Though some of her allies dropped from the hidden walkway, D’Vorah herself did no such thing and continued ahead on the path they had initially taken. She scurried quickly along like an insect, using not just her hands and legs but the pincers on her back as well to navigate the halls until she neared the armory.

But then, from below, came the sounds of combat. The creature glanced down at the armored warriors battling the undead. Her mission was the armory…but these people down here were alive and strong. They’d make for excellent hosts…

Before Gunter had even given the command she descended upon the fighters, intended to land on one’s back and impale its shoulder with the upper left pincer before attempting to tear off the side of its neck with her fangs. He paid no mind regarding the Knight, though whether it was because she didn’t even notice it or because it simply wasn’t her problem yet remained to be seen.

   "I did,”    Pucci answered with a hesitant nod. Does he know Xander saw him die? Is this even the same Gunter, with the same memories, or something else entirely? With questions swimming in his mind he edged the legs of the chair with his shoes and, upon determining what it was, took a seat. His fingers tapped restlessly against his thigh as he did.    "I figured if I wouldn’t be able to aid much in the way of the fighting aspect of this, I’d at least find other ways to help the cause. Supplies. Preparation—"    He blurred gaze flickered to Gunter for but an instant, pale white and glazed over.    "—research."    But as soon as they had made contact he looked off at the jumbled mess of shapes and colors which constituted the rest of the room besides.

Edited by ISZATSO on May 12th 2024 at 1:06:49 PM

Drat. Godzilla's decided to deal with Machinedramon instead of Desghidorah. The raven-haired lady was sort of counting on him to carry, and this change of plan means she'll have to fend for herself for a while, especially given Desghidorah's attention is partly on her. To make things worse, she's already been hit a fair few times, so she's not in prime condition to be taking heat. Still... If the best she can do to help out the big guy is stall his enemies for him, then she'll just have to mentally prepare herself and get to work on doing that.

"...For our lady Glory and the Grand Empire."

Discarding her robes which flutter to the ground below and leaving just an outfit that more resembles athletic wear than an actual combat uniform, she quickly surveys the battlefield with a glance to see what she has to deal with. Drowning out most of the activity from others, she can identify incoming organic missiles from Machinedramon and a heat blast of some sort from Desghidorah. Thankfully she can weave past the shots for the most part - the arrangement of the missiles forces her to swerve at an angle she didn't want to take, resulting in the Pyroclastic Shot lancing straight through one of the wing constructs on her back, sending her trajectory further downwards than is particularly ideal.

She takes the time spent gliding to the ground to think. Being deprived of wings will seriously hamper her mobility. She also clearly can't get any status effects she applies to Desghidorah to stick, not if he can break free that easily and especially not without a good distraction. Albaz might be able partly occupy the kaiju, but she isn't clued in on his capabilities or potential allyship... She'll have to sort this one out herself.

"Empowerment - Guardian."

The lady glows bright as orange light surrounds her, briefly forming a suit of armor before vanishing from view. When she finally impacts the ground at a pretty considerable speed and bad angle, she effortlessly shrugs it off and rises to her feet, laser focused on Desghidorah. She still has her gun, so even if she's spent her spellcode for the round...

Three heads. Six pairs of eyes. One second of aiming. Then she fires six shots with uncanny accuracy, aiming each one in an attempt to poke out Desghidorah's eyes. It seems to her like the most effective way to simultaneously land some more effective debilitation and really piss him off.

Ashes of Nohr

No need to play coy with me, Father Pucci. Gunter says at the end. It's not even his mind control powers at work - it's generally paranoia, and the ability to tell a meaningful gaze even when it's chalk-white.

What you might have learned in Nohr... I think it'd put you in a difficult position if you were to talk about it to the rest of the group. We are at a point in the raid where unity is needed more than ever, and if they wanted to fend off the Githyankis... We cannot tear ourselves apart when there are already countless undead beasts looking to do just that, can we?

The older man leans forward, resting his face on the back of his right hand. He looks almost bored, or as far as Pucci can tell.

Have I not been useful thus far? As we speak, I am juggling about four different groups, some passive, some extremely impulsive. Advising them. Warning them. Counseling them. If I were an enemy, I would have simply led them into outright deahtraps all of them, wouldn't I? Mind you, one of them is flying off with a Devil anyway...

There's some silence, as Gunter weigh on the next sentence.

If I were an enemy, would I be talking to you? There is no one who could save you in this particular side of the fortress, after all.

And yet we are having a civil discussion.

Would an enemy miss a rare opportunity to slaughter a blind man with no one around to hear his calls for help, his god the only spectator? Gunter asks, leaning in a bit closer, joining his hands together.

Recon

The Necromites are reanimated skeletons. They do not have a skin to pierce nor do they care for pain. Meaning that the "explosion" slowing them down is more beneficial than the actual damage, and help the Kagura Squad and Charlian go absolutely wild on the necromites, with the added advantage of Radiant damage to melt the bones off the undead, reducing them to ashes with golden smoke pouring out from them.

What the...? Corrin's surprised at how quickly Charlian shifted gears, and even the way he spoke, his sheer bafflement overpowering the angst budding in his chest. Beruka, for her part, simply nods, simply appreciating having her allies holding their own. Even Red Hood, who lack super-effective weaponry or sheer Ao E, is able to to have the undead freaks stunned in place for just long enough that the others can effortlessly swoop in place.

That said, him riding his own beam get her and Corrin to wordlessly go "wow" together.

With the Kagura Squad and Rosita holding off the swarming necromites behind them, Corrin and Beruka focus on the way forward, with EMIYA in front of them. Acting in sync, Beruka uses her Construction Cursed Technique on her axe, elongating it to be extremely long, with multiple blades along the lenghtened weapon, imbued with Vallite Water each due. She swings her hydraxe forward, cleaving through a large horde of undead and causing their wet bones to collapse to the floor, the light permanently gone from their eyes.

That man is preparing something! Stop him! She orders.

I'll be able to cancel his blast but only if someone get close enough!

Corrin ride that momentum, literally riding on Beruka's hydraxe until he jumps off and meld the handle of Yato with his draconic arm, fusing them together to form a large organic spear he dive into the undead with, scattering them and tossing their ravaged bones aside. But as he want to go and attack EMIYA, several more Necromites emerge, although they seem to be the end of the swarm - that, and the exploding sword throw him off, with Beruka having to cancel her attack and reeling back.

This leave Corrin in the middle of the Necromites, and Omega Yato's sword glows as he start sending them flying with big wide swings of his sword.

I'll be fine! Get to him now!

GUNTER: ROGUE (available: Mind Blast, Psionic Dominance.)

At that point, there's not much of an obstacle between the heroes and EMIYA, but he'll get to complete his attack before they can get close enough!

Library

You've made a very wise choice in picking that book first. This will help your allies know the right weapons to pick. Gunter croons, satisfied. Until he see a particular cursed book that no one appear to be really paying mind to, even the one with a Dispel Curse scroll. And his tone goes back to normal.

What are you ignoring the Nightsong for? We need to know more about Ketheric's weakness! Use your Dispel Curse scroll on that one and read about it or send it to the orb with the lantern! Get your eyes off that useless diary! Gunter orders. On the outside, the Necromites's swarm intensify as they notice Dracus and Karzon and Link, though it's seeing people in Balthazar's Library that whips them up into a frenzy. This cause them to attack, and the group will hear naught but a faint screech from the entire assembly, alongside the much louder sound of bones clicking and old metal scraping on wood as the undead mass toss themselves at the enemy.

