“Bullseye” Griselda remarked with a tone of satisfaction as the monster reeled in pain. Meanwhile, Vetreus’s eyes scanned the battlefield carefully. They flickered left and right, taking in any and every bit of information he could. The change in the monster's body language, the ever changing landscape of the labyrinth along with his comrades positioning.

His appraisal confirmed his belief that he had the upper hand in this conformation. A labyrinth was bound to harbor monsters, coupled with one where the monsters were plant based. The searing pain of his blade art would prove devastating to their enemies. His blade would strike true, their ranks were faltering. He could smell blood in the water which only seemed to sharpen his senses.

This assault hadn’t been as once sided as it seemed, Penny having been tripped up in her attack and was now vulnerable. Forcing Esther, the backline, to come into harm's way.

“Griselda.”

“O-On it.”

Understanding her partner's wishes, Griselda would unravel herself from her perch. Rushing to the aid of both Esther and Penny. Anxiety filled her scales, as this was a chance to prove her metal. Like a snake, she slithered her way over to Esther’s position. He didn’t give her a clear direction meaning she was given the liberty of dealing with the conflict how she saw fit. Priorities, threat detection, reading the enemy. Beneath that childlike exterior was a warrior in the making.

“Backups here!”

The dragon chimed, slithering her way around Esther. She wasn’t quite as muscly as Vetreus but still sporting a rather solid build. The fae would feel a noticeable weight on her shoulders as Griselda perched herself upon Esther.

Next, she would puff her cheeks to maximum compacity. Giving her the appearance of a dragon-chipmunk hybrid. Once she was ready to fire, Griselda would open her mouth. Streaks of light would sink into the expanse of green. The trademark proof of her lineage.

Dragon fire

However, A flame didn’t come spewing out of her mouth, though, instead, a bright yellow beam of energy had been unleashed. Griselda had turned into a shoulder mounted laser of destruction. She would find her spells potency increased dramatically but at the expense of her shoulder threatening to give due to the weapons kickback. The fee would have to adjust to her newfound artillery system.

Anxiety was a foreign emotion to Vetreus, but since Griselda had been born. The draconian had become very familiar with that word. As emotional this moment might have been for Griselda, there was an equal amount of burden situated in the pit of Vetreus' stomach. His nerves were screaming to not Griselda out of his sight but he would bite down. Venting the raw emotion in the sound of a battle cry.

“GRAGHHH”

The draconian flew across the battlefield, his blade drawn as he converted his anxiety into anger and rage. The enemy would have to shoulder all his negative emotions. He would close the distance in one breath on the wounded deer. It was time to break their ranks.

The white wyrm blade illuminated in the dark forest with a bright light as Vetreus brought it high over his head. Mana glowed into the tempered metal before the Draconian cleaved down. Every bit of anxiety, fear, and doubt would be unleashed within a series of strikes as he cleaved as the heavily wounded stalker. The evidence of his attack could be found in the smoldering labyrinth floor that featured a series of slashes.

​

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

As new information about the creatures flooded Severin’s senses, he was momentarily in deep thought. His hazel gaze sharpened, taking a rather clinical edge to it. “Puppets being pulled by their strings.” He summarized the creatures’ condition, conjecturing about the tethers which kept them connected to their puppeteer.

With his barrier withstanding the assault against the skeletal familiar, a new wave of assault against the Stalkers had begun. He saw the pieces on the chessboard moving: some more reckless than others, yet boldness could very well deliver bountiful results. ‘Every result is most… interesting.’ He thought to himself, eyes narrowing into dangerous slits.

And then he acted, still not revealing all the cards in his hands. With a flourish of his hand, he twirled his cane, out of theatrics rather than necessity. Pointing its globular crown towards the trio of Stalkers, his lips parted. “Mana Bolt!” Another basic, common spell.

From the circular globe, which pulsated with an ominous, dark green hue, five bolts, in plain azure of raw mana, were launched from it. They arched in midair, flying and travelling towards the bizarre amalgamations. When the bolts reached them, they exploded in a 15ft radius. While the explosion avoided his companions, it spared nothing else. [Action 1]

Actions:
1 - [Mana Bolt] - 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 against all three Stalkers

CDs: D 1/1

[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: ?







[Notes: When moving, declare it as one of the three actions.
Vetreus: Can't use Blight D while using Fighting Style E (reduced to E). Remember to mention stat + weapon grades to make my life easier xD
Esther: Include Focus F in the ability when hoping to move and cast. Her item remains at E even when casting an F grade spell (items are only reduced in grade when they take damage). Repeat the action for combo +1 (both were considered by me) total of 7 Base Effectiveness]
Penny: The grabs attempts should be mentioned in action format, like the other players have done so. They are Strength attempts.

