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

Siondhe · Oct 30, 2022

Vulnerable
Retal:No retal damage this turn; Death's Touch
Protected
Healed:+46 HP

The scream that had erupted from the thing, more of a benevolent shriek than anything worldly, had caused Kyra to shrink back. Hiding behind the shield, she had waited, knowing that the batter would continue, would worsen. Whatever her spirit magic had done it had...Wait...

It had gone quiet. And as Kyra peaked out of the side of the shield, risking everything to get a glance at what was going on, she found the creature retreating ever so slightly - its hands held upwards in what she could only call a defensive posture.

But...why would it run away...? The thought clued into her suddenly, and almost at the same time she felt herself straighten upwards, standing at her full height. The scythe swooped around behind her, and with a suddenly calm, steady tone, she spoke to Fiora while keeping her eyes on the creature.

It's afeared...the spirit magic...it causes it to...halt, or run...I'm not quite sure which...but we have a chance. We must take it. I'll...try holding it at bay. You try striking it.

She closed her eyes, summoning the spirit magic once more as she prepared herself for what she hoped wasn't a mistake. She had no idea if this thing would actually be effected like she thought it would, but there was no giving in now. We can do this...

I give to you willingly, that which I no longer desire...may it guide you from this life, to the one beyond...may it provide you peace in your path...may it hold true to that which is called...

She began her chant again, grinding her teeth against the pain as she did so. The moment that her spirit magic released, connecting to Fiora and then the creature beyond, Kyra knew she was right. The thing seemed to try and retreat further, as if pushed away by it. We can do this...

Save
1d100 (80) + 50 = 130
vs DC65: Success
Fortitude | Nymoria | 1403

Power Heal
1d100 (87) + 25 + 25 = 46 (Total divided by 3)
+46 HP to 3 targets
Gain the Vulnerable state
Targets: @Fiora Di Angelo | @Kyra Vashtana | Soulless
Spirit Magic | Nymoria | 1352

Save
1d100 (11) + 25 = 36
vs DC75: Failure; next turn can only use Support Options
Will | Nymoria | 1403

Play Sheet

❰ 9 / 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

No Retal this round!
+46 HP from Kyra's PH

To watch that thing simply get up and leave, it's attempt to flee being almost poetic given the circumstances. Kyra's explanation had her rise an eyebrow, but questioning the why or how didn't matter at all by now, just what benefits that could get them in the first place.

Fiora nodded, turning her attention back to the beast as she tightened the grasp across her blade. "Cover me." And no sooner than these words got muttered, the knightess begun to rush at the pace Kyra chanted and the Soulless wailed. 'Lost Hope' begun to shine, carrying the very spiritual essence that the beastfolk now used to both heal and apparently harm, and went for a lunge straight at it, the tip burying deep against it's back, light illuminated what was once a dark form, yet...

Nothing, Fiora's eyes widened when her blade went completely amiss as the shade merely continued on it's path, as if she had never even touched it in the first place, the strike sending a blast of spiritual energy straight forth and into the ground, leaving quite a sizeable hole onto it.

...Just how much power did Kyra drop on her for that?

"Tsk, it's still putting up a fight." It had already started to get on her nerves how they kept missing, at least now Kyra had the upperhand to turn the tides, and yet this anguished spirit tried it's damn hardest to get away from her.

It fears her, and rightfully so. That beastfolk is far more dangerous than she can be to a ghost.

"We can't let it get away. Keep that up, I'll try to get him to stop." She shouted back. At least the boiling wrath growing in her chest made it easier to deal with her fears as a whole,.

Save
1d100 (86) + 60 = 146

Fortitude | Fiora Di Angelo | 1403

Save
1d100 (99) + 0 = 99

Will | Fiora Di Angelo | 1403

Sneak Attack
1d100 (7) + 25 + 15 + 15 = 62
62 damage
Sneak Attack unsuccessful! You have disadvantage on your next save roll
Slash Weapons | Fiora Di Angelo | 1403

Playsheet
@Kyra Vashtana

❰ 9 / 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.

Siondhe · Oct 31, 2022

Vulnerable
Retal:No retal damage this turn; Death's Touch
Healed:+22 HP

This was going on far longer than Kyra liked. Fiora had taken the charge to the creature, her blade flashing through the air, but not managing to connect with the still-shrieking thing. She'd considered rushing in herself, trying to use her own offensive actions to help Fiora, to dance the conflict between the two of them. She'd shaken away that thought as soon as she realised that she was doing all she could here - focusing on holding it back, keeping it on the run as much as she could.