Noah's successful at making his wall, and it actually save Drcus and Karzon, though it emerges right in front of them, making it clear that a few more centimeters could have caused them to get stuck outside. Karzon will hear his trap explode beyond the wall, successfully slowing down the horde in one way and blowing up a few bones.

But yet, while the wall block the main floor, the first floor is still intact. Not to mention that the wall doesn't exactly reach to the very ceiling. This help the Necromites on the first floor continue their attacks unimpeded, but at the cost of having to get closer to the group instead of hanging around at the end of the room.

As for the first floor's Necromites, they start aggressively punching their way through the stone. And, undead beings or not, their strikes are able to quickly wear down the stone. Not to mention that the piling-up at the walls cause them to quickly step unto each other in wild abandon, forming a bigger and bigger pile at the foot of each wall, that will eventually culminate in them "crawling" up the stone and dropping unto the group as undead artillery, due to the sheer number of Necromites rushing them.

Do not even think of escaping the way you came in. They'll follow you through and catch you. Gunter warns. The layout of this place - there is water where it wouldn't make sense due to its inhabitants being needless undead. There might be a way out on those doors on the first floor. Gunter theorizes. I can give one of you an energy shield to protect you as you check. And you might want to go up to deal with the Necromites.

There are two ladders on team good guy (and karzon and dracus) after all.

But before the group can move forward, the door to the Library burst open - shattered by prodigious strength, sending quite a few Necromites flying. A fourth party has entered the Library area and, like Link, they aren't exactly kind to either Necromites or living beings - it's a woman in tall armor, with an obscuring helm and white cloth trailing off her body to look like stylized moth wings, if a bit lower than where they should be.

Ecclesia! The Demented Spirit Fleurdelis jump far, far above the stone walls, the tip of her helmet scraping sparks against the tip of the stalactites as she come crashing down upon Ecclesia sword first, meaning to impale her in one brutal swoop. There's a brutality to her movements, and if she fails to reach Ecclesia, she simply drags her sword out of the ground, forming a deep gouge through the stone as she swings her weapon overhead to slam it at her.

Come to me!

She can't chase you through the water! Hold her back!

If the group has yet to do anything, the Necromites begin bombarding them with their green bolts. But in fairness, it's a fairly long time to do nothing at all.

Armory

You know what? Those people are helping us fight against the undead, we should at least wait for- there goes the fireball and nails. Huh!

Sadly, while Arbiter and the Hunters are able to help the green-skinned ones, they have very little time available to them before Pyra's fireball crash into them. Amazingly, the Githyankis are sturdy enough to survive, but Ma'Quin's head is suddenly pierced by a bunch of nails, and while her seared flesh is still dealing with this, she gets ambushed by D'Vorah, who, due to the surprise and Ma'Quin generally being already badly wounded, is able to cleanly tear half her neck off.

And as Ma'Quin start to die...

... She has the strength of will to try grabbing D'Vorah's arms and piledrive herself into the remaining flames from Pyra's fireball, in a bid to basically pin her under her corpse and stun her from the impact while the flames surround her.

Gunter Approves

Excellent. You've done well, my friends. I'll remember this.

Chk! You died pitifully, Ma'Quin! The other Githyanki comment, looking up at the group. Despite being all burned-up, he keep his cool, gritting his sharp teeth to hold the pain back. Watch as I slay the Istiks who slew you! He use Misty Step to teleport, disappearing in a burst of light and re-appearing right next to Sawdust and Cardboard. Unwittingly working with the Knight a bit, he try bashing them with the handle of his hammer, holding it vertically to have the "range" with which to bash them both.

Then, he attempts to kick Sawdust's stomach to hold her in place against the wall and prepare to swing his hammer at her... only for Salazar to shoot at him, forcing the Githyanki to block with his hammer and take a step back, confused. What a cowardly weapon! He sniffs the air, and his face twist in disguise. As expected out of a mere thrall!

I'm sorry, I only have a knife to bring to the hammer fight otherwise! Salazar also turn to the Knight and try shooting his sword, in a bid to get him off "Pyra".

This leaves Arbiter and the Hunters to easily handle the Necromites, most of which are blown to bits by their shield bashes. Needless to say, they're kicking ass. But at the end of the hallway is a worrying sight : two Death Shepherds, one for each alley, with a different kind of undead accompanying it. They look like the deformed result of an intercourse between a human and a bat, with a tall awkward gait, skin of indistinct color due to the legions of bruises, sores and rashes unto it, razor-sharp fangs marred in blood, large cruel yellow eyes and large bloodstained claws at the ends of long thin arms.

They're ghouls. And though they lack magic, they're stronger, smarter, faster and deadlier than the Necromites. With four (two in each hallway) coming towards the hunter...

... And two more approaching the good guys, the Githyanki, and the Knight.

Well, so much for teamwork! Salazar grabs his Vallite Gun and a regular handgun. The former has water swirling around the cannon and is effective against undead by severing their "souls" while bypassing their defenses, the second is effective against living people by just killing them dead.

I'll assist you as well. Let this be a reward for good behavior.

ALLIES: SALAZAR - SNIPER/ATTACK (Available)

GUNTER - ROGUE (Available)

There's three enemies, but Salazar can only be asked to help against two at once with his guns. By firing a shot at each.

As for Gunter, he can send a powerful stunning blast using someone as a conduit, create a shield that'll disperse and stun nearby enemies after being destroyed or interrupt a magic spell once per turn.

As for Mark, he'll make it to the armory by dropping in from a hole in the ceiling. Kind weird that it went unaddressed, isn't it? But that's thanks to him having luck on his side.

As for the door, if he check, he can see it can be opened with a lever right on the left of the door, which is so thick he'll barely hear the fighting going outside.

The Armory is a large but plain room with actually clean and intact tables where a horde of weapons has been gathered. It seems more like a place where one would gather the spoils of war instead of an actual armory, and the place is otherwise barren aside from golden torches and a random pit at the end of the room, with water at the end of it. How convenient!

If only your allies in the Library could be as pragmatic and obedient as you and some of your group... Good job making it into the armory. They've learned very useful information about the Demented Spirits. I'll forward it to you. Gunter sighs at first, getting back to his usual "matter of fact" tone.

Well, that's... a diverse choice.

SHADOWS

Are you insane? He's a devil. You are endangering us all making a pact with him!

Raphael doesn't give Rumia a chance at seeing Pyre. As soon as she agrees, he simply up and whisks her away to a different place. One where they can talk about somewhere more private.

All around Rumia is a new environment, far from hostile like Moonrise Crypt, but with the same feeling of having the point of a blade at the back of one's neck. And yet, Rumia will feel that and also a comforting warmth. From the dim fire in the fireplace, perhaps, but also from the darkness all around them. There's just enough light for her to see just well (or for Raphael to do so), but she won't feel actually attacked by all the light.

The House of Hope

All around Rumia is a cozy interior. A grand and splendid house with white marble lining up the walls and floor, with purple stones being arranged to form great shapes on the ceiling, floors or walls. Glorious furniture and red couches litter the room, and orange light lightly filter through the elaborate windows leading to some... unseen exterior. One she probably wouldn't like very much anyway.

Various busts and statues fill the room on the furniture. And by the chimney, there's a great painting - but one Rumia won't make out clearly in the darkness. Even if she call forth to it - it's as if the painting itself is refusing access to her.

