"Ooh!"

Esther held down her skirt as Liu tore past everyone. Though the wind kicked up in his wake wasn’t a risk of revealing anything. While Esther couldn’t fly (yet) her black under dress hid anything that might get exposed while flying overhead. Regardless, the large skeleton was faster than he looked. Logically, his long stride meant that he could cover a lot of ground with less effort. But the most Esther had seen giant skeletons do in the past is move very slowly in front of people’s porches on halloween.

She hadn’t quite entered the carriage when Vetreus’s words reached her. A smart mouth? She looked back at him with a smile. "I do not go out of my way to insult others. But if you make me your jester, I am going to exercise that right. Though I’m a woman, too. We get away with saying all kinds of things to men. Isn’t that right, Griselda?" She gave Liu a nod of appreciation before entering the carriage.

It was much more spacious than Esther had anticipated, but that hadn’t stopped the late arrival from shoving herself into the corner. Suddenly, her wingspan didn’t seem like an issue. Even with her wings spread out there was plenty of room for everyone.

The newly arrived was debriefed by Severin, and Esther didn’t see the need to bombard her with questions while she gained her bearings. Instead she turned to Liu. "How does being a familiar work? Did this Iberis Odhir call you from a different world? Did they make you? How does that work?" Fortunately for Esther, fae had a reputation for being curious despite their long lives. It hardly seemed out of place for her to ask so many questions.

Once she heard Liu’s answers (if he provided anything) she turned to the dragon and his charge, Vetreus. "You said I was bold for gambling my family’s freedom, but you don’t sound too attached to yours." She allowed him a moment to respond before addressing Griselda. "Why is such a strong dragon accompanying us? Surely she has better things to do than involve herself with us."

There was plenty of time to look out the window and the wild and exotic things in the Grand Duchy. It amused her how both the Duchy and the See were known for their magic, but they focused on entirely different aspects of it. Before she could jump into a philosophical conversation with herself about it the entire scene changed. First a magical city, then a blur, and soon their destination.

Technology sure was impressive.

And before long they were at their destination. Once everyone piled out, Esther took a look at their surroundings. It was dark, and a bit more foreboding than the quiet corner of the See she typically inhabited. The darkness with the light emitting fungi made for an almost psychedelic light show. The Verdant Heart, true to its name, pulsed like its namesake would suggest. But while that was its most exotic feature, it was the smell of decay that had Esther the most concerned. Something, or some things, had died here. And whatever did it hadn’t even finished eating the corpse yet. As disturbing as nature could be, one thing it wasn’t was wasteful.

Severin’s words pulled Esther out of her thoughts. "A glyph?" She didn’t understand what he meant initially, then her eyebrows raised. "Ah! I think I have just what you want!" Her harp’s shape was similar to that of a bow. She held it like one, pointing the harp at some unseen target before placing her fingers on the strings. Then with a strum, visible music flew from the harp. It was as if the measures on a page of sheet music had come alive and leapt into the air. Five multicolored ribbons of music homed in on their targets. A large tree, a thorny vine, a mushroom, the grass under their feet, and another tree on the other side of the way in.

This was Esther’s first attempt to use her magic this way, but the intent was to create a rune on the surface she marked. She did not bring rope or a soap stone, so such a thing would be useful for marking out a path and not getting lost. Additionally, she hoped that her spell might reveal something about any of the targeted plants. Something was killing something in there, and she’d just as soon learn what she could about the local plant life before walking into the thick of it.

Liu's form folded into the carriage lithely. With his feet planted on the ground his knees were above his waist by a couple inches, such was his height. Carriage travel was weirdly uncomfortable as a skeleton. Vehicles are designed to carry skeletons -- wrapped in protein and filled with water. A skeleton on its own weighs risibly little in comparison and that difference manifests in his head bouncing hollowly off the carriage roof once due to what must have been a merely noticeable bump to the rest of of the group. Shortly afterward a shallow dip on his side of the carriage sent his body clattering against the wall. He 'cleared his throat' and braced his form against the roof and the door for the remainder of the ride.

To say the least his company was trustworthy back home. A powerful group capable of a great deal, whom he respected and trusted... where possible. Esther posed an innocent question on the surface but Liu, holding back a laugh, remembered a time when he would have volunteered the information. He was thankful for his uncovered bone form, for his poker face was implicit. To her question, he responded apologetically, "discretion, madame, will not allow me to say. I am afraid that in this type of world, that sort of information can deliver one's life into the hands of another in a moment. You understand, as a Fey, what a name can do, for example. You hear my name only because I am bound to another already."

"I apologize if this discretion has been misconstrued as apathy by the... honorable second son, the auspicious great dragon Griselda, the professor, our newcomer, or you. I will volunteer that you should speak as though an enemy is in the room unless you are certain of the contrary," he concluded eventually, spealking precisely and gently, though his voice was not quiet. He tried to say it isotropically but the more perceptible of the group could likely guess who among them he thought to be his greatest threat.

He did indeed step out promptly and allow the others to follow. His 'eyes' scanned around looking for immediate danger but found his focus drawn to the 'breath' surging to and fro. Tredipation began crawling up his neck. How intense.

Vetreus would watch the skeleton silently as it took to the front with haste. Not to lead or anything but rather to serve. Iberis seemed to train her familiars rather well it seemed, Fei knew its place and was doing so by catching the door. Now that the draconian was standing, he’d notice that the skeleton was much taller than he had thought. Not that he questioned it too much.

Before entering the carriage, Esther would quip back at Vetreus without any hesitation. She must’ve been the type to always have to have the last words. In tow, behind Esther stood the hatchling who was highly pleased after having her pre-ride snack.

“That’s right!” The dragon turned her head up, her demeanor dripping with a playful leer at Vetreus as she stepped into the vehicle.

To make matters worse, she was now roping the highly impressionable dragon into it which Vetreus just sighed with arms folded. The late comer would file into the vehicle shortly, looking rather defeated, as she should. This didn’t seem like her day in the slightest. She was late, banged her nose on the door, made a fool of herself, and had her snack taken by a baby. He felt bad for her.

Vetreus would step into the vehicle before Vaust, Griselda had been sprawled across the seat. Without a waste in step, he’d scoop her up into his palms like a mother grabbing their kitten. “The carriage isn’t just for you.” He’d mutter, setting her down in his lap as he made himself comfortable. The carriage was nice, spacious, and clearly had the Duchy's touch of magic added to it. It was a work of art.

