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+---- Thread: [KQ] sound of the underground (/showthread.php?tid=6171)
sound of the underground - Bastien - 08-25-2021
The retreat had been a wise one. Mabel, Nikolai and Azrael were not equipped to deal with the worst of the things that could lurk in the underground cavern, and Bastien had come to expect the worst out of mysteries in Caido. It had been the obvious decision to wait until he could return with some truly strong members of the family to back him up.
On a personal note too, he was glad Azrael wasn't here. As much as he wanted them to explore and become their own person...he'd like it if they could do that as safely as possible.
The tunnel was uneventful, the bugs and snakes apparently still put off by the spray. [say]"Just down here - there is some kind of chamber. We could hear...there is something within."[/say] Bastien told the group as they headed into the dark, pointing down ahead. Before long, they were again at the cusp, looking into the large opening. [say]"...The Core told me to come here."[/say] He said in a quiet, reverant tone. [say]"So whatever our reward must be, I assume it will be worth what lays ahead."[/say]
--
Bastien has:
Type: Grey
Hover Plate | A thin sheet of elegant metal that acts as a hover board when stood upon by an ascended. Ascendeds can control the height (max. 3 ft) of the board, as well as its direction and speed (speed is equal to the rider's). To a non-ascended, nothing happens when it is stood upon.
Type: Light
Hypnotic Pulse Upgrade | This upgrade emits a pulse of energy at a distance of around 5ft. Any mortal standing within range will feel soothed and at ease. Useful for feeding. (Can only be used once per thread).
Type: Grey
Optical Upgrade | Can see through god-created illusions such as the barrier around the Hollowed Grounds.
Type: Grey
Dark Sphere | When the button on this small piece of tech is pressed, all light within a 5ft sphere is immediately darkened regardless of conditions. Ascended can still see.
And a staff.
RE: sound of the underground - Varus - 08-25-2021
The idea of taking a trip here was certainly one he wanted in on the second he’d heard about it. And at least it’s with company – Bastien, someone he hasn’t officially met yet, Wessex, probably one of his closest friends now, and Nate, the kid he can’t stop trying to dad unintentionally. So what a group they make, when it comes to traveling down into the Peepholes, but Varus thinks he’s come prepared.
He’s got a satchel hanging from his side with little things of first aid just in case they needed to block the loss of fluid and there wasn’t any other way, a bit of rope, the necessities that Ascended might need given that they don’t need to eat. And aside from that, he’s got his mask on – keeping him silent, dressed up in his usual garb of soldiering, a disc strapped to his back, and all the focus in the world on figuring out what they were down here for.
[say]Do you know how big it was?[/say] Varus asks, his oceanic gaze drifting toward Bastien curiously.
Varus arrives with a satchel of a few first aid kits and spool of rope as well as his upgrades and tech.
Type: Grey
Mask | When worn by an Ascended, it projects the wearer's voice to nearby Ascended within 10ft.
Type: Grey
Metal Arm | A metal arm that's attached at the shoulder.
Type: Grey
Laser “Pointers” | (Basic) A bio-upgrade in the fingers on Varus' right hand that can shoot laser beams up to 10ft.
Type: Grey
Light Disc | (Basic) A disc hollowed out in the center that has glowing rings around the outside when activated. The disc has sharp edges.
He also has a manticore shift stored from biting Remi!
RE: sound of the underground - Nate - 08-26-2021
Go and speak with the Family the Voice said, Figure it out yourself, the Voice said. He should be more mature, but Nate's kneejerk reaction is still Fine! I will! And then, as luck would have it, Bastien reached out to him first. Something about a message from the Core, about a relic, and well, who was he to turn down an opportunity like that?
The journey through the Peepholes is not exciting, but none of these things ever really start off exciting. Big, mysterious caves was certainly one way to kick this off, Nate peering down the hole to try to catch a glimpse of what lay below. "[say]Do you know anything more than something?[/say]" He asks, throwing a glance up at Bastien.