Below the dumb painting there's a grand circular wooden table - with countless plates resting on it. On them? Human remains. Severed limbs, organs, eyeballs, heads, torsos, bowls with blood in them, ribcages with meat still on them, skin lazily resting on a section of thumbs, some salted with powder from nails, teeth or hair. Some cooked, some raw. And by the side of the table closest to her, there's an empty plate with silver cutlery and a glass.

Gunter's voice is gone - she can't hear him. He isn't in her head anymore.

Raphael doesn't speak, just nod. And if she does look away from him, she'll briefly hear the sound of flames stirring up before crackling out. And if she turns around, the chimney will have regained a lot of power, illuminating the room more clearly and revealing the painting fully : a red-skinned devil, wearing the exact same clothes as the man, but with long curved black horns, a pair of bat-like wings and a long tail.

Raphael stand in front of the fireplace with his arms spread, and then his large wings deploy before they curve along towards Rumia, blocking some of the light from her.

What's better than a devil you don't know? A devil you do. He then walk to the other side of the table, to try to constantly stay in her eyesight. If she look around, he'll keep walking there. And if she look around too much, he'll snarl silently and just teleport to always be there.

But otherwise, he just smile and let his chin rest on the back of his hand.

I'll make it brief - for you don't have much time. But groping around unfamilliar darkness is a difficult task even for one such as you, isn't it?

For beings like us, our true home is found in the darkness. But even a Youkai must know when to rely on the power of light to guide her, am I right? Raphael raise his arm in front of his arm and give it a twirl, producing a Moonlight Lantern in front of him, which he let float in front of him, a faint red glow emanating from it.

You'll only need to wield this once. A momentary discomfort - compared to the eternal pain within Shar's shadows. She hate rivals about as much as you do, my dear. And sadly for you, rivalling with a god is not afforded to everyone. To be able to spite her, you'll need to fight with the appropriate tools instead of ones you're more familiar with.

In exchange for this gift, I would only like a simple service down the line. Your conscioussnesses will be spared, as will be your body or freedom. I'd simply need to... insure you will help me retrieve something I would like to have in my House of Hope. He spread his arms and wings, inviting her to look around the place.

She'll see that there's a few ways to enormous doors leading out of the room. And two balconies for one to oversee the table from. Luckily, no one's present on them.

You'll learn I am a much better ally than Gunter. Or whatever he call itself at the moment. I can insure you that he'll have changed it by tomorrow and will leave you and your allies dry the moment he's done. But I know to respect a being of great power and standing like you. For we aren't so dissimilar, you and I. Something you've been sharp enough to deduce. Raphael say, putting an hand on his chest and bowing forward.

Now, we simply need to come to an agreement.

Either way, Rumia is brought back to her room.

Meanwhile...

Pyre will leave to see Shadowheart in the hallways, standing in front of the door where Rumia was taken. The young woman gasps at the sudden influx of light and has to cover her eyes for a moment. Watch it with the light! She says, turning off her Sunlight spell and rubbing her eyes. You've almost made me go blind in a dark place like this - well done. Now where's the... little girl?

Nevermind her. Where were you, Shadowheart?

Shadowheart frowns. It was deflection time! Nevermind her? She's probably gotten herself lost. And since she has those... bizarre shadow powers, it's going to be hard to find her too! I hope you're ready to make good use of that lantern. Shadowheart says, her spear strapped unto her back. Because...

She gasps, and if Pyre turn around, she'll get to see exactly why she was gasping : because there's a Demented Spirit sitting right in front of the two women. Fittingly for the group, it's also a young woman, standing about as tall as Shadowheart, with messy hair, brown eyes, tank skin, a weird black crop top, a skort and red hiking shoes. Despite the cold all around them, she doesn't seem that bothered by her attire.

She blush slightly upon being caught - nervously tapping the tips of her indexes together revealing to the group that she's wearing a Ring of Mind-Shielding.

That ring. How is she...

H-hi! Do either of you know where my friend Rumia is? I'm... i'm... looking for her... The girl squeaks, looking bashful before Shadowheart's baffled gaze.

Who in the hells is that?

Pool

Forgotten Nostalgia

Kaa smiles in a gracious manner and is helped to her feet by Vi. She still keep her face down though. And upon being helped, she lift a single finger.

One second. She slowly step to the side, then goes and point at the water. It animate on command to flick the cigar at her, and she proceeds to open her mouth, letting the object enter her throat and drop straight through into her stomach, never to be seen again. Sorry, but I hate it when people disrespect the water... A-alright, let's go. Follow me.

Kaa turn around and walk the group through a liminal nightmare - an empty pool and the facility holding it, with nothing and no one inside, apart from said signs. Eerily, there are a few signs of recent life - like discarded sandals, pool noodles strewn in a corner and all, but aside from the churning of water after Kana's little gesture, and the general smell of chlore, there is nothing in the white halls.

Kana's voice even choes in the set of white stairs the group has to take to leave, with a fade yellow light to accompany their ascent. Wait! Cigar muncher! Don't go ahead! Her voice still sound flat as she catch up to Leonidas, strolling up the stairs without a care in the world. Hearing her, he slows down only a little, keeping his hands in his pocket as he make it to the main floor. There, he's a bit surprised to see that the pool is part of a greater, if still empty, structure.

Opening the door, Leonidas, Vladek and Vi will find themselves at the bottoms of a large stairway, with elevators on the side. They left the pool area, and next to them are the doors leading to the GYM area. The large circular room they are in has some useless doors to the side, probably meant for the janitors, half-hidden and unnoticeable to the people who'd go down or up the stairs. Even if they take the elevators on the sides of the stairs.

Strewn along the big white walls are posters and ads. But Leonidas ignores them and keep going, taking the elevator. Kaa doesn't, instead walking up to him.

You should be careful. There's less undead than in Ketheric's home fortress, but we need to immediately get unto Optimus when he gets there. Living people get noticed easily down there.

Good thing I'm dead.

Heh?

I died a while ago at Themorphylae. Pretty famous fuckin' war and all.

... Did you die too? Kaa says, turning to Vladik and Vi as Leonidas light himself a cigar.

And at the top of the stairs, the group will emerge to find themselves in the streets of a city - they'll be right outside of what appears to be a large circular mall in the middle of a crowded city. It's cold and dark outside, but there's a certain charm to the place around them, endless city lights flaring around them, with cars passing by, lights in the buildings around them, and countless restaurants and shops, either in front or part of the mall.

MOONRISE GRAVE

It's a thin stret. The cars that pass by look almost stuck in there, but everyone is cheery and happy.

But there's something off.

If the group look closer, they'll see the bystanders are all the same version of a white-haired woman with a pleasant smile and a long white dress, with dark markings around her eyes and a silver circlet with a crescent moon on it. They appear to be leading happy lives each. Not a single one of them is so much as frowning, and none of them are alone.

creepy fucking place Leonidas mutters.

The street's too tight. Let's move on to a somewhat bigger avenue. Just... erm, try not to stand out, Miss Vi and Vladik? It's gonna be hard for you, Vladik, but... as you walk along, remember that even if you have no friends, I believe in you. Kaa says, clenching her fists and giving him an encouraging smile.

''They're ghosts. Those women - don't get too close. Ignore them. I'm sensing Optimus Prime - he'll be arriving shortly.

Up left, there appear to be the way leading to a bigger street. It'll take a bit of a walk. On the right, then heading left, there's another way, but that involve going through a bigger crowd of women and stores.

