2020-09-03: The Secret of Cardon Forest
- Log: The Secret of Cardon Forest
- Cast: Seraph Harmaus, Beuhmand, Kaguya, Marivel Armitage, Ambrosius
- Where: Cardon Forest
- Date: September 03, 2020
- Summary: Harmaus, ever with a nose for secrets, is interested in what lies behind the Cardon Forest Sub-Gate. Calling on an ally -- and joining forces with others still -- he and the rest delve into the ruin's depths. But is this the type of secret that satiates the seeking Seraph?
DG: A party led by Seraph Harmaus is now entering Cardon Forest Sub-Gate. DG: Party formation is now over. An Entry Challenge will now be drawn and displayed to the party.
==========================<* Cardon Forest Sub-Gate *>========================== ========================<* CHALLENGE - Going Down...? *>======================== |Type: Entry |Dungeon Ability: Agility |Challenge Rating: 2 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------- With effort and permission, you make it. The Cardon Forest Sub-Gate. This place is oft avoided by even those whom have permission to enter, for its reputation of being extremely dangerous has warded many off. Of those who actually go, even fewer return. Strange tales surround this isolated ruin among the many connected tatters of a bygone era. Huge reaverbots, active machinery, strange defense systems unseen before. The list goes on. But that didn't stop you, now did it? The elevator lurches to life after a momentary struggle of settled tech. It begins to descend, but a grinding sound under the elevator is heard as it comes to a halt. The elevator hasn't been serviced in ages, and the tracks downward appear to be caked with rust. It would require repairs, but would take a long time to get it working. To the side, though the shaft is farther down than visible, there is what looks like handgrips. You could use them to get down. Though climbing down, horrific noises can be heard just on the other side. Grinding. Powerful impacts. Something... pounding? It is hard to tell. It makes you feel like something is going to set upon you when you get to the bottom. But, if you steel yourself perhaps you can make it down. Visible at the bottom, a control panel lies, dormant for untold ages. Beyond it is the largest refractor you have ever seen, a lovely gold, it hums behind a cylindrical forcefield. It is definitely worth a truckload of Gella. On the panel are several keyslots of strange design. It seems you will need keys to operate the forcefield. Hopefully they can be located somewhere within the ruins proper. BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1H0bZB24tU =Dungeon Conditions: Hesitate=================================================
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Harmaus has posed.
"Tcha," is the embodied Seraph's ultimate assessment of the mechanism. "It moves not easy."
This doesn't mean that he doesn't give the stuck elevator a solid kick, of course. Naturally, such percussive maintenance fails to make any great impression in the broken lift.
It had been a simple matter: Harmaus had spoken to Kaguya, his partner in such things, about an apparent site of note that had caused quite a stir. In fact, hadn't it been one of her fellows who had been involved...?
From there, things had been simpler yet: she had drawn upon an ally of her own, and they had set off for the site. Certainly, a site such as this would contain bountiful mystery. Certainly, there were secrets for the taking. --Not anything he needed, of course, almost assuredly, but something is always better than nothing.
They weren't the only ones to take interest in the Cardon Forest ruins. It's just a shame the lift's out.
"Oh?" He spots, soon enough, the grips leading down alongside the shaft. "Ah! A way forward, yes?" he asks the others, glancing over a shoulder at the rest of them. "Then, down we goes!" Without hesitation or further delay, the Seraph-in-flesh slips over the edge and takes the rungs, dropping down into the dark.
DG: Seraph Harmaus has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward his party's challenge, Going Down...?.
<Pose Tracker> Beuhmand has posed.
A monolith of burlap was standing at the edge of the sub-gate when others arrived. To those that saw it recently, it may have never left the area after its excursion into the depths. It was simply staring into the darkness below, talking quietly to itself. "Makes no sense. Humans make it, leave it, then cannot re-enter. What does it do when they are not in it?"
Beuhmand had found the hole, and then waited for what it would assume would be curious humans. Offering its assistance just to have the company, it joined the little squad in their journey downward. "Beuhmand," it had introduced itself by motioning to itself with a long-fingered hand.
From beneath its cloak it withdrew a long sinew of metal cord. Much as it had done before it set the end around a secure point beside the handholds. Leaning back at the edge of the pit, it motions to those remaining. "Feel free to use," it offered before pushing off and rappelling down into the darkness. The hiss of air sends its cloak into a parachute plume around it.
DG: Beuhmand has used its Tool Grappling Tendril toward its party's challenge, Going Down...?.
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya has posed.
'Permission'. Yes, that's definitely happening. Absolutely, Kaguya cares a lot about getting 'permission.'
Oh yeah it was definitely one of Kaguya's people who was involved here and that is as much as needs to be said about that part. Totally. Though she does share a Look with Ambrosius as they get close...
"Ehhhhh," Kaguya says about the trip over. "Eh."
But here at the elevator and how it doesn't work--she frowns. "Oh, come on," Kaguya starts at the elevator not working. Then Harmaus just drops down, and Kaguya repeats, "Oh, come on!"
"Uhhhhhhh," Kaguya says to Beuhmand, in the meantime. "Sure, helpful... dude."
Kaguya considers the cord. She eyes it for a moment. Then she shrugs, and starts over the edge, too. Climbing...
"Just want to say for the record that this is bullshit, this is why elevators exist! Stupid useless human junk," mumble mumble.
DG: Kaguya has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Going Down...?.
<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.
As usual with with these sorts of 'move carefully down' puzzles, Marivel turns into a bat and makes someone else worry about it. Generally, Marivel's plan in digs is to make other people worry about it unless she feels the whimsy or some other particular push.
She plunks down in bat form on Kaguya's shoulder.
"Yeah humans are pretty stupid." Marivel agrees. "You wouldn't believe the wild stuff they've come up with." And then she sniggers. "Actually you probably would."
Shegives Beuhmand a long look. She supposes today is the day she gets to see the hyadean at work.
