(Story Tracker) Red Fever

Asch · Jul 3, 2022

This story tracker will allow you to quickly catch up on the story and Narrator posts without player posts in between. You can read this thread if you came in late or had missed a cycle and can't find the specific Narrator post.

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Asch · Jul 3, 2022

When the stars aligned the four faction leaders found themselves seated around a needlessly-large table within the meeting room inside the newly-constructed Astorean palace in Finweald.

Darkness surrounded the pristine marble table, pushed back only by the blue light illuminating the chamber. At the center of the table was a crown crafted with the same marble the table was made out of. Whatever arcane ember was burning inside of the crown was likely the reason why it was hovering above the table. If that wasn't enough, the crown flashed its opulence with various gems embedded on its body.

Within the larger chamber, a marble statue stood in each of the four cardinal directions:

Guarding the west was a knight in ornate heavy armor, holding his fist over his heart, where a blue flame burned in silence, representing the Lion Arms.

Guarding the east was an adventurer in light armor, a sword hung from her waist with one hand resting on it while the other set proudly on one hip. Her flame burned through the cracks of her fingers set upon the sword's pommel, representing the Adventurers Guild.

Guarding the south was a wizard with an open book in one hand and a quill in the other. His flame burned at the tip of his writing implement, representing the Magical Institute of Theory (MIT).

Guarding the north was an upright woman with a whistle in her mouth and a hand above her eyes. The last flame burned atop a torch she held aloft, representing the Explorers League.

Sitting right in front of the League's statue was the dainty Cessia, dignified as ever. She was attired in formal wear, freshly-cleaned spectacles, and sitting with her legs together and the pair of hands kept on her lap.

It's been a while since we've last met face-to-face, hasn't it? Such a rare occasion should be celebrated with a round of tea, if everyone is keen on the offer.

However stiff Cessia was, Childress was the complete opposite. She assumed a relaxed posture with one arm slung over the back of her chair and one leg over the other.

I'm not here for tea, little miss. How about we cut the crap and get right to the point?

Everyone here got the report from my whistles, yes?

The camp we established north of Isulus was completely wiped out when fools went mad and butchered each other.

Childress spoke without any reservation, knowing that the chamber was constructed to block any attempt at eavesdropping, arcane or not. To illustrate her point, a subtle, circuit-like crimson glow could be seen traversing the floor, walls and ceiling of the room at a set interval. It was some kind of new invention installed by the MIT who are slowly uncovering the newly discovered Magitech.

Similar to Cessia, Ordnung was just as sharp in his meticulously-ironed ivory suit. He had both of his elbows propped up on the tabletop with fingers intertwined and pressed against his mouth in the full Gendo pose.

We received ze report. Ze initial hypotheses seems to indicate that it's some kind of conzition that spreads, far too quickly if the camp went dark in less than three days.

We have to take control of the situation and investigate. Ze sooner, ze better.

Levi who sat across from the MIT leader cupped his chin as he internally analyzed the situation. The Knight Commander was adorned in heavy armor with a good mix of cloth to soften the sharpness of his platemail. It didn't seem like the knight ever deviates from his distinguishing red and white colors.

We need to proceed with caution then. Anytime an emergency happens, we have to figure out what we're up against before we can commit to action.

And while we do need the manpower, it's going to be pretty difficult with all the new Travelers entering the world for the first time, completely unaware of the danger that whistles undergo daily.

Training and experience inform a whistle's decision during emergencies.

How do you suppose they acquire the experience and ability to thrive in this world if you continue to coddle them?

Some learnings can only happen when you face dangers head on.

Cessia clapped her hand once and interjected the heated conversation between the Felis and the Knight to steer them back on course.

It may be an inopportune time, but may I offer a strange proposition?

How about we buffer the number for this operation by turning it into a joint recruitment event?

Considering the danger of the mission, we can both bolster our number and show the newcomers how each faction operates?

Levi shot Cessia a glance laced with annoyance.

That's a highly irresponsible suggestion! First of all, it's a dangerous mission, roping new-arrivals into it would only serve to get them killed.

Ordnung put his leg and hands down as he directed his attention toward Levi.

I concur with Fräulein Cessia, it is a highly efficient way to gain ze manpower necessary to resolve ze emergency. Strength in numbers.

Childress nodded in agreement.

Agreed.

Sorry Levi-boy, I'm with the little miss on this one.

The faster we get the new Travelers used to the world, the better. And if we get more whistles out of it, great! But if they happen to die, then perhaps they should respect the unknowns and train some more.

The brightest stars are forged in the flame of danger, don't snuff their light before they have a chance to shine. HAH!

Levi screamed internally from being forced to agree with the other three as the meeting came to an end, marking the start of the multi-level recruitment campaign.

It was the final week before the end of March during the auspicious 8th Traveler year when the recruitment ad spread across Astorea like wildfire. If you were staying in Astorea at any point during this time, you would have seen one of these posters distributed by felis, on the walls, being passed around, or pinned on the quest boards at any of the Adventurers Guildhalls.

Ad

Come one, come all,

In collaboration with the Lion Arms, the Magical Institute of Theory, and the Adventurers Guild, the Explorers League is setting off on an expedition to northern Isulus.

The goal of the expedition is to figure out what happened with the missing whistles, secure the encampment, and resolve whatever caused the camp to go dark in the first place.

If you have been looking for information on any of the player factions, what they stand for and how they operate, here's a rare chance to find out!

Faction members will be joining the expedition and assist and answer any question you might have.

The expedition will set off on the morning of the 29th at the League's headquarters: The Embertorch in lower Finweald.

See you there, recruits!

Asch · Jul 3, 2022

A discordant mix of sounds filled the air of the busy atmosphere surrounding the League’s Headquarters. People from all walks of life, Traveler or not, dotted the entirety of the roads leading to and fro the collection of small buildings that all served as the homebase of the Whistles, members of the League.

Standing out amidst them, however, was the main building, the Embertorch. Built on top of a bridge, it was suspended over the newfound hustle and bustle caused by the recruitment announcement of the upcoming expedition. It was a marvelous building created by the unified efforts of Travelers and Landers alike, giving it a unique mixture of design, functionality and presence if one were to compare it to the structures that surrounded it.

Although a place where Whistles normally gathered, it was an unusual day as several members of the four factions could be observed working in tandem with one another.

On the sidelines, newcomers would find themselves in a chaotic rush to prepare for the hurdles yet to come. While it appeared that most people had a vague idea of what they had to do in order to contribute, everybody was short of hands. It had been at least a couple of years since such a large expedition was organized, so activity was happening at every corner beneath the massive bridge holding the Embertorch over the street that ran through it.

After their early briefing with relevant Whistles, Childress and Feodan left the building, stopping at the top of the stairs leading into the Embertorch where they could observe the ‘organized chaos’ that was the expedition’s preparation below. It was only natural, after all, the Lions, MIT, and Guild had no idea how the League operated.

That’s… a lot of people, and chaos. Hm-hm.

(Feodan chortled as he twiddled his curls.)

The lot sure looks fired up. I understand now why your people say Travelers bring change.

There was a hint of surprise in the Felis’ eyes, the Black Whistle usually kept his opinion to himself, so when he did speak, it always sounded a bit cryptic.

Hoooh? The man speaks after all.

What do you mean?

Childress turned her attention to the bustling scene below.

No, no, I just find it both amusing and worrying that all gears started shifting again as soon as they returned.

Hah! The more the merrier! Though they won’t last long if they continue killing wolves and bears for pelts.

Better they learn to skin something else for a change.

So, do you two plan on staying there chit-chattin’? We gotta brief them on the expedition properly!

A short vulpine beastfolk interrupted the League’s top-brass when she spotted them chatting the busy morning away. With her hands on her hips and an intensely energetic aura about her, she bounced her gaze between the two, expecting some sort of reaction from them.

