Complete Challenge Solvale A Clucking Menace

[Tarkya]

Spoiler: Theme

It’s a lovely summer’s day in Solvale.

Or, at least it would be if you were anywhere else.

The job post was clear - come to Protean Pastures to meet the owner. Get some supplies and information about your quarry. Chase some chickens. It should have been a simple job. Yet by the time you all arrived, the farm was already in chaos.

A rainbow of brightly-colored sheep pour out a hole in a fractured fence, scattering across the fields in an attempt to get away from the mess. Slimes bounce freely through the farm, eating any object small enough to fit in their mouths and leaving dubious lumps in their wake. What appears to be a large spotted cat cowers in the branches of a tree, hissing at anything that comes near.

And amidst the ruckus a horde of fluffy yellow chicks run free, each as large as a basketball. The air is filled with their fluttering chirping as they peck and scratch at anything that dares to get close to them.

Other animals. Inanimate objects. The young elven man emerging from a large barn, chicks swarming him like hungry flies. He has a moment to look at you through thick goggles before he dives to the ground and covers his neck with thickly gloved hands.

H-hey! Are you the guys that took the job? I could really use your help! You-

CHEEP!

OW! That was my ear, Jeffery!

Just- just get them into the barn! I don’t care how you do it, just don’t hurt them! They're just babies!

And so, the story begins…

CYCLE 1 - ANIMAL FARM

The farm's been overrun by dire chicks! Don't let their fluffy looks fool you - these creatures will gladly tear you apart if given an opening. If you want to get any useful information from the rancher responsible all this, you'll have to get these unruly birds back where they belong!

Choose one of the following goals to contribute to and make a Mastery or Expertise check.

CORRAL THE CHICKS: [ 0/300 ]

You won’t be getting much done so long as these chicks are allowed to run rampant! Use everything at your disposal to get them back in the barn - just don't hurt them in the process!
Bonus earned! Homebound (Agriculture) gives @Kamala Graham a +15 to contribution towards this goal!

FIX UP THE FARM: [ 0/100 ]

The farm's infrastructure looks like it was shoddy before all this madness. Maybe some improvements will keep this problem from happening in the future?
Bonus earned! Magitech (E) gives @Kit and @Kat a +10 to contribution towards this goal!

OOC

• Thread Code: 1042C1
• All players may post once this cycle.
• There is no word limit for posts.
• Cycles will update somewhere between 24 and 48 hours. Cycles may update early if everyone has already posted.
• Additional communication can occur in the official Comms thread. Talking is a free action!
• @Kit, @Kat, @Nai, @Hyakin Heliodoros, @Kamala Graham

Spoiler: Post Template

[hp=current]max[/hp]
[status]
[/status]

Post here

[action]
Type result of roll here
Corral the Chicks Progress: 0/300
Fix up the Farm Progress: 0/100
[/action]
Link Play Sheet Here[code][/spoiler]

 

[Nai]

100 / 100

It was a hot day, and her shadow stood thin in the blinding light of two suns. It was an affliction of her death, an afterimage scorched permanently into her gaze.

It was a distraction.

The chaos, that is.

Clusters of sheep surged out, and slimes bounded with a danger destructive. The cat was low priority; an unfortunate critter but nothing that can't be left to hang for a day or two. The chickens would cause more harm, especially with their talons. And as for the farm itself...

"Build it with stone next time," Nai spoke as she passed the farmer by, planting one foot on his back before leaping off it to reach the top of the farm. It was a sunny day in the valley. Not a cloud in the sky. So when it came down to it? A roof was less important than a fence, and straw bundles were better than nothing. Sharpened blades, forged from crude iron, sliced the bindings that kept them attached to the awnings, and Nai hugged a bundle of them as she slipped a grappling hook onto a wooden beam before jumping off.

She descended in an arc, rolled against the ground, winced as her horns dug into the ground, and pushed herself up again, shaking all manner of animal byproducts off her suit before jamming the bundle of straw into the hole in the fence. Iron rods, drawn out from her sleeves, were pushed against the straw fence-plug next. It wouldn't hold against another flood of sheep, but if the first few were dissuaded, the rest should no longer see it as an opening.

At least, that was the hope.

Rolls

Mastery Check
1d100 (88) + 0 = 88
Shadow Arts | Nai | 1042C1

Corral the Chicks Progress: 0/300
Fix up the Farm Progress: 88/100

Play Sheet

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

130 / 130

Trying to corral the chicks

If calm was a superpower, then Kamala would be a superhero. It was an oft-shared observation of her that she discreetly liked. But after her death, it became more of a reminder, a mantra: Keep calm or be devoured by the swarm. She shuddered at the thought, the memory, the familiar sensation of a thousand tiny things creeping and crawling around her flesh. Kamala held herself close, eyes closed, as she shook her head and persevered, mustering a smile that tried to equal the warmth of the sun.

"Oh, h-hello! Y-yeah... Okay."

Kamala frowned, with confusion heavy on her brow. Looks like he really needs all the help he can get. She watched one of them take to the skies, more like a greater height. Kamala took a moment, and as she breathed deeply, she made a makeshift oval with her arms, her elbows slightly bent, and her fingers curved just below the navel. Kamala closed her eyes and imagined herself sprouting wings while holding a watermelon in front of her belly button. Just like a few summers ago.

When she opened her eyes, light and delicate green light flowed through her and towards some of the rampaging chicks, gracefully and carefully forming plant-like cages, as if leaves-less shrubbery were growing around them. The farmer's...babies were captured but none of them were harmed. Kamala moved them around from a safe distance, trying to get them back in the barn.

"I've got some of the chicks!"

To anyone else with Spirit Magic and high Awareness, however, all her temporary flora made of green light resembled more of a gathering of strange nature spirits that could be less fascinating and more unwanted.

Rolls

Mastery Check
1d100 (45) + 15 + 15 = 75
Mend | Kamala Graham | 1042C1

Corral the Chicks Progress: 75/300
Fix up the Farm Progress: 88/100

Play Sheet

 

[Hyakin Heliodoros]

155 / 155

The weather was perfect. Sunny, but not too sunny, clear skies and air that was not too humid or too dry and wind that danced gently giving a light breeze of slightly cooler air, but it was gentle and overall weak.

