Complete Private Story Quest All The Tenderness of a Seasick Slimeodile

[Zelrius]

His feet hurt. It was a really long walk from Stokbon to this camp, and the Guild had put out an ad to send more adventurers back this way to Camp Nisus and assist in the restoration and fortification efforts. Zelrius hoofed it the whole way, and took a second to lean against one of the broken stone walls and reach back in order to stretch his ankles. He was finally here, though. Only a few hours into this day, with more time left to spare than he had initially planned or cared for. There was no sense in wasting the daylight, every moment on Terra counted, and he needed a story to log out and tell the one he loved about.

A gloved hand reached up to wipe away the accumulating sweat borne by the humid, summertime air of the jungle, passing a moment as he made his way past the city of temporary housing in the form of pitched cloth and rags into tents. All of the wafting fragance of food, and small chatter of the camp was centered around the rotting, beaten mushroom in the center where the MIT had made their daring, and dangerously swift research into the mist. The mist that Zelrius could pick up in the air even now, trying its best to fend off Red Fever. On his way, he noticed the familiar ashen skin and brunette head of hair that belonged to @Moonsong, giving the friendly face a small wave without realizing that she might not recognize his new appearance. There, along its cylindrical base, and under the capped canopy, were bulletin boards and people looking around them, as Trevis gave his rundown to any who asked, and assisted those who needed it. First impressions told the redhead that the man was annoying. Rambunctious, arrogant, and not too self aware. But, honestly, between the fight with the Kurungaar, the Golem, and his subsequent clean up aid, the platinum ranked adventurer would be loathe to admit that there was a certain kindredship he felt with his AG Superior.

Speaking of superiors, whatever boredom or slight smile Zelrius was feeling prior to grabbing a piece of parchment from the board and reading it over was quickly melted away by the small frown that formed. The slime was draining, the Slimeodiles that called it home were becoming increasingly aggressive. Even more, a particular cove full of the these ruined artifacts of magitech was being heavily guarded by an especially big and mean motherfucker. There was no way someone like him could do this, not even alone. But, what was he going to do? Put the paper back and pick something easier?

He turned on his heel, peering around the camp. Something like this was more suited for the likes of Brutus or @Toko, not him. His blue eyes trailed, wondering now if either of those two were here. And while he didn't find the red mane of the canon wielding mountain that was Brutus, it was almost impossible to miss the snow-white loopy ears of the envyingly energetic Toko, who was currently working on some kind of combo on one of the Lion's Arms's test dummies. Zelrius shifted through the crowd, snaking his way to her and introducing himself with a wave. "Hey, Toko!" He tried to get her attention, holding up the paper for her to see. "I don't know if you remember, but we fought the Golem together, and then the Kurungaar. What do you say to taking on something else that's massive and dangerous?" There was a sense he had gotten from his brief interactions with her that offering it like that was the way to get this woman to agree to anything. They were alike, in that way - though she was far more courageous.

---

Next, it was back between the dull colored beige rows of pointed tent tops to find someone that Zelrius was beginning to grow slightly fond of. She had saved him from the prying eyes of the expedition preparation, and then again from the Golem, and then again from the Kurungaar mother herself. Sort of like a Guardian Angel. She was one of the few people he considered a true Hero. @Moonsong was someone the man had found himself wondering about sometimes. They had shared a lot of common ground, and managed to connect over some under surface issues back in Fineweald. There is no one he'd rather more have on his side for something like this than her. Just as he had with Toko, Zelrius held up the paper when he approached her, stifling a wide grin as he thought of a way to ask her to come along. "I don't suppose it'd be too much to ask you to help me again?"

---

That was three, if those two accepted. They could accommodate a 4th, and have enough supplies to forge out and then come back, without draining the camp's manpower too much. If other RPGs and MMOs had taught him anything, it was that team comp mattered. And the three of them needed a support. Someone who was willing to do the important stuff, and keep the health bars full, and the damage packed. There weren't many people like that that Zelrius knew, and would be comfortable asking into something dangerous like that. There was the voice of the woman who had saved him at the end of the fight with Red Fever, though he had no idea what her name was, or what she even looked like. There was Harveste, the small childlike Faerin had ambitiously chosen him to be the focus of her buffing on more than one occasion, but finding her in this mess of people seemed like an impossible task. Vina, maybe, but something like that was probably too rich for the kind Fox's blood.

The frown grew deeper; he was out of options. Maybe this was a doomed expedition. He should go find Moonsong and Toko again and tell them to forget it. To go find people who were actually capable of this. Who even knew if he could find someone for what he wanted, if he'd even be good enough to survive this, let alone not get anyone else killed. From his current sitting position on a log-stool, he let the piece of parchment drift slowly to the ground and into the dirt. This was a lost cause.

Or, it seemed that way, until the purple bushed tail walked past his field of vision. He had seen her before, and his eyes narrowed trying to remember when. His mind placing her form and face admist black smoke, and next to the body of a crumpled Trinity. The Traveler's Gate in Brisshal, and the fight with the cat. She had gave it her all, and tried her best. Zelrius felt a surge of energy, quickly bending down to snap up the now dusty piece of paper and rush over to the foxgirl. "Hey, Kiria, right?" Completely butchering her name, given he had only heard it the once, and they were all about to die then. Holding out the paper to let @Kyra Vashtana inspect it and decide for herself the answer to his next question. "How'd you like to help me and some other friends on something? We could really use the help."

And so it was. Those that agreed, he'd have told to meet up by the northern gate into the camp at sunset, so that they could head out at Dusk and get this done before the night was over.

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra

She'd been lent the horse in order to make her way from the emergency encampment, to some place known as Camp Nisus, where she'd been informed her help would be needed most. She'd been skeptical at first, wondering what a forward camp could possibly need from her - especially one that she was told had some of the greatest minds, and bravest souls in the game pushing for further advancement...to something. She'd entirely missed what that something was, lost in thought about the concept of being needed anywhere else.

The horse bucked beneath her again - not hard enough to toss her by any means, but definitely reminding her that she was less than liked by the beast. Not that she was entirely excited to be mounted upon the thing to begin with. If she'd had her way, she would've walked the entire distance - but the medical staff had insisted, and given the timeframe she'd needed to meet...there really wasn't much choice.

"Just...don't be mad if we don't get along..."

The horse flicked its tail, likely in annoyance at her presence. It wasn't long before she saw the camp rising before her, and as soon as she was within shouting distance Kyra leapt from the back of the beast to the ground below, grabbing the reigns of the horse and tugging it along behind her.

"Quit...your attitude...you stupid...beast...someone here will take care of you...I...come on! Just! Walk!"

Whether through pity, or some concern for the horse, one of the guards came trotting up beside Kyra, offering her assistance. She threw the reigns at the man - an Elf, from the looks of the tipped ears - before stomping off towards the encampment itself.

"Horse is yours! I was told to leave it in someones care here! From the emergency encampment in Lyrwick!"

She stormed off into the camp, determined to find something to help with. Her path didn't take her far, however, as a familiar redhaired individual stopped her. She squinted at the man, as he butchered her name. Listening to his proposition, before growling a reply.

"Sure. Consider me in. No idea what else I was supposed to do here anyways. And it's Kyra. As in Kuh-eye-ra. Kyra. What are we doing?"

She followed the other, unsure of what else to do, hoping for some sort of guidance in this new place.

Play Sheet

​

 

[Toko]

.

.

She had remained in Camp Nisus after delivering the two Myconid specimens to MIT teh prior day, the nerds absolutely ecstatic over the corpse of the heavy funguy... before they almost burst in delight upon realizing her party even managed to restrain an elusive sage variant. Ugh, that chest eye still gives me the creeps... A shiver ran down the rabbit's spine at the thought, before Toko shook her head to try and clear her thoughts. Toko wasn't sure that she'd ever understand the nerd's unbridled fascination with the specimens she'd brought, nor was she keen on sticking out long enough to try and change her perspective on it.