Edited by Bolded1 on May 12th 2024 at 2:26:56 PM

AoN

Recon

Even as everyone rushes towards EMIYA, his goofy-ass haircut finishes gathering energy.

"Granite Blast!"

From the tip of his cannon-shaped hair comes a wide blast of energy, which will hit everyone in the room unless shielded against. It won't deal massive damage, but enough to not be considered weak- at the very least it'll knock everyone off their feet and deal some damage. Which is good enough for his follow-up, as he readies his bow once more and quickly sends five swords flying towards the group, aiming to explode among them all and scatter them further.

He crosses his arms afterwards, like he's... scolding the group? What is this, a friendly training spar for him? Because it sure as hell won't feel like that to anyone else.

"You'll need to try a bit harder."

Arrogant, much?

Library

"-ohshit"

Noah dives for cover, deflecting a few bolts with his (magecraft-enhanced) sword. Then he leaps up using his reinforced legs, though they quickly start to ache.

This is gonna hurt like hell, and there's more mana in the air than there is in the Arena... But with the current state of things, I gotta try..!

Something on his left arm starts to glow a brilliant cerulean blue color, though it's mostly hidden by his cloak. He's still in midair, his fall slowed somehow.

"Get the HELL out of our way! Let's go, Grand Cross!!"

Noah swings his sword down, creating a destructive wave of energy that aims to scatter the Necromites away, following it up with a horizontal swing of the same sort. Afterwards, Noah falls back to the floor, his body wracked with pain from burning through most of his lifeforce to power his Crest.

"F-fuck- hurts like hell- a little help here..?"

Noah's voice is clearly quite strained, barely holding up under his pain and weakness. But at least he isn't dead. He can't move. Nu clambers up to shield him from any stray (or intentional) attacks, her arms acting as shields.

Shadows

Pyre whips around.

"-what"

Pyre's hand rests on the hilt of her sword. She glances over at Shadowheart with an 'I don't trust this one fucking bit' look before glancing back over at the other woman.

"You know, that is a very good question. Who in the hells are you, and why are you here? Are you following us or something?"

Pyre doesn't answer the original question, because the answer is almost back.

Edited by RainbyPlays on May 13th 2024 at 10:35:05 AM

Ecclesia - Ashes of Nohr

Attempting to defend herself against Fleurdelis with her Rockey-Chan hammer, Ecclesia exclaims to Fleurdelis, "Fleur... How are you alive?!"

She tries to blast Fleurdelis with a holy lightning spell. Despite trying to put up a rather tough front to the spirit, it's clear as day that Ecclesia misses Fleurdelis. Why did she sacrifice herself to stop Maximus and Aluber's mad plans for the Abyss Continent?!

Knowing that the battle is underway, Ecclesia loudly sobs in sorrow towards her formerly deceased companion.

Vanilla Cream Sherbet - Drought

After doing some cool down stretches after working on the project for a while, Vanilla sighs, "Alright... Can I have some potato balls from Porto's Bakery, please?"

Edited by josh6243 on May 12th 2024 at 2:23:40 AM

Gerudo Desert

Sally, after dusting herself off (and pretending she didn't get hurt in the battle like everyone else) approaches the now unconscious RF!Vanilla to see if there's anything of value to take from her. If so, she'll take it.

"Sally...", Natasha says, to which Sally just shrugs.

"Spoils of war, pal. She attacked Tremont, so she'll have to deal with this. Her own fault."

Natasha sighs, then turns to Tremont.

"Speaking of you, are you alright?"

Astil

"... y'know, I would be inclined to think you're joking about this whole chipmunks things.", Kirue says.

"But I know that some of the Divine Guardians are animals, or at least very similar to them, so to refuse this notion would be hypocritical of me."

"Wouldn't be the first time.", Areui jokes.

"Anyhow, I don't mind waiting a few minutes. It'll give me some extra time to rest up here anyway.", Yazur says.

-

"I promise.", Iris says. "I'll get out of there faster than they'll be able to follow."

Mission: Pursue the Giant Monster

Ah, at last Machinedramon's main target is coming towards it. He's wanted to actually fight this thing the moment he spotted it. That damned gear was the only reason it had to wait for so long.

Machinedramon raises its arms and uses its hands to block Godzilla's incoming jaw. Steam erupts from the Digimon's legs as it has to deal with the pressure of the much larger creature pushing against it while it tries to keep its footing, a feat so far only possible because of Machinedramon's steel body and heavy weight. And even then it's actually struggling to keep Godzilla back.

But the Zeon forces get involved now. They shoot a laser at Machinedramon's back and while usually it wouldn't care about that one bit, now it's at risk of losing this struggle and potentially get torn apart, even with the metal plating.

In a quick attempt to keep the tides even it turns its right hand into a drill and attempts to dig into Godzilla's face with it. However, how effective will that really be?

It also begins to glow just slightly...

-

On board of the helicopter, the boy sent along by Black Hole narrows his eyes as he looks down at the fight.

"A maelstrom is coming. The battlefield is about to be leveled. Tell your troops to get distance unless you wish to be obliterated." , he says, his voice laced with a robotic tone. He says this with certainty, as if it's going to happen no matter what.

Ashes of Nohr

LIBRARY

They are indeed the closest, but once they notice Link raising his blade against them they instantly stop defending him, Draco stepping up first, ready to clash against the Master Sword with his own blade.

However, before anything comes off of this, trouble starts brewing. The wall rises up right next to them and gets their attention. Dracus looks in Noah's direction and slightly raises his blade as if to say thanks. At least the two of them aren't too prideful/evil to show appreciation for aid.

After hearing his trap go off, Karzon looks back at Link.

   "There is not much time. If you strike us down those undeads will come for you next. Clearly you see who the bigger threat is."   , he says, hinting that they should work together against this common enemy instead of fighting each other.

Dracus doesn't really care about giving Link time to think this through (if he's even planning on considering the option at all) as he already starts moving back towards the stairs upon hearing the Necromites breaking through the wall.

   "No time for talking. They're about to come in from above."   , Dracus says as he points out the ones that are appearing on top of the wall as he raises his shield.

   "Leave those to me."   , Karzon says. They both quickly climb back up to the first floor, after which Karzon raises both his shield and flail, spinning the latter above himself to potentially strike any Necromite that jumps down at the group. The shields, meanwhile, may be able to catch those that the flail misses, and unless interrupted (by either a Necromite that was already on this side of the wall or by Link if he chooses not too cooperate and follows them up), Dracus will strike at any Necromites that land on his or Karzon's shields.

The Demented Spirit Fleurdelis then appears, and one of their allies gets attacked. However, the two of them won't really be able to intervene, as they'll be busy trying to keep the Necromites at bay.

   "Deal with the spirit!"   , Dracus calls out to his allies.

—

TRANSFORMERS

Vladek pauses and stares for a bit when Kaa basically reverse-yeets the cigarette into her mouth and eats it. Vladek doesn't know what a cigarette is, but he can tell it's not something meant to be eaten.

Regardless, he follows along with the rest of the group (though keeps his sword unsheathed). Simply observing in silence as they walk. Though the sight of posters and ads gets him to visibly pause again. What sort of crypt is this?

Then Kaa asks her question, and...

   "... I am... not sure."   , Vladek responds to Kaa truthfully. For the first time there's some inflection in his voice, something other than the audible representation of a cold, callous stare. He sounds uncertain, perhaps even a little nervous.