Vaust would come to answer the man’s previous question, earning an intrigued raise of the eyebrow from the draconian. “Sounds like we’ll be able to rely on you greatly.” As long as he walked the walk, that is, he’d only be able to surmise the extent of his power only after he’d seen the doctor in action.

Fei’s familiar contract would come into discussion from Esther. The man would hum silently as he listened, finding the conversation intriguing. However, the skeleton would shut it down. For safety reasons of course. “No problems here.” He’d respond to his apology with a raised hand.

The fae's curiosity didn’t stop there, finding the draconian next.

He had to admit, she was sharper than she looked.

“You wouldn’t be wrong in that assumption. In my family, we see one another as tools to further our influence as opposed to true blood bonds. I’m the second son but my birth is seen as illegitimate as a rightful heir by a vast majority of nobles because my mother doesn’t come from a noble nor religious background.” He'd allow her a moment to process.

“Despite possessing Draedora blood, I hold rather little political and institutional power. Still I find it fun to throw the name around without caution as a game. Some people cower and others don’t.” A smirk would form on his face with that last comment. A bit of respect coming off his expression towards the far.

Her next question would come shortly after, the Fae’s gaze was fixed on the dragon who was busy trying to make herself comfortable in her human lap.

“We’re partners until death does us part,Where she goes, I go, and vice versa. You can call this job a bonding exercise for us. She’s not all that powerful just yet. Just a hatchling.” He chose to spare Esther the Néamh backstory, if she spent enough time around the little one. She would hear about it eventually.

The scenery would change outside visibly, the magic city quickly vanishing from sight as the carriage ramped up in speed. Vetreus spent his time idly observing the build quality of the carriage from the inside. The transportation device compromised on neither speed nor comfort. He picked up on what he could and imagined how the artisan who crafted the vehicle mixed magic and metal. His attention was broken by Vaust requesting his naming services. A playful smirk winded up on his face.

“Oh yes, something befitting that poor excuse of a snack you came with. How does crumbs sound?” He amused himself once more. At this rate he could name everyone in this cart if they wished.

Griselda spent her time either napping or fixated on the two girls. Opening one eye to observe Esther from afar, admiring her wings. In her mind she pondered why her line of dragons lacked wings. She was curious as to what it might feel like to have two large appendages sticking out from behind her. “Fae, You’re sitting strange, are your wings a nuisance?” She’d question her.

The dragon would move to look at Penny, the girl seemed rather meek and harmless. Which made Griselda feel all the more comfortable. That was her subordinate after all, she gave up her food meaning the dragon above her in the hierarchy. That's how it worked in the wild. Griselda would boop her nose on her leg with her signature smirk. “Fear not human.” Were her words of reassurance.

She chose to avoid Fei Lui and Vaust though they were questionable. The latter being the most dangerous one, his aura screamed it.

The carriage came to a stop eventually, signalling that they had arrived. The doors would open revealing a landscape that differed greatly compared to the magic city. It was time to get to work.

Vetreus rested his hand on the white Wyrm’s hilt, his eyes shooting toward Griselda. “You, don’t leave my sight.” He motioned to her, the dragon sighed but understood. Climbing up his body before wrapping around his body like a necklace.

“If anyone gets injured, bring it to my attention. Griselda possesses healing capabilities.” His gaze would turn to the skeletons, pondering whether or not it would affect them. “However I’m not sure if it will have the opposite effect on you Fei.”

Griselda would watch with awe once again as Esther strummed at her instrument. Her body swayed to the rhythm of the Faes instrument as she hummed along. She’d follow the musical notes flying in the air like a moth to a flame.

“Anything of interest?” He cut down the hatchlings' fun time, his gaze serious. It was time to work, not play. The hatchling understood with a nod of their head before stepping forward. Their scales would shimmer for a moment as they stuck their head in the air. The whiskers on their face began to dance as she tried to get a read on the forest.

@DoubleChecker@Book @Red Hood @pkken


Penny kept as straight of a face as possible when Vaust addressed her and covered the details of the mission they had been sent on. Doing her best to make it as unobvious as she possibly could that she hadn’t a clue of the mission prior to his sharing of information. Hoping her act of confidence would convince them that she had known all along and was capable of being on the mission. Giving a curt nod of her head in response she kept quiet. Knowing that if she tried to speak on the subject she might have a slip of the tongue that would reveal her prior clueless-ness. She had already had a bad enough introduction, so it would be best not to add onto it if she could help it. Not to mention Vaust's presence already made her uneasy to start which didn't make keeping up the act more difficult then she anticipated.

Keeping to herself in her corner of the carriage, her eyes lingered on the skeletal form of Liu. She had never seen anything like him prior to now as she was unsure of how to feel about a talking intelligent skeleton that also seemed quite nimble for something that was supposed to be dead. Losing herself in thought, she had let time pass by longer than she had intended without uttering a single word still. Only snapping out of her thoughts when she heard Vaust and Vetreus start to comment on naming her. A frown formed as she didn’t like the name suggestion as she wasn’t fond of the thought of being called Crumbs all the time. As she was just about to speak up and correct them when she heard Griselda's words of reassurance.

Her eyes drifted towards the tiny tyrant as felt it trying to comfort her with a boop of its nose against her leg. Being won over by Griselda, Penny reached down and gave her a nice pet with a smile. Only to realize in all this time she still hadn’t gotten a word out and they had already arrived at their destination as everyone started to pile out of the carriage. Penny gave a defeated shake of her head as she followed the others out of the carriage to witness Esther's performance. She hadn’t yet gotten the chance to really interact with the Fae, but she found her performance to be relaxing yet stunning at the same time. It even seemed to lighten up the nightmarish forest that was ahead of them.

She was thankful that she had others with her on this particular endeavor. Typically she would just punch her way to a solution until she got to where she was supposed to be. But having others with abilities and talents well suited for a finer and more intelligent approach was a nice benefit.

