[Tion Crenel has the advantage now. His fine bowmanship has stunned Briar Six long enough to deliver a crippling blow. However it's not a certainty -- Call Odd or Even on a /roll 20 and win the majority of the calls.] Briar Six has rolled a 20-sided die. It came up as 1. Briar Six has rolled a 20-sided die. It came up as 15. Briar Six has rolled a 20-sided die. It came up as 12. Briar Six has rolled a 20-sided die. It came up as 14. [Briar Six CATCHES whatever attack was thrown its way. Be it an arrow that's caught mid-air or a slash from above that's caught between its hands... The fight goes on!] Waiting for 5 more participants to RP. Waiting for 4 more participants to RP. Waiting for 3 more participants to RP. Waiting for 2 more participants to RP. Waiting for 1 more participants to RP. COUNTDOWN: 10 COUNTDOWN: 9 COUNTDOWN: 8 COUNTDOWN: 7 COUNTDOWN: 6 COUNTDOWN: 5 COUNTDOWN: 4 COUNTDOWN: 3 COUNTDOWN: 2 COUNTDOWN: 1 Briar Six has been KOed by Tion Crenel. Tion Crenel has rolled a 20-sided die. It came up as 14. Lucien Solene has rolled a 20-sided die. It came up as 11. Naakesh D'arcy has rolled a 20-sided die. It came up as 7. Falael has rolled a 20-sided die. It came up as 13. Virid has rolled a 20-sided die. It came up as 5. Therias Wyllowind has rolled a 20-sided die. It came up as 18. Raging strikes, impossible reserves of mana, arrows piercing through the air. Everything consolidates just as planned. And as Briar Six continued to test these individuals, it gave no quarter nor mercy to its foes. With a backhanded grip, the hedera practically transports itself behind Virid, with the intent to slash at his spine, Though Lucien interferes and takes the blow for him. Dodging a strike, the taskmaster does not falter and does not stop at just Lucien. Its hand is held inches from Naakesh's face, but a timely intervention by Falael saves the seer from a faceful of magic beams. Unfortunately the inverse is untrue for aurien. Tion barely manages to avoid critical damage, even going so far as to deliver the final blow moments before diaster. "Ugh..." Briar Six is forced to its knees. The unskippable cutscene begins: The hedera uses its katana for support but could not get back to its feet. Though it is defeated, the "expression" on its face bespoke of something more. And you already knew that. There was something at large here. And thanks to everyone's mana, something happens. [Stand by for follow-up narrate.] x3 A great profusion of energy coming from the western region disrupts the flow of ambient mana, like a bad premonition. The skies above the unnamed forests change color -- a bright red tint the herald something looming. A great profusion of energy coming from the western region disrupts the flow of ambient mana, like a bad premonition. The skies above the unnamed forests change color -- a bright red tint the herald something looming. "It is done. I believe it is time for me to go." Almost as if the damage dealt upon Briar Six never happened, it suddenly rises to its feet, accompanied by the White Elk. A severe crash resounding in your ears like a gong of a heralding disaster. "Leave now. The gravitation reverse of this area will now cease to exist. I predict you will have. [Five minutes] before everything comes crashing down." With that, they disappear. But not before you catch one last glimpse of the Ent standing atop the sliced spire. [Gravity is returning to normal. You are 3000 feet above the air currently. You can no longer featherfall to islets safely. After your reaction posts, you will engage in one last obstacle course. Good luck.] https://youtu.be/4K5-ueaGvIo It was a harrowing battle, right to the very end. Tion had more than a few close calls - first, he missed an attack of opportunity, then he barely evaded critical damage. In the end, he did manage to shoot the final, enchanted arrow that put the Hedera on its knees, but it was hardly worth celebrating. For one, it was a group effort, and for two... There was something else coming. Something happening. The ranger scarcely had the time to get his equipment in order before the unskippable cutscene began. "Be- be careful." He wheezed out. Tion was out of breath, his eyes flicking about. At first, he focused on the 'witness' - the white Elk. Then, he focused back on the Hedera, examining its expression. Tion's own expression twisted in alarm when the words came out. His eyes darted around, back to the path they took to get here. "Best we heed its words, and fast" (Tion Crenel) This fight went on and on, and slowly the Solene felt his