And really Marivel's tsundere act regarding hoomans is probably a bit easy to see through for some folks here at least. Nevertheless, she wraps her wings around herself like hse intends to sleep through this dig while riding Kaguya.
DG: Marivel Armitage has used her Tool Tomato Juice For Grownups toward her party's challenge, Going Down...?.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
The Cardon Forest Sub-Gate was a matter of curiosity to Ambrosius. Something had been detected within the depths of Kattelox's ruins. They didn't know what yet, but he had an interest in discovering what that was. If this Sub-Gate could provide any information as to what that was, then it was of the utmost importance to investigate.
And, conveniently enough, Kaguya seemed to be looking for assistance, and so, he gradually came along.
At the entrance, they are provided a non-working elevator and a set of handgrips leaning down.
Ambrosius gives the elevator a good, long frown. As a technician and an engineer, seeing a piece of machinery like this left in such disrepair is very displeasing to him.
But, with no other alternative, he takes to the handgrips. ...It'll probably take him a while to descend, though.
DG: Ambrosius has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward his party's challenge, Going Down...?.
==========================<* Cardon Forest Sub-Gate *>========================== ========================<* CHALLENGE - Going Down...? *>======================== |Type: Entry |Dungeon Ability: Agility |Challenge Rating: 2 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------- With effort and permission, you make it. The Cardon Forest Sub-Gate. This place is oft avoided by even those whom have permission to enter, for its reputation of being extremely dangerous has warded many off. Of those who actually go, even fewer return. Strange tales surround this isolated ruin among the many connected tatters of a bygone era. Huge reaverbots, active machinery, strange defense systems unseen before. The list goes on. But that didn't stop you, now did it? The elevator lurches to life after a momentary struggle of settled tech. It begins to descend, but a grinding sound under the elevator is heard as it comes to a halt. The elevator hasn't been serviced in ages, and the tracks downward appear to be caked with rust. It would require repairs, but would take a long time to get it working. To the side, though the shaft is farther down than visible, there is what looks like handgrips. You could use them to get down. Though climbing down, horrific noises can be heard just on the other side. Grinding. Powerful impacts. Something... pounding? It is hard to tell. It makes you feel like something is going to set upon you when you get to the bottom. But, if you steel yourself perhaps you can make it down. Visible at the bottom, a control panel lies, dormant for untold ages. Beyond it is the largest refractor you have ever seen, a lovely gold, it hums behind a cylindrical forcefield. It is definitely worth a truckload of Gella. On the panel are several keyslots of strange design. It seems you will need keys to operate the forcefield. Hopefully they can be located somewhere within the ruins proper. BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1H0bZB24tU =Dungeon Conditions: Hesitate=================================================
=====================<* Cardon Forest Sub-Gate - Round 1 *>===================== ==========================< Results - Going Down...? >========================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Seraph Harmaus 0 --(8)--> 8 Pass Rush 0 Agility Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ambrosius 0 --(8)--> 8 Pass Rush 0 Agility Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kaguya 0 --(8)--> 8 Pass Rush 0 Agility Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beuhmand 0 --(8)--> 8 Pass Grappling Tendril 2 Agility Effects: Quicken -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marivel Armitage 0 --(8)--> 8 Fail Tomato Juice For Grownups 1 Agility Effects: Cleanse -----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------ Leader: Seraph Harmaus 0 --(20)--> 20 Pass Conditions: Hesitate(2) Effects: Cleanse|Quicken(1) ===============================< Dream Chasers >================================
DG: The party led by Seraph Harmaus 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> Seraph Harmaus has posed.
Harmaus had, of course, cocked a head to regard Beuhmand before his own descent, rubbing at his beard thoughtfully. But there were places to be and dark secrets to drag kicking and screaming into the light.
Or whatever it is that rests down in the depths of this place.
"Is always with humans, yes?" rumbles the Seraph from below. "Forgetting and forgetting. Losing what matters." Wait, isn't he a human--
Well, Kaguya at least knows differently, and perhaps some of the heart of that particular matter might be unveiled as light, faded and milky, tinged to violet-greens at the edges, swirls about the 'man' as he descents into the darkness of the shaft.
It's a long way down. It might even be tiring. But they'll all get to the bottom, in due time.
DG: Beuhmand has drawn a new Challenge.
====================================<* Cardon Forest Sub-Gate *>==================================== ==================================<* CHALLENGE - Mobile Banking *>================================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Combat |Challenge Rating: 1 | -------------------------------------< Challenge Information: >------------------------------------- The next room door opens after some travel through winding corridors. This area of the facility sports almost pearlescent white walls, near spotless from passing time. The occasional spot has a reaverbot eye attached to it, glowing a magenta-red. It is difficult to tell if they are following you. There are numerous chests in this room, but all are either opened or broken. Made of metal, and are in various states of quality. One of them looks like a giant fist has dented the top lid, and forced the spring-lock to unlatch. One chest remains unopened. It sits in the very center of the room, pristine. Testing from afar reveals nothing out of the ordinary, though the dust around the base is disturbed, as if the chest has been shifted recently. Approaching it and attempting to open it causes a reaction, as the lid quickly opens and attempts to nip the hand near it! No teeth or anything, just metal edges snipping like a vice. And then it... sprouts robotic legs and takes off running down the nearby hallway! The person who got close can see it had a mound of Gella inside, and what looked like some sort of cylinder with prongs. Perhaps a key? Might be worth it to chase the chest down! =Dungeon Conditions: Exhaust, Treasure========================================
<Pose Tracker> Beuhmand has posed.
The descent seems uneventful, no matter how each person chooses to drop. Beuhmand's metal tendril unhooks itself and shrinks back under its cloak with astounding speed. The loud snap of the coil echoes down a series of winding corridors. Walls that shimmer with colors born within white seem to push away the very particles of dirt that one would imagine should be here.