It's starting to...weaken a bit, I think. Look at how it's beginning to phase ever so...yeah, there!

She called out excitedly suddenly as the thing seemed to phase in and out of existence, shifting as if it was a mirage on the air. Kyra could feel her enthusiasm growing as it seemed to be going their way suddenly, as if things were taking a turn for the better.

We got this! It must be almost dead...just need to hold on a little- The creature suddenly phased into focus again, materialising into a solid shape. It turned its attention towards Fiora suddenly, glaring at the woman with an intensity that made Kyra's stomach drop. Without hesitation, she began her chant again.

I provide you, this gift of life...may it hold afar the cold grasp of Death...may it keep the Reaper aside....

The groan of pain as the magic flowed out of her overrode anything further she wanted to say, instead forcing her to her knees momentarily. She'd already given so much, and she could feel herself weakening quickly in response to it. Not...not yet...can't give in yet...

Save
1d100 (7) + 50 = 57
vs DC65: Failure.
Fortitude | Nymoria | 1403

Power Heal
1d100 (16) + 25 + 25 = 22 (Total divided by 3)
+22 HP to 3 targets
Gain the Vulnerable state
Targets: @Fiora Di Angelo | @Kyra Vashtana | Soulless
Spirit Magic | Nymoria | 1352

Save
1d100 (77) + 25 = 102
vs DC75: Success
Will | Nymoria | 1403

Play Sheet

❰ 8 / 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 31, 2022

No Retal this round!
+22 HP from Kyra's PH

Each strike seemed to phase into nothingness, yet Kyra was right: It weakened. That's all the encouragement she needed to try harder and harder.

And that's what she did, she had become careless for the sake of a completely offensive stance, while her foe seemed to keep up to the flow. It created a pattern, and one that had her figured out entirely while this spirit kept it's wits together.

One, two... And finally by the third phasing, Fiora switched up for a feint, aiming to where she pressumed the Soulless would go, but her sword found itself caught, frozen before it could even reach the spirit as it turned around and simply glared back at her, that abyssal gaze leaving primal fear to do the rest once her own body ceased every function but breathing.

At least until Kyra saved her with her chanting, magic that had begun to take a toll on the beastfolk. A heavy sigh broke from the elf's lips once that immense pressure lifted from her shoulders.

"How are you holding up?!" She shouted back, the concern crystal clear amidst the anger she mustered through voice alone. "Don't waste too much EP. I can take some punishment if you plan to attack." She mustered to word out. Right, the monster weakened. But so did their options.

It would become a battle of endurance between Kyra and this monstrosity unless she found a way to hit it, and by the looks of it, the dead are restless...

Save
2d100 (Disadvantage) (18, 62) + 60 = 78

Fortitude | Fiora Di Angelo | 1403

Save
1d100 (77) + 0 = 77

Will | Fiora Di Angelo | 1403

Sneak Attack
1d100 (15) + 25 + 15 + 15 = 70
70 damage
Sneak Attack unsuccessful! You have disadvantage on your next save roll
Slash Weapons | Fiora Di Angelo | 1403

Playsheet
@Kyra Vashtana

❰ 8 / 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.

Siondhe · Nov 1, 2022

Vulnerable
Retal:No retal damage this turn; Death's Touch
Healed:+42 HP

Fiora had gone on the offensive, taking coordinated slashes and strikes towards the creature in an attempt to tear it apart. Kyra watched, at first excited that they had pushed the creature back and started to actually make headway, to have a chance. As Fiora's attacks hit nothing, though, Kyra began to wonder.

She was managing to keep the creature at bay, doing a small amount of damage with each of her own magical pulses against it. She knew that she was slowly wearing it away, slowly tearing away whatever fabric was keeping it on this plane of existence. Not enough...not anywhere near enough...

She could feel herself tiring, could feel the weight of casting so many spells, tearing so much of herself apart. She knew she still had to give more, and yet the thought of doing so...

I give to you this piece...that I give willingly...may it push back the darkness...that surrounds you...

The burst of energy that erupted from her seemed to tear through the ethereal being, as if water washing away dirt. Kyra had a moment to enjoy the way it seemed to obliterate a portion of the thing, before the creature swept itself into the crystal. For a moment, she felt like the thing would pop out at any second, ready to continue the fight.

But as silence reigned around them, Kyra felt herself relax slightly, glancing around in search for what had changed.

It's...gone?

Soulless disappears into the large crystal.