What had been concerning for the lepus was just how close to camp their quarry had been, it had taken her small party almost no time at all to come around the two specimen... which only served to highlight the true dangers that still lurked in Isulus. It meant any players coming to the camp with the hope of giving a helpful hand would be at risk, especially the newer ones to the game, and it caused an uneasy feeling to set in Toko's grasp as the hare toyed with the platinum tags dangling from her neck. A look on her friend list confirmed those she knew were currently logged out from the game, and the few that weren't Toko hadn't seen meandering around the camp as he had been—so the Lepus easily assumed they were somewhere else in the world as a result.

The familiar voice of Trevis caught Toko's attention next, the man already up an about early as he rallied those around for a new day of questing and adventure. A faint smile tugged at the corners of the hare's lips, chuckling when the man referred to the creatures that lurked on the outskirts of Camp Nisus as babymonsters. While her original impression of the fellow adventurer hadn't been the best Toko couldn't deny he and Caccu had quickly began living rent free in a corner of the rabbit's heart.

With little else to do so early, and having already fed her rumbling stomach, the Lepus had wandered over to the training area the Lion Arms had set for practice. With so many currently unused dummies to to the time it was simple for her to snatch a spot for herself without too much push from the pride members, the rabbit choosing to try some new close combat combinations as she burned time before her other companions logged into the game once more.

"Hey, Toko!"

A sudden voice in her direction had caused the hare to pause after delivering a high kick to the dummy's neck, her head tilting in small confusion as she regarded the redheaded human that had called out to her. His appearance was unknown to the fighter, however the voice held a familiarity the rabbit couldn't shake off, and as Zelrius filled in the missing information everything clicked in place for Toko.

"Ah, hai, I remember you... long blond hair with neko ears before, ne?"

He held a paper out for Toko to peruse, before his pitch towards a team up had the hare chuckling softly in response. "Massive and dangerous? You just uttered two of my most favored words~" The wide grin lingered in her lips, it was more than clear the rabbit was gamed for this challenge.

What had followed afterwards had been the search for two more party members, something that Toko had entirely left in the hands of Zelrius considering her preferred choices were all currently unavailable, and the man had lead the pair through the camp towards a dark haired woman next. From their shared conversation Toko could guess they were acquainted, offering a small wave and a "Yo!" in ways of greetings to Moonsong, before the man was now off to find their last member.

* * * * *​

Sunset had been deemed as their meeting time by the northern gate of Camp Nisus, the hare having used the free time to ensure she had any required supplies and that her equipment was in top shape for the challenge that awaited them all. Already she could see Zelrius and another waiting as Toko approached, the hare giving a friendly wave to the purple vixen besides the man before she grinned widely at the redhead who was the common link between all the members of the party.

"Alright, ready to roll out whenever~ I think we're just missing Moonsong now...?"

@Zelrius @Kyra Vashtana @Moonsong

 

[Lune]

Never thought she would be back at Camp Nisus, as she and the other adventurers are now promoted to platinum rank, and now they have more responsibilities in the guild's matters. Rebuilding and resecuring Camp Nisus is the topmost priority now. Moonsong helped to plan the placement of the posts, security details, and logistics in one of the tents. "Checkpoint route should be like this, minimizing the risk of getting overrun in case of myconid attack." She explained when drawing on paper, before getting distracted by a red-haired adventurer who waved at her.

Did some random adventurer just hit on her?

Not returning the wave, she shot a death glare at him instead before continuing to brief the guild members. After the members had dispersed, she grabbed a mug of water and sat down. The redhead suddenly came back into the tent with a hare beastfolk that is actually popular among the adventurer. Moonsong was going to shoot up another death glare at the grinning man before a familiar voice came from his mouth, and then she noticed the platinum tag. "Zelrius?"

Listening to the request, she had to hold her urge to not say fuck off. "Is the blood in your head leaking to your hair, Zee? Because what you are saying is crazy. Have you not read the reports? Teams and teams of gold-rankers came back crippled for life." Moonsong paused, taking a full deep breath, she put on a smile and waved back at @Toko before continuing her rant at @Zelrius while flailing the report paper around. "I did say I'm up to challenges. But this? Straight suicide. No way. Just leave it to the vets."

The girl walked to exit the tent, before stopping and turning back. She looked at Zel's eyes with a sinister pair of eyes he hadn't seen before; dark blue pupils with black sclera. "If I don't go, you'll still go out there to die, won't you?" After maintaining eye contact for almost five seconds, she resigned and walked off the tent. "Fine. I'll come up with a plan before the sunset."

---

The sky has shown its orange color. As Moonsong walked towards the northern gate, she would see @Zelrius and @Toko had recruited another party member. "Guess I'm not too late. Here's the plan." The intimidating-looking girl offered a paper, which have a sketch of the monster and compiled pieces of information from the previous groups. Movement pattern, weak spots, behavior, it's all there. She introduced herself to @Kyra Vashtana and @Toko who she haven't formally acquainted. "Name's Moonsong. I'm here to prevent an idiot from dying. Let's get going, shall we?"

 

[Zelrius]

He couldn't help but feel some pride at being able to convince Toko, not that she was particularly resistant to the idea. Massive and Dangerous seemed to be her comfort words. Which was fortunate, given they were actually headed into both. That only left to go get the other two, which, was going to be a bit more difficult.

A Sheepish feeling creeped over him when he realized that Moonsong may not have initially recognized him, and that pit in his stomach only compounded when she reprimanded him for wanting to take on something like this, especially with no knowledge of prior expeditions. 'Leave it to the Vets.' She had told him. And he couldn't help but look at the three platinum plates that they had between them. Other than Trevis and Caccu, weren't they the Vets? She was probably right, though. He was no Gwyn, or Alphabet Chocolate. Heroes who could fight legendary monsters and come out unscathed. They were just better players - still, he had to try, right?

It'd seem the woman was capable of reading those exact thoughts, even as she walked away. Blue eyes meeting her own dark ones, those five seconds stretching into an eternity as he wondered for a moment if she had changed her mind. Zelrius couldn't help the smile that formed on his face when Moonsong relented, and even offered to come up with a real plan. "You won't regret this! ...I hope." He tried to reassure her in his excitement, though in truth, she was the one who emboldened him.

That left Kyra, or so the foxgirl had corrected him on how to pronounce her name. "We're taking on a big alligator, and could really use your supportive capabilities." Zelrius summarized it to her, letting her go over the bounty paper. She agreed before even knowing - That was easy enough, I suppose.

---

With a team found and the rendezvous set up, the redhead made his way there with nothing but his fine clothing and the swords attached to each hip. They hadn't seen much use on the way up here, his pyromancy having done a lot of the heavy lifting, but perhaps that would change today. Toko had arrived with the necessary supplies, something that was welcomed, though unsurprising of someone as experienced as her. He motioned to the purple-themed support and then to Toko, introducing the two. "Toko, this is Kuh-eye-ra. Kyra, this is Toe-Koe." Over pronouncing both names, and grinning to himself in a small joke. Best that everyone gets to know each other on the way there.

Then, his slightly-scary friend had approached, plan in hand and resting stern-look. Atleast she was here, and could be introduced. "Toko and Kyra, this is Moonsong. Toko might recognize her from the Golem and Kurungaar fight as well." Her introduction not having the same levity as Toko's had. Being called an idiot who needed saving, while true, only made him more self-conscious of the fact that he was probably going to be hard carried here. He looked her planned piece of a paper and scratched his head, before handing it back to her and nodding, ready to start walking down the path outside of Nisus, and down into the darker swamp areas.

The Cove was a good few miles deeper, they'd have time to bond, and really plot out their moves for a second. Zelrius himself had some ideas, but given that Toko and Moonsong were probably higher levels in their masteries, and Kyra was their key support, maybe they'd offer something better. Among the crimson foliage, and mess of towering trees, the quartet set out, downhill toward the lower lands of the Isilus.