The battlefield becomes a blur of motion and destructive energy as the party presses its advantage with brutal efficiency.
The prone leftmost Stalker becomes the epicenter of a focused assault. As Penny charges forward, fist cocked back, Esther moves with her, snapping her fingers. Two ribbons of raw magic, smaller but more vicious than her last, lash out, one wrapping the creature's neck and the other a free leg. They detonate in a concussive burst of sound and fire just as Griselda, now perched on Esther’s shoulder like a living artillery piece, unleashes a beam of pure yellow energy from her mouth. The concentrated blast of draconic power slams into the creature's side.

This perfectly timed barrage leaves the Stalker reeling. It attempts to roll its thorny back to intercept Penny's incoming blow, but it's too slow, too damaged. Penny’s fist connects with the side of its head with the force of a battering ram. There is a sickening crunch of splintering wood and snapping sinew. The creature's head is smashed into the soft loam, its glowing violet eyes flicker once, and then extinguish.

Simultaneously, the heavily wounded center Stalker faces an even more terrifying onslaught. As Liu begins his impossible charge, Vetreus closes the distance in a heartbeat. His battle cry echoes through the gloom as he brings his glowing White Wyrm blade down. The first strike of his combo cleaves deep into the creature's already smoldering chest wound. The following strikes are a blur of radiant light, hacking through bark and root. The Stalker raises its forelimbs in a desperate, futile block, but the radiant-infused blade carves through them as if they were dry twigs. With a final, brutal downward slash, Vetreus cleaves the creature in two. The two halves fall to the ground, dissolving into black dust and fading embers before they even fully land.

The rightmost Stalker, the last one standing, sees Fei Liu coming. The skeleton is a crouched blur, a battering ram of bone and purpose. The Stalker lowers its head and charges to meet him head-on. The two forces collide with a thunderous CRACK. The Stalker is powerful, but Liu's unnatural momentum is immense. The creature is driven back several feet, its wooden hooves gouging deep furrows in the ground as it struggles to hold its ground against the relentless skeletal powerhouse.

Just as the two are locked in their struggle, Severin's spell arrives. Five bolts of azure mana arc through the air, their explosions strategically placed. The blasts engulf all three positions. The two already-defeated Stalkers are blasted into little more than splinters and dust. The last remaining Stalker, locked in its struggle with Liu, takes the full force of the explosion. The raw mana tears chunks from its body, and it staggers back, its form smoking and fractured. It is grievously wounded, but its struggle against Liu has saved it from utter annihilation.

The fight, which began only moments ago, is nearly over. Only one Verdant Stalker remains, heavily damaged and locked in a contest of strength with the tireless skeletal familiar. The immediate threat has been neutralized with overwhelming force. The path ahead is clear, for now. As the echoes of the explosions fade, the deep, rhythmic THUMP... THUMP... of the forest's heart seems to quicken its pace, and from deeper within the labyrinth, the faint, wet tearing sound that Griselda heard earlier grows noticeably louder, closer. Something has taken notice of the commotion.

MMO 101 was never to let your back line come to the front, but Esther felt confident with her choice. She had seen how well Liu had been protected by the barrier, and felt it would be better if the lot of them worked together to take down the ambush as fast as possible. Hesitation during an ambush would only make things harder on the others.

What Esther felt less confident in was how well she could support a serpentine dragon on her shoulder.

"Oh my!"

While Esther had been treating the dragon as some great warrior, it was something else to see “little Griselda” laying waste to their enemies. She could feel the heat on the side of her face as her shoulder mounted dragon continued their sweeping attack. She stood as still as she could, as it would be unfortunate if their poor mute companion lost her head here.

Not that they were very poor, as they were ultimately the one to cave in the stalker’s head. And while she couldn’t see it directly, she could see the golden light from Vetreus’s attack, and hear everything from the warcry to the creature falling to pieces.

"That's two down."

And then, more magical projectiles. Severin certainly was handy with that staff. He didn’t even leave the corpses alone, as they were blown to bits by a hail of magic.

All that was left was the last stalker, the one that Liu was holding in place. While it would have been possible to blast it from a distance with a stronger spell, she saw little reason to against a single enemy. Better to hold off until something more worthwhile came along. But it was difficult to run with the extra weight on her shoulder.