The last thing he remembers was him reaching the sacred orb that had sealed away an evil sorcerer, one whom he deigned to free and take his powers from. It would've given him enough magic to become unstoppable. However, it had been enchanted. A trap that activated once he smashed the orb, resulting in it reforming but with Vladek himself getting sucked inside. He lost consciousness, and he thought that was it, that he would be doomed to eternal imprisonment, unable to die until the end of the world.

And then he woke up in the Arena.

So he doesn't know. Whether he's alive, dead, or something in between. All he knows is he's not hallucinating this reality, he had already confirmed to himself that he could feel pain and that his senses were not muddled. As unbelievable as it had all seemed from that point on, he knew it to be real.

Regardless, he shakes his head, literally attempting to shake off the thoughts that he wished to be distracted from. In reality, his attempts to think of literally anything else were one of the reasons he'd initially humored the idea of exploring the city he eventually found, which led him to the bar where he met Gunter and some of these others.

By the time he's fully paying attention to his surroundings again, they're in a city. The sights of this, of lights illuminating dark streets and of these metal constructions on wheels... as odd as it all looks, Vladek finds himself more at ease here. It helps him push back those uncertain thoughts.

Even if the sight of what seems to be some female clones being stuck in place is an eerie one.

   "It is Vladek."   , he then corrects Kaa. Surprisingly he doesn't sound as harsh as before, but that's mainly because he's just happy to have his mind on anything else. Still, Kaa (and perhaps the others) may mistake it as him briefly showing some decency in response to her encouragement, and that may at least make her happy even if that wasn't Vladek's intention.

He finally sheathes his blade again. Not out of any level of trust for Kaa, but in case being visibly armed makes him 'stand out' (as Kaa said) and sets the ghosts off. It wouldn't surprise him if that's how it worked.

   "Let us hope this 'Optimus Prime' finds us sooner than later."   , he says as he continues following the group.

Edited by DevilPsyco on May 12th 2024 at 11:25:40 AM

Ashes of Nohr

Armoury (Recon is, for now, the Squad holding Necromites back and I have nothing to add to them wwwwww)

Save

• > Ashes of Nohr - Armoury
• A Bonanza of Bros

Aware of the foe headed towards them and given more time to reposition themselves courtesy of Salazar and their sword, "Pyra" quickly gets prepared for their next move.

| You |

"Thank you."

"Pyra" first jumps up the wall they've been sticking to, kicking the wall to initiate a Diving Kick onto the Knight.

(On a success) "Pyra" bounces of the Knight's head and lands back near the Typhoon, preparing for their next attack.

(On a fail) "Pyra" crashes, but quickly gets back on their feet. Throwing a smokescreen, they would then try to land some quick umbrella strikes onto the Knight before using a Flash Step to return to the Typhoon.

Either way, the next few moves all involve Ui and messing around with the medium.

Quickly signalling teammates to cover their eyes. "Pyra" courtesy of a floating Ui rapidly flicks the Night Vision toggle multiple times to act as a flashbang to stun foes.

Swapping to the Katawa Shoujo UI and mumbling something that can't be heard this time around, a textbox spawns. They make a pounding motion, slamming the textbox from a Ui Hologram to a tangible weapon. Grabbing the now corporeal end with both hands, "Pyra" pulls the entire textbox into reality to perform an overhead swing to whack the Knight in the head.

Suspending the textbox midair and jumping onto it (with Ravenos enlarging, picking up the Typhoon, and setting it on the platform), Ui gently tilts, causing the ground to tilt in the direction Ui's tilting. Gentle enough that anyone that isn't stunned can maintain balance, but those who are would lose their balance and slip into a wall. (This one is based on both tilt controls and orientation changes in mobile devices wwwww)

Finally, "Pyra" finishes off this sequence of actions by performing a Dual Attack with Ravenos, in which Ravenos becomes a pair of wings for "Pyra", "Pyra" dives off the platform, then either charge into the Knight like a Flying type using Brave Bird (if the Knight manages to keep their balance), or flying across the area to signal allies about the new high ground they've created (if the tilting already leads to positioning changes in foes)

Edited by TheTropingAlliancer on May 12th 2024 at 9:36:48 AM

Gerudo Desert

"Yeah, I'm... Yeah, just frazzled."

RF!Anna pulls a towel out of her armor and starts wiping ink off Tremont's face, eliciting a whine but no resistance. "For someone who prides himself on his caution bordering on paranoia-"

"Yeah, yeah. I thought they'd be gone, and I wanted to study some strange magic I'd noticed around here."

that being Kurt Zisa's presence

Astil

"I don't see anything weird about that. Though maybe that's because I didn't know what a chipmunk was until I met Chip and Dale."

"Alright. See you in a bit, then."

Roxas and Xion summon their black cloaks (more iconic than their now-usual outfits), open a corridor of darkness, and head through.

Edited by KiriK on May 12th 2024 at 4:37:45 AM

Chrysos - The Drought

Luna stood there puzzled. Should she enter or go back to the garden where she gets to choose what she eats? It was hard to decide for her. She was a herbivore. But, that food from the garden was so good that she couldn't just go there once...

|I'm fine Lupin. I'll go get my own food. And, I"ll try to be careful. Bye for now!|

Luna was certain that no one would be there at the garden this time. Since no one was there the last time she was there. With that, Luna left.

Subplot

Luna looked all around, making sure no one was close by or near her. After making sure the coast was clear, Luna dims her lantern, turning the light off briefly.

|Alright, let's eat! Kekeke!|

Luna once again begins to eat her fill, munching on various roots, plants, and fruits. Once she's full and satisfied, Luna left. Again, she left pawprints everywhere around the garden.

Near the hideout, Luna pauses to take a nap. The warm sun felt good on her that soon, Luna fell into a deep sleep.

Gerudo Desert

"If you wanna go off somewhere and you're not 100% sure on if it's safe to do so, bring someone with you for safety. That's just common sense.", Sally comments as she keeps searching for loot.

"What Sally means is that the Arena is dangerous in general. It's not a good idea for anyone to go off on their own.", Natasha says.

Pucci, Recon, Mechilogue

Pucci ceased to move; though he hadn’t seen it exactly, he knew what had happened. It was an unconscious reflex, yet still he understood it well, so when Lucas asked his question he could answer it to the best he knew:

   "A spirit."    He admitted.    "Though I’m still not certain whether it’s a guardian or a curse. I’ve, ah, taken to calling it “Whitesnake”."    The priest offered a sheepish smile.

——

Luin yelped in panic as the tail club rushed on a collision course set directly for her face. The beast was too large for her to simply dodge the attack and no way could she outrun it—there was no way out. At least it seemed that way until she felt claws pressed against her shoulder, Deluge lifting her and flying her over the swinging hammer, over the dragon itself, before dropping her off above its face. She yelled furiously as she fell, rearing Landslide overhead and slamming him down at the Zirconia Dragon’s head while he unleashed a point-blank Hyperbeam to add to the impact.

——

Kado offered a subtle wave at Vincent and the Monica as they departed before his attention returned to Wilhelm and he smiled. "I serve no man or order," the Jedi smiled, "Save myself, righteousness, and the good people of the world."

He looked over the newly implemented city scrap heap. "But frankly, I’m a little more curious of who you don’t work for, who would be so eager to level a city block in the name of a relic.."

Sally finds a couple Skill Tonics, potions that are bright green and visibly bubble and fizz even at rest. RF!Anna may or may not have told them about these—they prepare the body for an outburst of its strongest feats. In fighting game terms, it gives a bar of super meter; in traditional Fire Emblem terms, it makes the drinker's next chance for skill activation into a guarantee.

