Greetings! The following rp is part of Isekai Hell. For those who are participating, please add the character sheet you are using in the characters tab area.

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Time: morning

Temperature: cool

Place: Desert border region between the Kingdom of Rotia and the West Empire.



The wind blew across the desert sands, besides the ornate sandstone building in front of the party, there was very little other then expanses of impressive dunes, The sun shining down upon the land, and the sensation of wind against their bodies.

It looked as if sand had been dug around the structure to reveal it, piles sitting around it. The building itself was a pale tan color with green mosaic stones working down it’s sides like scales, the entrance looked similar to a snake unhinging it’s jaws, sharp white glowing crystals coming down like fangs.

They found themselves between two nations, The West Empire and the Kingdom of Rotia, two vastly different places. This convergence of land for a certain chef meant that there was speculation of unique animals which really only naturally dwelled in these deserts, perhaps some would make fine ingredients.

However the broader group party’s main objective was simple enough, retrieve the jade flute of ascension for the Faazi merchant guild, a guild located in the Fae See. The flute was reported to be detected underneath the sands in a tunnel system of sorts which were reminiscent of some long gone tomb, only recently uncovered through the dispulsion of magic used by private investigators.

They had been given a piece of parchment which showed a drawing of what the artifact SHOULD look like at least, it was long, with seven finger holes, green jade cut like scales on a serpentine head toward the end, with jewels placed to represent its eyes. All of the party up until this point had seen the diagram so they knew what they were looking for.

On the interior of the building, an immediate sandstone set of stairs were obvious, descending down into darkness. It was dark enough that without dark vision or a light source it would be pretty difficult to see beyond the first few stairs. There was only enough room for people of an average size to walk side by side in pairs, down the stairs and through the entrance.

Thankfully the Faazi merchant guild had provided them with a deceptively small looking bag of supplies for the ordeal. The bag was sitting at the entrance. There were a total of 6 torches packed as well as 50 ft of hemp rope, hardtack as well as dried meat and fruit rations, and a rudimentary medical bandage and wound sanitation kit.

A strange sound radiated from the underground entrance. It sounded almost like a slew of strange whispering. What the artifact extraction team did next would be up to them.

Silus, getting to the place a few minutes early, heads towards the cache of supplies, sitting near by to make sure nothing gets stolen while waiting for the other two who joined this mission, while making sure his alchemical reagents and supplies are secured and functional for what's possibly to come

Alaerin will take in the vista of the desert amazed at the sight... this New World he found himself in was full of wonders unseen by any Earthman! The mix of technology and archiac world was fascinating in this world its mix of fantastic races.. staggering! Here he was standing with a talking lizard he could hardly believe it all... and wondered if at some point he would wake up?

But he was certain if he was actually dreaming he would not feel so travel wear from the heat of the desert... this was 'STARKLY REAL'.. no doubt about THAT! The desert winds caught his dark tatered fringed longcoat fluttering it in the hot breeze as he shifted posture to settle more comfortably the weigh of his greatsword across his back...

He pulled out his papyrus Journal book and the Inkwell 'pen' and made a new entry to his Journal cataloguing their progress and arrival at...? He decided to call it "Temple of the Jade Serpent" and noted the location in a number.

Then flipping to the back of his Journal on a blank page pulled out his charcoal and colored chaulks and began a sketch of the desert vista and the 'Temple of the Jade Serpent' to capture the picture ... and practice his anime' artist skills to record this wonder and noted the number.

Finishing, "So we have come to the ~ Temple of the Jade Serpent... or whatever its actually called lost to the desert sands. Lets get started."

He closed his journal placing the parchment with the picture of the flute within it pages and slipped the book into his shoulder bag and calmly drew his long battle sword off his back sheath and hefted the long gleaming blade upon his shoulder and frowned slightly looking at the tunnel of the stairs leading down into darkness..

"Not gonna be easy to battle with a long-blade in close quarters down there.. I'll have to do a bit of stabbing like a spear to be effective in some areas. Be sure to keep at least 10'ft behind me..so I have room to adjust should hostiles present themselves as they will I'm sure... perhaps vermin or more dangerous predators. One of you need to hold the torch for your light... my hands will be full... I'll take point."

Concentrating on the Keen Greatsword in hand.. he felt his inner fury flow forth invoking his "Thunder Blade" Ability... and the blade began to glow with arching lightning... not "Brightly"... but more then enough to light his steps before him.

Alaerin stepped toward the doorway and the stairs leading down.. and waited for his companions to assemble...

