Complete Main Story (Story Event) Red Fever

[Cain Darlite]

119 / 145

Red Fever (6)
Red Fever effects temporarily nullified
+49 HP from Serenity Mist|Vina|Gideon
-25 HP from Support
Vulnerable/Protected

Fury.

His arm flung out, snatching @Bradwynne 's. Nails digging deep enough to draw blood. Even as Serenity seeped into his cranium, pressing down abhorrent, projected rage, it still choked out, filled with directionless spite.

“Speak for your fucking self.” But a smile crested afterwards, the buzzing in his mind finally subsiding. “Glad you’re up here though, Paladin. People will die. I’ll trust that you’ll pick up their pieces.”

And with that, Cain pulled himself the rest of the way out, his body too light, his outfit utterly ruined, his battle-banner long lost, but his hat…miraculously still on his head. A miracle indeed. A miracle, after a week, that his mind was so quiet. That his thoughts could be reined in so easily. That, no matter how grotesque the situation, no matter how agonizing it was to even breath, he was finally composed.

So finally, he could compose.

@Bluebird 's song, fragile but beautiful in its fragility. It wasn’t for him, but he enjoyed it nonetheless. From coordinating the wagons to getting the message out to returning to the maw, she had delved into dangers greater than she should have born, and still managed to keep her mind on her friends. He held the lilting melody in his hands, grasped onto them as surely as a seamstress grasped cloth.

“You saved us.”

He passed by her. Strangers still, but bards all the same. His hat, cerulean feather crackling in the darkness, fit over her head clumsily, but where he was going, even a miracle wouldn’t keep it on his.

Gideon and Jin. Mangled but breathing. The misanthropes, or perhaps just the youthful. He looked at his other hand, the one still clenched. Saw the thick strands of silver hair there and frowned. Slowly, he released his fingers, letting strand and scalp fall. With two hands now, he could orchestrate, and the resonance of a bluebird’s song surged forth. Vitality restored, heartbeat raised. And because they still lived, because Arlyn still fought, Cain could afford a smirk.

“Better try harder for that death wish.”

Pushing past now. Out of the cesspool of the broodmother’s mouth and into the air that was so sweet despite being so disturbed. The ‘ground’ beneath him rumbled with every arcane thunderclap, every flash of steel and strength. Against a foe so gargantuan, the expedition had become insects, crawling over its body, slashing at its ankles, unloading blow after blow upon its twin-horned face. Thunderous. A storm with only light rain, and, rushing past him was the gale, @Lady N , shattering phantasmal convention by becoming a fighter jet. The speed of sound broke and his words would not meet hers, but the work she did merited response either way.

So Danielle, flashing her teeth, pulled off her tie and popped off two buttons from her shirt. In response, the fair lady’s next salvo almost caught Cain himself in the explosion, but the path was clear now.

He climbed.

No tricks. No gimmicks. Just one hand over the other. One foot over the other.

Until he stood at the crown of the Broodmother, the vortex of her unholy fusion ripping into the very essence of his being.

With the last of the bluebird’s song in his grasp, the Flagbearer of Miracles relinquished it into the air…and wove it into the star-shine of @Moonsong. Once again, they were at the tavern. Once again, performances were unified! The Celestial Cleaver hummed like a tuning fork, magnifying hundredfold that sorrowful but hopeful cry, and as one anthem faded, another began!

Swift as wildfire, bright as starfire, the Battle-Banner of Embers Usurped surged into Cain’s hands from untold leagues away, and he let out a cry as he planted it into the broodmother’s skull. Once more, the astral banner unfurled, an iridescent nebulae forming the perfect target for the cannons that @Corsair built to aim for!

"Seigi! Take it!"

A hundred thousand stars converged, upon the one and only Sun.

Rolls

Power Heal (AoE)
1d100 (27) + 25 + 20 + 15 + 20 + 10 = 39 (Total divided by 3)
+39 HP to 3 targets
Gain the Vulnerable state
Harmonic Magic | Cain Darlite | 550C8 | Coordinate + Mist @Gideon @Jin @Seigi Ling Ling

Area: Face/Legs/Body
▪ Kurungaar HP: 9727/27000
▪ Kurungaar SP: -200/1000
▪ Taunt: 4/3
Play Sheet Link

 

[Kat Otsu]

94 / 115

Red Fever (6)
Red Fever effects temporarily nullified
-15 HP from Body Retaliation (Halved by Protect from @Ryoubai)

As they traveled to the crater, Kat held @Ryoubai's hand the entire way. What had Kat gotten the pair into? It smelled of death, and the closer they got, the more sick Kat felt. She looked out of the caravan as they approached to see the giant bug, and watched as it transformed in complete horror. Too realistic. That was Kat's initial thought as blood and viscera went everywhere, the scent of blood hanging in the air like a foul mist. The demon's corpse was the picture of rot and decay, completely overwhelming the senses. As the magic explosion rocked them, Kat held tight onto Ryou, and it seemed like they were able to keep each other steady, despite the terrifying power and gravity of it all.

After the magic blast and everyone else went to action, Kat looked up at Ryou with apologetic eyes, as her UI lit up letting her know that combat had begun. "I'm sorry," she tried to explain to her girlfriend, but by then it was too late. There was no going back now.

Kat had to weather this storm, and she had to survive with Ryou, they had to make it out of this alive, and together. Holding her girlfriend's hand, and not wanting to lose her in the extreme chaos surrounding them, Kat began to run. She knew she was faster than Ryou, so she tried not to run too fast and lose her, but she was running to keep up with those leading the charge. She recognized Trevis, whom she had never actually thanked for saving her, partially because she had forgotten that fact until now. She'd have to make a note to do so later, provided they all survived.

Kat didn't want to leave Ryou. Kat was honestly completely terrified, this giant creature up close was easily a million times bigger than she was. Then even Ryou was, and that was not something Kat was taking very well if she was being honest. She looked at Ryou, trying to remember how to play the game, how her masteries worked at all.

Then something clicked.

"Ryou! I can make a trap on the side of the beast! You trigger it with your earth magic, just throw a rock at it or something and blow it up!"

Kat continued to cling to her girlfriend's arm as she made a hand sign, activating her Shadow Arts, and pointed it at the body of the beast, creating a dark sigil there that looked like a very fancy target for someone to hit.

"There! Hit it there Ryou! I believe in you!"

Rolls

Surge Activated +20 to a roll | Kat Otsu | 550C8

Normal Attack
1d100 (63) + 10 + 10 + 20 = 103 + 20 (Surge) + 10 (Serenity Mist)
133 damage

Shadow Arts | Kat Otsu | 550C8 | Body

Area: Body
▪ Kurungaar HP: 9594/27000
▪ Kurungaar SP: -210/1000
▪ Taunt: 4/3
Play Sheet Link

 

[Ryoubai]

70 / 100

Red Fever (6)
Red Fever effects temporarily nullified
-30 HP from Body Retaliation

The happiness quickly faded from her mind a frown formed on her face. Her brows furrowed as the stench of damp earth, iron, must, and rot filled her nose. She wanted to gag. She wanted to yell at Kat for dragging them into another mess once again, but she sat there, quietly boiling. Panic slowly set in as she held onto Kat as tight as she could as the ground shook from the explosion. She tried her best to keep her from falling over. Since she was bigger than her, she'd do her best to anchor her. Her UI was now outlined with bright red. They couldn't leave now, even if they wanted to.