energy running critically low, exhaustion widening on his facial expression as panting and wheezing came from him. He had to stay focused, but his quick movement with his constant flickering was incredibly taxing to his stamina and body, and he knew that if they woudn't win it soon, Lucien would faint. Virid had a moment of distraction, and Briar teleported behind him! But just before the Hedera could deliver the blow, Lucien teleport aswell, taking the blow like a proper Shield would. "Virid!", he exclaimed as he flickered infront of him, having a strange Deja-Vu. Atleast it wasn't a death ray this time. His own health sacrificed for a friend, but it was worth it, as Virid and the others managed to bring down the Hedera soon after, especially Tion pulled an ace out of his sleeve. A gasp and wince- pain rushing through his body as he went on his knees, looking at Virid. "I promised to bring back everyone safely- that includes you too, my friend.". Lucien was sturdy, he managed to get on his feet again soon, ignoring the pain for now... And he sure had to because there was no time left. "Gotta go fast!", (Lucien Solene) Standing back, clutching at his tome, Therias whispered a few silent words, fingers writing a series of crimson sigils into the air, marking his immediate surroundings with an influx of regenerative mana. "Damn it...Someone bring Lucien and Falael over here. We need to get their wounds treated. Virid, Tion, D'arcy, I suggest we keep our eyes on the Hedera, lest-" he broke off, amber eyes staring towards the skies above, permeated with scarlet energy, a veritable premonition of what was to come, a herald of what they would soon witness. "Apply the paste to their wounds. Get them on their feet. By the Spirits, this better not be a portion of that damnable Convergence. I don't think I could-" Once again, he broke off, this time rushing straight towards Lucien and Falael without taking a moment to hesitate. "Paste now! We leave this shitty hell-hole before it comes crashing down with us!" he screamed, pulling out a jar of the paste in hand, motioning towards the two injures warriors to quickly tend to their wounds before they had no time left. "Every ******* time. We go on these expeditions, and something awry just so happens to take place. Damnable luck this is, I swear, I'm going to get back home, rest in my damned bed, and drink an entire bottle of Vintage Faerlan Chardonnay, do you hear me?" Needless to say, he was not happy, not in the slightest, and as soon as Falael and Lucien seemed prepared and treated for the journey, he'd begin his own descent at breakneck speed. (Therias Wyllowind) The Seer was slammed out of the way, as shimmering, azure light coagulated into the form of Falael, preventing the blow. However, due to the usage of magic, he was left vulnerable for a second to cast a protective spell. But, that second was far more than enough as he faced an onslaught of magic beams... point blank. The sorcerer's figure then crashed against the barrier created with the unnatural forces of nature. Falael cast a fist on his now, shattered armour, coughing up blood. Yet, despite their victory, this was no time to dawdle and gawk. He looked at the White Elk, though his eyes were calm, lacking ill will or malice. "What do you really want, spirit?" he said as he shifted between spaces, vanishing and appearing to follow Lucien's lead. (Falael) Daily Bonus: [+2000 EXP!] EXP Gain: [(381*100%)+2000=2381] Constantly on the move, the way that Virid fought was shown extraordinarily well. Which was the fact they would constantly vanish from reality and pop back in, their hand unleashing a torrent of energy at the Hedera. If only it was that easy to take down them however, as even his full-powered blasts could barely tickle the outer-layer of skin. "Real fast one, aren't you!? Able to keep up with me like this, is actually impressive!" Loudly he spoke, frowning while barely dodging blows that were thrown his way. All the way until they lost sight, only to feel the wind come slashing from behind him...Straight at their spine, as if trying to turn him into a paraplegic. Already Virid was working on vanishing into the essence once more, to halt it from moving into their body... But it didn't matter, if he was able to dodge it or not. As instead? Lucien took his place, using their own ability to teleport to get in the way. "Lucien, you know I cou-..." They stopped talking however, as instead he worked to keep their friend from falling, maneuvering both of them away after he took the blow. With the