As the party moves, small slits in the wall open now and then to reveal beady red eyes that rotate to follow their passing. But when stared at directly they close and the slit disappears into the smoothness of the wall. Passing through a sliding door to a singular room, reveals a myriad of metal and opal chests in varying stages of disrepair. All open, broken, and empty. Except for one.
Beuhmand methodically approaches the remaining chest. "No reason for it to be left undone by others," it mused in a neutral tone at around 150 hertz.
When nothing causes issues getting to the chest, it ran spiderish fingers along its edges as if trying to read its history through fingerprints. A single digit breaks the seal, and the chest becomes the very trap it had been looking for. Its teeth nash, and its revear parts extend as it turns to run. "Key!" Beuhmand states and points a finger after the odd contraption.
DG: Beuhmand has contributed a Combat Basic Action toward its party's challenge, Mobile Banking.
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya has posed.
"I totally would," Kaguya agrees with Marivel, having seen plenty of Stupid Human Tricks. ...If she's a little tsun about humanity too then at least it doesn't have to get mentioned yet.
She's with Ambrosius on the elevator though. Metaphorically, since neither of hem is on the elevator now.
A long way down, Kaguya pokes Marivel with one finger as she rides her shoulder, but doesn't otherwise try to dislodge her. Instead she offers to Harmaus, "Yeah, they sure lost whatever was down here..."
But once there's all the boxes and that one with the unoepend, Kaguya hmms a little at it. "Interesting..." She might poke it, but Beuhmand takes care of that first. And he mentions--
"Oh, cool," Kaguya says, and then quickly reaches down to a very heavy box on the ground. She hefts the chest and hurls it straight for the running robotic box. "Three points!"
DG: Kaguya has used her Tool Loot Abuse toward her party's challenge, Mobile Banking.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
Fortunately, they're able to descend without incident. Things seem rather plain so far... and then, they encounter a room full of chests. Most of them seem to have already been opened, but there is one left.
Naturally, Ambrosius regards it suspiciously. He reaches for his revolver... and when it sprouts legs and begins to run, he takes aim and fires off a quick shot for one of those legs, trying to take it down quicky.
If it has a key as Beuhmand states, then it's important they stop it before it gets away.
DG: Ambrosius has contributed a Combat Basic Action toward his party's challenge, Mobile Banking.
<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.
Marivel is pretty sure Kaguya is tsun about humanity but she isn't going to say it out loud in respect of tsunman solidarity.
She makes a faint squeaking noise when Kaguya pokes her. It's very cute and--Kaguya gets the sense--involuntary because it's kind of like a mouse squeak. Because bats are flying rats after all.
But eventually Marivel unfolds herself, transforming back into humanoid form to raise up her mic and--
"......HEY IT'S RUNNING AWAY!" Marivel shouts. "That's not fair! Chests are supposed to fight or sit still, not flee and be lost forever!"
She summons a plethora of pails that she attempts to drop on the chest.
DG: Marivel Armitage has contributed a Combat Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Mobile Banking.
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Harmaus has posed.
"It wonders us," Harmaus drawls, finally addressing the 'elephant' in the room as he regards Beuhmand. "What is it? Not human, no. But not beastfolk or elf? Ah, we knows it not. Not yet."
This, before they amble along through the ruin, before they find a certain cache.
"A trap?" Harmaus wonders. "Hmm. It goes first!" he says, perhaps indicating that Beuhmand (or whoever!) take point.
And then--
"Ah, it has feets," Harmaus remarks, almost laconically, as others take their shots at or cry out about the chest beating a hasty retreat. "Jaeja. A problem, yes? It wonders us, what it yet holds." He makes no movement to chase after it, instead watching it with a dark eye.
That is, until one hand snaps out, a single tiny bell loosed from his grasp to chime the once in these halls. "No more. Be still," the Seraph intones, as the bell's ringing goes on... and on...
Shh. Stop. Enough, it speaks.
DG: Seraph Harmaus has used his Tool Amulet Bell toward his party's challenge, Mobile Banking.
====================================<* Cardon Forest Sub-Gate *>==================================== ==================================<* CHALLENGE - Mobile Banking *>================================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Combat |Challenge Rating: 1 | -------------------------------------< Challenge Information: >------------------------------------- The next room door opens after some travel through winding corridors. This area of the facility sports almost pearlescent white walls, near spotless from passing time. The occasional spot has a reaverbot eye attached to it, glowing a magenta-red. It is difficult to tell if they are following you. There are numerous chests in this room, but all are either opened or broken. Made of metal, and are in various states of quality. One of them looks like a giant fist has dented the top lid, and forced the spring-lock to unlatch. One chest remains unopened. It sits in the very center of the room, pristine. Testing from afar reveals nothing out of the ordinary, though the dust around the base is disturbed, as if the chest has been shifted recently. Approaching it and attempting to open it causes a reaction, as the lid quickly opens and attempts to nip the hand near it! No teeth or anything, just metal edges snipping like a vice. And then it... sprouts robotic legs and takes off running down the nearby hallway! The person who got close can see it had a mound of Gella inside, and what looked like some sort of cylinder with prongs. Perhaps a key? Might be worth it to chase the chest down! =Dungeon Conditions: Exhaust, Treasure========================================
===============================<* Cardon Forest Sub-Gate - Round 2 *>=============================== ====================================< Results - Mobile Banking >==================================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Seraph Harmaus 8 --(4)--> 12 Pass Amulet Bell 2 Combat Effects: Embolden ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ambrosius 8 --(4)--> 12 Pass Fight 0 Combat Effects: BASIC ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kaguya 8 --(4)--> 12 Pass Loot Abuse 2 Combat Effects: Stalwart ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beuhmand 8 --(4)--> 12 Pass Fight 0 Combat Effects: BASIC ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marivel Armitage 8 --(4)--> 12 Pass Fight 0 Combat Effects: BASIC ---------------------------------------------< Party >---------------------------------------------- Leader: Seraph Harmaus 20 --(25)--> 45 Pass Conditions: Exhaust(1)|Hesitate(1)|Treasure(1) Effects: Embolden(1) =========================================< Dream Chasers >==========================================
DG: The party led by Seraph Harmaus 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> Beuhmand has posed.