She looked down at Kat and quietly sighed. "We'll talk it about it later, okay?" She yelped as she was dragged along. She panted as she ran as fast as her legs would carry her. Kat was so much faster than her and she was trying to keep up. Ryou also recognized Trevis as the man who saved her, but also was a random person touching her so she had mixed feelings about that now that her brain wasn't filled with joy.

Ryou stuck by Kat's side. She heard Kat's instructions and nodded. "Got it! Be careful!" She called back as she tried her best to focus. There was a lot going on all at once. She didn't necessarily want to die in this game. She wasn't even sure how it worked, but if it was realistic, she didn't want to put Kat through the horror of watching her die. She saw the sigil glow and focused her Geomancy at it. She hoped Kat's belief in her was all she needed to hit it. She grit her teeth. A boulder was formed out of the rock and launched at the creature's body. More rock formed and built a wall between them and the giant bug. She was trying not to hyperventilate. She looked at Kat, brows still furrowed with worry. She wanted to make it through this with her.

Rolls

Protect
1d100 (73) + 0 + 0 + 10 = 83
83 damage
Give 1 ally in your zone the Protected status (@Kat Otsu)
Geomancy | Ryoubai | 550C8 | Body

Area: Body
▪ Kurungaar HP: 9511/27000
▪ Kurungaar SP: -210/1000
▪ Taunt: 4/3
Play Sheet Link

 

[Gwyn ap Herne]

124 / 230

Unaffiliated
Red Fever (6) Temporarily Nullified
+10 HP from Serenity Mist
-40 HP from Retal DMG
Vulnerable and Protected

A portion of the insect's abdomen bloomed outward in a welter of gore. The putrid scent of rotten demon and putrid hemolymph did nothing to stop the desperate crawl out of the heated, swarming body and out into the air. The huntress sucked in a breath as she was hauled out and, for just a moment, the rose-tinted glasses she'd never once worn were a grim cousin doused in blood. For a moment, @Bonnie Bonbon's throat looked an awful lot like a soft, vulnerable target. Something fit for a necklace of white enamel before it crumpled and gave under superior pressure.

And then the Mist descended, snatching away the mindless fury and miasma of loss. She grappled herself back under control, reaching out not to harm her, but to settle a hand in thanks on the forearm of the quickdraw kid. Her boots sunk into flesh and Gwyn rose to her full height.

It was killing them. Some in moments and other in slow miseries. It would kill more. If it were not slain. Gwyn began a measured pace up the body below her. The immense size of it meant nothing, not the thrashing or the split of its head and the rise of its horns. She was the master of mountains and, unlike the sends, this could simply be slain to bring it to her height. So she moved with an inexhaustible drive, eyes locked on the back of its skull. With honed reflex, Gwyn's hand shot out to her right and when she looked it was not another devouring member of the swarm, but a humming, spirited arrow locked in the curl of her fist.

@Laylabelle's efforts felt unsung. A refrain was still waiting in the wings. It was not spent, and so she pulled up the longbow cast in embers. Setting the fletching to the taut line and fighting against the impressive draw weight, Gwyn fired.

❰ Spectral Arrow ❱

The arrow had already delivered a blessing to @Crimson Ruby and the nimble @Lady N, and now it would serve both her protector's wish to her and her own to their foe. It cracked into the base of one of the Matron's newly-born horns with a satisfying impact and a flare of cyan light. A falling star to avenge the fallen Starcalled.

Rolls

Critical Attack
2d100 (Advantage) (28, 58) + 25 + 20 + 25 + 30 = 158
158 damage
Gain the Vulnerable state
Ranged Weapons | Gwyn ap Herne | 550C8 | Face Tanking | Mist + Face Bonus

Area: Face
▪ Kurungaar HP: 9353/27000
▪ Kurungaar SP: -210/1000
▪ Taunt: 4/3
Play Sheet Link

 

[Jin]

83 / 140

Red Fever (6)
Red Fever effects temporarily nullified
+10 HP from Serenity Mist
+39 HP from Cain Darlite
+38 HP from Alkaid Zexis
-40 HP from Retaliatory Head
-5 HP from Exceed
+10 to rolls from Serenity Mist
+20 Damage from striking at the head
+10 Damage from Exceed
Protected and Vulnerable cancel each other out

His gaze remained glued to the chitinous hide that had become his prison, eclipsed by his hood and mess of hair that was now drenched with sweat and caked with blood. A swarm so dense he could not see through it clouded his vision, but the reddish haze born of his rage offered him clarity.

There was nothing now but hatred. Jin had been robbed of his freedom. As the last vestiges of virtue left to him slowly evaporated, his palm caressed the katana's blade, smearing it with tar-like, viscous blood that told the tale of deepest corruption. Slathered in his essence, the weapon began to burn with a wicked aura.

"Loose the Fifth Seal," his voice intoned, only the sound that broke from Jin's lips was a guttural, battered, broken, a hideous mockery of the silken, smooth, silvery voice he spoke with normally.

Blood poured free from his lips as they lost warmth, and the chill that gripped his body stole away all color. His body now stained a frosty white, when he brought his gaze down on the world beneath him, his contempt manifested as lambent yellow eyes that replaced his normal crimson.

Then, light filtered in. His gaze snapped upward as Kiryuu and Arlyn broke through the insects' defenses to offer them the freedom they had been denied. But it was too late now to undo the damage.

One after another, the others were pried free, given the means to take their fate into their own hands.

Save for one.

He spared a look back at @Shane, who had been exposed to the Fever far worse than the rest. Perhaps the others had not seen it. Perhaps they were too quick, too excited to find freedom, too panicked and seized with their own fate to note that of another. Jin, greedy though he was to live, was not blind. He knew immediately.

The mist washed over him, quelling the insanity that threatened to continue swallowing him whole, but the fire inside him was far from quelled. Still, he knew that anyone else would be afraid to die. In the few seconds they had, he knelt close and lowered his voice.

Jin's expression softened slightly. "We live and die on our own terms," he told Shane without his trademark condescending smirk. The last words he offered to her were filled with nothing but respect. "Fuck the world. Take everything you can from it, because it's going to leave you with nothing in the end."

The Bladesworn turned his back, raised a hand in farewell as he began the slow, steady trek toward destiny.

With each step, his blade gorged itself, drinking in the Bloodsworn's offering. The perverse aura that once lay dormant now irradiated the world around him. "Blackest Abbadon, yawn now and slake your endless thirst. Throw wide the bottomless abyss and swallow all creation."

In response, the blade howled.

The darkness that had spread across its surface engulfed the weapon, replacing it with what could only be described as blasphemy. It was a perversion of reality: a deep pit that if you stared too long, too hard into, it seemed to stare back. Jin vaulted into action before the weapon's curse fully manifested, launching himself across the plating that covered the bug's body, and over its head. As he cleared the horns and began to free fall in front of its face, the Swordsman plunged the Black Morass deep into its demonic visage.

His hair was a snowy white color as he flowed like a waterfall, sword biting deep into the creature's face. Jin drew a line of gore that splashed outward as he tore the beast open. Like an infinitesimally small black hole, the weapon drew all matter around itself inward.

"Sing now a discordant chorus filled with the screams of your countless victims."

Energy continued to convalesce around the black blade.

Rolls

Critical Attack
2d100 (Advantage) 15 + 15 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 20 = 90
90 damage
Gain the Vulnerable state
Slash Weapons | Jin | 550C8 | Face Tanking

Area: Face
▪ Kurungaar HP: 9263/27000
▪ Kurungaar SP: -210/1000
▪ Taunt: 4/3

Play Sheet Link

 

[Lucy]

𓍊𓋼˙༺❀

​

child of nature...