[If you are interested in joining a setting like this, check out: roleplayerguild.com/topics/196759-ise…]

@DoubleChecker - Severin Vaust Asset Goal: Grand Duchy Nobility F
@Book - Liu Fei Asset Goal: ?
@pkken - Vetreus Draedora Asset Goal: Harvester Asset Mine F
@Red Hood - Esther Keaten Asset Goal: ?
@Nakushita - Penny "Iron Maiden of Pax" Asset Goal: ?





The enchanted carriage glides through the architectural marvels of Aslan, its silent passage a stark contrast to the bustling sky-lanes filled with commercial transports and citizen fliers. The transition from the city's magically enforced order to the untamed wilds is swift. The landscape blurs past the windows—temperate forests and rolling plains under a sky streaked with the fiery colors of sunset.

Hours pass. As dusk deepens into a true, starless dark, the carriage's smooth glide falters. A low, pervasive vibration shudders up through the floorboards, a disquieting thrum that seems to emanate from the very earth. The familiar sounds of the forest die away, replaced by an oppressive, unnatural silence.

With a final, soft halt, the carriage door clicks open.

The air that greets you is heavy, cloying, and thick with the smell of alien blossoms and rampant decay. You have arrived at the Verdant Heart. Before you lies a nightmare jungle, a perversion of a natural forest. Trees, thick as ancient towers, are warped into grotesque, writhing shapes, their canopy so dense it smothers all light. The only illumination comes from pulsing, bioluminescent fungi clinging to roots and vines, casting the scene in a sickly violet and green glow.

The thrumming is stronger out here, a palpable, rhythmic beat that feels like the slow, powerful pulse of a colossal heart. With every beat, the fungi flare with sickly light, and the tangled masses of thorny vines seem to twitch in unison. The only way forward is a narrow, winding path, a dark tunnel carved through the menacing flora.

As Severin examines a twisted tree near the entrance, Esther draws her harp. A chord rings out, and five ribbons of multicolored light, like living notes of sheet music, leap from the strings. They strike their targets with unerring accuracy: two gnarled trees, a patch of thorny vines, a glowing mushroom, and the corrupted soil itself. As each ribbon hits, a faint, glowing rune materializes for a moment before fading. Information floods Esther's senses:

- Tree & Tree 2: [Corrupted Elderwood - ???]. The wood is saturated with a chaotic life-magic that actively resists analysis. It feels... hungry.
- Vines: [Razorvine - Aggressive Flora]. The thorns are sharp as steel, coated in a mild paralytic agent, and seem to twitch in response to movement.
- Mushroom: [Grave-spore Puffball - ???]. Its spores are a potent hallucinogen and a biological catalyst, accelerating the decay of something nearby.
- Soil: [Blight-touched Loam]. The ground is a perversion of nature, oversaturated with both necrotic and chaotic life energies.

Simultaneously, Griselda extends her own senses into the oppressive gloom.

- Hearing: Beyond the pervasive, bone-deep thrumming, her heightened hearing picks up something else. It's a faint, wet, rhythmic tearing sound, coming from somewhere deeper within the labyrinth. It is slow and methodical.

- Mana Sense: Her attempt to read the ambient mana is immediately overwhelmed. The air is a chaotic storm of raw, untamed life magic, so thick it's like trying to see through a blizzard. However, cutting through this storm is a single, razor-thin thread of a completely different energy—a cold, dark, and utterly alien presence. It is the source of Severin's [Menace], a beacon of pure necromantic power that completely obfuscates any subtler magical signatures in the immediate vicinity. She can sense the forest's chaos, and she can sense him.

The group now stands at the threshold. The path forward is a dark maw, the air is thick with hostile magic and the smell of decay, and the forest's heart beats around them, accompanied by a faint, disturbing tearing sound from within.

​

Titles
[Monster], [Undead], [Monster - Mundane], [Monster - Evolved], [Necromancer] - [#2d7d38]
Noteworthy Perks: [Evolved] - gain the title evolved. Something about your physiology or aura identifies to others you are of a higher species than your peers. Gain a +1 to social exchanges with others of your racial tree.
[Menace] - An aura of fear emanates from the creature at all times that makes lower grade creatures take a -1 effectiveness on attacks against monster or monster allies.
Noteworthy Perks: Resilient C (28) [Aging/Fatigue and Exhaustion/Suffocation/Surprised]

Asset Goal: Duchy Nobility F

Severin’s attention shifted to Esther, watching as the Fae plucked the cords of her harp with the slightest of curiosity. As her magic-made ribbons touched not only the bark of the misshapen trees, but other parts of the entrance to the verdant labyrinth, he hummed. “You were close, but not quite there.” Approaching the tree once more, this time around, the Necromancer lifted his cane and pointing at it with the thinner end.

“What was I looking for on the bark were glyphs or runic marks that might tell us the origins of what changed this forest properly. Perhaps some of the more… exotic magical practices, maybe the symbol of some saint no one remembers, or perhaps even one of the more fleshed-out cults I’ve come across.” Taking a brief pause, he continued.

“I personally was expecting runic symbols akin to those found in rituals in the West Empire, knowing how their society actually integrate monsters seemingly, being the only one of the ‘recognized’ nations to do so.” Severin’s tone was one that was usually found in the higher circles in the academia: filled with confidence and self-given authority, barely allowing the smallest breach for rebuttal. His eyes slid towards Vetreus, the pointing cane now retreating to its position against the ground.

And, with his attention redirecting to trees once more, his gloved index tapped against the glass-like globe at the crown of the cane.

PING-PING-PING

The glass clinked.

“Well, it would be a tad too easy if we arrived at this information without even setting foot into the ‘Verdant Heart’, wouldn’t it?” The faintest of smiles gracing his lips, and then he walked, towards the narrow, winding path. A maw that looked just like it was ready to snap shut, and Severin would certainly not remain on the outside. “Let’s get a proper look, shall we? Both for us and…” Turning around towards the group a last time, his finger pointed at the floating Scrying Orb. “... for them as well.”

And then he turned to the maw, waiting just a beat for their skeletal protector, Fei Liu, to take the vanguard, before he did it himself.

The trip in the carriage had been mostly quiet, but there had been some talking.

