, *Wonder Staff, *Marduk Gaze.
=================================<* Party *>==================================
Party Leader: Redi Hayworth
Exploration: 40/100
Effects: Embolden(1), Shortsighted(1).
Conditions: Reckless(1), Treasure(1), Weaken(2), Wound(2).
==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
<Pose Tracker> Redi Hayworth has posed.
Redi lets out a sigh of relief, as the spectral man vanishes. She lowers her staff, the tip of it hitting the floor. Then she looks back at Yulie -- and she returns the smile, stepping closer.
There's a brief moment where her hand starts to reach out, a little twitch of her fingers. Like she wants to do a little more to reassure her...
But she remembers where they are -- and they shouldn't linger. So she smiles, instead. "Just us," she says. "Let's see what's up ahead."
She nods, and this time, she leads the way -- walking into the glowing hallway, ahead of them, and the eight sconces in the walls. There is an unlit torch in each; Redi looks at them, staring for a moment.
Then, she frowns. "Maybe..." She reaches into her mailbag, opening it with some hesitation. Then, she pulls out a small magnifying lens from inside.
It is, of course, for identifying items. "...This'll help give us a clue if some of them are different, and we can try lighting those?"
DG: Redi Hayworth has used her Tool Trusty Mailbag toward her party's challenge, Torchlit Patterns. Cleanse! All negative effects will be cleared at the end of the round!
<Pose Tracker> Yulie Ahtreide has posed.
There's a moment of quiet. Yulie relaxes a bit as Redi steps closer - then, suggests they move on.
"Right." Yulie replies with a nod. There's no telling just what else they'll face, yet. It's a relief to know it's just them, right now.
Yulie follows after Redi... and soon enough, they reach a closed door accompanied by eight unlit torches.
Definitely a puzzle. But what's the answer...? Yulie frowns consideringly, folding her arms in front of her - and then, Redi has an idea!
"Oh, that's a good idea." Yulie replies, brightening. "There's bound to be a pattern - if we compare them, we're sure to learn something."
She rummages through her things, drawing out a Wonder Staff. With a quick spellcasting its head alights, ready to be used to light the torches they puzzle out.
DG: Yulie Ahtreide has used her Tool Wonder Staff toward her party's challenge, Torchlit Patterns. Fanfare!
=========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
======================<* CHALLENGE - Torchlit Patterns *>=======================
| Type: Exploration | Dungeon Ability: Wits | Challenge Rating: 1 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information >----------------------------
The emerald hallways of the Ruins of Altered Memory have numerous torches on
them. As you walk along, however, you notice that the torches in some
sconces are not lit. No azure light glows out from these, and you find
portions of the hallways darkened.
When you enter the next room, you find a row of eight torches in braziers.
All are unlit -- and the door across from you remains locked. The torches
hold the key to moving forward, but how will you decide which ones to light?
============================= Dungeon Conditions: =============================
| Cleanse:_All_Effects_Removed!, Reckless:_Wits_Down!_Brute_Up!, |
| Treasure:_Exploration_Up!, Weaken:_Brute_Down!, and Wound:_Combat_Down! |
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
=========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
================< Results - Ruins of Altered Memory - Round 3 >=================
=======================< CHALLENGE - Torchlit Patterns >========================
Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redi Hayworth 10 --(5)--> 15 Best
Trusty Mailbag Min Wits Effects: Cleanse and
Inefficient
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yulie Ahtreide 27 --(5)--> 32 Best
Wonder Staff Maj Wits Effects: Fanfare
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leader: Redi Hayworth 40 --(25)--> 65 Pass
Conditions: Reckless(1), Treasure(1), Weaken(2), and Wound(2)
Effects: Cleanse
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
DG: The party led by Redi Hayworth has passed this challenge! The party gained 25 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> Redi Hayworth has posed.
Redi looks down at the Wonder Staff, and then she grins a little bit -- both at the compliment and the staff. It doeslook pretty amazing. "Right! So..."
She lifts up the magnifying glass -- and looks at each in turn. Sure enough, when looked through it, four of them have a strange green glow; a sure sign of ancient sorcery.
"That one, that one, and..."
