DoubleChecker

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

1. **Narrators Involved**
Maxxob - Standing S

3. **Summary of the Roleplay**
- The characters were hired by the Ethereal Luminary to take Scrying Orbs to the hearth of a phenomenon, which was said had a primordial creature appear, deep in a forest named 'The Verdant Heart'. They delved into this twisted forest, fighting its corrupted inhabitants. Eventually, they found a shack in a clearing. Inside of it was a crystal that, upon touch, burst with energy of the Verdant Heart itself. The group then is contacted by the Proctor Valeriana from the Ethereal Luminary, being notified that their job is complete, and they should return, however, Penny is missing.

5. **Criminal Acts Perpetrated**
- None

6. **Lore to Establish**
- As long as this rp is a full grade and not a partial, you may submit the the answer to this block to the request mod channel and ping lore mod
- None

7. **Partial Participants**
- None

9. **Full-Time Participants**
- Maxxob - Severin Vaust (Monster) - discord.com/channels/5207614178892185… - Standing S
- Book - Liu Fei (Monster) - discord.com/channels/5207614178892185… - Standing C
- Pkken - Vetreus Draedora - discord.com/channels/5207614178892185… - Standing C
- Red - Esther Keaten - discord.com/channels/5207614178892185… - Standing F
- LS922 - Penny "Iron Maiden of Pax" discord.com/channels/5207614178892185… - Standing F

10. **Characters with Point Boosters**
- Esther Keaten - Attentive Student F

12. **Assets/Titles Roleplayed For**
- Severin Vaust Asset Goal: Grand Duchy Nobility F
- Vetreus Draedora Asset Goal: Harvester Asset Mine F
- Esther Keaten Asset Goal: Fae See Church F

13. **Characters with [Wanted]**
- None

14. Criminal Titles
- None

15. **Special Skills or Assets(downtime activities)**
- None

16. **Transactions Performed**
- None

18. **Character Sheet Oddities**
- None

19. **Aftermath **
- None

20. **Narrator Bonuses**
- None

21. **Additional Notes**
- None

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

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

Von Mackstein stood still for a moment, while Alaerin gave a report of what he had found. The machine would bring its metallic hand to its chin, brushing it as if deep in thought. "There might be quite a few surprises about. We will do well to keep our eyes open. I will have this place marked for a proper flush-out, just to be sure that every single deviant hidden in here is properly dealt with."

Then nodding, it pointed a hand forward, towards the opening on the wall. "Onward, without delay!" And it was already off, marching towards the small space.

[The Grand Duchy] Echoes of the Verdant Heart

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

RP GOAL - Find Penny?

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

The clearing is a scene of surreal devastation and confusion. The shack is a crater of splintered wood, the air thick with dust and the lingering scent of ozone and raw magic. Amidst the wreckage, the party's actions have yielded strange results. A significant portion of the debris has been teleported away, revealing the full extent of the destruction. The scattered, white bones of Fei Liu begin to twitch and skitter across the ashen ground, slowly, magnetically reassembling as his occult nature reasserts itself.

From the center of the crater, a small, soot-covered child stumbles into view. Seeing the group, she freezes for a moment, her eyes wide with terror. Her gaze darts between the imposing figures, the reassembling skeleton, and the monstrous boar carcass where Griselda is now feasting. The child lets out a sharp cry and scrambles away from the wreckage, trying to put distance between herself and the chaos. She trips and falls near the edge of the clearing, curling into a ball and sobbing, her small frame trembling uncontrollably. A familiar, clean scent—the faint aroma of soap and Penny's unique presence—clings to her like a phantom memory.

The forest itself seems to hold its breath. The rhythmic, oppressive THUMP... THUMP... of the Verdant Heart is gone, replaced by an unnerving, expectant silence.

Music

youtube.com/watch?v=x0euNw-4YOo

Suddenly, a new voice echoes through the clearing. It is not spoken from a single point but seems to emanate from the very air, from the trees, and from the corrupted soil itself. It is Penny's voice, yet amplified with an ancient, primordial power that resonates with absolute authority.