As polite as Liu was, he was not the most trusting sort. Esther had not realized that the fae of this world were like the ones from old myths. In truth she’d have been happy with a general overview of how familiars worked, but it seemed it was much more personal than she had realized. Even though they were all working together, they were all still strangers. But it was interesting. Esther had thought Liu was a soulless construct that a powerful necromancer could build easily. But if Iberis Odhir created him with that level of self preservation, he must have been difficult to make. That, or Liu simply had a mind like any human and was more than a mere construct. Either way, it wasn’t something he was going to share. No point prodding him further, less she become an irritation.

Another surprise, Vetreus was much more talkative than she thought he’d be. Of course she expected him to talk, but that he was so much more forthcoming than Liu was a surprise. It was just a surprise that Liu had been the one the encourage withholding information for safety and here Vetreus was talking about what felt like some personal family drama. It sounded like he was a bastard, which meant her earlier remark had been much ruder than she had intended. But it was hard to be sorry. Vetreus understood the risks of acting like legitimate nobility, and the Jester’s earlier retort was a consequence of that. This was something he seemed to understand too.

She had hoped that the little dragon would answer her question, but it seemed that Vetreus had a handle on how much talking the little one could do and gave a quick response in her stead. Just as well, probably.

And the newly arrived continued to say nothing. Were they really going to have to call her Crumbs now? It wasn’t a horrible name, and it did fit the girl that was falling apart at the seams. But still…

Griselda inquired about how Esther was sitting. "Hmmm?" She looked at her back. "Ahh! No, little one. There is plenty of room in this carriage to accommodate my wings. I just haven’t done a lot of sitting is all." Having something pressed against her back was not a feeling she was accustomed to yet. She typically slept on her side, and miraculously was still the entire night.

But that was in the carriage, and now they were officially working.

Severin was, predictably, just as confident outside the meeting room as he was in whatever this was. He was still going on about cults, and talking like they were the only possible explanation for this. Though the way he spoke made it seem like it was the only natural conclusion. "We’ll find out soon enough, I suppose."

With Severin and Liu confidently taking the lead, Esther fell back to Vetreus. "Everything seems a lot more dangerous than it looks." She said, realizing how dangerous it already looked. "Those vines have a paralyzing agent in them, but the entire forest seems like it wants to eat us alive. Those mushrooms release hallucinogenic spores, too." Esther really wanted to pick one of those glowing mad caps and stick it inside Liu’s skull, but it was a rudeness he didn’t deserve and far too risky given the circumstances. "And this is just a hunch, but there are necrotic and chaotic life energies in the soil. I would not be surprised if the forest animates its former victims to defend itself." Ester started to walk after the others. "But be cautious around the vines. I don’t like the way they move as we approach."

At this point he elected to take out the remote viewing orb. Not by accident, he contrived this moment to punctuate his skills (maybe they would hire him again). Walking forward to the front of the group, he gently requested of them, "give me just a few moments and I will represent the major details of the area in front of us. Be. Vigilant. I will be useless while I conduct this work."

It took a great deal of meditation during the long nights his quick companions slept for him to realize that his vision was no longer the same. It was a gradual realization followed by a rapid development: he has no eyes therefore no reason to "look" anywhere. He had no words to describe the way his sense of sight first retreated and curled in on itself, and in its place some occult radiation became his source of sensory information, and no other sense could penetrate this fog. The sound of a deep inhale could be heart emanating from him, and then a short 'hng' as though some invisible diaphragm were bucking against the rest of his empty body, which began rattling as though buffeted by a strong wind, or shaken by an earthquake unfelt by the rest of the group.

The situation from his perspective was singular. His sense of the world shot out of him and smeared, becoming a thing beside, and crawled over the landscape without ego and without intention, a spirit upon the air swelling over all places for a fleeting moment like a sheet or tide and shrank down to impress itself upon the land and trees, and creatures between them before all at once gathering within him again. His upright body swayed for a moment and from his waist down, the clattering of bones could be heard upon the soil, his upper torso collapsed to the ground without resistance. He was without animation for but a moment before his head and arm twitched. Without getting up, he gathered from his bag and unfolded a simple contraption. A little square easel comprised of incredibly thin strips of wood and dowels, and thinly braided linen cord, unfolded and held some kind of waxy vellum-like substance taut by lacing through its outer edges. Its surface was clouded with the residue of past drawing. He produced a smoothed and shaped stick of some kind of black artistic material, perhaps a pastel or charcoal, and began rendering general features of the landscape and forest around them with practiced and careful hand.

He could feel for those few moments every tree in the wood, every musty holt, every waving bush and sleeping fern, every ravine cut into the land, every bog slumping away from firm ground, every body of water in pooled repose against the rough flesh of the earth. For a few moments, every creature moving, every horror marching, every terror hiding in wait had its fine outer shape, distance, speed, and direction beamed into his head at once. Against the paper, his arm seemed to move mechanically, the rigid wooden device braced in his right hand and against the bony crook of his elbow while his left hand rendered the information in the form of lines, textures, markings, and short codes of numbers and letters pertaining to tiny, tiny marks of arrows extending from dots notated in the aforementioned manner -- some kind of profession shorthand, standard or invented, just to try to hold grasp of this enormous wealth of information. Luckily for him he was only interested in the hemisphere of the forest stretching before them and his mind was apt for the task.

While the deed was done he remained on the ground, occasionally scrubbing the side of the black pencil against the canvas to sharpen it before continuing. His left hand was a blur in the low light. In shockingly little time, a readable map of the terrain sweeping out in front of them for a mile took shape and he did his best to capture each thing he could recognize as a creature noted as though the still image of a radar scan. However, in a ghastly wood like this, some creatures should be easily recognizable, but he was inescapably bewildered by a great deal of alien habitation. In this context he didn't bother to distinguish between flora and fauna. Once the sketch was finished, he laid there for a moment, his mind raw for just a short while due to the download. Without saying anything, his legs gradually reassembled, each fragment tugged as though by magnetism to their rightful places which allowed him to rise again at length. He turned the easel toward the group and presented the information, still somewhat unsteady on his legs, his long black buttoned shirt with a cut robe front attached now dirtied by forest debris.

Griselda relished in the affection received by Penny, treating your servants well is key to bringing out the best in them. The bagel girl would be of no use if she weren’t in the right head space. Meanwhile, Vetreus watched intently should she make any drastic moves on the hatchling.

The verdant forest carried an unsettling eeriness, it was alive, a self-sufficient labyrinth ecosystem bearing unknown horrors. The draconian fingers rested on the hilt of his blade as he took in his surroundings.