The odd reaverbot that mimicked a chest stomped its gangly path away with as much grace as an elephant on ice skates. Beuhmand had drawn a gun from beneath its cloak, and Ambrosius joined in raining lead, but the variety of objects everyone else threw boggles the mind. Pails, an empty chest, and apparently a bell.
Beuhman's weapon releases a rapid burst of bullets, and then seems to dissolve and disappear back under its cloak. It takes off after the chest, its cloak lifting as it runs, revealing its digitigraded legs and sharp four-toed feet.
Ambrosius's bullet takes a chunk out of the reaverbot's side, spilling a trail of Gella in its wake. It stumbles as it is struck with one of its less 'footed' brethren, and falls flat when a rain of pails collide with its maybe head. This all seems moot as when it tries to rise to its feet a single nell rings out and the odd creature stops's movements cease. The gears in its limbs grind in protest against the invisible force holding them until they literally burst from pressure. The chest, gella, and key laid out to be collected.
DG: Kaguya has drawn a new Challenge.
==========================<* Cardon Forest Sub-Gate *>========================== =======================<* CHALLENGE - Iron Hedge Maze *>======================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Wits |Challenge Rating: 1 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------- An automatic door opens to reveal a massive tangle of pathways, ramps and turns. The room has a very high ceiling, one barely visible. The walls of this place hum, as if machinery works behind it for some unknown cause. This place is very much alive, it seems. Eventually you find yourself back at the entrance to this complicated labyrinth. It may take more than just taking every right and eventually getting out. Worse yet, you hear metallic footsteps somewhere near you. A puff of dust on the ground indicates something was walking for certain. They leave large footprints, almost shaped like boots. Someone else notices a flash of green metal. Attempts to engage are met with the feeling of flowing wind and a strange distortion of light, and then the walking sound is gone for a small bit, but whatever it is returns quickly. Something is stalking you. Getting out of this entrapment post-haste may be a good plan. =Dungeon Conditions: Stupify, Bad Luck========================================
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya has posed.
Kaguya will remember that squeak.
She looks over Beuhmand too though. "Yeah, good question. Who are you anyway? I mean I guess Harmaus was asking 'what' not who but that's pretty rude so I'll settle for 'who.'"
Pause. "Not that I care that much about being rude or anything."
Kaguya moves down to pick up the gella and the key and then a chunk of chest leg, just to be safe. But as they move on...
Hers tangling pathway, a labyrinth. They go through it, and end up at the beginning again. The thing that might be following...
"Huh," Kaguya says. "Green metal..."
She pauses. "Well come get us if you feel like it," she says with a shrug, and reaches into her bag, pulling out a small green case. From it she pulls a little tool--
Kaguya jabs the screwdriver into the wall and uses it as a chisel. "I'll mark our path this time."
It makes a very unpleasant set of noises. She's going to keep doing that.
DG: Kaguya has used her Tool Mad Science Case toward her party's challenge, Iron Hedge Maze.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
Ambrosius turns to study Beuhmand for a moment as the others question it, but he doesn't ask anything of them himself. Instead he approaches the downed chest, salvaging some of its mechanisms before joining the others in moving forward into the sub-gate.
The path they choose leads them into a labyrinth. Ambrosius regards it curiously. The labyrinth itself is certainly interesting... but there's something else here, too. Something following them.
Ambrosius reaches into his bag drawing out a silvery device. He makes some adjustments to it... but, overall, nothing seems to happen.
And it won't - at least, it won't as long as whatever is following them keeps their distance. It's a motion-sensor, and it'll alert them if their mysterious follower draws too close.
DG: Ambrosius has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward his party's challenge, Iron Hedge Maze.
<Pose Tracker> Beuhmand has posed.
Beuhmand turns its head to look at Kaguya, its features obscured by a mustard yellow helm that protects its face. Its spikey fingered hand rests against its chest with fingers splayed. "Beuhmand," it offered. "A pleasure meeting you." It didn't even bother to pick up after the chest creature, sweeping past it as if the loot didn't matter too much.
As they enter the labyrinth, the burlap-clad warrior seems instantly infuriated. It slams its fist into the green copper panel, leaving a four fingered dent. "Again!" The cloaked creature shouts as they come upon the shifting and moving pathways. "Space wasted to build this. Must be another route."
Joining Kaguya at the panel being worked on, it withdraws a small box filled with both physical and digital devices. Drawing out two thin probes, it jabs them into a bit of the wall that seems a bit more intricate than the others. "Wandered these paths last time. Not doing that again," it explained.
DG: Beuhmand has used its Tool Security Cracker Kit toward its party's challenge, Iron Hedge Maze.
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Harmaus has posed.
"Seeking information," Harmaus interjects, "is not rude."
Given who is saying this though perhaps this statement should be taken with a hearty pile of salt. And as if to drive that home--
"'Beuhmand'." He nods the once as if to think this over. "Yes, yes. But what is 'Beuhmand'? Is the name? Or the people?"
Once the chest is defeated, Harmaus pauses just long enough to give it a forceful prod with one booted foot, then carries on. "Disappointing. We hopes for more than money. Money is easy to get. Secrets, strong secrets, harder yet!" If it's secrets he's after, though--
"Jaeja," the Seraph repeats, once it becomes clear that they have a problem on their hands. "Something else is here. We moves quickly, yes?" His contribution it seems is to wave a hand, summoning forth more of that aurora-with-the-naked-eye illumination, pouring it in a streamer across the space where Kaguya takes a more direct approach. "Lo! A little light." He grins, baring his upper teeth.
DG: Seraph Harmaus has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward his party's challenge, Iron Hedge Maze. DG: Marivel Armitage has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Iron Hedge Maze.