116 / 185

Unaffiliated
Red Fever (6)
-25 HP RETAL

Everyone was fighting the monstrosity that was a few feet away from her. Lucy feeling the hairs on her neck rising at the horrifying sight. She had her arms wrapped around Brutus' forearm. She was shaking, her face pale with fright. "Eeeek-" She yelped as one of the bugs that had been in a fit of ecstasy or rage or whatever was flung past her. Mere inches from her cheek.

Lucy closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm her spirit. She would let go of Brutus, looking at him and then looking at Toko who was to her right. "We got this." She activated her magic, vines swirling and grass swaying from her touch. Reaching a hand towards Brutus and Toko, buffing them both for their next attack or ability. "Go get em! I believe in you two!" She then began to buff other players that had began their attack on the insect.

Her eyes flitting back and forth, once again a bug flying towards her, its eyes were glowing red and it snatched onto her. She felt her energy beginning to be consumed by the bug. The contact making lights flutter before her eyes. She reached for Brutus and Toko and held out her arm so either of them could help her get the bug off. She had tried, but the bug's mouth had bit down on her skin too hard.

Rolls

Power Buff (AoE)
2d100 (52 + 67) + 25 + 10 + 10 = 55 (Total divided by 3)
+55 buff to 3 targets for 1 post
Gain the Vulnerable state
Nature Magic | Lucy | 550C8

Twice Activated (extra action granted) | Lucy | 550C8

Haste
1d4 (1) = 1
+1 movement between up to 3 targets
Lucy | 550C8

Always Link Dat Playsheet in DM threads<3

Haste on @Ilya
Buff: @Ilya @Toko @Brutus Dahlgren
Area: Support
▪ Kurungaar HP: 9263/27000
▪ Kurungaar SP: -210/1000
▪ Taunt: 4/3
"Talking"
Thoughts

 

[Ilya]

☀𓆱𓃬

​

lion's pride...

70 / 185

Adventurer's Guild - Gold
Red Fever (6)
+1 movement (Haste from @Lucy )
+55 DMG (Buff from @Lucy)
(Protected) Buff from @Brutus Dahlgren
-60 HP from attack.

The monster before her was ugly, Ilya hated how he looked... Though she hated bugs even more... She wanted to crush them under her feet, only this one was too big to crush under her foot. Everyone had been surging at the ugly thing, her body joining them.

Magic began to surge up inside her, fueling her on. She felt her speed increasing, everything flashing past around her. When she was within distance she ignited her magic, "HEY UGLY! PAY ATTENTION TO ME YOU VILE MONSTER." She flared her aura, transforming her body as she merged with her lion's spirit. Her eyes glowing ice blue as her skin grew a sandy-dark brown (the color of lion's fur). Her feet and hands being replaced by lion's paws. She finished dashed forward, using her violent aura to taunt at the thing...

Taunting ()

Ilya was one with her fists (paws) as she leaped at the monster, her fists ready and raring to go. Determined to deal as much damage as she could while protecting everyone else. Her body descending in a whirl of fists as she produced attack followed by attack. Her attack ending however, before she would fall to the ground, Ilya grabbed the insect's horn. Wrapping her arms around it to hold herself up.

Rolls

Reckless Attack
2d100 (9 + 98) + 25 + 20 + 20 + 10 = 182
182 damage + 55 (Buff)
Gain the Vulnerable state
Martial Arts | Ilya | 550C8

Twice Activated (extra action granted) | Ilya | 550C8

TAUNT ACTIVATED

Steady Attack
6d20 exploding (13 + 7 + 12 + 13 + 11 + 8) + 25 + 20 + 20 = 129
129 damage (Explosions: 0) + 10 (Mist)
Geomancy | Ilya | 550C8

Total: 376 DMG

Area: Face
▪ Kurungaar HP: 8978/27000
▪ Kurungaar SP: -210/1000
▪ Taunt: 5/3

Always Link Dat Playsheet in DM threads<3

"Talking!"
Thoughts....

 

[Alastair Brass]

90 / 115

Unaffiliated
Red Fever (6) Temporarily Nullified
-25 HP from Retal DMG

They are pulled from the wreckage, and Alastair can't help but shy away from a moment to take it in. Most of them leap to take up arms. Some close ranks with friends. Shields raised. Weapons drawn. Spells cast.

He covers his mouth for that moment. Fine silk not yet sullied with blood, but the rest of him drenched with water from the hour's march in the rain and the muck of having been brought to his knees by the wave of magic. Alastair doesn't need the Red Fever's insidious effect to feel sorrow. A mere child's hand lay limp, her body a puppet made of wounds, and her throat eerily crushed. The two darlings he'd met in the port town not long after joining were alive - poorly held together, but alive nonetheless. Their fears and sorrows turned to anger, and while he couldn't blame them? And certainly couldn't stop them? He could give them a better fighting chance.

Past the blinding solar flares of magic from so many people fighting and the corpse and creature, Alastair took a deep breath and reached out to @Kamala Graham. She was gone from that place, but the dead crowded close around her just out of sight. Testing for a body or a new one to join them. She was not here.

But the remnants of the fight she put up were. He pulled a swarm from her body, entreated the spirits her loss had gathered close, and bade the better, blue, gentle swarm to @Sol. Let the painter make her masterpiece. He wished that it could be red paint this time too...

Ah, but what wishes could be granted had already been. There were no spare for him.

Rolls

Save
1d100 (14) + 10 = 24
Will | Alastair Brass | 550C8

Heal (Single)
1d20 (2) + 10 + 5 + 10 + 30 = 57
+57 HP to 1 target
Summon | Alastair Brass | 550C8 | Mist + Coordinate

Area: Face - Supporting
▪ Kurungaar HP: 8832/27000
▪ Kurungaar SP: -210/1000
▪ Taunt: 5/3
Play Sheet Link

 

[Asch]

Moderator: Battle Status

All posts have been checked and the current HP and SP counts have been updated. Specific damage counts have been invalidated until they are sorted out OOCly. Other inaccuracies have been corrected.

Important:

• Please make sure you list out ALL sources of damage and healing done to your character within the [status*] BBcode.
• When you go back to edit your HP due to being Protected or Healed, add @Name of the person who helped you within the [status*] BBcode.
• If you are targeting others, be sure to tag them (@Name) within the [action*] BBcode.

The current count as of post #348 is as follows:

Rescue: Complete
Battlefield Prep: Complete

▪ Kurungaar HP: 8978/27000
▪ Kurungaar SP: -245/1000
▪ Taunt: 5/3

❰ Battle Tracker ❱ has been updated.

 

[Brutus Dahlgren]

128 / 240

Newly Minted AG Member, Gold Rank
Red Fever (6)
-40 HP from Retal
Vulnerable (Being protected by @Azykia )

"ALRIGHT LETS GO." Brutus roared, he watched as the battlefield erupted. The shockwave sent many a person to their ass, but Brutus refused to be knocked down, instead his coat fluttered backwards dramatically. Twin swarms took to the field, one monstrous, and the other a group of adventurers. His canon popped off, a loud boom sounding through the air as he fired his first shot. Unlike MIT, he didn't need to set up any canons.

He was a one man walking artillery squad.

"I"LL LAY DOWN COVERING FIRE." He howled. "THESE BUGS WILL RUE THE DAY THEY FUCKED WITH US."

Boom, his shot whistled through the air splattering a bug out of the air as it dove for @Zelrius.

"THEY WILL WRITE SONGS ABOUT THIS MOMENT RIGHT HERE."