"Would you mind walking, dear? I’m not as strong as Vetreus is." In fact moving was such an ordeal that when (if) she got close enough to the other stalker, she was only able to snap once out of the effort she exerted approaching the creature. Hopefully she could pull it off balance and give her skeletal companion the edge he needed to finish it off.

Liu, without any fancy magic to speak of, was satisfied with the performance of his group. Hopefully they got the picture -- he was much more for utility than battle -- and didn't think too poorly of it. Resorting to crudeness once more, he let go of the dog with one arm and dropped the sharp of his elbow upon its head and body three times to hopefully break the form down. Hopefully they didn't think too poorly of it either. Nothing shimmered, no light gathered upon his limbs, it was mere violence. Sap and juice began to cover his limbs and clothing. Very much unlike the good doctor and pretty much everyone else in the party, he was very rapidly becoming covered in forest filth.

No abilities or items used, strength is B. Natural Armor A (or B) is in his repertoire.

Actions:
1. Pound Effectiveness 5
2. Pound
3. Pound

@DoubleChecker@Book @Red Hood @pkken

Penny pulled back her fist from the crumpled remains of the stalker, dusting her knuckle off of debris leftover from the blow she had administered to the beast. Feeling heat generated from the little dragons attacks she decided to try to stay out of the way to avoid being crisped herself. It was also fortunate the dragon had taken up residence upon the taller Esther then herself as Penny wasn’t so certain how well she would be able to use her strikes while so encumbered. Esther at least had the advantage of being ranged based.

Now turning her head towards Liu as he had things handled with his own stalker without her help needed. Allowing Penny to save up more energy for whatever came at them next. With so many foreboding sounds coming from deeper in the forest, Penny didn’t like the sound of whatever was out there. It was likely they would have to fight whatever it was next. Nothing in this forest looked like it was going to be cuddly and friendly. Prepared to follow the lead of the others until the next threat arose. She kept an alert gaze on the surrounding forestry while listening to the foreboding sounds as they came ever closer.

Griselda was in disbelief as her breath attack dealt heavy damage to the
creature. Thus opening up Penny to put the creature out for good. She had provided assistance in killing the monster. It wasn’t a kill all on her own but it was a start.

The moment was broken up by Esther mentioning struggling to prop Griselda up. While the dragon would nod, it was a shame the Fae couldn’t support her. She smelled miles better than Vetreus did. She would uncoil herself, retreating to the floor beside Esther. Watching Vetreus fight on.

The draconian was relentless in his pursuit, not providing a moment for the stalker to catch its bearings. After his initial slashes, Vetreus prepared to continue his assault but an explosion of magic would come crashing down onto his foe. Kicking up dirt and vines in the air. The man would hold his wrist up to shelter his eyes from the light. The smell of burnt wood stung his nose as he saw a crater from where the stalker once stood. It was dead.

Fei seemed to be gaining the upper hand on the last creature. Vetreus was a bit apprehensive to interfere, he had not only the clear advantage over the monsters but also Fei as well with his radiant damage. He would choose to lower his blade but should he see Fei begin losing he would make his mark.

Things felt almost too easy, surely there was something coming their way after that display of power. Vetreus kept his gaze fixed on the distance. Worried that perhaps something might converge on them any moment.

[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 battle's chaotic crescendo gives way to a swift and brutal conclusion.

The last remaining Verdant Stalker, already fractured and smoking from Severin's mana bolts, finds itself locked in a desperate struggle against Fei Liu's overwhelming strength. As the two are locked in their stalemate, Esther hurries forward, Griselda dismounting from her shoulder to allow her more speed. Reaching the fray, Esther snaps her fingers. A ribbon of distorted music lashes out, wrapping around the Stalker's leg and giving a sharp tug. The creature, already off-balance from its struggle with Liu, stumbles.

That single moment of instability is all the opening Fei Liu needs. With the creature's defenses compromised, the skeleton unleashes a merciless flurry of bone-jarring elbow strikes. The first blow cracks the Stalker's wooden skull. The second shatters its shoulder. The third pulverizes its core. The creature collapses into a heap of splintered wood and viscous sap, its internal magical light extinguishing with a final, pathetic flicker. The immediate threat is gone.

Silence descends upon the narrow path, broken only by the soft hum of Vaust's barrier spell and the ever-present, rhythmic THUMP... THUMP... of the forest. The air is thick with the smell of ozone, burnt wood, and the creature's sap, which smells faintly of pine and rot. The path ahead is littered with the debris of the swift, violent encounter.

As the adrenaline fades, the ominous sounds of the labyrinth return to the forefront. The wet, tearing noise is closer now, accompanied by a low, guttural chuffing, like some massive beast clearing its throat. It seems to be coming from just around the next bend in the winding path.