The sound of ‘breathing’ through the gas mask is a constant coming from the automata. Even amidst the scorching desert, the war-relic was donned in heavy winter-clothing. It didn’t seem bothered in the least, crimson lenses of the gas mask glinting under the scorching sun. “What we will find down there is still to be seen.” The metallic voice escaped the voice modulator, located somewhere where the mouth of the mechanoid was supposed to be. “My men are better at engaging the anarchists from a distance.” To what exactly it referred to was anyone’s guess.

With swiping of its arm, the mechanoid motioned towards the five units which followed it. While less decorated, each of them bore a striking resemblance to the main unit itself, including the furred hat with steel skull adorning it. More importantly, each of them had a carbine slung over their shoulder.

“%One of you, grab a torch and stay close to me. The rest of you, assume firing lines as soon as the space allows for it.%” The more decorated unit laid out its orders to its kin. For those without the knowledge of Analog, what came from its voice modulator was a bunch of high speed beeps and blips.

And, while one of the machines approached the parcel and grabbed one of the torches, before returning to its commander, the others were moving their carbines for a ready position, both hands now holding their guns. The same could be said for Von Mackstein, which now held its own carbine and was ready for combat.

With that, Von Mackstein and its machines delved into the dark entrance, the one who stood closer to it having already struck the torch alight.

AnoYi was a desert dweller even before coming to this strange world, if you could call living in Oklahoma in the 21st century 'desert dwelling'... The climate and terrain were all that different from 'back home', tho a bit more sandy here, being plucked out of his life and cast into a wholly new world made life interesting. And interesting meant having been thrust into a land full of winders and dangers beyond the imagination. Suddenly having to survive in another's body, and a non-human one at that, meant fighting to survive and fighting to make a living. Mercenary work and Adventuring seemed to be all that could put good in his belly and the occasional roof over his head.

Adventuring, and a grueling belly, was what led him to answer the ad for venturing into the desert and fetching something back for a merchant consortium. Fair enough wage for fetching an item some rich fat-cat couldn't be bothered to go get for themselves. Supposedly, it was at some abandoned temple or something. AnoYi had some qualms about desecrating tombs. After all, 'back home' it was more than a bit of a sore spot with him and his people. Here...,well, things didn't always make sense and operated like a fairy tale so it didn't seem as bad. At least not right off it didn't.

Riflemen and a Claymore, hm? the Coyote mused. Not much room to stay out of each other's way down there... Anybody have experience with tomb raiding or we just gonna wing it?

@DoubleChecker

Alaerin looked at 'Piece', and was STILL Flipping.. or maybe "Geeking-out" that there was a Ralph Bakshi ~ Necron model 'robot assassin' in all but name here as a REAL Thing in this world! As an artist and as HE considered himself a 'connoisseur' of ground breaking animation in the media history... he almost smiled at the Construct. But the sobering thought came to him THESE 'constructs' were not a satirical commentary on society of the 70's... but Deadly Real Here! The Necron 99 of Bahshi's wild imagination was NOT funny.. and if this world had them if they were Anything similar... the construct killers had hidden directives likely and a limited concern of the fate of the Biologicals in their presence... a VERY Sobering notion!!!

Politely and Very carefully worded he asked, "Query. Automata: Von Mackstein I. Do You possess optical capabilities for Surveilling in the Infrared or Ultraviolet Visual Frequencies? If you do spot something You designate Hostile in our sweep of the Ruins ~ Please inform me of your target acquisition and imminent fire-mission fullisade of weapons fire with a Vocal imperative direction of "DOWN" ~ so I may get out of line of fire. Please."

He turns in answer to AnoYi, "Carbines... not rifles. They are actually more accurate at close range but have near rifle range though less accurate at such distances. And to your Question... I have done this before... Not with a fireing squad of Antomated Gunmen... but we will adapt."

Character: Fancis Fouquenot
Status: Bemused and excited

The rattle and clatter of pots and pans announced his late arrival to the gathering spot, yet he carried himself with an ambivalence that seemed as though he assumed time would wait for him. The confidence in his stride did not seem to match his role in this band. Yet his constant checking of his gear and cataloging of his supplies had slowed him down, and he did not see fit to tell the others to wait on his behalf, thus he trudged along slow and steady arriving just in time to see his allies beginning to enter the temple.