Boom, another shot whistled through the air, sending a swarm of creatures away from @Ilya. A bug would land nearby, charging for the giant, who simply pivoted and slammed his canon down on the creature, smashing it like a cockroach. Another bug charged at him, but it found its fate at the hands a cerulean spiral smashing through it and forging a wall around his body. His Imouto.

"AZZY." He howled, "IT'S THE BIG SIBLINGS JOB TO COVER YOU!" He would turn Toko and grin at her. "GO, MAKE SURE OUR FAMILY IS SAFE. I'LL COVER."

The Lepus darted into the fray, and he would let off several cracks of his canon, smashing bugs out of the sky and land with equal levels of extreme prejudice, covering the energizer bunny as she ran off. He hated so see her enter the fray, but loved to watch her in action.

Badump

He would watch as his friends charged forward, furious that he couldn't be up there with them, but he could help the best right here and right now.

He would keep an Eye on @Lucy , who he kept tucked carefully into his shadow and safe from as much harm's way as possible. He couldn't keep her entirely out of the splash zone, but enough to hopefully keep her alive as she worked her magic, juicing both him and everyone else up.

He would watch as @Corsair went about her work helping prepare the canons for the fight. He desperately wished he could be at her side, keeping her safe, but she was a big girl and could take care of herself. He would launch an occasional pot shot at bugs in that direction, but couldn't keep up his covering fire on more than three targets.

He watched the rescue attempt with keen interest, they looked like ants from his point of view, and he had no way of knowing who had lived or died, who was running and who was fighting, but as he fired his canon he would howl to anyone who would hear it (Aka Trevis) @mina* @Asch

"AS LONG AS THERE IS THUNDER IN MY CANON."
BOOM
"AND FIRE IN MY BLOOD."
BOOM
"WE"
BOOM
"SHALL"
BOOM
"NOT"
BOOM
"FAIL."

The giant continued his barrage of blasts and attacks, doing everything he could to smash through the army before him, his lions roar cracking through the battlefield.

Rolls

Save
1d100 (54) + 15 = 69 (Nice)
Will | Brutus Dahlgren | 550C8

Ultra Protect
1d100 (29) + 25 + 25 + 25 = 104
104 damage
+10 From Serenity Mist
+20 From Going Face
+55 From @Lucy Buff

Damage Total: 189

Give 3 allies in your zone the Protected status. Gain the Vulnerable state
Hyper Sense | Brutus Dahlgren | 550C8 | Face Tanking
@Zelrius @Toko @Ilya Get Bro-tected

Rescue: Complete
Battlefield Prep: Complete

Area: Face/Legs/Body
▪ Kurungaar HP: 8789/27000
▪ Kurungaar SP: -245/1000
▪ Taunt: 5/3

Play Sheet Link 2

 

[Azykia]

55 / 145

Red Fever (6)
Red Fever effects temporarily nullified
-40 HP from Retaliation
Vulnerable (Protected by @Toko)

Before now, anyone with an S-Rank Mastery could produce the same sensation as staring at the sun for the girl reliant on magical sight. As the demon corpse finally came into view, chills ran down Azykia's spine. This was the magical sun. A scent she wished never to smell again pierced her magically sensitive nose, adding to stunning her so much that as the blast bowled over others, her small frame refused to do more than stumble a few steps backwards.

As she stared at the crater so rife with magic, tears began to stream down her face from pain alone, yet she didn't look away. What was the worst that could happen? She could go blind again? She understood well the sort of physical and emotional pain everybody here was enduring, so even that intense burning wouldn't discourage her.

As @Celestine performed her falling act, she decided to seek out others who needed her help this time.

Of all the spots of both magic and mundane, one suddenly stood out to her as someone nearly as bright as the demon rose up nearby. That dark sun couldn't be anyone but @Kaede Hoshi, and Azykia trusted everybody there to be safe.

She began to scan the battlefield with a maddening amount of awareness as she could even see the magicless people and objects dotting the blinding sight ahead. She could see, smell, and feel so much more magic now than ever before, all thanks to Red Fever. Most concerningly, she saw a swelling aura of darkness inside the monster's body.

She saw her pseudo-siblings @Toko and @Brutus Dahlgren charging towards the front of the Kurungaar Mother. Of course they were, those heroes. She had to follow, and quickly devised how. She waved her hand in a spiral as the Nautilus Spiral of bright blue magic began to extend forward in a cone that wove through the battlefield ahead.

She leapt, and as both feet landed on the spiral she began to skate on the corkscrew-like rail, catching up quickly.

Her siblings wouldn't be in trouble long. As Brutus smashed one bug, the shadow of another flew towards him. Still in motion, she made three more spirals grow from different places on the widening and massive spiraling line. The golden ratio carried each perfectly across the battlefield, where one spiral gave Brutus breathing room as it smashed through his assailant.

Another curled around to create some pretty well-timed walls between @Magdalyn and many mobs.

The last curved to the face again to push @Roland Rutledge just enough to keep the horns from piercing his torso vitally.

Azykia was performing so impressively, but she didn't notice any of it.

What she saw instead, as she was skating upside-down over the Kurungaar's back, was that humanoid beacon of darkness from before suddenly throw something, and she was heading right into its path as she rounded the curve. Every second felt longer and longer as she realized that what had been thrown was familiar.

She had held that object before. That book, lined with darkness. She had written inside of it before.

That was Shane's journal.

Caught up in the piercing thoughts of a thousand implications, time seemed to slow as she caught the book and hugged it to her chest firmly.

She looked once more to the anthropomorphic darkness writhing inside the insect queen. Shane's aura was that same color, wasn't it?

@Shane, why do you look as though you're suffering?

Why did you throw your precious journal at me?

You could see me couldn't you? We're both the same, after all.

... No, you're fighting for your life in there, aren't you?

If only I hadn't been so scared, I intended to join the Explorer's League instead. I could have been there for everyone...!

Without thinking, as she came back up into the air, she leapt off the rail towards the insect's back, intent on being where she was needed most. She had years since stopped caring about her own life. She was here for everybody else's.

Rolls

Ultra Protect
1d100 (98) + 25 + 15 + 10 + 10 + 20 = 178
178 damage
Give 3 allies in your zone the Protected status. Gain the Vulnerable state
Arcanamancy | Azykia | 550C8 | Extension | Face Tanking | @Brutus Dahlgren @Magdalyn and @Roland Rutledge

Area: Face
▪ Kurungaar HP: 8611/27000
▪ Kurungaar SP: -245/1000
▪ Taunt: 5/3
Play Sheet Link 2

 

[Toko]

60 / 180

Adventurers Guild - Gold Rank
Red Fever Stacks [ 6 ] Immunization

Protected by @Brutus Dahlgren
Twice Activated (extra action granted)
+10 to rolls from Serenity Mist
+20 DMG to rolls for striking at the Head
+55 Buff from @Lucy (1 charge)
-20 HP from Retaliatory Head (Protecting @Azykia)
-40 HP from Retaliatory Head (Protect & Vulnerable cancel out)

Ever since @Ru Ning had confirmed Toko that both @Frey Elzeiros and @Sol were among the taken the rabbit had decided she would be joining Kiryuu and the rescue group. "Kusooo! That's not looking good..." Toko gritted her teeth as the creature howled, the pulsing energy threatening to knock her over before Toko created a cosmic shield to block the assault.

"Miiin'naaa! Kiwotssketeeeh!!!"

A shout was given to the friends that remained in the backlines, before Toko took a firm grip of the Fate Chain—twirling it twice on her arm— as the rescue team was off in their mission. The ascend across the Kurungaar's back was arduous and fraught with dangers, Toko remaining on guard to kick any fliers that came close to the group as they raced for the gaping hole in the body. The fighter kept watch above as others entered to free the trapped people inside, glad to see a familiar Faerin and redheaded Beastfolk emerge.