"I have a robot dragon," Tremont protests, half-mumbling as RF!Anna rubs around his mouth.

"And clearly, that wasn't enough to protect you."

"Ooh, talk about bank. Getting some of these for free is amazing!", Sally giggles, her attention already back on her catch instead of Tremont.

Natasha's focus is still on the dragon boy though, and she shows a sad smile.

"It's not a bad thing to be sure of yourself, but it's never a good idea to assume you can handle everything that comes at you. Whether it be a dragon mech, or a fortress, or anything else, you can't know beforehand what you might come across and what they can do to you."

Her smile turns happier now.

"I'm glad that you're safe at least. We may not have really talked much yet, but I don't like the thought of any of my allies being in danger."

"I'm sure he'll learn his lesson from this.", Sally hums happily as she comes back with her loot. "So, speaking of payment-"

Natasha shoots Sally an unamused expression.

"Hey now, lemme finish.", Sally tells her friend before looking back at RF!Anna. "Since you're an aunt of mine, and we're all allies anyway, you don't need to pay me for my services... if I can keep the stuff I looted for myself."

DM Post: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=14315151240A21923900&page=15475#comment-386853

Previous Post: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=14315151240A21923900&page=15474#comment-386842

Ashes of Nohr

Moonrise Crypt - RECON

A confident smile adorned Charlian's face as he smashed through the undead with the power of light, getting through an entire swarm with ease due to his attacks having both radiant damage and good area of effect. While the Kagura Squad, Red Hood, and Rosita holds off the necromites behind him as Corrin and Beruka scatters the ones in front, Charlian charged forth and focused his attacks on the skeletons directly in front rather than trying to destroy many at once in order to take a look at the man who just shot an arrow at them.

Once he got close enough, he can't help but raise an eyebrow at what seems to be EMIYA charging a Granite Blast of all things. Hm, so this is just like Midori, where the personality and techniques of a jujutsu sorcerer was inserted into someone from another world. How did the person behind all this get their hands on a Servant? Servants may only hold a portion of the original Heroic Spirit's power, but many are still exceedingly powerful even compared to the likes of Gojo and Sukuna. The most likely explanation can only be the mastermind holding an element of surprise and launching a coordinated effort.

Of course, that's not quite as important right now, because the Demented Spirit just launched a Granite Blast at the group. Since he's the most far ahead compared to the rest, Charlian raised his tie bian, imbued it with as much of his replicated power as possible, and smashed it into the attack in an attempt to deflect it now that it's too late to call on Gunter for help. Since the discharge isn't necrotic in origin, the Replicator couldn't extinguish it, but he can still disperse it to make it less harmful for his allies.

While he successfully blocked the Granite Blast for himself, Charlian was still pushed back significantly. He narrowly avoided EMIYA's sword arrows, but was grazed by a few shrapnels of stone when the explosions went off. Thankfully, the young man isn't particularly hurt by this, and he knows exactly what to do against an opponent like this.

The clothes worn by Charlian under his long cloak is now replaced by an ultramarine jumpsuit adorned with metallic gray pauldrons. The edges of his long hair is now tainted by tints of blue, while two locks of hair are now tied into a ponytail by a metallic binding, accompanying the rest of his flowing hair perfectly. His confident smile suddenly becomes tainted by a feral edge as he manifested a blood red spear into existence while putting the tie bian away, with his gaze focused on the distant archer.

The power of Cu Chulainn as a Lancer class Servant is the "natural enemy" of the Demented Spirit standing before the recon group, which became even more dangerous when bolstered by the power of Apollo's light. It may not be the same light as Cu Chulainn's father, but it makes for a brilliant entrance nonetheless.

Bolstered by both enhanced parameters and Protection from Arrows, Charlian beelined towards Ryu-EMIYA, intending to close their distance and force the latter into one-on-one close ranged combat. Swinging the light-imbued red spear, the Replicator smashed through any necromite that dared to get in his way. As much as he wants to help his allies, he knew that the best way is to take out the biggest threat that has been scattering them across the room rather than to waste time on the foot soldiers.

Gunter, if you can hear me, subdue him with whatever you can do as soon as I get close enough. I'll attempt to take him out in one blow! Of course, the caveat of Cu Chulainn's power is that this Servant has infamously bad Luck. Charlian has no idea how this will affect his combat prowess, but it's best not to take any chances.

Apollo's Radiant Image:

• The tie bian's striking power is greatly enhanced.
• The tie bian is shrouded in a sheath of light, greatly extending its reach.
• His movement speed is now enhanced and can Daze nearby enemies when sprinting.
• After breaking an enemy's defense (e.g. armor, barrier), the next attack's power is doubled.
• When parrying an enemy's attack perfectly, temporarily blind them with an intense flash of light.
• All damages dealt (even strikes using his fists and feet) are now radiant as well as physical.
• All attacks are strengthened by a small significant degree until he's struck.
• An aura of light constantly surrounds him, earning him the ire of the wretched undead but simultaneously make them more inclined to keep their distance.

Cu Chulainn's Feral Strength:

• Servant Parameters: gains enhanced physicality (especially Endurance and Agility) but drastically worse Luck.
• Class Skill - Magic Resistance C
• Personal Skill - Battle Continuation A
• Personal Skill - Disengage C
• Personal Skill - Divinity B
• Personal Skill - Rune Magecraft B
• Personal Skill - Protection from Arrows B
• Noble Phantasm - Gae Bolg

Edited by cyzja922 on May 12th 2024 at 3:48:35 AM

Thor manages to offer Iris a slight smile.

"Thank you. Hopefully, though, this blasted ordeal will end with G.E.M. remaining oblivious to your true identity."

-

Loki and Sylvie wait for Roxas and Xion to return.

Just as Red Hood manages to fling a couple grenades at the Necromites, one of Emiya's energy blasts slams into his chest and sends him crashing to the floor.

"There's one of Kenjaku's twists," he mutters, taking a moment to haul himself back up.

Rushing back into the fray, he dives to evade the oncoming exploding swords and comes up with his AK-47 aimed directly at the new enemy before retaliating with a hail of gunfire.

-

After firing on the Necromites with his rifle's grenade launcher attachment, Bucky points them out to Link.

"Hey, elf guy, you see these creepy things? They're the real enemy here."

With that, he continues laying down cover fire while using the shelves as chokepoints.

-

As she follows the group, Vi raises an eyebrow when Kaa asks her if she's dead.

"Yeah, I died bleeding out in an alley all the way back in Zaun and you're talking to my ghost," she replies.

Edited by IchigoMontoya on May 12th 2024 at 3:21:37 AM

Ashes of Nohr - Armory

With another command from Thel 'Vadam in an alien tongue, the Hunters move between the party and the ghouls, hunkering down with their shields protecting their soft parts.

The Arbiter himself puts his Carbine on his back and brandishes his energy sword, the Prophets' Bane. While it's not magical or holy or anything, it is a blade made of plasma so hot it melts through things instead of cutting, and powerful enough to sunder both the armor of a Super-Soldier and the energy shield around it in a single slash. He approaches, but remains behind the Hunters.

Gerudo Desert

"Lucky daughter of a bitch," RF!Anna mutters under her breath.

Tremont finally has enough and pushes her hand aside. "I can wash myself, you know."

"Right. Keep the loot. If Vanilla comes after you for it, though, that's on you."

"So why did you come find me?"

"I was worried the Loptyr Cult might try to abduct and brainwash you. Kirrey tells me young dragons falling under evil control is a bit of a trend across our worlds."