"CEASE YOUR PANIC. ALL WILL BE PUT IN ITS PROPER PLACE."

As the words fade, the ground at the center of the crater begins to churn. Roots, thick as pythons, tear through the earth, weaving and knitting together with impossible speed. Moss and glowing fungi sprout and spread across the emerging form. In a matter of seconds, a new being stands where the Heartstone once rested.

It is not a construct of root and moss. It is Penny's physical body, now standing tall and unnaturally poised. Her maid's uniform is pristine, as if it were just cleaned, but her form is subtly changed. A crown of interwoven, glowing roots rests on her head, and faint golden light pulses in a web of fine lines just beneath her skin.

Her face is serene, placid, and unnervingly blank. Her eyes, once familiar, are now orbs of pure, pulsing golden light, devoid of her own personality. This is Penny's body, but the one looking out from it is the ancient entity of the Heart.

Inside, Penny can feel her own consciousness, a frantic, terrified passenger in a vessel that is no longer hers to command. She can feel the entity's immense power flowing through her veins, feel its ancient thoughts overriding her own, feel its cold, absolute purpose to impose "order." The control is slipping away from her, but a flicker of her own will remains, a tiny spark of defiance against the overwhelming presence that has usurped her.

The entity—the Voice—looks upon the party.

"Intruders," it states, the voice coming from Penny's mouth but amplified with primordial power. "You have served your purpose by delivering the vessel. You have disrupted the garden. Your presence is no longer required. You are... disorder."

It raises Penny's hand, and the ground around the party begins to tremble as the forest itself awakens to its new master's command. The battle is not over; it has simply changed.

[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: Fae See Church F
@Nakushita - Penny "Iron Maiden of Pax" Asset Goal: ?

Music

youtube.com/watch?v=EUer-Tto1ZA

In the chaotic aftermath of the explosion, as the dust begins to settle over the ruined shack, a new sound cuts through the air. It is not the groan of splintering wood or the thrum of the forest, but a crisp, magical chime, emanating simultaneously from the Scrying Orbs that still hover silently beside each party member.

The voice of Proctor Valeriana issues from each orb, her tone as sterile and devoid of emotion as it was in the briefing room, completely detached from the violent reality of the situation on the ground.

"Contractors. The Scrying Orbs have registered a massive discharge of chaotic life energy, followed by the cessation of the primary anomaly's signature. Your primary objective—to reach the epicenter and analyze the source of the disturbance—is now complete."
There is a brief, clinical pause.

"The data retrieved is sufficient. Your contract is fulfilled. Return to the extraction point at once to receive your payment. The Luminary is not responsible for any personnel lost or assets expended beyond the completion of the primary objective. Valeriana out."

The chime sounds again, and the orbs go silent. Their recording lights extinguish, leaving the party in the eerie, pulsing gloom of the Verdant Heart.

The end of the first part, grading sheet to come.

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

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

With the muddy water being a thing of the past, Von Mackstein climbed down from the impromptu hand holds made out of shurikens, boots hitting the floor with a wet splash. "Great thinking on your feet, Herr Storm. That water didn't seem like it would mix well with my machinery." The construct said, bleeps ordering the Line Fusiliers down from their holds as well.

One of them wasn't so lucky, however.

Approaching the battered unit, the crimson lenses of the war-relic began analyzing it, appraising the damage it took. "Still functional, but you will need a trip to the Stahlseele-Instandsetzungsbrigade as soon as this is over." It talked to the Line Fusilier #5, helping it get up on its feet.

"Considering the that octopus-esque subversive activities were brought to an end, it is time to advance and see what else is hidden in the shadows of this place."

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

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

As soon as the machine's audio sensors picked up of running water, or at least some running liquid, its attention was immediately drawn to the pit and its muddy torrent shooting towards them. As much as his algorithm tried to search what course of action to take in such a situation, it kept drawing blanks. "Scheiße..." The sound, barely above a whisper, leave its voice modulator.