Once confident that the team had everything under control she would release her hold on the chain, shooting a wink in Fre's direction. "O genki deee, Frey-kun!" She could see he had a bone to pick with the manager of the Kurungaar, a chuckle escaping Toko when she hear his loud cry while racing in the direction of the Mother's head. From down below she could hear the familiar canon blasting of Brutus, one of the shots managing to take out a Fever Flier that had been angling its path for Toko, before a familiar blonde caught her attention and caused the rabbit's heart to almost drop.

"Azy-chan!?!"

A pair of fliers were about to ambush the girl from behind, the Lepus grunting as she focused her eyes on a pile of nearby rocks and infused them with Astramancy. She altered their gravity, creating three small asteroid belts that began to circle around Azykia—with luck they would keep her imouto safe from most of the threats present.

Her steps continued to carry Toko forwards, a foxfolk speeding past the Lepus in the same direction, before the Lepus watched as red energy covered her body. Ahead she could see Childress transformed, and even the familiar battle spirit energy of @Alonso Thorlion could be seen streaking through the air. Her ears twitched, catching the boisterous call from Brutus down below, and Toko could feel the adrenaline pumping through her veins as her chest pulsed.

Badump...!

Her eyes closed as the rabbit concentrated, willing her magica reserves to gather and condense, before a warmth feeling spreaded through the rabbit's body as she unleashed the restrains. The energy was reminiscent of the soft glow by a full golden moon, radiating forth and covered every inch of Toko as the aura itself took the form of a Lepus. From her crown two antelope horns sprouted, silver runes adorning their surface as they emmanated a moonlit glow. Her steps quickened, a wild look in Toko's eyes as a broad grin pulled at her lips, and she found it easier to manipulate the astral energy around them under this new form.

"Hey, o babah!!!" The Lepus sped along the right foreleg or the Kurungaar now, concentrating cosmic energy into her feet before Toko jumped with the assist of her gravitational magic—launching herself high into the air. "This one's for fucking with my friends!!!"

Toko spun in the air as she aimed for the Mother's head, increasing her momentum, before both rabbit feet extended forth to kick the Kurungaar on the side of her face with an unnatural force—the force of the attack augmented by the cosmic gravity that the Lepus infused into her strike.

"Eat shit, bitch!"

Will Save (DC 65)
1d100 (45) + 40 = 85
Will | Toko | 550C8

Protect
1d100 (17) + 20 + 20 + 10 + 20 = 87
87 damage
Give 1 ally in your zone the Protected status
Geomancy | Toko | 550C8 | Face Tanking

Reckless Attack
2d100 (62 + 29) + 25 + 20 + 10 + 20 + 55 = 221
221 damage
Gain the Vulnerable state
Martial Arts | Toko | 550C8 | Face Tanking

Play Sheet 2 Link

Rescue: Complete
Battlefield Prep: Complete

Area - Face

• Kurungaar HP: 8303/27000
• Kurungaar SP: -245/1000
• Taunt: 5/3

 

[Vina Skysong]

99 / 145

Lion Arms Member - Squire
Red Fever (6)
Red Fever effects temporarily nullified
-25 HP from Fever Flies
+10 to rolls from Serenity Mist
Vulnerable
Protected by @Fina Drago

Vina turned green at the sight of the demon, its magical miasma so vile that even from this distance the druidess felt like she was going to retch. In comparison, the Kurungaar Mother was a welcome sight, as Vina had nothing against insects. Although she did have some objections against giant insects which ate demons and partially exploded, only to turn into an aberration.

Despite her queasiness, Vina stood strong as the wave of vile magic washed over her, her hair dancing behind her but her feet remaining steady. She wasn't going to falter here, although she needed to think of the best way to help. People were attacking the monster from the front, striking at its legs to cripple it, and brave heroes were scaling its back to rescue those Explorers who had the misfortune of encountering this beast without the rest of the expedition to back them up. It was a relief to see that many were still alive... although she lamented the fact that there were notably less faces coming out of that hellhole than left with the Explorers earlier that day.

Worst yet was the sight of @Shane, who was afflicted with something much worse than anything else Vina had seen, except perhaps what had happened to some poor souls within Titanius's bowels. The vixen's face went white as she saw how the grey-haired girl's body was contorting and mutating, her first instinct to step forward and use her magic to try and remove whatever affliction ailed Shane. However, she could tell that it would be useless: Shane's body was now hosting all the demonic magic that had been released by the broodmother's explosion, and compared to all that power Vina's magic would be nothing more than a drop of water in an ocean.

She didn't resist as @Cleo Looker grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her forward, instead firming her grip on her staff with the other hand. Even if she couldn't save everyone, she could save as many as she could. The hardships of life were that you had to do your best and accept what you couldn't do.

I'll watch your back! Do your best~!

Cheering her friend on Vina's ears perked up as she listened to the sounds of battle all over the place. She could hear @Moonsong taunting the boss with song, and @Bluebird singing soothing melodies to lessen the wounds of several others. And as Bluebird's song came to an end @Cain Darlite's song followed, clear and inspiring amidst the carnage and the chaos.

Vina hummed along to the melody even as she did her best to ward off some of the ravenous insects that tried to eat at her and Cleo with blasts of wind. When purple stars formed around the two of them and @Cyrus Sylvester, tearing through the insects and granting the three of them some respite, the vixen looked back at @Fina Drago who'd decided to join the fight after all. On one hand, Vina would have preferred it if Fina had stayed back, because she didn't want her friend to get hurt. On the other, she was truly grateful for the feline weaponmaster's protection.

Thank you very much~! Help Cleo take out its legs, I'll back everyone up!

Now that she wasn't busy trying to avoid being eaten alive it was time for Vina to do her part. She knew that Cleo was going to keep fighting until this thing was dead: the lancer had too strong a sense of duty to fall back. Just like when the apes attacked she watched as @Asher pushed himself to his limits, forcing the Kurungaar Mother to focus on him despite clearly being in poor shape. Following Bluebird's and Cain's example Vina began to sing, filling the air with her lyrics, the sound of which would rejuvenate her allies and remind them that they would survive this as long as they stood together.

❰ Rejuvenating Rhythm ❱

Rolls

Save
1d100 (49) + 50 = 99

Will | Vina Skysong | 550C8

Power Heal (AoE)
1d100 (26) + 25 + 15 + 15 + 10 = 31 (Total divided by 3)
+31 HP to @Cain Darlite, @Cleo Looker, @Asher
Gain the Vulnerable state
Harmonic Magic | Vina Skysong | 550C8

Area: Legs

• Kurungaar HP: 8303/27000
• Kurungaar SP: -245/1000
• Taunt: 5/3

Play Sheet Link

 

[Magdalyn]

91 / 160

Red Fever (6)
Red Fever effects temporarily nullified
+50 HP from C7 (Mist & Natural Recovery)
-35 Leg Retaliation
Vulnerable Protected by the lovely @Azykia

“Holy hell.” The words slid like water from Magdalyn’s lips, her eyes wide and unblinking as she stared up at the Kurungaar Mother. How could something so massive, so nightmarish, exist? Even inside a virtual world, Magdalyn struggled to comprehend just what she was looking at. How in the world had the Explorers League managed to handle such a behemoth?

As her gaze shifted to the Kurungaar Mother’s back, reality slammed into place.

Oh. They hadn’t.