"Looks like these things bite on, and twist and turn? Just like Crocodiles back in our world." He started, thinking for a moment about the experiences that the brunette had gathered and raising an eyebrow to the others. "Any plans on how to handle all this? I am a bit sorry to admit, I am not exactly sure what everyone here can do in terms of options." Looking to the rest for guidance on a possible battle plan.

@Moonsong @Kyra Vashtana @Toko

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra

The two others she'd met had been...well, for lack of a better word hardened. The air of veteran players nearly radiating from them. Had she not been so used to such attitudes, Kyra might have felt overwhelmed, or overpowered, in a sense. Instead, she'd found the entire situation calming - these were players who weren't going to mess around; players who were here to fight, and survive. Good. That makes my job easier. Avoid any dangerous situations, don't take unnecessary risks. Come home alive. I wish more players were like this.

She'd glanced over the plans as Zelrius had held them to review, her eyes tracing over the paper quickly before giving up. She was sure there was a logic to it, but like most games her position was simple - focus on whomever needed support the most, and spread it across the party as best as she could. Oh, and avoid getting caught in any traps.

"Can't say I have too much experience with crocodiles...but not getting bit sounds like a good start? I'll be honest, my role's easy. You three have the hard jobs...I'm just here to make sure you all walk home and don't need to be...err...buried. Or respawned. Or whatever."

She cast a glance at the other two - @Toko and @Moonsong, eyeing them up individually. Both appeared to be frontline fighters, highly capable and confident in their movements. Nothing to be afeared of there. Zelrius, well, he seemed somehow confident, and hesitant all at the same time. Nervous around the other two, perhaps? Or maybe something else...could be a fear of crocodiles? Seems unlikely...

She tossed the thought aside as the image of a horse appeared, and she had to fight not to shiver in reaction. One little incident, and scarred for life...

"I'm assuming I'm here because of my abilities with Spirit based magics. Focus on buffing, and healing - keeping you going, essentially. As well as making sure that you hit as hard as you possibly can. Not sure about all of you, but my front line fighting is...limited."

She gave her scythe a shake, before shrugging slightly. It wasn't that she couldn't fight, it's just that her expertise lie in other avenues, avenues that she knew were just as important as being able to slice something apart.

 

[Toko]

.

.

True to her word the woman had showed up, and quite prepared too by the looks of it. A part of Toko had been surprised at the original interaction between Moonsong and Zelrius earlier in the day, but she could certainly empathize with the woman's sentiment of not letting anyone bite the dust due to a misinformed action.

"Hajimemashte, Toh-koh dess. Yoroshku onegai~!"

She stressed out the proper pronunciation of her name, just enough to convey it for the others, before giving a wink in the direction of Zelrius to show no harm or foul had been done. A nod was given when the man mentioned Toko might recognize Moonsong from the recent Kurungaar and swamp excursions, she had indeed seen the woman about though hadn't had a chance to properly interact with them until now.

Toko couldn't help a small whistle of approval as Moonsong extracted all the data she'd gathered up on the mega slimodile and accounts from previous adventurers that had tried, and failed, to slay the beast, the woman was certainly taking this very seriously... which in all honestly would probably be a saving grace for the party in their endeavor.

"Yeah, I've heard it's pretty much game over once a real life croc does that to anyone, they really dislike letting go of things once they're in between their teeth."

The hare nodded in the direction of the purple vixen as she spoke, confirming she'd be covering the main healing and support role for their little group—something that could very well mark the difference between life and death. Slowly their legs began to take them all in the direction of their destination, though the walk there would provide ample time for fine tuning their teamwork possibilities.

"I'm pretty okay in the front lines, mostly specialize in close combat too," She wasn't the best choice out there, but the rabbit liked to think she could at least hold her own decently enough nowadays. "... that said I have a few tricks to protect others, though not in a large scale, and I can do some healing in a pinch if we really need it."

A jack-of-all-trades, but a master of none.

@Zelrius @Kyra Vashtana @Moonsong

 

[Lune]

The party was quick to study the plans together on the way up to the swamp. "Yeah, basically a real-world crocodile, only twice as big, twice as fast, and around five times as durable." She commented on @Zelrius' deduction. As the combats ended under a minute, the guild never had accurate intel on the slimodile. As long as they play their cards correctly, they all should come home safely; the only important thing here.

"I should probably be up and personal with the monster itself, as I can turn my singing performances into dozen of weapons—" Moonsong quickly motioned toward Zelrius with a 'ask him don't believe me' face, "—which I can command at will to keep the croc's attention at me and protect you all. Doesn't sound a traditional tank role, I know. I might also fling a miniature dying star, but let's not get into that." Yeah, having a last resort weapon is always great even if you plan everything out.

They're still a distance away, so to keep the party from dying of boredom first, she struck a conversation. "So, Kyra, is it? I don't recall you being a member of the guild. Why do you decide to tag along with us?" Moonsong asked @Kyra Vashtana with curiosity, but the tone might make her seem cold. "Also @Toko, I don't seem to see the big man that's always with you today."

The party quickly stopped at their feet as a sound of stomping echoed through the cove. Didn't they still have a few hundred meters to go? Also, why is the noise so loud? Wasn't the slimodile only twice as big as normal crocodiles?

"Shit. This is unexpected." She whispered, taking cover behind a tree before looking at Zelrius, waiting for his command as the party leader. "What should we do?"

 

[Zelrius]

50 / 140

Normal -> Protected -> Normal

The party was introduced to each other, and the redhead shrugged and nodded in agreement to confirm Moonsong's own abilities. He didn't have much more to say that wouldn't be praise of the way she used those musical weapons to protect people, and how she had saved his life twice with it. He looked to Toko and Kyra with a glance at the mention of dying star, seeing if either of them could connect the dots - because he had no idea other than the fact that it sounded fucking awesome.

There was a strangeness to listening to the rest be so confident in what their roles were, and just how versatile everyone was. Toko had a splice of everything, Kyra could always provide some supporting damage, and Moonsong would be one of the best in hitting HP, and still being able to help others not instantly explode from some attacks. Meanwhile, what could Zelrius do? He wracked his brain for a moment. There were his swords, basically not good for anything other than slashing. And then his pyromancy, not good for anything but burning things in his way - mostly enemies. He was fast, but it's not like that had a lot to do with anything other than running into or out of battle ahead of everyone. Mort had taught him how to strike at the life force of animated beings, but that was mostly for undead and simple monsters.

And you guessed it, was only good for offensive. He didn't have much in the way of options, truthfully. This was... who he was. He always wondered how people optimized their builds so well in this game, being able to keep up with his single specialization, as well as do just as much as any of them. It was frustrating to a point, though only manifested in a clenched jaw while he spoke, trying not to let the self-loathing pique through. "Well, we're fighting a monster, and pretty much all I can do is hit it. I will try not to die." More of a promise to @Moonsong who was here purely to stop that from happening, or so she had claimed.

They were closer to the Cove than had been expected. Time flew when you were in the company of people you liked, and not scaring them off with oversharing and sad platitudes. He'd have expected the foxgirl Kyra to be the first to hear any noise, but life had a funny way of constantly making Zelrius feel like an idiot. He crouched down at the sound, listening for a moment and then turning to meet his friend's gaze. Why was she asking him? Both herself and Toko were more experienced.

His eyes drifted to their violet support and then back to the Cove. There was a lot to consider here. "I, don't know?" He started with a raised eyebrow, trying to think and shooting down two or three different plans. A Sneak Attack would be wonderful, but maybe they should give the support a moment of set up? Zelrius crept forward while thinking, hiding among the trees, and letting the warmth of fire spread from his fast-beating heart throughout his body. That was it, one step at a time, he just needed an opening to not get seen. The man passed by Kyra, placing a hand on her shoulder as a way of communicating that it was her turn. And maybe the rest would just fall into place once she had done her own thing.

