DoubleChecker

[The Grand Duchy] Labyrinth of the Primordial Bloom [FINISHED]

[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: ?

Music

youtube.com/watch?v=EUer-Tto1ZA

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.

[West Empire-Kingdom of Rotia Border] Beneath The Sands

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

The machine would have grinned if its mechanical face allowed it to, as it witnessed the success of its ‘Volley-Fire’ against the foolish belligerents and its mediocre traps. “Flawless volley fire. The discipline of Friedrich der Große himself! As he once said it: artillery adds dignity of what otherwise would be a vulgar brawl.” The commanding construct said confidently, the algorithms in its neural cortex already deciding on the next use of tactics.

Upon catching the sight of the orange hue amidst the dust lifted from the falling sandstone, the solution made itself apparent. “All firing units, concentrate volley on the Red Helmet volatile!” The mechanical voice echoed from its gas-mask: a direct and simple order. [Von Mackstein - Action 1]

And, at the same time, Von Mackstein’s gloved hand wrapped around the hilt of the saber located on its hips. With a metallic rasp of metal against its scabbard, the glinting blade was unsheathed, being pointed directly at the Blue Helmet golem. “Angriff!” It shouted at the same time as it moved.

Leather boots hit against the sandy floor; medals, proudly displayed on its chest, clinked against one another in rhythmic motion; its greatcoat fluttered behind it as it approached the Blue Helmet golem with each singular step. [Von Mackstein - Action 2]

Upon reaching the creature, the construct raised the saber above its own head, before bringing it down in a vertical slash against its foe. [Von Mackstein - Action 3]

Meanwhile, the Line Fusiliers, four of them still holding their carbines, zeroed their still fuming muzzles at the Red Helmet golem. “DOWN.” The machines uttered in monotone unison, as they squeezed the triggers of their firearms in rapid succession, shooting volleys at the anarchist. [Line Fusiliers #1, #2, #3, #4 - Actions 1/2/3]

Actions:
Von Macksein
1 - Order the Line Fusiliers to attack the Red Helmet golem
2 - Hussar Charge towards the Blue Helmet golem
3 - Basic Attack against the Blue Helmet golem - Strength E (2) + Saber F (1) = 3 Base Effectiveness

Actions:
Line Fusiliers #1, #2, #3, #4
1 - Aim at the Red Helmet golem
2 - Basic attack against the Red Helmet golem - Precision B (5) + Carbine C (4) = 9 Base Effectiveness
2 - Basic attack against the Red Helmet golem - +1 combo

Team-up + Combo vs Red Helmet golem - 13 Base Effectiveness
CDs: Line Fusiliers #1, #2, #3, #4 E 1/1

[The Grand Duchy] Labyrinth of the Primordial Bloom [FINISHED]

Severin Vaust

​

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

[The Grand Duchy] Labyrinth of the Primordial Bloom [FINISHED]

[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: ?

Music

youtube.com/watch?v=EUer-Tto1ZA

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.

Severin's Ancient Knowledge

[Grave-Tender]
Type: Corrupted Flora-Fauna (Symbiote)
Threat Level: C
Attributes: Strength B, Resilience C
Abilities: [Fungal Symbiosis], [Spore Burst], [Overwhelming Strength]
Weakness: Fire. Resistant to Necrotic.
Note: A guardian of this corrupted grove. It cultivates the Grave-spore Puffballs (like the one Esther appraised earlier) and tends to the forest's "cycle of decay." It is not inherently aggressive unless its territory or its "garden" is threatened. The creature is a key part of this area's unnatural ecosystem.
[Soul-Tether Analysis]: Unlike the Stalkers, this creature possesses a rudimentary, singular soul of its own. It is a true, albeit corrupted, living being, not a puppet. It is deeply connected to the fungal life in the area.

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.

[West Empire-Kingdom of Rotia Border] Beneath The Sands

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

In a singular moment, everything shifted. The hunches of the hallway being trapped were actually correct. And, upon its optical sensors catching the debris dropping from the ceiling, Von Mackstein wasted not a single moment. “The separatists engage in crude traps, commence counter-fire at once!” The machine’s tone was absolute, as it barked orders for both the Line Fusiliers who had advanced with Alaerin. [Action 1 - Von Mackstein]

The mechanoids didn’t waste time. From their pouches, they produced special rounds, pulling the bolts of their carbines back and loading into the open slit. And, pushing the bolt closed in eerily unison, they aimed their guns upwards, upon the falling rocks. “DOWN.” They said together, obeying the previous order, as the carbines’ ironsights zeroed on the failing debris and pulled their triggers, firing the exploding rounds upon it. [Action 1/2 - Line Fusiliers #1 and #2]

However, that was not all.