Nate has the following:
Type: Light
Feather Foot Charm | A charm which allows the user to float harmlessly to the ground from any height. One use only.
Type: Grey
Needle & Thread | Needles change size and thread changes color depending on user's wants.
Type: Dark
Fang Necklace | A necklace of sea panther teeth. These may be used once per thread to cause intimidation to nearby enemies. (Enemies will roll with disadvantage for that round).
Type: Dark
Everywhere Arrow | A sleek, obsidian arrow. Controlled by whistling, the arrow is moved and directed via a mental link with the user. Range of 15ft, works with Ascended only.
Type: Grey
Leather Jacket | A leather jacket that can reflect basic fire damage away from the wearer. Can be used again after a two post cool-off period. (Made by Deimos)
As well as a bite from Sunjata :)
RE: sound of the underground - Wessex - 08-26-2021
All Bastien had to do was mention The Core and hidden underground tunnels for Wessex so agree to go.
Okay, really all he’d have needed to do was ask her for something and she probably would have agreed.
Bringing up the rear, Wessex has been thinking quietly to herself the whole time, and when they finally pause at the cusp of the opening, the Wraith finally speaks up.[say] “Yeah, let’s have some sort of plan before we go in.”[/say] There have been enough bungles and danger lately for her to insist on them all being on the same page.[say] “If nothing else, listen to your sensors. No one should be dying for this.”[/say] Not yet, at least. The General manages to avoid looking directly at Varus and Nate, assuming that they might be the most likely to take risks, for various reasons.
Turning expectantly towards Bastien to listen to what he has to say about any of this, she’ll wait until he’s finished to offer a pale wrist.[say] “Anyone need something? I’m a walking buffet these days.”[/say] Jesting as she is, it’s based in truth. Wessex's abilities are and always will be at their disposal.
-------------------------
Wessex offers her wrist up and asks to make a quick plan before they go in.
She comes with the items on her profile, trading the Infernbow for a regular bow and quiver of arrows. Also some rope, a grappling hook, a bit of water and some jerky, cause you never know.
RE: sound of the underground - Court Official - 08-30-2021
I mean, this is probably the sort of thing you ought to have figured out before coming here, with all the prep and whatnot. Because whatever is inside the cavern isn't waiting for you a second time.
And there is a reason that even Ascended eyes were unable to discern what was within the cave. It's because you aren't looking through something. You're looking right at it. And as the group arrives it begins to shift and move, and all around you the Peepholes shudder and shed dirt and rock.
Finally it finishes unfurling itself, giving access into the chamber, but not before one big, big yellow eye flashes through the doorway directly at
Off you go!
Welcome to the Relic KQ!
Because this has plot ramifications, it (and all subsequent relic KQs) will be scaled based on level and more difficult than normal). Remember to include a summary at the bottom of your post with all action taken. If weapons/upgrades/abilities/items/shifts/etc are used, please include their desc. from your profile at the bottom of your post as well. If you don't do this, they won't be taken into account!
Basilisk: 750/750 HP
Your randomly assigned posting order is:
You have 24 hours to reply.
RE: sound of the underground - Wessex - 08-30-2021
Yep, probably should have done the planning thing ahead of time.
[say] “What the fuck?”[/say] she hisses, as the entire cavern moves and then there's an eye and -
Varus turns to stone and Wessex tries to pull the rest of them behind the statue for a moment, while she throws on her Shadow Cloak.[say] “I’m going to try to blind it.”[/say] Well aware that she might be diving into this on her own, Wessex scoots out from behind Varus to plaster herself against a wall. Wessex tries to tiptoe out of the doorway without being looked at and eases to one side, aiming for whichever of the basilisk’s eyes might be easiest. Once she thinks she can get a clear shot, she shoots.