Save
1d100 (53) + 50 = 103
vs DC65: Success.
Fortitude | Nymoria | 1403

Power Heal
1d100 (74) + 25 + 25 = 42 (Total divided by 3)
+42 HP to 3 targets
Gain the Vulnerable state
Targets: @Fiora Di Angelo | @Kyra Vashtana | Soulless
Spirit Magic | Nymoria | 1352

Save
1d100 (41) + 25 = 66
vs DC75: Failure; Only able to use Support Actions
Will | Nymoria | 1403

Play Sheet

❰ 7 / 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 · Nov 1, 2022

No Retal this round!
+42 HP from Kyra's PH

All opportunities were wasted, yet certainly Kyra had given plenty and still managed to do so. Truly, that woman had fortitude like no other to keep casting spells over and over again as if it were nothing. Fiora can only imagine the toll it's taking to her mind and body. But that is because of her own inefficiency to get a blow through.

So far, the Soulless had only been pushed back because of spiritual magic which her hyper sense could barely catch up on, yet something close to a "feeling" coursed through her with every word chanted, the powerful vocals aligned with the even stronger spell at play.

And yet despite their best efforts, the shade simply disappeared back to the crystal, phasing in as if nothing and leaving them to ponder only.

"I don't fucking know, but hell if I'm letting it go away!" She replied, stepping forth and rushing closer to the larger crystal. With Kyra's blessing still imbuing her blade with the power to sever these anguished spirits from this world, all within the tip of her steeled sword, Fiora's took a leap, enough momentum built up by the time she reached the crystal, meeting it first with the tip of her weapon, coated in the remnants of what Kyra had bestowed.

❰ Skypiercer ❱

Save
2d100 (Disadvantage) (80, 5) + 60 = 65

Fortitude | Fiora Di Angelo | 1403

Save
1d100 (58) + 0 = 58

Will | Fiora Di Angelo | 1403

Sneak Attack
1d100 (26) + 25 + 15 + 15 + 30 = 111
111 damage
Sneak Attack successful! 30 damage added
Slash Weapons | Fiora Di Angelo | 1403

Playsheet
@Kyra Vashtana

❰ 7 / 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.

Siondhe · Nov 1, 2022

Fiora had reacted almost immediately, rushing forward and slamming her blade into the crystal, the piece giving off an echoing sound as blade met hard rock. Kyra waited, breath bated, to see if anything would pop out of the crystal...but moments passed, and nothing beyond silence followed the strike.

She glanced at the spot that Fiora had hit, seeing a large crack in the crystal itself. A sign that she had struck true. Not that the spectre seemed to care. Kyra almost felt disappointment, before managing to catch herself. Better to survive another day, than to continue a fight that you were barely holding on to...

She stepped up to the crystal, scythe still tucked behind her in a ready stance. Her eyes passed over the crystal, before glancing at Fiora.

It appears to have disappeared...at least for the time being. We should take the respite to look around...there may yet be clues-

Her words were cut short as a sudden shaking struck her, feeling as if the world itself were moving. That actually is the earth moving. Shit! Her eyes went wide as she realised that it wasn't just in her mind, the cavern around them had begun to rock and shake, the sounds of falling stone echoing in the distance.

Spinning around, Kyra began to rush back up the path they had come from, calling out behind her as she went.

Come on! It's time to go!

Her footsteps faltered though, halfway up the path as she noticed the entrance they had come in was closed off - covered by stones that had fallen, neatly, into the path they needed to take. It was at the same moment, that she realised the world had stopped moving - calm once more.

That...is not a good sign.

She spun slowly on the spot, glancing around them as she tried to figure out what had happened, and more importantly, what threats stood waiting for them. Her eyes met nothing however, beyond the open expanse that was the cave - crystals glittering against the otherwise dark areas around them. Trapped...but no immediate dangers...alright. It could be...yeah...

@Fiora Di Angelo

Fiora Di Angelo · Nov 1, 2022

Landing on her two feet, her eyes awaited for anything to come out, or happen in the first place, but nothing beyond the crack of her impact, which... Was more than she actually hoped for, really, given she couldn't just pull out her mace in the heat of the moment.

Slow, steady steps lead her further and further from the crystal, until the knightess ended shoulder to shoulder with Kyra once again, who reassured her of their momentary safety. Seconds passed, and the breath she had been holding this far finally tumbled out of her lips, sheathing her sword back.

Before she could even speak up her own concerns, a far more pressing matter came from the way the earth roared hard enough that they could feel it's aftereffects from the ripples all the way here.