The crimson porcelain lenses of the gas mask caught the sight of the lumbering golem with its red hat, flaming mouth opened and trained on more than one of them. “Flammenwefer! Kill the subversives!” The commanding construct instructed once more, the order loud and clear. [Action 2 - Von Mackstein]

With that, the two armed Line Fusiliers (#3 and #4) shifted the muzzles of their carbines towards the Red Helmed golem. “DOWN.” Obeying the previous orders, the machines warned, before squeezing the triggers and firing against the golem. [Action 1/2 - Line Fusiliers #3 and #4]

Von Mackstein wouldn’t simply delegate the attacking to its troops. Rather, the barrel of its own carbine flashed brightly, its trigger actuated in a smooth, mechanical motion to join the assault against the Red Helmed golem. [Action 3 - Von Mackstein]

Actions
Von Mackstein:
1 - Order Line Fusiliers #1 and #2 to counter-act against the falling sandstone
2 - Order Line Fusiliers #3 and #4 to attack the Red Helmed golem
3 - Unaimed Basic Attack vs Red Helmed golem - Precision B (5) + Carbine C (4) = 9 - 1 (standard penalty for unaimed ranged attacks) = 8 Base Effectiveness

Line Fusiliers #1 and #2:
1 - Aimed upward at the failing sandstone
2 - Explosive Cartridge - Fighting Style E + Range E (30ft) + Area (15ft radius) - Precision B (5) + Carbine C (4) + Ability E (2) = 11 Base Effectiveness each, total 12 Base Effectiveness if team-up is considered
Cooldown Line Fusiliers #1 and #2 - E 0/1

Line Fusiliers #3 and #4:
1 - Aimed at the Red Helmed Golem
2 - Poisonous Cartridge - Fighting Style E + Range E (30ft) + Continuing (Poison) F - Precision B (5) + Carbine C (4) + Ability E (2) = 11 Base Effectiveness each, total 12 Base Effectiveness if team-up is considered, +1 Poison damage for 1 turn from Continuing (Poison) F

Total attack vs Red Helmed Golem = 13 Base Effectiveness, +1 Poison damage for 1 turn from Continuing (Poison) F
Cooldown Line Fusiliers #3 and #4 - E 0/1

[West Empire-Kingdom of Rotia Border] Beneath The Sands

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

[West Empire-Kingdom of Rotia Border] Beneath The Sands

@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.

[West Empire-Kingdom of Rotia Border] Beneath The Sands

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.

[West Empire-Kingdom of Rotia Border] Beneath The Sands

Character Name: Automata: Von Mackstein I
Titles: Construct, Order-Keeper
Points At Start: 105
Points Spent: 105
Points Earned: 0
Points Unspent: 0
Strength: D (14)
Precision: B (28)
Intelligence: F
Vitality: D (14)
Speed: F
Skills:
Artisan [Tinkerer] C (28)
Minions [Line Fusiliers] [Static] F (14)
Educated [Order-Keeper] F - Warfare, Law, Leadership
Abilities:
Firing Squad - Minions F + Warfare F + Leadership F - Orders his Line Fusiliers to concentrate firing in a specific target - Grade F 0 Post Cooldown
Equipment:
Saber E (0) - Created with Tinkerer C
Carbine C (0) - Created with Tinkerer C
Heavy Armor E (0) - Created with Tinkerer C
Assets:

Minions:
Line Fusilier
Titles: Construct
Strength: H (+14)
Precision: A (35)
Intelligence: F
Vitality: F
Speed: F

Fighting Style [Guns] E (14)
Range E (Fighting Style F discount) (7)
Area E (Fighting Style E discount) (7)
Continuing (Poison) F (7)

Abilities:
Riot Control - Fighting Style [Guns] E + Range E + Area E + Continuing (Poison) F - Launching special rounds from their carbines, the Line Fusiliers covers an area with poisonous gas - Grade E 1 Post Cooldown

Equipment:
Carbine C (0) - Created with Tinkerer C

[The Duchy: Aslan] .·:★・¨༺ 𝔓𝔯𝔦𝔡𝔢 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔓𝔯𝔢𝔰𝔱𝔦𝔤𝔢 ༻¨・★:·.

Sir Edwin Stormcrest?

​
@Moonberry
@Tellussoil

Titles
[Human - Mundane], [Noble Ryke Baron] B, [Apprentice Lancer], [Power Potential], [Get Looped], [Dark Knight], [Knight in Black], [Dark Horseman] - #0E0101
Noteworthy Skills: [Resilient Surprised], Regeneration F
Asset Goal: ?

Upon seeing the baton being raised, Edwin shifted his stance: he slid his right foot backwards, steel boots scrapping against the sand; left leg, now taking the forefront of himself flexed slightly, knee bending a few ticks. Meanwhile, the grip on his three-pronged lance shifted, rather than holding the armament with a single hand, it was now held with two, tip pointed against the ground momentarily.

It was as if he sensed he was about to be named one of the contestants for the first round, even more his name was uttered and his ‘hunch’ was right.

Edwin’s icy blue stare gazed upon his adversary, the predatory edge on it was unmistakable. There was, however, a silent hum that left his lips. “A captain of the guard? Well then, Captain Orvin, shall we see what comes about first: spectacle or might?” With the question being thrown to the air, the marcher lord lunged.

Sand was kicked up in the air as he began charging against the captain, the sound of the heavy plated armor groaning and moving against each other, catching the light that illuminated the pavilion and swallowing it whole, ominously. [Action 1]

And, upon reaching his opponent, the Baron swang, rather than thrusted, moving his lance in a wide sweeping motion, hoping to slam the hefty shaft against the sides of the captain. [Action 2]

“Just a warm-up!” He uttered, pulling back one of his arms and shooting forward the other, now attacking with the end of the lance instead, using the blunt tip as a mace, aimed at side of Ral’s face. [Action 3]

Actions:
1 - Charge towards his opponent - Athletics F - Grade F 0 Post Cooldown
2 - Wide Sweep - Fighting Style [Lance] E + Deflect F - Grade E 1 Post Cooldown
3 - Basic Attack

STR A (6) + Fighting Style E (2) + Lance B (5) + Combo (1) = 14 Base Effectiveness

CD: E 0/1