A perfect day… Were it not for the chaos of domesticated fantastical animals running around.

Hyakin was led to the quest by the Quest Thread. It seemed a simple one and after the big fight, that seemed just right thing. The quest was to corral some farm animals, but it was one thing to hear the quest and another to see the animals. His eyes almost sparkled as he saw sheep that had coloured coats (he could see rainbows!), the cute bubbly slimes and even the huge, yet adorable balls of fluff; the chicks.

Were it not for the chaos, he actually would love to check out this place. In fact, after the quest he definitely will, because there might be some good, different ingredients. Like eggs, or milk and meat of course.

He glanced at his random party (four players that answered the call to free the innocent people from the chickens) that spread out immediately. He clenched his fist to check the comms and nodded, giving his reply as he moved towards the 'coop', that is the barn.

Yes, he will use his Guard Arts to guard those fluffchicks from the danger! Surely he will manage it!

He found planks of wood, large ones and he hauled them easily over, trying to see weak points and places where there holes. Some of the holes were stuffed with straw and with iron 'bars'.

In fact, most of the big holes were dealt with like that.

"Hyah!" Hyakin let out a yell as he pushed a well-fitting plank into a large gap. The wood groaned, but he squeezed it there. He found another, actually seeing a large cute fluff head looking so angry at him. "Shoo fluffball, shoo." It tried to bite him, but his armoured gloves were too tough for the chick that chirped angrily as he pushed its head back in and used another two boards to fill the gap.

And he continued that act, walking around the whole barn checking on the party members from time to time, until he came back to the front and shook off the few straw strands off his armour.

"Okay, time to catch some fluffchicks now!" …Which is of course why there were no chickens around him, instead some weird wiggly white-ish things that were just sliiiightly creepy. But he did not let it show, no, he was after all a brave knight.

Rolls

Mastery Check
1d100 (29) + 10 = 39
Guard Arts | Hyakin Heliodoros | 1042C1 | Farm construction
Corral the Chicks Progress: 75/300
Fix up the Farm Progress: 127/100

Player Character Sheet

 

[Kat]

245 / 245

Protect Aura active @Nai

"Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!" Kat let out a little fan-girly scream as she walked, together with her twin-sister @Kit, onto the premise. From the first breath she took of this fresh farmland air, Kat seemed to be enchanted.

"This. Is. Perfection!" It was, indeed. Kat liked animals, and helping some weird farm did sound like fun for a change! Very different from the big-city life and all that she once had. BUT! Little had the raven-haired Magia anticipated that the weirdness of this farm was defined by cuteness overload.

"Kit, Kit, do you see these SUPER FLUFFY RAINBOW SHEEP? Have you ever seen rainbow sheep before?!?! Maybe we can keep one as a pet? Right, Kit? And... wow! These slimes look actually quite derpy! Kinda cute, too!" Never had Kat thought she would define a slime as cute. "And..."Gosh, there was just so much input of information in this fantastical game called Terrasphere!

Her eyes ultimately targeted @Kamala Graham for a moment. An intense stare of 'Can I touch your tail?' was being telepathed, something she would have asked in a heartbeat. Yet, she'd run into trouble of betraying their twinship, something she had found herself being challenged with most cute animals they found. But each challenge so far had been beaten, and this would be no different. If anything, there would be the perfect time for Kit AND Kat to ask the strange humanoid animal thingy!

"There's also a humanoid... goat!...?" Kat sounded a bit unsure. Nonetheless, these two were seemingly helping too! "Ah, yes, teehee..." And ultimately Kit and Kat weren't only here for an adventure, but to give some serious help!

"Daaawhhh...." Even these dire chickens where so fluffy! How could they harm anyone's soul? Clearly they just needed to be shown some great care, love, and a firm grip.

"Come here you cutie little ball of floof, you..." Putting her oversized hammer to the side, Kat was radiating a gentle warmth. Like a mother's home where the children(chicken) would come home after a long day at school! "Yes, that's it! You're way safer in this sweet little home of yours that the goat lady and muscle guy(@Hyakin Heliodoros) are fixing up! You're just a bit agitated, no? Shhhh....."

Any animal could be tamed with love, affection, and care! And with Kit AND Kat's love, the chickens would understand twice as fast!

Rolls

Mastery Check
1d100 (71) + 15 = 86

Aura | Kat | 1042C1 | Chicken Wings

Corral the Chicks Progress: 161/300
Fix up the Farm Progress: 127/100

Link Play Sheet Here

 

[Kit]

245 / 245

Protect Aura active.

Kit hated animals. She hated animals, and she largely hated large animals, who made large messes and caused large problems! So when Kat had insisted they go help out (which was so typical of her), it had absolutely killed her inside to agree. But agree she must! That was what perfect twins did, all the time; no exceptions!

"Right, Kat~!"

Even so, she couldn’t help but show her disgust at the scene. Animals were bad enough contained in neat little cages, but roaming around was so much worse! She winced as a passing chicklet pecked her on the side of her leg, glaring back at it.


@Tarkya

Turning to the distressed elf man, Kit pointed her giant hammer at the other (@Nai) two (@Kamala Graham) humanoids who were helping the situation, confirming with him, "Those aren’t yours, right?" Normally, she could tell the difference between beastkin and beast, but the animals in this place were so weird, it made her genuinely question things.

Turning to the problem at hand, Kit now addressed the chicks running around wildly. If Kat was the good cop, that made her… well…

"YOU CHICKS BETTER CALM DOWN RIGHT THIS INSTANT, IF YOU KNOW WHAT’S GOOD FOR YOU!!"

Chicks had a tendency to not speak people, but the angry little unicorn-colored magia had a menacing aura radiating from her that commanded a more primal respect even animals could understand. That "Fall in line or you’ll be in trouble" sort of message was effective enough to calm a few down at least.

Rolls

Mastery Check
1d100 (46) + 15 = 61
Aura | Kit | 1042C1 | Chicks!

@Kamala Graham gains save roll advantage (Protect Aura)

Corral the Chicks Progress: 222/300
Fix up the Farm Progress: 127/100

Play Sheet

 

[Tarkya]

Spoiler: Theme

Faced with a tide of fluffy chaos, you all find the determination to get to work...

