Open Tertus Valley Wingbeast Upon Starry Mounts

[Cain Darlite]

Star Heights. A natural barricade that pierced the clouds themselves. Of all that the Tertus Valley offered, this was perhaps what offered the greatest promise as to what laid beyond the Edge of Tomorrow, beyond the Calamity Deep. On clear nights, the stars were rumored to be so near and clear that one could hear their demise, stretching from thousands upon thousands of years past. On clear days, the horizon itself would bend as one was afforded views brilliant and immaculate, distant terrains promising yet more adventure, yet more lands unexplored. And for those who could not be swayed by merely the enjoyment of the climb, the Star Springs offered the sorts of zany, sketchy health benefits that any Japanese onsen would offer.

Funny thing, for such a place to be in North America.

But even at the base of the mountain, Cain Darlite, Flagbearer of Miracles and man who was desperately needing a shower after escorting a merchant caravan to Gardibrook for a frankly gross amount of time, could smell a stench most horrid and most unrelated to his current state of affairs. White bones peaked out over piles of rock, remnants of climbers dropped from on high and then pecked clean of their flesh. Amongst the clouds, four-winged monstrosities circled, searching for prey, and no doubt, the fabled Star Springs themselves would be infested by the oversized monkeys. And while he could certainly obliterate them all, given enough planning and caution…

Storm gray eyes flicked about, in search of a fellow climber to team up with.

…hiking alone was quite the bore!

 

[Gutsy Ironvolt]

"HAH! AND HERE I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO BE THE ONLY ONE HERE! CAME ALL THIS WAY THINKING IT WOULD JUST BE ME VERSUS THE MOUNTAIN AND WHAT DO I FIND BUT ANOTHER PERSON LOOKING TO TEST THEMSELVES AGAINST ALL THE BASTARDS INHABITING THIS UGLY ROCK!"

Approaching the trail, Regan noticed a dark-haired man dressed in all white. Walking up next to him, Regan who seemed to be in a good mood today, decided to strike up a conversation.

"Well, I guess I don't really know why you're here but if you tell me it's because you felt like going on a little nature walk, I'm going to be disappointed. I was told that this mountain had some real challenges to face... WHICH MAKES IT THE PERFECT PLACE TO TEST MY SELF! HAH!"

Regan shouted towards the mountain.

"YOU HEAR THAT MOUNTAIN, REGAN FUTURE VAMPIRE QUEEN OF THIS WORLD IS COMING TO CONQUER YOU AND EVERY MONSTER, BEAST, AND CHALLENGE YOU PUT IN FRONT OF HER! HAHAHA!"

Turning back to the man with a grin, Regan posed a question.

"So then, why are you here? You're not just a tourist are you?"

@Cain Darlite

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

.

It didn't felt particulary smart to follow the unusual shouting going on, but she did so anyways after leaving the group of... Players? NPCs? She couldn't tell them apart, but they acted as natural as any truck driver would in real life after offering you a lift, minus the truck of course. And what she found:

A fancy-looking man ala Wonka, but on white instead of dark shades of purple, and the equivalent of a harpy, based solely on just how loud she is, and the worst? It didn't stop there apparently, as this woman went off to challenge and shout at the mountains and whatever lies on the very top. She couldn't deny to feel somewhat curious about her intensity, almost inspiring on it's own way, like there really wasn't anything the world could do to stop her. On the other hand, the far more reserved (looking) man didn't look like the kind to just wake up and go out to climb mountains.

"Alright, alright-" She chuckled in-between lines, having a hard time to hold it together at this point. "-You proved you are not a NPC and you are a player, miss." Amusement dripped from her voice, making these the first set of words before she made her approach to the strange duo, a smile faintly growing upon her lips. "Mind If I tag along you two? If Vampire Queen over here said there is challenge up above, then there's gotta be something interesting, aside of a nice view." At least that much she could reasonably guess.

The view wasn't nice enough, not from down here, but a clear peek across the clouds revealed little to her once she got close enough to the base. Spinning on her heel, a flamboyant twirl from her right hand gestured to the both of them, in a slow but practiced manner. "How about you, Mr. Wonka? Fancy yourself a climbing group?" She added. It would be a perfect time to send a party invitation!

If only she knew how...