==========================<* Cardon Forest Sub-Gate *>========================== =======================<* CHALLENGE - Iron Hedge Maze *>======================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Wits |Challenge Rating: 1 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------- An automatic door opens to reveal a massive tangle of pathways, ramps and turns. The room has a very high ceiling, one barely visible. The walls of this place hum, as if machinery works behind it for some unknown cause. This place is very much alive, it seems. Eventually you find yourself back at the entrance to this complicated labyrinth. It may take more than just taking every right and eventually getting out. Worse yet, you hear metallic footsteps somewhere near you. A puff of dust on the ground indicates something was walking for certain. They leave large footprints, almost shaped like boots. Someone else notices a flash of green metal. Attempts to engage are met with the feeling of flowing wind and a strange distortion of light, and then the walking sound is gone for a small bit, but whatever it is returns quickly. Something is stalking you. Getting out of this entrapment post-haste may be a good plan. =Dungeon Conditions: Stupify, Bad Luck========================================
=====================<* Cardon Forest Sub-Gate - Round 3 *>===================== =========================< Results - Iron Hedge Maze >========================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Seraph Harmaus 12 --(10)--> 22 Pass Investigate 0 Wits Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ambrosius 12 --(10)--> 22 Pass Investigate 0 Wits Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kaguya 12 --(10)--> 22 Pass Mad Science Case 2 Wits Effects: Enlighten -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beuhmand 12 --(10)--> 22 Pass Security Cracker Kit 4 Wits Effects: Sacrifice and Rally -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marivel Armitage 12 --(10)--> 22 Pass Investigate 0 Wits Effects: BASIC -----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------ Leader: Seraph Harmaus 45 --(15)--> 60 Pass Conditions: Bad Luck(2)|Stupify(2) Effects: Enlighten(1) ===============================< Dream Chasers >================================
DG: The party led by Seraph Harmaus has passed 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> Kaguya has posed.
"Beuhmand. Yeah, totally, nice to meet you." Kaguya waves again as if to complete the greeting, rather than trying to shake hands or something. Which she could do, but doesn't. But the labyrinth... "Oooh," Kaguya says. "Something you don't like. Yeah these things are annoying, right?"
She likes Beuhmand a little more now. Though she laughs after that. "Suuuure it isn't. At least I know I'm mean."
But this time, they do make it through, with Beuhmand's prior experience, Kaguya's willingness to commit vandalism, and Harmaus's light.
Ambrosius's sensor does not go off--apparently the follower must be keeping more distance than that. But make it through the group does.
DG: Seraph Harmaus has drawn a new Challenge.
==========================<* Cardon Forest Sub-Gate *>========================== ====================<* CHALLENGE - The Mystery Prize Wall *>==================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Brute |Challenge Rating: 2 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------- You enter a large chamber through warehouse doors seemingly sized for vehicles or something of that size. The roof of the room is too high to see the ceiling. It is rather nondescript-- no objects or panels of note, save for the right side wall. It has numerous niches with cubic sealing hatches, the only evidence that they are openable is a few near the bottom already have been. There are plenty of secure handgrips built into the wall to reach higher ones, and only need to be pressed in to make them pop open. They sound as though they have been vacuum sealed. The wall also has places where it looks like a wrecking ball has been cratered into it several feet deep, destroying a spot that would hold something. They hold Gella, small electronic parts, and one might even have a starter key, but even more of them are trapped, bellowing fire, energy blasts, or dispensing a bomb to fall down when opened. Choose wisely! =Dungeon Conditions: Overzealous==============================================
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Harmaus has posed.
Is something there? It's near-impossible to tell, at this point. Whatever it is appears to be keeping its distance.
Beckoning after any lolly-gaggers, Harmaus continues onwards through the helpful hole that Kaguya has made, and soon presses onwards into...
"Ah. Others were here," the Seraph remarks, crossing his arms over his chest as he gazes up at the destruction. He clucks his tongue, almost as if in judgement--
Before rolling his shoulders in a slow shrug and moving along towards the wall. "No more, what is word, 'lingering about', yes?" he remarks, glancing back over his shoulder. "We finds what is remains! Here now, up we go!"
It takes a moment to ascend to a likely-looking spot. It takes a moment more for him to find his balance up there, reach into his kit, and pull out a flask. Then but a moment yet to down it and swing a left-handed punch for the sealed niche.
DG: Seraph Harmaus has used his Tool Titanforce Extract toward his party's challenge, The Mystery Prize Wall.
<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.
Marivel Armitage is quiet for a time. HER SQUEAK WILL BE REMEMBERED. Marivel may suffer as a result. But she will not apologize for squeak. As far as she's concerned, it's a squeak of power.
But she's a humanoid again ad she follows alog into the warehouse door. She looks at the handgrips, and--the huge craters. She tilts her head curiosuly at it. It's like some kind of...violence based capsule machine, she reasons.
She draws out a raygun and fires electric bolts at the wall kind of wildly and randomly.
"Ahahaha yes! Yes! Big Money! Big Prizes! I love it!"
She lowers the gun.
"Kaguya," She looks over. "Do you want to get some //fire/// or do you want an energy blast?" She grins cheekily.
DG: Marivel Armitage has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward her party's challenge, The Mystery Prize Wall.
<Pose Tracker> Beuhmand has posed.
Beuhmand offers Harmaus a side-long glance, its rose-hewed eyes glowing dimly. This man was almost as awkward as Beuhmand itself. "I am Beuhmand," it explained with a tremble of static to its voice. "No other Beuhmands." Its generally neutral tone rose in pitch closer to 170 hertz, warm and uninsulted by the line of questioning.
It head cocked to the side and lifted its chin as it listened for the sound of the stalking enemy. "Yes. Always in labyrinth. I think their room is in these paths. It sleeps here. Maybe walls move to bring its room closer to us?" It gave a low whistle of indignation. "Or maybe us closer to them?"