warning given by the Elk and Briar however he gave a singular exhausted, "...Shit." Only to shove their friends forward to start running away from the place. "Why do we always end everything with...Just disaster like this!?" (Virid) An admin is applying a minor injury to you. Your injury has been applied. Right-click the injury debuff to see the name & description. The block made by Falael is appreciated, letting out a sigh of relief at the existence of their mask and face. Naakesh spends awhile longer than they should on the ground, staring at the Hedera as it falls. The presence nearby grows and the Masked Seer raises to their feet. The sky churns, turning to colors of omen. Less than a year from the last. Great pace for disrupting the world, Naakesh. Gravity slowly shifts, objects falling to the floor of the rocks, the feeling of the earth under them falling away present. The rate of the escape required match the rate of Naakesh's digging through questions. Why was the Elk here of all places? "We have to go. Fast." They immediately stated, going to the side of Falael and assisting him to his feet. Grove magic weaved through his skin and body, fixing the immediate issues and leaving much to be desired. It would hopefully get him off this rock. "Do not jump in front of me next time. I am the one is supposed to get hurt defending you all." A scold, though hardly filled with any sternness. "This is what happens when the fae are involved, Virid. Chaos." (Naakesh D'arcy) Virid says, "At least we learned from last time that...We're all good at surviving chaos as well, Seer." Virid says, "Just like we'll be doing now!" Lucien Solene says, "And good at causing Chaos..." [Everyone has ONE /roll 20 chance. Therias still has a +1. You need FOUR successes to get down to the ground safely. You have to beat my rolls. One per person can make an RP post trying to think of a creative solution. That will increase their modifier depending how good a solution is. Rule of Cool applies: The cooler you try to make something, the better your modifier will be.] x2 [This might also be the perfect time for Tion's role arrows as well...] "So...How many feet, with five minutes?" Heavy-heartedly the man spoke up, opening his arms wide, "Ahahaha...This is chaos, just like it was always going to end up being!" As they spoke however, the man was beginning to pull out their tome, "We don't have much time guys, so lets not panic! I've got a plan, it's a very simple one." A pause. "But also extremely complicated because it's not something I'm used to doing at all, which is mass teleports, at this height, this distance...With this many people! It's all more then I've ever done before, which is why." One finger rose up, moving between his close friends, all of which were...Slightly like students to Virid, all users of essence and the like after being around him. "Falael, Therias, Lucien...I know not all of you know how to teleport, but that doesn't matter, what matters is that you can help try to power this. While I'll try to make coordinates that don't have us splatter." Fingers caressed the insides of his book, causing multi-coloured light to start forming, "Tion, while I'm sure you'll actually just be able to roll and survive somehow, I'm hoping you might be able to assist after we teleport, since it might be a failure!" But he aimed for success, "Need your help as well Seer, so that we don't splatter." Multi-coloured light was now being weaved through the air by his fingers, making rune after rune, that then dug into the air around them and took form. Each one signifying coordinates of some sort, "Already taking a lot out of me to just put this together..." Quickly he reached into his pocket with a free hand, pulling free the tincture that Falael had passed him earlier. "Thanks again for this Falael, it'll keep me running even after all...That." With Falael and Lucien both injured, he pressed on with their work, causing the air in front of him to shimmer. Various colours spread outwards, trying to wrap around the people around him and himself, as Virid was simply just...Putting his all into this, to grab everyone and pull them with him through reality. Back down to the ground, before they fell alongside the rocks, where they could very well just be crushed and die. "Hold onto each other! You all should know that I'm a master fisher, caught a Gold Fish before...This'll be nothing in comparison!" (Virid) Virid says, "We've got this guys!" Virid says, "Just...A bit more..." Virid huffs as they work towards doing what they did in the last bit of time! Pushing their self as far as they could. (Virid) The Seer watches with interest as Virid begins planning a teleportation the likes of which they'd never seen. "Right..