Hmm, exploring a temple full of deadly traps is easier than trying to control those Travelers, hoho.

(He broke into a cold sweat thinking about such unpleasantries.)

Heh. Why don’t you have a go, long-eared?

The mustache’s got a frog in his throat so he’s not going to give commands anytime soon.

The vulpine beastfolk let out an exasperated sigh, what was she even expecting from a man everyone dubbed the silent mountain?

Alright, alright! Lemme at it, boss!

Arlyn squeezed past her two superiors and huffed at the sight of the preparations going on. From the top of the stairs, everyone almost looked like headless chickens clucking around looking for feeds. Some were packing the supplies on different wagons, others appeared to be lost on where to load the exploring equipment. The organized chaos had no end.

Ahem, alright. Hey! All of you! Listen up!

She cleared her throat and got right into it with a commanding tone… and zero response.

Hey! Are you deaf? Listen UP!

(She raised her arms, beckoning for their attention.)

On her second attempt, a few had stopped what they were doing to look at the beastfolk, but only for a few seconds before they continued on their task. No matter — they say three times the charm, after al-

STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING AND LISTEN THE HELL UUUUUUUUP!!!!!

The tail swishing behind the vulpine beastfolk split into three, bursting into blue and lavender flames; the synchronized burst of light and her piercing voice at long last stopped the ongoing chaos, garnering the attention of the majority of recruits who were there.

Childress watched with a prideful grin on her face, as the Violet Whistle single-handedly silenced the hustle and bustle.

With the stage prepared for her, Childress stepped up to the spotlight after she tapped Arlyn on the shoulder, as if to tag her out.

The Felis woman carried herself with a subtle yet intense presence. She may not have Arlyn’s verbal intensity, but her words seem to carry a lot of weight behind them.

This is the biggest expedition the League has ever hosted and I’m thankful for your willingness to participate.

However! Such manpower also comes with less room for error.

So as we work together, keep your eyes open and ears keen.

Follow the way of Whistles and watch your team’s back.

The Felis paused.

With the formal part out of the way, let’s cut the inspirational speech short.

The League’s northernmost outpost in Isulus was wiped out. We don’t know why the Whistles attacked their own, in fact, we don’t know anything at all. All contacts with the camp have been cut, so this might get real hot.

Got it?

Let me repeat that: this isn’t gonna be a bear hunt. I’m not looking for cowards who will fold like paper, nor do I want self-sacrificing martyrs!

This is your LAST and ONLY warning!

If you don’t think you can handle the heat, turn back now!

If you think you have what it takes to brave the unknown and conquer adversities, then we’re allies regardless of your creed or allegiance.

May the stars light our path!

PER! ASPERA!

A select part of the crowd chanted the greeting back, before a large portion joined in with their own voice. Childress headed toward the building where Feodan was waiting for her. She tapped Arlyn in when she passed the vulpine beastfolk.

Y’all heard the boss loud and clear, yeah?! Good! Let’s get this expedition on the way!

Hey! You lot, over there! That’s not where the equipment goes! Hey! Crafty ones over there! Check if the wagons are in good condition! Hey! All you muscleheads in the back, we got a buncha supplies left to load!

Get movin’! Gooo!

❰ Play Post ❱

Asch · Jul 5, 2022

Cessia, who happened to witnessed the kitchen fiasco through a cracked window slowly faded away as she began to question what sort of people made up the ranks of the Adventurers Guild. All she could do was pray that the Gold-ranker named @Zelrius would be more apt at slaying monsters than tables.

With all the wagons patched, horses fed and petted, food cooked(?), provisions packed, crates loaded, battle gear shined, personnel briefed, and expeditionaires amped up, it was finally time to hit the road after you survived the ruckus and chaos during the preparation phase.

Before the entire entourage headed off, Levi arrived on horseback and directed himself to the front of the group for a brief announcement, completely missing @Seigi Ling Ling among the throngs of people. The man figured he might have seen her outline out of the corner of his eyes, but he chalked it up to skipping coffee that morning. After all, only those with Spirit Magic can see dead people.

Alright everyone, we will now set off to northern Isulus.

Considering the size of the expedition and the potential hurdles on the way to the whistle outpost, the trip is likely going to take roughly 5 days in the real world.

We can't have everyone logging off during the ride because of the dangers we might face, and the wagons will need dedicated drivers. Check in with your group, work something out with Lander allies, and log out in shifts if possible!

The more efficiently we deal with the obstacles on the way, keeping up with the rest of the expedition, and manage real-life, the faster we can arrive at our destination.

Got it? Good!

Levi spurred his horse forward, taking the lead at the front of the entourage on his lightly-armored white steed, the kind that would fill the knights in shining armor with envy, the Cadillac of horses.

We're heading out, keep up the pace! FORWARD!

At Levi's signal, the horses whinnied and the wagons left a cloud of dust behind them as the entire entourage began moving, setting out toward the recognizable yet strangely unfamiliar horizon. Four years is a long time for some of you, but for newcomers, it was a completely new experience in an unknown world.

The wagons were constantly on the move over the following days as Levi had mentioned, making full stops and breaking camp every other day so the animals could rest.

Although northern Astorea was normally fraught with dangers involving thieves and bandits, their presence was strangely absent while you were passing through. One can only guess that the army of wagons carrying armed-to-the-teeth adventurers was an effective ward against roadside crimes. If one were to ask any of the four factions how the bandits knew an expedition would move through the area, Cessia's people would be the first to deny having alerted the criminals as to make sure they didn't get in the way of the trip. The Guild's plausible deniability protected them from the Lions' leery eyes as well. Sometimes things have to be swept under the rug for the sake of the joint mission.

Although human opposition did not get in the way of the traveling entourage, Isulus was a completely different challenge.

First, the terrain was full of tree roots that weaved in and out of the ground, forming paths and obstacles the wagons had to overcome. Had it not been for the Whistle scouts leading the charge, the group would have gotten lost in the labyrinth of a jungle.

However difficult the terrain was, the territorial Myconids was a more difficult problem to get around. Myconids usually ignored small parties, but a group with such a large number of people, fanfare, and is as heavily armed as the expedition is seen as a high priority thread, an army invading the Myconid kingdom. Thus, as you and your group encroached on their territory, the rulers of Isulus made their move, coming down on their invader like a tidal wave ready to wipe them out of existence.

Anyone among you with a passive Awareness of 25 or higher and Nature Magic will immediately detect a very distinctive veil of spore in the air. An optional successful Mastery Check (Nature Magic – DC 40) will inform you that the Myconids are planning an assault. This is not the place to stop. Even if the animals are on their last leg, you must get to safety lest you wish to become nourishment for the sentient fungi.

If you were sleeping on one of the rear wagons being pulled along by an overworked horse, a sudden metal fist against the wagon side might be enough to wake you up.

Hey, hey, hey! It's time to wake the hell up! We're being pursued by shroomies!

If there's any Lions in there, I heard from Lev that if we do well and recruit 10 people, he would change our name back to the Lion's Pride!

How's that for a reward, huh? AHAHAHA!

You could hear a certain someone roaring within earshot: "CHAD, YOU BASTARD!!!"

However, there was no time for fun and games as a thunderous boom rang out behind the entourage.

Moments later, a massive pod came barreling down the middle of the moving entourage and formed a large crater on the road the moment it exploded. The wagons that were caught in the blast barely managed to veer out of the way at the last second, but it led to a break down in a well-established traveling formation that had been maintained the last several days. Immediately after the exposition, the sound of buzzing filled the air as the entire expedition had to deal with blood-sucking fungal insects that dispersed from the exploded pod.