Fortunately the maze spat them out into what looked more like a storage room. "Ah, something new." It peered about the room with evident curiosity. Glancing into several bubbles it noted the precense of knick-knacks and baubles. It waits moment to see what Harmaus was going to do with this new puzzle. "I suppose this doesn't require the wall to be destroyed." Slipping fingers into hand-holds it ascended towards its choice in bubble doors. With a bit less impressiveness it pushes on one of the doors, hanging off to the side of it in case its possible trap would blast outward. Of course when Marivel's insane blasting begins it scrambles off the wall as quick as it can, body pressing up against a wall to avoid the many boobytraps most likely released all at once.
DG: Beuhmand has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward its party's challenge, The Mystery Prize Wall.
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
Ambrosius doesn't detect anything. It's probably for the best. He puts the sensor away, and follows the others as they proceed into a rather large chamber. It's certainly interesting - perhaps it once held vehicles of some kind. Also of interest are the hatches on the right side wall - containers, apparently, that must be forced open. Ambrosius can do that well enough.
He picks one out himself, walking up to it and studying it closely before drawing out something that looks like it might be part of a weapon. That happens to be the case, in fact - after a moment of focus, Ambrosius's Etheric talents are channeled through it, forming a blade of whirling, high-pressure water at the end. He takes a few quick, measured swings at the hatch, looking to slice it right open.
And if there are any consequences... well, he can probably survive them.
DG: Ambrosius has used his Tool Aqua Cutter toward his party's challenge, The Mystery Prize Wall.
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya has posed.
"I wonder how much cool stuff is in there?" Kaguya considers, asking Ambrosius idly. But there's not much else to do other than... Pull a bomb!!! One of her own, specifically. Kaguya cracks open the bomb and adjusts the mechanism, removing part of it and attaching it magnetically to her side when she's done. A little field pops into being around her. "Ha ha," Kaguya says, "This should work for a minute. Just gotta adjust the magnetic field and..."
She pops open a cubby, and the bomb that slides out bounces away from the field of pressure, exploding down a little further than she is instead of hitting her. "Ha ha ha," Kaguya announces. She keeps putting loot into her bag from the better ones. It's real handy.
But Marivel has a much more fun approach and Kaguya laughs. "Nice. Let's see what's in the next one!!"
But then she considers Beuhmand again thoughtfully. "Easygoing kind of," she determines, until it skitters off against the wall. "Do it again, Marivel!"
DG: Kaguya has used her Tool Magnetic Resonance Bomb toward her party's challenge, The Mystery Prize Wall.
==========================<* Cardon Forest Sub-Gate *>========================== ====================<* CHALLENGE - The Mystery Prize Wall *>==================== |Type: Exploration |Dungeon Ability: Brute |Challenge Rating: 2 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information: >--------------------------- You enter a large chamber through warehouse doors seemingly sized for vehicles or something of that size. The roof of the room is too high to see the ceiling. It is rather nondescript-- no objects or panels of note, save for the right side wall. It has numerous niches with cubic sealing hatches, the only evidence that they are openable is a few near the bottom already have been. There are plenty of secure handgrips built into the wall to reach higher ones, and only need to be pressed in to make them pop open. They sound as though they have been vacuum sealed. The wall also has places where it looks like a wrecking ball has been cratered into it several feet deep, destroying a spot that would hold something. They hold Gella, small electronic parts, and one might even have a starter key, but even more of them are trapped, bellowing fire, energy blasts, or dispensing a bomb to fall down when opened. Choose wisely! =Dungeon Conditions: Overzealous==============================================
=====================<* Cardon Forest Sub-Gate - Round 4 *>===================== ======================< Results - The Mystery Prize Wall >====================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Seraph Harmaus 22 --(8)--> 30 Pass Titanforce Extract 3 Brute Effects: Fanfare -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ambrosius 22 --(8)--> 30 Pass Aqua Cutter 3 Brute Effects: Fanfare -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kaguya 22 --(8)--> 30 Pass Magnetic Resonance Bomb 3 Brute Effects: Rally -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beuhmand 22 --(8)--> 30 Fail Force 0 Brute Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marivel Armitage 22 --(8)--> 30 Fail Force 0 Brute Effects: BASIC -----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------ Leader: Seraph Harmaus 60 --(15)--> 75 Pass Conditions: Bad Luck(1)|Overzealous(2)|Stupify(1) Effects: ===============================< Dream Chasers >================================
DG: The party led by Seraph Harmaus has passed 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> Seraph Harmaus has posed.
"Not human nor elf nor spirit, but is only 'Beuhmand'? Ahh," murmurs the Seraph, his eyes hooded. "We understands... not yet. But we will." There is promise in those words.
But as stated, 'not yet'. Not quite yet. For now, there is but the matter of the rest of this ruin, a more potent prize for the plucking. And speaking of pluck--
"Tcha," the Seraph mutters, frowning at the machine part he's prised from the pod. "Is only parts." He tosses it, blindly, for Kaguya. "It can have. We needs more than this," Harmaus laments, shrugging hugely and shaking his head. "Yah, well. We goes onwards, yes?"
The others find their own little... presents.
Kaguya finds... some money! It's not really a lot, all considering, but hey, free money.
Ambrosius finds the starter key to a machine. Lucky! ...the machine is not included.
Beuhmand has rather less luck. It's a walking bomb! If he moves quickly, he should be able to get clear.
As for Marivel...
...well, it should be noted that the pod seemed a little less than... properly sealed... like someone tampered with it.
...This may be a warranted suspicion, because there's a Shakhan Jr. doll inside.
<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.
Marivel collects her Shakkhan Jr doll. She saves it for later.
DG: Ambrosius has drawn a new Challenge.
