Two groups, pushing forward into the unknown. As each took their chosen path, questions seemed to hover over the air; would they make it out? Was there an escape? Did they choose the right path? What dangers lay ahead?
Steeled, ready for anything, the adventurers cast aside these worries, their risks chosen as they realised the bigger danger that lie with waiting where they were. Eternal entrapment, stuck in a single place, until they simply faded away.
Whether they would find their exit, or perish within the dark depths of the underworld was yet to be seen - but, as to be expected, a path forward was being forged. Now, it was simply a matter of...seeing.
Cycle 3; Meetings, Among the Dark
As @Fiora Di Angelo and @Ronja Bubblyfoot took the lead forwards, into the water and beginning their pathway towards the curve ahead, they realised just how cold the water was. Flesh froze almost instantly, suffering from what felt like extreme frostbite even through the cloth that covered them. The burning sensation tearing through their bodies, the two clenched their teeth, trying desperately to fight against the feeling.
Unable to warn the others, soon the entire party was in the water, their movements slow and stumbling as they fought against the feel of the water around them - the burning sensation rushing through even the thickest of boots, over time.
As the safety of the boat was called out, the light spanning over the water, something could be seen moving beneath the surface. Peering, as if looking at something in the distance, the group saw what appeared to be a multi-coloured fish, reminiscent of a Japanese fancy koi, or perhaps a Siamese fighting fish off breed. The creature, moving slowly beneath the water, seemed to glow a combination of blues and purples, drawing eyes towards it as it moved closer and closer to the party.
Softly, gently, it seemed to slide against each of them, as if nuzzling the new things that had entered its home. Drawn towards them, the fish flowed smoothly around each of them, circling the individual before moving on to the next, repeating the pattern as it came to the next member.
It was during this motion, that @Ronja Bubblyfoot and @Rael noticed something off; a flash of darkest black against the otherwise blue water and scales of the fish, seconds before it lashed out towards @Valmont, tearing a piece off the man.
❰ 3 / 3 ❱
Glacial Creature. This fish is accustomed to the glacial water that it finds its home in. Players must make a Fitness check against a DC 55 at the beginning of their turn. On a failure, your attack automatically misses as the cold overwhelms you.
The climb down was harrowing, testing the two as they made their descent. While each had their experiences across the worlds, nothing ever fully prepares you for what you may find; including the sudden drop within an underground tunnel. Nor the forest that can be found even further below, the moonlight shining down from above as if enlightening the path before them.
As the pathways seemed to fade before them, the two spend their time searching, trying to determine the direction to take. While nothing seems to guide them, the two come to a decision that there is nothing better than the centre; a tried and true method.
A quick note to the other group, before they begin their trek through the woodlands, hoping that they have chosen correctly. The silence that comes after the overwhelming winds seems almost too peaceful, unnerving in a way. But that silence is slowly replaced as the sounds of the forest reach their ears; the call of birds, the chirp of numerous insects - and then, the soft howl of something larger.
As the two come to a sudden stop, they see a creature before them, covered in moss and staring at them intently. Barely visible against the backdrop of the natural environment that it so easily seemed to blend with. The breath of silence that passes is broken as a voice flows towards them, spoken aloud, but seemingly drifting upon the winds themselves.
Why have you come here, Oh Ones From Above? This is not your land, and you are not welcome here.
An attempt to communicate with the voice can be made by players. Complete a Presence or Knowledge check in order to see how the voice responds to your words.
Alternatively, should a player have access to Beast Arts, they may make a mastery check to see if they can communicate with the creature before them.
Cycle 2 Notes
- @Valmont consumes an extra 3 EN for creating the boat. The boat is large enough to house the entire party from the water, but something will be required to push to forwards.
- @Valmont takes -5 HP as the fish bites you.
- Reminder to players; Mastery and/or Skill checks consume five (5) EN each check. Anything above and beyond may consume more, which will be adjusted retroactively on the next Cycle Update.
Cycle 3 Rules
- No minimum/max word limits for posting. Muse is fickle, and we all know it comes and goes.
- You may post numerous times during this cycle, however standard TerraSphere rules apply (no double posting).
- Play Sheets are not required at this time, however you can prepare one which can be adjusted later in the challenge if required/desired. A cycle note will be placed if a set sheet is required.
- Cycle updates will occur no later than forty-eight (48) hours from initial cycle posts. If you're unable to make that time frame, shoot @Shadow Wolf a message on Discord. I'm understanding, and it won't be a huge deal once in a while!
- A Communications Thread is available for any lengthy communication that players feel is required beyond their post. Feel free to use this for general chatting, planning, or other topics as you desire!
- Homebrew Content: At this time only Homebrew Content from Shadow Wolf's Lair will be included for playtesting reasons.
- @Ronja Bubblyfoot, @Valmont, @Fiora Di Angelo, @Rael, @Zelrius, and @Aalam Abungu...welcome to the Labyrinth!
As this system uses the Homebrew content, the Energy Measurement System is in place.
This can be monitored in any way the player desires (a commentary at the bottom/top of the post, fancy BBCode bars, etc.).
Each player starts with a base 100 EN, and gains +10 per Armour rank. I've taken the liberty to outline the EN for each player below, to give an example and hopefully make this easier on everyone, based on their ranks at time of sign-up! If there are changes to your armour rating, please feel free to update accordingly!
Ronja Bubblyfoot: 150 EN (A Rank Armour)
Valmont: 120 EN (D Rank Armour)
Fiora Di Angelo: 140 EN (B Rank Armour)
Rael: 130 EN (C Rank Armour)
Zelrius: 140 EN (B Rank Armour)
Aalam Abungu: 140 EN (B Rank Armour)
Example energy bar as requested by Harmonia, and kindly provided by Dez! Please note that the colour of the meter bar itself (where it says yellow, beside metercolor), can only be changed to certain colours at this time. Hex codes do not work, unless this has been updated.
This can be monitored in any way the player desires (a commentary at the bottom/top of the post, fancy BBCode bars, etc.).
Each player starts with a base 100 EN, and gains +10 per Armour rank. I've taken the liberty to outline the EN for each player below, to give an example and hopefully make this easier on everyone, based on their ranks at time of sign-up! If there are changes to your armour rating, please feel free to update accordingly!
Ronja Bubblyfoot: 150 EN (A Rank Armour)
Valmont: 120 EN (D Rank Armour)
Fiora Di Angelo: 140 EN (B Rank Armour)
Rael: 130 EN (C Rank Armour)
Zelrius: 140 EN (B Rank Armour)
Aalam Abungu: 140 EN (B Rank Armour)
Example energy bar as requested by Harmonia, and kindly provided by Dez! Please note that the colour of the meter bar itself (where it says yellow, beside metercolor), can only be changed to certain colours at this time. Hex codes do not work, unless this has been updated.
[banner=#DA93A9][hp=140]140[/hp]
[metercolor=0.97]yellow[/metercolor][metertext=#efc738][fa]fas fa-bolt need-icon [/fa] 125 / 130[/metertext]
[status][B]-5 EN for Mastery Check[/B][/status][/banner]