If you were riding on the same wagon as Childress, you would immediately notice a frightening aura coming from an otherwise calm-looking Felis. The moment she stood up, her deadly martial energy disintegrated the wagon's cover. The woman then tilted her head and cracked her neck.

Time for some action.

Childress launched herself up from the wagon to intercept a fungal bomb by cleaving it in half and immediately deleting the block-suckers that would swarm her with her deadly energy. The insects all burst in tandem drenching the felis with blood from their last feeding.

When she landed on a different wagon, the blood that coated her body began to burn with intensity. Childress clicked her tongue as she tried wiping some of it off. Nasty critters... she thought to herself.

Despite Childress cutting down one, several more fungal bomb shots could be heard from the distance as a squad of fast-moving Myconids pursued your group. Although typical Myconids were slow and stationary, the pursuers were fast. If there was a Myconid expert among you, they would tell you all about a special type of crimson-colored Myconids that could run faster than horses and were deployed by their kingdom to chase down speedy enemies or to break through enemy lines. At a glance, these Myconids were gaunt, with human-like extremities laced with spikes.

With shrills that rattled your bones, it was showtime.

How the expedition fared in the next phase was completely dependent on you and your allies' ability to deal with the enemies, while keeping up with the rest of the pack.

The world watches with great anticipation.

❰ Play Post ❱

Asch · Jul 5, 2022

Critical Failure

1

Something appeared very wrong with the horse @Elizabeth Lixshine was tending to. Somehow, it still managed to cart her and the rest of her wagon mates, including @Blank, @Moonsong, around for a few days.

It didn't matter what the animal's condition was, for a few minutes after the Myconids began chase after the group, a bulbous titan of a Myconid burst out from the ground and charged through that horse like Kool-Aid man crashing through a wall, sending everyone tumbling onto the ground from the impact.

❰ Play Post ❱

Asch · Jul 6, 2022

When a certain redhead rushed headfirst into the fray to rescue the victim of the Myconid Titan's sudden charge, she too became a victim of the fate reversal became a victim herself.

While @Ru Ning and @Vina Skysong expertly rescued the stranded folks, the large Myconid grabbed @Lucy and broke into a run, intending on using her as a bowling ball to cripple one of the wagons trying to veer around it.

❰ Lightning God Fifth Stance: Thunder Fang ❱

Before the boulder-like Myconid could hurl the red-head, a cyan and gold pillar of lightning came crashing down on the fungal titan delivering a Childress one-handed sword strike that cleaved the titan's arm clean off before she hit the ground.

Seconds after she landed, the arm chunk slammed into the ground, releasing the red-head from its spastic clutch as the stray electricity scattered from Childress.

Levi-boy!

The felis swordswoman grabbed onto the red-head and called out to Levi before she threw the girl into Levi's arm. The knight immediately put Lucy at the front of his saddle and headed back to the wagon while Childress joined the others in combat.

The battle with the frightening Myconids took a lot more time and effort than anyone could have imagined, it was a sudden battle that should have been anticipated. With great courage and teamwork, most of the wagons made it out danger, though it was clear that the entire group took a beating and lost a hefty amount of supplies.

Regardless, the ragtag wagons arrived at their destination after almost a week of restless traveling.

The moment "Northern Isulus" popped up on the UI for those who are still fortunate enough to retain their access, you were able to see a subtle transition in biome. While the fungal mega fauna were still a prevalent feature of the terrain, there were a great diversity of non-fungal plants as well, thriving on rockfaces and hiding secrets beneath dense foliage.

Before you reach your destination, a torrential rainstorm was summoned by a passive watcher beyond your comprehension (@RizuChan Roll Result 1d6 (2) = 2). Lightning and thunder raced across the dark clouds as the water began to flood the wagons with damaged coverings. Those of you who attempted to scoop the water out with a mug would have to find a bigger container than that. You would have to hurry too, since the overfilled wagon was about to break your horses' back. Mother nature needed a good cry after witnessing such a terrible attempt to change fate.

Despite the heavy rain and wind obscuring your vision, you should have been able to make out a vague outline of an encampment.

When the wagons stopped a few feet from the wooden fence encircling the encampment, Elynn was the first person to hop off the wagon ran toward what looked like a giant mushroom.

WAO! A MUSHROOM MITHRA, AMAZE-BALL.

(She flexed her superior Traveler lingo.)

AAA! OH MY JESUS!!!

The elf stumbled backward the moment she stopped marveling the MIT's workspace and looked around the encampment. It was a horrific sight, the encampment was a nightmarish illustration of desecration, there was dried blood and gore everywhere. The water trail that formed a stream ran red.

Childress walked past the MIT elf and headed deeper into the camp, silently picking up any whistle she saw.

Levi and Chad immediately ushered the group toward the mushroom which happened to have doors and windows fashioned onto it, all the while keeping the group from walking through the more macabre part of the encampment.

The MIT workspace was small. There was clearly not enough room for everyone so some people have to stand outside during the briefing from Levi, who didn't seem at all happy about what he had witnessed. Regardless, he kept a neutral, if ingenuine expression on his face throughout the briefing.

Welcome to Camp Nisus. As much as I wish it was under better circumstance so we can actually show off the faction's joint effort to further explore the world of Terrasphere, we're here to do some work.

From this point on, the expedition will be splitting into four groups. The Lion Arms, the MIT, the Explorers League, and the Adventurers Guild will each handle a different task related to their expertise.

If you are interested in a particular faction, follow them and see how they operate. Myself, Cessia, Ordnung, and Childress had come to an agreement that even if you had already promised your name to one of the factions, we encourage you to explore your options since each of the organizations handle very different matters.
Take some time to rest and replenish your needs. Find the respective leaders of your group and head out in about an hour.

Go!

❰ Play Post ❱

Asch · Jul 7, 2022

A full hour has passed since the briefing in the MITHRA building (3-stories mushroom house). When it was time to come back, all relevant personnel began alerting the expedition members to gather outside the MIT's building. Even if people had to stand in the rain, it was important to organize everyone into groups for the second phase of the expedition.

Levi could be seen talking with Childress about something, likely discussing about who would address the expeditions. Childress looked as though she hated public speaking, but entered a game of rock paper scissors with Levi.

The first round was double rocks. Levi took the win in the following round with paper while the felis went with rock. She cursed under her breath as she kicked a crate into place before climbing up onto it.

AHEM! Now that we've come back from our break, it's time to split up into four teams.

In case you're wondering why we were tight-lipped about the details of what exactly will be done, it's to ensure that all four factions get a fair share of participants. Just in case everyone decided to pursue the easiest option.

(Childress grimaced.)

Just so we're clear, I don't want to hear any complaints about that. The other three factions decided that among themselves. I've got nothing to do with it. HMH!

Anyways, the short of it is, the Lions will secure the camp. The Whistles will be with me and Arlynn, scouting the area ahead to figure out what the hell happened to the group here. The MIT will be researching this Red Fever thing, and the Guilders will be helping them gather what they need.

Alright. Let's get to it.

❰ Play Post ❱

This event is continuing in 4 separate threads:

Asch · Jul 16, 2022

When the MIT reached their eureka moment inside the mushroom house, they immediately distributed the remedy among themselves to immunize against the effects of Red Fever. As far as they could tell, the concoction seemed to have abated the surging emotions, so they weren't going to end up killing their own like the poor saps that occupied Camp Nisus before them. Once the formula was ready to go, MIT members spent the rest of their time mass-producing the potions with the ingredients that kept being delivered to them from the Guild.

By the time the MIT stumbled out of the mushroom house's door, night had descended over the camp as the storm had trickled down into a light sprinkle of rain. By that point, the Lions had already claimed a heroic victory over the ape chief, covering for one another as they drove the primate threat from the camp. Any remaining apes ooked and eeked away into the jungle.