=========================<* Cardon Forest Sub-Gate *>========================= ====================<* CHALLENGE - The Sub-Gate Invader *>==================== |Type: Final |Dungeon Ability: Combat |Challenge Rating: 3 | --------------------------< Challenge Information: >-------------------------- You have found enough keys you believe to de-power that forcefield and retrieve your reward. It takes time, effort and a good deal of backtracking through the complex, but you finally arrive. Your fortune is within your grasp. Inserting the keys, each one begins to emit a keening noise that causes some of the light in the forcefield to react strangely. Before the final one can be inserted however, a mighty crash in the back of the room shakes the entire foundation of where you stand. An entire segment of the wall has been obliterated, and a giant shape enters the room through the dust and debris. Image: https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/megaman/images/f/f7/Garudoriten.jpg The mighty Garudoriten stands twenty plus feet tall, its reaverbot eye glaring through the clearing obfuscation, alight and looking right at the group. It seems damaged itself, with peculiar round dents in its lower body, and pieces carved or ripped off. Nothing however has actually breached through the war-tempered armor, and it still looks fighting fit. It looks to the key control panel, then back, and raises the giant morningstar fists it has to fight as it leaps deftly into the fray! An explosion of force that emits from the reaverbot's feet as it lands where the group stands, blowing the party back in all directions! If you want that refractor, you are going to have to fight for it! BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xg-8WbET3k =Dungeon Conditions: Suffer, Fright===========================================
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
Beyond the apparent hangar, there is nothing - it looks like this is where this path ends. There's nothing for it now but to double back the way they came and examine the panel in front of the refractor once more.
Fortunately, it would seem they've collected enough keys throughout the facility. They're inserted one by one, each one emitting a note that reacts with the forcefield, and right as they're about to insert the final key...
Something massive crashes through the back wall, obliterating it completely. Looking within the cloud of debris is a massive, humanoid machine, a single red eye cutting through the dust - gleaming in their direction.
And then, it makes a massive leap - it lands in front of them with an earth-shattering stomp, releasing a shockwave that knocks them away. Ambrosius has to brace himself to prevent being knocked over, which is enough time for the reaverbot to raise a single giant, mace-like fist and...
...Nothing happens. Before it can bring down its arm, a figure drops from the ceiling onto the Reaverbot's back. To the keen-eyed, it appears to be a woman in silver armor with blue clothes and a horned helmet that conceals her eyes. To some, she's recognizable as a mechanical soldier.
She thrusts an arm into the reaverbot's back with enough force to sheer through metal, and the raised arm locks up.
With that, she leaps off, landing in front of the party protectively as a shield of crystal forms on one arm.
"Minerva." Ambrosius acknowledges with a nod of greeting, breaking his silence up to this point.
There's no time for pleasantries - the Garudoriten is starting to move once again. It's time to finish it off.
DG: Ambrosius has used his Tool Minerva toward his party's challenge, The Sub-Gate Invader.
<Pose Tracker> Beuhmand has posed.
Beuhmand pulled its cloak a little bit tighter about itself as Harmaus continued to prod. It had been friendly, but it was not sure where things were going beyond that. The act of inserting the keys was a quick distraction to what seemed like a less exciting version of its last trip down. And then it wasn't.
The crashing monstrosity drew attention much better than Beuhmand could, but even more so the appearance of Minerva. "Is that thing even meant to be here? Security should destroy less of its own place. Yes?" It watched Minerva's descent from the back of the Reaverbot and gave a light melodious laugh. "Ah, then it will be hand-to-hand." The burlap cloak began quivering and convulsing on the right side of Beuhmand's body. The soft squeal of metal unsheathing is heard as it draws a heavy curved blade out.
Crouching down it seemed to prepare itself before launching itself off the ground like an uncoiling jungle cat. The blade goes flashes in the light of the Reaverbot's one eye before being rammed into its side like a claw, rotating inward and than withdrawn like a hook.
DG: Beuhmand has contributed a Combat Basic Action toward its party's challenge, The Sub-Gate Invader.
<Pose Tracker> Kaguya has posed.
Free money, free parts! Works for her. Kaguya pockets the machine part. It's cool. "So, something's in there, and it probably sleeps in there,a nd it might be a thing."
She considers those words on the maze earlier again, but then she considers--ah. Beuhmand goes into action. Kaguya actually just watches this for a few moments--
Because when the stomp knocks her away, she gets up and keeps her distance to start. But that can change. Kaguya considers the part she was just given, looks down at it as she pulls it from her pocket, and smiles.
The small Veruni leaps, jumping towards the Reaverbot and pulling her knives, too. She starts scaling the monster--
Planning to put this particular part to the back of its head and using it to pry a panel open.
DG: Kaguya has used her Tool Loot Abuse toward her party's challenge, The Sub-Gate Invader.
<Pose Tracker> Seraph Harmaus has posed.
Here, the trail seemingly dead-ends. Nothing for it but to doubleback and head the way they came. All the way back to the entrance, in fact--
Where the forcefield awaits. "Ah. Now we sees. It locks the keys within, away from prying eyes and thieving hands. But it not expects such tenacity," the Seraph says, shaking his head--
Just as something comes crashing through the wall.
He turns.
If he were not so bound to a body, perhaps Harmaus would have other options here. Perhaps he could have simply slipped past it.
He certainly wouldn't have been knocked flat by that shockwave, and ran the risk of becoming flat when it...
"Ah," muses the Seraph, rising to his feet at a speed that belies the body's apparent age.
"We understand... now."
He snaps out a hand at speed--
But there is no magic. None, that is, except for the tiny chime of a bell, dancing from his hand. Will such a thing work on a machine?
"Shh, shh, shh," urges Harmaus. "Shhh. Time for it to sleep!"
Sleep forever.
DG: Seraph Harmaus has used his Tool Amulet Bell toward his party's challenge, The Sub-Gate Invader.
<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.
Marivel Armitage whistles up at the giant Garudoriten. She really would love to take it apart and rebuild it into another security killbot for her castle, but reavers are very ornery so she expects that isn't really going to be an option. Easier to build from scratch.
She glances to Ambrosius, then up to 'Minerva'. A mechanical soldier.