"Now what?!" Exasperated, as if their fight just now hasn't been enough, The elf set herself on track behind Kyra, the way the world shook and the fatigue were enough to keep her from picking up speed, and by the time they reached the other end across the dim-illuminated paths and crevices, all they found is stone.

Stone and boulders the size of a mountain, nothing she could lift or even punch her way through, no matter how hard she were to try. Efforts that wasted EP only.

"That...is not a good sign."

"You think so?" She remarked with bleeding sarcasm, battle rage still accumulated and pumped through her vein like blood itself, and her annoyance was crystal clear, if her bitter expression didn't speak enough. "Fuck..."

There is no other way but forward now.

"We should head back. Maybe now we can get these souls out of the crystals now. It's either that or crack that big one open." She closed her eyes, catching up a second wind with one burdened sight, before stretching her hand out to give one rough pat on Kyra's back before marching onwards. "Time for ya' to learn how to talk with the dead before we end up like them!" She just casually dropped with one careless smile on her lips.

So long as that bastard ain't back, we'll be fine.

Playsheet
@Kyra Vashtana

Siondhe · Nov 1, 2022

Talk with the dead...Fiora's words had been made in the heat of the moment, and yet Kyra felt like there was something to them. Her eyes passed over a nearby crystal - barely taller than Fiora herself was - eyeing it up in consideration. Calmly, she closed her eyes, activating the spirit magic within her and calling forth the soul lines.

When she opened them again, she was surprised by what she found. Not one single strand that connected her with the crystal, but thousands of them, reaching out throughout the entire cavern, stretching beyond where her eyes could see. She gasped, in surprise and excitement, at the sudden realisation. Not crystals...final resting places! These are the dead!

Her feet carried her forwards, taking her to the crystal itself before letting her hand reach out. Palm forward, she leaned against the peace, bowing her head slightly as she whispered words beneath her breath. She could feel the connection between herself and the spirit within, as if it was reaching back out to her. Is this how Ash feels his own connection to them...?

Why have you summoned me...from my slumber?

Kyra stumbled backwards as first the face, then the body slowly formed into view, as if drawing itself out of thin air. She hadn't expected anything to appear - much less speak to them. A quick glance over at Fiora, making sure the elf-woman was there beside her - before Kyra responded to the being.

We have become...trapped, here. We wish only to know the way out, to the world beyond and of the living.

The thing seemed to laugh for a moment, a sound that reminded Kyra of wheezing, more than anything else. She fought against the flinch that her body wanted to do in response to the sound, trying to force herself to remain still, remain calm.

Trapped...? Here...then you too shall perish, and become one with the crystalist. The dead...do not suffer...here lies only that which is gone...may it embrace you, coldly...

@Fiora Di Angelo
Play Sheet

Spectre's Speech Bubble

[speechright=https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1021999398865076386/1037205465295224832/Ghostly_Figure.png][color=#00003f]...[/color][/speechright][/ciode]
[/center][/size]

Fiora Di Angelo · Nov 3, 2022

"Hey It was just a joke." She said with a bit of haste at it. Kyra had gone awfully quiet for that short moment where she closed her eyes, and for a moment it made her feel a bit bad to lash out at her for no reason whatsoever. But that didn't stop the beastfolk from heading towards the crystal, and this time, it's with outmost curiosity that she closed the gap and gave a good look at the stone. Unremarkable by any means.

But she ain't the one with magic nor the capacity to read past that. Evidently the case, as movement begun to subtly show up infront of them. She recoiled similar to Kyra, and after both agreed without a single word that this thing is real and not the product of either's imagination, the summoner braved on with a question, only to be met with mockery from the dead.

Fiora let her right hand squeeze her partner's shoulder. She really couldn't comfort her any better than this, they were trapped by all means and would slowly wait for their deaths if they had to go by this ghost's words. And she kind of knew that.

However, one thing is being realistic another to try make a fool of them. Specially of Kyra, whose been selfless enough with all of them, and the last one to deserve that treatment.

And so The knightess begun to toy with her palm menu instead, letting the shield banish, and replacing it with her mace instead.

"Hey Kyra, sorry, but I've been real patient with these until now. Besides, this I'm real good at."

You have no power here. It changes nothing.

The ghost replied, unphased by threats, because such does not concern nor bother the fallen. But this one? This one seemed to be far more impulsive, foolish even.

To think the world has devolved to degeneracy, that desecration of this kind would be so easily accepted. Not even in death are we allowed peace?

"You made your choice, and we made ours. You chose to lay down and die, I choose to break some stones. Maybe this way you will finally reach the afterlife."