The party moves forward cautiously, stepping over the splintered remains of the Stalkers. As they round the bend, the source of the sounds is revealed, and the path opens into a small, grotesque clearing.

The scene is one of carnage. A massive, boar-like creature, easily twice the size of a carriage horse, lies dead on its side. Its hide is thick and bristly, but large patches have been torn away, revealing raw muscle and bone. This is not what holds your attention.

Standing over the carcass is another creature. It is humanoid in shape, standing at least eight feet tall, but its body is a horrific tapestry of the forest's corruption. Its skin is like pale, stretched bark, its limbs are long and knotted like ancient roots, and a mane of dark green moss hangs from its hunched shoulders. It is currently using long, claw-like fingers to methodically tear strips of flesh from the dead boar's flank and stuff them into a wide, lipless mouth that splits its face from ear to ear. It hasn't noticed the party yet, completely engrossed in its grisly meal.

This is not a Stalker. This is something different, something seemingly more intelligent.

To the left of the clearing, nestled between the roots of a colossal, weeping tree, is a small, dilapidated structure. It looks like a hunter's shack or a hermit's hovel, but it has been partially reclaimed by the forest. Thick vines crawl over its sagging roof, and the door hangs crookedly on a single hinge. A faint, intermittent golden light pulses from within the single, grimy window, momentarily illuminating the dark interior in time with the forest's heartbeat.

The creature continues its grim feast, oblivious. The shack waits, pulsing with a mysterious light.

​

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, having decided to not intercede as the remaining Stalker was attack by both Esther’s magic and Liu’s might, looked at the going battle for a moment longer, before his eyes slid towards the narrow path of the thicket. “The puppet’s life is spent. Let’s continue ahead.” His voice echoed, moments before the last of the bony strikes were delivered against aberration. And, along with his words, the necromancer began threading down the path before them.

Every time the reverberating of the continuous thump reached his ears, his faux mustache twitched involuntarily. Yet his face remained unchanging: it was still adorned with the calm façade seen back at the Ethereal Luminary. If the man was simply unexpressive, or something else entirely, was up to each of his companions’ interpretations. The oppressive aura that exuded from him, however, was a permanent remainder.

Upon stepping into the clearing, Severin would produce a handkerchief from his pocket with his free hand, holding it against his mouth and nose. “The stench of rot and decay will likely only get worse as we delve deeper.” He remarked, his voice now slightly muffled by the cloth. And then his eyes finally fell upon the ‘thing’.

While the monster had been able to pretend the rot and stench bothered him, he couldn’t fake surprise upon seeing the tall, mishappen humanoid. And maybe it was for the best.

He stared at the creature at the distance with a clinical gaze, seeing how it tore flesh, muscle and fat while gorging itself upon the dead boar. Was it actually a boar? He didn’t know, nor did he quite care. There was however a bit of curiosity of what that thing was. With that, his eyes darkened, becoming purple for a singular moment, as he used his [Ancient Knowledge]. [Action 1]

“It seems like we could just ignore the creature and head to the shack over there. Or we could deal with it as with did to the Stalkers.” Severin’s tone was lower this time around, voice unflinching, not quite minding which of the options the others decided on.

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

CDs: D 0/1

Liu likely didn’t need the help, but why take a chance?

With everyone here with their fantastical spells and flashy attacks, it was easy to feel removed from what was going on. Seeing a mute girl try to suplex a stalker, Zelda cut through his foes with a shining sword, or any of the destructive powers Severen or Griselda brought to bear all looked like attacks you’d see in a tv show. But it was different with Liu. Yes, giant skeletons don’t typically walk and talk, but his way of fighting was just as savage and unglamorous as the real thing. When he caved the creature’s head in, the sap splattered like blood. Esther’s outfit might have been soiled by it if the barrier protecting her didn’t catch it. Regardless of the method, the end result was the same. It was hard to pity such twisted creatures, but it was a reminder of what was going on here. This wasn’t a a show, it was reality now.

Esther jerked her head when Severin suggested they go on. "Ah, yes. No point in dallying here." It was a shame she didn’t have water magic. Liu looked like he could use a washing. Well, that would come later.

…

…

…

"Good heavens!"

Esther managed to keep her voice down, but that thing looked a bit bigger than the stalkers. "Well, if we don’t deal with it now, we may have to deal with it later. But if those things are hiding about, they may try to attack us while we’re distracted." She looked to the shed. "It’s always good to know one’s surroundings. If anyone feels confident in their ability to avoid detection and investigate the shed, I think that would be the ideal thing to do. Otherwise, maybe someone swift enough to get there and return in a timely fashion." She stared at the shed a moment longer. "I doubt whatever’s in there is friendly."