@Cain Darlite @Regan

 

[Cain Darlite]

Well, Cain likely didn’t need to turn to look around after all, when he could hear someone else coming from a mile away. Bodacious and loud-mouthed, as if someone had caps-locked their voice, a wild-haired woman with the ferocity of a lioness emerged, her very presence promising a storm of outsized violence, her every gesture empowered by her overwhelming ambition. For a moment there, he was silent, frozen at the mention of the ‘vampire queen’.

But that was coincidental. It had to be. And either way, he would be remiss to let such a reckless Traveller off on her own. It wasn’t the gentleman’s way, after all.

As for the other one, however…oh, how wonderful! The flourishes of nobility, accompanied yet by the whimsy of a charlatan. There was a familiar glint in the emerald eyes of the lady, one that perhaps granted commonality between herself and the more outspoken vampire-aspirant, but that, once again, was no particular matter. Bloodthirsty buds flourished into the most brilliant blossoms within Terrasphere, so long as one safeguarded them from the full might of the tempest. And regardless, there was no need to refuse an invitation that he would have proposed merely two steps after.

“Allow me,” the midnight-haired muse replied, his gloved hairs dancing across an interface only he could see. Moments later, the invitation manifested before the two ladies. “It is an honour indeed, to ascend these infested steps alongside the Once-and-Future Sanguine Sovereign and a Lady Knight of such sheathed savagery. Though I’ve descended down towards the lowest lows before, seeking the aureate gleam within the guts of the Dissonant, the celestial symphony now call to me from the highest highs, and I am gladdened that such valorous souls are willing to join me on this journey.”

He extended his arm, and from within his sleeve, a viscous shadow seeped out, entwining within the palm of his hand as a crimson glow leaked out from within the coalesced material. It extended further and further, an ornate spear craft of an inferno’s death-knell, before the backspike struck the stone, sounding out a choir most harmonious. Aether-like, fabrics wove themselves from the substance of reality and became a banner for the forsaken and the heroic alike, carried on by cosmic winds unfelt by mortal flesh.

“I am Cain Darlite, once the Flagbearer of Miracles and now but a muse with no repute, searching for the answers that rest beyond the furthest frontiers. The stars themselves have aligned upon our union, and it would be a pleasure to learn of your names, fellow Starcalled…” A smile towards Regan. “...though I understood you have already declared yourself towards this mountain most deathly.”

 

[Gutsy Ironvolt]

Regan had no idea what this man was talking about or even saying, but she liked his Flag.

"HAHAHA! I LIKE YOUR FLAGPOLE, LOOKS LIKE IT WOULD BE GOOD FOR RUNNING PEOPLE THROUGH!"

Still, Regan understood that whatever the man was saying he was saying it respectfully so it was fine. As for the other woman...

"So you're up for a challenge as well, eh? HAH! GOOD! AND HERE I THOUGHT YOU TWO MIGHT BE THE BORING TYPES THAT JUST WANT TO WALK AROUND AND PICK FLOWERS! LOOKS LIKE I WAS WRONG!"

Regan beamed.

"ANYONE WILLING TO CHALLENGE A MOUNTAIN AND ALL THE HARDSHIPS, MONSTERS, AND HORRORS IT HAS IN STORE JUST FOR THE HELL OF IT IS OKAY IN MY BOOK! AS I SAID, MY NAME'S REGAN, FUTURE VAMPIRE QUEEN OF THIS WORLD! I'VE HEARD THERE WAS ALREADY A VAMPIRE QUEEN OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, BUT THAT JUST MEANS I HAVE TO DEFEAT HER AND TAKE THE TITLE! HAHAHA!"

Regan looked back on the mountain.

"SO, WHEN WE GETTING STARTED?!"

@Cain Darlite @Fiora Di Angelo

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

.

The easy part proved to be accepting the invasive notification to form a party. The hard one? To keep her awe from dropping her jaw once this enigma of a man spoke, with an eloquence befit of a bard, a storyteller who just so happened to be ready to weave yet another tale for his repertoire. Green gaze averted from him only to take notice of what greedy darkness begun to stir out of his sleeve until his 'weapon' revealed itself and suddently his introduction connected the final dots for her. Flagbearer... A support? She disregarded the ideas of mechanical thinking for a moment with a shook of her head, straightening her posture which slacked as all brainpower focused on mind and sight alone.