--------------------------
Wessex puts on her Shadow Cloak and grabs her bow and arrow. She tries to move into the doorway without being seen by the basilisk, teleporting to some place else in the cavern if need be. If she gets a clear shot at an eye, she'll take with her bow and arrow.
Type: Grey
Shadow-Cloth | A cloak that renders the wearer invisible when in shadow. (Made by Remi)
Citizenship Ability:The world is new to you, and you to it. During PQ/PQ+/KQs/Drops, you roll with advantage on luck-based rolls and receive an extra name during drops. (In order to use this, make sure to note the ability at the bottom of each post)
Type: Dark
Damage Splash Upgrade | For every attack made at Wessex, double the damage is deflected back to the creature who caused it. (Elemental effects are not duplicated. 30 pts of fire damage is translated back as 30 pts of regular damage, for example).
Magic: Teleportation | Can teleport to any board that Wessex has already visited, OR can teleport to an adjacent board that she's visited with someone else. If used within the same board, requires a 1-post cool down period between uses.
Type: Grey | Rank: Mastered
RE: sound of the underground - Bastien - 08-30-2021
Bastien wasn't really the type for proper preparation, though it would have been difficult to prepare regardless without knowing what manner of beast lurked within the cave. For a brief second after their arrival he thought perhaps the chamber was empty, or at least home to something much smaller and less harmful. [say]"I know nothing more than what I have told you."[/say] He said to Nate, before being shocked into silence by the appearance of their foe.
Not quite so shocked as Varus though, who found himself transformed to stone - Bastien stared and tried to speak but had not the words. Thankfully, Wessex was much more of a woman of action, and sprung away to attack the beast.
It seemed the Basilisk's power rested in it's eyes, so he would do his best to counter that in his own way. Activating the dark sphere just behind Varus' statued form, he turned to Nate to beckon him within it's 5ft. [say]"If you can do whatever you intend to from this space, it might be safer for you."[/say] He advised, busying himself with getting his next plan together in his mind and watching Wessex.
--
Bastien uses the dark sphere to hide himself, Nate and (stoned) Varus from the Basilisk while Wessex attempts to blind the creature.
Type: Grey
Dark Sphere | When the button on this small piece of tech is pressed, all light within a 5ft sphere is immediately darkened regardless of conditions. Ascended can still see.
RE: sound of the underground - Nate - 08-30-2021
Things start off with a bang, and at this point Nate isn’t even sure why he expects anything different. Whatever they’re facing is huge, and wastes no time in just turning Varus to stone.
A low whistle starts on Nate’s lips, activating his everywharrow while he slips into the scant shadow of protection Bastien offers. [say]If you can draw it close, I can try to take out one of its eyes.[/say] He calls out mentally to Wessex, trying to lay down the lines of a plan in the moment. It’s the best they had, after all. “[say]Do you have anything that could maybe take out an eye?”[/say] This question is aimed at Bastien, Nate tryi to take stock of their options.
Nate readies his everywhere arrow and creeps into the shadows beside Bastien/behind Varus
Type: Dark
Everywhere Arrow | A sleek, obsidian arrow. Controlled by whistling, the arrow is moved and directed via a mental link with the user. Range of 15ft, works with Ascended only.
RE: sound of the underground - Court Official - 08-30-2021
It's a lot of snake and not a lot of space, so it's unsurprising that the basilisk instantly loses interest in those who are not immediately visible. It's with a quick coil and a snap of its jaws that it tries to get at
The Wraith, on the other hand, manages a glancing blow with an arrow off the giant serpent's snout. And for a second it looks like that's that, but the glinting scales cause the arrowhead to ping upwards and, whilst it's not an impressive hit, it does lance into the basilisk's left eye.