She turned and looked between Liu and Vetreus. "You two seem to be the fastest among us. I feel like Liu would be more resilient to any poisonous plants that might be growing in there, but Vetreus might have an easier time dealing with any creature that’s inside." She scrunched up her face. "Well, I’m not going to tell either of you what to do. What do you think?"

Liu rose from the kill and stared down at it for a moment. It was unclear whether, if his vision were actually obscured by this darkness (it was not), the dead creature at his feet would look more or less morbid. Gore, glistening bone, things that should be hidden inside taken apart in a mess. He could feel his mind sliding back to the past. Eyes he knew the prior night, once shining with life and wit and humor, lifeless and staring blankly at the unseen horizon, silent witness to the fate of all things, suddenly a stranger. The audacity of the dead to share its face with what once lived set his jaw. Bounding from the scene before him, nausea leapt for his guts with vise hands. It passed through, he has no guts to speak of. Malaise was wiped away by the issue at hand.

Continuing on their way, he stopped cold when he noticed the bipedal creature on top of a mountainous beast. He had no idea where to look first. When it was suggested that he enter the building, he replied, "if there is a fight inside, I am not deadly enough to finish it silently. If there is a fight out here, anything inside will join us. Though I do not yearn for battle, if we leave this creature behind us while we investigate the center of the forest, it opens us to being cut off if a hasty retreat is required. I believe we should ensure there are no more enemies in the area before engaging with it carefully."

While he voiced his analysis, his occult sight probed the area around them searching for any further problems, but he did not make any moves to act, ducking down and making sure he was out of sight while speaking in a very low tone.

1. Hide
2. Search the area for signs of life, activating [Supersense D].
3. --

@DoubleChecker@Book @Red Hood @pkken

There wasn’t much time to take a break after the first encounter with the stalkers before they came upon a far greater beast. Its eight foot stature and build would make it far more difficult to get rid of in an orderly and quick manner like they had done with the Stalkers. It was a formidable creature if it had taken down the boar on its own. It was way taller and way stronger then Penny that much she could tell with just a glance at the unwieldy and grotesque beast. The biggest problem was that it was currently near the shack of interest and sneaking by it may not be so simple. If it was a predator then it surely had to have some kind of attuned senses that would alert it to any attempt they made to sneak by if they made even the slightest slip up or untimely movement. Then there was the fact that even if they made it into the shack, there was no guarantee anyone or anything of importance was within it, or worse yet they found another beast they would have to deal with at the same time as the first.

It looked like she wasn’t the only one that was conflicted about the next course of action as Vaust, Esther and Liu all seemed to have doubts when suggesting how to approach the situation. It was clear that Penny shouldn’t make any rash decisions and she should wait for the others to come to some kind of consensus of action. She knew as well as anyone she wasn’t the best equipped for speed or stealth, so she would just have to rely on the others until the fighting was inevitable. Then that would be the time she would finally have something she could do that would be of help to the group. Deciding to keep her silence as to not alert the beast since she had nothing to add to the current plan that was any different than what had been suggested to this point. She kept herself battle ready on the chance that she would have to swiftly step in to defend one of her allies if the plan didn’t go well.

Vetreus stared at the stalker with disdain, his sword pointed to the ground and extended. Prepared for violence should anything go awry. Luckily enough, the combined efforts of Esther and Liu would be enough.

With a satisfied grunt, the draconian’s blade would shined a bright. Emitting a radiant burst of energy, cleansing the blade of any sap or debris that may have been residual from combat. After a short moment, the white wyrm would return to a dormant state.

The first bout ended in decisive victory, as it should. Griselda would find herself coiled around Vetreus’s shoulder once again.

The group would progress through the labyrinth, the silent thumping growing closer with every step. Shortly, they would move into a brief clearing with a large monster. The smell of raw flesh would consume their nostrils, while Vetreus seemed a bit perturbed. The dragon on his shoulder seemed anything but, her stomach growling at the smell of raw boar. Suddenly, he would feel his elbow become drenched in drool.

“Compose yourself.” Vetreus snapped on a low growl

The dragon would point her nose down in a sheepish smile.

As Esther and Liu voiced a plan, the draconian was busy wiping his arm clean with a cloth before turning.

“I’d rather deal with the abomination first before directing our attention elsewhere. We risk forfeiting the element of surprise if we venture towards the shack first.” Vetreus raised his blade, emitting bloodlust as he watched the monster feast. “Glad you know your place.” He shot a side eye at Esther’s final comment.