Into the Cove the platinum-ranked adventurer went, realizing he hadn't given his friend and party members a real answer. He didn't have a real answer, this was as good as he had. The creature was stamping around, moving and crushing the bones of prey who had wondered into here in order to more easily lick up the shattered remains from the ground with its sticky, slimey tongue. It was now or never.

Zelrius let those flames flow out, engulfing his weaponry and the air around him. His first move was always the Trial. This Slimeodile would be put to the test against the roar of cinder that spread out in a twisting sphere around him, sucking all the moisture out of the air of the swamp and engulfing the area with their heat. Of course, it passed the test easily, getting a few singes and maybe a bit dehydrated.

Immediately the creature tried to snap at him, and before its jaws even opened, he had heard the words of Toko, and remembered what Moonsong had written about them. They snapped up and twisted, and he'd avoid that. His feet were faster than the massive croc's own reaction speed. The man burst forward, leaving smoldering foots prints and a wave of fire behind his coat tails, the molten swords began dancing around. His foot work allowing him to slide right past its grip and underneath, before standing up and beginning to intertwine, to spin him around, and then lock him back side face as though he was at a high-end ballroom, instead of a dingy cave in the middle of a fight. Slashing and hacing away at its gooey, scaled outside armor and sinking into the flesh.

He could only trust that his allies would soon be behind him, and not let the man get eaten up. Already the creature had clawed at him, and hit him the side of its body. Zelrius didn't have the HP for another round like that.

Rolls

Sneak Attack
1d100 (65) + 15 + 15 + 25 + 30 = 150
150 damage
Sneak Attack successful! 30 damage added
Pyromancy | Zelrius | 1068C1
Save
1d100 (97) + 10 + 5 = 112
Reflex | Zelrius | 1068C1

Twice Activated (extra action granted) | Zelrius | 1068C1

Burst Attack
14d20 exploding (15 + 2 + 12 + 2 + 18 + 13 + 20 + 13 + 11 + 20 + 11 + 13 + 6 + 15 + 18 + 2) + 25 = 216
216 damage (Explosions: 2)
Gain the Vulnerable state
Slash Weapons | Zelrius | 1068C1


Save
1d100 (97) + 10 + 5 = 112
Reflex | Zelrius | 1068C1

Play Sheet

Mega Slimodile

4 140 60​

Gore Twister EX. After attacking this enemy, make a Save (Reflex - 70) to avoid getting a limb or two snapped up by the Slimodile, which will try to spin to twist your limbs out of their socket. If you fail, you can consider yourself narratively held by this enemy. Take 120 damage (before modifier) instead of 60 the next time you attack and the DC increases to 200 (it's just so much more difficult to hit them when they have taken ahold of you).

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra

130 / 190

(-60 Retaliation Damage)

The group had been walking for only a short time, making what Kyra assumed were connections - although most of them appeared to be from their own experiences together in the past; whether that was direct, or simply through being in the same general area, Kyra was having difficulties making out. It sounded like the trio had been through a lot; far more than Kyra herself had been through in Terrasphere herself.

She smiled as a few questions were passed between the trio, before a single question was directed at herself. The tone indicated a far harsher attitude than Kyra expected, but she played it off as the individual's personality - likely nothing more than a mental leak onto the vocals themselves. Smiling, she answered in a calm tone, ignoring the aggressive attitude entirely.

"Oh...well, Zelrius here caught me as I was coming into the camp, and mentioned that there was a need...and well...I figured I could help out, at least a little bit. I didn't really have any guidance yet, but..."

She trailed off as she realised she really wasn't sure why she was tagging along. She simply was. Instead of continuing, she simply shrugged, signifying that she had nothing more to add. She fell silent as she continued following the others, cocking her head as her ears picked up the sound of...something.

She hadn't noticed that she had stopped moving, her ears twitching as the tried to hone in on the sound. Squinting, she noticed a few seconds later that everyone else had come to a stop beside her, their bodies tense as they all seemed to scan the area for whatever was nearby.

"I don't mean to worry everyone but I think someth-"

Her words were cut off as that something launched itself from the depths of the wherever it had come from. Immediately the others launched themselves into action, leaving Kyra to watch with wonder as Zelrius flamed the beast - burning it away before her eyes. Belatedly, she realised that she needed to do something, anything to help.

"I give unto you, the power to drive this foul beast away, to return it to the depths from where it has come..."

She felt the magic flow from her, a direct link of energy appearing between herself and the three others. She felt the burn as it ripped away from her own essence, imbuing the others with her own energy - and the necessary power to properly smite the thing that assaulted them.

Her eyes half closed as she fought against the pain that always came with the usage of her soul-based magic. She felt the groan erupt from her, unable to contain it. It was at that exactly moment that she also felt another pain, as the giant crocodile creature grabbed onto her, beginning to shake her violently as it tossed her around.

"Why...did you...choose me....you...freaking...water snake....Zelrius! Help! OW...you...fucking...OW....it hurts..."

Her cries swayed between angry, frustration, ending in obvious pain and torment. Between the use of her magic, and the assault of the slimeodile, she couldn't help but feel the sudden desperate fear that overwhelmed her, causing her to panic slightly.

Rolls

Power Buff (AoE)
2d100 (87 + 54) + 15 + 15 + 15 = 62 (Total divided by 3)
+62 buff to 3 targets for 1 post (@Zelrius, @Moonsong, @Toko)
Gain the Vulnerable state

Spirit Magic | Kyra Vashtana | 1068

Save
1d100 (47) + 0 = 47

Reflex | Kyra Vashtana | 1068

Mega Slimodile

4 140 60



Gore Twister EX. After attacking this enemy, make a Save (Reflex - 70) to avoid getting a limb or two snapped up by the Slimodile, which will try to spin to twist your limbs out of their socket. If you fail, you can consider yourself narratively held by this enemy. Take 120 damage (before modifier) instead of 60 the next time you attack and the DC increases to 200 (it's just so much more difficult to hit them when they have taken ahold of you).

 

[Lune]

200 / 260

-60 HP from Retaliation
Vulnerable -> Protected
Save Advantage from Protect Aura

"Oh." She let out a short comment, praising the girl's initiative to help. "You're nice."

It might actually come off as sarcastic, though.

And then Kyra was right. The monster is actually right in front of them. Without any real answer, Zelrius slipped forwards, utilizing the darkness to get in a first, decisive sneak attack. It was the right call to do, as the Slimodile didn't have time to harden their skin to repel the oncoming Trial, growling as it was surrounded by the massive heat. The reptile abomination roared, showing its gigantic silhouette behind the smoke and flames.

"What the fuck." This is not twice the size of a crocodile; it's easily thrice as big. No wonder it was stomping all around the place that hard. "The intel was way off." That's why no matter how much a thing is planned, you still need to improvise. The flame attack was a good start, but now they're picking a fight where there's no cover.

Now if he jumps back, I should be able to send a few swords to protect him real quick.

The relentless quick attacks from the slimodile prevented him from making distance, forcing Zelrius to counter every attack with combo of his own.

"Tch." She protested. "He's too far away."

Moonsong quickly let out a high note into the air, echoing beautifully in a wide area around the cove, demonstrating her new Aura ability. Nine gigantic swords fell from the sky, eight planted on the battlefield while the ninth directly stabbed the monster in the back before shattering. "Use these as cover!" She shouted, creating safe spots as they have planned before, enabling @Toko and @Zelrius to strike and jump back between the makeshift pillars.

The slimodile was fast, too fast in fact. It was able to notice @Kyra Vashtana's pain from casting her own magic and used it as an opening, quickly jumping towards her, breaking the gigantic sword that was in front of her and grabbing her. "It got her!"

She quickly summoned a gigantic spear made of a star that floats nearby, aiming to launch it to stop the rampage. "Shit, can't get a clear shot." The thing moved erratically, and she feared that she might hit Kyra instead. The few seconds of hesitation made her miss an obvious tailspin attack, scoring a direct hit and sending her flying into one of her own covers.