He overhead their others speaking of thier situation and could not help but smile, Advesity was one the many spices of life, and if allowed it would make a fine man from a foul one. “Oui, We shall adapt and overcome.” He would chime in taking a torch in his one hand. And beginning to remive and fold his sunglasses with the other. The eyes beneath them were strange, seemingly too small, black and beady. They seemed almost Vacant, as if he were not truly there in the moment but rather staring off into space. Still he smiled at the others as he brought up the rear. “You just let me know when you get hungry, Convenu?“ he would say with an odd grin.

Silus gets up from where he's been sitting while putting away his reagents and tools looking bemused "this one wonders if with such a group this one is even needed?" He questions out loud, obviously joking more than serious as he follows behind looking cautiously around with his head on a swivel, a reaction born of habit more than from worry of danger

@Nachogod @DancesWMonsters @sunphoenix72 @Kadenvoodoo

The machine’s head turned, attention redirecting towards Alaerin as he posed the question about its sensorial capabilities. For a beat, it remained silent, its internal algorithms weighing why an irregular, in a province so far away from the metropolitan capital of the ‘Empire’ would have knowledge about what some of the more specialist units possessed. Yet, the excitement, or better said ‘geeking out’ he showed ameliorated the result which Von Mackstein I’s processing unit arrived.

In the next beat, the machine answered, propping the stock of its carbine against the sand and leaning slightly towards it in human fashion. “Those tools are reserved for the specialists units, the Sturmtruppen, Herr Storm.” The war-relic answered the sword-wielding human, its artificial tone respectable, but nevertheless professional. “While there was a lingering consideration of requesting specialists support, I’ve decided against it for not squandering resources in this breakaway, arid province. No one knows when the next ‘putsch’ might be attempted.”

Turning its attention to the other gas wearing machines, once more there was a series of beeps and blips. To which, at the end of it, the five all said in unison. “DOWN.” Their voice modulators having no inflection, no tone, even more mechanical-like than the commanding unit. They were constructs made for simpler purposes.

“The Fusilier units have been instructed to utter such vocalization before opening fire.” The Automata concluded, giving Alaerin a nod.

Its mechanical arms moved, pulling the carbine from the sand and holding with both hands once more, barrel pointing at the sand. The machine gave both Silus and AnoYi an appraising gaze, or at least, as much as it could pass for one behind the crimson ceramic lenses of the gas mask, noting their beastkin nature. “New phenotypes amongst the ‘Empire’ citizenship. Recording into log for posterior analysis.” It said to no-one in particular, but rather a self-observation.

“Tomb raiding is certainly not something neither my men nor I have practiced before.” It now addressed AnoYi, an audible hum leaving its voice modulators. “But we have assaulted enough separatists strongholds: basements, building, bunkers. The fact that a tomb was chosen as their hideout will not hamper the troop's performance.” Confidence without a doubt.

Then, focusing on Silus himself, there was a shaking of its metallic head. “Every single hand is needed for the peace-keeping efforts. Unity means order, and order is absolute.” The Automata delivered the propaganda-like line, almost like a State-issued mantra, not picking up on the joke.

Finally, its attention was drawn towards the human Chef. “Excellent. Fresh food, rather than issued rations, will keep the organic irregulars’ morale high. Be sure to vocalize when it is the moment for resting...” Then, leaning a bit forward, the crimson lenses stared more intently at the beady, black orbs. “... a visit to the sickbay upon our return is mandated.” It added.

His hands rested crossed over the pommel of his saber in a relaxed manner as the troopers mobilized into the underground tomb on the orders of their Commander. "Order sounds great and all but I prefer Freedom instead." the Coyote muttered as he brought up the rear guard of the erstwhile retrieval party. "C'mon, Bottle Man, you can stick with me." the Coyote swordsman nodded to Silus. "What's in those bottles of yours anyway?" AnoYi figured a bit of conversation might temper the alchemist's nerves as well as his own. He gave one last look at the surface world before following the others down into the vaults below.

@DancesWMonsters

Silus nods, sticking near by AnoYi, seeming to have a mild smile at the comment about freedom "potions, alchemical reagents, thing's to keep one put together and can even mildly increase one's strength" he says while he continues to look around with passive caution "this one wonders why one who values freedom would choose to do the foolish trade of adventure?" Silus ponders to AnoYi, curious but not overly bothered

Francis would grin at Silus and nod. “Needed? Ohnono, But yet men do not need expensive wine, not embroidered clothing? Yet this businesses are older than any kingdom. I am a luxury my friend. A commodity ment to make your journey more pleasant. And yet you neednt even pay me,i come for reasons that are my own.” He would say with a sly grin that said he had given such a speech before. He fixed his eyes to the machine his grin widening at its words. “ tu vois, this one understands…and it doesn’t even eat. Rest assured my metal brother, your medics will find nothing, i am in better shape than i ever have been.” As if it were an invitation francis would move in closer to the mechanical being. “en plus, i have it on good authority that there are some rare delicacies crawling around these parts.”

