A group had been sent to one of the northern mega dungeons far North up into Republic of Kuridan lands lands. Some more powerful than others, the task was straight forward enough, clear some of the earlier floors, those who were interested would have an opportunity to get a standing with their desired nation’s Adventurer guild, or come away from loot/payment in some form for partaking.

The temperate was fairly cool, and the elevation was raised, some forest surrounding the large stone cube with wide ornate doors which looked sort of like the faces of Kuridan inspired demons had been carved into the stone sculptured long ago, the entrance was open, many talismen were placed around the perimeter of the entrance. There was also a tori gate which had some additional talisman placed on it.

There were also a couple tall wooden poles placed near the entrance which had a series of warnings posted in beastial.

Presumably they were some kind of last resort should enough monsters attempt to leave the dungeon, but thankfully it had not been necessary yet as the population was periodically culled between the adventurers, monster part harvesters and warriors who wanted to train and prove themselves in general.

Given it’s remote location and it being a harder place to get to unless people had alternative safe enough means of transportation a caravan had been sent.




One well off young lady had made her way there via private transportation via a magitech contraption which had eventually been cleared with the authorities when she was able to provide proper documentation that she was going to be helping with adventurer guild/monster culling related work. It hadn’t been the most pleasant traveling there for the days it took, stopping so the thing didn’t get too cold or overheat in the adverse more difficult traveling terrain.

Her name was Clarisse D’Estelle From noble house D’Estelle, from the magic duchy. She was dressed in white-sleek semi-futurey looking clothing fit for someone from the magic academy.

She seemed a bit less than totally pleased to be there, a bit of a pout on her face.

“Let’s just get this over with.” She stated matter of fact sounding a bit annoyed, to anyone else who had arrived at the entrance in earshot, gripping a white fan in her right hand which was currently compact.

Having been reduced to a mere mortal and reincarnated into this world Kain had no choice but to follow its rules. This led him to join the adventurers guild in Ryke so he could start taking official jobs and earn some coin. Which brings him to his current position, arriving at the dungeon to assist with clearing some of the upper floors.

His journey on foot had been quite treacherous but it seemed he was still second to arrive, walking up just in time to hear Clarisse speak, offering up a reply. “Famous last words.” He walked by the woman and let out a whistle as he peered into the dungeon. “I suppose introductions are in order. I am Solvaris Kain.” He spoke while keeping his back facing Clarisse.

His golden scales shimmered in the light as clouds passed by overhead. “You may call me Kain, as my worshipers used to.” He crossed his arms over his chest, finally turning to face the woman. His expression was that of someone who definitely thought they were the most important person on the planet. Being a reincarnated god came with some personality flaws.

Holding his wide brim hat on his head against the cool mountain wind gusts, Samuel eyed the ominously talisman festooned approach to the dungeon entrance. "Certainly sets the mood, right?” he Gambler quipped to his new compatriots to perhaps lighten the mood.
His long coat and thin tie rustled in the breeze as he surveyed those going into the monster-filled cave alongside him. A rescue mission against Goblins had given him a new thrill to pursue away from the card table. "You can call me Sam. Samuel Chance, at your service." he dipped his head in a quick acknowledgement of the others. "Gambler by trade, I bring luck and a bit of defensive and healing magics to the table. I presume the Duchy offers stronger magic than mine to add to the brute force Kain offers?” he speculated, curious as to the abilities of the others.

Having been dropped just a few yards from the entrance by the caravan, Marcelin Brightfeather walked with a spring in his step. His spirit was especially high after successfully bringing the children back to their parents in the previous quest he had embarked on. “The vile forest spirit, nothing but an overgrown thicket, trembled in fear as the roaring flames of the deformed monster turned hero, engulfing its surroundings…" The storyteller dictated aloud, his voice carrying across the yard as the quill scratched against the parchment.

His bright, emerald eyes lifted from the paper, hovering on both the well-off-looking young lady and the golden-scaled man. He smiled, his golden mustache twitching. “Huzzah! What a great gathering of fine individuals!” Approaching with a theatrical glide he put both paper and quill inside the leather satchel slung around his neck.

First, to Clarisse, he removed his feathered bonnet, bowing low. “My lady, what fortune to make your acquaintance! To think someone of your apparent status would care about those not even fit to clean the dirt from your shoes! That speaks volumes of your gilded heart!”