With nothing else to say, Fiora rose the weapon up above with both hands, sending it downwards for one colossal smash to try and shatter the crystal this particular spirit came from into a million fragments. And if not? To try again, and again, and again.

Playsheet
@Kyra Vashtana

Siondhe · Nov 3, 2022

Kyra watched, silently, as the ghost and Fiora battled it out. The conflict one of wits and words, which neither seemed to have the upper hand with. She considered intervening, stopping the mayhem that was about to occur, but realised the folly of it as the shield and sword disappeared, to be replaced by a large mace. Kyra stepped back, giving the much-needed room for smashing the crystal that she knew was about to take place.

You know...we could try talkin-nevermind. Let's smash. At least that gets some...anger out, I guess. I'll just...wait here, and watch for angry ghosts or...you know, whatever happens along.

She leaned against a nearby rock wall, watching as Fiora raised the mace above her head, pausing for a moment before slamming the piece into the crystal. A large crack spread across the face of it, and Kyra found herself bending her ears against her head against the sound that echoed out from the impact. Unperturbed, Fiora raised the mace, striking over and over against the crystal.

Kyra had just considered stepping forward to stop the other woman, or at least to get a break from the noise, when the crystal exploded - finally giving way to the mace, and allowing the three corpses inside to tumble out and to the floor. Her eyes went to them immediately, considering the possibility of survivors - but that thought died almost immediately as she saw the shallow husks, clearly aged. And yet not decaying...curious...

She walked over, kneeling down beside the husks and prodding a couple of them, looking them over thoroughly. She spoke as she did so, making verbal notes of what she found.

Odd...they're not decaying in any way, or form. It's as if they've been preserved...but the body itself is showing signs of dehydration and severe deterioration of the main muscle groups...no fats...

She glanced up at Fiora, a surprised and curious look on her face. She didn't quite understand how this had happened, and that curiosity was leading to further interest...

@Fiora Di Angelo

Fiora Di Angelo · Nov 4, 2022

It was peak therapy, just to have the ghost simply banish with the first strike, how the rock cracks and flies about, the crystals still as bright if not dimmer now. She would be smiling if it didn't got so taxing at one point from playing miner. Now she gets why they use pickaxes and not hammers...

Yet she compensated it with pure brute strength instead.

"You know why don't you-" She paused, dropping her mace once again, words punctuated by each strike. "-Enjoy the simple things in life" This one echoed a bit louder than the last, and the structure of the crystal had begun to falter. Placing the butt of her two handed mace against the ground, Fiora half-turned to look back at Kyra, tilting the weapon on her direction. "I'll let you give it a try after I'm done with... THIS" One final lift, and the crystal was no more, smashed to smithereens.

And with that glowy rock finally gone, it let the bodies hit the floor, and forced her to step back, both with surprise and disgust. This was their resting place, but she didn't expect it to be so literal.

Kyra on the other hand felt it would be smart to poke the carcasses a bit, as if they weren't unhygienic enough. "Don't touch that, you gonna get spirit aids or something." Yet when given a proper explanation, the knightess dropped down to a squat and shared glances between the bodies and the beastfolk, who seemed to have pieced things together, but it almost felt impossible.

Did they get stuffed in there..?

"You ain't suggesting someone stuffed them into these crystals, right?" Adverting her gaze, the elf glanced back to the large, cracked crystal where the Soulless had retreated into. "My gut says this is a necromancer's work. But they don't need fresh corpses for that. Any corpse works just as fine. Maybe we should try and break another one?" There were plenty around them, so that wouldn't be a problem. It's not like weapons can kill a soul.

"Or we can knock on the big one and see what happens. Eitherway, I suggest we start moving, I feel watched..." As if something had crossed the corner of her eyes. The premise of angry spirits, a mere jest from Kyra, started to feel far more real now.

And so far, the beastfolk hasn't been wrong about these.

@Kyra Vashtana

Siondhe · Nov 4, 2022

Someone had stuffed them in there...Kyra had no doubts about that. What she did have doubts about, was whether it was forced, or willingly done. Her eyes moved over the corpses again, eyeing the numerous areas where she should see any signs of a struggle, any signs of having fought back.

There's no signs of resistance. No signs that they tried to stop whomever was putting them in there. One, maybe two I could see having been effected by...something. Something that would hinder their ability to resist. But...

Her eyes shifted over the great expanse that was the cavern before them. There were thousands of similar crystals across the floor, spreading almost like they'd grown from the stone itself. That wasn't even including the large one in the centre, which seemed to be the epicentre of this all.