@DoubleChecker

Alaerin forced a calm smile and nodded, making mental note he should be much more careful revealing his 'modern' knowledge of "Earth Technology" to ANY automaton construct units of the Empire again... lest he end up answering some Extremely pointed questions by likely VERY unpleasant Intelligence Agents of the Militant Empire!!

"Then let's do this!"

Alaerin Storm invoked his lightning blight power manifesting his Thunder Blade and pulling back with his will on the power to only surround his keen greatsword with a arcing nimbus of flickering lightning... to illuminate his path he hefted the empowered blade leading the way down into darkness...

He mutters a poem he recalls he thinks from Tolkien...
"Out of Light out of Life,
To the Day's Dying."
"Over Dead over Dread,
Over Doom Overridden."
"Out of Light out of Love,
Into Long Glory."

@kadenvoodoo

AnoYi grunted a laugh at his question, "Not a lot of prospects to do much else, if I had to be honest, but I can't think of any other profession where you can make your own decisions or live your life the way you choose." He followed a handful of paces behind the fusiliers, more than happy to give some distance between him and the automatons. "Seems like everyone else owes some allegiance to king, priest or potentate. No sir, Not me. I answer to me, myself and my conscience. May not be lucrative but it's honest work, I suppose."
He let a few moments pass, perhaps considering the choices that led him along this path. A path far, far from any he'd envisioned working the night shift at a rural gas station in Oklahoma. "How 'bout you then? What put 'one' in the potions business?"

Von Mackstein I’s orders were followed successfully by their subordinates, the torch grabbed and ready for descent.

Alaerian’s blade illuminated with electrical energy making for a makeshift torch, the light cool, the range not as pronounced as a torch, but it would work to make sure that he knew where he was going even if he didn’t have a torch ignited himself.

Francis and Silus were both successful in their repositioning and supplies managing in the group as they were also ready for the descent.

Anoyi found himself toward the back of the group, in the position for a rear guard.

In two by twos the group would descend, the strange whispering sounds growing louder suddenly until it paused entirely at a certain point as they went down the dark sandstone staircase which seemed to continue on and on..

Each of them successfully traversed the stairs without problem, their various light sources illuminating the stairwell in warm and cool hues, bringing more color to the space than it had likely seen in many decades.

At the bottom of the stairs, the group reached what looked like a very large doorway in a small chamber where four could stand side to side allowing for room to make a more cohesive formation. rThe floor and walls were also sandstone

A very large tan stone door of sorts had been pushed over to the side of the wall, creating enough space for the group to continue onward. Written on the door was a language that almost looked Beastial in nature but something about it was off like it was even older then modern beastial, however for those in the party who could understand and read beastial, if they looked some words could be made sense of

“<Enter…Risk..Curse..>”

Beyond the large door, the start of a hallway of an even greater width could be seen dimly.
In order to see deeper into the hallway the party would need to illuminate it further.

From what could be seen however, some redstone and lapis lazuli titles decorated the ground. Ornate pillars with primitive almost hieroglyphics depictions of beastmen playing different musical instruments going down each segment of pillar, some looked more like instruments of the West Empire, other those of the Kingdom of Rotia, some of the beastmen looked more canine and feline like, others reptilian. All were depicting wearing clothing which suggested they were from times long ago.

On the sides of the high ceiling hallway between the pillars were approximately 12 ft tall stone statues of beastmen, many of them wearing what looked like armor, as well as wielding spears and swords at their sides, alternating between the two on either side, and in the faint distance at the end of the hallway it looked like there might be another door way, albeit a much smaller one but it was difficult to make out from where the party was.

In order to see more they’d need to explore more.