Griselda on the other hand had now closed their eyes, fully immersing themselves in their senses. The rhythmic beat of the forest echoing in their ears ever so slightly. She then craned her head towards Vausts direction, her action akin to a compass pointing north without disturbance. Her body would wrap tighter around his upper torso. Instinctually tensing her body up. Vetreus would examine his partner with a curt expression. He found her reaction a bit odd, raising more red flags about the doctor.

“Theres a sound coming from deep within, it’s going Dum-Dum…Dum-Dum..” she remarked, “also there sounds like something is being ripped apart in the distance. I can’t really make it out though too much.” She added proudly.

It was unsettling, even for Vetreus. Particularly the turn of the head she gave Vaust.

He had a bad feeling, the doctor's demeanor was a bit too calm. His movement and words came as though they were predetermined. Griselda’s reaction to him also had the draconian on edge. The hatchling was naive but she held a good intuition when it came to who to trust and who not to.

Fei and Vaust would take the lead leaving Vetreus, Penny, and Esther to the rear. “I thought Fae loved dense overgrowth such as this place? Don’t tell me you're a scared jester.” The draconian folded his arms as he sideeyed Esther before sighing. “We’ll be fine, so long as you stay close.”

A grin would form as everyone seemed to settle into their roles. Turns out they all had some nifty tricks, Vetreus felt a bit of relief. Griselda may have belonged to a mighty race but she was still a child and her powers have yet to fully mature.

Vetreus rested his hand on the hilt of his blade, “Nice to know you’re worth protecting.” He was impressed by Fei’s map, a skill that was arguably the most valuable when it came to maneuvering a tricky labyrinth such as this one.

He looked toward Penny with a contemplative stare. “Guess that leaves me and you to show our worth.” He didn’t see a weapon on her. Perhaps she wielded magic? Or a scholar of some sorts? Either way, she’d have to pull her own weight here soon.

@DoubleChecker@Book @Red Hood @pkken


Penny took the moment to observe what all the others were doing. Taking in each detail as they learned more about the forest ahead and getting a good look at the map that Liu had been able to create in such a short span of time. She really didn’t have anything to add to the pool of information that came from Esther, Vaust, Liu and even Griselda. Though as far as Penny was concerned that was a good thing as she wasn’t the most skilled when it came to gathering information. She didn’t find the forest or the information all that exciting or welcoming. But she had come here to do a job and despite whatever lay ahead she would have to see it through.

Following the vanguard of Liu and Vaust, Penny decided she would bring up the rear as she kept her eyes focused and searched the surrounding area. If there was one thing she was good at, it was having good eyesight and even better defensive skills. Wanting to keep the others in the middle safe from any threats from behind. It was then she heard Vetreus speak to her, she turned her unblinking gaze towards him without a word. Holding up one of her fists in a wordless response to his remark taking it as a challenge. If he thought they would need to show their worth, Penny was ready to batter the first threat they came across. Just to prove a point to him that she was more then capable of doing her job she would have to make sure the first blow was even more powerful then normal so she could get her point across.

Turning her attention back to scanning the surrounding area while the vanguard led them deeper into the forest. Penny tried to keep the distance between her and the young dragon and the fae the closest in case an unseen threat went after them first. Compared to the rest, they didn’t seem the most equipped to handle an ambush if the attacker was able to get into close quarters. Esther struck Penny as more of a supportive type after witnessing her skills to this point and that made her a valuable asset to the team to protect. While Griselda seemed more inexperienced and innocent of nature. As for the skeleton and Vaust she wasn’t as worried about trying to protect them both because she thought they didn’t need it, but also because she wanted to try to keep her distance from them for varying reasons. Then there was Vetreus who had picked at her a few times around and she wasn't quite so fond of so far. In fact she found that she felt the most comfortable with the young dragon out of everyone here. But maybe that would change once she finally got to know the others better. She had some doubts about that, but she found it was always best to approach things with optimism.

[If you are interested in joining a setting like this, check out: roleplayerguild.com/topics/196759-ise…]

@DoubleChecker - Severin Vaust Asset Goal: Grand Duchy Nobility F
@Book - Liu Fei Asset Goal: ?
@pkken - Vetreus Draedora Asset Goal: Harvester Asset Mine F
@Red Hood - Esther Keaten Asset Goal: ?
@Nakushita - Penny "Iron Maiden of Pax" Asset Goal: ?





The oppressive atmosphere of the Verdant Heart does little to deter the group's forward momentum. As Severin steps confidently toward the maw-like entrance, Fei Liu holds up a hand, requesting a moment.

An audible intake of breath, like air rushing into a vacuum, emanates from the skeleton. His entire frame begins to rattle violently, as if seized by an invisible earthquake. To an outside observer, it is a deeply unsettling display, but for Liu, the world dissolves. His senses surge outwards, a non-physical wave that washes over a mile of the twisted landscape ahead. It is a fleeting, total awareness—every gnarled tree, every hidden ravine, every moving thing is mapped in his mind's eye.

The moment passes. Liu's upper body collapses to the ground with a clatter of bone on corrupted soil. For a second, he is just a pile of parts. Then, a hand twitches. He mechanically unfolds a small, portable easel from his bag, its vellum surface clouded with the residue of past drawings. With a stick of charcoal, his hand becomes a blur. Lines, textures, and cryptic shorthand fill the page with astonishing speed. [Note about Liu's skills: the highest grade he can have of Visual Arts and Fast is B rather than A. For both of them to be A, Intelligence and Speed would need to be S.]

While Liu is engrossed in his cartography, Esther shares her findings with Vetreus. The information is grim: paralytic vines, hallucinogenic spores, and a soil teeming with a contradictory mix of life and death energies. The forest itself seems to be a weapon.

Griselda, meanwhile, relays her own sensory data. Her whiskers twitch as she describes the deep, rhythmic thrumming of the forest's "heart" and, more disturbingly, a faint, wet tearing sound from deeper within.

After a few moments, Liu's legs reassemble themselves with an audible series of clicks, and he rises unsteadily. He turns the easel to the group. The drawing is a masterpiece of tactical cartography. It shows a winding, branching path ahead, flanked by dense, impassable thickets. Several ravines and boggy patches are clearly marked.