"Woah." She managed to mutter, clearing her throat seconds after just to prepare practiced lines for the ocassion. "Very well, former Flagbearer. I am Fiora D'angelo, no titles save for the one you just bestowed upon me. You seek answers, and so do I, so let us make haste least the sun departs before we reach the summit." Her left hand pulled up her interface for a second, materializing a sheathed arming sword for her to catch once gravity begun to take hold of it. Lacking in any wear and tear just from the looks of the midnight-blue scabbard alone. She pressed the iron chape against the ground infront of her, hands resting upon it's pommel.

Their quite noble and immersive exchange was cut down short by the overwhelming presence and vocal cords Regan possessed, blank stare as her own voice felt deaf in comparison, and the bloodthirst present on the vampire madam would have been the drop to collapse her patience, until- Perhaps this is how Regan's keeps herself 'in-character'? Not everyone liked to play the noble and melodramatic afterall.

"You are not wrong in my case. A florilegium has plenty of utility, and it can be quite informative for anyone unaware of their medical use. But to challenge this mountain feels like a much more rewarding experience, so I'll follow after your example." She concluded, sharing a look back to the oh so woefully obstacle they were just about to set themselves up for. A frown crossed her features, eyes dropped back to Regan, landing on Cain a moment after.

"Maybe the current vampire queen lives on top of the mountain. That would explain her boldness right now." She teased, a little smirk and a quick side-eye to Regan. Maybe that would pump her up like she expects. "Well, it depends on what you two are capable of, maybe we can formulate a plan that way? I can certainly be of use. The arcane is certainly useful to create stepping stones like I've been using it, but I can't say it will carry us all the way up there."

@Cain Darlite @Regan

 

[Cain Darlite]

“No, she doesn’t.”

A deathly certainty cut through the dramatic pretensions of all three players, Cain’s voice thick with a grudge that seemed almost personal. But in the next moment, he splayed his hand and rotated his wrist, bending it eastwards flamboyantly, as if a dancer paying reverence before the orchestra began.

“After all, would it not be more appropriate that the Vermillion Rose reside within Norfova. Such a blood-stained blight upon the land, stalked by creatures of the night as it already is, would be undoubtedly suitable for an entity so fiendish as the vampire queen.” He laughed, kicking up the base of his flagpole and balancing it perfectly upon his shoulder. “But yes, mountains are forever patient, but the sun is not. Let us depart at a conversational haste!”

Thus, they did, the muse’s banner dancing in the wind as Cain took the lead. There was a certain rhythm to his steps, a certain sway to his gait, as if his very body moved to the soft whistling that a hiker may have had on an easy route. And though the mountain path was steep even from the start, his companions could also feel the lightness of their body, each press of their foot against the gravel and stone causing a slight bounce in return. In the absence of music or overt motion, harmonic magic had enveloped them all, granting them a swiftness that made the first leg of the trip almost leisurely.

And as the effects became obvious, Cain turned back to face Fiora, giving her a tip of his hat. Even for one so verbose as himself, it appeared that he opted for spellcraft over soliloquy, as they made their way up and up, where the stones became more jagged, where the switchbacks became more treacherous.

Where bones of travellers and monsters intermingled, their bodies broken at some parts and…severed cleanly in halves at other parts.

Curious.

 

[Gutsy Ironvolt]

As the trio began their climb, Regan looked to Cain.

"Wait, what the hell is a Vermillion Rose? You're saying there's already a vampire queen? That's her name and she lives in Norfova? And here I thought I was the only vampire here. Still, if she's calling herself queen it just means I need to dethrone her."

Grinning, Regan nodded to herself.

"HAHA! YEAH, IF THERE'S ALREADY A QUEEN THEN I'LL JUST TAKE HER SPOT! SIMPLE AS THAT! Of course, she's probably strong so I guess it's going to take me a bit in this world before I can go smash down her castle. Who knows, maybe if I defeat her and drink her blood I'll be even stronger! HAHAHA MAN, IT'S GOOD TO HAVE GOALS!"

It was an altogether simple solution to the world having two vampire queens, though carrying out the task of usurping this 'Vermillion Rose' would probably take quite some time.

As the trio continued their way up the mountain and came across what looked like the remnants of a battle, Regan would bend down to observe the bones.

"Looks like something was hungry. You all think it was one thing that did this?

@Cain Darlite @Fiora Di Angelo

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

.

Her eyes caught glimpse of Cain just then as the ambience turned heavy for a moment much like the air that choked any words out of her throat right now, all lifted like a curtain the moment his mannerisms and tone returned to their former selves, and everything felt like sweet honey once again. The enthusiasm Regan displayed to his share of information was unsurprising. Worrisome on a lesser degree, yet even a maniac like herself could comprehend power differences, despite the bloodthirst being held back like a chained beast waiting to break loose at any moment.