A gasp rippled across the gathered soldiers, and Mags joined them as the broodmother’s head began to swell. Was it preparing to self-destruct? Had the army’s arrival been enough to usher in their enemy’s demise? Even as hope flared, a cold pessimism tempered the flame. It couldn’t be that easy. There was something else, something more, that they simply weren’t-

The head exploded like a child’s water balloon, splashing blue-green liquid in all directions. The swordswoman threw both arms across her face, leaning into the blast of energy that toppled many around her. Though she remained on her feet, she gave a grunt of exertion before dropping her arms again. That grunt gave way to a groan as the creature emitted a bone-chilling screech.

Her heart thundered in her chest, each thud a resounding echo in her ears. Mags stood stock-still, a rock in the middle of a river as her comrades streamed past her. Go help them, cried her conscience, and every inch of her begged to obey. She hummed with anxious energy, her hand trembling over her weapon, but her fingers simply would not grip the hilt. Her feet simply would not move. Please, please, help them. Help them. Help-

"AS LONG AS THERE IS THUNDER IN MY CANON."

She heard him before she saw him, that voice that boomed just as forcefully as his cannon. Warm admiration warmed her like a hot drink, chasing away the ice that had formed in her limbs. She let his words wash over her, a declaration that rivaled the speeches in dramatic war movies. Move over, Mel Gibson, she thought to herself, heart swelling with pride. Brutus has arrived.

In one fluid motion, Magdalyn dragged the broken sword from her hip. The familiar tickle of magic collected in her core, before racing down her arm and exploding into a thick, icy blade. With Brutus’ borrowed energy zinging through her like bottled lightning, Magdalyn slashed at the Matron’s hairy leg.

The sudden hum was the only warning. Magdalyn spun, caught off-guard as the insect charged her. Though she dropped into a defensive stance, she knew she wouldn't get her blade up to defend herself in time.

Brilliant blue light burst into being, blocking Magdalyn from the bug’s attack. It struck the barrier with enough force to send it reeling, and Mags thanked her stars that the wall, and not her face, took the brunt of it. When the protection fell away, she made quick work of slicing through the dazed creepy-crawly. Then, turning to face the source of the magic, Magdalyn spared a wave for the pretty blonde (@Azykia) . “Thank you so much!”

Having turned away from the Mother, Mags began to note more familiar faces. Some, she recognized from her time in Terrasphere 1. Others, she had met more recently. Finally, there were some who simply stood near enough to her that she could see the pained concentration on their faces. Help them, came the urge once more, and this time she didn’t hesitate.

Throwing out her left hand, Magdalyn envisioned what she wanted, and drew from her well of power. Blue liquid exploded from her outstretched palm, splashing across the torsos of @Ueno Mizuki, @Madison Freebird, and @Darko Ljubicic. Rather than dampening their clothes, however, the water hardened to their bodies, creating a thin yet durable layer of ice armor.

Rolls

Ultra Protect
1d100 (62) + 15 + 15 + 25 + 10 = 127
127 damage
Give 3 allies in your zone the Protected status. Gain the Vulnerable state
Hydromancy | Magdalyn | 550C8 | Mizuki, Darko, Madison | Legs
@Ueno Mizuki @Darko Ljubicic @Madison Freebird

Save
1d100 (84) + 30 = 114
Will | Magdalyn | 550C8

Area: Legs
▪ Kurungaar HP: 8176/27000
▪ Kurungaar SP: -255/1000
▪ Taunt: 5/3
Play Sheet Link

 

[Ilusa Nakhalee]

90 / 160

Red Fever (6) effects temporarily nullified
-25 Support Retal

Ilusa would remember the man who offered her few kind words (@Alastair Brass ); he was easy to remember in the sea of youthful faces with the small butterflies around him. She would have done more, replied, but the man had left soon after.

She put the robe back on and the wounds were hidden by it, showing pristine outward appearance.

One fact was true, the battle had been taxing emotionally and even now the after-effects remained. Some have logged out; a decision she could understand, if one she did not take part in.

The felis strode with everyone else, opening her UI once more, to check on everyone, unhappy how few full health bars there were. But they had no further chance for rest; because there were players in danger, because there was a boss fight to be had. For moment she turned to her side; only to look forward when the place next to her was not where he was.

So they walked, quickly, efficiently, passing by some wonders of nature that no one had time to explore.

A sharp change in the terrain stopped everyone, but also provided a very good view of their goal. A giant, somewhat humanoid skeleton filled with such vast magical energy that it created a vortex visible to naked eye. It made her wonder – what killed it.

And that was nothing when she glanced at the swarm and it's queen that were moving towards the demon remains… It was a disgusting writhing mass and even from where she was, she could hear the buzzing. The closer they got, the more disorganised they became. And the large group of the Players was too far away for everyone to move. Sure single players with built geared towards speed would have managed it, but not them as a group. The terrain was going to be pain to get through.
Ilusa rubbed her hand over the 'pearl beads', slowly calming herself down. It was cold comfort, but there was no one she really cared about here. It made it so much easier to keep chill, without the fever interference.

The 'mother' was very fast, in few seconds it took Ilusa to see it all, it was upon the corpse, consuming it with abandon.

Her ear flickered in surprise as immediately the monster's head mutated, horns protruded out of her head, which grew and grew… Until it exploded in cyan 'blood' and magical energy, splattering it everywhere and sending a shockwave. Ilusa was one of those that were not brought to knees by it, her mastery of arcane made it easy to withstand.

Her eyes narrowed at the corpse, because surely there were not so lucky for it to be the end. And indeed, it rose and screeched. As if a spell was broken, everyone started to prepare for battle and reach the boss.

She watched over the battlefield, getting bit by the flying swarm, before someone else swatted it away. She saw a sparkle of fire, fire and blonde hair; her eyes moved there on her own, only to feel pang of disappointment - it was a blonde felis.

The large number of people meant that she had to prioritise. She looked everywhere; at the head where people jumped, at the rest of the body where the swarm buzzed, at the legs where it tried to trample. She saw and noticed falling health bars, even witnessed few falling down completely. Ilusa noted them for possible revive targets.

She ignored the bite of another insect and found her targets: a damaged male magia, a lagging human male and a weakened fellow healer magia.

She chanted Words of Power; aware of them enough to not hear the automatic translated Common, but rather how they truly sounded. Alien sounds, alien syllables. But she mimicked them, sang them almost as if she knew their meaning; but she did not. Not yet. Not without the help of the automatic translation and that could always fail.

Pale gold light shone and then, it flew off, slaloming between not-targets and enemies, leaving pale gold dust behind them, until they hit the targets.

Rolls

Save
1d100 (78) + 65 = 143
Will | Ilusa Nakhalee | 550C8

Heal (AoE)
1d20 (20) + 25 + 15 + 15 + 10 = 29 (Total divided by 3)
+29 HP to @Tyr , @Jin , @Omega Redux
Divine Magic | Ilusa Nakhalee | 550C8

Support
▪ Kurungaar HP: 8176/27000
▪ Kurungaar SP: -255/1000
▪ Taunt: 5/3

Play Sheet Link 2

 

[Sol]

☀˚̣⋅ .

108 / 165

Explorer's League Member - Orange Whistle
Red Fever [ 6 ] Temporarily Okay
[Protected] by @Herculean Drakecon
+10 HP from Serenity Mist
+26 HP from @Bluebird
+14 HP from @Harukami
+20 DMG from head
+10 to rolls from MIT
-20 HP Face Tanking (migated by Protect)
-40 HP Face Tanking while Vulnerable (migated by Protect)
+69 buff from @Lumaceon
+57 HP from @Alastair Brass

Sol had continued to fight. A person whose heart was once empty, struggling to find people to call her friends, filled with care from others she had met. @Crimson Ruby's sacrifice, @Cain Darlite's protection, @Frey Elzeiros's light, and all the rest who she met along the way. She still continued to fight when she had no energy, her fire dying out as her arms began to grow weak with exhaustion, legs threatening to give out from under her.

