Complete Private Quest Zakaden (Reaping Season I) Shards of the Spectre

Siondhe · Oct 24, 2022

Her eyes flitted towards the crystal-like expanse that spread beyond the edges of the border. It was unbelievable the transition, from woodlands and open fields, to gravel-like rocks, finally ending up in an almost crystal-covered world. Kyra had stopped to admire it, the beauty of it causing a shiver down her spine as she realised just how dark and corrupt of a beauty it was when you realised what it truly encompassed.

This is what remains of a once great nation...and people wonder why squabbles are sometimes considered pointless, and lost to time. The fact that we must still...

She sighed, tossing aside the train of thought before it could become anything more than an annoyance. She was still frustrated that she had somehow been roped into this whole event, something far beyond her expertise. From what she had heard, she wasn't even the first choice - not that she was upset about that part - but rather had been a last resort.

All because of one specific type of magic, that everyone just assumes works across the board for specific requirements...does no one really understand that there are branches, within branches? It's not like you can just...control fire because you have pyromancy, or breath underwater because you have hydromancy.

She'd been lamenting the same problems for the last day or so, as she travelled across the area. Her frustrations stemming from the fact that she had been begged to take on a task that was well outside of her qualifications, and had only accepted because they had no one else to turn to for assistance. A fact that she had argued against for some time, before actually believing them. You'd think that MIT would have more explorers on hand...or at least someone half capable of doing...whatever the hell they're expecting me to do about this whole situation...

Spectres. The word they had used to describe the odd occurrence that someone had reported from the crystalline caves of Zakaden. Supposed spectres that were appearing, taunting the locals - the few that were in existence in this place - and somehow causing problems for the researchers who needed to do...well, Kyra wasn't entirely sure what they were doing here.

I'm a doctor dammit...not a freaking explorer or ghost whisperer. This is bullshit.

She leaned against the scythe, her newest compliment, as she stared out over the horizon, cursing whatever powers were involved in setting up this entire situation that she was loathe to be in - her mood soured by the extensive travel it had required, and the time it meant she was away from more important duties. Not to mention Ruby...

@Fiora Di Angelo

Fiora Di Angelo · Oct 24, 2022

It wasn't for her an issue to be called as a last reserve to deal with what seemed to trouble the MIT within Zalra's chaotic region, and given her previous experience in these frozen lands and rank within the guild, they kept nudging this one request over and over again. They needed someone capable of dealing with it, but she's turned it down countless of times, something she didn't want to disclose.

Only now she really decided to brave the journey to the accursed land of crystals, and oh boy did it felt like a mistake. It's not just the assignment turned from solo to a duo, but the fact her other half didn't seem to have slept well, or probably her breakfast just sucked. She's one to complain, but Kyra over here? She won the trophy: not even her masteries saved her from the drain to her psyche...

"I'm a doctor dammit...not a freaking explorer or ghost whisperer. This is bullshit."

"You sound like a nerd all things considered." Fiora shrugged, indifference plastered over her features as she casted grey eyes over to the horizon and what's beyond, resting her left hand over the pommel of her bastard blade. "Magic corrupts and gets over people's heads. Everyone gets mad hungry for power when they get a lot of paper or followers in social media IRL, imagine how they get with something tangible and with real power like magic. It's like giving a gun to a fucking monkey" Fiora pulled the ragged hood down, eyes like gray moonstones scouted ahead, the gravel plains stink of magic, and one didn't need hyper sense to see, smell or even feel it in their bones.

These so supposed spectres were no trick of the mind if they are to follow their instinct on this one. Nor overworked researchers hallucinating. That would be too convinient for Kyra in the first place. Maybe annoy her like hell to know she's came all the way for nothing, but she wouldn't be the only one raging against the machine if that were the case.

"Alright Doc, I'll watch your back but you better learn ghost whisperin' real quick. Ever watched The Exorcist?" She shoot her a glance from her shoulder, chuckling as she waved her to press onwards.

@Kyra Vashtana

Siondhe · Oct 25, 2022

Her companion was, in short, an addition. Neither pleasant nor unpleasant, they'd provided conversation where required but otherwise left Kyra to her own ventures - the entire journey. Not that she should be complaining about that, it was better than someone who was more overbearing, she guessed. Still, Kyra wished Ruby was here. Or Ash, or one of her other regulars. Give it time and a chance...who knows, maybe you're as misunderstood as she is.

The remake or the original? Both don't really do justice here. Decent entertainment, but not justice. That being said...if we come across daemon possessed little girls I'll make sure to toss you in front, yeah?

She threw a beaming smile - mostly filled with sarcasm - towards Fiora, trying to break some of the ice. They'd travelled here from the outpost together, and still Kyra knew almost nothing about the other player. They were smart, that much she knew. Calculating and likely a capable individual, but personality wise she was at an overall loss. Which is probably as much my fault as anyone else's...

I...don't have the best tract record with ghost whispering, if we're being honest. Ash is far superior to it than I am. Although...

She looked down over herself, the reaper imagery more intoned into her appearance than when she had first started. Even her knew Angelic Armour gave off a more afterlife appearance than her older pieces. Not that she had completely thrown away any of the others - they both still stood on racks in her rented out apartment.

Throw on a robe like hers and maybe I'll be just that much closer...

Come on...let's go see if we can't put some lost souls to rest.

She gave in, taking the first few steps into Zakaden proper. The shift in the ground beneath her, as ever, felt different - a shift from solid, hard ground to something ever so slightly more slippery. Barely noticeable, but enough that if you didn't place your feet firmly, you could easily land on the ground hard, wondering what had happened. Guess I should at least make use of the company while I have it...

So...how long have you been playing Terrasphere? Were you around for the attack on Camp Hope? Or the Red Fever before it? I hear that was rather terrifying...

She kept her eyes on the area around them even as she spoke, trying to locate the markers that had been provided as guidance for them; a tall spire of stonework that looked like an antenna of some sort, a crystal archway that glittered golden even in the darkness, and finally a gate of steel and iron that appeared darker than a black hole, as if it sucked all the light around it away. And we're expected to enter that gate, and figure out why spectres are harassing the area...yeah, just a wonderful Monday traverse.