Then, turning to Solvaris, he repeated the bow. “And you, your eminence, to have such a merciful heart and notion of duty that you would leave your godly matters to tend to the mundane and unworthy problems! That speaks volumes of your noble soul!”

Finally, rising to his feet and placing the feathered bonnet back on his head, the storyteller spread his arms wide. “This is turning out to be the beginning of a grand epic! An epic whose sheer scale rivals the ancient tales of woe!” His arms fell to their sides. “I’m Marcelin Brightfeather, nothing but a humble storyteller.”

As they were joined by two others Kain stepped toward Sam. “A gambler you say? Seems we both like to put our faith in luck. In another life you might have even worshiped me. As for my abilities, I command lightning and have a bit of a lucky streak myself. Don't be fooled by my godlike appearance, these muscles are just for show.”

Kain smirked and turned his attention toward Marcelin as he bowed. “Finally, someone who knows how to greet a former god. You shall serve me well, assuming you live to tell others of my greatness.” Kain let out a boisterous laugh and slapped Marcelin on the back. “This shall be a grand adventure as you say! Come, let us get started!”

The slap on his back made Marcelin stumble forward, his feathered bonnet slipping askew. “Hahahaha! Your eminence can be sure that your exploits during our incursion will be known in all eight realms on the continent! The story, and I, always survive.”

Straightening his back and fixing his hat, he slipped beside Samuel with liquid grace. “Samuel Chance, the Gambler!” He extended one hand forward, ringed fingers pointing towards the maw of the dungeon. “Fortune, luck, and chance; the excitement and exhilaration of the roll of the die, the flip of the coin, and the draw of the card! Each success seeming to confirm what every gambler must surely suspect: that the universe and fate favor him!”

With a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, he took a step back. “A pleasure to meet you. Now I’m more than certain that Delilah, Goddess of Luck, will be watching over every one of our steps.”

Clarisse looked to Solvaris Kain and blinked a couple times. Before a smile began to appear on her face, it might have almost been wholesome if it didn't eventually devolve into a haughty laugh, as she raised her fan and opened it.

"O-hohoho, I'm supposed to believe that someone taking a job like this used to have worshippers? So you're a former god then? Going to smite all the monsters we encounter with your divine might?"

"The main reason I was assigned here was to make sure nobodies in the guild like yourself don't get killed because you decided to venture into a great dungeon, so pardon me if I find that hard to believe, So Kain, If I'm wrong then I hope you can prove it with your abilities in there."

She then looked to Samuel Chance, continuing her almost smug smile. "Of course the Grand Duchy of Roran sent someone of high caliber, the academy sent me, only from one of the finest noble houses in the nation, House D'Estelle." She'd give a bit of a curtsey, and you are all in the presence of Clarisse D'Estelle.

Clarisse also looked to Marcelin, whom she likely would have included in that, as she stood up straight, "Someone speaking sense, yes I suppose my heart is pretty gilded to lower myself to low level guild work to make sure that you all don't get harmed." she accepted the praise smuggly.

"Though a storyteller doesn't exactly sound like someone whose been in a fight much.." She sighed a bit, "Looks like even Clarisse D'Estelle has her work cut out for her a bit, now then let's get going, the sooner we clear these floors the sooner you all get paid or whatever and we can be somewhere more comfortable.

====

With that Clarisse headed into the entrance. The group would pretty quickly be met with a series of square stairs that headed downward, They were wide enough for them to walk in pairs side by side if they desired, but thankfully it looked like someone had placed some torches which had enchantment runes on them, keeping them burning much longer than a standard torch. The rock itself was dark and tiled.

Should the others follow Clarisse after about 15 flights of stairs heading downward, with some more beastial carvings in the staircase walls here and there, they'd eventually reach what looked like the start of the first floor, another tori gate this time stone marked 'first floor' in multiple common languages including common., beyond the gate was what looked like an obsidan tile hallway with some more torches aligning it but thankfully it was wide enough for the group all to stand in aline across it's width and walk through it if they wanted too.