Redi points to them in turn -- and Yulie, with the Wonder Staff, lights them. The fires crackle and burn.
And then, with a soft click, the door at the end ofthe room opens. Redi slides the magnifying glass back into her bag and looks at Yulie.
"Good work!" she says, before she holds her hand up, palm facing Yulie.
High five?
DG: Yulie Ahtreide has drawn a new Challenge. =========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
=========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
=====================<* CHALLENGE - Orc Hellion Spectral *>=====================
| Type: Exploration | Dungeon Ability: Combat | Challenge Rating: 2 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information >----------------------------
When you enter this room, the dark green walls shimmer. Phantom images of
the city of Lastonbell appear, as it looked during the invasion by Hyland.
Flames lick off roofs; crackling embers can be heard. Then, in the center of
the room, a hulking, green-skinned figure appears -- a Hellion, save made
only of solid blue light. Even the 'Malevolence' roiling off it is, in fact,
an illusion.
However, the hammer in its hands is more than capable of causing real harm.
Which you may discover, as it swings it for you.
============================= Dungeon Conditions: =============================
| Injure:_Exhaustion_Up_On_Failure!, Weaken:_Brute_Down!, and |
| Wound:_Combat_Down! |
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
<Pose Tracker> Yulie Ahtreide has posed.
Four of the torches glow, and that's all the indication they need. Soon enough, the door opens. Yulie beams, stowing away her Wonder Staff - the flames receding the moment its put away. The advantages of magic dungeoneering equipment!
"Good work!" Yulie agrees with Redi. Redi holds a hand up, palm facing her... and Yulie's palm meets it!
High five!
After taking a moment to bask in their victory, they continue on. There's a bit of walking through emerald halls... and then, once more, they find themselves in a room.
The walls shine reflectively - and then, the images within begin to reshape themselves. The reflection gives way to images of a Lunarian city in flames - Lastonbell. It's only Yulie's imagining of Lastonbell during the invasion, having never been there herself... but no one here is able to correct the inconsistencies.
"...I wasn't there myself, but I heard about it from other Drifters. ...It sounded horrible." Yulie murmurs. ...Once more, blue lights thread inward, taking form.
This time, the figure before them, wreathed in a facade of Malevolence, is thankfully unfamiliar - but it is still quite large, wielding an equally large hammer.
"Then, this must be a Hellion... be careful! They're very strong!" Yulie warns. The orc Hellion swings its hammer... and Yulie casts her hands out in front of her. Three of her rings fly out, spinning in front of her as they form a barrier between themselves to intercept the attack. The hammer bounces off... and then Yulie spins, grabbing one of the rings out of mid-air and hurling it toward the orc.
"Ray Satellite...!" Yulie calls out. The ring stalls in mid-air, still spinning dangerously as it bites into the orc - leaving it open for Redi to capitalize on!
DG: Yulie Ahtreide has contributed a Combat Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Orc Hellion Spectral.
<Pose Tracker> Redi Hayworth has posed.
Redi looks a little proud after the high five. But she thinks she is allowed.
She keeps walking -- a little after Yulie, and her mouth opens. She spots the city in flames, of course; an image that's disturbing, even if she has never been to Lunar. Her eyes cast downward, though.
"How awful," she says, softly. "I only heard a little, but..."
She tenses as another spectral figure takes form. Redi's eyes widen at that -- and she looks at the Malevolence-wreathed figure and sucks in a breath, before she reaches into her bag.
Another hand-drawn card is pulled out. Red light gleams across them both -- and across Yulie's ring, as it spins around the orc -- and Redi nods.
She leaps forward. The quarterstaff spins in her hands, over her head, before she comes crashing down -- and slams the weapon across the orc's chest, before she spins, and strikes right for the orc's chin, capitalizing on Yulie's opening.
"Hyaah!"
DG: Redi Hayworth has used her Tool Critical Card toward her party's challenge, Orc Hellion Spectral. Embolden! Party Combat boosted! Shortsighted! The party will suffer a penalty next round... but not this round! =========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
=========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
=====================<* CHALLENGE - Orc Hellion Spectral *>=====================
| Type: Exploration | Dungeon Ability: Combat | Challenge Rating: 2 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information >----------------------------
When you enter this room, the dark green walls shimmer. Phantom images of
the city of Lastonbell appear, as it looked during the invasion by Hyland.