@Fiora Di Angelo

Fiora Di Angelo · Oct 25, 2022

A loud 'tsk' anticipated the chuckle out of her lips, meeting eyes with the purple-haired smartass. "Be my guest. I would like to see you try and lift me with these noodle arms, doc." Confident smirk laced her lips, Fiora gave a quick look over to her palm menu, specifically to the inventory. Sadly, none of the equipment stored inside really had anything to deal with ghosts. Just another thing on the imaginary list inside her head. She closed it down with a sigh, just in time to hear and see how Kyra assessed her own looks as well as skills.

"Well you ain't gonna improve if you don't try." A bit of encouragement always goes miles, yet to that end, the elf gave her one throughful glance yet again, humming in thought. "I dig the 'Angel of death' aesthetics and all that. Never seen anyone use a scythe either though." A bit of surprise on her voice. Part of her liked her, the other hoped that armor wasn't just for looks and it actually worked. But then, they might be fighting the souls of the damned, so what does it matter a bit of physical layers to these?

Entering Zakaden felt like a complete different beast to merely sightseeing it. The floor required effort to traverse, but at least it's not sand. That shit stresses her out, reason why she barely travels through Redchron anymore.

Pulling the rolled up parchment she called a map out of her waist, the knightess kept it tight on her grasp as a bundle and handed it over to Kyra. "Here, this might help. Might, I didn't map this one." And truth to be told, the landscape was hard to judge from it, but it did have several stonelike figures. Just that it wasn't just one alone, so that complicated things if anything.

"So...how long have you been playing Terrasphere? Were you around for the attack on Camp Hope? Or the Red Fever before it? I hear that was rather terrifying..."

"Months. A few weeks before the expedition to deal with the Red Fever went in caravans to that hellhole. A daemon corpse, a giant bug, some strange fever, monkeys and a walking temple. A literal walking temple with a sword." She recalled, it almost sounded like a joke to her, but having been there to see how a building that tall became an even taller humanoid out of stone and debris.

It sent chills down her spine to think it's not dead, just stuck in a hole, and could escape any day from it.

"I didn't stick around Camp Hope for the whole fight though. Remember the giant wurm? Yeah, I had to drag away the bastard that came riding on top of it." Yet that wasn't exactly the end of it per say, but it's the highlight amidst the destruction the deadnaught caused and the combined efforts of way too many heroes she would never count herself among. "Alright my turn. You've been in camp Hope, right? How long have you been doing this? You look clean, but you don't carry yourself like a newcomer." Questioning eyebrow rised. It's a comforting thought for her all things considered. She's not here to babysit newbies, and her partner looks far more capable- Possibly is moreso than she admits even - Than the average starcalled she keeps crossing paths with.

@Kyra Vashtana

Siondhe · Oct 25, 2022

She'd expected the question, but as Kyra stopped and considered it, she wasn't entirely sure. She could probably check the hours she'd played, the time she had spent in the game, but in the end that would only give her an idea, an inkling. Experience doesn't always come with time... The thought reminded her of something she'd heard once before, years ago. A thought that brought a frown to her face, at the memories.

I wasn't here for the Red Fever incident...it's definitely felt like years though, although it's probably no more than a month or two, in reality. Maybe even less...I've seen a lot though. Trials, tests...terrors. Things that sometimes you wish you could forget, things that you wish you could just leave behind, and never consider again. Memories, that last with you for time eternal.

She glanced over at the map, seeing something that was clearly painstakingly created, that had effort and time poured into it in order to make it something more than just a drawing on a paper. Her eyes held onto it for a few moments, even as her feet continued to carry her forwards, an odd balance of fighting to keep herself moving forward, while also holding her weight backwards, so as not to slip.

Even before Camp Hope, there were times where...dark things occurred. I spent a lot of time, in the beginning, helping in the Emergency Encampment in Lyrwick. Was even there during the explosion that killed seventy-five people - one of the first responders on scene, actually...it's been...an experience, being here.

She shifted the scythe in her hand towards the other side, letting it lean gently in the crest of her arm as she glanced out around them, then back at the map. She raised her left arm, pointing towards the east slightly.

Need to shift a bit more this way...assuming that map of yours is as accurate as it is detailed. Should be maybe another fifteen minutes until the next marker.

Map reading. A skill she hadn't possessed prior to this game, like so many others. It was a wonder how TerraSphere had changed her life, given her new abilities, and yet had taken so much from her.

I can see you judging me, by the way. And before you ask, yes, I'm able to handle my own. I don't have anything that doesn't serve a purpose. This world is too unkind to those who go for flare over function.

The blade of the scythe seemed to glint in response to her words, the sunlight reflecting off it almost seeming to give it life for a second as she spoke. This world will take everything from you if you aren't prepared for it...and sometimes even then.

@Fiora Di Angelo

Fiora Di Angelo · Oct 25, 2022

On one hand, she could understand that fairly well. It hasn't been that long, or perhaps it's been, since her last encounter with a dissonant entity, a memory that just burnt itself within her skull. Perhaps one of the few, yet it was less about the monster, moreso about the involved. It's always about the involved rather than the problematic what hurts the most.

"This game's not for everyone. But dropping it ain't something you gonna do if you are still here." She pointed out, this time her voice carried neutrality, much like her features did. Her eyes went from Kyra back to the map as the pair inspected it, tracking the direction in which the beastfolk pointed towards then back to the parchment itself. "I take these maps with a grain of salt. Can never be too sure- Maybe a bit to the right, maybe a bit to the left. It's pretty wide open around here though, so we should be able to see anything off-tracks." It's impressive how people do these in the first place even, but to never take it for granted when it all comes down to perspectives is a philosophy to live by. Regardless, Kyra had the right direction given what they knew, and she followed her lead with no complaints given.

"I heard though. When a tragedy that big happens, word flies rather quickly. Specially with no social media to rely on, rumours spread like wildfire. At least it shows you certainly had your tracks around Terrasphere. That, and that somber presence you got with ya' right now." No wonder she's so gloomy with the past, yet evidently it weighs heavier in her mind than it would do on others, yet certainly she didn't pull the plug just because of an accident or two. Willpower like that is strange, note-worthy. Specially around starcalled. Who are they but mere puppeteers with super powers acting like heroes? In the real world she can barely eat spaghetti with fork & knife, and here she is an elven knight clad on dents and bruised plate to show off the confrontations, the rights and the mistakes she's done.