"I heard little about Norfova. Only that death awaits whoever steps in these cursed lands. You should grow stronger and be patient until it's safe to travel if you really want to slay that ghoul of a queen." She mused, tagging along once he begun to lead the march, hand over the scabbard just below the guard .

Cain seemed to be the one struggling the least with the uneven terrain, although Regan herself didn't seem to mind it as much as she did, at least until her mind wrapped around the concept of 'light as a feather'. Closer inspection to the party didn't earn her anything, not until Cain outted himself as the culprit of such blessings, despite not a single twitch of his fingers nor incantation mouthed for such a magical presence to take a hold of them. Fiora returned his tipping with half-a-smirk and a grateful nod.

With introductions long left behind and a path that progressively increased, both on the complex and macabre alike, from bones to severed frames from creature and traveler alike. The meat stripped from their bodies, or what fragments are left of them. Yet the stains beneath them were testament of a crime scene.

Fiora shook off her head once Regan focused on detective work, kneeling down next to her, index finger aimed at the remnants. "See that? Blood's dried up already. Whatever did this has been doing it for quite sometime. Bloodstains last for years, sunlight wears off the colour, and rain washes the evidence. Can't tell when's the last time it rained around here though. Eitherway, we got ourselves a big deal, or several." She stood back up, giving few quick pats to Regan's right shoulder "Looks like the mountain's teasing you with a fight already, eh?" She snickered, turning back at Cain, quizzical. "You got my attention now. I hope this is worth these answers you are looking for."

@Cain Darlite @Regan

 

[Cain Darlite]

Bodies broken by gravity, but bones sliced open with precision that even some swordsmen would find difficult to replicate. Cain lingered himself at the sight of the corpses, but Fiora was more or less correct. Without a strong grasp on the weather systems, it was hard to tell how long it had been since these desiccated remains were left to bleach in the sun, and more importantly…

It was too low. While the trio had made it up a fair bit the switchbacks, the sheer cliffs of the Star Heights themselves remained further off still. Over here, there were slopes steep enough that one could die from enough impacts, but the preference of the Ascent Reaper was for a singular drop, a clean kill to keep the prey soft. Questions emerged from analysis, questions that had absolutely nothing to do with what Cain originally set out to do, and the midnight-haired muse scoffed. “Explorers and investigators both seek the truth, but as for the latter, I certainly am not.”

There were no wingbeats, but he could feel it all the same. The metronome of fate, swinging ever faster. Shadows flicking down the ascending slopes, cast by birds of prey who were diving far too deep, far too fast! Ascent Reapers, solitary hunters, but in a flock of six!

His flag swung out, harmonic magics already surging around his companions. A deathly slope was behind them, and their opponents struck at speeds that would put Dynamicists to shame!

But what of it?!

“The Reapers are bold, to challenge myths in the making when their diet consists only of lone travellers, unsuspecting of their ambush. Break their beaks and shatter their bones, ladies, and allow this humble bard to finish what remains in the aftermath of your rondos!”

Ascent Reapers (?) x 6
(Tier 2) These appear to be avians who are opportunistic predators that prefer to hunt easy targets.

LP 4
DC 50
Retal 40
Easy Picking. The person with the lowest Reflex score take an extra 15 Retal each cycle the avians are still alive (the extra Retal does not apply on the turn the birds are killed). If there is a tie, compare Fortitude, and then Will.

???. Triggered upon total destruction.

 

[Gutsy Ironvolt]

90 / 145

-55 HP retal dmg

"HAHA! DON'T HAVE TO TELL ME TWICE, THIS IS WHAT I CAME HERE FOR!"

Without a moment's notice, Regan's wings unfurled as she procured her katana, Usurper's Edge.

"CARMILLA!"

Out of the woman's sternum, a sword handle appeared as if it had impaled her. Regan grabbed the sword handle with her free hand ripping it out of herself to reveal a second katana with a blade of liquid blood.

"LET'S SHOW THESE UGLY PIECES OF BIRD SHIT WHO THEY'RE MESSING WITH! HAHAHA! YOU JUST MADE A MISTAKE BIRDMEN, THIS IS WHY I CAME TO THIS MOUNTAIN IN THE FIRST PLACE, TO FIGHT, MAIM, KILL, AND CONQUER!"