Flames lick off roofs; crackling embers can be heard. Then, in the center of
the room, a hulking, green-skinned figure appears -- a Hellion, save made
only of solid blue light. Even the 'Malevolence' roiling off it is, in fact,
an illusion.
However, the hammer in its hands is more than capable of causing real harm.
Which you may discover, as it swings it for you.
============================= Dungeon Conditions: =============================
| Embolden:_Combat_Up!, Injure:_Exhaustion_Up_On_Failure!, |
| Shortsighted:_All_Stats_Down!, Weaken:_Brute_Down!, and Wound:_Combat_Down! |
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
=========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
================< Results - Ruins of Altered Memory - Round 4 >=================
======================< CHALLENGE - Orc Hellion Spectral >======================
Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redi Hayworth 15 --(5)--> 20 Best
Critical Card Maj Combat Effects: Shortsighted and
Embolden
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yulie Ahtreide 32 --(5)--> 37 Good
Fight Bsc Combat Effects: BASIC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leader: Redi Hayworth 65 --(20)--> 80 Pass
Conditions: Injure(2), Weaken(1), and Wound(2)
Effects: Embolden(1) and Shortsighted(1)
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
DG: The party led by Redi Hayworth 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> Yulie Ahtreide has posed.
Yulie also thinks Redi is allowed.
"It must've been horrible... Yulie agrees with a quiet nod. There's little time for introspection, though, as the Hellion is soon upon them... Fortunately, they have more than enough teamwork to spare.
Red light gleams across the spinning ring, and it spins all the faster for it. Redi follows it up, quarterstaff slamming into its chest and sending it staggering backward. With a roar it raises its hammer... leaving it open for the follow-up swing right for its chin! It stumbles, dazed - and then collapses, hammer falling to the ground next to it.
Like the soldier before, the orc soon dissipates into blue light - and once it fades, so too does the image of the burning city in the dark green walls.
"We're doing pretty well." Yulie comments, sending Redi a smile.
DG: Redi Hayworth has drawn a new Challenge. =========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
=========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
======================<* CHALLENGE - Alone in the Dark *>=======================
| Type: Climax | Dungeon Ability: Wits | Challenge Rating: 4 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information >----------------------------
Your trek through the emerald halls of the Ruins of Altered Memory ends in a
spiral staircase. It leads down into an oxagonal chamber, cut of the same
emerald stone as the rest of the room. A hallway leads beyond -- into a
honeycomb of treasure rooms, nooks, and hiding holes. Those are visible
through a shimmering portal, where a blue energy field has risen and blocks
your way forward.
When you step into the room, however, darkness pervades your senses. You are
driven to your knees, as your memories are pulled forth -- and you are
overwhelmed by them. The torches all go out, and darkness overtakes the
room.
You are trapped within a memory. It may be pleasant or unpleasant. However
-- until you succeed this Challenge or are helped in the next -- you are not
aware of reality. It is STRONGLY suggested you OOCly do your +acts and then
draw the next card immediately. It may affect what happens.
============================= Dungeon Conditions: =============================
| Embolden:_Combat_Up!, Injure:_Exhaustion_Up_On_Failure!, |
| Shortsighted:_All_Stats_Down!, Stupify:_Wits_Down!, and Wound:_Combat_Down! |
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
[OOC] Redi Hayworth says, "gasp!!! I wrote this years ago and cannot remember what happens now, but... I'll trust past
DG: Redi Hayworth has used her Tool Animal Whistle toward her party's challenge, Alone in the Dark. Fanfare! DG: Yulie Ahtreide has used her Tool Wonder Staff toward her party's challenge, Alone in the Dark. Fanfare! =========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
=========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
======================<* CHALLENGE - Alone in the Dark *>=======================
| Type: Climax | Dungeon Ability: Wits | Challenge Rating: 4 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information >----------------------------
Your trek through the emerald halls of the Ruins of Altered Memory ends in a
spiral staircase. It leads down into an oxagonal chamber, cut of the same
emerald stone as the rest of the room. A hallway leads beyond -- into a
honeycomb of treasure rooms, nooks, and hiding holes. Those are visible
through a shimmering portal, where a blue energy field has risen and blocks
your way forward.