“I can deal with anything inside, but I might bring the house down in a glorious fire should a fight happen.” The corner of his lips would curl into a grin. There was always the plan of splitting from Griselda but Veterus was wary of letting her out of his sight.

He would fix his gaze on the creature before him, bringing his blade forward. “Let’s try that move Griselda.” The dragon would nod. “Then can we eat after?” The noodle smiled.

“If you pull it off.” He smirked.

The white wyrm glowed brightly as radiant energy flowed through the blade. Griselda would puff her cheeks up full of dragon breath before blowing on the blade. The light emitting from the blade would increase, emitting an almost blinding light.

Vetreus could feel the heat emanating from the blade threatening to scorch his own skin. A hint of a smile creeping up on his face as he swung the blade to his side and assumed a stance. Quickly, 3 slashes were made, with it, 3 arcs of dragon fire radiant energy were sent flying towards the monster.

[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 last echoes of battle fade, replaced by the grim tableau in the clearing ahead. The party halts at the edge of the treeline, concealed for the moment by the oppressive gloom.

As the others debate their next move, Severin's focus narrows on the hulking, bark-skinned creature hunched over its kill. His eyes flash a deep, unnatural purple for a moment as his Ancient Knowledge washes over the scene.



While Severin processes this information, Fei Liu's own senses expand. His Supersense probes the immediate area. He confirms the Grave-Tender is the only large creature in the clearing. However, he detects a cluster of smaller life signs—faint and difficult to parse—emanating from inside the dilapidated shack. They are small, still, and numerous.

The debate on how to proceed is swift. Esther and Liu voice caution, weighing the risks of leaving an enemy at their back versus splitting their attention. Vetreus, however, is decisive. Before anyone can argue, he and Griselda act as one.

The White Wyrm blade begins to glow with a fierce, radiant light. Griselda, perched on Vetreus's shoulder, inhales deeply and breathes a concentrated stream of her own draconic energy directly onto the blade. The two energies merge, and the light emanating from the katana becomes blindingly intense, warping the air around it with sheer heat.

With a smirk, Vetreus swings the supercharged blade. Three swift, horizontal slashes cut through the air, and from them, three massive, crescent-shaped arcs of blazing, dragon-fire-infused radiant energy are unleashed. They scream across the clearing, converging on the unsuspecting Grave-Tender.

The creature, alerted a split-second before impact by the roar of the attack, looks up from its meal. Its wide, lipless mouth opens in a silent snarl, but it has no time to react.

The first arc of energy slams into its side, vaporizing flesh and bark in a shower of embers. The second hits its shoulder, severing its arm at the elbow. The third, and most powerful, strikes it directly in the chest. The combined force of the attack is cataclysmic. The Grave-Tender is lifted from its feet and thrown backward, its body engulfed in a vortex of white-gold fire. It hits the trunk of a massive tree with a sound like a thunderclap and then simply... disintegrates.

Where the eight-foot-tall creature stood moments ago, there is now only a large, black scorch mark on the tree trunk and a pile of smoldering, white-hot ash on the ground.

The clearing falls utterly silent, save for the crackle of residual energy and the ever-present, rhythmic THUMP... THUMP... of the forest's heart. The element of surprise was used with absolute, overwhelming finality.

The path to the shack is now completely clear.

​

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, seeing how Vetreus charged to engage the creature, took a single step back. However, the faux-human didn’t retreat from the path they came from, no. Rather, he took a step back towards Fei Liu instead.

Silently, the mimicry that were his hazel eyes locked upon the draconian man as the blade he wielded moved. The quiet observation had a purpose different from analyzing his movements or trying to peer into his technique. The objective in that very moment getting the perfect timing. And as soon as the Grave-Tender was launched into a tree…

… there it was. A smile on his lips.

In the next moment, there was nothing. At least, not where Liu Fei and Severin Vaust stood. Instead, two simulacra made of illusions of both of them stood ahead of the group.

“Well then, time to check what is inside, as I haven’t detected anything else in here. You first, your highness.” Faux Liu remarked to Vetreus, sarcasm biting in its tone, offering the way forward for the draconian, tilting his head to Esther and nodding slightly.

“That was horribly underwhelming.” Faux Severin remarked, handkerchief still being held against his nose. “Shall we investigate what is inside the shack?” He said, was stepping closer to the ruined construction, pushing the ending of his cane against the side of the structure itself, as if testing how hardy it was.