Kyra might not last long under that circumstance. Toko and Zelrius need to finish this thing quick.

Rolls

@Toko gains save roll advantage (Protect Aura)
Ultra Protect
1d100 (96) + 25 + 15 = 136
136 damage
Give 3 allies in your zone the Protected status. Gain the Vulnerable state
Astramancy | Moonsong | 1068C1

Save
2d100 (Advantage) (85, 66) + 0 = 85

Reflex | Moonsong | 1068C1

Play Sheet

Mega Slimodile

3 140 60​

Gore Twister EX. After attacking this enemy, make a Save (Reflex - 70) to avoid getting a limb or two snapped up by the Slimodile, which will try to spin to twist your limbs out of their socket. If you fail, you can consider yourself narratively held by this enemy. Take 120 damage (before modifier) instead of 60 the next time you attack and the DC increases to 200 (it's just so much more difficult to hit them when they have taken ahold of you).

 

[Toko]

90 / 180

Adventurers Guild - Platinum Rank

+62 Power Buff from Kyra
Protected by Moonsong
Adv on Saves from Moonsong's Protect Aura
-30 DMG from Protect Retal
Vulnerable from Burst Attack
-60 DMG from Burst Attack Retal

"Huh... they sound like quite the hardcore little crocs, can't wait to meet them~"

The Lepus couldn't help being excited at the prospect of a challenge, the grin on her face hard to hide or remove as the party slowly made their way to the slime infested cove that a large amount of slimodiles had decided to make their home... probably displaced from their original grounds when that giant chasm had opened up as the AG and co had battled the ᛗᚨᚷᛁᚴᚱᛟᚾᛟᛋ.

The not so little fucker was probably down that chasm somewhere still moving, but that was a problem for another day as far as the hare was concerned.

"Also Toko, I don't seem to see the big man that's always with you today."
"A-Ah, yeah... Brutus had some real life work things to tend to, so I figured I'd get a head start on helping out around Camp Nisus."

Here thougts were snapped back tot he conversation at hand as a sudden blush spread onto the rabbit's cheeks when the dark haired woman brought up her Felis boyfriend—a concept that the hare was still getting used to. A hand rose to rub the back of Toko's neck slightly, before life so graciously decided to throw a bone in the Lepus' direction as the loud sounds and vibrations of something fucking massive stomping around caught the party's attention.

"... think they got upgraded?"

Zelrius was the first to begin moving, the man's steps showing he already had a thought in mind, and the hare rose her eyebrows as she took a backseat to watch things unfold. Already the purple vixen was beginning to prepare herself as well, quietly setting up the beginnings of her spell while avoiding to gather any undue attention their way. Zelrius plan went out beautifully, the flames easily evaporating the extra moisture whereever they touched... and also served as a good visual gauging tot he fortitude of their enemy.

"Remember Zel-kun, don't get caught in its jaw!!!"

The notes Moonsong had shared with the party had already stressed out this enough, so it was safe to assume that no one would want to find themselves within the jaws of big chungus over here. The redhead showed quite the impressive footwork as he danced about the mega slimodile, hacking and slashing at the creature as he went—and buying the rest of the party enough time to set up as they rushed to meet up with their sneaky companion.

A boost of magical energy suddenly coursed through the Lepus' veins, the feeling somewhat familiar now after Toko's participation agains the battle that downed the Kurungaar mother but a week prior. Hands quickly slammed onto the ground, molding and extracting various fist sized rocks onto the surface, before Toko infused them with gravitational magic.

"Here's a little something for ya, Moonsong, someone's gotta protect the Protector after all~"

The three belts of circling rocks were placed to orbit around the woman as she moved, an added layer of protection, before the cries of Kyra had Toko looking to see the vixn snapped up into the mega slimodile's jaws. "Shimatta! You drop her right the fuck now, Wani-san!" Her hand dropped from Moonsong's shoulder then as the hare sprung forth, raising right for the crocodile without hesitation.

The additional energy Kyra had infused had seemingly managed to resonate with the dormant spirit within the rabbit, a burst of a pale golden aura emanatting from Toko's chest before it covered the hare fully. Two small antelope horns sprouted from her forehead, their dark surface smattered with silver magical runes that seemed to glow and resonate as Toko begun gathering ki on her fists and feet.

A flurry of blows was delivered onto the massive reptilian then, her punches and kicks further strengthened by a thick coating of stone that clung to Toko's knuckles and bridge of her feet, but even then the mega slimeodile seemed resolute on not releasing the prey it had just acquired.

For a moment the Lepus attempted to reach for the jaw of the beast, before its trashing managed to claw and shove the hare away as the reptilian knocked Toko's ass onto the slime covered ground. The high note of Moonsong caught her attention then, and as one of the many gigantic swords imbedded itself ontot he soil not far from the Lepus she quickly dove to guard herself behind it... just in time to avoid a direct hit from an incomming tail swip the mega slimodile had been planning to deliver onto the hare.

"Nice cover, Moon-san!"

---

Protect on Moonsong
1d100 (61) + 25 + 25 + 25 + 62 = 198
-1 LP to Mega Slimodile
Astramancy | Toko | 1068C1

Reflex Save
2d100 (Advantage) (56, 65) + 20 = 85
DC 70, success!
Reflex | Toko | 1068C1

Burst Attack
18d20 exploding (2 + 13 + 19 + 10 + 20 + 11 + 2 + 13 + 20 + 8 + 4 + 1 + 11 + 2 + 16 + 4 + 14 + 2 + 17 + 3) + 25 = 217
-1 LP to Mega Slimodile
Battle Spirits | Toko | 1068C1

Reflex Save
2d100 (Advantage) (15, 53) + 20 = 73
DC 70, success!
Reflex | Toko | 1068C1

Character Sheet

Mega Slimodile

1 140 60​

Gore Twister EX. After attacking this enemy, make a Save (Reflex - 70) to avoid getting a limb or two snapped up by the Slimodile, which will try to spin to twist your limbs out of their socket. If you fail, you can consider yourself narratively held by this enemy. Take 120 damage (before modifier) instead of 60 the next time you attack and the DC increases to 200 (it's just so much more difficult to hit them when they have taken ahold of you).

@Zelrius @Kyra Vashtana @Moonsong

 

[Zelrius]

-10 / 140

Normal -> Vulnerable -> Normal

He panted, heaving out of breath. The sweat tangling his hair and dripping down, the dry air burning his lungs. It was something he needed to get better control of, trying to work in the heatwave that he created, and survive through the dry air that he burned the humidity out of. A series of ducks and side steps, strafing and pulling back to dodge. It wasn't enough. He still got kicked by its massive body, and hit on the side, thrown away by the force of one and needing to regain his footing after some stumbling. Time was bought, his strikes had landed more true, feeling the way his muscles tensed and strikes cleanly ripped the slime-flesh through with the help of Kyra's spirit connecting her to the other three.

The connection severed a moment later, and he could hear the way she called out his name. The calls of "Ows" wrenched his heart. The man had invited her out here to help, and now she was in pain because of him. He always did this, always made others clean up his mess. A bitter grimace spread across his face, wondering for a moment why he was always such a problem to everyone around him. It's body twisted with the foxgirl in its mouth, before its back was pierced by a massive swords of light, followed by other makeshift barriers. Moonsong's swords, the same idea that had defended him against the Kurungaar, though definitely more effective in this case. Just as in her plans on their walked - that woman was nothing if not a hard worker, with clear organizational skills. Following her own words to the tee, even with the chaos of battle flowing around. It was admirable, and Zelrius was stunned in a moment of being star-struck by her ability to do so.

His feet moved first to obey Moonsong's orders, given a moment of spacing by Toko's almost super saiyan esque mass of attacks. Each squelching crack of her feet and hands against the body of the creature was terrifying in its power. The adventurer couldn't help but suck in a breath through parted lips in amazement. Those two were so fucking cool. If he didn't already know that they were players, it'd look like something straight out of a fairytale novel. The wonder and awe could only last a moment, though. He'd have sat there all day just staring, if it wasn't for the fact that Kyra was in the thing's jaws, and about to be torn apart, all while her threads of spirit magic connected to the three of them.