When you step into the room, however, darkness pervades your senses. You are
driven to your knees, as your memories are pulled forth -- and you are
overwhelmed by them. The torches all go out, and darkness overtakes the
room.
You are trapped within a memory. It may be pleasant or unpleasant. However
-- until you succeed this Challenge or are helped in the next -- you are not
aware of reality. It is STRONGLY suggested you OOCly do your +acts and then
draw the next card immediately. It may affect what happens.
============================= Dungeon Conditions: =============================
| Injure:_Exhaustion_Up_On_Failure!, Stupify:_Wits_Down!, and |
| Wound:_Combat_Down! |
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
=========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>========================== ================< Results - Ruins of Altered Memory - Round 5 >================= =======================< CHALLENGE - Alone in the Dark >======================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Redi Hayworth 20 --(34)--> 54 Bad Animal Whistle Maj Wits Effects: Fanfare -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yulie Ahtreide 37 --(17)--> 54 Good Wonder Staff Maj Wits Effects: Fanfare -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Leader: Redi Hayworth 80 --(0)--> 80 Fail Conditions: Injure(2), Stupify(2), and Wound(1) Effects: = Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
DG: The party led by Redi Hayworth has failed this challenge! The party gained 0 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: Redi Hayworth has drawn a new Challenge. =========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
=========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>========================== ================<* CHALLENGE - With Some Help from My Friends *>================ | Type: Final | Dungeon Ability: Wits | Challenge Rating: 1 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information >---------------------------- Finally, at least one of you emerges from the illusory prison of memory. With that, you can enter the other's memory -- and help draw them out of it. You can choose who helps who, based both on successes and desires. The degree to which memories might be seen by others is left to player discretion. ============================= Dungeon Conditions: ============================= | Injure:_Exhaustion_Up_On_Failure!, Save_Point:_Conditions_cleansed!, and | | Stupify:_Wits_Down! | = Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
<Pose Tracker> Redi Hayworth has posed.
"We are!" Redi says, with a smile. "I bet we're getting, close now."
She motions down the hallway, where there is a spiral staircase -- leading down and down, and no doubt to further treasures within. Redi nods, and she starts down the stairs.
It takes a little bit. But when they reach the bottom, the shadows all darken -- and lengthen -- and then envelope them.
And to Redi's eyes, Yulie vanishes.
It's a familiar sight that comes to her: Hilton, with its tiled roofs and tall buildings. But there is smoke in the sky; there are screams in the air. In the distance, people are fleeing, and a pair of shadowy figures -- spirits, crackling with eerie violet and crimson fire -- are running after.
And here, right now, one is chasing down two women wearing the blue uniform of the Lacour Postal Express. One has short brown hair and brown eyes; the other is a strawberry blonde.
The ghostly, shrieking specer reaches out -- and the brown-haired one shoves Clara. "Redi!" she calls out, turning--
--as the specter's hand shoots into her back, and her body jerks.
And the other Redi, the one remembering this, stares. The moment freezes into place: Clara's anguished scream, the real Redi's lifeless brown eyes, and the nameless specter in the act of killing her. Redi's pale blue eyes blink.
Then blur, as she feels them grow hot with tears.
"Why," she asks.
Then, louder, but harsher -- and much more desperate. "Why--why are you showing me this!?"
DG: Redi Hayworth has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward her party's challenge, With Some Help from My Friends. (New BB Message (12/90) posted to 'Daily Armengard' by Sheriff Star: Armengard Saying (Apr. 23)) (New BB Message (12/91) posted to 'Daily Armengard' by Sheriff Star: Armengard Saying (Apr. 24))
<Pose Tracker> Yulie Ahtreide has posed.
"I bet were are. Only a little more to go..." Yulie replies encouragingly, pumping both fists. She meets Redi's eyes - and then, she nods. They descend the spiral staircase. She catches a glimpse of the chamber beyond it and turns to Redi -
And everything goes black.