@Nai: At first, your mere approach seems enough to stem the sheepish tide, but as you mend the fences with steel and thatch the sheep begin to draw closer. They seem... curious about you. Almost respectful. Perhaps they sense a kindred spirit... or perhaps you're just the biggest "sheep" in the farm right now...

@Hyakin Heliodoros: Fluffy chicks nip at your hands and heels as you board up the barn, as if they're trying to stop you from making the repairs. But in the end, they're just too small and cute to contest your sturdy craftsmanship. Sure, it wouldn't impress the local HOA if one existed, but function is more important that form, right?

@Kamala Graham: Despite their small size, the chicks are quick and slippery... but not so quick that they can escape the grasp of nature. Try as they might, they can't peck their way out from the cages you weave, making it easy for you to move them back into the barn.

@Kat: As you radiate kindness, the chicks slow their assault. Small beady eyes look up at you with guarded curiosity. It's enough to calm a few of them enough that you can handle them. Some few even go so far as to trot right back into the barn without you even needing to touch them! Although as to why...

@Kit: The cowering elven man looks up from his prone position as you bark your question his way. He glances towards the other party members and shakes his head.

N-no! I don't raise demihumans!

With your question answered, you direct your attention to the chicks. Your twin has already charmed quite a few of them - but others don't seem quite so sure. As you radiate menace, they quickly make up their minds, scrambling back into the barn themselves. Apparently, they'd rather be in there than out here with you!

---

Though the work seems unending, you're all making progress... soon, there are more chicks inside the barn than running free. The farmer in charge of the operation has finally started to help, guarding the door as you continue to funnel fluffballs inside.

As if sensing their imminent defeat, the remaining chicks begin to gather. It's almost as if they're talking, maybe even planning something...

Cheep?

Chrrr...

Cheep... cheep!

The council of chicks turn their heads in your direction. There's an awful sense of foreboding as they begin to puff up, somehow managing to become even rounder and fluffier than before. This time, though, there's nothing cute about it. Each beady black eye burns with unbridled rage.

CHEEP!

CHEEP!

CHEEP!

A raucous chorus fills the air. The remaining chicks begin to charge, pumping their tiny wings to lift themselves in the air. It isn't long before you're all caught in sea of yellow fluff and pointy beaks, all intent on enacting justice upon their would-be captors!

This all seems rather familiar...​

Oh no. Not again.

CYCLE 2 - BIRDEMIC: SHOCK AND TERROR

Feathered and Furious - Swarm of Dire Chicks

❰ 222 / 300 ❱

The chicks are enraged! Take -10 Retal damage when you take an action this cycle as they peck and claw at you.

You may choose to take a Normal Action to attack, or make a Mastery or Expertise check. Attacking the chick swarm may have consequences...

Both damage and contribution rolls count up.

FIX UP THE FARM: COMPLETE!

Cheep? Cheeep...

Raucous cries answer from the shuddering farmhouse... but the walls hold! The swarm is unable to reinforce its numbers!

OOC

• Thread Code: 1042C1
• All players may post once this cycle.
• There is no word limit for posts.
• Special Actions are not allowed this cycle.
• Cycles will update somewhere between 24 and 48 hours. Cycles may update early if everyone has already posted.
• Additional communication can occur in the official Comms thread. Talking is a free action!

Spoiler: Post Template

[hp=current]max[/hp]
[status]
[/status]

Post here

[action]
Type result of roll here
Swarm of Chicks: 222/300
[/action]
Link Play Sheet Here[code][/spoiler]

 

[Hyakin Heliodoros]

170 / 180

Hyakin was pretty amazed by the twins; ignoring the colours, identical in looks, yet each worked differently. One led them with sweetness, another chased them into the barn with strictness.

More and more fluffballs went into the repaired farmhouse.

And then, the leftover chicks gathered, chirping between one another. Hyakin started to walk towards them, pondering how to herd them, with the use of his shield he would manage to simply push them forward, maybe? Carefully, to not hurt them.

The group was adorable.

At the start that is, because the puffed up. As if they were balloons, they increased in side, their cute dark eyes narrowing and looking rather diabolic in fact.

Hyakin stopped for a moment, staring at them and feeling flabbergasted.

"What the heck?" He let that question out, staring at what looked more like a horde, rather than a gathering of cute chicks.

In a way, it was comedic, he was sure, the way they puffed up and huffed and jumped and flapped their small wings. But as the person being stared at those angry beady eyes, it felt more mildly eerie. Mildly, because compared to the boss and their swarm they were still adorable.

And they flew towards them all, with angry chirps! There were some angry chirps behind too, but the barn held; though that meant corralling them was much harder now.

"Now, now, fluffballs be- ack! Ow! You feathe- Ouch!" Hyakin tried to talk to them, but they pecked at the visible skin. Another kicked, one actually jumped at him colliding with him.

"Fluffballs, no!" He exclaimed loudly, raising his shield.

Taunting (taunt)

"Be nice fluffballs!"​

The shield shone a bit as dug into Guard Arts. Then he used the shield to pull away few chicks from the horde and then held them in his arms, trying to soothe them.

Some ran away, so he had to do it again and again, all while being pecked and scratched. Few let themselves be held long enough for him to manage to gently, but quickly put them intot he barn, while keeping the door closed and not letting out others out.

And as he tried to do it again…

He soon disappeared from view, buried in the feathered balls.

His vision obscured, he just stood there, unsure what to do without harming the chicks.

Rolls

USED TAUNT!
Mastery Check
1d100 (26) + 10 = 36
Guard Arts | Hyakin Heliodoros | 1042C2
Swarm of Chicks: 258/300

Player Sheet Link

 

[Nai]

90 / 100

It was a pleasant surprise to be surrounded by the rainbow-colored sheep. If they took her as one of theirs, their sheer mass alone would be enough to dissuade the approach of the dire chicks, leaving Nai free to continue her own work repairing the holes.

A shame though. Would be nice to lie down amongst them and enjoy naturally-warmed wool, in the same sort of way that a sunny day was enjoyable because of the heat.