He needed an opening, to not let it thrash the foxgirl, or simply kick him away again with its hindlegs. He needed Toko's courage for himself. "Get in front of him!" He shouted out to the Hare, praying that she'd trust him and just go for it. Using the moment in between to jump up and place a foot on the 'pillar' of a sword that Moongsong had summoned, before bouncing off of it with a burst of flame. Using the momentum to propel him upward along the walls of the cove, rising through the air with orange and red fire wafting around him. All the while he gained altitude, the man focused on his breathing, turning the air around him into combustible sparks. They build up with small pop pop pops all around him. Like small fireworks, the kind you throw on the ground and they light up. The crackling became more frequent, small points of orange light waving their way into existence, only to burst out of it.

His body twisted now, facing downward, swords drawn. A falling meteor that came to a point, almost like a beak in a wide cone in front of him. Plummeting down, his arms drawn back and blades held high, Zelrius landed with a gruesome strike onto the big-ass reptile. His left-hand sword sunk into its long snout, nearly cutting it off. And the fire found contact, blanketing over the creature's face, and erupting in a series of tiny explosions that went all the way to its eyes, searing away any of its tear fluid and burning into the creature's retinas. A move he had hoped would save the supportive @Kyra Vashtana from it's grip and twist.

He could feel the coldness overtake his body. The way his heart slowed down to a pathetic, weak beat. It felt like his blood was draining from his fingertips and toes, spreading up his limbs. Coagulating in place, the darkness that creeped at the ends of his vision. He did it again - He had used up too much energy and heat in his attacks, that were was none left for even the most basic functions. The fear of death was stifled, muted by the way everything began to numb out. Maybe he'd just take a nap right here, that seemed easier...

Rolls

Burst Attack
14d20 exploding (15 + 15 + 18 + 9 + 20 + 12 + 6 + 9 + 19 + 10 + 14 + 8 + 11 + 8 + 9) + 25 = 208
208 damage (Explosions: 1)
Gain the Vulnerable state
Dynamism | Zelrius | 1068C2


Save
1d100 (32) + 10 + 5 = 47

Reflex | Zelrius | 1068C2

Mega Slimodile

0 140 60​

Gore Twister EX. After attacking this enemy, make a Save (Reflex - 70) to avoid getting a limb or two snapped up by the Slimodile, which will try to spin to twist your limbs out of their socket. If you fail, you can consider yourself narratively held by this enemy. Take 120 damage (before modifier) instead of 60 the next time you attack and the DC increases to 200 (it's just so much more difficult to hit them when they have taken ahold of you).

 

[Lune]

140 / 260

-60 HP from Retaliation
Save Advantage from Protect Aura

She was slammed into one of her own big swords, which could be painful if it weren't for @Toko's rocks orbiting around her absorbing most of the impact. "The plan worked after all." With no time to waste, she quickly followed suit @Zelrius' improv to save the girl. Moonsong is still connected to the girl, so she's able to feel her fighting back. Kyra still has a fight in her.

Trusting the guy to Toko so he wouldn't do any weird shenanigans, she conjured a greatsword and launched it up into the sky and promptly grabbed the long chain attached to it, sending her up to the air akin to a particular thunder god in everyone's favourite superhero movies. As she hovered in the sky, Moonsong once again let out an echoing melody, causing all the swords on the ground to slowly dissipate back as astral energies to the right hand she raised. The brunette's hair glowed brightly as she muttered lyrics.

You into me, me into you

The energy that revolved around her hand started to form yet another weapon, this time bigger than any of the swords she summoned. @Kyra Vashtana's spirit is also somehow getting stronger, pumping more power into Moonsong, which resulted in the weapon start turning bright red.

A series of explosions broke her concentration as she looked down and realised the red-headed man is maneuvring straight into the slimodile with such great speed and recklessness. "That idiot!" She clenched her teeth, putting a sudden stop to her conjuration. Deciding to just go with the unfinished weapon, Moonsong dove from the sky, swinging with the half-finished part of a colossal, burning hot cleaver.

Hold your breath, love dive

The combination of the falling speed and the size of the blade caused the tail of the massive monster to be instantly severed. The gigantic reptile roared in pain and in the process, weakened its' jaw's hold on Kyra for her to get out of it. Even though that it has been cleanly cut, the tail of the slimodile quickly reconnected, as slimes began to pour and stitch the part together in a very impressive manner of regeneration. Shame that the regeneration will not save the monster from the level of heat it will take in just a moment after.

Moonsong rolled several times and got up; her left ankle twisted from the high fall. She hoped that the thing will finally go down.

Rolls

Protect
1d100 (41) + 25 + 15 = 81
81 damage
Give 1 ally in your zone the Protected status
Astramancy | Moonsong | 1068C2 | Protecting Kyra

Save
2d100 (Advantage) (29, 75) + 0 = 75

Reflex | Moonsong | 1068C2

Play Sheet

Mega Slimodile

0 140 60​

Gore Twister EX. After attacking this enemy, make a Save (Reflex - 70) to avoid getting a limb or two snapped up by the Slimodile, which will try to spin to twist your limbs out of their socket. If you fail, you can consider yourself narratively held by this enemy. Take 120 damage (before modifier) instead of 60 the next time you attack and the DC increases to 200 (it's just so much more difficult to hit them when they have taken ahold of you).

 

[Toko]

30 / 180

Adventurers Guild - Platinum Rank

-60 DMG from Protect Retal

”Get in front of him!”
"U-Uun!"

There had bin a split millisecond of hesitation as the redhead’s voice reached Toko’s ears, but when the Lepus turned to look at the man she could see the conviction behind Zelriu’s gaze—earning an affirmative nod before the hare scrambled back to her feet and positioned herself by the giant slime covered crocodile’s mouth. "Go get him, Zel-kun, but don’t be an idiot about it!" After all it was a common occurrence between members of the Guild, they tended to act first and think later—consequences be damned. Not the best work ethic to have… but hey, they somehow made it work—barely.

From the corner of her UI she could see the energy meter rapidly depleting as the spirit within consumed her magic steadily without pause, the hare biting the inside of her lip in response before she focused her astral essence into the earth once more. As Moonsong’s asteroid belts were consumed and depleted Toko generated a new try, but this time they moved to revolve around Zelrius as he prepared his final strike… hoping to offer what little protection Toko could afford the man in his endeavor.

"Get ready Kyra, the second those jaws loosen Im going to pull you right out…!"

Not far the brunette woman was also affording her own protection, and when her giant weapon sliced through the crocodile’s tail Toko found the opportunity she had needed to yank Kyra away from the creature’s iron tight jaws. However this seemed to displease the Big Chungus, who decided right there and then a mouthful of hare might be tastier than the previous vixen. Toko barely managed to dodge the snapping jaws before a massive foot pinned the hare down, her hands grappling to try and keep the drooling maw of the creature away from here… before suddenly the mega slimodile became still and slumped over, right onto the rabbit actually.

"Ack, you’re heavy Wani-san!" She struggled to even breath, her arms barely able to push a small part of the creature away from her chest just as the magical aura and antelope horns dissipated into nothingness. "Someone get him off me!!!"

---

Protect on Zelrius
1d100 (22) + 25 + 25 + 25 = 97
No DMG to Mega Slimodile
Astramancy | Toko | 1068C2

Reflex Save
2d100 (9) + 20 = 29
DC 70, failure! Toko is restrained!
Reflex | Toko | 1068C2

Character Sheet

Spoiler: Mega Slimodile

Mega Slimodile

0 140 60​

Gore Twister EX. After attacking this enemy, make a Save (Reflex - 70) to avoid getting a limb or two snapped up by the Slimodile, which will try to spin to twist your limbs out of their socket. If you fail, you can consider yourself narratively held by this enemy. Take 120 damage (before modifier) instead of 60 the next time you attack and the DC increases to 200 (it's just so much more difficult to hit them when they have taken ahold of you).