Then came the slime-covered Guilders who had made it back after what seemed like a frightening encounter as well. There were a lot of injuries among them. Anyone who did not know about the golem would have wondered why they looked so tattered from simply wrestling ingredients for the MIT's remedy. Trevis and Caccu were among the returnees, crowded by the people who were concerned about them.

With the majority of expeditionaires gathering at camp, Elynn, who was completely disheveled, bumbled her way toward the crate filled to the brim with the Red Fever abatement potions where she gave some of her peers a near-heart attack when she tripped and face-planted herself right next to the crate. The fall must have brought out something inside her as she started bawling. One of the MIT folks decided to splash a bit of the concoction at the elf, fearing that it might have been brought on by Red Fever.

The MIT did their best to gather the other faction members in one place before they loaded up the mechanized dispenser with the concoction and had it blast everyone present with the Mist of Serenity.

The entire expedition took a few more minutes to catch its breath. Although, how anyone was supposed to find and confirm the safety of their friends and loved ones in the moonless pitch-dark camp was a mystery.

With everyone meeting up again, Levi, Chad, Childress, Feodan, Nin, and Trevis had a meeting in one of the vacant tents near the middle of the camp. The topic at hand was about the fact that it had been more than half a day since the expedition had split, yet no one had heard from the Explorers at all. Even if you cannot listen in on their conversation, Childress' grimace from afar said it all.

A few minutes into their heated conversation, a shout from the camp's northern entrance alerted everyone to a new arrival.

HEY! HEY! Make way, make way! I'm in a hurry…

Breaking through the throngs of people standing in the way was a tall, strapping lad with a sword through his mouth. While sprinting through the camp, the five whistles hanging from his neck rattled against his bare chest. Anywhere you can see bared skin was a bruise, a scar, or a gash. The man was a portrait of injuries. The most peculiar thing about him was his hat, which was in pristine condition except for the deep bloodstain.

When he reached the tent where the faction meeting was taking place, he hunched over as if his body was giving in to exhaustion the moment he reached his destination.

A surprised Feodan immediately stepped out of the tent.

Goodness, Kiryuu! You're alive! What happened to Camp Nisus before we left?

Feo… not now. Childress!!!

(He shouted for Childress in-between his breathless gasping.)

When Childress headed out of the tent, the rest of the group followed her.

Haa… listen… shit… hold on… tired…

He stood up and took a big breath before trying to use every ounce of his lung capacity to speak quickly and concisely.

If you're here, it means that Czeva was able to deliver her report… Thank god… Anyway, my group managed to escape the moment when everyone lost their goddamn mind. We found the source of the Fever, but…

Tears welled up in his eyes as he took ahold of the whistles hanging around his neck, giving them a firm squeeze.

They gave their lives so I can make it back.

After he wiped the tears from his eyes, Kiryuu began speaking again.

The Fever is coming from a demon corpse that way. Its decay is tainting the entire area with its insane magic, and it seems to grow stronger the closer you get to it. It's not just us who's affected by the Red Fever either, many of the wildlife is behaving erratically right now. It's a bloodbath out there.

How are you not affected?

This piece of shit (he points to the sword sticking out of his mouth) is overriding my Red Fever condition… I'm on borrowed time here.

On the way back, I spotted a Kurungaar Mother capturing some whistles. It's heading toward the demon corpse, ravaging anything standing in the way. If you don't believe me, those guys can back me up.

Kiryuu turned to point, revealing the battered members from Arlyn's company who had returned just after him. Some (@Schilva Flasch, @Lady N, @Ru Ning, and @Bluebird) were forcing their way through the crowd much like he had, likely to make their own reports. Any relief is dampened by just how few of the group have returned.

Regardless, if we want to catch up with them, we need to leave, right now!

No. We are not going to pursue the Kurungaar Mother in the middle of the night, and especially not after everyone had battered themselves after a day-long battle. Go get the Red Fever cure and pull that ridiculous sword out of your mouth, Kiryuu.

When Childress finished saying her piece, she turned her back to leave. An intense anger morphed Kiryuu's face as he flashed his fang on the side of the face that didn't have a sword shoved through his cheek.

CHILDRESS!

DON'T YOU TURN YOUR FUCKING BACK TO ME!

I WATCHED MY ENTIRE COMPANY BUTCHER THEMSELVES, IDIOTS WHO THREW AWAY THEIR FUTURE SO I CAN STAND RIGHT HERE IN FRONT OF YOU.

WE HAVE THE INFORMATION TO ACT NOW. NO ONE ELSE HAVE TO DIE FOR THIS!

They made their choice, which is lighting the way for the rest of us here.

I SAW THEM GET TAKEN. THEY DIDN'T CHOOSE SHIT! Some of them don't even have a whistle. You're the one making the choice for them. My gang didn't die just so more innocents can die.

A dangerous aura was circulating around the otherwise stoic Childress, as if her patience was waning.

Go cool off your head, Kiryuu. That kind of thinking is what leads to unnecessary deaths. I'm not going to endanger the rest of the mission. When the Lions play hero, you talk about them as if they're idiots, but when you do it, it's noble?

You swore a vow, Kiryuu. Abide by it, or turn your whistle over.

Kiryuu ripped the black whistle tangled with the bundle of whistles that hung around his neck and crushed his alone with his bare hand.

I keep my vow in my heart. I don't need a whistle to walk beside death. I'll rescue them not as a whistle, but as myself.

The moment Childress heard such words coming out of Kiryuu's mouth, a 12-feet tall spectral avatar of the Beastlord, a godly figure of savagery materialized behind Childress as her face displayed immense rage.

You insolent brat… Breaking your vow and disregarding the lives that had been given, so you can stand there yapping your mouth…

Feodan who saw the exchange going south immediately stepped in front of Childress and put his mountainous hand on Childress' upper arm as he shook his head.

Kiryuu, if we tried to save everyone, we wouldn't be able to carry the weight of how many whistles would be lost.

We are not heroes. We push ahead and brave the unknowns, so we can minimize the loss of those who come after, whistles or no.

I'm sure the Knight Commander and Knight Captain (he gestured at Levi and Chad) would have loved to lend you a hand, if they were not charged with so many lives to protect for the upcoming battle, isn't that right?

Chad was looking around without a single clue, while Levi scratched his head in annoyance. The mountain was far too perceptive.

As Childress' Beastlord avatar disappear, she turned and headed back into the tent, while Kiryuu walked up to Feodan and handed the remaining whistles to the giant as tears began to well up at the corner of his eyes.

Leona, Bergsten, Yuulaw, and Riene kept up their vow until the very end. Will you put them to rest with the rest of the company for me, Feo?

You can honor your company when we meet again on the battlefield. Childress and I will be waiting.

Kiryuu gave Feodan a bittersweet smile before turning around and pulling his hat closer to his eyes. The time for tears was over. He had people to rescue.

Kiryuu spent a few minutes in the camp, but after he had downed some water and stale bread, he departed from the camp, summoning the spectral chain to guide him back to the Kurungaar Mother. He purposely left signs for the rest of the expedition to follow after him, knowing that regardless of priority, their destination was one in the same.

When Kiryuu departed the camp, the faction organizers resumed their meeting, though the tension was much higher than before as Childress sat silently in the corner of the tent. Even without the Felis' intensity, the conversation about what's next? was heated, primarily fueled by fear and uncertainty.

When they had decided on a course of action, Levi again was nominated to be the face of the group. Thus, the Knight Commander shrugged off his worn body and conjured the remainder of his energy to deliver the plan the four factions agreed upon.

I know you're all tired after a day-long battle, but it's not over yet.

If you were around to hear the first-hand accounts from the Whistles that made it back to camp, the source of Red Fever is a demon corpse that is radiating a dangerous amount of magical energy north of here. This energy is the thing that's making the wildlife as... insane... as we were.