Yet apparently her judgement had been taken notice of. Perhaps with a bit of offense at that? Fiora really couldn't tell. Her lips turned into a thin line as she looked back to that scythe, glittering in response to Kyra's assessment. "I wasn't hiding it. But if you could tell that, then you should know by now I wasn't questioning nor underestimating your skill." She reaffirmed, pushing her eyes deeper into the horizon once something ressembling a spire came to her in her augmented state of sight... Could it be?

"Cheer up crew, we are getting close. Rather hear ya' pissed off or happy than gloomy. We are still playing a videogame on our free time, so let it rip, Reaper."

@Kyra Vashtana

Siondhe · Oct 25, 2022

Still playing a video game. Kyra wondered if she still saw it as that, especially lately. A video game, wherein one could lose themselves - both psychologically, and physically - into the world that existed within the game itself. Something about that, in her case, made her wonder if it wasn't more than just a video game.

Yeah...let's get this over and done with. Besides, who knows, maybe we'll meet some interesting spectres who can tell us all about the histories of the land, and all that lore-y stuff. I hear that's what all the cool kids rave about nowadays.

A small smirk, just the very corner of her lip pulling back ever so slightly at the joke. The other girl was proving to be better company now, than during the previous part of the trip - even with Kyra's sour mood in the air. Or perhaps because of it...some people are just weird like that... She shrugged the thought aside. It didn't matter why, but they'd started to find a connection somehow, and it was making things slightly better.

It had taken over an hour to get to the base of the mountain - if it could be called that. The thing was like a giant crystal, towering into the sky and reflecting the sunlight all around in a kaleidoscope like waver. Kyra tried desperately not to stare at the piece - the reflected light feeling as if it was burning into her eyes. Instead, she focused on the dark gap that led into what was clearly an underground tunnel system, and also - possibly more unfortunately - their destination.

Sitting atop the entrance was a clear marker, a red painted whistle that bespoke of the expedition that had been sent here previously - either a pre-determined mark so that they could be easily found, or someone's graffiti on the mountain wall, neither of which really mattered to Kyra right now.

Looks like we found our spot...hope you're not afraid of dark places...

She strode forward into the cave, glancing back as the light began to fade ahead of them. Enough sunlight shone into the tunnel, for now, to light their way. But Kyra could tell from the path ahead that their situation would change, quickly and significantly. And so into the dark I lead thou, may it be not in vain, nor our last journey together...Cosaint ó thuas.

With any luck, we find the spectres...before they find us...

@Fiora Di Angelo

Fiora Di Angelo · Oct 26, 2022

"Yeah...let's get this over and done with. Besides, who knows, maybe we'll meet some interesting spectres who can tell us all about the histories of the land, and all that lore-y stuff. I hear that's what all the cool kids rave about nowadays."

The little smirk she got hit with was reciprocated by the elf, gasping with comical disbelief at Kyra, plated fingers covering her lips. "What, you don't want to know the whereabouts of king Astor's legendary Wacdonalds, rumoured to use real meat instead of frozen goods?" She exhaled a chuckle.

At least things started to twist a bit for a change, and the topic went back to jokes, as it should be really. They are not facing death just yet, so why sour their moods even further? Given the fox's earlier answers, it's clear she has much in her head and heart. Understandably so; Perhaps she is the only weirdo here, who can close her heart to others, despite that one strength working as it's own weakness when involving those she cares for.

Terrasphere is weird like that. Some die and you wil feel for them, pay respects, and keep moving. Other times you simply can't let go of. Both stick to you no matter what you choose to do, feel or not. Self-discovery certainly became part of her adventures...

Fiora peered up between the gaps her fingers left, blocking most of the view on purpose, as the towering 'mountain' mimicked the sun for any on-lookers, it's exposure made her regret it, but it strangely allured her all the more, like this challenge would sort of lead somewhere. Unfortunately, all it did was make her eyes itchy and the darkness all the more impactful once she gazed back to their path, as if psychedelic lights and shapes crawled around her vision.

"Just keep ghosts away from me, I can deal with a bit of dark." Her voice broke it's confidence for a moment, just like the sweat bead running down her temples right now. It's easier to think of facing one's fears, yet just like one scrambling over an exam at last minute the stress and anxiety is more present then than ever before.

The light soon begun to fade from them, and Kyra remained optimistic, or simply wishful that the spectres would be far less wary of their own grounds than them. pulling up her palm menu, Fiora allowed a torch and a cup full of grease to appear right infront of her, gravity suspended for a moment that let her catch them before it did resume, and once poured all over the worn out stick and the animal fat wrapped neatly on it's end, the knightess pulled her blade out and sliced one of the cavern walls to form a spark, igniting the flammable grease and granting them something to light the path ahead of them.

"I hope you develop some ghost senses right now, because I have none, and I don't know if fire works in the first place. Let's just tread carefully, don't want to drop and twist your ankle by accident." Lamest of concerns, but a valid one. If it happens on a side walk on real life, it certainly can happen in a pitch-blak cave like this with verticality far more prominent than the boring streets of their world.

@Kyra Vashtana

Siondhe · Oct 27, 2022

Ghost senses. The words reminded Kyra that she was well out of her depths here, and once again she found herself wishing that Ash had taken the job instead of her. Too bad...Ash isn't here, and you are. So now you get to figure out how to deal with spectres in the dark, and not whine the entire time. Show this woman that you're as capable as anyone else.

Well, I don't know if I can develop any sort of Ghost Sense...but I'm fairly certain I can sense if anything tries to sneak up upon us. So long as it has a soul of some sort...

She closed her eyes for a brief second, just long enough to activate the soul lines that she saw as part of her Spirit Magic capabilities. When she opened them again, she could see the line connecting to her companion, and herself - a sign that they had some sort of connection. Her eyes hovered over the line for mere breaths of a second, before looking around the darkness that surrounded them.

I see...soul lines this way...there's something over there...

She lifted her right hand, pointing off to their right, towards where the darkness seemed to thicken slightly. She could see a few lines there, as if there was a collection of...something, that way. She frowned slightly, trying to focus on the area, hoping to see something.

Wow! I see...I see something...they look like...like people, but...floating...? It's...it's not entirely like people though...it's like...

Her words faltered as the thing slowly floating into the light of the torch, and almost sorrowful expression on its face. Kyra felt herself shift her scythe slightly in her left hand, her right reaching out slowly as if to try and stop the thing by touch.

Help...us....