- best of luck you four. I will cushion any landing we may have to make...-" There wasn't much else to say or do, just be prepared. They took a deep breath and waited, staring at the omen colored sky. (Naakesh D'arcy) [Virid. /roll 20 if you can teleport a fish with you.] Virid has rolled a 20-sided die. It came up as 15. Virid's potential solution made the mental calculations Tion was doing more palatable - 5 minutes, 3000 feet. That was going to be a rough descent. Teleporting, though? "It's a good a chance as any." The man pulled his bow out in one hand, then notched one of the rope arrows he'd prepared. Hopefully, it wouldn't come down to him having to save someone else with one of these. "I'll try and help, if one of you gets launched out of place by the teleportation. If we can make it all the way down, great - if not, it'll get us some distance at least." Since he couldn't help with the actual teleportation, he would do his best to steel himself and prepare, just in case he needed to help catch someone's fall. "Spirits... let's hope this works." (Tion Crenel) "By the spirits, we are ******.", he said, swearing for the first time in ever- or atleast since he came to Arlandria, looking down the three thousand feet was not helping at all. Atleast Virid had a plan. "I hope this works, we only have one shot." The Solene shrugged, they had to try at least, but the funny part was, Lucien didn't really know exactly he would help teleporting others, he only he knew how to do it for himself. So at first his frame began to shimmer and flicker with many colors again, before that shimmer was directed into his hands, and... then he just gave it to Virid- somehow? It just works. "If we end up scattered... Good luck!", he said, trying to lift the mood a little, but it was actually true- if they ended up scattered in the sky, not even the spirits could save them! (Lucien Solene) "Thanks guys," said Falael as he was aided by both Lucien and Naakesh. The festering wound was at least stopped; for now. And the pain, temporarily gone. He looked at the Seer briefly as they were hurrying to escape, scrambling to find solutions to escape their current predicament. "I promised to help Lucien make sure no one gets hurt, Seer," he said, his string of words faster than usual. However, there was a light smile, indicating he appreciated and respected Naakesh' will. And ironically, both him and Lucien were the only ones who suffered, still unknown, injuries. In addition to the earlier aid he received, it was also the adrenaline rushing through his veins that allowed him to still function. Then he shifted his gaze to Virid, nodding to the explanation. It was coordinates that he, as a Weaver was lacking. It wasn't that he was incapable of learning it, but he thought it was just not necessary at all; until now. Thus, he opted to remain for live beings as a target for 'Shimmer'. Yet, now, he focused his 'essence', instead, to Virid's runes akin to a circle of teleportation. Thus, just like Lucien, his figure shimmered and flickered, indicating the passage of wills to another; thankfully, just a rune and not to the creation of an artificial spirit. As a fellow researcher aims to do. "Good luck." Luck. May the Great Spirit of Luck bless them indeed. (Falael) EXP Gain: [693*100%=693] Issuing a low sigh, Therias took his place amongst the remainder of the group, his innate talent with the arcane was relatively weak when it came to the rest of the group, but his skills when it came to the art of weaving in general, was only rivalled by his talents as a sorcerer, a talent he recalled was particularly exceptional, all said and done. "Alright, let's hope this works. Frankly, I should be safe, but I'd very much enjoy getting on to solid ground with the whole group intact." he muttered, focusing his attention on the tome in his grasp, crimson trails of condensed mana slowly rose from his fingertips, coalescing in the air above the group in general. "Remember, if you cannot find the rest? Release a spell into the skies above, to signal the others. We'll need to regather, assuming we all survive." It was a ridiculous notion that they were attempting to perform, the act of teleporting a crowd of weavers, sorcerers and otherwise, with naught but an unorganized group to perform the task. At the very least, it would be good practice for the future. "I choose the next expedition, after Virid's venture." he stated bluntly, setting the ground lines mere moments before their attempt to teleport. (Therias Wyllowind) Everyone huddles together. It took them quite a while to get up, but getting back down is a separate matter. Of course they could all just walk off but...Well, anyway. