[center][h2][color=F0E68C]Asteria[/color][/h2][/center][hr][hr]
Something did indeed appear due to Asteria’s actions, though it was a completely different kind of being than she’d been expecting. A strange kind of earthly humanoid with gems for eyes burrowed out of the earth, and Asteria immediately used Monster Analysis II on it. [color=F0E68C]“So, you aren’t an undead. Huh. I was expecting something related to necromancy, since this seems like a prime spot for doing that kind of a thing…Also, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if there was a town of dark magic cultist in existence which did precisely that,”[/color] she answered. Not that she actually knew anything about the dark magic of this world, but even if it was an unwise practice, well, people were always attracted to power. And if a temptation appeared directly in front of someone, it would be difficult to resist. Even knowing that, as she did, did not preclude the possibility of giving in to the so called “easy” path, and in fact, if the being in front of her had been so simplistic as to desire some blood in exchange for more killing potential, she would have promised it that. But as it turned out, that wouldn’t be necessary. And that was also fine.

[color=F0E68C]“What would your contract involve? Do you only protect the dead within, then? And I suppose you wouldn’t care to resolve certain outside events that very well may cause disturbance within, would you,”[/color] she commented dryly. [color=F0E68C]“No matter. If you happen to be curious enough about how a Dire Rat can converse with you, however, perhaps we could exchange some information,”[/color] she offered. Just then, Ed approached, and informed he of the current situation. [color=F0E68C]“After we deal with that mess out there,”[/color] she added to the being, then moved to quickly store that gold coin with the rest of their belongings, and swiftly removed the Bloodingfly stinger from the clay jar, wrapping her tail tightly around it.

Asteria strode back to the first chamber. [color=F0E68C]“I think the plan’s fine. And I’m ready,”[/color] she whispered. She made contact with mother rat briefly, relaying a feeling of quiet, caution, staying together, and attacking enemies one by one through Telepathy as best as she could through emotions alone. Then, she focused on her sense of smell, trying to get a whiff of whatever kind of scent that might feel purple to her. Following Ed’s directions, the trio quietly began sneaking outside, attempting to approach their enemies unnoticed…

[hider=Action summary]
Uses Monster Analysis II on earth being.
Communicates with it.
Offers an exchange of information after they try dealing with the bandits.
Stores the gold coin, grabs the Bloodingfly stinger, keeping the “weapon” in her tail.
Goes to first chamber, confirms readiness to Ed.
Uses Telepathy to caution mother rat to keep quiet and try to stay close, warning her that they would soon attack enemies.
Following Ed’s directions, sneaks outside of the building, actively using Muffle II.
[/hider]