Between Hyakin and herself, the holes within the farm were patched up expediently, and would hold at least for another day or two. Still, the farmer himself better keep her words in mind: the parable of the three pigs ought to be even more relevant in a world so disastrous as Terrasphere. And the chicks themselves were getting settled too, the efforts of the twins (thankfully fraternal) and Kamala quickly bearing fruit. Only a small cluster remained now, their rage rambunctious but ultimately impotent.

Or at least, that’s what Nai felt it was like, what with her pain sensitivity dropped down to 0%.

Still. It was a bit of a conundrum. The weight of basketball-sized chicks was still a teensy bit claustrophobic, and the horned woman was on the verge of tossing a couple smoke bombs to disperse the crowds, when Hyakin himself called out and drew in the aggro, taunting them all in perhaps the kindest way possible. He was a good guy. Weird to think that.

Saved Kamala having to rescue them though. And gave Nai her clear shot.

Popping open her jacket and slipping her arms out of its sleeves, Nai pulled at the shoulders of the jacket and swung it outwards, the motion causing a large net to fly out from the shadow of her jacket’s innerside. It sailed well, covering both the chicks and Hyakin who had disappeared inside the swarm. A perfect throw…but a net that wasn’t secured could be quite easily removed.

“Kamala, Kit, Kat, reinforce the weave and lock it down, if you please.”

Rolls

Mastery Check
1d100 (16) + 0 = 16
Shadow Arts | Nai | 1042c2

Corral the Chicks Progress: 274/300

Play Sheet

 

[Kat]

235 / 245

Protect Aura active @Nai
-10 HP from playing a lil rough

"Eeeeeppp!" Kat nearly tumbled from shock as Kit's method of securing the floofballs seemed a lot more.... direct. Well, it was maybe just her sort of caring! She wasn't particularly mean, just very direct. Yes, as long as Kit put her feelings of love into each of her words, it'd work! In fact, it DID work.

"Woah, you're all amazing!" Kat clapped her hands together as she dished out an empty compliment. "Though you're the bestest, Kit." That was a given. "H-How did you two fix the barn up so fast!?" Before she could do any more small talk, however, something happened.

Something changed.
Something menacing.
Something vile.
Something evil.
Something cheeping.

"... Oh my goodness, I can't believe they could get even fluffier!!!" Kat couldn't help it, with her hands put to her cheeks and wiggling her entire body to do that pose. "Maybe we should have specced into Beast Arts. Right, Kit?" Maybe then she could understand what the chicks were saying! Though clearly it must have been something along the lines of also wanting some pets, love, and caring. Why else would they turn themselves even more cuddly?

Even as the pecking started, it was weak enough that Kat had no problem downplaying it! "Ah- ouch! Hehe... that tickles! Don't be- ouch, too rough. Okay?" She hugged one of the mega-fluffed dire chickens and cuddled it like a... pet. "Hehehe..." Something was clearly wrong with that girl...

"Chicken paradise..." Her bliss didn't hold long, however, as @Hyakin Heliodoros used his own antics to draw all the aggro, and thus the chickens, onto himself! "H-Hey!" Kat complained with a slight pout, as the goat-woman was then quick to act and throw a net around the ball of chickens and chicken-loving guy somewhere below that.

"I..." Kat found herself in a bit of a conundrum as Nai then commanded them to help secure the net. "I can do that but..." She looked at the girl with the fluffy tail, @Kamala Graham. "You'll help us from the outside, yes?" Giving her a nod, Kat grabbed Kit's hand before rushing into the unified horde of chicken menace, promptly slipping under the net and...

"I'll join you in a second, Kit!" Throwing her sister into the feathered chaos, she promptly secured the ending she had just entered from herself, before also entering The Chickening.

"Leave some of the floofs for me!" She yelled out, not able to see much beyond a chicken right in front of her that was just replaced by another chicken.

Taunting (taunt)

"COME HERE, YOU SUPER FLUFFY MEGAFLUFFS!!!"​

Kat's Aura seemed to activate, her eyes betraying a certain hint of craze.

Rolls

Mastery Check
1d100 (78) + 15 = 93

Aura | Kat | 1042C2
Taunt used!

Corral the Chicks Progress: 367/300

Link Play Sheet Here

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

120 / 130

-10 HP from the pecking and clawing

Despite the otherwise bewildering chaos, Kamala Graham managed to find relief and reward in a sense of accomplishment that came with succeeding in what she was told to do. She wiped the sweat off her brow, as if she had done harder work than she actually did, but the chicks soon presented a new problem: They were unionizing. Uh-oh! That doesn't sound so good.

Unionization is actually a good thing for oppressed workers, the people who are doing everything for a business or organization but still get taken advantage of. Kamala felt the chicks would also be benefitted from unionization, but not when they're using it to try and hurt them! That's just mean and uncalled for.

"Oh, no, they're getting angry! We're not gonna like them when they got angry!"

Through more chaos, Kamala heard @Nai's directions and decided to follow them, putting on a determined look on her face. She was already on her way to help when she heard @Kat. As a response, she nodded at her but didn't wait to hear her response. Instead, Kamala used her big old doggy eyes to see what she needed to reinforce from the outside. Once she found it, she wasted no time and rushed towards their goal.

"I'm on it!"

Rolls

Expertise Check
1d100 (83) + 20 = 103
Awareness | Kamala Graham | 1042C2

Corral the Chicks Progress: 470/300

Play Sheet

 

[Kit]

235 / 245

Protect Aura active.
-10 HP from the pecking and clawing

Kit had officially twinned a lunatic. There was no other explanation for Kat's reaction to the violent, flesh-eating monstrosities, as they practically screeched out their chirps as war cries. Beast Arts? Kat honestly expected them to take Beast Arts!? No way; not in a million years.

"Right, Kat!" But she also couldn't resist the call. They'd have a talk, later.

It was in moments like this that Kit could take some comfort in knowing their frail-looking bodies were, in fact, very sturdy machines underneath. The pecking and clawing still hurt, but not as much as it perhaps should've, and she imagined it was thanks to that.

@Hyakin Heliodoros
Kit felt some relief as a fellow helper drew their attention, though given how he was holding the little fiends in his arms, he clearly shared some of her sister's insanity. "Does that even work...?" she questioned the mechanisms behind calming animals. How were they programmed? Were soft words more efficient? Hm.