However, when it picked up on Alaerin's voice and the plan he had come up with, Von Mackstein didn't waste a single second. A bunch of high-speed beeps, coming from it, directed its Line Fusiliers to rush towards the wall and climb on the makeshift handholds. [Von Mackstein - Action 1]

And the commander itself would soon follow, dashing towards the wall and grasping the shurikens, attempting to climb it. [Von Mackstein - Action 2/3]

Von Mackstein's actions:
1 - Orders the Line Fusiliers rush to the wall and try to climb the shurikens
2 - Rush to the wall itself
3 - Start to climb on the shurikens stuck to the wall

Line Fusiliers #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 actions:
1 - Move to the wall
2 - Try to climb on the shurikens stuck to the wall

[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: ?

Edwin barely made past the archway, when he found himself surrounded by a trio of noblewomen, not exactly what he was hoping to find as he delved deeper into the entrails of the event. And, with the scent of perfume reaching his nostrils, and sweet compliments reaching his ears, he found himself at an impasse.

"It was quite the sight, wasn’t it? Not even close to how I perform on the battlefield, but I suspect you, ladies, got a small taste of it.” With not even a thread of humbleness in his very being, he answered the trio, a self-confident smile, that not quite reached his eyes, present on his lips. “It does take a special kind of man to wield a lance, even on foot, but…” He leaned closer, seizing the jaw of one of them with an armored finger, the steel chilling and voice dropping to a conspirational tone. “... here I am.”

And moving his gauntlet away from the woman, he walked towards the table with the refreshments with commanding presence. Grasping one delicate, crystal goblet, sapphire eyes sliding towards the admirers. “I was trained by the best lancer in the Second Continent, Ser Cedric of Allenport.”

With those words leaving his mouth, eyes began searching about while he poured some of the cool light wine into the goblet. Eventually, his eyes would catch a glimpse of a golden mask in the distance, narrowing ever so slightly at the very sight. “Ryken knights, as competent as they are, are certainly -not- my peers. After all, only the best are expected of a Marcher Lord such as myself.”

Turning around and facing the gathered crowd, he sipped on the light wine, its softness not that appreciated. “Perhaps I will allow for another demonstration of my skills later…” And, upon hearing some whining and envy from certain contestants, he saw his opportunity. “... is that so? A remarkable technique?” His voice was suddenly loud, booming and carrying effortlessly. “Well then, why don’t the three of you explain their nuances to them?” His open hand glided through the air, motioning towards the noblewomen and gathered admirers. “I will leave you to it.”

With a mock bow, he turned around, crimson cape fluttering behind him. Sipping the wine while he watched by the corner of his eyes how much attention was still on him.

[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: Fae See Church F
@Nakushita - Penny "Iron Maiden of Pax" Asset Goal: ?

Music

youtube.com/watch?v=EUer-Tto1ZA

The world erupts in a cataclysm of golden light and splintering wood.

The force of the explosion blasts Severin and Esther out of the doorway, sending them tumbling into the muddy clearing. Almost immediately, they recover and rush back toward the devastation. The shack is gone, reduced to a smoking mound of splintered planks, collapsed roofing, and tangled vines. Protruding from the debris is the haunting sight of a clean, white ribcage and spine.

Esther strums her harp, and a wave of searching magic washes over the rubble. Her senses are flooded with information: Vetreus is pinned deep within the wreckage, while Liu's bones are scattered throughout the entire debris field. Glowing runes, visible only to her, materialize on the rubble above her allies' locations.

As Esther begins to dig, Severin points his cane at the wreckage and utters a command. With a series of sharp, contained implosions, large sections of debris vanish, reappearing in a heap in the clearing a hundred feet away. The spell clears a significant portion of the rubble, revealing Vetreus on one knee, shielding himself from the last of the falling dust. A few feet away, Griselda wriggles free from a pocket of space he had created, shaken but unharmed.