However down the hallway some it became pretty clear that they were not alone, there were a group of five or so skeletons which were milling about, their bones making creaking sounds as they idled and walked around the dungeon, if anything looking sort of bored in their body language, three carried rusty katanas, two others carried what looked like old Republic style su yari spears, some of them also had what looked like broken crummy condition kurdian armor on their bodies.

Instead of acting immediately Clarisse simply waited for the others to act first, knowing full well she wasn't supposed to blow everything away on this job but give the others a chance.

(Narrator note: Not formally in combat yet, the skeletons do not appear to notice the group yet. It can be assumed that they are within melee attack range with a single movement action, within Range F attack range.

“Oh ho-ho. Though I am far from my original divine self. I assure you that I will pull my weight.”

With that he followed Clarisse down into the depths of the dungeon to the first floor where the skeletons awaited their demise. With a smirk on his face and some pep in his step Kain waltzed right into the room and held up his right hand. His scales glowed faintly as he called forth his Divine Surge toward the closest skeleton, attempting to strike it down in one blow.

“Five of you versus one of me. You'll need reinforcements if you hope to kill a god such as I.”

Knowing that all eyes would probably be on him he circled around the skeletons after his original attack in hope that they would turn their backs to the rest of the party, allowing them an opening to attack.

Actions
1. Step into the room to initiate combat.
2. Attack the nearest skeleton with Divine Surge. Divine Surge(Flux): [Elemental] Affinity [Lightning] F, Magic F, Magic Augmentor F [Range]. (Grade F, Cooldown 0.) (Lighting strikes a single target within 30 feet of Kain for immediate damage.)
3. Circle around the enemy in hopes of getting them to turn away from the party.

"Well, I reckon with a former god and nobility from the Duchy, we should have things well in hand for this little venture." Samuel agreed. "As I've just gotten a taste for adventuring, I'll be glad for all the babysitting... I'll pull my weight where I can and Marcelin can relate the tales of our exploits." Even if Clarisse had meant to talk down to him, Samuel remained humble and thankful for the help.
The Gambler kept quiet and observed the carvings, reliefs and signage as the group descended into the yawning depths of the dungeon. "This place would make for quite the bunker...if not for the roaming monsters." he quipped as they approached the Tori gate. "And the hike down here. Someone should install an elevator or escalator."

The rattling of dry bones and the scraping of rusty metal brought Samuel's quips short as the first enemies lumbered into sight. The big scaly brute jumped immediately into motion, moving like a practiced warrior. While Kain moved to press the attack and maneuver the skeletons into tactical disadvantage, Samuel hung back and observed his martial companion work and how the skeletons behaved. No sense going into a combat blind.

Actions:
1) Spot a Tell
Appraisal F + Insight F + Magic Targets F (5)

Attempt to learn more about the group of skeletons.

2) Move (if necessary)
Keep some distance between himself and the skeletons.

“Indeed! And that's why all the laurels will fall on you three, the capable members of this group.” Marcelin told Clarisse, walking down the staircase with the same type of levity he had shown when arriving at the entrance of the dungeon. As he stepped down, his eyes darted towards the torches aligned to the walls, catching the enchantment present in them and filing that information for posterity.

And under the torii gate, the bard brought one hand to his forehead, shielding his emerald eyes from an inexistent sun as he gazed yonder. “Hah! The undead, what a classic!” He turned to the others, voice lowering. “Corpses brought back to mindless servitude by foul, sacrilegious, and forbidden necromantic magic!” His eyes glinted with something unknown. “To take on the unnatural forces, ghouls whose bites can render one paralyzed, zombies seeking to tear flesh from bone and satisfy their unending hunger!”

He looked over his shoulder, gaze locked on where they had come from. “And those torches bearing enchantments? Could be a sign of a powerful necromancer. Perhaps even a lich tied to Hazz Al’ Ghul himself, if the gods are generous enough to provide a proper villain.” Marcelin’s lips purse together as his gaze locks ahead, one hand almost unconsciously reaching for and producing his quill. And, from where he stood, he began.

“Gaze and wonder, pale and slight,
At the shambling forces of the night.
They rise by theft, they stand by spite,
Borrowed bones and borrowed might,
Still doomed to fall before the light.!” [1/2]

Marcelin’s voice was booming and lyrical, every sentence interlocking with one another as the magic washed over the skeletons, weakening their might, dulling their minds, and blurring their precision.