@DancesWMonsters
Silus keeps his head about in his habitual caution as he speaks to AnoYi with that same bemusement "when this one awoke to strange sights i decided to make sure to learn how to survive, either from disease or harm, alchemy was the best choice and i grew to enjoy it, even if I'm stuck using it on adventuring fools" Silus' voice tinted with a light smile as if he said a unheard joke

" There's lots less interesting kinds of 'fools' to be stuck using your alchemical talents on other than Adventurers, m'man..." AnoYi offered back to Silus, somewhat distracted by the sudden silence and the change in tomb architecture. The torchlight made the faded figures and hieroglyphics flicker and jump around, animating the long forgotten images move and cavort lending them an eerie semblance of life. AnoYi whistled lowly, an interesting feat given his muzzle, at the yawning hallway. " Anyone wanna bet that hallway is trapped?" He glanced around in the gloom at the faces of the others for their reactions. "I'd put solid odds on setting off a trap animates one or more of those statues... What do you all think, eh? Or does 'Enter-Risk-Curse mean something different?" he read off what little he could understand from the beastial inscription above the door.

OOC: AnoYi has Enhanced Sense: Sight. Can he tell any more details from looking into the hallway?

Alaerin holds up a hand with a clenched fist closed signaling all to halt progress...

Crouching down he looks at the stone floor looking for any sign of tracks in the dust and tapping the floor with the tip of his Greatsword at a maximum reach to see if he can find any pressure tiles. He also peers at the statues lining the hallway... looking for any ominous holes in their faces that might indicate some kind of poison dart flinging trap.

He will gesture to Automata: Von Mackstein I, "Piece...er I mean Mackstein I ~ I request ypur Technical and Tactical assessment."

He will share his suspicions about potential floor tile pressure plate and possibly poison dart-throwers from the statues, and though that may not be a threat to Mackstein and his Trooper Units... that need not be the actual trap here it could be something different.

"I would offer I manifest my Lightning Ward Ability to emit an Electromotive Barrier to protect myself as I walk down the center of the Hall... while Your Trooper Units advance two-by-two moving along the hallway's sides using the Statues for cover behind my advance... looking for hostiles or even potential trigger traps as I advance slowly. If there are no traps but perhaps instead a guardian beast lairing here... Your Trooper Units will already be in position to crossfire the Threat."

"What is Your Assessment of this Tactic? Can you provide a better tactical approach or modify the Strategy?"

Titles: [Construct], [Order-Keeper] - #bc8dbf

The machine’s attention was temporarily drawn to what looked like to be ancient drawings of a forgotten time. “These seem to be organic representations of a people’s history.” The crimson lenses sparkled under the torchlight. If there was any interest in the drawings and markings by Von Mackenstein, its mechanical face allowed for no expression of it. It wondered how dirty would its breathing-filters be at the end of this incursion. “Unidentified language logged for further study.” It remarked, looking at the writings on the door, committing it to memory as it performed a brief analysis of it. [Action 1]

“Enter-Risk-Curse?” It repeated the words first pronounced by AnoYi, considering something for a moment. “If the statues are renegades ready to strike us, we could launch a probing attack from where we stand. However, we would risk losing the element of surprise if we are wrong.” It shook his head at the very own considerations that had been weighted by its processor. “For now, there is value in remaining covert.”

It slowly turned its attention to Alaerin, assessing what was being proposed. “That would allow us to ‘test the waters’ and see if there is any ambush prepared up-ahead. Deviants often time engage in guerrilla tactics, the cowards.” It clicked its non-existent tongue, finally nodding. “Very well, four of my units, moving in pairs, will accompany you, giving you cover from a few paces of distance. If anything is amiss, they will engage immediately.” Turning towards the Line Fusiliers, it gave the orders quickly, in analog, that they should advance taking over against the statues, while following the human swordsman. [Action 2]

Then pointing, at the one holding the torch, it pointed at itself. The order was simple: Von Mackstein was also going to advance, and the torch-holding construct was supposed to follow it. [Action 3]

Actions:
1 - Appraisal F on the ancient writings of the door
2 - Order the four armed Line Fusiliers to follow behind Alaerin, taking cover and also providing cover for him
3 - Order the torch-holding Line Fusilier to keep close to Von Mackstein

Alearin nodded accepting Machstein's I ~ Trooper Units assistance...

Standing he briefly waited for the Trooper Units to get into position, then hefting his Greatsword in both hands closed his eyes and invoked his Lightning Ward ability... opening his eyes they glowed with an inner electric incandescence... and arcing lightning began to form around him like a nimbus of Sait Elmos' Fire! The arcing lightning trailed from his sword hilt to his body causing glow of azure light to emit from himself and the sword.

Switching to a reverse grip on the blade Alaerin began to walk down the center of the hall... azure light radiated from the nimbus of lightning surrounding him in a glowing aura of power...

Stray arcs of lighting occasionally struck the floor and statues as he ominously walked down the hall... casting flashing eerie blue light about the chamber from the arcing lightning flashes...