There's also the matter of a giant creature called the Kurungaar Mother, which is a living colony of flying insects behaving erratically because of Fever. According to the reports, it is heading toward the demon corpse.

We don't know why this creature is heading toward the corpse, but in the case where it is intending on eating the corpse, we're going to have a big problem on our hand. Anyways, we're on borrowed time, we only have so long until the MIT's immunization wear off. Anyone who is able should take a quick 30 minutes break before heading out with the rest of the raiding party.

Allow me to remind you that even though it's a corpse of a demon, it's a demon nonetheless. This might very well turn into a bloodbath. The Lion Arms is urging anyone who is new to the game or is on their second death to log out at once! There is always time for heroism and this is not one of those times.

❰ Play Post ❱

Raid Boss · Jul 16, 2022

If you're planning on joining the final battle, please hop onto your character account and react to this post using any reaction! This is the first major battle on the site and a rough headcount will help with planning.

Asch · Jul 18, 2022

This thread is now marked as [18+] for explicit gore and disturbing content. Proceed at your own risk.

Between Kiryuu's leaving, an announcement from a battle-worn Levi, and the expeditionaires frantically searching for their friends, the entire camp exploded with activity. With each passing minute, the number of players began to thin out—that which was Levi's ideal scenario had become Childress' fear. She lived in a completely different world from that of Travelers', one full of beauty, wonder, and unimaginable cruelty, one where she couldn't simply log out when things get tough.

Childress sighed. The pearly ivory vow hanging about her neck felt a lot heavier that night, carrying the deaths of those under her charge and that of the exploration party. She wished she had the freedom afforded to Kiryuu and the other Starcalled. However, someone had to make the hard decisions, to bear the weight of their unrealized dreams and an unfulfilled promise of a better future.

Childress clutched her whistle tightly and raised it to her mouth before she passed a low-pitched and mournful call through her piece, signaling the beginning of the death march. There were calls for landers who couldn't be revived to stay behind. She found the concept utterly ridiculous. A Whistle always stays with her company when death has set his eyes on her. If Urukkhan found her this time, she would answer death's call with a sword through his smug face. It's only fair, right?

When it was time to head out, if your awareness is 40+, Misha from the Lions would have asked you to work with other guides to escort what's left of the expedition toward the Kurungaar Mother by following the markers Kiryuu had left behind.

The trip that followed took you through the twisting and winding of the weaves and knee-deep mud fields as the midnight sprinkling of rain raced the beads of sweat down your face. Your path put you on a cross-path through some of the wonders the explorers had treaded, but you had neither daylight nor the time to admire them.

After an undisclosed amount of time, you finally reached the last of Kiryuu's markers, which was at the border of the Tangleweaves, from which a sharp transition between elevations stopped you midtrack. You had arrived at the edge of a massive crater that dipped downward in an inverted cone with giant rocks, roots, and other natural obstacles that peppered the slope. At the center of this conal recess was the corpse the supposed demon corpse kneeling on one knee. Everything up from the waist of the vaguely humanoid form had been stripped clean of flesh. Its gargantuan horned skull was propped up by a thick, spiky spine connecting the exposed skeletal structure to the bottom half, where only some flesh and stringy gray tendons clung to the decayed frame. If you looked hard enough, you might have been able to make out remnants of the demon's ruby-red skin that had not been claimed by decomposition.

Even without magical sensitivity, you would have been debilitated by the visible vortex of magical energy emitting from the corpse. For those of you with any sort of magical sensitivity, you would have been able to feel the magical light burning a hole in your eyes, a viscous pungence that tickled the back of your throat, an overwhelming rot stink, and needled-pricking on your skin regardless of how far away from the demon you might have been.

The more observant of you would have seen Kiryuu sprinting toward the writhing mass of insects beelining toward the demon corpse while a Magia chased after him. The closer to the tainted carcass the giant crawling insect got, the more erratic its flying kin became. At a certain point, the swarm of fliers between the Mother's back folds spewed out like locusts above their carrier. Some of them splatted themselves on the rocky hindrances. Some attacked themselves while others ripped off their own head then the Red Fever rage hit.

Finally, with the flying swarm repositioning itself, you could see the missing explorers trapped inside one of the folds on the back of the carrier.

Shit. Something that big shouldn't have been able to get here this quickly… Shit!

When she noticed the swarm's strange behavior and their carrier's heavily damaged lower half, everything instantly clicked in her head. The Kurungaar Mother had probably reached a point where it no longer cared about self-preservation and had become a puppet dancing to the fever's tune.

Childress blew her whistle to beckon the group's attention. Kiryuu, who was fighting off the vicious flying insects, heard the call and looked up and frantically waved at the rest of the group.

Before any calls was made, the massive crawler managed to close the distance between itself and the demon's corpse. Then, without wasting a second, the insect lunged at the corpse and began devouring the corpse, gnashing the bones and slurping up the flesh.

Seconds after the Kurungaar Mother did, the horns from the demon's skull burst out of the insect's head. It didn't take very long before the insect's head began enlarging itself like a balloon until it exploded, splattering a cyan liquid everywhere as a wave of magical energy passed over the expedition, throwing those who could not withstand the supernatural force to the ground (flavor: make a Save (Will – DC 65) or be knocked down). The detonated crawler stood utterly still for a few seconds afterward as if death had taken hold of it. However, it wasn't long before life returned to its ligament as it pointed its still-intact mouth flaps to the sky and let out a horrifying screech.

HEY! GET IN POSITION NOW!

(She shouted.)

YOU LOT, WITH ME. YOU LOT OVER THERE, ON LEVI AND MISHA. YOU LOT BACK THERE, ON CHAD AND TREVIS, STICK TOGETHER WITH YOUR SQUAD AND GET DOWN THERE. WE CAN'T RETREAT NOW GET TO WORK BEFORE IT STARTS ATTACKING!

Meanwhile… for those of you who has been captured by the Kurungaar Mother, you were unable to escape the fate that had completely and utterly crushed the brightest smiles among you (@Kamala Graham). When the Kurungaar devoured the demon corpse, you had the front row seat to yourselves as you watched the explosion up close. The intensity of the magic felt as if your entire being was like a completed jigsaw puzzle being thrown on the floor, once it was broken, it was going to take a lot of time to put it back together.

Critical Failure

1

[ The Narrator has redeemed an unclaimed nat-1 from Cycle-2 rolled by Lucy. ]

As if fate had come back to claim its due, one of you had been chosen (1d15 (1) = 1 @Shane). The moment you felt yourself skipping the 7th, 8th, and 9th stack of Red Fever and gained the Red Fever (10) condition, you feel every cell in your body screaming as the demonic magic welled up inside you. Others may not be aware, but it had become evidently clear to you that fate had given you a role on the big stage. Your body began to engorge starting from your toes. The magic was forcing your cells to divide ad infinitum as your health began to tick down toward zero, to almost everyone there except yourself.

The moment the magic inside you ruptures, it won't discriminate against friends or foes, but could this be a blessing in disguise? Only you can make the final decision: will you stay or will you go?

❰ Play Post ❱
❰ Battle Tracker ❱

mina* · Jul 18, 2022

The sound of chaotic buzzing filled the air as several of the rescuers were on a mad rush to climb onto the insectoid broodmother, during which a few of the poor saps met their unfortunate end by either being crushed under the mother’s shifting weight, or being swatted by a bug arm or two.

Kiryuu pulled through the swarms of Fever Fliers, putting all his energy into keeping his special chain going as it was the lifeline of the group in this perilous situation. The chain kept the rescuers from falling off and directed some of the incoming damage onto himself. The further the group went, the more wear-and-tear the hatted whistle became. He just grinded his teeth on the sword still stuck in his mouth and endured all of it.