Launching herself at the Ascent Reapers with unbridled blood lust, Regan met the reapers in combat.

"SHOW ME WHAT YOU'RE MADE OF!

Approaching the first, Regan swung Usurper's Edge lopping its head off with ease.

"IS THAT IT! I THOUGHT THIS WAS GOING TO BE HARD!"

At the loss of their companion, several of the reapers rushed Regan angrily stabbing and slashing wildly. Though Regan had gotten better at aerial combat, she was still no expert. Though avoiding the most devastating of attacks, several glancing blows still landed.

"HAHAHA! COME ON! YOU'VE GOT MORE THAN THAT!"

Taking her soul-forged blade, Carmilla, Regan threw the blade out. As soon as the blade left Regan's hand it would be gain to spin quickly like a buzzsaw flying out, the blade would rip through even more of the Reapers leaving a gorey path in its wake.

Opening her fanged mouth, the blood of slain reapers began to flow into and down Regan's throat painting Regan's mouth and lips scarlet.

"MOOORE!"

@Cain Darlite @Fiora Di Angelo

Rolls

-2 LP Ascent Reapers

Normal Attack
1d100 (96) + 15 + 0 + 15 = 126
126 damage

Hemomancy | Regan

Ascent Reapers LP

2 / 4

Sheet

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

100 / 140

-40 HP retal dmg

Words were cut short as her reply would need a moment, the birds of prey set their sights upon them and the first to jump into the fray was Regan herself, carving a path of blood and gore, paying the Reapers with a taste of their own medicine by displaying brutality far past anything she's seen.

Her stomach recoiled at the sight, so realistic for a game it almost froze her in spot, where it not for the threat of being splashed with blood and bird anatomy that got her to create an arcane rectangle just above herself and the bard-in-white, sending it off to the side once the scarlet coat drenched it, leaving the pair safe from a shower.

"Blood's a pain to get rid of." She smirked right back at him, ethereal blades summoned next to Cain, six of them, with three on each side targetting the Reapers and waiting for any to so dare to get close to impale them before he would even need to dodge.

Having set the protection for their support, Fiora unsheathed her blade and reversed it's grip, raw magic flowing across the metal as lightning crackled and she sent three magical cuts through the closest target to Regan as she basked in a bloody meal, searing wind combined with the deadly accuracy of a blade and the power of creation alike, panels forming with each step she did to boost her height and reach up to her companion to assist in the onslaught. Almost all of them were dead by now thanks to the massacre the vampire queen left behind, but she found no small amount of work once the flash of her powers caught the attention of the remaining flock that took it upon them to sear her with beak and claw alike.

A risky move, but pulled off efficiently with one supercharged blade to cut it in half, taking aggression over mobility that meant trading blows with.

"Come on Cain! Put that flag to use and skewer some!" Both encouragement and an actual call for help, masked through bravado.


@Regan @Cain Darlite

Rolls

-1 LP Ascent Reapers

Protect
1d100 (77) + 10 + 0 = 87
87 damage
Give 1 ally in your zone the Protected status (@Cain Darlite )
Arcanamancy | Fiora Di Angelo

Ascent Reapers LP

1 / 4

Playsheet

 

[Cain Darlite]

150 / 170

-20 HP from Retaliation (Protected!)

Regan’s savagery did not surprise at all, but there was delight too in consistency and predictability, the Beastkin swordswoman rising with a blade craft of her own blood. She ran the riot within the air, an aerial artisan whose craft was bloodshed, and where her own defenses flagged, Fiora stepped up to assist, leaping up upon translucent scaffolding, swords and sorceries the very essence of the storm. Twas a dazzling and promising display indeed, though it was at least somewhat bemusing to see that the woman had deigned to protect him, rather than Regan.

The flock was reduced to one, in due time, and finding no respite between the bloodstained usurper and the braggadocious swordswoman, the final Ascent Reaper did something truly uncharacteristic.

It dove down to attack Cain and, for its efforts, found its left wing weighed down by a heavy force. The bird was forced to swerve, its other wing breaking itself against the bard’s own body, before it smashed into rock. A quick, unkind death for the purported ‘rulers’ of the Star Heights. And yet, all this was still…strange. For all that adventurers themselves saw, beasts were not the same as monsters. The latter were driven by an instinct to destroy without cause, their intelligence supplanted by a homicidal instinct. Beasts though? They killed only to eat, and if they turned from predator to prey, especially with their ambush detected, retreat, not prolonged effort, was the way to go.