The teleportation also reveals the full extent of Liu's state: he is completely disassembled, his bones strewn across the footprint of the former shack like a macabre puzzle.

From the center of the wreckage, where the Heartstone once sat, a new sound cuts through the air—the high-pitched, terrified wail of a human child.

---

For Penny

Music

youtube.com/watch?v=bTAlomrlDvo

You bow your head, apologizing for your lack of musical talent and your uncertainty about the song she speaks of. The entity then clarifies its intent.

<...The song is not of the voice, but of the soul. It is the song of growth and rot. The song of life and death. The song the Heart sings to the forest...>

She extends her free hand toward you. It is not a threatening gesture, but an invitation.

<...You do not need to know the melody. You only need to be the instrument. The Heart chose you. It saw your desire for order in the chaos. It wishes to share its purpose. Will you accept? Will you become its Voice?>

As she speaks, the great Heartstone behind her pulses a little brighter. The small wooden doll in her other hand seems to turn its head slightly, its blank, carved face now looking directly at you.

[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’s eyes narrowed as soon as the feather duster touched the crystal, the thrumming instantly ceasing. His gloved hand began to rise, but it was too late even for him. The powerful wave hit him, colliding against his body fully, hurtling him backwards towards the clearing.

For an instant, while in midair, a section of his visage, traced on his face like a diagonal scar flickered, the pale, bony self revealed under the guise. Yet, as soon as his back hit against the earthy ground with a hefty thud, nothing seemed amiss. His mind was already reeling with the possibilities of what had just taken place meant.

However, before a single more complex thought could be formed about it, Esther was already calling for him to get up. And he did so, he extended his gloved hand towards her own, fingers wrapping around her palm. Up, he quickly accepted the cane, before she started to drag him towards the now ruined shack. “Slow down, child!” He said, as he pretended difficulty and keeping up with her, cane skewering the ground below with each hurried step.

His eyes locked on the torso exposed, looking at the ribs, spine and other bits close to it. Severin then used his cane to move them around slightly, letting out a curious hum. “It must be Liu’s: too clean, no fat, muscle or blood present on these pieces. That explosion, whatever it was, didn’t seem to be the type to vaporize flesh and tissue from bone.”

Concluding so, he pointed the globular end of his cane towards the debris. “Stand back for a moment.” He cleared his throat and narrowed his hazel eyes. “Teleport!” He said, targeting every single piece of debris he can see and trying to teleport it away from the shack and into the clearing behind him.

Actions:
1 - Teleport! - Magic E + Magic AoE F (15ft radius on each target) + Magic Range F (30ft of range) + Teleport E (teleport range up to 100ft from the origin) + Magic Targets F (up to 5 different targets) + Selective F (Targeting only de debris) + Energized E - Grade E 0 Post Cooldown

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

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

Von Mackstein's sensors flared with all types of danger warning as one elongated, meaty tendril shot from the pit towards the two and landed on the floor. "Pain?" The machine uttered, until the snapping was caught by its sound receptors. The crimson opticals zeroed on the octopus-like creature, one authoritative gloved hand, pointing at its bulbous head. "Explosive rounds, kill this subversive!" [Von Mackstein - Action 1]

The Line Fusiliers were quickly to comply. Four, with carbines in their hands, brought in front of them, aim-sights zeroing on the creature's head. "DOWN." They said in unison, before triggers were squeezed and explosive rounds were shot against the creature. [Line Fusiliers - Action 1/2]

Following that, the commanding construct would repeat the very same motion as its subordinates, carbine aiming at one of the eyes of the creature, before firing a bullet towards it. [Von Mackstein - Action 2/3]

Von Mackstein's actions:
1 - Orders the Line Fusiliers to attack the creature
2 - Aim at the creature
3 - Basic attack against the creature - Precision B (5) + Carbine C (4) = 9 Base Effectiveness

Line Fusiliers #1, #2, #3, #4 actions:
1 - Aim at the creature
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 15 Base Effectiveness if team-up is considered