@Nai
One of the beastkin then had a brilliant idea. A net to contain the menace! Finally, someone with a hint of sanity! "Right, okay," Kit nodded, summoning a giant, metal hammer as she prepared to pound one of the stakes deep into the earth, "I'll just hi-- WAH!!" Before she could finish the thought, her twin sister suddenly grasped her hand and... TOSSED HER INTO THE HOARD OF DEATH!?

What was this betrayal!? Kat may as well have pushed her off a cliff! Worse: at least cliffs weren't diseased and disgusting and alive! These foul beasts were (probably)!

Kit shut her eyes in fear as the pecking and the scratching continued, feeling more and more disturbed emotions bubble up inside of her.

Don't do it, don't do it, don't do it... think about Kat, don't do it; for Kat...!

...

She whipped out her hammer.

Taunting (taunt)

"Get aWAY FROM ME!!!"​

She wasn't quite swinging to crush them to death, but with each frantic smack of her hammer, another handful found itself violently knocked back to the far end of the net.

Rolls

Attack
1d100 (47) + 0 + 0 = 47
47 damage
Crush Weapons | Kit | 1042C2

@Kamala Graham gains save roll advantage (Protect Aura)

Corral the Chicks Progress: 517/300

Play Sheet

 

[Tarkya]

Feathered and Furious - Swarm of Dire Chicks

❰ -217 / 300 ❱

@Hyakin Heliodoros's taunt does exactly what it was meant to do, assuming his intent was to become buried in a mass of chicks. Fortunately, the sheer quantity of chicks functions like a barrier of sorts - only so many of them can reach him before other chicks get in the way.

And yet, he isn't alone. @Kit and @Kat soon rush into the fray. The world becomes a storm of chittering yellow, saturated with defensive and taunting magic that drives the chicks into a further frenzy. And as distracted as they are, it's too late to react when @Nai drops her net over the entire flock.

And oh, the chicks struggle heroically. They cheep and cluck and claw, making every effort to escape the confines of the net. When that fails, they start to turn on the people trapped in there with them, or even on each other.

Really, one cannot blame Kit for drawing her hammer. Sometimes, violence is the answer.

And yet, as her hammer meets feather, a sudden sense of doom descends upon the party. A feeling like they're being watched by distant, judging eyes... and that Kit's actions have drawn its enmity.

Fortunately, the efforts are effective stunning some would-be runaways, giving @Kamala Graham time to pin down the net around them. It takes a few minutes for them to realize that they're well and truly trapped - and so are the party members underneath.

...cheep?

Bloodbane gets to his feet. He walks up to the net and puts his hands on his hips.

Right! Have you gotten all of that out of your system, chicks? Do you know just how much of a mess you've made?

Cheep...

Including you, Jeffery! Don't you pretend I didn't see you organizing the others...

...Right. Let's get all these chicks in the henhouse. I guess we'll just have to drag everyone in there with the net and let them out once we're inside...

It takes time, effort, and quite a bit of clawing, but it isn't long before the chicks are safely housed. As if in apology, Bloodbane invites you into his home and insists on making you all some food. It isn't long before you're seated around a table set with pancakes, bacon, and to no one's surprise, scrambled eggs. The eggs are almost unnaturally orange, but they don't taste any different from normal eggs.

I am so sorry about all of that. I promise, they're not usually like this.

Bloodbane sits at the head of the table, half choked by his slinky, six-legged "cat". He mindlessly feeds it bits of egg as he explains the situation.

We've been working on the hen project for a couple of months now. We've been breeding for the usual things - size, intelligence, friendliness... and it was all going pretty well until recently, when we decided it was time to get into roosters.

It took a few layings, but we eventually managed to hatch one - sweet little Adam. He was everything we hoped for - easy to train, got along with all the girls, grew up quickly. We thought we had it, but...

...well, the only way I can really describe it is that he staged a coup.

Bloodbane shoves a forkful of pancakes into his mouth and chews with far more force that necessary.

One moment, we're letting out the chickens for the morning so we can clean up the henhouse. Next moment, we're getting swarmed even worse than those chicks managed. We ended up retreating into the barn, and that's when Adam locked us in. Turns out he was way smarter than we realized.

It didn't take long for the Lions to show up on our doorstep and start asking questions. And that's why we hired you all.

I'm sure they're just scared and defending themselves out there, but that doesn't mean we can just let them keep causing trouble. You did pretty well at containing that flock... if you're able to find Adam and the other hens and bring them back here alive, then we'll be sure you're all rewarded.

...but... if you can't, then I won't blame you. Good luck out there.

Bloodbane doesn't have much more to say after that. He insists that you all take some leftovers for the road and sees you off with a smile, though it feels a little flat with him surrounded by the continuing chaos of the farm. But you can't waste any more time fixing the place up.

Somewhere out there, your quarry awaits...

CYCLE 3 - Chicken Chasers

Checking your statuses, you all see something new...

Status Effects
Henmity (47)

Your actions have drawn the attention of the flock...​

This cycle, each player has multiple choices as to how they want to progress.

Choose one of the options, roll the appropriate die, and describe your efforts to hunt down the flock. Add your roll to the contribution: This number counts up.

Question the Locals - Expertise Check

The hen flock has been causing quite a bit of trouble. Asking the other farmers might give you an idea of their base of operations...
Bonus earned! Fate Thread has given @Hyakin Heliodoros gains a +15 to expertise checks!

Hunt for Clues - Mastery Check

You might be able to track down the chickens yourself. They've left plenty of clues you could use to find them...
Bonus earned! @Hyakin Heliodoros gains a +15 to mastery checks using Guard Arts!

Subdue the Flock - Normal OR Special Attack

Of course, there's always the tried and true method of beating up some rowdy hens and following them back home. However, something about this path fills you with dread...
This action will increase the party's Henmity.

OOC

• Thread Code: 1042C3
• All players may post once this cycle.
• There is no word limit for posts.
• Cycles will update somewhere between 24 and 48 hours. Cycles may update early if everyone has already posted.
• Additional communication can occur in the official Comms thread. Talking is a free action!

Spoiler: Post Template

[hp=current]max[/hp]
[status]
[/status]

Post here

[action]
Type result of roll here
Chicken Chasing: xxx/???
[/action]
Link Play Sheet Here[code][/spoiler]

 

[Nai]

90 / 100

"A coup in the coop."