Kyra recoiled slightly as the thing in front of her spoke. She'd come across many creatures from beyond the grave, but something about this one...something felt off. The speech didn't come from it, but rather from around it, as if it was speaking through some other means. Something's off...something's off...

Help...us...release...us...

She glanced over at Fiora, wondering if the other woman had any ideas about the situation. The puzzled expression on her face likely describing just how uncertain Kyra was feeling, even as she rested her scythe back into the nook of her arm.

Release you...from what?

Her voice was level, even. Professional. She spoke with a calmness that she didn't necessarily feel, as if something else had taken over her mind. The tension was still obvious in her frame, ready to leap into action should anything become suddenly violent.

Release...us...from this...hell...release...us...please...

@Fiora Di Angelo
Spectre Speech Bubble:

[speech=https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1021999398865076386/1035207268511252540/Spectre_Profile.png][color=darkblue]...[/color][/speech]

Fiora Di Angelo · Oct 27, 2022

In any other context she could have questioned it, but in her partner she trusted, and if she sees soul lines, then soul lines there are, no other explanation. Tight grasp on her sword, Fiora kept the torch up towards the direction the beastfolk pointed at, where the thin veil of shadows turned blacker than vantablack. In her eyes, nothing more than the dark. But apparently her peer got more feedback from her gaze than the knightess's own.

"Are you sure it's friendl-" Her worrisome tone fell mute as the spirit begun to hover closer. Enough for her to notice and grimace to it's presence. With the fox tense and her hands upon that scythe she used, Fiora felt completely inclined to follow suit and prepare herself. Uncertainty held her back though, could steel even get through an incorporeal entity such as this one? "What are you doing?" She muttered, albeit a bit louder than she cared once the purple menace stretched her hand out towards this ghost

Help us

Holy shit it talks...

Kyra looked back at her as if she had any clue. Her eyes should tell enough; Just as shocked, a shiver running down her spine had her muscles hard like stone. If anyone had to know a THING had to be the one who could look at soul lines in the first place! But that apparently didn't seem to be the case.

And that just left more doubts in her head when it came to the success of this mission...

The spectre seeked release, and with how cryptic it is there is little tell to what exactly 'release' could be. It could very well be murder them on spot and eat their souls, or slap some lantern to break them free.

Please...

The voice echoed once, twice. Yet the words were lost within a crescendo of a pletora of disembodied ones, yet they all repeated the same over and over and over again.

'The Core' 'Help us' 'Please' 'end it'

Kyra would be the only of the two who would notice the intensity within the poor souls that dwelled among them right now, illuminating the depths of the cave, albeit not enough for a torch to traverse it.

Fiora swallowed. Hard. And picking up the courage to do so finally asked. "What do you want us to do?"

...

Pensive gaze pierced by the otherworldly and cold visage of the spectre, who watched the knightess carefully, yet with not a shred of emotion on it's features, right as it simply banished... Or so it seemed.

It became yet another wisp, another source of light for them to follow, and it begun to move so, in direction of what seemed to be a blinding soul line that took a turn and disappeared. As if it were some sort of path?

"You know I'm starting to think coming here wasn't my brightest idea." She commented, but even as the worst had passed in her mind, her legs refused to move naturally. Only until she became aware of it did she start to manually move, much like her breathing right now. Manual.

@Kyra Vashtana

Siondhe · Oct 28, 2022

Kyra didn't take her eyes off the spectre, her eyes squinting slightly as she tried to figure out what was going on here. She could feel the discomfort in Fiora's words, the fact that she was on edge. Kyra held her right hand out towards the other player, speaking softly while she maintained her gaze on the spectre.

Do not fear...we are here to help. You desire release...but release, from what? This life? This connection to the world? Has the Reaper not come? Have you no Guide?

Her words were soft, like the tone one used when someone was injured, or scared. She pushed outwards with her soul line, trying to strengthen the connection to the spectre, unsure of what it would do. To her surprise, the line suddenly seemed to brighten, as if becoming more whole. She blinked in surprise, before glancing up at the spectre. The thing seemed entirely focused on Kyra now, the spectral eyes staring into her own.

Help...us....free....us...release....

Why have you come here...mortal? Do you expect to...tear away these bonds? These bonds which...hold us here? The voice in Kyra's head caused her to recoil slightly. It was similar to the words spoken aloud, but somehow...somehow they felt colder. Colder...like the touch of Death.

Release...death...we...yearn...release...

Colder...than Death. Yes...so cold. We wish to...move on. Help us to...move on. Release us from this...torment. Find the crystals...and break them. The thing suddenly shifted away, as if drifting off into the distance. Kyra almost stepped after it, almost followed it into the darkness, but stopped herself short. The thing had told her what needed to be done, and hovering on the edge of her mind was an image, an image of people trapped within crystals, somewhere deep within a cave...a cave similar to the one they'd entered.

I...know what we need to do. They're trapped, stuck here. Unable to move on...

She turned to look at Fiora, an sad look on her face. She empathised with these poor souls, stuck here to wander forever until someone freed them from their trap. Where are your souls...Perhaps this is the question of the Reaper...

I want to help free them...but it means we need to go deeper into this cave. Their physical forms, or what's left of them, are trapped in crystals that are...sort of like magical traps, I guess. They've succumbed to the power of the crystals, and can't move on to the afterlife until they're freed.

She bit her upper lip, knowing that the next part would likely push Fiora away. There was no reason for her to risk her life for...what? A bunch of random people dumb enough to get stuck in crystalline soul-jails?

The area they're in though...it's guarded by a...thing. A guardian of some sort...and...well, the group of fifteen that went in failed to harm it, at all. And in order to free them, we would need to get past it...well, we'd have to kill it...because it's connected to the trap itself.

She shuffled her feet slightly, shifting the scythe to a better angle as she leaned against it slightly. She doubted that they'd have an easy time if both of them went, but she knew for sure it wasn't something she could do alone.

@Fiora Di Angelo

Fiora Di Angelo · Oct 28, 2022

Fiora took the chance as soon as it presented itself on her peripherical, her left hand squeezing Kyra's tightly like her very life depended on the ghost-sensing girl. And honestly, it worked well despite how the spectre still remained, the elf already felt her stress peg down a couple notches. Still, she had to be wary not to crush the other's fingers, so her touch would be docile at best, mild, as if half-hearted. Like one holding onto glass. The downside of having chosen a mastery she's yet to adapt to.