Most importantly, the map is dotted with symbols indicating movement.

- A cluster of small, slow-moving signatures are marked near a boggy area about a quarter-mile in. Liu's shorthand labels them [Fauna? - Unidentified].
- Several larger, stationary signatures are noted deeper in, marked with a [???]. They don't appear to be flora or fauna, but something else entirely.
- One massive, singular signature is marked at the very edge of the map's one-mile range. It is labeled simply: [SOURCE]. This is clearly the epicenter.
- Disturbingly, several small, fast-moving signatures are depicted flanking the main path, moving parallel to it. They seem to be shadowing the entrance. Liu has labeled these [Stalkers?].

With the map displayed for all to see, Severin gives a slight, approving nod. He gestures for Fei Liu to take the lead, and the group steps past the threshold, plunging into the oppressive gloom of the Verdant Heart.

The air inside is immediately thicker, the sickly sweet smell of decay more potent. The path is narrow, hemmed in on both sides by the pulsating, glowing flora. The thorny Razorvines twitch and scrape against the edges of the path as you pass, their barbs glinting in the eerie light. The ground is soft and spongy, and with every step, you can feel the deep, rhythmic THUMP... THUMP... of the forest's heart vibrating through the soles of your feet.

You have walked for no more than a hundred feet when the first sign of immediate danger appears. From the tangled thicket to your left, one of the fast-moving "Stalker" signatures on Liu's map reveals itself. A creature, roughly the size of a large wolf, steps silently onto the path ahead, blocking the way.



It is a horrifying amalgamation of plant and animal. Its body is formed from twisted roots and bark, its legs ending in sharp, cloven hooves made of hardened wood. Vicious thorns jut from its back, and its head is a blooming, corpse-white flower with a gaping, tooth-lined maw at its center. Two glowing, violet stamens swivel like eyes, fixing on the group. It lets out a low growl that sounds like grinding wood, and two more identical creatures emerge from the thickets on either side of the path, effectively boxing you in.

They are the forest's antibodies, and you are the infection.

Esther rolled her eyes when the draconic man inquired about her potential fear of the surrounding forestry. She placed a hand on her hip. "Do not confuse caution with fear. These are not the woods of the Fae See. I brought this up because you seemed like the macho type that would try to climb around those vines. I’m cautioning you that should you try that, you might wind up paralyzed." With a sigh, she smiled. "But it is comforting that you’d like to protect me. Yet with Griselda among us, I see no reason for any of us to be afraid."

Esther and Griselda’s information did not paint a pleasant image of what was happening inside. The giant Fairy steeled her gaze. "If someone’s being ripped apart, I hope we’re not too late to save them." She resumed her march after the others.

But while Griselda and Esther were able to uncover some clues before setting foot in the corrupt forest, Liu had upstaged them. That wasn’t entirely true, but having a map with clearly marked out paths and points of interest were, of course, extremely valuable. They wouldn’t need to worry about running into a dead end, right? "Why Liu! You’re a Cartographer? I’d have never guessed." Additionally, he had marked out the location of hostile creatures, so there was no chance they’d get surrounded.

Until they did.

"How did this happen?!"

At least they weren’t totally unaware when it happened.

It didn’t look like they were here for a peaceful negotiation, so it was time to fight. Esther pointed her harp towards the canopy and strummed a note. Her harp lit up with green and red light as ribbons of music soared over her companion’s heads. They coiled around a front leg of each stalker and, with a twist of her harp, pulled taught on their front most leg. Then the ribbons seemed to catch fire, and burned their way up to the reanimated creatures.

If it stopped them from charging for a few seconds, or ideally, knocked one of them prone, maybe someone else could finish one of them off.

Vetreus acknowledged Penny's fighting spirit with a nod. She seemed confident enough in her ability. Hopefully she will be able to keep herself alive. As they walked further into the forest, the Draconian kept his head on a swivel. Taking in as much of the environment as he could. The fae wouldn’t give him the liberty of the last laugh, it was fun going against someone who had a backbone but didn’t take themselves too seriously.

“Thanks for the heads up, keep showing your worth and I won’t have to replace you with Fei Leu.” He’d coo, keeping his eyes focused on the environment. “Being my jester has its perks, but you might be out of the job soon.”

Griselda would twist her head around and look towards Esther, her confidence high after the compliment she received. “Don’t worry about grumpy here, you can leave everything to me!” She wriggled her body in excitement, her ego was easily fueled. Hopefully it won't turn into hubris later.

“If someone is being ripped apart, it’s their own fault. They knew the risk.” Vetreus added, their focus needed to be on their own survival. Rushing to cover someone else’s mistake would only put themselves in danger. Being turned into fertilizer for this overgrown forest was not on his bucket list.

It wasn’t long before any enemy had approached, first it was one, then it was three. Vetreus’s body would outline in a faint yellow as he distributed mana into the white Wyrm blade. Dipping into his sword stance, the draconian stood with his sword unsheathed. His stance was assumed in a manner as though he was going to jab with his katana.

Vetreus’s sword shined brightly, illuminating the immediate area in a shining light before in a smooth motion. He would then lunge, his blade piercing through the air and firing a scorching bolt of radiant light at the stalker. Vetreus would hold his follow through as he observed how the stalker would react. He wished to play this slow and let the fight come to him instead of the other way around.

His eyes would glow yellow as he attempted to collect more information on the stalker, making use of the appraisal skill.

@DoubleChecker@Book @Red Hood @pkken


They had not traveled far before the threat of the strange beasts made itself known to the group. The Stalkers were clearly intelligent pack hunters with how they arrived and how they approached the group. Using strategy and numbers to box them in, something the beasts seemed very experienced and versed in doing. This only made them all the more deadly and difficult to fend off as they would work together.

With Esther trying to slow them and Vetreus aiming to strike one of the three beasts; it opened a window of opportunity for Penny’s own plan. Penny took her right hand and balled it into a fist, pounding it into her left palm as a smile spread across her face. This was her chance to let loose a little and take out some of her earlier frustration. She always found the most enjoyment when she got to hit something as hard as she could. It always made her feel much better afterwards and she was always up for a challenge no matter the opponent.

