[PQ+] What could go wrong?

we used to play outside when we were young & full of life & full of love

What a motley crew this is.

You arrive early - and when I say early, I mean early. You'd sent messages to the others to arrive a quarter into the outward tide, but for yourself, well, you've been here since two hours before that. Setting up a couple lights, checking the tunnels, scouting ahead - being way too invested in these Fingers, basically, but what can you say? You've always had a sweet spot for them. They're your turf, your childhood playground, the first thing you and El mapped.

As the time comes for the others to arrive (the tides is marked on the side of a wall, another bit of your handiwork from another man ago) you move to perch on an outcropping of rock, underneath some of the old writing that gives the way. You've got a manta gem around your neck, and a good amount of supplies in your oil-slicked bag: rope, food, lights, chalk for marking, bandages and medicine you picked up in town. Couple of throwing knives. Your bag. Your face is still a mess, but less so, and you can use both eyes pretty well so that's good. Ki's already scurried ahead, investigating the tunnels and making her way to the Trading Post, as the central clearing is affectionately known.

Now all you have to do is wait for your compatriots to show up, by boat or by swimming- whatever sailors (and Arm-biters) prefer.

---

PQ+ to clear out the Fingers! Zephyr is waiting just outside the entrance to the tunnel Mel & Co cleared last time, and Ki has gone ahead to investigate for signs of monsters. The tide is ebbing, and has gone out by about a quarter, so the tunnel is quite flooded.

Zephyr has brought:
A cloud manta gem (worn)

Lantern (carried)

Type: Grey
Cloak of Concealment | A cloak that fully masks the wearer from detection. Only works in Rae's fingers.

Type: Grey
Bag of Holding | A bag that can hold an infinite number of items, so long as they fit within the bag's 3ft x 3ft opening. The bag always feels nearly weightless, but always looks about 75% full.

----> bag is oil slicked to keep out water. It contains his cloak, four throwing knives, rope, bandages, medicine, some food, chalk, flint and steel, ten torches, a bottle of rum, two molotov cocktails-to-be, one extra cloud manta necklace, and some other paltry odds and ends.

Sunjata, Melita, Eloise

zephyr

you must burn brighter than ever

Another adventure, back to one previously started, ending as the tide rolled in. Any trepidation about the current predicament or predilection hadn’t entered her brain at all – sorted and skewed with the potential for disaster and melee. Melita thought herself prepared, but there was never truly enough to sanction whatever was due and damned to come their way.

She maneuvered alongside Sunjata and Nate, thoughts not going to actions and events that had transpired (yet again – her uncle incapable of staying out of trials or tribulations for scarcely a day), and instead to the collection and assortment of things in her pack. Food, water, and bandages were essentials, since she wasn’t sure how long they’d be within, a few coiled up ropes, the lantern in her hand, and the weapons nestled along her frame: the quiver full of her magically enhanced arrows (embers of fire, snaps of electricity, cold, glacial plumes), and her staff crooked into her belt. The daggers laden around her calves could come in handy too, along with the bow bracelet, and anklet. Armed, locked, and loaded.

And beloved Fangorn, of course, vines outstretched and a grumbling hiss at her ankles.

Upon their arrival, she smiled towards Zeph (despite the measures encountered on his face, and something makes her wonder) and the rest of the gathered, a bright grin ignited on her features, shifting the pack and quiver along her shoulders. “Ready!”

--

Melita is bringing:

A pack of essential items (rope, food, water, bandages)
Daggers
Lantern (carried)

•  Type: Light
Water Dancer | This delicate anklet, when worn, allows the user to step upon the surface of water as though it was solid as the ground. Can be used once per thread.

•  Type: Light
Bowstring Bracelet | At first this bracelet appears only as a length of intricately braided bowstring. But with an arrow in hand, upon miming the action of knocking and drawing it, the user will feel a bow beneath their fingers, as if it was there all along.

•  Type: Dark
Siabhran | A staff reinforced with the sap of a Wicker Woman. Black as pitch and veined with amber, this staff is nigh unbreakable. Those who are struck with it may experience mild hallucinations lasting up to ten minutes.

•  Type: Dark
Fire/Lightning/Ice Quiver | A magical quiver with two compartments. In one, it turns any arrow placed within into a flaming projectile when shot. In the other, the arrow becomes imbued with electricity. (Made by Remi)

Melita

SUNJATA

the flood

but am i too late? or hearts to your spades,
if i don't suit you? then what do you want from me?