Actions 1/2 - Magic E, Affinity Drain [STR] E, Affinity Drain [INT] E, Affinity Drain [PRE] E, Magic Range F, Magic Targets F, Energized E, Focus E - Marcelin hurls wounding insults up to five opponents, possibly making them perform poorly - Grade E 0 Post Cooldown

Clarisse looked a bit smug at Samuel’s comment, while she observed what was going on.

“In the Duchy of Roran we actually have elevators in places.” She spoke truthfully, like she was proud of that fact.

Clarisse also listened to what Marcelin had to say, “If I were permitted to use the full extent of my power as frequently as I’d like too you’d certainly see where the laurels would lie.” She said a bit smugly.

Kain successfully got the attention of the skeletons as he spoke to them and made contact with the closest one to him. He struck Su Yari Skeleton #1 with a smite causing it’s bones to move violently as the energy coursed though it, it’s bones looked singed after, the little armor that was on it’s body got destroyed, though it was not downed entirely, just looking pretty beat up and singed after.

(narrator note: a lot of narrators due to IH rules as written would require you to have the focus skill in your magic ability for kain to move and cast magic in the same post, but as narrator I’m allowing it this time around)

Irrespectively their focus was on him as the first one who attacked.

“Rudimentary, but..not completely ineffective.” She commented softly at seeing Kain’s casting.

Samuel was able to appraise the skeletons. His F appraisal revealing that they were simple skeletons with some old kuridan equipment. Likely all F grade at best, He’d also learn that they were likely to work together to target whoever hit one of them last between his insight and appraisal skill as he’d see while they all moved toward Kain.

He’d also gather that the one who had been smited one was likely to go down in another successful hit.

Meanwhile Marcelin’s voice kicked into effect, Clarisse actually looked a bit surprised when the the magic words impacted their targets. The skeletons who were approaching Kain to try to swing at him all began to move more stiffly and weakly.

Su Yari Skeleton #1 attempted to stab at Kain with a basic Stab attack with [Blight (Piercing) F.

Su Yari Skeleton #2 also attempting to stab at him with Blight [Piercing) F.

But their attacks were weakened in effectiveness their strikes not as steadfast as they might have been, easier to dodge and counter attack as well as more clumsy.

Two of the three katana skeletons moved on either side of the su yari ones trying to close in but they were slower and sluggish thanks to Marcelin’s debuffing.

Combat Round status:

Su Yari Skeleton #1 hurt badly, debuffed, trying to attack Kain with basic F ability with Blight Piercing

Su Yari Skeleton #2 debuffed trying to attack Kain with basic F ability with Blight Piercing

Katana SKeleton #1 debuffed, moving in sluggishly next to Su Yari Skeleton #1 to try to get ready to swing at Kain

Katana Skeleton #2 debuffed, moving in sluggish next to Su Yari Skeleton #2 to try to get ready to swing at Kain.

Katana Skeleton #3 behind Su Yari Skeleton #1

"Well then..." Samuel announced with a flare of his hands as he brought his magics to bear. "Let's even the odds in our favor." He cast a series of cards from one hand and then the other; the former swirling around Kain, forming a protective barrier around the warrior and the latter slamming into the skeletons from behind dealing a bit of damage to the lumbering monsters.

ACTIONS:
1) Hedge Your Bets
Barrier E + Magic E + Magic Range F + Magic Targets F + Skill Loan F [Resist: Full Physical F]
One of the Huckster's core abilities, *Hedge Your Bets* functions as damage mitigation for their party members.
Samuel may choose up to 5 individual targets, including himself, in a 30 foot range to be the recipient of Barrier & Resist: Full Physical that may soak a limited amount of damage. The Barrier appears as a number of swirling cards surrounding their target; the number of cards decreases as the Barrier soaks damage, extending its protective magic.
*Effect: 7 HP*
*Grade: E Cool down: 1*

2) Scaling
Magic F + Magic Targets F + Magic Range F + Enervate F
Scaling is the art of card throwing; in Samuel's case, the magical cards carry a heavier hit. He may choose up to five (5) targets within a 30 ft range to target with disruptive, damaging magic.