Since Vetreus was engaging one already, Penny locked her eyes on the furthest one to the left. Once she had her target locked she sprinted towards the beast without any hesitation ready to brawl with the creature in close range. She knew if she could bring the fight to the beast it would keep it away from the others and maybe focus some of the attention on her. Allowing her allies to strike the other beasts with more safety while she took the brunt of any of the counterattack.

Once she closed the distance she tried to throw the creature off with a feint attack before attempting to slide by the beast to get behind it while it was still preoccupied by Esther's musical spell, wanting to latch her arms around the beast's waist in an attempt to suplex it over her own head and onto its head and neck. Preferring to get into the thick of action and the heat of battle rather than stand around and wait to see what the beasts would do. She also suspected they would be thrown off if she came at them aggressively. Knowing it was likely they had grown used to hunting prey that ran from them and tried to hide or defend itself.

"Well... artist," he corrected Esther gently. A soft spot he volunteered to the group, perhaps the first one.

Though the expectation of ambush was there, he still walked into it. While his group mobilized, drawing their wondrous power to their defense, Liu carefully walked to place himself chiefly between the nearest plant and the young dragon. Crackling leaves were swallowed up in the strange sounds coming from the beasts. His right foot pushed outward a little bit. The wider stance would help with traction when inevitably he would have to speed to someone's aid, or move to absorb a blow. He was thankful that the group found his intelligence gathering capabilities acceptable because his combat ability would almost certainly come up lacking compared to the rest.

This fact became settled when light surged from the young master's weapon. No incantations, glitz or arcane might, he raised his arms up to cover both sides of his face, the stance of a boxer -- although he had nothing there in particular to protect. It was a matter of habit from his days when daily combat was an expectation from him. He had not yet learned the dullness and indifference inevitable for the undead.

"When we can move, out of their circle," he suggested sharply, waiting for those creatures to make the first move, and looking for any more in hiding. He knew wolves to employ disturbingly clever tactics, and there is no telling (for him) how intelligent a creature in this world is at a glance.

Actions:
1. Search for wolves not hanging out in the open.
2. Attempt to recall how many signatures he felt in the ping.

​

Titles
[Monster], [Undead], [Monster - Mundane], [Monster - Evolved], [Necromancer] - [#2d7d38]
Noteworthy Perks: [Evolved] - gain the title evolved. Something about your physiology or aura identifies to others you are of a higher species than your peers. Gain a +1 to social exchanges with others of your racial tree.
[Menace] - An aura of fear emanates from the creature at all times that makes lower grade creatures take a -1 effectiveness on attacks against monster or monster allies.
Noteworthy Perks: Resilient C (28) [Aging/Fatigue and Exhaustion/Suffocation/Surprised]

Asset Goal: Duchy Nobility F

Vaust observed with barely noticeable curiosity as Liu Fei put pencil against paper, faux mustache on his mortal guise twitching from side-to-side momentarily. When the last scratch against the paper was delivered, the Necromancer approached, neck craning towards the paper being held by the skeleton. “Mmmm… seems like we have quite the eventful encounters as we make our way there.” Lifting his cane, he pointed its tip towards the massive signature at the very limit of what had been scouted.

Retreating the cane, the other markings found almost no interest coming from him. “A pity, even if I had been able to see those other marking with my own eyes, chances are I wouldn’t have any idea of what they might be. Botany and biology are not my areas of specialty.” He still left that one comment to hang about in the air, while he continued to thread onward through the thick thicket.

While the sickly, overly sweet scent of decay was not a bother for the Undead, quite used and even found of such fragrances, the very oppressive nature of the Labyrinth was a different matter. It made the undying narrow his eyes slightly, considering it a slight against his very presence: some contender trying to measure strength with his own. But, in due time, it would be dealt with. Momentarily, his eyes slid towards the floating Scrying Orb, lips curling infinitesimally. ‘And so will those toys.’

With the forest’s pulse on his mind, suddenly that forest’s predators were revealed. Like a stitched monstrosity of plant and beast, Vaust greatly disapproved of such a creation. It bore no finesse, no beauty, no intricacy, just a thing for an end. It was dull, and ⚐︎⬧︎⬧︎♋︎■︎♏︎⧫︎♒︎ wasn’t found of dull things. Still, the being, perhaps, bore some studying.

Without uttering a single word, nor performing any gesture, he scanned the area with knowledge beyond mortal ken. [Action 1]

In the next moment, he lifted his cane, the glass globe on its crown pulsing with a low and constant dark green. “Barrier!” He uttered, casting a defensive spell, rather than an offensive one. His targets were his allies, which were granted a semi-transparent, blue shields in front of them composed of hexagons. It allowed attacks from inside, while blocking attacks from outside. [Action 2]

He then waited, eager to watch how things would unfold.

Actions:
1 - Ancient Knowledge - Appraisal D + Sixth Sense D [Spirits and Soul-tethers] + Academia D + Arcana D + Energized D + Componentless Magic D + Magic D + Magic AoE E (50ft radius) + Magic Range E (100ft) + Magic Targets E (10 different targets) + Selective Magic E (targeting only the stalkers) - Grade D 1 Post Cooldown
2 - Barrier - Magic E + Magic AoE F (15ft radius) + Magic Range F (30ft) + Magic Targets F (5 different targets) + Selective Magic F (targeting only allies) + Energized E - Grade E 0 Post Cooldown - Intelligence B (5) + Catalyst C (4) + Ability E (2) = 11 Base Effectiveness for defense if attacks are breached

[If you are interested in joining a setting like this, check out: roleplayerguild.com/topics/196759-ise…]

@DoubleChecker - Severin Vaust Asset Goal: Grand Duchy Nobility F
@Book - Liu Fei Asset Goal: ?
@pkken - Vetreus Draedora Asset Goal: Harvester Asset Mine F
@Red Hood - Esther Keaten Asset Goal: ?
@Nakushita - Penny "Iron Maiden of Pax" Asset Goal: ?





The narrow path explodes into a whirlwind of coordinated chaos.

As the battle erupts, both Vaust and Vetreus focus their senses, peeling back the layers of reality to understand the nature of their foes.
Vetreus, locking eyes with the lead Stalker as he prepares his attack, activates his own Appraisal. Information flashes in his mind:



Vaust, in contrast, unleashes a far more potent and esoteric form of analysis. His [Ancient Knowledge] washes over all three creatures simultaneously. He doesn't just see their stats; he perceives the very essence of their unnatural existence.