That was cause enough for a shadow of a smile.

Nai ate with restraint as Bloodbane recounted his story, slicing the fluffy pancakes into bite-sized pieces before eating them one at a time, making sure to chew at least ten times between each bite. It was important, after all, to not develop a habit of gluttony whilst in a simulated environment that had no physical impact on her body, and it was even more important not to lose her appetite whilst doing so. Still, farm-fresh ingredients made for a delicious meal, and what few things the beastwoman did take on her plate were enjoyed to the fullest, the western-style fixings novel compared to her usual fair of rice porridge and picked vegetables.

She refused his offer of leftovers though. That could wait until after she returned to finish her job.

...

Farm chickens, made dire, lacked the subtlety of predators or the experience of prey, and as she surveyed the landscape immediately after leaving the Yladian farmer's home, Nai pulled out a small vial from the bandolier wrapped around her waist. An orange fluid glowed within it, almost as bright as neon, and after a three second pause, she uncorked it and drank it down in a single gulp. Her alchemized products were made for efficacy, not taste, and the Rabbit's Ear Extract drew out a furrowed brow, a slight frown as bitter flavors rooted themselves into her tongue. But her vision sharpened as well, the tracks of the flock becoming even easier to pick out than the Investigation Mode she had enabled. They cut a winding route through the tall grass, as if enjoying the freedom of unfettered mobility, and it was clear too which farm's field they rampaged through afterwards.

"There may be further answers over there," Nai spoke, gesturing towards the bright-red farmhouse that was, once again, made only of miserly wooden planks. "At the...Goreblanch Farmstead."

What was with these farmers and their graphic names?

Rolls

Mastery Check
1d100 (24) + 0 = 24
Alchemy | Nai | 1042C3

Chicken Chasing: 24/???

Playsheet

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

120 / 130

Questioning the locals.

Kamala heaved a quiet sigh of relief when she realized the worst was over. Or so she thought. Nevertheless, the Beastfolk did her part in helping their employer get the rest of the chicks back where they belonged, the henhouse. After which, Kamala was only too glad when they were offered free breakfast. Kamala loved breakfast, and even though the color of the egg was a little strange, she still savored the farmhouse cuisine.

"I hope I don't offend, but your eggs are a different color, aren't they? More orange than yellow. Why is that? There's nothing wrong with the taste, though."

Kamala was a farmer herself, and although she doesn't herself keep or tend to eggs at the Farm, she wondered if that knowledge could be useful for the benefit of others somehow. Must be those specially bred hens. A coup in a coop? That's funny. Kamala didn't think much of Bloodbane's plight, especially after the rest of his revelation. She tried to empathize with him, though, but alas, she hasn't yet been betrayed by a chicken (or Adam was more like a rooster, right?) she specifically bred for better stats.

"Thank you for the food! We'll do our best to find Adam and his friends!"

---

Henmity... That's funny.

"Well, it looks like it's up to us now! I have a bit of a history with farmers, so I can ask around for some information! Keep each other posted through comms?"

In this world and the other, Kamala has always been very good at socializing. It was one of the skills she had that she was very proud of, though having few skills at the start was something that still nagged on her every now and then. As soon as she shared with everyone her plans, she immediately set out to do the same, looking for fellow farmers she could relate to and kindly interviewing them if they've seen Adam and the rowdy gang of roosters and hens, hoping they could still remember which way they went. Shouldn't be easy to forget Adam and his friends.

Fortunately for them, @Nai had tracked them down to...Goreblanch Farmstead? Yes... Fortunately. Kamala discreetly heaved a sigh and put on her best, warmest, friendliest face before asking the Goreblanch farmers if they've seen anything resembling a gang of chickens.

Rolls

Expertise Check (Question the Locals)
1d100 (89) + 20 = 109
Awareness | Kamala Graham | 1042C3

Chicken Chasing: 133/???

Play Sheet

 

[Hyakin Heliodoros]

145 / 155

Hyakin could not see well what was going on, not with the feathered fluffballs sticking to him and trying to hurt him more. But he felt something constraint him and the chicks; and as he was freed from the chicks that reduced their size back to normal, he realised what happened. Other also attracted the chicks and someone cast a net over them all.

“A grand plan and execution!” He said grinning at his party members, not caring about the few feathers stuck to him or his messed up hair… Or the feathers stuck to others.

And then, there was invitation for food and the red line did not disappear. Obviously, questline continuation! Of course Hyakin accepted.

Food was spent quietly from his corner. Not only was the quest continuing, they were given the lore and background for the quest, but also, the food was really good. Having gotten training in the food-crafting (and also home-keeping, because it was included in the price), Hyakin took each bite carefully, trying to deconstruct how it was made in his mind. The pancakes were good, not brilliant, just good. They had slightly different colour and were not fluffy enough. The seasoning was also bit too weak for him. The bacon however was very good; he was not sure just what meat it was from, but it was tender inside but crunchy outside, sizzled in its own fat.

The scrambled eggs; the technique was too rushed and the pan was heated unevenly or the eggs were not moved on the pan enough; some parts were too moist, others were too hard and dry. The colouring was interesting; so very, very orange.

Terrasphere had some things so vastly different from the life outside it; the raw ingredients must have been procured from the farm. That ‘cat’ a prime example. Still, it was over all rather tasty and ‘filling’. He was sure his food needs meter was nicely climbing up with each bite.

That all was but a backdrop to the questline.

It was bit of surprise, but also not, that his seniors learned about the situation and went to check it.

Hyakin also gladly took the leftovers, putting them into inventory, but also he asked about the price of the eggs and he made mental note to buy some after the end of the quest.

“Yes, let’s find more information. Ladies.” He bowed slightly at each of the ladies (and there were four of them.). “I’m thinking of doing my best to bring them back alive.”

He brought up the palm menu and the comms up, thinking of how to find the flock. With the goat-beastfolk tracking them and the caenis beastfolk running up to a farm, Hyakin found himself following a red line that led him not to the farmers that were questioned, but to kids that were more to the left.

After a short talk, showing off his cool weapon and a cool pose, one excitable kid pointed him in a direction, another showed him a feather that he got from ‘fleeing chicken’s and a girl said that she actually saw them splitting up.