Meanwhile…

With the magical camouflage set amongst the bushes and abhorrent vegetation, an unnatural pitch-black darkness reigned at Severin and Liu’s surroundings. However, the darkness would still allow the familiar to peer at either his host or the group in the distance, even as the scenery was a void. It was a bizarre, colorless land of any detail.

“This shouldn’t take too long… or at least ought to not take too long. Otherwise, things might get a bit… confusing for our friends over there.” The necromancer said, his tone one of amusement, as he let his mortal guise fray away for the moment, leaning closer to the lumbering skeleton.



“Where can I find the human necromancer? As much as the dead talk to me, they can’t quite pinpoint her location.” His index skeletal finger tapped against the glass crown of his cane, along with a deep, reverberating hum. “I gander we might have common interests, despite her mortal nature.” ⚐︎⬧︎⬧︎♋︎■︎♏︎⧫︎♒︎ peered into the skull of its kin, with hollow eye-sockets which burned purple.

Actions:
1/2 - The Mirror - Energized C + Componentless Magic C + Magic C + Magic AoE D (500ft radius) + Magic Range D (1000ft) + Magic Targets E (10 different targets) + Selective Magic D (Controlling how Control Environment is behaving) + Control Environment D + Illusion D + Barrier D + Spell Duration D - Grade C 2 Post Cooldown

CDs: D 1/1, C 0/2

Liu, impressed with the lordling's power, began to step forward carefully. It was in that moment that the surroundings were engulfed in darkness. Magic. Perhaps some form of confinement. Right behind him the form of Vaust melted away. His head turned to the side with his back fasting 'Vaust,' as though to regard the form from the corner of his 'eye,' then he turned around to converse, not shy about coming within close proximity. Though this nonconsensual use of magic set his hackles up and he had the urge to drop-kick this being with the extent of his speed, the fact is that this entity had plenty of opportunity to harm him and did not. He chose to believe that the being wanted to make contact with Iberis. He chose to speak in the language of )undeath( to this creature, a language he did not need to be taught as it emanated from the core of his being in a way he could not describe if he wanted to.

)"Resplendent, it helps distract from the unceremoniousness. I am not at liberty to say where one can find my master. I can assure you that I will deliver your wish to make contact; I deliver all wishes to make contact. We may converse about this once our task is behind us,"( he confirmed. Up to this point, his tone was somewhat soft, like a diaphanous curtain. Here, his tone dried up. He delivered the affirmation with an impertinent command, in an arid tone and the words came out with speed, stiff and veiled with the vague threat of starting off on the wrong foot with 'the human necromancer.'

Liu adjusted his filthy garb a bit and turned back in the direction he was facing originally. Though he had no inkling of how precisely this ability worked, for all he knew it could be entirely in his own mind, he had his doubts that the illustrious professor could stop time and thought it relatively unlikely that they had been swallowed by a personal domain. He knows the feeling of traveling between planes.

Before Esther could agree with Liu’s suggestion, Vetreus just sort of made the choice for everyone that no, we were going to fight the big tree monster first before we did anything else. He didn’t do this through careful reasoning or solid logic, but by attacking the creature while it was distracted. And that seemed to work? Esther didn’t want anyone to get hurt, but it was almost anticlimactic how easily the creature was bested. They made it look even weaker than the stalkers.

"That takes care of that. Good job, Griselda, you kept everyone safe."

Now all that was left was the shed. Since nothing had come out of it, Esther would have been fine leaving it alone, but it seemed like everyone else wanted to investigate. Everyone who was capable of speech anyway.

It did surprise Esther that Liu seemed so agitated. When the haughty noble was ribbing him before, he took it in stride, and seemed exceptionally well mannered. But his sarcastic tone didn’t seem quite in character for him. Had this last act pushed him over the edge?

"Hopefully he’s not that fast with the woman in his life." Esther said more to herself than anyone else as they approached the door. "I’m going to pull the door open. Get ready."

Rather than let whatever was in there ambush them, Esther figured she could stand a good distance away and open the door that way. Then everyone could look inside without any surprises. Alternatively, whatever was going to ambush them had some ground to cover before they got attacked.

Or maybe Zelda would run in there swinging his sword before she could conjure her spell. The children tended to play him bold and brash too.

The swordsman held his follow through as he watched the slashes of his blade decimate the foe that stood before them. The melding of radiant energy and dragon fire proved to be a destructive combination. If the abomination garnered the same weaknesses as the stalker then It was likely there was little to no trace of it left.

Vetreus could feel heat emanating from the blade. The scorching steel threatening to burn its wielder with daring desire. Even the draconian was caught off guard, slightly stunned because he knew that the move could’ve caused more desire if he chose it.