And then, they were here.

Settling her gaze on @Bonnie Bonbon, she couldn't find the words to speak, mouth opening and closing like a fish pulled out of water. She looked between @Ru Ning and @Bluebird as well, the tears threatening to spill out even more- Until she was blasted in the face with Serenity Mist.

A moment, a second of surprise. A readjustment, her eyes slipping closed as she seemed to be doing some kind of mental reset. And then, they opened again, piercing as they once were. She was back. Sol had returned.

She reached forward, clasping her hands around Bluebird's, "You did amazing, thank you for the rescue. Now, if you'll excuse me... I've got a big fucking bug to squash," Her voice was dripping with a deep, bubbling anger, but also a soft care as she glanced towards the head of the monster that had caused all this turmoil in the first place. Getting to her feet, she looked back at her once more, "Oh, and... Make sure Ruby stays safe. Please." And then, she was gone.

Heals from those like @Harukami filled her, renewing her energy. Familiar beautiful blue butterflies surrounded her to which she recognized to be from @Alastair Brass. She let out a soft chuckle as she closed her eyes for a moment, drawing in their help, before looking for her friend among the crowd. Once her eyes laid on him, she raised her free hand to her chest and held it out towards him, My heart goes out to you. She would never forget his warmth.

A shield covers her view and she turns her gaze to a lizard man she had fought beside, @Herculean Drakecon. A small smile crosses her lips as she cuts a wound into her skin, sending out her blood towards him, her own shield forming in front of him like a crystal, hardening quickly like a wave over his body, "Rest while you need it, I've got you covered." she calls to him, before jumping forward once more.

She moves elegantly, black dress and crimson red hair swirling around her in a blur, the only thing standing out being the purple of her eyes ever trained on her target, lips pulled into a thin, concentrated line. Her blood flies in all direction as her sword releases it, her blade lighting aflame as too does the droplets around her. And when she is done her attack she is left in a rain of flames, tilting her head back and closing her eyes as she drinks in the fresh air she thought for a moment she might never see again, before opening her eyes again. She turns her gaze onto him, watching as Frey stands strong in front of the monster. He still continues to shine to her, putting himself in harms way, protecting others. And she wasn't going to let him do that alone.

"Hey, YOU, asshole!" She yells towards the beast, smirk growing on her lips as she wipes blood onto her face in attempt to get it off, "Don't you dare forget about me." Her tone is low, a hissing whisper, although the mechanic of her taunt would not be forgotten. Such was the beauty of video games.

Taunting (taunt)

Rolls

Protect
1d100 (13) + 15 + 10 + 20 + 10 + 69 = 137
137 damage
Protecting @Herculean Drakecon
Hemomancy | Sol | 550C8 | Face Tanking

Twice Activated (extra action granted) | Sol | 550C8

Critical Attack
2d100 (Advantage) (55, 89) + 15 + 10 + 20 + 10 + 69 = 213
213 damage
Gain the Vulnerable state
Pyromancy | Sol | 550C8 | Face Tanking | Taunt

Area: Head
▪ Kurungaar HP: 7826/27000
▪ Kurungaar SP: -255/1000
▪ Taunt: 6/3
Play Sheet Link

 

[Rook the Quick]

70 / 100

Red Fever (6)
Red Fever effects temporarily nullified
+10 HP from Serenity Mist
-40 HP from Face Tanking (Reduced to -30 by Counter)
+38 HP from @Alkaid Zexis

They dug him out of the Mother like a child lost in the mines, blind, reaching towards the light.

Mamá... I am so tired...

Tired of rage. Tired of sadness. Tired even of joy.

Tired, tired, tired.

He did not feel Quick as he was roughly dragged from his prison in the creature's abdomen, strings of juice and fly-gunk trailing from his bare shoulders. His clothes had been torn apart by gnashing insect jaws. Flashes of pale skin swung behind the folds of lacy cloth as the little swordsman clung to @Hanno Futaba's shoulder, barely able to stand upright. But he did not feel shame. He did not feel much of anything.

In all his stories, in all his worlds, Rook the Quick had never felt anything like this.

His beak-shaped mask drooped haphazardly from one ear, a bead of liquid Serenity Mist still dribbling from the corner of his mouth. The taste was dull on his tongue. He lifted a hand to touch his lips. They felt strange. Human.

Alright! Super hurt people, get on my back! I made a promise with myself that I'm gonna to get you out so that's what you're gonna do! If you want to stay and fight, good luck to you. No matter how bleak the situation appears right now, we'll meet again!

To stay, or go? To rally, or run? Which was Rook? Which was Quick?

Miquel breathed in—

Four years ago, when Kepler had explained to him the sword of Six, she'd offered him a choice. Mute, or hush. Two sides of the same blade. Two faces of the same whole.

"There's no right or wrong answer. A person needs to breathe in to establish the self, and in turn breathe out to exert that self over the world."

—and Rook breathed out.

He unfolded, sticky and oozing and hair matted to feathers matted to leather to dead bugs. He moved, flexing his toes, testing his bare feet against the Kurungaar Mother's back. His sandals had been lost deeper in her body.

He skipped a step, first halfheartedly, then with vigor. His feet clattered on the Mother's carapace, rattling her chitin like castanets. He heard @Bluebird 's song, he heard the whistles and the rallying cries, and he responded in turn with a rousing—

"Kwek."

A red thread appeared, shimmering in the air as it took shape fortuitously before his eyes. This one was horizontal. Strange—the threads usually went up.

It was time to trust in fate.

Rook strapped his mask back on.

Inhale. Exhale.

He shot past friend and foe and everything in-between, hauled ass-backwards by a gravity only he could feel. He did not wield this weapon—it wielded him, tossed him like a toy to the mouth of the Mother. The thread flung him as he flung it in turn and wrapped a loop, berry-bright, across the boss's brow.

Then, with a wet crack, he snapped back like a rubber band.

Rook-feet planted themselves in the deep wells of the Mother's cheeks as if he'd dented them himself. He felt a blast of fever-hot breath as he scampered up the ceiling of her skull, suspended like a spider from his thread. Twisting around, breath hot and heavy in his mask, he jammed Respiro between her jaws.

Heat and horror blasted him with desert strength as he fought to stand, sheer force fighting gravity.

The jian whispered as Rook wedged it deeper, tuned out the terrible sounds, and prayed for respite.

Cállate.

Rolls

Counter
1d100 (99) + 10 + 10 + 20 = 139
139 damage (+20 Surge +20 Face) = 179 damage
Counter successful! 20 damage added. Take 10 less damage
Astramancy | Rook the Quick | 550C8 | Face Tanking

Armor Ability
Surge Activated (+20 to a roll) | Rook the Quick | 550C8

Area: Face
▪ Kurungaar HP: 7647/27000
▪ Kurungaar SP: -255/1000
▪ Taunt: 6/3
Play Sheet Link

 

[Schilva Flasch]

80 / 115

Red Fever (6)
Red Fever effects temporarily nullified
-35 HP from Leg Retal

Forward, marching forward, Schilva ranged ahead of the rest of the expedition with the forerunners of the three factions, following the trail that Kiryuu left behind. It didn't matter so much that Childress didn't even recognise him for the second time he called her out for the second time. No, by the mirror in his hand, he didn't care about that! She would know his name for good, in time!