She quirks her head at the newcomer, cupping her chin, narrowing her eyes in thought--
--and then she draws out her microphone and uses it to channel out a whirlwind that erupts out from her, threatening to engulf the killer mech! She woould normally use thunderbolts for mechs like this, but with Minerva that close in--she expects it wouldn't be safe.
...
...
Would a whirlwind really be different?
DG: Marivel Armitage has used her Tool My Mike toward her party's challenge, The Sub-Gate Invader.
=========================<* Cardon Forest Sub-Gate *>========================= ====================<* CHALLENGE - The Sub-Gate Invader *>==================== |Type: Final |Dungeon Ability: Combat |Challenge Rating: 3 | --------------------------< Challenge Information: >-------------------------- You have found enough keys you believe to de-power that forcefield and retrieve your reward. It takes time, effort and a good deal of backtracking through the complex, but you finally arrive. Your fortune is within your grasp. Inserting the keys, each one begins to emit a keening noise that causes some of the light in the forcefield to react strangely. Before the final one can be inserted however, a mighty crash in the back of the room shakes the entire foundation of where you stand. An entire segment of the wall has been obliterated, and a giant shape enters the room through the dust and debris. Image: https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/megaman/images/f/f7/Garudoriten.jpg The mighty Garudoriten stands twenty plus feet tall, its reaverbot eye glaring through the clearing obfuscation, alight and looking right at the group. It seems damaged itself, with peculiar round dents in its lower body, and pieces carved or ripped off. Nothing however has actually breached through the war-tempered armor, and it still looks fighting fit. It looks to the key control panel, then back, and raises the giant morningstar fists it has to fight as it leaps deftly into the fray! An explosion of force that emits from the reaverbot's feet as it lands where the group stands, blowing the party back in all directions! If you want that refractor, you are going to have to fight for it! BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xg-8WbET3k =Dungeon Conditions: Suffer, Fright===========================================
====================<* Cardon Forest Sub-Gate - Round 5 *>==================== ======================< Results - The Sub-Gate Invader >====================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Seraph Harmaus 30 --(22)--> 52 Pass Amulet Bell 2 Combat Effects: Embolden ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ambrosius 30 --(22)--> 52 Pass Minerva 3 Combat Effects: Fanfare ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kaguya 30 --(22)--> 52 Pass Loot Abuse 2 Combat Effects: Stalwart ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Beuhmand 30 --(22)--> 52 Pass Fight 0 Combat Effects: BASIC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Marivel Armitage 30 --(22)--> 52 Pass My Mike 4 Combat Effects: Efficient and Fanfare ----------------------------------< Party >----------------------------------- Leader: Seraph Harmaus 75 --(35)--> 110 Pass Conditions: Fright(2)|Overzealous(1)|Suffer(1) Effects: Embolden(1) ==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
DG: You have overcome the dungeon's trials! This run is a success! DG: The party led by Seraph Harmaus has successfully explored Cardon Forest Sub-Gate!
=========================<* Cardon Forest Sub-Gate *>========================= =====================<* CHALLENGE - Built Zeboim Tough *>===================== |Type: Discovery |Dungeon Ability: Conclusion|Challenge Rating: 1 | --------------------------< Challenge Information: >-------------------------- With a mighty crash, Garudoriten's legs give out from under him, and the giant reaverbot falls to the floor, having sustained too much damage to function any longer. It tries its best to swing a wrecking ball hand one last time to no avail, and the light in the spiked head goes dark. There is nothing left to stop you from taking your earned prize. The keys deactivate the forcefield, and the refractor floats there, ready to be picked up. It glows with such power, one would think it might give off radiation! But don't be silly. Right? Despite shutting down from internal damages over the course of the fight, large plates of the reaverbot's armor are relatively unscathed. The outer shell is made from a metal alloy not reliably smelted in current day, and could hail back from even before the Collapse. In the proper hands, this could be made into valuable armor or parts! The durability is on the scale above most others currently available, though has no distinct properties otherwise on its own. It could have a wide array of variable uses! On Garudoriten's backside is a console that has emerged now that it is shut down. On it, it seems to mention in a common tongue, its last directives for a scant few moments before losing power: ASSIGNED POI COMPROMISED>>> ACQUIRE ATTACHED POI CORES>>> SAFEGUARD UNTIL FURTHER INSTRUCTION>>> PREVENT UNAUTHORIZED EDEN ACCESS>>>_ =Dungeon Conditions: Treasure=================================================
<Pose Tracker> Ambrosius has posed.
That's a good question. Is the Garudoriten meant to be here? Ambrosius considers it.
"...It is an ancient machine. Its programming at this point may be scrambled." Ambrosius considers.
And then, it is time to fight. Beuhmand and Kaguya elect to take the fight to the reaverbot directly, the former leaping onto it and stabbing it through with a blade before tearing a large section out of its side, and the latter climbing up the machine and prying open the back of its head.
On the ground level, the rest must contend with the Garudoriten itself. Minerva keeps its attention, using her shield to deflect its attacks. Despite her smaller size, she seems to have no difficulty defending against those massive maces with her shield. Ambrosius supports from the back with cover fire.
Meanwhile, Marivel channels a whirlwind that engulfs the machine. Fortunately, Minerva seems to remain relatively stable despite this.
The fight is raging on... but then, a tiny chime rings out from Harmaus. The soundwaves wash over the reaverbot... and, mysteriously, already damaged as it is, the gleaming red eye goes dark. The machine's legs give out and it crashes to the floor.
It seems well and truly deactivated... but, on its back - perhaps most easily seen by Kaguya, due to her location - a console emerges, reading out a rather peculiar display in the common tongue.
The refractor, too, is there for the taking. While Ambrosius is certainly interested in that, his primary focus is on the fallen reaverbot.
"...We have left it in fairly good condition. I believe it would be prudent to salvage what we can from it." He says consideringly, approaching it. After all, that armor is pretty strong... not too mention the valuable parts just waiting inside for the taking.