"Ah. Well, I guess I can check this place out another time."

"Good thinking. Let's head back now."

RF!Anna and Tremont both press buttons that emit audible sonar-esque pings, summoning their Creatures to them. Tremont's Creature, being a giant robot-dragon-tank, has space for Natasha and Sally to ride on.

Regardless of how, once everyone's ready, they head on back to Fort Dawnguard.

Edited by KiriK on May 12th 2024 at 6:09:58 AM

Astil

And so do the angels as Yazur sits down against a tree to rest. And the Deliderp, who just waddles around in a circle.

-

"I hope so too. It's gonna be hard to help them otherwise. Unless we can somehow convey to them that I don't mean them harm.", Iris says.

"Though after everything I learned, the chances of that happening are probably smaller than my crown suddenly popping up and being chill."

She glances behind her.

"We should probably go back soon."

Gerudo

"Mom and I don't always see eye to eye but I wouldn't go that far.", Sally laughs, having heard what RF!Anna muttered. She clearly has the same level of senses as the rest of her family, maybe even for more than just money.

She then crosses her arms and smirks.

"As if I'd give her the chance to catch me off guard. I don't ever leave the fort without at least two other people in case things go wrong."

"It's one of your somewhat more sensible parts.", Natasha says, lightly teasing. Now it's Sally's turn to shoot her an unamused glance, but she's clearly not angry.

"You're lucky you're allowed to tease me.", she teases right back. They are best friends, after all.

When RF!Anna and Tremont summon their Creatures, Sally and Natasha waste no time getting into Tremont's.

"I've been wanting to ride in one of these ever since I learned about them.", Sally says.

"Admittedly, so do I.", Natasha says.

And then they're off.

...

A shadow appears over the unconscious RF!Vanilla. It's Einherjar Hilda◊, and she's rubbing her chin thoughtfully.

   "That was the dragon boy that Julius took so much interest in last time..."   , she mumbles.    "To think that getting lost in that accursed sandstorm may have helped me get exactly what I need. After all... I'm sure to get my position back if I bring Julius the child he wants most of all."   

Grinning sinisterly, she villain-warps away. With said villain-warp powers, she'd be able to discreetly follow them back to wherever their base is and then just wait. For an opportunity where that dragon child is all on his own and right for the taking.

House of Nohr

Rumia was about to answer back at Gunter but then Raphael (not the ninja turtle) teleports them.

She's not that photosensitive you know but she does prefer moody lighting anyway. Moonlight is the ideal but this is fine enough too. Fire is cozy anyway. She politely takes a seat and doesn't stray her gaze around too much. Miss Dai taught her that's rude to do in a conversation.

Speaking of.

   "Oh I know a few devils already."    Rumia says, smiling.    "I live with two of them!"   

She then listens to his offer. The lantern light rather than mildly annoying to look at is instead oddly mesmerizing and almost familiar. Reminds her of the moon though it's not usually red.

   "Hmm... Miss Dai always said to ask specifics first if I talk to another devil... what's the thingy you want?"    she asks.

Line from Bolded uwu

"What I want is what Gunter wants. What Ketheric wants. And what Azura wants : the Pear of Ignorance. But I know you don't want it. Surely you wouldn't mind giving away something you don't need and don't have in exchange for something you need and don't have."

   "Sure! Gunter is kind of a jerk anyway and we just need to keep it away from Ketheric since he's evil."    Rumia nods and takes the moonlantern.

—

Back in the Crypt

Bwoop she's back, and looking confused at Refia of all people being here.

   "Refia? When'd you get here?"    she asks, a bit too far to notice her smell is a bit off.

Vs Zirconia Dragon

There's a very loud clang sound as the hammer makes contact and visibly cracks the mighty dragon's head. It roars in pain and collapses onto its side, stunned and toppled for now. Sebastien doesn't miss the opportunity and closes in with Brutus, the latter swinging a chunk of rock to smash into the fallen dragon's face.

Edited by shroobot3000 on May 12th 2024 at 2:00:08 PM

The Drought

For the past couple days, Lumina had been helping out here and there, shuttliing between Chrysos and her own world (she's got dailies to do!), and also trying to pet Luna whenever she can. She likes the fluffy creatures.

The instant Lumina notices the cat door, she gasps "Kitty sign! It's even a calico - magic of the good kind!" as she dashes over and opens it. Or at least tries to.

She may or may not have noticed how it's clearly a recent addition. If she did, it's an even stronger reason to check it out. And yes, she ignores Lupin's question, or the fact that he's standing right next to the door.

Edited by Hotpizza on May 12th 2024 at 10:52:27 PM

Drought

The 4 Ant-Men, after yet another hard day of work, gather with the rest of the group in Lupin's office.

Migafor:    Ahhh, we are so hungry, we could eat a whole horse...   

Xochi:    ...But we aren't carnivorous, Migafor.   

   It's an idiom.   

They don't think twice after hearing Lupin's proposal.    Free food? Let's go!   

Goji

Maxi, with his hi-tech gadgets, managed to repair the balloon burner. But they lack a source of fire...

How could get that thing on?

Taky looks at the raging fight on the skies. I think I have an idea.

Ashes of Nohr

Recon

The three agents managed to fend off those Necromites with blasts of soda, but they got surprised by the Granite Blast, leaving then kneeling on the floor and unable to attack in this turn.

You...

—-

Library

Zamba overhears the raging fight out the secret library.

Keep on uncursing those books, I have an idea.

He unfolds the time machine and puts it over the shelves.

Lemme see if I remember how to use it...

By pushing some buttons, the machine generates a portal, and from it, a girl around the same age of Zamba exits.

Zamba! What do you need?

I need you to kick those weird beings to the curb and avoid they get us!

Done and done, friend.

She jumps into the fray at the chokepoint, dealing powerful kicks at the nearby Necromites.

Armory

Heh, piece of cake.

Just when Sawdust said that, the sisters got sucker punched by the Githyanki, hitting both sisters with the hammer handle, and holding Sawdust against the wall.

Sis!

Thanks to her suit, she can withstand the kick hold, and she attempts to retaliate with a swing of her tail, but thankfully Salazar was here to help her. Cardboard thinks a message for Gunther:

You can read through minds, right? Can you help us with those guys there, please?

As for Sawdust, she attempts to fight back the Githyanki with a couple of slashes of her garden shears.

D’Vorah found her arms successfully restricted in Ma’Quin’s dying grasp, but as she was driven backwards, the creature proved that her arms were not all the limbs she had access to…

The four stingers upon her back bent backwards and clacked against the ground beneath them, before suddenly pushing off. A mere fraction of a moment before the fireball’s remnants struck she would’ve bounded from the floor, likely taking the Githyanki with her to the roof.

If so, it was there that she would begin her rapid and frenetic work: with the stingers embedded in the ceiling, D’Vorah began crawling across the green lady while rotating the dying corpse in her hands, spreading a thin sheet of web across her form. Her bite at the warrior’s neck had served two purposes: the first was to fatally wound her, yes, but the second was to inject an extremely powerful—yet nonlethal—venom that should’ve started paralyzing her right about now.

But any hope Ma’Quin had of passing away would soon be squashed when an insect crawled from the hollow cavity in D'Vorah’s torso, spraying a regenerative fluid over the Githyanki’s wounds to save her life. A corpse wouldn’t keep the children warm, after all, and the humanoid’s next order of business was to reveal the dagger-like pincer hidden inside of her palm and stab it non-fatally into Ma’Quin’s stomach, where it would proceed to inject several thousand microscopic eggs into the Githyanki’s flesh to cultivate from within.