No sooner as the entity left did Kyra try to move, and conciousness tugged as much as her own hand did right now. When they faced eachother off, there seemed to be some kind of revelation the beastfolk was prived of. Puzzled, Fio listened regardless, noticing the subtle way the other bit on her lip.

The way she explained it, bearing with the sadness that came with whatever vision or clarity she got, and the 'catch' on all this finally concluded in an entity holding them prisoners. Terrasphere was an odd land, and such a fate might just fall on top of them if they were not careful.

The question left her at an impasse between survival and morals, and each word out of the purple reaper made her frown deepen and deepen.

"Normally I would tell you to get out of here and report it back. They are already lost souls in the first place, and there's nothing we can do to save them. Time's not of essence. Again, normally." She found it important to let that go through, and the little smile that tugged at her lips betrayed the anticipation she tried to build up. "I can see this is important to you. The job's to get rid of the spectres, so freeing them is doing just that. I'm not getting paid if not."

She finally let go of Kyra's hand, and her expression turned far more severe than earlier, dark yet grave at the same time. "But if I deem the situation too risky, I'm not gonna hesitate and drag you out even if you scream and kick at me, understood? We cannot save them in any meaningful way, only ease their suffering. But I can save you, and either way, we will find the means to finish the job if all else fails." That much she would reassure her at least. Even if they had to flee with their tails between their legs, that would not be the end of the story.

@Kyra Vashtana

Siondhe · Oct 28, 2022

The response from Fiora was surprising to Kyra, and as the girl continued - explaining how they could make an attempt, but if things got too risky, they'd retreat to get reinforcements - her frown only spread. She'd wanted to be talked out of it, to be told that it was too dangerous. Instead, they were going to push forward.

Normally...normally I'd be all for diving into this, to help these souls - once people...but something about this feels...dangerous. More dangerous than normal. It reminds me...

...of the Reaper. She didn't finish her sentence aloud, doubting that it would make any difference to Fiora anyways. Too much of this, though, had the same aura to it, as if the cloaked individual was sitting off to the side, watching everything and waiting. Waiting, for her to make a mistake. Waiting for her to step into its little trap, to only come closer to its final grasp.

We'll go take a look...but like you said, if it seems too dangerous...we're not staying. We can always return, if we need to...

Saying the words aloud didn't calm her any. In fact, it created more concern - normally, she'd be jumping at the chance to help those in need. The Reaper had changed all of that, had made her more hesitant, more careful. I can't let it distract me...if I do, we're in a dangerous spot.

It had felt like hours had passed, as they moved through the dark tunnels in the depths of the cave. Kyra knew, in reality, it had likely been no more than an hour, at most - if not less. Not that the knowledge helped in any way.

Are you seeing that blue glow up ahead too...?

She squinted slightly, peering into the distance. It was faint, as if still a long ways off, but it was there. She double checked, making sure it wasn't her spirit magic kicking in again.

Definitely something up ahead...

She shifted her scythe into her hand, tilting the haft and blade forward a bit. Even though the tunnels weren't large, they provided more than enough movement for her and her newfound weapon. Her ears perked up, and her tail swaying softly behind her, Kyra led the way forward, her eyes shifting across the few shadows that began to formulate the closer they got to the light.

She stopped at the end of the tunnel as they came out into a large cavern, the light coming from the numerous crystals that seemed to erupt from the various angles and areas. Each glowing in a way that seemed to suggest that something from within was illuminating them.

I think we found the place. Now we just need to find the-

Her eyes fell upon the large crystal in the distance, recognising it almost instantly. Her heart dropped slightly as she realised the vision had been real, that there was a good chance everything in it might be real.

@Fiora Di Angelo

Fiora Di Angelo · Oct 28, 2022

Now that reaction caught her off-guard, left the knightess awestruck as Kyra proved to be quite the opposite. The look in her eyes didn't betray her words as the fox truly meant every single word she just said. And yet, the lack of rationality of the typical hero... Is not present in her, despite the clear doubt that haunts her and keeps words out of her mouth. Whatever it is, she shouldn't be indulging in it too much eitherway.

She can find out eventually; A genuine smile formed on the elf just then. It lacked the mood of the optimistic or the smug of a con-artist, not like either of these were something Fiora would take from.

"I'll just say, it doesn't matter if we get out or stay, you already proved you are far more capable than most I've met. Up here." A finger tapped at her own temples, needless to say she gestured at their train of thought. "Recon mission then. Let's try and be quiet for once." Fiora nodded, and finally sheathed her blade, keeping a hold on the torch as the pair would press on.

To whatever this would lead them to, and whatever it is that had Kyra far more tense than herself...

When inquired about it, the elf's eyes glowed faintly in white for a split of a second. "I do - Eyes open, we don't know what's ahead yet.." She whispered back once her vision took a hint from the usual reds and browns from the embers out of their light source, and the cavern's very own colour palette. The sudden change to a sharp blue hue, as if the sky had ramped up it's saturation to maximum, had come as a surprise after what felt like a waste of time cycling across the pitch black labyrinth of a cave.

The tunnel felt like the wrong place for them to be, specially since it neutralized numbers. It's best fit for one at a time, but her worries were unfounded once Kyra paused to survey the area.

"I think we found the place. Now we just need to find the-"
"-Crystal..." She finished right when the other cut off to give a good long stare at the epicenter of their problems. "You said there should be a creature nearby, didn't you? Keep watch on the skies." Fiora replied between mumbles, turning her silver gaze behind them and across the walls. It was awfully quiet, as quiet as a cave full of the souls of the damned trapped within rocks could be.

Fiora pushed her palm menu back up, her hand swiftly danced across the options to pull out two different items with very little delay between taps. The items materialized with not a single audio cue for it: a metal heater shield, pointy and classic looking, yet with no patterns across it's face, and a mace of the most typical. Trust-worthy steel and nothing more.

Blunt ends would break through a crystal far easier than a sword could anyways.

@Kyra Vashtana

Siondhe · Oct 29, 2022

Her eyes never left the area before the crystal, even as the warning came from the other individual. Kyra knew that it wouldn't come from the sky, knew it in a way that she couldn't explain - in a way that felt like she'd been here before. As if the memories she'd seen were her own, not something forced upon her by another being, another soul.

It's already here...