A young girl in a hospital gown sits in a pristine white room, a visor covering her face and seated in a chair, to which various forms of scientific equipment have been connected. Readings she can scarcely begin to comprehend write their way across monitors.
"Focus, WG920B+. Begin the initialization process for Code G." A voice speaks through in an intercom behind bullet-proof glass, obscuring their face. The girl hesitates for a moment - and then nods.
She concentrates, and the visor shows her an image - the Guardian Program materializing in an abandoned stretch of land. An image of the outside? Or a simulation? It doesn't matter. The moment it appears, its power goes haywire - a swathe of land is annihilated instantly. Seeing this, the girl panics - and responding to it, Code G destabilizes.
No, no, this wasn't supposed to happen, that's not how it's supposed to be... She was supposed to help people...
"It's alright. This is for the good of Filgaia. Keep going." The voice urges her.
She thrashes. How? How can this be for the good of Filgaia? This devastating power...
...It's helped before, though, hasn't it? Her control still isn't perfect, but... she's gotten better. It's not like this anymore. Her friends helped her see it through.
The voice behind the mirror calls out to her, but Yulie ignores it. No, right now... This isn't real. It's just like before. A memory - a bad memory, one that still plagues her. But she isn't here alone.
...And as she remembers this, the image on the visor begins to shift. Its obscured by static, at first - but it settles...
...Into an image of Hilton, filled with smoke and screams. The little girl sitting in the chair would've been terrified at the thought of standing before she was told to do so -
But Yulie still does, lifting the visor over her head and tossing it aside as she stands. She walks forward into a memory that isn't hers.
She knows what she has to do - and it doesn't take long before she finds it.
Clara, Redi, and a nameless specter... Yulie's breath is caught in her throat for a moment as she sees the horrible memory play out.
...It truly is awful. Even more awful... is the fact that Redi's being forced to witness it. She hears her harsh, desperate cry, and it's like a knife to her heart. But she takes a deep breath, and approaches her.
"Redi," Yulie calls out. Not to the original one that she never knew, but to the one who became her friend, and remained so, even after she heard the truth. "...I'm here. And... I'm sorry. I'm so sorry you have to see this again."
She moves in to offer a hug.
"...Let's go back. I don't... I don't think dwelling on this will help." She murmurs.
DG: Yulie Ahtreide has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward her party's challenge, With Some Help from My Friends. =========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
=========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>========================== ================<* CHALLENGE - With Some Help from My Friends *>================ | Type: Final | Dungeon Ability: Wits | Challenge Rating: 1 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information >---------------------------- Finally, at least one of you emerges from the illusory prison of memory. With that, you can enter the other's memory -- and help draw them out of it. You can choose who helps who, based both on successes and desires. The degree to which memories might be seen by others is left to player discretion. ============================= Dungeon Conditions: ============================= | Injure:_Exhaustion_Up_On_Failure!, Save_Point:_Conditions_cleansed!, and | | Stupify:_Wits_Down! | = Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
=========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>========================== ================< Results - Ruins of Altered Memory - Round 6 >================= =================< CHALLENGE - With Some Help from My Friends >================= Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Redi Hayworth 54 --(5)--> 59 Good Investigate Bsc Wits Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yulie Ahtreide 54 --(22)--> 76 Bad Investigate Bsc Wits Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Leader: Redi Hayworth 80 --(35)--> 115 Pass Conditions: Injure(1), Save Point(1), and Stupify(1) Effects: = Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
DG: You have overcome the dungeon's trials! This run is a success! DG: The party led by Redi Hayworth has successfully explored Ruins of Altered Memory! =========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
=========================<* Ruins of Altered Memory *>==========================
=====================<* CHALLENGE - The Tower of Victory *>=====================
| Type: Discovery | Dungeon Ability: Conclusion | Challenge Rating: 4 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information >----------------------------
At the very back of the honeycomb of treasure rooms, you locate a sealed
door. When you approach it, it seems to respond to you. The Elw runes
engraved upon it come aglow, shining a soft blue. As you get closer, more of
those runes come to light. However, some begin to shift.
You have to watch for a moment, before you realize: this is a display,
showing Elw numbers upon it. They are slowly but surely counting down... to
something.