Armed with this new knowledge, the party's assault begins.

Esther is the first to react, her harp singing a sharp, commanding note. The fiery ribbons of music lash out, wrapping around the front leg of each plant-like horror. As she twists her harp, the ribbons pull taut.



- The leftmost Stalker is caught completely off guard. Its leg is yanked out from under it with a crack of splintering wood, and the creature topples sideways onto the path with a heavy thud, momentarily disabled.

- The center Stalker digs its hooves into the soft loam, bracing itself. The ribbon strains and burns against its leg, but it holds its ground, letting out an infuriated shriek that sounds like tearing bark.

- The rightmost Stalker is similarly prepared. It stumbles but catches its balance at the last second, the magical fire scorching its wooden hide but failing to bring it down.

Simultaneously, Vetreus lunges. His blade becomes a conduit for pure light, and a scorching bolt of radiant energy erupts from its tip, screaming through the air toward the lead Stalker. The creature attempts to twist away, but the blast is too fast. It strikes the beast square in the chest. The radiant energy sears through its bark-like hide, causing it to smoke and blacken. The Blight effect intensifies the damage, and the creature staggers back, a deep, glowing wound smoldering where the bolt hit.

On the other flank, Penny charges. Her aggressive sprint toward the leftmost Stalker—the one now prone on the ground thanks to Esther—is a blur of motion. However, as she moves to grapple it for a suplex, the creature reacts with surprising speed even from the ground. It shoves its free leg out, catching her mid-stride. Penny's momentum is broken as she stumbles over the unexpected obstacle, her ambitious suplex attempt thwarted for the moment.

While two of his packmates are occupied, the rightmost Stalker focuses on the nearest threat: Fei Liu. Shaking off the lingering heat from Esther's spell, it lowers its head. The corpse-white flower closes, revealing a sharpened, ram-like point of hardened wood. It lunges forward in a goring charge.

Just as it attacks, Vaust's spell takes effect. A semi-transparent shield of shimmering blue hexagons materializes in front of Fei Liu. The Stalker's charge is also subtly hampered by the oppressive, chilling aura of [Menace] emanating from Vaust, causing a moment of primal hesitation. The creature's attack, slightly weakened, slams into the magical barrier. The hexagonal shield flashes brightly, absorbing the brunt of the impact with a sharp CRACK. Fei Liu stands untouched behind the shimmering defense as the Stalker recoils, frustrated.

As the initial exchange concludes:
- The center Stalker is heavily wounded but still standing.
- The leftmost Stalker is on the ground but has successfully defended against Penny's grapple.
- The rightmost Stalker is unharmed and has had its initial attack completely blocked.

The air crackles with spent energy and the smell of burnt wood and ozone. The remaining two standing Stalkers turn their glowing violet "eyes" on the party, their wooden bodies creaking as they prepare for their next move. The fight is far from over.

Now things were really happening.

Spells were being flung, blades thrusted, and analysis conducted left and right. Unfortunately, Ester’s magical studies had hardly begun, and she wasn’t able to make much use of the information being thrown her way. Radiant magic? Fire magic? She was just barely able to make her magic take form, let alone simulate other forces. The protective barrier was welcome, however. She had an idea someone would need it.

But with the counter attack underway, Ester needed to decide how to best help everyone. Liu had been attacked, but his barrier was holding. Vitreous looked like he was triumphing over his foe, and likely didn’t need any help. But “Crumbs” looked like she was faltering. The creature managed to trip her up before she could do anything.

The giant fairy hurried up to Penny, keeping the girl between herself and the stalker. While Esther had no problem placing herself in harm’s way, especially since a barrier had been placed over her, she figured Penny was better equipped to deal with an attack if she had tried to grab a hold of whatever this was.

She snapped her fingers, and a weaker, shorter range version of her last spell took shape, she snapped again and a second ribbon flew out from her fingers. The creature was already down, so now Esther was just aiming to damage and distract it so that Penny could get a hit in. The ribbons wrapped around its neck and leg, and Esther tugged until her spell snapped and burst into magical flames.

Liu was all but prepared to shove the creature's attack off with some combination of natural fortitude and pedestrian antics but the opportunity never arose. Mercifully the doctor shielded the group from their herbal assault and he was ready to jump in. Lowering his stance, he draped his arms down and bent his elbows a little, widening his stance even further. Crouched down, he rapidly dashed to the side of the beast and surged into its flank, attempting to scoop it up and linebacker run it into the center dog, and if he could get away with it, into the leftmost after that. He wanted to pile these unruly weeds into one heap on top of the leftmost dog, and whatever spiritual magnetism held his body together strained against the weight.

Through peculiar occult sense, he was able to enhance his own fortitude, hoping to protect himself from the beasts' immediate counterattacks in that way.

Actions:
1. Move [Fast E]
2. Bulldoze dog 1
3. Bulldoze dog 2

effectiveness: of 'bulldoze' is 5 -- no abilities or items used, strength is B. Natural Armor A (or B) is in his repertoire.

@DoubleChecker@Book @Red Hood @pkken


Penny caught herself from tumbling and quickly regained her footing. Turning to face the beast once she had her balance back ready to defend herself if necessary.She couldn’t help but to smile as the adrenaline started to flow as she felt some excitement in getting to let loose. It looked like these beasts would be more of a challenge then she had initially anticipated. If the grapple attempt hadn’t worked and the creature seemed smart enough to avoid and throw her off balance she would just have to take a more direct approach. If it didn’t want to let her grapple it and take the suplex, then she would just have to try to put her fist into its skull. And if that didn’t work she would have to resort to more drastic measures.

Glancing over her shoulder she saw she was joined by Esther who came to back her up, trusting that the large fairy woman would be successful with whatever spell she was conjuring up. Penny made her next move without hesitation going straight at the beast again, pulling her right arm back as far as she could bring it as she prepared for a punch. Her muscles tensed up as she contorted her body to get as much leverage and force behind her blow. Twisting her body, she shifted her feet so she could drive off of her right leg putting every ounce of power she could muster into it, wanting to drive her fist with full force into the creature's head to pound it into the ground while Esther worked on keeping it restrained and vulnerable to her blow.