There's...maybe a few thousand people in these, if we're assuming they all continue three or more. Even two in some of them...we're talking about an entire population, crystallised. I don't think all of them would do so willingly, and when have we heard of an entire civilisation being held under a spell, or charm, or whatever that would make them more pliable?

She looked at the central crystal again, her mind suddenly coming to a stop as she considered a possibility. It's the centre of everything...perhaps...? Standing, she strode across the open expanse towards it, walking up to the front of it and placing a hand upon it. She wasn't sure what she expected, but the warm response wasn't it.

How do you feel about cracking open another one of these...?

She stepped back a few paces, before snapping her tail harshly. Around her, an almost electrified feeling touched the air. She gave another snap of her tail, forcing the wind from it towards the large crystal, a snarl on her face. In response, a bolt of electrical energy snapped from the air beside her, slamming into the crystal and spreading the crack that Fiora had started earlier, a thundering boom and creaking sound accompanying the actions.

She repeated the movement, snapping her tail to create the electrified air beside her, and then firing the bolt at the crystal, causing the crack to spread outwards, as well as upwards. She glanced over at Fiora, smiling wickedly.

It's going to take a few strikes to open this thing up...those were two high-energy shots, and look at all it did...we've got the time though, I think. And I think we'll find an answer here...

@Fiora Di Angelo

Fiora Di Angelo · Nov 4, 2022

It became harder to process. No struggles? A civilization? Every word more preposterous than the last. Shock became a pill hard to swallow, but Kyra was serious about it, each syllable out of her lips carried the same care as the ones given to the ghosts they encountered.

"Crystalit, isn't that how the ghost called it? So they are the 'Crystalites'?" Fiora stepped closer to the center, giving each of these crystals a long look. To the naked eye they just didn't seem out of the ordinary, not that screams 'container', but if math makes right, then there would be enough for a large town in here, or an underground city even. "Remember the first spirit we talked to. They were suffering, they didn't want to be here." She sighed, pressing the head of her mace against the ground to lean against it. "Looks like the poor bastards at MIT unearthened an ancient civilization and got a ticket straight into crystal citizenship."

"How do you feel about cracking open another one of these...?"

"Bet." A grin widened from her lips, sharp canines flashed along with it.

For now she stood back, giving Kyra her rightful spoonful of fun. The showcase of power was impressive all the more. She could feel her hairs catch up to the static in the air, and that foxy tail soon turned into a whip with how it snaps, and how lightning beckons the call of this Stormruler. Each impact exploding shards all around, mere bits, but what mattered is the damage caused on that crack, which was at least three times bigger than the one she did.

The elf nodded approvingly so once they locked eyes once again.

"Good thing we are doing it together, I doubt we could crack it open on our own." Fiora pushed her mace to rest over her shoulder, kicking dirt off her feet once she broke into a sprint towards the crystal and jumped. High enough to reach the crack, and left with room to go forth and swing the blunt end against the crack for one, mighty blow that spread the damage all over the crystal.

Once she reached the floor, her hammer went for an upwards swing to the side, adding a few more scars to the great stone that connected back to the main one they made. It started to get the best out of her though, and so she backed off to take a breather, loud inhales that progressively got quieter. From gasps to pants.

"Your... Turn. Shit, miners do this all day?" She shook her head in disbelief

@Kyra Vashtana

Siondhe · Nov 5, 2022

The giggle that escape Kyra was the first real laugh she'd uttered since entering the lands of Zalra. It shocked even her, as she paused and seemed to consider the sound, her ears twitching atop her head in a befuddled way. Shaking herself, she stepped up to the large crystal, eyeing it for a second.

All day...and sometimes night, depending on the need. Be glad we're not a miner, right?

She flashed a grin over at Fiora, before flicking her tail harshly to start the process. The first bolt of lightning expanding the crack that Fiora had been working on only moments before, her progress equally, if not dwarfing Kyra's own.

Slowing her breath, she focused on recovering some of her energy between each strike, making sure not to overwhelm herself and drain her capabilities too quickly. While the bolts themselves showed no difference from the earlier ones, they were causing less in response - the crack giving off hairline expansions at each strike.

Growling slightly to herself, Kyra shifted her weight, bringing her tail up and around slightly in an almost arc like manner, before snapping it harshly. The lightning bolt slammed into the crack, seeming to sizzle and snap for a few additional seconds, before suddenly sparking into the crystal itself and causing the whole thing to light up like a bulb.