Her gaze was still upon the large crystal in the distance, watching for the signs of the thing she knew was waiting for them. She didn't doubt that it was waiting for them to come closer, to let them reach its safety zone, an area that it would have the advantage.

Let's not keep her waiting any longer than needed.

Kyra strode forward, making her way down the pathway that led to the floor below. The rock was smooth, reminding Kyra of the crystal like roads that they had walked along in order to reach the mountain tunnels themselves. As she strode forward, she slipped the scythe properly into her hand, letting the haft slide behind her in a comfortable, ready grasp.

If you should have any preparations that you were planning on making before we encounter this thing...now would probably be the time to do it.

Her gaze, for the first time since entering the area broke from the giant crystal, turning slightly to look at Fiora as she smiled at the other woman. She didn't doubt their courage, but she knew that what was coming may cause them the same hesitation that they had experienced earlier. Something that they couldn't afford.

Just remember...we can always run away, if we need to. There's no shame in living to fight another day...especially in this world. I'm with you, no matter what.

She turned back to the crystal, noticing as the air seemed to shift around it slightly. Here she comes...I'm hope we're ready for this... She braced herself, letting the scythe shift slightly more so that it was ready to swing outwards as needed. Kyra focused on her breathing, bringing it to the slow and steady pace that she used, that she needed, for times like these. May the goddess forgive me for what I plan to do here...

❰ 12 / 12 ❱

Deathly Grasp. Cold as death, Soulless is a burden to the very environment it exists within. At the beginning of each turn, make a Fortitude save against a DC 65. On a failure, take retal damage as though you were vulnerable, or double vulnerable (if already suffering from vulnerable state).
Emptiness. Soulless contains the eyes of the Abyss, which seem to peer into the very soul of the individual before it. At the end of one's turn, make a Will save against a DC 75. On a failure, on your next turn you are too afeared to attack Soulless, and may only support party members.
Unknown. This ability/action is currently unknown.
Unknown. This ability/action is currently unknown.

@Fiora Di Angelo

[box2]
[CENTER][banner=#000000][SIZE=5][B]Soulless[/B][/SIZE]
[fa]fas fa-shield-halved[/fa] [B]DC 125 [/B][fa]fas fa-axe[/fa] [B]RETAL 55[/B][/banner][/CENTER]
[center][IMG width="289px"]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1021999398865076386/1035761611710935130/Crystal_Guardian.png[/IMG][/center]
[CENTER][enemyhp=12]12[/enemyhp][/CENTER]

[box][SIZE=4][I][B]Deathly Grasp.[/B][/I] Cold as death, Soulless is a burden to the very environment it exists within. At the beginning of each turn, make a Fortitude save against a DC 65. On a failure, take retal damage as though you were vulnerable, or double vulnerable (if already suffering from vulnerable state).
[I][B]Emptiness.[/B][/I] Soulless contains the eyes of the Abyss, which seem to peer into the very soul of the individual before it. At the end of one's turn, make a Will save against a DC 75. On a failure, on your next turn you are too afeared to attack Soulless, and may only support party members.
[I][B]Unknown.[/B][/I] This ability/action is currently unknown.
[I][B]Unknown.[/B][/I] This ability/action is currently unknown.
[/SIZE][/box][/box2]

Fiora Di Angelo · Oct 29, 2022

-55 HP from Retal

"It's already here..."

Every hair atop of her head jumped at these words, and Fiora turned back to notice how Kyra had not once stopped watching that crystal for one reason or another, and it felt so... Different.

It's like someone who already accepted death, for some reason. They were just walking straight to the Grim Reaper. Despite her reservations on that, Fiora obligued and tagged along quietly so. If 'she' is waiting for them, then...

The mace soon begun to disappear, one by one it pixelated every inch of it until it was gone, and the knightess clinged to the one weapon that could protect her, despite having no magical properties for such claim.

It looked like they were walking on thin ice, except when their boots finally reached the crystalline surface, it felt just like the rest of the world, yet unsurprisingly smooth at the same time.

"I have all I need on my hands and at my side." She smirked, but that whimsical expression died off quick enough. "I already told you I don't plan either of us to die right now. To be honest, I'm scared like hell. Sweaty hands and all. But you know, Courage is not the absence of fear, but the will to act despite of it." And she could have chosen a less dangerous option to do so. But what would be the point? "If I can't try at least, then I might aswell end up chewed by this world." It has to be here and now, where death is the greatest risk they run.

From the crystal did it came, this shade of a woman that the first one could get to see is a metal mask across her otherwise faceless visage. The grand crystal rippled as the Soulless phased through it, as if it were made out of water entirely, walking across thin air towards them, defying gravity and rationality alike.

It set it's eyes on Kyra first and foremost, and once it finally started to move over the ground, no longer hovering above it, each step created an echo. Like this were a closed up eco-chamber.

And it's sword formed from shadows that dripped from it's grasp, reflected by nothing at all, the red marks giving the only contrast to this soul-eater of a creature with it's pattern on blacks, and the environment itself lost luminosity with it's entrance to this plane.

Fiora swallowed, quite hard at that, before she pulled out her bastard blade. It is then that the Soulless acknowledged the knightess, who valiantly charged straight forth, meeting her might with one crushing strike from a bladed weapon that met her shield straight on.

Fuck, this pressure... Here too?

It felt like gravity and her own body betrayed her, yet the heaviness did not burden her enough to falter her strikes, Fiora relentlessly thrusted her blade that met true against the soulless, only... It didn't do as much as she hoped, and before that hole could close itself, she retracted her blade right as the shade backstepped with one quick cut at the front, barely blocked by Fiora, who finally met gazes with that lifeless Abyss.

She choked on her own tongue, and her limbs begun to numb down, her chest heaved and heaved, gasping and reeling for some air to reach her lungs yet to no avail; She was panicking this early.

"D-don't look at her, don't look at these eyes. It's-" She cut off between the gritting of her teeth, her sword arm quivered. It's as if she lost control of herself out of a sudden. It's as if death itself stood infront of them, and no mere ghost. The literal concept of Death personified.

Rolls

Playsheet
@Kyra Vashtana

Siondhe · Oct 29, 2022

Vulnerable
Retal:-110 HP

Fiora rushed past, not giving the thing before them the chance to take the initiative against them. Kyra had to give the woman credit, in the face of true danger she didn't hesitate, didn't falter or freeze like some were known to do. Like Kyra herself had done on occasion before.