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSPyi2LB7Cc The deep, condensed mana in the atmosphere paired with the collective powers of everyone here...It's a final, desperate attempt! Meanwhile back down, the guards are watching everything go down. The shift in gravity is felt all throughout and Arlandrian soldiers are going back and forth trying to find enough materials to soften the landing in case you were to fail. And-- --The breeze --And then the drop in your stomachs. [You closed a total distance of 2,572 feet. 428 feet left to go.] You teleport quite a far ways down, it's not quite enough. Not all the way yet! But you have nothing to latch onto and everyone is free-falling! Ahhh! The ground continues to get closer and closer. And with no discernible means of dampening the fall, you've all but resigned to some divine intervention to rescue you. That is, When you were this close to coming with a breakthrough, "Heed my call!" The two navigators from your previous expeditions have come to your aid, a twin-incantation to summon a beanstalk with leaves large enough to soften your fall. Slide, slide, slide. You slide down to safety. --Albeit all together in a big clumped up ball of body parts. What matters is -- "--You're all safe! But let's make haste. The islands will come crashing down soon!" They load their carts with everything they can take as the islets come slowly crashing down to the ground. In spite of the fact you all left empty-handed, you leave with the singular knowledge of foreshadowing. Whatever that Ent was, and for whatever reason Briar Six had shown up, something was coming and soon. You leave for Arlandria with this news in tow. Exhausted, unable to actually move. They descend down through the air, smiling even as they failed to teleport the entire way. Everything had been put into that one maneuver, and now he was just leaving the rest to everyone else. "Aha..." Quietly he laughed at the failure, but was excited at the sheer fact...They had teleported this far. Thankfully however, Virid didn't land on the ground, no, they found himself being rocked between bits of a beanstalk. One that he rode like a slide all the way down, until someone helped him to the carts. "...That went." Nothing was said, then he rolled over while still exhausted in the cart. "Well?" (Virid) Its not working its not working oh god. They are rushing towards ground, faster than a blue hedgehog ever could run! Atleast they managed to teleport closer to the ground- but it was still at scary heigths! "You know. No I would really ******* like some wings, okay?!", he exclaimed towards Virid and Tion, its the new running gag, and as he was already trying to accept death he heard a call from afar! It were the navigators! The true protagonists of this story! "What?", he said in disbelieve as they all slid down the beanstalk slide towards safety. "You saved us!", he chuckled, despite all the shock and injuries, "Thank you two... reall-.. Yeah no- lets not waste any time, we need to get out of here." As the group was out of immediate danger, the Solene sighed, "Too close for comfort... Like always, huh? We really make everything exciting." (Lucien Solene) The teleportation is made, the breeze hitting the face of Naakesh, quick thinking is made, sapping themselves of energy in prep for a massive net of plant life from their own life-force. Then the navigators show up, stealing their job. Any energy taken from reserve is recycled well enough, the mana dense area filling them back up the difference quickly. Perhaps more tired than usual, but no downsides to being overlooked, luckily. Not to mention it was always nice to have people looking out for you. They slide down the beanstalk, Naakesh managing to avoid squishing into anyone too severely. After a moment of a short groan, they peel themselves up and dust off. Time was ticking. Back through the cavern...