Wow...that's...not what I expected to have hap-

Why must you awaken that which has lain to rest for so long...have we not deserved this rest, this solace...have we not given enough of ourselves?

Kyra glanced over at Fiora as the face seemed to appear from the crystal itself, flowing out as if smoke rising from a fire into a form that could be called a face. Certainly getting our fill of ghosts and the like here today...

Apologies for...disturbing your rest...we were hoping to figure out...what had happened here. To, well, everyone.

The form seemed to eye Kyra for a moment, before looking over at Fiora, a questioning look upon her face. Kyra worried for a moment that she'd be completely ignored, but as the ghostly figure spoke, she became more concerned; specifically about what they had awoken.

We were given the Eternal Slumber, promised not to be disturbed, to rest forever in the crystals basking lights. Promised. And yet, here stands before us the cause of that broken promise. Torment, torture. Why have you disturbed our eternal slumber, Sitÿlek?

The words seemed to hiss as the face turned furious, a rage upon it that caused Kyra to shift her scythe, readying herself should the thing come towards her. She felt herself take a step back, falling in beside Fiora for safety and comfort.

@Fiora Di Angelo

Fiora Di Angelo · Nov 5, 2022

Fiora flopped on the ground, legs crossed and her arms lazily wrapped around her mace, her giggles far more exhausted in comparison to Kyra's as the woman prepared to take her turn on the 'whack-a-crystal' game.

"I don't know if we should sing victory this early. If this don't work, then we gotta play miner and dig our way out." She teased, half-hoping this would just stay a joke and it's not another case of foreshadowing like they both had been so used to.

Kyra by no means lagged behind, yet the difference in skillset maybe meant she got an upper hand when it came to cracking the physical in comparison to the spiritual. Regardless, that wouldn't stop the beastfolk from doing her job, efficiently at that. The only thing worrying her would be Kyra's EP, which surely would run low.

Specially after their fight with that spirit of earlier, where she did practically all the heavy lifting with her magic.

Something happened though on her last strike, as if Kyra just supplied electricity to a lightbulb and it simply turned on, and yet another entity was disturbed. Awakened obviously, eyes darting from Kyra, to ghost lady, and from ghost lady to Kyra.

As they spoke, the knightess stood back up, using her weapon as a means to support her weight as she did, inconspicious steps kept her near the beastfolk. If anything, she didn't like the idea of Kyra being this close to the ghost, not when it could lash out at any moment, and evidently that would be the case... Why can't they never make it easy for us.

"Listen, we came here because there's some spirits out and about that are NOT having a nice and cozy eternal slumber. They wanted some help, we ended up attacked by a ghost which by the way, went inside that big crystal you came from just now." Fiora pointed straight at the ghastly face of the woman, yet her objective lied past her foggy presence. "Besides that, we can't leave even if we wanted. Entrance's blocked. So why don't you help us find the way out and we can let you all sleep in peace once again? Do that and we all win." She obviously tried to reason with them for once, but the glances she shot Kyra just said enough.

The kind of looks that say 'I wanna smash this bitch's home and burn it down'

@Kyra Vashtana

Siondhe · Nov 5, 2022

Kyra hadn't expected Fiora to take the diplomatic approach, and as the woman tried to batter with the ghostly figure, she couldn't help but laugh at the idea. She doubted that there would be much success - what could they possibly offer that a ghost couldn't find, anyways? - however, as the spirit seemed to focus on Fiora, an almost thoughtful look passed across its face.

You have awoken the Törbæk? What ill manner of tricks is this? What horrors have you imposed upon my people, who have done nothing but what is asked of-

Kyra interjected into the speech of the figure, realising that Fiora's words had done more than she'd expected. Although the figure had become defensive, agitated - it had responded, something that she hadn't expected. More importantly, it had shown concern.

As my companion said...we entered this place - this place of slumber - in response to unrest, rumours that the...sleeping, had begun to rise and explore again. We came to...make sure, that the...err...eternal slumber was upheld. When we arrived...that thing, the black clad ghostly thing...it attacked us, without any aggression on our part.

The ghost seemed to consider what Kyra said for a few seconds, before closing its eyes. An almost sad look upon its face, it turned back and placed a hand on the crystal, silent for a few seconds before facing them again.

I will open a way out for you, Sitÿlek. But you shall never return to these lands again. Nor shall any of your kind return, lest the Törbæk consume you. This is our final place of rest, and we shall have our peace.