@Zelrius @Kyra Vashtana @Moonsong

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra

10 / 190

Vulnerable, Protected

(-120 Retaliation Damage)

She'd felt the thing close down on her, crushing her with teeth that she was sure were tearing through vital organs, bones and whatever else of her virtual body happened to be in the way. The pain was enormous - on level with what she felt whenever she had casted her healing towards others. Involuntarily, she felt herself screaming, crying - words driven away as the pain set in.

Moments passed, or seconds, or hours. She wasn't entirely sure. All she knew was that everything hurt, burned, and flurried around her. Then suddenly, everything was fine. The pain started to receed, and Kyra found herself able to push against the creature's mouth, forcing herself against the creature. Then suddenly she was free, pulled out by another and dragged to safety.

"Tha...nks..."

She managed to spit out the single word as she fell to the ground, unable to stand against the pain still echoing around her body. Her eyes seemed to shutter for a moment, before looking around hazily at the battlefield. She found the crocodile creature, obliterated by the attacks of her companions. Moonsong and Toko seemingly making sure it was dead, and there on the ground, not metres away...Zelrius.

"Zel...rius...are...you okay?"

The words seemed to slip from her slowly, as if time was barely moving. She watched, for a second or a moment or several she wasn't sure - but Zelrius wasn't moving. Worry tore at her, and she found herself crawling over to the other's body, before realising what had happened. No...no he's not...he's okay...

She laid her hands on the man, before summoning the magic to her. Her mouth moved automatically, repeating the words she needed to release the magic entirely.

"I give unto thee...my portion of life...cast away that which...hinders you...close the wounds...which bleed...return the essence within..."

Her words turned to screams as the spell took affect, tearing apart her very core and rushing through her hands into Zelrius, repairing the tore skin, the broken bones, the wounds that had nearly felled the man beside her. Eyes closed, mouth wide as the screams of pain and torment erupted from her without end, Kyra continued the spell, making sure to provide everything she had to the man.

She felt the screaming stop moments later, her eyes wavering as she began to sway. She had just seen the man twitch in response, when the darkness took over her and Kyra felt herself slip into unconsciousness.

Rolls

Power Heal (Single)
1d100 (100) + 15 + 15 + 15 = 290 (Crit!)
+290 HP to 1 target (@Zelrius)
Gain the Vulnerable state

Spirit Magic | Kyra Vashtana | 1068C2

Save
1d100 (56) + 0 = 56

Reflex | Kyra Vashtana | 1068C2

Mega Slimodile

0 140 60



Gore Twister EX. After attacking this enemy, make a Save (Reflex - 70) to avoid getting a limb or two snapped up by the Slimodile, which will try to spin to twist your limbs out of their socket. If you fail, you can consider yourself narratively held by this enemy. Take 120 damage (before modifier) instead of 60 the next time you attack and the DC increases to 200 (it's just so much more difficult to hit them when they have taken ahold of you).

 

[Zelrius]

140 / 140

It came back in a flood - rushing through every vein, his health bar refilling. Every scratch and ding, every bruise and burnt spot all slowly melted away. The pain went with it, all of his soreness felt like it had closed up. He heard the tail end of the screaming, though his eyes could only open a moment later. Zelrius jolted up to look around, survey the surroundings and get a measure of it all. The Croc-slimey-boy was dead, or atleast seemed like he was. Slumped forward and resting on his snout and ankles, having landed on and over the hare, @Toko . His tail was completely cut at the base, nothing more than a green, oozing stump now, and his face and right side were smashed to mush by the rabbit.

Moonsong wasn't that far, nursing her ankle and visibly injured otherwise. Less so than Toko, but still no walk in the park. The brunette had saved him again, it seemed, with her protective magic and quick thinking action. He was never going to stop owing her time after time it seemed. Maybe he'd take her out for a real drink, and not that crummy ale they had stored away in Finweald that time. Bond over something that isn't the two of them constantly moments away from dying in a video game.

To his side, Kyra, the Vixen. Her spirit energy retracting back into her, and body unmoving. It clicked for him what had happened, how he was so healthy after a revive. Zelrius realizing that he wasn't revived, but in fact, healed to full by her. Once again, at the cost to herself. That was such a strange way to develop supportive capabilities, and dangerous too. He was quick to rotate over to his side and close in on her, reaching fingers forward to her neck, his breath stopped to see if she had overdone it just like him. The Foxgirl had overdone it, but not enough to outright kill her, as the pulse of her heartbeat told him. Just, running out of her energy bar, and likely nearly all of her health in doing so. The tightness in his temples and chest released all at once, unaware that he had been holding a breath in.

No one died, they had won. Maybe they'd be more excited about it once they got back to camp.

Zelrius was the first to stand, taking a sword with him, and leaving the other by the purple support to make his way over to Toko."I am coming, Toko-san!" He mimicked her Japanese suffix-convention that she shouted out, trying to show her atleast some of the respect that the woman had more than earned. He slashed away, embuing the edge of his sword with fire to make it more like cutting away warm butter. Tough butter that had a bone underneath, anyway. Once she was free, he'd offer a hand to help her up and a nod. "How are you feeling after all that? Dangerous enough for you?" The joke couldn't be helped. The truth was, he was feeling pretty fucking great after all of that, and the adrenaline was just barely subsiding. The truth was, he could feel every fiber of his being practically jumping with energy, thrill still surging through him. Just as when they had defeated the Kurungaar. When they fought the Golem. Though, minus the effects of Red Fever.

Zelrius stepped away to give Toko a moment to breathe, or gloat, or collect the supplies she brought along, or what have you. They'd need a moment to rest before heading back to camp anyway. Turning his attention now to his friend Moonsong. Something of a hero of his now, walking over to the woman, and crouching down on one knee. "Sorry about this." He offered sheepishly, not just to her, but to the other two as well. It was a brutal as hell fight, and he dragged them along, and then risked everything for a falling attack just to feel as cool as Toko and Moonsong looked. Blue eyes looked down and found her ankle that was twisted and clearly in pain. He didn't speak anymore, knowing that he was about to hear it from her. He had been all day. Come to think of it, it was so much different than their few interactions before, so much more aggressive. What happened to the kind woman who had saved him from the crowd? And, how was he going to help her with this?

The man thought for a moment, he could tie a splint, but that'd make the walk back so much more difficult. They could always wait for Kyra to wake back up, but the truth was, Zelrius didn't want her to ever support anything or anyone again. Especially not by his plan, or as a result of his action. She was killing herself to do it, and just the thought of it made his heart ache and skip beats. So what was left? He looked over, back to the Slimeodile, watching its grey soul float like steam off its body. Misting and wafting away piece by piece, suddenly reminded of his conversation with the Lich Butler, Mortimer. That entity, with his sharp knives that he could rotate and move like a chainsaw, explaining that what Zelrius could see through his Magical Receptacle was their very life force. And that if one could manipulate that, they'd have a knife sharpened against all animated creatures and beings. Lucia used the same idea; using the life force of others to bring her undead to life, and repair their bodies. Could he do it here?

His hand stuck out to the massive corpse, breathing in sharply. Finding out in that moment that Animancy didn't come from the breath and tempo of one's essence like Pyromancy did. It wasn't a fuel that needed tempered. It was far more invasive, and dominating than that, he had been told by the undead. If he wanted souls to obey, he'd need to Will it so. So his mind thought "Come to me." In a soft whisper, and the mist followed that order. Beginning to swirl it on itself, and drift its way over to the pair of adventurers, before condensing into a tangible, wispy ball of energy, much to Zelrius's own surprise. He couldn't help the way his face lit up with a smile, turning to press the energy against his Ashen-skinned friend's foot, hoping that the life force would kickstart her natural healing, and steal the properties that of the Slimeodile itself.