- Was this truly a pocket of the fae-wyld? Naakesh had heard stories of slips in dimensions, holes left behind from war or travel. Though perhaps this one was intentional. Or maybe the sky inside was the shiny rock ceiling. They both seemed equally unlikely. "Let us go home. There is much to speculate and study from this. Thank you all for your efforts." (Naakesh D'arcy) Within the cart, Virid can be seen holding onto a big fish. One that dwarfed the others he had caught, a Samurai Fish...But when did he have time to catch it? Who knows? He knows. (Virid) To call their drop 'terrifying' would be an understatement. As they blinked out into open air, the ranger's hands flailed about. "OH FUUUUUCK!" The ranger's shout was rough. His eyes wandered the air, and he tried to grasp onto something, anything that could drop their fall. After a moment, he scanned the air above, to see if there was an isle or something he could shoot an arrow into- but... Thankfully, the Navigator-brothers thought of something. The giant beanstalk they conjured up was enough to soften the rop, slowly, steadily, the ranger's velocity decreased. He slid down leaf after leaf, bringing his hands close to his body. "Sorry-!" He felt himself falling on something both rigid and soft in spots, and without even looking, apologized to whomever he dropped ontop of. A few coughs later, he was clambering off the pile and getting to his feet. "That- that was..." Deep breaths. One, two... "I'll take the mersharks over that. Next time, let's stay on ground level - please." He stowed his gear and checked to ensure nothing had gotten lost in the drop, then began to fall in line, off towards the carts. "Good work, Lucien, everyone, and you two Navigators. You saved us." (Tion Crenel) He just used all his mana to transfer essence unto the rune. Thus, it would take him quite a while to recover. "Oh shit," or so he said as he narrowed his eyes, to protect it from the air pressure due to the speed they were falling. There's still quite some time, perhaps a few seconds at best, before they meet Death himself straight in the eye. He hastened his circulation, albeit it didn't change anything, he was still exhausted. But, thankfully, the twin-casting performed by the navigators have come to their aid. He did not know one of them, but the other was familiar, causing Falael to blink repeatedly in amazement. Again, who the hell are these people? They're so capable. However, his thoughts were only filled with thanks as he rolled down the beanstalk with the others. Immediately, a soldier helped him up, and he responded with a nod. "Hey, who's the Navigator? He needs a promotion," he said to the soldier, before coughing up blood. "No matter, thanks guys," he said to the navigators, waving at them before proceeding to lie on one of the carts. (Falael) EXP Gain: [536*100%=536] Flickering from flesh into shadow, the Faerlan noble unentangled himself from the rest of his companions, choosing to instead stand on his own two feet, over in one of the nearby Carts. As flesh warped into shadow, shadow flickered back into flesh once more as Therias planted himself in the corner of the cart, one hand waving leisurely towards his fellow expedition members to join him. "Well, let us see. The spirits have plans, the High Fae are giggling to themselves, and it seems some Hedera have placed themselves in the service of the White Elk, one of the spirits of Sarea." he sighed, turning his attention towards the winged fish that Virid had taken with him, a veritable legend amongst aquatic life, one that he was certain the fisherman was proud of. "Seer D'arcy. I would request permission to study the Lodestone fragment when we return. Frankly, I believe it will be a very important piece, if we want to be prepared for what is coming. Even if only used as a tool to assist us in the future." The man had witnessed the Lodestone in person, seen the High Fae, had found ruins deep within an Aquatic cavern, faced a crystalline golem, clambered atop a floating isle, and faced the guardian of a spirit's domain. He had a hunch he was qualified enough with his recent experiences, to have some sort of insight to research the Lodestone. "Oh, and Virid. Let us find a place to put that fish of yours." (Therias Wyllowind) You can't chop wood again yet! Arlandrian Expedition Navigator says, "Thank you for your hard work. I'm glad to see no one is too hurt." Virid says, "But I am exhausted and..." Virid says, "..." Virid says, "Need to rest." Arlandrian Expedition Navigator says, "Thanks to your collective efforts, the captain and seers will be getting backpay and yearly income." Tion Crenel says, "Thanks to you, on that last count. And your brother, of course." Arlandrian Expedition Navigator says, "Take care of yourselves." Tion Crenel says, "...Would've been a fine paste." Tion Crenel says, "Oof." Lucien Solene says, "I need a break."