Hey-hey! @Bradwynne @Hanno Futaba @Nai @Bonnie Bonbon ! Don’t slow down now, you’ve got this. We’re gonna get to the top of this insect, rescue our people, and kick some bug’s ass. If you slip, my chain’s got you. LET’S GO!

Through efficient teamwork and sheer tenacity, the rescue group eventually made it to the top of the Kurungaar Mother, fighting off a swarm of angry Fever Fliers. There, the group saw the trapped explorers inside the large insectoid fold.

With his bayonet drawn and the spectral chains still attached to his group, Kiryuu jumped into the opening and sliced the Fliers apart to get to the trapped victims alongside the other rescuers.

ARLYN!

Kiryuu immediately started to tear up after seeing the shoutfox.

GODDAMMIT! I’M SO GLAD YOU’RE ALIVE!

That’s a face I thought I wasn’t gunna see again! Glad you’re still kickin’, chain-boy! ( she grinned at Kiryuu, thanking him for his help)

I’m gonna take all the super hurt people out of here. Are you not coming?

Sure am! I’m in the mood for some ROASTED BUGS! ( as soon as the effect of the mist kicked in, the fox woman burst in flames, activating her battle spirits.)

(He sighed) I won’t be fighting alongside you this time, so try not to get killed, alright foxy?

Arlyn gave him a thumbs up in response as they made their separate ways. The flare of her burning presence dimmed, however, as she noticed the mutated and bloated state @Shane found herself in. Burning the bugs on her way as she rushed towards the woman, Arlyn crouched near the Traveler. Whistle or not, she wasn’t about to ignore someone looking like that.

What in the bloody- (she gritted her teeth, internally cursing the bugs and everything in this hell hole.)

Hey, hey! Stay with me alright? We’re gunna get you outta this! Pull through, you can do this!

Should Shane decide to stay, Arlyn wasn’t going to push it. After all, everyone was free to choose their path. Regardless of her choice, the beastfolk’s ears drooped as her sharp eyes found what was left of @Kamala Graham. Arlyn gently pulled the explorer’s whistle, storing it away and gritting her sharp teeth.

WHISTLE.

Meanwhile, Kiryuu turned to the rest of the group.

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!

❰ Play Post ❱
❰ Battle Tracker ❱

Asch · Jul 24, 2022

The bloody battle raged on as the demon-ruined matron was assaulted from all angles. Each side trading blows equally. Though, through sheer tenacity and teamwork, the Astorean expedition, did in fact, come out on top as their attack on the head distracted the insect giant from retaliating against the team that targeted the back and the legs.

More than a handful of the people who attempted to hinder the matron's legs ended up getting crushed by its furious stomps and deadly tail sweeps, some of you were among them. Painful as it was, your efforts did end up felling the titan, who smashed into the center of the cone pit with an earth-shaking slam, turning the mud-slurry into a tidal wave that radiated outward in all directions, slattering anyone within range with mud, blood, and guts.

With the matron's body collapsing onto the ground, the swarm of Fever Fliers dispersed as though a hornet's nest had been disturbed, forming a massive death cloud before they flew out in every which way, shooting into things and people like a chitting bullet, abandoning any self-preservation to protect the main body. Not even the fever can overwrite these insects' core programming. The colony provides, and soldiers are to throw their lives away to protect it—everyone had a part to play.

While the swarm kept the attackers occupied, the matron let out a bone-chilling cry, silencing the thunder and the sounds of the ongoing battle.

Ś̵͖͓K̷̩̥͂R̴̠̊̚H̷̡̍E̵̤̾̎E̵̙̰̽E̴̟̥̕̚-̶͍́̉E̷͕̋ͅE̷͙͂E̵͔͠-̴̢̋̒E̶̢͕̊͗É̴̠̥̉E̵͔̬̅-̸̭̌̾E̸̡̫͒Ȩ̵̳͆É̸̜͓͠-̶̯̥͊E̷͉̓E̴̼̖̚E̵͓͒̓-̸̳͊E̷̢͇̿͛Ẻ̷͚̼̕Ȩ̷̘͆

With the heavy set of arms, the Kurungaar Mother lifted its body from the mudveil as it locked eyes with the ones who had volunteered to take the blame for the matron's fall. Using every functioning neck muscle it had left, the matron lifted its face to the sky.

It took seconds before a black orb began forming above its head as sparks of red lighting crackled across its smooth surface. As the orb quickly grew in size from the condensed energy, the red lightning formed a bridge between the orb and the ground. The battlefield grew darker as the matron drained some energy from the glowing vortex to power its attack.

The moment the matron lowered its head, the sphere followed and lingered in front of its face for less than a split second before transforming into a death beam that cut across the battlefield, passing over each and every one of those who had taunted the matron.

The vile energy tore the air asunder. Anyone unfortunate enough to stand in the way of the moving beam would have been instantly vaporized like the raindrop that evaporated seconds before the beam passed over them.

❰̶̛̜̟̼͗ ̴̢̝͒̃Ẇ̵̼̝̄͛̃ͅ ̷͓̝͍̠̃̚A̶̡͓͐ ̵̢̋́̓R̸̗̈́̊͜ ̸̨̘̦̬͑̋N̵͎̉͊ ̵͖͐I̷̝͔̋͘ ̴͇͚̲̪͆́͊N̷͎͊̍̈́ͅ ̸̝̾Ḡ̸͔͙̻̉̋ ̷̨̺̞̮̂̈❱̶̲̲͉̳̄͋❰̷ ̶W̶ ̶A̶ ̵R̷ ̴N̶ ̶I̸ ̷N̵ ̶G̴ ̸❱̴❰̵̛̼ ̴̯̈́W̸̩͗ ̵̦͠A̸͓̽ ̸̫̒R̸͎͗ ̴̱͒Ņ̴̀ ̸̼̿Ỉ̷͇ ̶̧̿N̵̲̓ ̶̢̽G̴̞͂ ̴̡̈❱̷̞̕❰̷̖̱͐ ̴̂̕ͅW̴̡͉̃ ̵̛̫Ả̸͔̖͂ ̸̫̏R̷̻͆ ̶̰̦̌N̴͚̲̂ ̷̣̳͛̆Ḭ̴̑̐ ̸͚̗͠N̸͈̪͗̓ ̷̣̾G̸͈̔ ̵̝̝͋͝❱̷̤͌ͅ

❰̶̛̜̟̼͗W̴̡͉̃ ̵̛̫Ả̸͔̖͂ ̸̫̏R̷̻͆ ̶̰̦̌N̴͚̲̂ ̷̣̳͛̆Ḭ̴̑̐ ̸͚̗͠N̸͈̪͗̓ ̷̣̾G̸͈̔ ̵̝̝͋͝❱̷̤͌ͅ❰̵̛̼ ̴̯̈́W̸̩͗ ̵̦͠A̸͓̽ ̸̫̒R̸͎͗ ̴̱͒Ņ̴̀ ̸̼̿Ỉ̷͇ ̶̧̿N̵̲̓ ̶̢̽G̴̞͂ ̴̡̈❱̷̕❰̷ ̶W̶ ̶A̶ ̵R̷ ̴N̶ ̶I̸ ̷N̵ ̶G̴ ̸❱̴❱̷̤͌ͅ ̴̢̝͒̃Ẇ̵̼̝̄͛̃ͅ ̷͓̝͍̠̃̚A̶̡͓͐ ̵̢̋́̓R̸̗̈́̊͜ ̸̨̘̦̬͑̋N̵͎̉͊ ̵͖͐I̷̝͔̋͘ ̴͇͚̲̪͆́͊N̷͎͊̍̈́ͅ ̸̝̾Ḡ̸͔͙̻̉̋ ̷̨̺̞̮̂̈❱̶̲̲͉̳̄͋❰̷̖͐ ̴̂̕ͅ

The public execution began for the taunters (@Moonsong, @Asher, @Frey Elzeiros, @Ilya, @Sol, and @The Guy) who could not withstand the blow. A different fate awaited @Shane, who was, in fact, not in the path of the attack.