In time, the warrior would be granted death, when the children had fully grown and exploded from within to scour the world for more prey. But for now she’d be condemned to lonely eternity, trapped in a web in the corner of some dark room with the creatures planted within her devouring her flesh at a slower rate than the “wet nurse” insect D’Vorah had left behind could regenerate it.

But that was months away, and for now, D’Vorah would drop back to the ground and hiss at the suddenly-appeared foes.

…

He knows I know. Beyond a shadow of a doubt. It was nice to have confirmation, at least…but Pucci knew, then, that he had willingly placed himself alone in a room with a man of unknown capability.

But this isn’t about me, he remembered.

   "You’re right. Kenjaku, Ketheric…to add another threat to face on top of those two would only hurt us. So I didn’t tell them, even as they all surrounded you…and because the Prince didn’t need that truth revealed to him. Not now, not as he’s about to face some of the most dangerous threats of his life. I’m sure you could appreciate that…if you truly are who you claim to be."    He looked again at Gunter, but this time held his gaze. Admittedly, it did feel good to be able to dispense of the games and dances and speak face to face with "Gunter", the veil torn down between them, even if he wasn’t certain if he’d escape this meeting alive…

   "You’re not an enemy. Not yet. Do not mistake my intentions, sir. I did not stay for a fight; I stayed for the truth. It does no good, jumping to conclusions, so I wondered, there might be some logical reason he’d lie to all of us, and his own son…is there, Gunter? A logical reason you’d lie to your own son?"   

Edited by ISZATSO on May 12th 2024 at 9:38:57 AM

LONG AWAITED REWARDS!!!!!

For the First Place Peak Meal, Yuki is granted…

dundundundun

KRIMSCHOMPA, the infamous cave squig mount of Goldtoof Spearhed! He’s won every single Squig-race he’s partaken in; not due to his speed, but his raw ferocity, tearing apart every other competitor until he’s the only one remaining! A wildly controversial figure in the world of squig-racing, which may explain why the goblins were so eager to take him off of their hands.

NOTE: Saddle not included.

For the Second Place Exemplary Meal, Cecil earns…

doodooodoo

DA KROSSKLEAVA!!

A blade in the collection of Grom’s favored cook, Bonechoppa Trollnuts. As effective at separating a foe’s head from their shoulders as it is at preparing a meal! Just…be sure to clean it between uses.

For the Third Place Satiating Meal, Corrin earns…

UFTAK TALEWEAVA, the ORKISH POET!!! He once traveled the world, telling tales of great and fierce warbosses to whatever ork tribes he came across. It is said that he once told a tale of Da Alpha Orc so glorious, so majestically magnificent, so bloody that the local warboss grew jealous that he could never achieve such orkiness, and ordered Uftak’s head removed at once! But even after his execution nothing could shut him up, and even as a mere head he continued to tell mighty sagas concerning the one and only Grimgor Ironhide.

Corrin unfortunately left the feast early, so he missed the opportunity for his original reward, a helm fashioned in the shape of a greasy ogre. But the wise and mighty Grimgor, in his infinite graciousness, picked out the new reward (after annexing Grom’s WAAAGH) and mailed it to Corrin’s home in Hub Centralis!

Edited by ISZATSO on May 12th 2024 at 10:16:11 AM

Wiz eventually finishes reading through his book, placing it to the side, on one of the tables in the room. Though, he he wasn't done yet. He sees the Nightsong cursed book... And remembers the scroll he had taken from before he had even made it to the Library. Dispel Curse... That should work. Though, to be honest, he had never used a scroll before, much less to extract a spell from it. He's read about it, but actually being in a situation where you'd have to use it is much diffetent, clearly.

Taking out the scroll from his robe, he looks to the book as he opens up the scroll, looking down at it. Almost comedically, he squints at it as he pulls out a small pair of reading glasses and leans into it to see the contents of the scroll as his eyes move around the scroll, mumbling to himself slightly as he looked for something useable here... Oh, there's a spell right there. It must be recited, right? Well, that's what he did. He recited the spell, holding his free hand at the book as he uncursed it.

"Well, that should be that—"

Though before he could start reading it, he'd be interrupted by the explosion of the trap, followed by the scratching and banging of the Necromites attempting to break into their area. Wiz opts to just take the book instead, placing it in his robe before gripping his staff — though not using it yet. Instead, he uses his free hand to point forward, creating a multi-layered bright pink magic circle, each layer spinning in an opposite direction. Some pink bubblegum substance slowly leaks out, then suddenly spews out, whipping around and slamming into whatever Necromites had crawled up and attempted to attack, wrapping around them and immobilizing them.

Though, he wasn't finished yet — he was just watching his back as he continued to uncurse the other books.

Armory

The Knight reacts quickly, throwing himself off of "Pyra" in an attempt to get the sword to accidentally impale her instead. He rolls across the ground, regaining his posture quickly as he scans his opponents. He sees "Pyra" coming towards him, swinging his arm in a powerful backhand to her leg and deviating her from his position. After this, he reels his head back as a low growling sound is heard — a light beginning to form in the spaces of his helmet.

Immediately after that, flames shoot out of the Knight's helmet like a dragon, the massive cone of flames twisting as he's turning his head around to attempt and burn everyone at the same time.

Church

   ?So can you?   

is she small and stupid?

...Tilra doesn't share Emma's enthusiasm on the subject.

Using Interstellar Overdrive and A Pillow Of Winds, this time Tilra manages to redirect Emma's punch, stopping it partly with a cushion of impossibly dense air before directing it off-course with some good-old-fashioned martial arts, something she picked up from Sarah.

Of course, the omnidirectional tempest that's picking up, first from Jack and then from Emma, is of concern as well. For this, Tilra utilizes a good-old-fashioned shade-warp to escape out of range, appearing upon a different shadow a decent distance from the fight, where she can bear witness to the expanding sphere of destruction of all their combined attacks and energies overlapping and permeating out, the speed of the battle making it look as though suspended in slow motion.

She's begun to glimmer brightly now, Tilra has, her aura pure-white and shining so intensely it stands at contrast to even Emma's forging star. The laws of physics around her have begun to fluctuate.

An enormous amount of energy becomes detectable within her body. It is impossible to tell where it begins and where it ends, the sheer quantity of power is such that it defies measurement.

If this is allowed to complete itself, there's no telling what it could do.

Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Complete) - 9/10

Armory

"This has nothing to do with obedience, old man, I just like free shit." Deflection is Mark's usual reply to compliments anyway,

While he ganders at the massive selection of arms that look pretty sick, he passes by the Blades of Chaos. He still remembers the time Kratos brutally murked him a while back, it was a surreal experience in The Arena to say the least.

Besides that callback, it is pretty useful to have actual swords on his person that suit his style the best rather than just hammers and two tiny spear chains. He wraps it around his current set of chains and can feel the power brimming, but most importantly, how fucking cool this feels to hold.

"Now how the hell do we give this to them...."

"Ah whatever, let's fucking go!!"

He recalls that the rest of the group is fighting from the other side. He runs over to the end of the room while snagging the vibranium shield to throw it for the lever to open the door. It bounces back to his hand but he puts it back in its place.

Going under the assumption his squad has his shit together, he braces himself and kicks tables upon tables of weapons to make them slide much closer to the entrance so the group can immediately get what they want!