You have unlocked an optional boss: King of Angolmois. Please send in a
+request when you have received this card!
============================= Dungeon Conditions: =============================
| Injure:_Exhaustion_Up_On_Failure!, Save_Point:_Conditions_cleansed!, |
| Stupify:_Wits_Down!, and Vault:_Exploration_Up! |
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
<Pose Tracker> Redi Hayworth has posed.
Redi hears her name being called. She turns her head, eyes still stinging, and sees something that -- in the moment -- doesn't make sense. Like reality twists and tears, with just a glimpse of something beyond -- a room.
But also, Yulie walking towards her. She blinks her eyes, tears on her cheeks still. She hesitates, as Yulie speaks -- and then hugs her.
And Redi hugs back, looking away from the image of the other her, and Clara, and...
"Y-Yulie," she stammers. "You... you saw something, too, didn't you? I--I should--"
Her voice catches. She hugs her tighter. "...th-thanks. You keep... keep coming right when I need you."
The memories fade around them, falling away -- and revealing the room around them. Elw runes, aglow with a soft blue light; a display, showing a countdown. Redi looks at it, slowly, over Yulie's shoulder. Her pale blue eyes reflect in it.
"It's a countdown," she says, softly. "I--wait, what's--"
She sees something else reflecting in the monitor. Figures, running down the stairs.
<Pose Tracker> Yulie Ahtreide has posed.
"...I did." Yulie confirms with a quiet nod. That doesn't matter right now, though. That's something they can sort through later - but right now, her friend is hurting. That's what matters. She pats Redi gently as she hugs her tighter.
"...You're welcome. I'm just glad I could be there for you." She assures.
Finally, the memories fade... and they find themselves in a room... and ahead, Elw runes. A countdown...? Yulie's curious, too.
...But before she can get a closer look, she spots the monitor. She spots the figures on the monitor... and her eyes open wide in horror as she realises what, exactly, she's seeing.
Those uniforms. Military uniforms, bearing Brionac's emblem. But there are details here and there, more modern touches that she's never seen before that make the situation starkly apparent.
She had hoped she had seen the last of them... but she'd never let herself really believe that. It felt too good to be true...
...And it seems, indeed, that's the case. Once again, the past returns to haunt them in the Ruins of Memory... but these are no specters.
"...It's them." She whispers. "It's... them them! They're here! How? I- I- don't - We have to... we have to go."
There's an urgency in her voice. Did they follow them...? For how long?
<Pose Tracker> Redi Hayworth has posed.
Redi looks at Yulie -- and wipes her eyes, hurriedly, on her sleeve. She nods, quickly, as she realizes. It falls into place: the same uniform as the one they fought earlier.
But these are no specters.
"R-Right," she says. Right, Redi thinks, as she looks around, and tries to not be unnerved by the worry in her voice. "Maybe--" She looks at the wall with the monitor, and sees the impression of a door on it.
Redi takes Yulie's hand -- as much to comfort her as it is to make sure they don't get separated.
Which is when one of the soldier's voices calls out. "You!" he yells, from the top of the stairs. "Stop, right there!"
His rifle is aimed down. He fires, the bullet smashing the ground near both of their feet. Redi looks at the doorway, then at Yulie, and then she kicks it open.
"This way!" she says, before she rushes through it.
Yulie feels her jerk, as her footing is lost; Redi is still clasping her hand.
Because the door leads to a sharp, sloped tunnel -- and Redi goes plummeting down into it.
(New BB Message (11/10) posted to 'Cutscenes' by Necronomicon: To Reap)
<Pose Tracker> Yulie Ahtreide has posed.
Redi takes her hand, and Yulie holds on tight. It definitely helps.
...But then, they're spotted. A bullet smashes into the ground, and it's as if it knocked the wind right out of her. She feels a pull as Redi kicks the nearby doorway open - and with a nod, Yulie breaks into a run, following after her.
...And then there's a jerk. Yulie is momentarily torn between the urge to pull Redi back, or to follow behind her willingly because anywhere's better than here...
...But gravity chooses for her and she's pulled along, tumbling into the tunnel below.
The only thing that she can do now is hold on tight and brace herself. Whatever happens... they can't get separated.