Part of his face is still bruised by the time that the day comes for venturing to the Fingers yet again. Already his mood is sour, despite arriving with Melita who usually had a good chance at keeping his mood relatively bright with her sunshine nature. But now? Now, Nate’s arrived to join them and his anxieties are out the roof, wondering if Adam and Peter had known what he knows now, if they would have been as lighthearted on their arrival to the tundra as they had been.

He certainly doesn’t feel like it.

But he keeps his weapons close, Nate even closer in order to protect and ensure his safety – or if nothing else, Sunjata could help try to keep an eye on the Ascended. But everything feels heavy, everything weighs down, and he feels the tension to his jaw and he glances to Nate quickly as soon as they arrive there before Zeph. “Ready.” A much colder, quieter, exhausted version of Melita’s chipperness. Haai follows quickly on their heels as well, keeping wings tucked in tight, ears perked, watchful.

---

Sunjata arrives with the following official items:

Type: Grey
hEARs | An earring that when worn, increases the sound of voices (especially whispers)

Type: Grey
Flooded Brass Knuckles | brass knuckles inlaid with sapphires. When something is hit with these, jets of water pour from the sapphires with shocking force. Made by Remi.

Type: Dark
Flametongue | Magic sword that sheds dim light like a torch and is warm to the touch; causes user to constantly have spice on the tongue as if they ate something fiery hot

As well as a backpack with a water canteen, a coil of rope, a small net, and Safrin’s daggers on his hips.

so we're not written in the stars,
but i'm okay with that. i'm okay with anything

- NATE -

i'm shaking, salvation
i'm flying faster and faster and i...

This is far from the happiest compromise they could have come to. Far from his first thought, far from anything Nate actually wanted to do. There was a list of places he would rather be that was miles long, and yet, here he was, walking towards a cave filled with nothing but danger, Melita ahead of him and Sunjata on his blind side. Pemota floats above Haai, another set of eyes and ears, and the source of his quiet steadiness. A bag clinks at his side, the precaution of water, of a proper medical kit managing to help ease the worst of his heat related concerns.

Though he's not sure it's really necessary anymore, there's still a bandage wrapped around his face, keeping the worst of his wound hidden. It's healed as much as it seems to be able to, but that still leaves him with an ugly gouge. Nate doesn't even bother to echo the ready, offering Zeph a nod instead, feeling anything but ready. This was a more intentional kind of danger than either the volcano exploding or the attack against him had been, but between the two he could imagine the consequences, the kind of painful end that could be lurking.

It was a sobering thought, and all Nate can do at this point is hope that he's prepared. Hope that if things go wrong, they can get out.

---

Nate arrives with a fully stocked first aid kit, several glass bottles of water, three mundane daggers, and some essential items (crowbar, hammer, rope) as well as:

Type: Grey
Needle & Thread | Needles change size and thread changes color depending on user's wants.

i was the darkness and you were the light
tear it apart and then we supercollide

Eloise

Darling, you take the high horse
and I'll take the high road

She's very much annoyed Jack isn't here, but moreso, she's annoyed at herself for even being annoyed. Her mind has become unhelpfully hinged on thoughts regarding the captain, and if she dies today, she'll do her damnedest not to let her final thoughts be of him. He doesn't deserve it, and she isn't that kind of girl.

Dressed in something tight but functional, the illusionist is the last to arrive. Like the others she's got a bag slung over her back, waterproofed with whale-fat, and a smirk on her lips. She looks towards the arrows-one with a slight nod. Eloise has always sort of hated Melita for potentially infringing on her status as prettiest-one-aboard-the-Ark, with those bright blue eyes and all that cascading orange hair of hers. Still, there's the bond that comes from being strong women in a man's world. A quick nod to Sunjata and Nate, before Eloise glances towards Zeph.

"Well, shall we?" The navigator purrs, as if she wasn't the last one to arrive.

---

Elo has a cloud manta stone, a change of clothes, a torch and flint, rum, a dagger, parchment and ink.

If you're too good for us,
you'll be good riding solo

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

Back again, some new to the adventure that awaits within, others having walked these tunnels before. Hopefully this time to rid the beast from the belly, and make the smugglers’ tunnels fully operational once more. The tide is still on its way out, so it will be a wading game towards the Trading Post. Best you move quickly, or else you may find time not so much on your side. (Again). Get your butts to the Trading Post! The water is currently knee deep, so tread carefully. Your randomly determined order is: Nate Sunjata Melita Zephyr Eloise beware what waits beneath slumbering earth

- NATE -

i'm shaking, salvation
i'm flying faster and faster and i...