Hyakin saw that the red thread pointed in the direction the kid pointed out, but he shared what kids said in the comms.

Rolls

Expertise Check
1d100 (63) + 10 + 15 = 88
Awareness | Hyakin Heliodoros | 1042C3
Chicken Chasing: 221/???

Player Character Sheet

 

[Kit]

235 / 245

Protect Aura active.

Kit’s eyes widen in wonder at the unbelievably delicious looking meal. Maybe it was a little strangely color, but that just made it look all the more good and buttery! "Thank you for the food!" she said, hands together with her best anime girl impression. Unfortunately, as soon the first bite was in her mouth, her expression soured.

"Oh… right…"

Glancing off to the side, she puffed a cheek full of air. Being a twin was as amazing as expected, but sacrificing flavor… that was a hard price to pay. She loved tasty food.

"Don’t worry elf guy, we’ll get them for you…" Kit spoke in a foreboding tone as she shoveled the rest of the tasteless food in her mouth and stood to leave. From her face, it was clear the whole meal had put her in a foul mood. "Come on, Kat."

@Hyakin Heliodoros
Just before leaving, she nodded in Hyakin’s direction, but it felt more like an acknowledgement, and less of an agreement.

With @Nai ’s direction, Kit found herself at another farmstead. That made sense: that was where the food was, after all. While @Kamala Graham was busy questioning the locals, Kit glanced around, watching the fields for—

"There!!"

She pointed her giant hammer forward toward a lone hen, busy pecking at some corn on the ground, and nearly smacking Kamala in the process. It looked up just in time to catch sight of a hammer-to-the-face. One swing, then two, and a final one stopped just short of crushing it into the ground completely.

"Message sent~!" Kit smirked, swinging the hammer back over her shoulder to complete her intimidation attack.

Rolls

Reckless Attack
2d100 (2 + 53) + 0 + 0 = 55
55 damage
Gain the Vulnerable state
Crush Weapons | Kit | 1042C3

@Kamala Graham gains save roll advantage (Protect Aura)

Subdue the Flock: 055/???

Play Sheet

 

[Kat]

235 / 245

If there was a thing Kat loved more than chicken, it was foodstuffs coming from them! Be it all kinds of egg or, even better, chicken meat! So it came to no surprise that she had quickly forgotten, and forgiven Kit's mistake of gently tapping the chicken a bit too much and instead, focusing on the food.

"...!" That was at least until she realized, they had become Magia. Right. Kit had told her this before they started playing, about the race selection and all. They were machines, so obviously, there had to be sacrifices. And ultimate twinship seemed to require the ultimate sacrifices.

"Let's go, Kit!" With their underwhelming meal done and taking a mental note to get some Asian take-out later, Kat followed Kit outside with the rest of the group. She actually wasn't too sure what was going on in too great detail, having maybe zoned out a little bit as she felt bewitched by all the amazing animals, but the rest of the group quickly took the lead!

"Yes! I totally agree!" She gave a motivating nod to @Hyakin Heliodoros declaration of keeping the dire chickens alive, following @Nai, and then @Kit while keeping @Kamala Graham words in mind. Right, apart from the chickens, where was so much more to do.

"Hey, hey, nee-nee..." Kat walked up to Kit to speak about Operation: Fluffy Tail. "What do you-aaaaaaaahhh?" Though before she could finish, Kit was on and about to give the chickens a good smack! Kat could feel her heart sink. Pain. Each smack of Kit's hammer that was so-close-yet-so-far from hitting the chick was a nerve-wracking occurrence. Taking a year or ten from Kit's infinity lifespan.

"..." Feeling a bit of deja-vu, Kat's face darkened. They were not just twins. But THE twins. And if this was... if this was what Kit wanted.

Gulp

Ultimate twinship required ultimate sacrifices, instead. "Alright..." She murmured as she summoned her hammer, clenching it firmly. "If this is how it's going to be...." Kat also rushed forward, mimicking Kit's movement the best she could. Step by step. Limb by limb.

Hopefully, she'd miss them, too! And, even if a dire chick or two would die, they could at the very least turn them into...

"BECOME CHICKEN NUGGETS!"​

Taunting ()

Rolls

Reckless Attack
2d100 (7 + 35) + 0 + 0 = 42
42 damage
Gain the Vulnerable State
Crush Weapons | Kat | 1042C3

Chicken Chasing: 318/??? (Added the number from Kit to this, too)

Link Play Sheet Here

 

[Tarkya]

As the question of the eggs comes up, Bloodbane answers that final question with a smile.

Oh, the eggs? That comes from the feed we give them. Trade secret, I'm sure you understand. But I can promise you'll find no egg more nutritious, or delicious, than ours!

---

@Nai's path leads the to the nearby farmstead, a place that seems to be a perfectly ordinary farm despite its gruesome name. The farmhands toil anxiously over their ravaged fields, but on hearing that you seek the dire hens they're more than eager to tell you and your friends what they know.

@Kamala Graham's questioning is answered with mix of gossip and useful information mixed together. Protean Pastures is known for its eccentric livestock, but that they're usually very good about keeping them contained. They also mention some other neighboring farms that the flock has visited - though the area is wide, they don't seem to have ranged particularly far - the furthest farms struck by the chickens are half a day's walk from each other. They mention a copse of trees not far away - if there were any place for a flock of giant chickens to hide, it'd be there.

@Hyakin Heliodoros' questions to the children earns a very different perspective. The kids tell stories about the hens, which describe them as being as big as wolves and just as smart. One claims to have seen one taller than a person, which quickly results in an argument between the kids on whether or not they're lying. Yet as they mention it, you can feel the tug of the thread of fate grow stronger...

@Kit and @Kat, on the other hand, take a more aggressive approach. The lone hen scouting the field doesn't see them coming until it's too late. A flurry of hammer blows sends the startled wolf-sized bird soaring into the air.

Bwak! BWAWK!

Your Henmity has increased...

Status Effects
Henmity (144)
Your actions have drawn the attention of the flock. Judgement is nigh.

The chicken flutters frantically for a few seconds. Then it lands back among the grain and starts to bolt, frantically clucking and pumping its wings as it flees the magia twins. There's no attempt made at stealth as it scrambles away.