While the attack concentrated on the brave souls who taunted the matron, the beam passed over the entire squad of attackers in a swift move that may have turned the tide of battle. With the beam flattening at least half of the cone, everyone was frantically assessing the damage done. Others, meanwhile, were in a frenzy to locate their missing allies or what was left of them after the devasting beam.

Order would have collapsed entirely had it not been for the likes of the Lion leaders: Levi and Misha; the whistles: Childress, Feodan, and Arlynl; and the lone Guild representative together with Kiryuu and a very displaced Chad taking charge of what they could, gathering what allies they could to deliver the coup de grâce on the death titan if fate would take kindly on them.

Misha! Take your team and escort the support now.

The calm and collected knight leader quickly took charge of the situation and began to organize the surviving lions to focus entirely on protecting the supports, escorting them through the battlefield to heal the injured and raise the dead.

Right away, commander! (She formed a fist and put it on her heart.)

Ehe! You heard the commander, no pay for this month unless we work hard!

(To which many of the lions stopped and thought to themselves '…but we don't even get paid…' Heroism was difficult, indeed.)

The whistles, meanwhile, had already begun planning the assault on the immobile matron. Feodan and Arlyn shot a magical flare into the sky to amass a strike team that would head into battle. They weren't suicidal, however. Childress was already thinking ahead about how she and her team could open a path for the rest of the assaulting group to make it through without losing too many people to the thrashing matron and the swarm that would rip a person apart the moment they get too close.

I... I can't, Chad. Not like this. Not without my cat...

(...)

OOOOOOOH NOOOOOOOOOOO! NOT WITHOUT MY CAT! THIS AIN'T IT, BABYCHAD! (he ducks below an arm sweep.)

HANG ON, BROTHER-MAN. WE CAN DO THIS! SHE'S WAITING FOR YOU BACK AT THE CAMP!

...You don't understand. THERE'S NO WAY I - UGHAHLDTGL--!! (an unidentified flying object suddenly crashed against the king, and he dramatically rolled back as he caught it.)

As he lay there and pondered the meaning of life while recovering from the sudden impact, he could see a familiar shape flying past them. While he couldn't hear her from such a distance, the fact he could somewhat make out her voice amidst the chaos meant it could only be Regan. The king's eyebrows furrowed as he sat and up and looked below, and on his arms was...

A doll. Marvelous goldilocks drills adorned her head, and the ever grumpy visage kicked the king's engine into high gear again. The joint radiance of @Cynna's forehead and Trevis' grin shone upon the matron's face like the stars above, acting as a nod back to @Regan.

OOOOOOHAH! INDEED, BABYDOLL! OUR GOLD IS THE COIN THAT WILL PIERCE THE HEA --- UGHJALKSFLK!-- (and yet again, he rolled across the ground, this time pulled by a spectral chain.)

If you've got the energy to be shouting like that, then help me over here!!

...

Meanwhile, Chad watched the scene unfold, speechless. His mighty shoulders deflated as the king was dragged away, his efforts thus far crumbling before him like a cookie,

... Nyan?

A safe distance away from the half-flattened cone…

Horrid insects.

This was the mathematicians' first time seeing so many insects and an attack so powerful it nearly wiped out the frontliners as well…

To be brought out here like this. It wasn't what she was built for, to say the least. Yet even if she was uncomfortable with it, the numbers led her here, and they would lead everyone to victory. She did not doubt that even after witnessing the beam divide the fighting force in half and change the geometry of the cone pit. Regardless, she concentrated on the highly unique task she and her junior peers had been charged with.

Nin Nin! We're almost ready! Where does this go? Once I finish up some maintenance on the directional turret, we just need the bombs, and it'll be coo-coo for cocoa puffs!!

Nin's thoughts were interrupted by Elynn, but she didn't even scold her over the nickname this time. This time there was not even a millisecond for such division. The preparations had come along nicely. It was time to see how it all added up!

Yes, excellent! We do not need bombs. It's already fully loaded Elynn.

(Nin smiled, ignoring the fact they were in the middle of a bug-infested hellscape for a moment.)

The mind has not yet finished with this red menace! All of these insects are now set for deletion! Haha! I never doubted the sum for a moment.

Nin's eyes looked upon the flowing substance within the Serenity Cannon. This was... not the safest measure by a long shot, but they had no choice, and this would also assist Nin's future research. However, they had to survive this first. No matter the negatives!

@Kaede Hoshi @Corsair @Fiora Di Angelo @Celestine, and @Pollux! 14000 divided by 2 is not an acceptable quota. The time has come to show the power of the Serenity Cannon! We have to gather others to fire it. The mixture within this is a far more volatile mix of the mist used on us. It will be extremely hazardous if we misfire and take quite some energy even to use...

(She adjusted her glasses as her voice became slightly shaky)

Overuse could be fatal. So please only one addition from all who take the controls.

The makeshift Serenity Cannons were complete, five of them in fact, allowing anyone with a modicum of aim to deal considerable damage to the enraged matron. The only problem was…

Critical Failure

1

The cannons were broken because of the concentrated energy that had resulted from the nasty attack. The MIT was going to have to put their head together again to troubleshoot before the cannons can be used.

Oh my god! It's a bug! We're all going to dieeee!

(Elynn panicked when she realized what had happened.)

Deep within the matron's backfold was @Shane, who had lost any semblance of shape. It was difficult to tell where the boundary of her physical form stopped, and the matron's began. The glowing girl was no longer fully herself, capable of muddled thoughts, yet incapable of speech or action, a monument to the hubris of man who think they can master the unknowns. Reminiscing was about the only thing she could do as she awaited her terrible fate.

With everything going on at once, the matron lifted its head again and expelled a massive black orb from its mouth. The orb, which took the shape of the attack from earlier, floated up about 100 feet above it, slowly collecting the visible radiance of the magical vortex that had provided light for the battle up until now. Anyone within or without the conal recess could feel the subtle movement of winds being sucked into the orb, which began to amass in size.

❰ Play Post ❱

Asch · Jul 24, 2022

Everyone! Nin Nin! We have identified the bug that is preventing the cannons from blasting off!

Elynn gleefully gathered @Kaede Hoshi @Bluebird @Cynna @Cleo Looker so they can see their work coming together to resolve the issues.

Hmm, hmm, hmm... I see. So because of 2.2*518x with a deviation of 1/2 the magical energy in the air is spinning the regurgitating coils too quickly and therefore we could not cool down the rearticulating spline until the moment of the shot...

Simple fix. Excelsior job, everyone. This should be an easy equation to solve. Let's get it working now.

(She adjusted her glasses.)

B-but... which person among us know how to use a cannon? Ecks Dee.

Nin, Elynn, and some of the other background characters turned and looked at the large man with the boom-boom on his hand down at the battlefield. @Brutus Dahlgren

Just copy him... I suppose... and pray it doesn't quadratically blow up in our faces...

And with that, the cannon preparation was complete.

Orbservation

Meanwhile, the assault on the ominous floating orb continued. By this point, the orb has grown a lot larger than before. A whistle scout noted that whenever the orb is hit by some kind of magical hindering skill (SP), the orb would wobble, dispelling tiny specks of smaller black orbs outward.

However, whenever the orb is hit with any kind of magical attacks (HP), cracks would appear. When they do, the Nullification condition in the attacker's UI would blink faster, according to the reports coming in.