They make a strange crew, but at least everyone seems to be focused, prepared for what it is they have to do. Despite his trepidation, Nate tries to put a positive spin on it, just so he can let himself move forward. The faster they enter, the faster they'll be back out of the caves again, in theory.

Though, as maybe the only person who wasn't either familiar with the tunnels, or a member of the previous expedition, he had no idea where exactly they were going. He'd just have to trust in whoever took the lead. Zeph, he assumed. The flooded tunnels didn't bother him, Nate confident in his footing, in his reflexes. Really, he was more concerned for Melita and Sunjata, his arms out, ready to help if either slipped.

---

NAte follows whoever takes the lead and keeps his arms out in case Melita or Sunjata loses their footing sorry El and Zeph >.>

i was the darkness and you were the light
tear it apart and then we supercollide

SUNJATA

the flood

but am i too late? or hearts to your spades,
if i don't suit you? then what do you want from me?

He hates the idea of heading back into the tunnels again, especially during LongNight when he should be squirreled away, hunkered down at home, comfortable and away from everyone else. And perhaps it’s that bit of anxiety along with the fact that Nate’s here and lava and fire and every fucking thing else that has his mind whirling a million miles a minute. But he remains close to the Ascended, his steel gaze focused on the pathway ahead, trudging through the water with hopefully relative ease.

If nothing else, he’s got a shift that should help him get out – and a shift that would hopefully enable Nate to get out too, ensuring that Melita would be well cared for as well. Still, he follows whoever leads the way, within arms reach of Nate should anything happen to him or the other man. And while Nate worries over Melita as well, Sunjata’s sure she could handle herself – had seen it before in these very tunnels. So the Attuned’s focus remains entirely on his lover.

---

Sunjata heads into the tunnels to follow whoever leads, staying close to Nate!

so we're not written in the stars,
but i'm okay with that. i'm okay with anything

you must burn brighter than ever

Melita had an astounding lack of awareness in some parameters. She was unaware of Eloise’s sentiments towards her (the redhead greatly admired the navigator). She was unaware of Nate’s steadfast, protective roles (if asked, she would’ve said she could take care of herself – true or not). She was unaware of what lay ahead, but was ready, willing, and able to see it through. Maybe it was blind faith or ignorance, likely a bit of both, in the capabilities of others, in the course of abilities. An intrepid spirit, yearning to help and assist wherever she could.

With no boat, or perhaps no need for one at the moment, the youth holstered her pack further up her back, but made no effort to hike up her pant legs – they were bound to be soaked eventually. There wasn’t any necessity or requirement for her Fae anklet at the current instance, so she followed after the leads, content to grab hold of Fangorn and let him clutch desperately on her shoulders, as they began to wade through.

--

Melita grabs hold of her gear, and Fangorn, and wades in after the leader!

Melita

we used to play outside when we were young & full of life & full of love

Guess this is what you got.

Even though you're a bit slow to get moving thanks RNG you easily take your place in the lead, raising an eyebrow at Eloise, patting Melita on the shoulder, and giving the doc and the biter each a nod. Appreciative, if not thrilled to have them here- bodies are bodies and bygones are bygones, when it comes time to work.

Though you weren't part of the last expedition since you did not exist you find it easy enough to read Raza's glyphs pointing the way to the Trading Post. It feels at once strange and familiar to be wandering down these tunnels, an unnerving sort of sensation that you don't much care for. This used to be like a second home to you, and now it's as though someone has come and messed up and moved all of your things.

"Stay sharp," you rumble softly back to the others. "Tunnel might not be as stable as it was." Desperately you hope the small fleet of rowboats you keep in the Post is intact. Otherwise this might be a very damp adventure indeed.

---

Zeph takes the lead!

zephyr

Eloise

Darling, you take the high horse
and I'll take the high road

Why have a navigator along at all, if you're just going to stick her in the back? Cheers, RNG. Maybe this was a sign she was meant to be some sort of chronicler. At least from back here, Eloise would be able to detail just how all the idiots ahead of her died (or heroically survived, you never know).

"Mmm, always." The illusionist chirped in response to Zeph's warning.

Picking her route carefully, minding all that Jack had taught her about the Fingers and combining it with her own experiences, the navigator trailed in the wake of the others. If they were going to set off any loose stones she didn't want to be too close, but nor was she planning on being left behind or being forced to deal with the fallout of whatever came ahead on her own.