Grade: F Cooldown: 0

“Haha! That is how you do it!” Marcelin said in loud, boisterous confidence. “I’ve just thought of the perfect name for the first act: ‘The Shamblers in the Hallway’! Perhaps embellish it a touch and mention the presence of an undead wyvern, or some ancient vampire!” His free hand rummaged through his leather satchel, producing a parchment from it. He began putting his ideas into the paper, scribbling frantically as splotches of ink spilled onto the floor, spreading into half-formed letters before fading.

“... the undead advance proved futile against the party of heroes; their borrowed might simply paled in comparison to Solvaris Kain’s divine mandate and Samuel Chance’s deck of cards…” He muttered, as both would feel emboldened by the storyteller’s words. [1/2]

Actions:
1/2 - The Tale of Victory - Magic E + Magic Range F + Magic Targets E + Bolster [STR] F + Bolster [INT] E + Bolster [PRE] E + Energized E - Marcelin tells tales of his comrades’ grandeur, inspiring them and shaping their outcomes in battle - Grade E 0 Post Cooldown

“You are nothing before a god!” Kain exclaimed as he attempted to dodge both attacks coming his way. After the attempted dodges he would aim for the same skeleton he had hit before, letting loose another Divine Surge toward his enemy.

Kain laughed for what felt like the first time in his life, actually enjoying himself. “Being a mortal can be such fun! I would have reincarnated years ago if I had known how thrilling it could be.”

Actions
1. Attempt to dodge first attack.
2. Attempt to dodge the second attack.
3. Attempt to attack the same skeleton a second time.

“So your magic is like that of a street magician?” Clarisse looked over at Samuel’s cards with a touch of skepticism in her voice like she was evaluating it like someone who was seeing a card trick on the street.

A bit to her surprise, it looked like the magic was more then a slight of hand parlor trick.They became a protective barrier which went around his allies, cards also struck the five skeletons and on impact it looked like all of their very old armor took damage, pieces falling off here and there,

The bolster which Marcelin laid down with his magical words only strengthened the effectiveness, the card barriers looked a bit thicker, the cards which hit the skeletons had a bit more ‘oomph’ and weight behind them than usual causing
Su-Yari skeleton #2 to fall over, as it had pivoted to a drained less powerful attack in part thanks to the restrictions of Enervate.

Kain felt his power increase a bit as well from the buffs he received. He dodged both su yari skeleton’s attacks in part thanks to the buffing he received and he draining which they received, as he simply moved out of the way with some basic side steps pivoting into hitting the Su Yari skeleton #1 again, causing it’s ribcage to shatter as it fell apart on the spot into a pile of bones, which echoed in the hallway.

The three Katana skeletons swung with two basic attacks each as they moved into position against Kain but their blades simply slashed across the barrier dealing 1 hp of damage each some of the cards getting torn on the surface level, and a bit lower. (Kain’s barrier 4/7) The attacks still not even scathing the fighter.

“Well I don’t much feel like only watching.” Clarisse let out a bit of a sigh figuring she could help them more now that they’d shown they were competent in this fight.

“This is what truly noble casting looks like.” She spoke with a smug expression on her face.

[“Acribus Lucem!”] She’d exclaim in Terran with a focused look on her face.

She extended her hand forward with her catalyst fan. And a series of vibrantly light yellow flames shot out from the fan, and they promptly engulfed the remaining four skeletons who had already all been damaged and impaired from the other’s attacks.

The weakened skeletons falling to the ground the surface of their bones blackened from the flames as they fell apart.

“Well then let’s get a move on.” Clarisse continued sounding a bit impatient, as she began to walk around the skeleton’s remains further down the hallway.

If the group followed her, the hallway eventually lead to a sizable dark wooden door with some marker arrows carved into the stone pointing that way, but there was also a smaller dark wooden door to the right side of the hallway,with some exclamation type marks like they were danger warnings.

It would be up to the group to decide where they wanted to go from there.

Clarisse Actions:
Searing Flames of Light - Magic E + Magic Range F + Magic Targets F + Accurate F + Flare (Sight) F + Continuing F + Light affinity + Fire Affinity Selective E + Focus E + Energized E

Clarisse sends forth a stream of accurate searing flames of light on up to 5 targets within 30 ft of her, dealing fire and radiant damage to targets. Targets lose one effectiveness to dodge actions, and their sight is impaired with a light flare, they are set ablaze temporarily, dealing an additional 1 damage during the next round. - E Grade Ability (0 Cooldown, Energized)

Combat round status:

Out of Combat, skeletons pwned from team effort. Good Job.