[ 318/300 ]
You found the trail! It's time to finish this!

---

The sun is starting to set as the trail of the frantically fleeing chicken and the twining red thread of fate lead you to your destination. A copse of trees stands before you, the branches twined together so thick that you can only see darkness within.

The moment you step within, you know you're being watched. Quiet clucks and rustling feathers echo somewhere in the darkness. You pass strange constructs of twigs and leaves and scraps of cloth - clearly unnatural, possibly built by the chickens themselves, but it's impossible to tell what they might be...

And then the path opens up. A clearing within the center of the copse stands before you, home to an enormous nest. Dire hens stand guard around the nest as a feathered shape shifts and beings to rise...

Bwoookwokwok...

An enormous... "bird" rises from the nest, stretching its wings and flaring a rainbow of feathers. At nearly 8 feet tall it's enormous, at least for a rooster. It steps forward, head bobbing, and then snaps its head upwards with a high pitched crow.

Scion of the Tyrants - Dire Rooster Adam

Brrrak! Bwak-kah bok?

Bwok-wok ka!

Kwa! Kwa-ka ko!

Kokeko! KEK-KWAHAHA!

...this would probably be a very intimidating monologue if any of you understood chicken.

Adam clacks his beak, then stares at you all with an expectant air. It doesn't take long for him to grow angry - apparently he doesn't know or doesn't care that you didn't understand a single cluck. He puffs up, spreading his wings and stretching his neck upwards.

Kekeko? Bwa-KAH!

KOOOO KE-KOOOO!

Adam's crow echoes through the clearing, and magic clouds the skies above. A red storm of miasma swirls above you as a massive, glowing orb begins to take shape. It begins to descend - slowly at first, then growing faster, closer, the air rent by infernal heat, the light drowning out all senses as the orb swallows you whole...

LIMIT BREAK

CHICKEN COMET​

The Flock passes JUDGEMENT on you!
Henmity divided! All party members take 29 points of damage.
"HENMITY" status cleared!​

The light and heat fades - and you're all still standing. Well roasted, perhaps, but not to the degree that one might expect of such a showy and dramatic attack. In the end, it's still just a chicken...

The same cannot be said for the grove. The ground is scorched black, and the air is filled with the acrid smell of smoldering trees. As for the hens... they seem to be in far worse shape than all of you. Most lie on the ground, stunned and twitching, feathers charred in the wake of the attack. Only Adam seems to stand uninjured, flapping his wings and crowing triumphantly.

KEKOKOKOO! Bok bwak-

B-Bu... BU-KAW?!

Bok-bok! Ke-kokwah bok!

KO-KEKO, KOO!

Adam stands, wings spread, looking expectant... but nothing happens. A few of the hens attempt to struggle to their feet, but most of them are out like a light.

Bok... bok...

BWAWK!

Adam lowers his head, flaring his tailfeathers and scratching the ground with his talons. He looks ready to face you all on his own.

Bwakaka! BUKAW!

CYCLE 3.5

All players take 29 damage from Chicken Comet! Vulnerable from the previous cycle take 58 damage!

CYCLE 4 - Does this really count as a chicken anymore?

Scion of the Tyrants - Dire Rooster Adam

❰ 500 / 500 ❱

Spoiler: Battle Music

STATUS

• The Dire Rooster is preparing a powerful attack!
• The Dire Rooster is looking at @Nai...

Burning nicely...

• The heat of the Chicken Comet has set fire to the grove! Roll a DC 25 Reflex save to avoid getting burned. If you fail, take 10 damage.

OOC

• Thread Code: 1042C4
• All players may post once this cycle.
• There is no word limit for posts.
• All actions are permitted.
• Cycles will update somewhere between 24 and 48 hours. Cycles may update early if everyone has already posted.
• Additional communication can occur in the official Comms thread. Talking is a free action!

Spoiler: Post Template

[hp=current]max[/hp]
[status]
[/status]

Post here

[action]
Type result of roll here
Dire Rooster HP: 500/500
[/action]

Link Play Sheet Here

 

[Nai]

64 / 100

Flames fell from on high, the magical fury of a dire rooster enough to set the entire copse of trees ablaze. The heat struck her more than her injuries, Nai's eyes stinging from the smoke that came from the monologuing rooster's attack. She was still healthy, one way or the other. Still alive, still standing, and still nimble enough to avoid the charred husk of a sapling crashing down where she stood just a moment before.

The beastwoman patted the flames that spouted over her suit, then let out a deep sigh.

This stupid fucking rooster. She had expected some modicum of intellect out of a creature capable of couping the coop, of locking humans in and then running out, but in the end, a bird still had a birdbrain, and this particular egomaniac couldn't even be bothered to look out for the hens that helped in his escape to begin with. They laid on their sides, unable to move as the forest's flames continued to burn. Singing feathers, searing flesh.

What was the job?

From one hand, Nai drew out a mirror-polished dagger. From the other, a syringe that she jammed into the side of her neck. No pain, always, but the rush surged in immediately, arteries shooting a volatile mix of stimulants directly into her brain before feeding back into her body. A nervous, excited energy shot into her veins, her muscles jittering from the desire to run, but her own expression remained impassive. Cold. Stately. Disdainful.

"Bwok bwok bwok."

She sneered at the ostricth-bitch, looking down on her nose at the buffoon so foolish to cripple his own girlfriends in the corona of his wrath, and then crooked her finger before casually, ever so casually, stepping back, picking up her own pace as the chicken gave chase. She knew that look in its eyes, after all. Could read the intent well enough. And if that was the case...

The mirror-polish gave her a rearview mirror to navigate with, even as both of them continued to accelerate through the grove.

...she would lead it away, so the rest could either strike it from behind or rescue the hen before they returned to Bloodbane with only rotisserie chicken.

Rolls

Save
1d100 (46) + 0 = 46
Reflex | Nai | 1042C4

Haste
1d4 (4) = 4
+4 movement between up to 3 targets [+4 movement to Nai]
Nai | 1042C4
`Twice Activated (extra action granted) | Nai | 1042C4`
Rush
Movement speed doubled (current movement: 12)

Dire Rooster HP: 500/500

Play Sheet