As he skidded to a stop at the edge of the basin, Schilva had but a few uninterrupted moments to take in the absurd scene that was the maddened Kurungaar Queen impaling itself upon the horned demon corpse. The blast of cyan blood and overwhelming magical energy caught him all at once, forcing him back and onto his knees. Digging his sheathed sword in the ground, Schilva is still pushed back half a pace despite his bracing, the scabbard dragging a rut through the jungle loam.

"...shit, that thing's huge."
Gritting his teeth in an uncertain grin, Schilva looks around and finds a face he can recognise in the crowd that wasn't immediately launching themselves face-first at the massive insect queen; @Harukami.
"You there! Watch this here scabbard for me."
Drawing his sword straight from the stuck scabbard, Schilva looks poised to make a break into the fray himself, but seems to remember something important just before that. Taking the scintillating mirror and binding it with the sageo of his scabbard, he leaves it in the anxious caster's care.
"This too. I'll be right back."

Then, in the blink of an eye, he was gone.

Zipping between a hail of spells, projectiles and swinging weapons, each of Schilva's steps blend into each other as he gathers momentum while speeding down the basin slope. Upon reaching the gigantic insect, he espies the rain of arcane spears cast by @Cleo Looker. A perfect opportunity.

Leaping onto the chains linking each spear to the other, Schilva speeds along their lengths and bounds between each spear-haft to the next, his blade blurring with each lightning-fast incision that he makes upon passing any inch of exposed chitin. Making a full loop around the legs of the fever-crazed beast, Schilva jumps off the thing as he spots a fellow Traveler(@Herculean Drakecon) collapsing with exertion.

"Seriously, buddy, not the time for a nap."
Landing next to the reptilian stranger, Schilva shakes his head with an air of 'ah it can't be helped' before readying himself again.

But then, two more familiar faces that he had thought lost jumped in - one only glimpsed in movement through a screen of shimmering sanguine crystal (@Sol), the other's visage changed from their first whimsical encounter by the light of bloodshed (@Frey Elzeiros).
"...and you two AGAIN? Hah, I thought..."
But the battlefield is no place for eyerolling or tearful reunions. Raising his katana in readiness again, Schilva stands beside his companions, bracing with a smile for the next assault.

Rolls

Flavour Save
1d100 (59) + 5 = 64 (Fail)
Will | Schilva Flasch | 550C8

Hinder
1d100 (94) + 10 + 5 + 20 + 20 + 10 = 80 (Total halved)
80 damage to HP and 90 to SP (Legs SP Bonus)
Slash Weapons | Schilva Flasch | 550C8 | Legs

Area: Legs
▪ Kurungaar HP: 7567/27000
▪ Kurungaar SP: -345/1000
▪ Taunt: 6/3
Play Sheet Link

 

[Gideon]

100 / 100

Red Fever (6)
Red Fever effects temporarily nullified
+39 HP from Cain's heals
+10 HP from Mist
- 25 HP from Support Retaliation
+8 HP from Gideon's heals
+66 HP from Blank’s heals

Gideon stared at @Shane, her stomach twisting in a way that was wholly unexpected. The woman had fared worse than the other Explorers, fallen victim to the mysterious fever, and she appeared to have one foot in the grave. Gideon assumed she might feel some jealousy toward Shane, or at the very least, admiration. Was this player not going down in a blaze of glory, achieving death in the heat of battle, reaching the ultimate euphoria? Wasn't that what Gideon had hoped for all along? To fall from life, and watch death rush up to meet her? That ultimate thrill that couldn't possibly be replicated in the real world?

Instead she felt... pity. Shane might not be around to witness the fall of the Kurungaar Mother. After the miles they had trekked, and the battle they had fought, and the loss they had been handed, Shane would miss the fury with which they tore a victory from the broodmother's lifeless corpse.

What a fucking waste.

Rather than grabbing for her spirit magic, which had proven complicated and unpredictable, Gideon shifted to Chronomancy. When she'd chosen the mastery, she'd imagined traveling through time to get the jump on enemies, or escape prickly situations. This time, she thought only of ensuring her fellow Explorers might live to deal the deathblow, and allow her the win she so desperately craved. Clasping her hands on @Cain Darlite and @Herculean Drakecon's shoulders, she imagined a clock slowly turning backward, drawing some of the damage from her comrades. Though the health bars moved only slightly, they did move.

And because she'd be damned if she missed out on the giant bug's demise, Gideon gave herself the final heal.

"Our turn," she sneered, glaring down at the Kurungaar Mother's horned head.

Rolls

Heal (AoE)
1d20 (4) + 10 + 0 + 10 = 8 (Total divided by 3)
+8 HP to 3 targets
Chronomancy | Gideon | 550C8 | Cain, Herculean, Gideon | Face
@Cain Darlite @Herculean Drakecon

Area: Face
▪ Kurungaar HP: 7567/27000
▪ Kurungaar SP: -345/1000
▪ Taunt: 6/3
Play Sheet Link

 

[Haru]

130 / 190

Red Fever (6XX)
Red Fever effects temporarily nullified
-35 HP Damage from Leg Retal
-25 HP Sacrifice from EXCEED
Vulnerable from Critical Attack
Protected by THE GUY

As the dissonant chord of a million wingbeats created a harmony most foul, a terrible dissonance yet still soured the melody further. A monster descended upon the chaos at its' peak. Beneath the shadow and crack of every wingspan, that monster stared upon the world.

Oberon's arrival was announced by warpikes. Hundreds-thousands of the weapons emerged from the ground, each with gazing malice on the hilts, all grown from simple seeds borne of one man's soul twisted beyond recognition. Insects died in droves. The all-encompassing sound of wingbeats paused as numbers thinned ever-so faintly, and those who had grown sick of the noise were given just a single moment's time of respite.

"Disgusting creatures... You are each and every one an eyesore. Begone from my sight."

He hated how the noise of the swarm interfered with his elegy. He despised how it harmonized with his music as if it could ever be a part of him. It was disgusting.

The swarm resumed, unfazed by mere trivialities as a disaster. Many coalesced beside the legs in retaliation of the tens of thousands dead. Chaos descended from the top towards the base of the broodmother's body, seeking to consume the players who were destroying her limbs. Many swarmed towards the frame of the broken sage, yet receded whence it was clear that it was a futile goal-to do so was akin to running into a blender. The blades of pikes spun rapidly around his frame, too quick for the human eye to see, seen as an aura to the enhanced sight of the Starcalled.

He did not need to do more than walk towards the Kurungaar horde like this. Thankfully, though he found great amusement in the slaughtering of millions, Oberon felt generous enough to bestow a gift upon the Starcalled on this day. Haru wished for results, and he would not disappoint his other half.

"...Hmph!"

A single, forceful gesture was made.

Many pikes were still littered across the broken and ruined field. As one, they arose. As one, they flew into the open and broken joints of one of the Kurungaar Matron's legs. Hundreds of pinpoint wounds became thousands of acupunctural breaks as the warpikes each wormed their way into the leg with the cruel precision of a practiced torturer. A swarm had come to bite the broodmother back.

Rolls

Critical Attack
2d100 (Advantage) (48, 10) + 25 + 20 + 25 + 30 + 10 = 158
158 damage
Gain the Vulnerable state
Corrupt | Haru | 550C8

Area: Legs
▪ Kurungaar HP: 7409/27000
▪ Kurungaar SP: -355/1000
▪ Taunt: 6/3
Play Sheet Link