“Haha! Fine job Samuel!” Kain yelled as the blades were directed by the barrier. He raised his hand for another attack but stopped as the remaining enemies were dispatched by Clarisse. “Fine job my lady. You are a worthy follower indeed.” Kain nodded to himself as the group made their way past him, heading deeper into the dungeon.

Kain followed bringing up the rear of the others also chose to keep heading down the pathway. “So we have a choice to make it seems. I say we flip a coin and leave it up to fate.”

Marcelin lets out a confident laugh as the undead crumble, a wide smile appearing on his lips. “Wonderful! What a fantastic beginning!” The storyteller says, skipping ahead in his usual levity.

As the group descends further and is faced with the decision of which path to take, Marcelin crosses his arms over his chest, making the quill, firmly held in his hand, tickle his own chin. “On one hand, the warnings might be genuine. On the other hand, it might be but a ploy to keep us from something the dastardly necromancer wishes to remain hidden!” He said while snapping one finger.

Slowly, his head turned to Samuel. “But I agree with the coinflip. Shall we thread through the path woven by fate?”

"A bit like street magic, I suppose..." he answered Clarisse, not having thought if it in quite that way before. "I guess it's toying a little with the variables of the Universe. Tilting the odds in my favor." Magic seemed to be a very personal thing in this world. No two magicians seemed to practice magic in the same way, despite it being taught in academies. He wondered if there were things he could lean from such places...or if there were things he could teach them.
"We did well against slow, unthinking monsters. It was a good introduction to each other and our particular talents." he had to temper the nascent god's enthusiasm. "There are undoubtedly much greater challenges ahead of us. Clarisse wouldn't be here if not."
When the subject of their next step arose, he was willing to follow the possibly more challenging path; he was no stranger to risk, after all."Far be it from me to interfere with the whims of Fate." Samuel agreed. "But she can be a fickle mistress at times. Beware her vicissitudes."

Clarisse looked to Kain and rolled her eyes a bit at being a 'follower'

"I think you'll find I'm one whose most suitable to follow." She stated matter of fact. She also looked to Samuel a bit of a mildly interested look at what he said but she quickly moved on.

At hearing that two thirds of the group suggested leaving it up to fate, she'd sigh a bit, "If it was up to me I'd go through the intended path just to get us all through with this task as soon as possible...but it's no matter I'll flip a coin.." Clarisse took out a coin without saying much else and she proceeded to flip it, looking to where it landed, she then simply said,

"If you all really want leave it up to fate, It looks like we'll be going through this door." She pointed a the one with the danger marks on it.

"Of course you're all safe either way since I'm here anyway.." She made her way over to the door and opened it up.

On the interior of the room the light was on the dim side with a few amber glowing orbs inlaid into the ceiling which crackled with occasional arcane energy, and the room's walls and floor had the same brick pattern, but it was decently sizable, there weren't any other obvious doors on other walls. What was noticeable was that it was pretty hard to see into the far corners of the room, the darkness got more intense, and plopped right in the center of the room was what looked like a sizable oak wooden chest, with a metal latch on the front of it.

In front of the chest on the floor was what looked like a standard sized brown leather covered book, with a little red tassel, and a generic looking arcane symbol on the front.

Clarisse looked around the room and fanned herself a bit with a tad of a bored expression, staying close to the doorway peering in. However there was enough room for the group to move in

"Well this room is anti-climatic, I'm not sure what all the warnings are about.." She commented.

Clairsse Actions:
Flip coin,
Open door an enter doorway, to peer inside.

“You may be the most capable. But I'm the most worthy.” Kain said as he walked into the room without hesitation and knelt down next to the book. He looked it over before picking it up and kicking the chest before him, seeing if blunt force would be enough to open it. “What grand adventure is complete without treasure and the unknown?”

Glancing around the room he scoffed. “Seems like those markings were just for show, I don't see anything here.” He called back to the group as he opened the book to see what it contained within, using his appraisal skill on it.

Actions
Walk into the room.
Pick up the book and kick the chest
Use appraisal on the book.