❰ Play Post ❱

Asch · Jul 23, 2022

@Ludmilla Orphys, the moment you indulge your appetite with the taste of death, your UI began to flash warnings.

Notice

Warning.

Extreme Incompatibility detected.

Proceed?

Narrator Note: Make a decision in the roll channel, this interaction will be resolved OOCly.

…

Childress stood still amid the onslaught of the swarm crowding around her, her sharp albeit weary eyes taking note of the most minute of the insect titan's movements as the Beastlord manifestation ripped and clawed through any enemy that approached her. Although everyone had just been fighting up until that point, including her, she spent the majority of her time analyzing the enemy. In an unknown territory, a whistle's observation skill is the difference between life and death.

Through her observation, the White Whistle was perplexed. Releasing the orb clearly damaged the matron the moment it released from its mouth. What was the orb for? Why did it release the orb?

With all of the time and experience she had traveling through the Tangleweaves, the behavior did not make sense. Unless... The Fever was overriding its basal instinct, one cannot trust a demon-ruined beast to behave as it should. However, not knowing what was about to happen was not the same as not knowing how to act. She let her training and experience inform her decisions. They should expect the worst and prepare accordingly.

Arlyn, time to burn! Feodan, cover us!

ON IT, BOSSSSSSSS!!!

The fox shouted back in response, as the flames surrounding her body kicked up to the next level of intensity.

HMPH!!!

The Mountain meanwhile, grabbed onto his whistle and transformed it into a large shield as he followed the felis' charge.

Childress and her team acted as vanguard, escorting many of the finishers past the swarm, which are either torn to pieces by the Beastlord spirit, swatted away by Feodan's shield, or burst into flame from Arlyn's flame. Meanwhile, Childress watched the insect titan's movement like a hawk as the group was in reach of the matron's wrathful retaliation.

OVERHEAD!

Seconds after Childress vocalized her warning, a gigantic insectoid arm crashed down on her at incredible speed, kicking up a cloud of dust and mud. When the dust cleared, Feodan could be seen was barely holding up the matron's fist with his shield, which had cracked into a hundred pieces immediately after absorbing the full force of the attack. In a split second, a flash of lightning could be seen shooting up the matron along with Childress, who opened up the arm for Arlyn's flame, followed by a barrage of attacks from herself and the finishers she escorted to the frontline.

A pained screech can be heard as the matron swung her free arm at the attackers, intending on smearing them on the muddy ground, and would have succeeded had it not been for Kiryuu’s chain had swinging around the matron’s arm several times at the last second before it tightened when he and several travelers and landers alike pulled on it, stopping the matron from executing its attack.

PULL! PULL! PULL! HARDER! PULL LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT, 'CAUSE IT GODDAMN DOES!

I’M PULLING, RYUUBABY! THIS IS NOTHING LIKE DANCING WITH GOLEMS! KEEP PULLING, BABIES!

HHHHRGGH! THIS THING'S NO SHEEP! SERIOUSLY! I'M MAXING OUT, BROTHER-MAN!

The immobile Kurungaar Mother thrashed in desperation as its locked arm opening it up to a flurry of attacks from the expeditionaires, who somehow managed to break their limits and turned the battle at the last second. With the Fate Chain immobilizing the matron and the combined attacks dealing the fatal blow, the final screech boomed across the area before the sound of the insectoid gargantuan mass could be heard colliding into the ground.

Dread and silence filled the air as all the fever fliers fell to the muddy ground, inert. The hive was dead and its drone was dead.

Cheers erupted across the battlefield as travelers and landers alike howled their victory, relishing in the catharsis of felling a deadly foe. After all, they won, right?

Childress watched the presumptuous celebration, though did not join in. Something about the climax of the battle didn't feel right to her.

The matron's enlarged head had long stopped glowing menacingly…

But the fever fliers did not.

Critical Failure

1

In the matter of seconds, a red glow burn inside the eye sockets of the previously-inert flying insects as they sprung back to life. Their demonically enraged buzzing cut the celebration short as the attacking force stumbled to defend themselves from the flying insects. However, rather than attacking the near-dead expedition, they shot up hundreds of feet up to the orb that had been cracked moments ago by those who had made it their life mission to demolish it.

The fliers landed on the umbral sphere en masse, gnawing away at the demonic orb. It would have been a harrowing sight for some to see the pitch black amalgamation lit up by tens of thousands of red dots covering the orb. They brunched and munched, guzzled with their muzzle until nothing was left before collecting into a swarm and descended on their lifeless carrier. One could hear the sound of the insects breaking open the matron's exterior to burrow orb bits into the the matron.

For hundreds of years, the Yladians have defended the rest of the world from the horror of the north. Those of you may recall the time when the Yladians' abandonment of their land had led to the founding of the Starcalled Nation, Astorea. But why?

The realization might have dawned on a few among you.

Imagine an enemy so terrifying that even the god-tasked elves abandoned their post.

Even in death, the corpse continued to puppeteer the Kurungaar Mother, ruining everything within sight.

The world prays that you do not meet your end just yet, for it was not yet the time.

However, an introduction was indeed overdue

S̵̲̋̔K̸͉̘̮͕̽̽͜Ṟ̷̛͉̥̏̐́̅E̴̻̺̲̦̽̎Ê̷̠͚̬̏̎Ḛ̸͍̊̂̕̕E̴̛̘͖̙̣͛̓̈́E̵̖̤͛O̸͚̝̲̙̙̫̍̈O̴̘̙̫͈͔̤͛͐͗̋̕Ơ̸̜̆̂̽̚Ỏ̴͍̲̙̞͑̽Ó̸͔̟̺̅̀̆͜Ọ̶̘̝̉̀O̸̲͔̲̗̬͛̈͂O̴͕̳̮̰͛̌O̸̭̱̭̩̿́̃͝R

Insolent. Insolent. Insolent. Insolent! INSOLENT!

To be executed and shamed by the moving bags of meat and blood...

The demon-ruined matron would make sure that every single one of you suffer.

It will rise again and fertilize the bountiful earth your blood and guts as an offering to the world.

Die die die die die die DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE!

The demon blood coursed within its vein boiled, stirring it from the momentary slumber.

The matron's body mutated, twisted, and started to lose its insectoid shape as the fever ticked up to eleven, which was far past any hidden limit that might have been there. Human arms burst out from the nub where the matron's broken insectoid legs used to sit. Demon horns broke through the gelatinous eyeballs as human-like teeth pushed the monstrous teeth that lined the matron's limp maw. And to finish the matron's transformation, wings made of ribs broke through the crush chitin on its back. The matron

The familiar crackle of red lightning began gathering the matron's mouth. The bright light cast a long shadow behind you as you stood there, helplessly watching Urukkhan readied himself for a reaping.

Thump-thump...

The sound of a heartbeat could be heard across the death-lit battlefield.

Thump-thump...

The beat grew louder, overriding the buzzing and the vortex of death energy.

THUMP-THUMP!

Anyone with a passive awareness of 50 or more will be able to see a pulsating glowing red mass growing inside of the matron's back folds.

GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM THE BUG, NOW!!!

The explosion was so bright that not even closing your eyes could stop the flood of light blinding you and it was so loud that the surrounding became completely silent. All of the air around the matron was instantaneously funneled into a singularity that was Shane. Anyone who was caught in this funneling of winds would have immediately burned up (2439 points of damage). The resulting blast turned the conal recess into a sphere of liquified earth.

When and if the senses return to your battered body, you can look up at the completely silent world and admire the hole in the dusky clouds, heralding a new day, a well-earned victory, a fever gone, and the introduction to an enemy you are not yet ready for.

Return home, travelers and relish in celebrations and one another's company.

Enjoy yet another day in paradise.

The world continues to watch you with bated breath.

❰ Play Post ❱

(Story Tracker) Red Fever

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