It would only grow stronger from here.

Griselda would break him out of his thoughts, snaking around his face with a wide toothy grin.

“Sooooo? Did we do it did we do it?Canieatitcanieatitcanieati?” She bounced in front of him with childlike wonder. Thick strands of saliva were ready to pour out of her mouth in gluttonous desire.

The draconian would compose himself, taking a breath of air.

“No, you should clear the area before lowering your guard.” He growled, his gaze was fixed on the shed that stood eerily nearby.

The dragon deflated slightly. She had been obedient and good on the mission thus far. Why must Vetreus be so rude and deprive her of a meal she earned? He agreed after all! She would chuff out sulfur from her nose in a sassy manner, her body language lacking its usual youthfulness. Even Esther’s compliment wasn’t enough to pull her out of her temper.

“Hmm…yah sure..no problem.” She muttered, though her tail didn’t betray the slight joy the thanks gave her.

Fei’s remark made Vetreus smirk, “Found your funny bone while fighting I see, good.” He would turn towards the shed, two hands firmly placed on the White Wyrms' hilt. He was prepared for what lay behind the door.

@DoubleChecker@Book @Red Hood @pkken


It had all been over in a blink of an eye, the formidable beast was slayed and soon disappeared after its demise at the blade of Vetreus. Penny let out a small sigh as she had thought they would be in for a bit of a longer battle then the first but that ended up not being the case. With that problem unceremoniously dealt with, that left the mysterious shack and what may inhabit it.

The others had already moved in to explore and examine it more closely before the last of the beast that had been slain could even be reclaimed by the forest. Penny was in no real rush herself as the others seemed to know what they were doing and didn’t seem to need her help in doing it right now. The best thing for her right now was to stay on guard and be at the ready if something more dangerous and sinister than what they had encountered so far emerged from the shack when it was opened. Though the place did look like it could use some cleaning up, maybe if there was a peaceful resident she could help arrange that. Though that seemed highly unlikely, and it was even more unlikely she would get to clean anything out in a forest like this. So far everything had to be handled with her fists with very little room for anything else.

She remained in the back behind the group as she waited with great anticipation for the door to be swung open and the contents of the shack revealed. Hoping for once that something good would be found within, but knowing how things went, and her own luck the odds of that seemed slim. Taking up a defensive stance as she prepared both physically and mentally for a potential battle. Her eyes focused on the foreboding door as Esther prepared to open it.

[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 clearing falls deathly silent after the Grave-Tender's explosive demise. The only sounds are the crackle of residual energy from Vetreus's attack and the relentless, rhythmic THUMP... THUMP... of the forest's heart.

As the party regroups, the two figures of Severin and Liu—or what appears to be them—offer their commentary. The Faux Liu gestures sardonically toward the shack with uncharacteristic sarcasm, while the Faux Severin prods the building's exterior, declaring the previous fight "horribly underwhelming."

Ignoring the strange shift in their companions' demeanors, Esther steps forward to deal with the shack. A ribbon of shimmering musical energy snakes from her fingertips, wrapping securely around the door's rusted handle. With a sharp tug of her will, the ribbon pulls back.
The door groans in protest, its single hinge shrieking as it's forced open. It swings inward with a final, shuddering crash, revealing the interior.

The scene within is one of quiet, dusty reverence. The air that spills out is thick with the smell of dry rot, old blood, and something else, something faintly resinous like amber. The shack is a single, small room, and the golden light pulsing within illuminates several points of interest:

The Heartstone: In the absolute center of the room, resting on a crude wooden table, is the source of the light. It is a large, rough-hewn crystal, the size of a human head, glowing with a warm, rhythmic golden pulse. It seems to beat in time with the forest itself. The table it rests on is stained with dark, dried liquid.

The Congregation: The walls are lined with rickety shelves, and upon them sit dozens upon dozens of small, crudely carved wooden figures. There are dolls with button eyes, misshapen animals, and other unidentifiable shapes. Every single one of them is turned to face the pulsing crystal, a silent, unmoving audience frozen in perpetual worship. They are covered in a thick layer of dust, suggesting they have been undisturbed for a very long time.

The Hermit's Corner: In the back-left corner of the shack, there is a small, collapsed cot made of rotting wood and tattered cloth. Beside it, a small, leather-bound journal lies open on the floor, its pages yellowed and water-damaged.

The shack is still. Nothing lunges out. Nothing attacks. There is only the pulsing light, the silent, watchful eyes of the wooden dolls, and the promise of discovery within the dusty confines.