There's a screech which indicates that there's a lot of pain in the snake's current predicament, but you know, when something hits you in the eye, you really don't like it. And so the serpent writhes and thrashes - hard - dirt and rock begin to tumble upon the group. Everyone manages to dodge apart from
Because this has plot ramifications, it (and all subsequent relic KQs) will be scaled based on level and more difficult than normal). Remember to include a summary at the bottom of your post with all action taken. If weapons/upgrades/abilities/items/shifts/etc are used, please include their desc. from your profile at the bottom of your post as well. If you don't do this, they won't be taken into account!
Basilisk: 715/750 HP
Your randomly assigned posting order is:
Varus 76/76 HP (turned to stone for 2 turns, so does not need to post)
Wessex 605/605 HP
Bastien 60/100 HP
Nate 102/102 HP
You have 24 hours to reply.
RE: sound of the underground - Wessex - 08-30-2021
[say] Yeah let me see if I can make it stop thrashing - be ready,[/say] Wessex replies to Nate, dodging a couple of pieces of the cavern as it starts to rain down on them. The flailing is a problem - nothing can be properly aimed that way, so she’ll have to slow it down somewhat, or knock it out -
Trying to use the falling rocks as a shield to get as close as she dares, Wessex fires off two biopulses, one right after the other, in an attempt to slow it down, either by making it overheat or become dizzy or nauseous - and she realizes then that she knows very little about reptiles. Do snakes even get nauseous?
[say] You got a shift in you, just in case?[/say] she sends to Nate again, even though she can't imagine both a dragon and the basilisk fitting in here. Worst case scenario, he might be able to shift and survive if the whole thing comes down on them.
-----------------------
Wessex tries to use fallen rocks/debris as a shield to get closer to the basilisk and fire off two biopulses, one right after the other.
Type: Dark
Bio Disruption Upgrade (Mastered) | A pulse that causes disorientation, rapid heart rate, dry mouth, dizziness, and an increased temperature in living creatures with a complex nervous system (humans, animals like dogs, horses, birds). Effects creatures in a 20ft radius, symptoms are more noticeable the closer the creature is to the upgrade.
Type: Grey
Shadow-Cloth | A cloak that renders the wearer invisible when in shadow. (Made by Remi)
Type: Dark
Damage Splash Upgrade | For every attack made at Wessex, double the damage is deflected back to the creature who caused it. (Elemental effects are not duplicated. 30 pts of fire damage is translated back as 30 pts of regular damage, for example).
Citizenship Ability: The world is new to you, and you to it. During PQ/PQ+/KQs/Drops, you roll with advantage on luck-based rolls and receive an extra name during drops. (In order to use this, make sure to note the ability at the bottom of each post)
RE: sound of the underground - Bastien - 08-30-2021
[say]"Mamma fottuta fica!"[/say] Bastien hissed under his breath as he heard the crunching sound his shoulder made. Pain wasn't a concern of his anymore, but the knowledge of the damage was still enough to make him grit his teeth and press a hand to the wound, feeling if he had broken a bone or whatever the Voice had put in it's place.
His eyes went to Wessex, her might against the basilisk reminding him, in some distant part of his memory, of the tale of Perseus and Medusa. In that legend, the saving grace had been a mirrored shield...his eyes went down to the hoverboard - dull metal, but he could see in it the shape of his head and face and if he looked hard enough, the white of his eyes. Desperate to contribute in some way beyond cowering in the dark, he picked up the hoverboard in his hands.
[say]"Wessex - use this to reflect it's gaze back upon itself!"[/say] He cried, tossing the board as hard as he could (sideways, with a twist, so that it might not crash against the floor quite so badly as it could do) towards Wessex.
--
Bastien throws his hoverboard towards Wessex and tells her to use it as a mirror to reflect the Basilisks gaze upon itself. He stays in the dark sphere during this.
RE: sound of the underground - Nate - 08-30-2021
“[say]Language, Bastien.[/say]” Nate chides softly, his gaze moving to look over the other man with as critical an eye as he can manage. No pain means Bastien can still move unfettered, but only time would tell if anything was damaged enough to be truly concerning. Still, he reaches out with his magic to tether Bastien to himself, just in case.