---

Eloise toddles along, bringing up the rear.

If you're too good for us,
you'll be good riding solo

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

The going is slow towards the main area, but markedly easier now that you know the way. However, that doesn’t exactly mean it isn’t treacherous - though less in the deadly sense and more in the slippery sense. Maybe it’s because he is in the lead and knows the Fingers like the back of his hand, but Zephyr is the only member of the group who doesn’t slip and fall in the water. (Sorry guys, the dice were hilariously bad). However you decide to trudge forward, soon you do indeed arrive at the main area; this time there is no light filtering through, and there is little magic to the place. The two bodies are still there, sort of; more decomposed, shifted by the tides. Oh, and of course, the tunnels: Tunnel 1: Deep in the water, it's impossible to see into. The glyphs on the wall are submerged but will be revealed soon if you are patient. Tunnel 2: Water fills it to about 3 feet. The glyphs reveal the words enter at your own peril Tunnel 3: A foot of water is at the bottom. The smell of sulfur comes from inside. The glyphs reveal the words to Haulani Tunnel 4: The water is ankle deep. A faint red glow comes from the end. The glyphs reveal the words to Miana Tunnel 5: This tunnel is dry, but the walls are covered in fresh scorch marks. The glyphs reveal the words to Kaiholo Tunnel 6: This tunnel is dry. The smell of sulfur comes from within, and the air is hot. The glyphs reveal the words gov't house. Everyone but Zephyr slips and falls in the water. Hueh hueh hueh. Your randomly determined order is: Nate Sunjata Melita Zephyr Eloise beware what waits beneath slumbering earth

- NATE -

i'm shaking, salvation
i'm flying faster and faster and i...

Honestly, if Nate wasn’t already in a bad mood, if it wasn’t happening to them, the stumble through the tunnels would be hilarious. A chain reaction of idiots stumbling into the water. All except Zeph, and it’s impossible to miss the smug look on his face. At least no one seems hurt, though he’s going to spend a handful of moments looking over Sunjata and Mel once they’re back on their feet again, just to make sure.

This is the deepest Nate’s been into the tunnels, not having been there on the last spelunk, not supposed to be on this one. Making a conscious decision to not question the decomposing bodies, he looks around the branches tunnelling deeper underground, marked in a way that has to be legible to one of them. It’s just poor planning if not.

Scouting the tunnels seems like a good idea, even if it has to be said out loud before it occurs to Nate. Really, each of the traversable paths hinting at danger he doesn’t want to deal with, and the submerged ones are obviously out. The leathery flap of bat wings have him ducking, a betrayed look thrown towards Sunjata. Nate steps closer to the waterlogged tunnels, assuming the rest of them are covered, and crouches to grab a rock, tossing it into the deeper water curiously.

---

Nate tosses a rock into tunnel 1 riveting stuff

i was the darkness and you were the light
tear it apart and then we supercollide

SUNJATA

the flood

but am i too late? or hearts to your spades,
if i don't suit you? then what do you want from me?

From what Sunjata remembers of the tunnels, is that they weren’t really fucking stable to begin with since the volcano erupted. He can remember the rocks falling from the ceiling, how he’d tried to protect Melita the best he could. Now, now he tries to do the same with Melita and Nate, while Haai follows at Sunjata’s heels, precisely as he slips on a particularly slippery rock and soaks half his clothes.

Gods, if he were in a better mood, he’d likely laugh it off. But Zeph’s smugness and the fact that he’s here and not curled up at home with all those things he’d gotten to do over LongNight with Nate make it hard for him to really feel anything else other than frustration. So he sighs, pulls himself up, lets Nate look at him before they manage to get into the main section once again. There’s the two bodies, the woman that had grabbed him tightly. He drifts closer to her for a brief moment, glancing toward Nate and letting Haai follow the Ascended before he peers down the tunnels.

He gestures to the woman’s half decomposed body, glancing back to the group. “She mentioned something was awake before she died.” Sunjata announces before he spies the scorch marks on one of the tunnels and compels a few bats to go and explore, hoping to glean some sort of information from them, moving to stand beside Nate once more.

---

Sunjata tells the group what the woman’s last words were, before sending three bats down tunnel 5 and moves to stand beside Nate with Haai.

- Can call any animals for assistance  (3 large, 6 medium, or 10 small)

so we're not written in the stars,
but i'm okay with that. i'm okay with anything