Kyra nodded, glancing at Fiora with a shocked look. She hadn't expected to be set free so easily. Something about this felt...well, concerning - and yet what if they weren't being just led on? What if they really were being offered...a way out?

@Fiora Di Angelo

Fiora Di Angelo · Nov 5, 2022

She was lucky to have Kyra intercept her. The beastfolk had a better way with words and ghostly diplomacy than she could ever have. However, what she didn't expect is for her partner to actually play along with the whole 'Eternal Slumber' bullcrap. Fiora quietly turned around to glance at the caverns, if only to hide the smile on her lips, a quiet laughter almost whizzing out past her teeth, and after recovering composure, the knightess turned back.

Only to see a saddened spirit lady that finally agreed to help them out, and Kyra just couldn't believe it as much as she did that they would let them go that easily, but something about it felt... Sincere, and only prompted her to speak, clearing her throat to catch their spiritual hostess's attention.

"So that's what happened to these souls we saw before? They got eaten by this guardian you speak of? I can't guarantee people won't find their way to your resting place once more. But at that point, it's their fault if they die, and you won't see us personally ever again." Fiora proclaimed, nodding slowly so, the most respect she has shown to a NPC since arrival into Terrasphere.

Her voice soon echoed within Kyra's mind, with a careful tone that almost felt otherworldy too, given how words were projected through mindsend.

[ We don't have much of an option. Just keep an eye open for any signs that this could lead to a trap. You feel the supernatural better than I do anyways ]

@Kyra Vashtana

Siondhe · Nov 5, 2022

Kyra's left ear twitched in response to the voice in her head, a moment of confusion before she pinpointed the tone behind it. She nodded, not taking her eyes off the spirit before them as it seemed to reach back into the crystal for a brief second. It turned back to them, stoic expression returned as it spoke once more.

Across this expanse, Sitÿlek, You will find what you are looking for - a tunnel, which leads to the world beyond. It shall be carved into a crevice, designed to be hidden to sight. Look for the northern star, shining darkest of black against the night's sky. Beneath it you will find your exit.

Kyra had opened her mouth to speak, but the spirit had turned its face towards Fiora, and for a moment Kyra felt her chest tighten up - expecting Fiora to draw out the wrath and ire of the ghost. Instead, it held out a hand, the palm upwards and open.

We do not condone the actions of the Törbæk. We are...were, a peaceful nation, once. The Törbæk acted...in a way that is not our own, and for this we apologise. It will not bring back those who have been lost...but I will personally assure that it does not repeat what has been done here, and the days before. Now go, before my mind is swayed otherwise by your presence.

Kyra gave a small curtsy, before turning and pulling Fiora away from the crystal, in the direction that the ghost had pointed towards. She wasn't sure if it would be a trap or not, but she knew one thing - it was a way forward, and away from whatever this was.

Come...we can discuss this more once we're away from here...let's take what little blessings we can from this instance...

@Fiora Di Angelo

Fiora Di Angelo · Nov 6, 2022

With a new set of instructions, it was a no brainer for Fiora to keep her mouth shut and just listen, keep note of the details of this secret tunnel of sorts and how easily it seemed to be for this unescapable death trap to be eluded. Granted, the spirit felt far more benevolent than ever and even granted an answer. Perhaps kindness for one, but to the elf it just felt like a necessity for her to speak of the crimes that transpired in these caves.

If she would do something about it or not, that's a different train of thought she didn't bother with, not when Kyra dragged her away against her will. But no one could oppose a determined fox girl eitherway. Not unless they wished to be stuck here for all eternity.

"Don't you think it's weird that she left us off the hook after breaking some eternal nap contract?" Fiora mumbled, once she was certain they were a fair amount of distance away from the main crystal. "Besides, this won't stop MIT from exploring the caverns in the first place. I don't know about you Kyra, but I feel like lying on this one would save some lives. People are too stupid to realize danger when there's something of interest within their reach." Fiora shrugged off, albeit her half-hearted statement wouldn't go far if there were opposition. Afterall, they had to both agree on this one.

And she just cared as much as her partner would in the first place.

Her eyes narrowed once they have reached far enough and found a seeming dead end, at least until a crack across a wall allowed a breeze to slip through and caress their cheeks. "That's the first clue to our exit I guess." Fiora added, pulling the hammer up with both hands together before sending it straight against the walls across the caverns. The stone gave up surprisingly easy, which fits the criteria for a decoy to keep unwarranted attention away.

A smile warped up her features just then. "Ladies first." -To the possibly deathly tunnel. Yes.

@Kyra Vashtana

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 ❯