[say]I do.[/say] He confirms silently. [say]I want to save it until we really need it though.[/say] His tuneless whistling picks up again, Nate keeping an eye out for an opportunity when Bastien calls out his plan. And it is a hell of an opportunity.
Before the board can move too far away, Nate is reaching out with false hands to grab it and hold it aloft as he rushes out, keeping the shiniest part of it between him and the basilisk. “[say]Hey![/say]” He shouts, trying to get its attention. “[say]Over here![/say]” If the trick with the mirror doesn’t work, then hopefully he’ll have a clear enough shot to take out its undamaged eye, his whistling picking up again in earnest.
Nate attaches his damage link to Bastien, then grabs the hoverboard and uses it as a shield to approach the basilisk, trying to get its attention so it can either be affected by its own gaze or have its eye stabbed into by his arrow
Magic: Damage Sponge | Nate creates an intrinsic link between himself and one other person, represented by a beam of ethereal lightning. Whilst linked, damage taken by the recipient is halved and shared with Nate for one post, for a distance of up to 15ft. The ability has a two post cooldown, and when cast, will remain active until damage is sustained.
Everywhere Arrow | A sleek, obsidian arrow. Controlled by whistling, the arrow is moved and directed via a mental link with the user. Range of 15ft, works with Ascended only.
RE: sound of the underground - Court Official - 08-31-2021
Here are some lessons.
Doing anything in a very confined space is a bitch.
Basilisks are fucking massive, and they coil and thrash and writhe around.
Biopulses can affect Ascended.
It's unfortunate (or perhaps not) that Wessex is unable to pop off two biopulses at once (please see the Quests guidance in the guidebook for more info about what you can and cannot do!), because gosh if it's not a close call. The basilisk does suffer damage from the attack, but either it's too massive or too angry to be affected by it this turn.
As it moves, though, it's a very tight squeeze, and the demigod will find himself crushed under scales and against the cavern wall. Ouch.
Because this has plot ramifications, it (and all subsequent relic KQs) will be scaled based on level and more difficult than normal). Remember to include a summary at the bottom of your post with all action taken. If weapons/upgrades/abilities/items/shifts/etc are used, please include their desc. from your profile at the bottom of your post as well. If you don't do this, they won't be taken into account!
Basilisk: 657.5/750 HP
Your randomly assigned posting order is:
You have 24 hours to reply.
RE: sound of the underground - Wessex - 08-31-2021
[say]Agreed,[/say] the Wraith replies to Nate about the shift. Plus, there really is no fucking room.
Then Bastien’s voice echoes for a moment and she turns to see Nate grab the metal piece and quite frankly, once the statement registers she thinks the idea is utterly genius. [say] Brilliant![/say] she crows into their heads, feeling like that might have some real substance behind it - and that this is what the Voice means when they’re great when working together.[say] Hey Bastien, I left a grappling hook behind with the stuff if you happen to get a safe opening to do some damage.[/say]
Otherwise this might drag out for a very long. Maybe there’s a clue somewhere that will make it easier. Something they’ve missed in the crazy start.
Wessex opts for a moment to stop attacking (not sure anyone would be able to see her looking anyway, given how big the basilisk is) and instead, try to pinpoint any advantages they might have missed in either their surroundings or the relic guardian.
-----------------------------
Wessex leaves the basilisk alone for this turn and uses her INT to try and see if there's any information in the cavern or on the basilisk itself that will give them an advantage.
Damage Splash Upgrade | For every attack made at Wessex, double the damage is deflected back to the creature who caused it. (Elemental effects are not duplicated. 30 pts of fire damage is translated back as 30 pts of regular damage, for example).
The world is new to you, and you to it. During PQ/PQ+/KQs/Drops, you roll with advantage on luck-based rolls and receive an extra name during drops. (In order to use this, make sure to note the ability at the bottom of each post)