His gaze looked up to her eyes, in stunned amazement at himself, silently asking her if she was as stoked about what had just happened as he was.

Power Heal (Single)
1d100 (93) + 5 + 15 = 113
+113 HP to 1 target @Moonsong
Gain the Vulnerable state
Animancy | Zelrius | 1068NC

 

[Lune]

253 / 260

+113HP from healing

It's done.

The monster is burning both from the inside and outside, stomping around in pain.

"Kyra's still in there!" She roared, quickly limping towards the slimodile that just collapsed and twitched. Rotating near the mouth, Moonsong was surprised to see the foxgirl still having the strength to part the jaws open. She quickly throws a hand to pull h.er out from the inside of the monster's mouth, only for the girl to collapse forwards. "Hey, hey! You okay?!" Obviously not, but the purple-haired woman pushed through and opened her eyes again before muttering something about Zelrius.

Wait.

Moonsong limped towards the unmoving man with haste, kneeling down beside him to check him up. No pulse, no heartbeat, but there's still a tune ringing inside of him. But the camp is too far, there's no way they could bring him there fast enough to save him. Her head was hurting again, not because of any wounds, but by the memories flashing inside her head all over again. She was preoccupied with the pain that she did not realize that Kyra is already beside her, crawling all the way from the reptile. "Wait, what are you—"

She then knew what exactly the vixen was doing; it cost some of her life to bring the spark back inside Zelrius. Her eye widened as the man woke up as if it was early in the morning, without any signs of pain. The brunette looked at the now-unconscious woman and marvelled at what she had pulled off. Sitting down beside her, she stared at the gigantic slimodile, which could have easily claimed two lives today. Her anger level increased thinking of what could've been. They were pretty fortunate that she didn't feel like shouting after the rough ambush.

Looking at @Kyra Vashtana with the side of her eye, she quietly muttered while smiling a bit. "You are one stupid person." The support risked her life to bring someone back to life, even when she was almost eaten alive just moments before. Toko too, pummeled the monster like it weighed nothing. The hare's skill level is certainly in the same class as the people she considered the best of the best like Cain, being able to balance offense and defense easily, all while sticking to the plan made in a rush.

If I want to be the strongest, I must at the very least stand at her level.

Not long after, the meteor man came back to the two of them. He did nothing particularly wrong and actually stuck to the plan, except when risking his life to pull off the death blow that might have gotten him killed for real; her blood is still boiling from that.

"Sorry about this."

@Zelrius knelt down and apologized first. He knew exactly what she was going to berate him for. They were always talking about taking on big things and going through massive adventures. He endured all the curses and broken dreams she threw at him. But all she did was get paranoid over people's safety. Since when she was so keen on that thing?

Then came the intense pain again. The memories flooded back, memories that were not hers. The girl's aura progressively got more and more intense. It certainly looked like she was going to lash at him with the might of a thousand thunders.

"No." Instead, she replied with a strained voice, clutching the left side of her head. "I am sorry." Moonsong looked at him in the eyes, black tears running from her dark left eye. It was a very disturbing and haunting view for whoever witnessed it. "I just didn't want anyone to die."

Maybe what Corvella did wasn't stupid after all. Protecting was not an easy job.

Moments have passed, and they needed some time to take a breath. Moonsong herself is still trying to turn her ankle back to its original position, before Zel came with some of a soul ball and promptly pushed it into her leg. The exposed skin quickly regenerated and the fractures were mended, making seem like nothing happened to the left leg. "You know that I could just fly, right?" She looked at him with a deadpan expression, before chuckling. Probably her first joke and laugh in recent days.

The girl with the evil-looking eyes stood up, lifting and holding Kyra in her arms and walked towards @Toko, setting the foxgirl aside near big rock to rest comfortably. She conjured a pair of cleavers, tossing one to Toko and motioning to Zelrius to join her. "Let's chop this bad boy up before we go back." Moonsong never intended to leave this place empty-handed, after all.

 

[Toko]

30 / 180

Adventurers Guild - Platinum Rank

The sudden screams coming from the petite frame of the purple fox had completely caught Toko by surprise, her own efforts to wrangle free (unsuccessfully one might add) from the weight of the now limp slimodile paused as the rabbit turned to look at Kyra. "Kyra, are you okay...?! Hey!?" Whatever spell the girl was casting seemed to be hurting her in the process, and the rabbit could do nothing but watch as the beastfolk passed out... before hearing the redhead stirring atop the felled reptilian.

"I am coming, Toko-san!"

She had been about to shout over to Zelrius to forget about her for the time being, but before the hare could utter anything Moonsong was already rushing over to check on the unconscious vixen to Toko's relief. His pyromancy became quite useful as the blade of his sword was heated up, making the otherwise arduous task of hacking through the crocodile as simple as passing a knife through butter before Zelrius released the Lepus from her prison.

"Thanks, owe you one... my legs were starting to get numb underneath that thing." She couldn't help the hearty chuckle that escaped her lips next as the man asked if this had been dangerous enough for the hare, a hand patting the shoulder of Zelrius in response as she nodded. "Hahaha, chotto dake~! Although I think you had the most fun out of all of us, eh?"

After all getting the final blow on the enemy was always an exhilarating feeling, the hare could only imagine how pumped up on adrenaline the man must have been feeling at the time—though any celebrations would need to wait until they reached the camp once more and their little haler champion was awake once more. While Zelrius cared over Moonsong's ankle injury, and in turn the brunette ensured Kyra was alright (all things considered, of course) Toko had taken the time to look at the felled giant slimodile.

"... this might feed the camp for at least two days, maybe three."

While the scaled skin on the outside seemed corrosive and unappetizing, especially thanks to all the slime it seemed to exude even though the creature was now dead, the flesh within was firm and neat looking... honestly it didn't seem all that different from the crocodilefish dishes she'd enjoyed in Japan, perhaps a bit firmer than the fish counterpart.

"Let's chop this bad boy up before we go back."
"You read my mind~ I bet the others at camp will be quite surprise when we deliver this chonky boy to the kitchen."

The offered cleaver was caught by the Lepus with ease, giving a wink to the brunette before Toko turned to look at Zelrius.

"Think you can score the hide with your heated blades? I think they'll have an easier time cutting through it, then our cleavers can finish the job."

@Zelrius @Kyra Vashtana @Moonsong

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra

She'd felt herself floating, as if carried by the water of a river, or perhaps the ocean. Whatever it was, it was comforting, and as Kyra pressed further into the darkness, she couldn't help but feel relaxed. The immense pain was gone, at least for the moment, leaving her in a restful state.

Something tugged at the edge of her mind, as if she was forgetting something. She struggled to remember, reaching out within her mind to try and grasp at the fading idea, before giving up entirely. Whatever it was, it likely wasn't that important - she doubted it was something that couldn't wait for her to rest and recover a bit.

Besides...the pool is comfortable. Why rush back to reality, when you can just float away for a while...no need to rush back and disturb everything.

She felt herself twitch, disturbing the floating around her briefly, before settling back in. There was a memory of pain, as if her entire body had been on fire - a feeling of being torn apart entirely. You're imagining things...you're fine, just relaxing in a pool. Why would there be any pain? Any suffering? There's nothing wrong, stop worrying!

She felt her body twitch again, wondering if she would get time to return to Terrasphere today - she figured it was something she could do once she got home from the pool. She always had time, it wasn't like-

She felt her mind suddenly rush, as if exploding in on itself. The memories of meeting Zelrius, Moonsong and Toko. Travelling through the area to find the giant crocodile, before fighting for what had felt like their lives. The pain as the creature had grabbed her, shaking her like a dog toy. All of it ending as she had crawled to Zelrius, giving her own essence to save him.

"Zel...rius...pain...must...need heal..."

The words mumbled from her mouth, as if speaking in a dream, her body beginning to twitch even as she remained unconscious, as if stuck in a dream.