Dangerous...need to be on our guard- She didn't get to finish the thought as she watched Fiora seem to tense up for a moment, a warning escaping her, yet sounding as if it wasn't entirely finished. Kyra's ears twitched as she closed her eyes in response, activating her spiritual magic so that she could properly see the soul lines around them - as much to confirm what they were fighting, as to confirm that there were no others.

I know what you are, and I do not fear you...I will not fear you.

She spoke calmly, even as her heart raced within her chest. Whatever this thing was, it wanted to consume them - that much Kyra knew. Stepping forward, she brought her scythe up and around, twirling her entire frame as she brought it around and into the form of the thing, her strike true as the tip began to pierce through the back of the creature-

And then suddenly passed straight through it, as if the thing wasn't even there. Kyra shifted her weight to pull herself backwards as the scythe's blade crackled with the built up lightning that she had tried to course down the length of the blade, only to have the black form in front of her shift into an ethereal state.

I...I don't like this...Fiora, are you okay?!

There was an almost anxious tone to her voice as she called out, not taking her gaze off whatever this thing was. She had seen Fiora land her own strike, causing a slightly tear into the creature that left little more than a flesh wound. To have her own blade pass through as if the creature wasn't even there...What in the hell is this thing...?

Save
1d100 (76) + 50 = 126
vs DC65: Success
Fortitude | Nymoria | 1403

Critical Attack
2d100 (Advantage) (12, 27) + 25 + 25 + 25 = 102
102 damage
Gain the Vulnerable state
Pierce Weapons | Nymoria | 1352

Save
1d100 (37) + 25 = 62
vs DC75: Failure; next turn can only use Support Options
Will | Nymoria | 1403

Play Sheet

❰ 11 / 12 ❱

Deathly Grasp. Cold as death, Soulless is a burden to the very environment it exists within. At the beginning of each turn, make a Fortitude save against a DC 65. On a failure, take retal damage as though you were vulnerable, or double vulnerable (if already suffering from vulnerable state).
Emptiness. Soulless contains the eyes of the Abyss, which seem to peer into the very soul of the individual before it. At the end of one's turn, make a Will save against a DC 75. On a failure, on your next turn you are too afeared to attack Soulless, and may only support party members.
Grim Aether. Soulless survives in the aether between this world, and the next - a constant shifting etherealness surrounding it. Non-magical attacks (slash, pierce, crush) do half damage (rounded up to 1 LP). Attacks made by, or imbued with dark magics (Corrupt, Dark Magic, Hemomancy, etc.) are consumed by Soulless, providing it recovery instead of damage. Attacks made by, or imbued with light magic (spirit, divine, nature, etc.) strike the target as if it were vulnerable.
Unknown. This ability/action is currently unknown.

@Fiora Di Angelo

Fiora Di Angelo · Oct 30, 2022

-28 HP from Retal

Her one hope had to be the beastfolk. She knew better than anybody else what this thing is clearly, or at least had some understanding in comparison to herself. She's not equipped to deal with ghosts or spirits in the slightest, there was a cackle across the purple scythe, and for a second the knightess had her hopes peak once she struck their foe, not so differently to herself, only all that magic should carry the punch to pierce through whatever kept her own from being fatal.

And nothing. It's as if there hasn't been any sort of aggression in the first place marked across it's shadowy form. Anxiety surged from Kyra's voice, and her own heart felt like it dropped even further through the crystalline grounds, until this monster lunged, aiming for Kyra once again, and her entire body shocked itself back to action.

After all this big talk, I can't just... I can't-

Her body reacted on it's own, her sword arm may falter, but her own legs and shield did not as the elf charged to soak the terrifying blade, let ghastly weapon meet her steel head on with a loud clang!

"Don't worry about me, ju-Just find a way Kyra. I can hold it back for a little longer." Her lips shut, her weight poured behind her shield. Despite her own immense strength, the Soulless entity did not quiver nor showed any form of mercy whatsoever in it's form.

It's as if trying to hold back a colossi...

'This is a puzzle, every fight is. Find the answer. I trust that you with that.' Her voice now beamed through Kyra's mind with the use of Mindsend. Encouraging, but nonetheless one could hear the struggle and fear that dripped right now, as if two sides of her clashed for rulership of the elf's actions.

And that reminded her of one other trick she could pull. But regardless of if it could work or not, she had to give it a shot at least. To Share Emotion with this thing. It could not stop it, and perhaps it would be for nothing, but all this fear that keeps her limbs inactive on the aggression- Perhaps letting it feel the same she does right now would have a similar effect.

Perhaps.

Rolls

-Protecting @Kyra Vashtana. Grants Protected State
Using Share emotion trait on the Soulless (?)
Save
1d100 (73) + 60 = 133

Fortitude | Fiora Di Angelo | 1403

Save
1d100 (60) + 0 = 60

Will | Fiora Di Angelo | 1403
Playsheet
@Kyra Vashtana

❰ 11 / 12 ❱

Deathly Grasp. Cold as death, Soulless is a burden to the very environment it exists within. At the beginning of each turn, make a Fortitude save against a DC 65. On a failure, take retal damage as though you were vulnerable, or double vulnerable (if already suffering from vulnerable state).
Emptiness. Soulless contains the eyes of the Abyss, which seem to peer into the very soul of the individual before it. At the end of one's turn, make a Will save against a DC 75. On a failure, on your next turn you are too afeared to attack Soulless, and may only support party members.
Unknown. This ability/action is currently unknown.
Unknown. This ability/action is currently unknown.

Siondhe · Oct 30, 2022

Vulnerable
Retal:-55 HP
Protected
Healed:+32 HP

The shield appeared before Kyra's field of vision, the initial strike of the creature in front of them slamming into it and pushing Fiora back towards Kyra slightly. She'd already felt the brunt of the attack that this thing had to offer, and although she was glad for Fiora's protection, she was beginning to worry about their chances of success.

Perhaps...perhaps we should consider retreating. We can always come back...with reinforcements...

She shifted her scythe, knowing that they at least needed to survive long enough to make it out of the cave. Fiora, and herself, already looked like they'd been through hell - slashes and marks that the thing had torn through their outer layers, begun to truly harm both of them. Can't just run away now...need to ensure we can still walk.

I give unto you that which I no longer fear...may it protect you against the coming darkness, guide you in the light lost...I give this gift, willingly, in the hopes that you may stand and walk...

She grit her teeth against the sudden pain that erupted in her chest - a pain she had come to grow used to, after all this time. She could see the line connecting herself to Fiora, the power rushing through it to restore some of the wounds that the woman had taken. Wait...what in the nine hells...

The line passed through Fiora, beyond the shield. Kyra heard a scream, the sound of which reminded her of tormented souls, echoing throughout the cave before slamming back into her ears. She felt the ears flatten atop her head in response, the blood slowly dripping from them as the sound tore through her eardrums. What the fuck...did I do that...?

Save
1d100 (56) + 50 = 106
vs DC65: Success
Fortitude | Nymoria | 1403

Power Heal
1d100 (44) + 25 + 25 = 32 (Total divided by 3)
+32 HP to 3 targets
Gain the Vulnerable state
Targets: @Fiora Di Angelo | @Kyra Vashtana | Soulless
Spirit Magic | Nymoria | 1352

Save
1d100 (94) + 25 = 119
vs DC75: Failure; next turn can only use Support Options
Will | Nymoria | 1403

Play Sheet

❰ 10 / 12 ❱

Deathly Grasp. Cold as death, Soulless is a burden to the very environment it exists within. At the beginning of each turn, make a Fortitude save against a DC 65. On a failure, take retal damage as though you were vulnerable, or double vulnerable (if already suffering from vulnerable state).
Emptiness. Soulless contains the eyes of the Abyss, which seem to peer into the very soul of the individual before it. At the end of one's turn, make a Will save against a DC 75. On a failure, on your next turn you are too afeared to attack Soulless, and may only support party members.
Grim Aether. Soulless survives in the aether between this world, and the next - a constant shifting etherealness surrounding it. Non-magical attacks (slash, pierce, crush) do half damage (rounded up to 1 LP). Attacks made by, or imbued with dark magics (Corrupt, Dark Magic, Hemomancy, etc.) are consumed by Soulless, providing it recovery instead of damage. Attacks made by, or imbued with light magic (spirit, divine, nature, etc.) strike the target as if it were vulnerable.
Death's Touch. Soulless is a creature from a place beyond the living. Actions meant to heal cause damage to Soulless instead. Non-critical heals strip Soulless of 1LP, while Critical heals strip it of 4LP. Regardless of the damage taken, Soulless is unable to retaliate on the follow turn, and players do not take retal damage on the next round of combat.

@Fiora Di Angelo

Fiora Di Angelo · Oct 30, 2022

-28 HP from Retal
+32 HP from Kyra's PH

It renders armor and flesh alike, each strike like an afterimage of the first. Ferocious, relentless, the ghost did not care she wore plate and chainmail, nor did it care for Kyra's spiritual attunement. It just came to reap, and that it did. Enough, that even Kyra begun to consider retreat right now.

"I f...Follow your lead. Say when and I'll-" She paused, pushed back yet again once the Soulless begun to gain terrain. It made it impossible to anchor herself to the floor, a battlecry roaring through her voice, but try as she might, this entity kept getting closer to Kyra as she chanted.

And then the incantation concluded, and the wounds carved on a spiritual and physical level begun to close themselves once again. Not enough, but just what she needed to fight back. The sudden strength coursing through her veins made fighting all too easy, and the answer came the instant her eardrums almost shatter and bleed to the harrowing scream, as if the souls around them suffered and wailed to their idea of leaving them alone here.

Delay finally hit her five seconds after, just as a glance back to her bastard sword shown a striking power emanating from her fingers and coursing gently across the edged steel. A vibrant, yet soft hue, an infusion that somehow warmed up and eased the pressure against her chest.

"Kyra?!" She shouted back, a glance given to the beastfolk for a split of a second before she focused on the ferocious soulless that now rampaged in her direction, rising her shield to meet it head on yet again.

But it's assault was nowhere near as collected, nor did it even reach the elven knight. The spiritual power bestowed by the purple-haired woman reacted violently to it's approach, forcing this shade to back off and scream once again.

"Do we have a chance or not?!"

Save
1d100 (47) + 60 = 107

Fortitude | Fiora Di Angelo | 1403

Save
1d100 (93) + 0 = 93

Will | Fiora Di Angelo | 1403

Protecting Kyra & herself. No attack now.

Playsheet
@Kyra Vashtana

❰ 10 / 12 ❱

Deathly Grasp. Cold as death, Soulless is a burden to the very environment it exists within. At the beginning of each turn, make a Fortitude save against a DC 65. On a failure, take retal damage as though you were vulnerable, or double vulnerable (if already suffering from vulnerable state).
Emptiness. Soulless contains the eyes of the Abyss, which seem to peer into the very soul of the individual before it. At the end of one's turn, make a Will save against a DC 75. On a failure, on your next turn you are too afeared to attack Soulless, and may only support party members.
Grim Aether. Soulless survives in the aether between this world, and the next - a constant shifting etherealness surrounding it. Non-magical attacks (slash, pierce, crush) do half damage (rounded up to 1 LP). Attacks made by, or imbued with dark magics (Corrupt, Dark Magic, Hemomancy, etc.) are consumed by Soulless, providing it recovery instead of damage. Attacks made by, or imbued with light magic (spirit, divine, nature, etc.) strike the target as if it were vulnerable.
Death's Touch. Soulless is a creature from a place beyond the living. Actions meant to heal cause damage to Soulless instead. Non-critical heals strip Soulless of 1LP, while Critical heals strip it of 4LP. Regardless of the damage taken, Soulless is unable to retaliate on the follow turn, and players do not take retal damage on the next round of combat.

Complete Private Quest Zakaden (Reaping Season I) Shards of the Spectre

❮ Shield of Hope ❯

❮ Raging Flame ❯

❮ Shield of Hope ❯

❮ Raging Flame ❯

❮ Shield of Hope ❯

❮ Raging Flame ❯

❮ Shield of Hope ❯

❮ Raging Flame ❯

❮ Shield of Hope ❯

❮ Raging Flame ❯

❮ Shield of Hope ❯

❮ Raging Flame ❯

❮ Shield of Hope ❯

❮ Raging Flame ❯

❮ Shield of Hope ❯

❮ Raging Flame ❯

❮ Shield of Hope ❯

❮ Raging Flame ❯

❮ Shield of Hope ❯

❮ Raging Flame ❯