“Mysterious indeed…”

And as the bodies dashed themselves against stone, all three party members could see it. A strange substance, too dark to be fresh blood, seeping out from the corpses of the Ascent Reaper. It coalesced, six ‘threads’ weaving together into the form of a large worm, before it immediately darted for the depths of the slope, attempting to escape into the recesses of the mountain!

Rolls

Counter
1d100 (12) + 25 + 20 = 57
57 damage
Counter failed. No additional damage dealt and no damage reduction
Astramancy | Cain Darlite | 533

Ascent Reapers (?)

0 / 4

Parasitic (?) Dispersal Triggered upon total destruction. Releases a Black Worm (?) into surroundings.

Play Sheet

Black Worm (?)
(Tier 0) A wriggling little thing, the size of one's hand. Perhaps not good to eat.

LP 1
DC 100
Retal 0
Self-Preservation If not killed on the turn after it emerges, will retreat from combat and disappear.

 

[Gutsy Ironvolt]

90 / 145

-55 HP retal dmg

Flying back down to the others, Regan grinned through her blood-splattered face.

"HAH! NOT BAD FOR A BUNCH OF BIRDS, STILL THEY DIDN'T STAND MUCH OF A CHANCE AGAINST ME! HAHAHA!"

As Regan landed she noticed the disgusting black worm that wriggled out of one of the beast's corpses.

Scowling, Regan took the edge of her blade and made a quick slash at it hoping to sever it in two in one fel swoop. Unfortunately, the worm was much more spry than Regan had expected. As she swung the tip of her blade at the creature, the worm suddenly jolted aside then quickly began wriggling away to escape.

"Disgusting. Was that thing hiding in the creatures? I'm glad I didn't accidentally eat it. I imagine it's not good for your stomach to have one of those little monsters wriggling around in there. Either of you two know what the hell that is?"

@Cain Darlite @Fiora Di Angelo

Rolls

@Malzel
Normal Attack
1d100 (14) + 15 + 0 + 15 = 44
44 damage
Hemomancy | Regan

Black Worm LP (DC 100)

1 / 1

Sheet

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

100 / 140

Fiora didn't even see Cain defend himself, or perhaps her eyes failed her in the same way the creature's assault did. She set up her own defenses for him, sure, yet to see him fell the beast in such an uncharacteristic manner was almost ominous on it's own. Regan by all means is no less scary with her brutal headfirst style, yet the cliche of the man who stays behind and undermines their own strength through word is always ready to bite back those who believe it.

"Well that's kinda anti-climatic, not gonna lie. I expected a bit more than that." She added, throwing a swing downwards as the blood coating the edge splashed onto the ground. Most of it at least, but by the time she tried to sheathe it back, a creature weaved to existence, parasistic in nature, and surprisingly nimble if it could avoid Regan's assault just like that.

Raising her sword high up, several blue copies of it begun to show up just in the path of this very worm. "No idea but I don't like that it's running away!" A mean-spirited scowl coated her visage as her hand dropped and the many blades begun to drop like rainfall at incredible speeds, yet her target begun to quickly side-step and zig zag around the path she begun to carve with magic, the intensity of her efforts finding no success as the bug proved faster than ever despite the overwhelming threat that loomed atop of it's head.

"Well colour me surprised, that thing's fast." A questioning glance given back to Cain. "It's just a bug, no big deal. Doubt it's gonna come back now without these birds to hide in." And finally her weapon returned to it's scabbard with one quick push, right hand dropping against her waist. "Next time though Regan, give me a headsup before you go all ballistics so I can, y'know, shield you?"


@Regan @Cain Darlite

Rolls

Steady Attack
6d20 exploding (20 + 2 + 2 + 8 + 11 + 2 + 20 + 17) + 10 + 0 = 92
92 damage (Explosions: 2)

Arcanamancy | Fiora Di Angelo

Black Worm LP

1 / 1

Playsheet

 

[Cain Darlite]

150 / 170

Within the flurry of Fiora’s flying blades, which corralled the worm’s path with density alone, Cain lunged in. One hand grasped the base of his flagpole, the other splayed outwards to support it, and with a move reminiscent more of billiards than any proper form of sportsmanship, the darkened mass shot out and catching the worm mid-jump.

Black splattered against black, and then, all three of them saw something unnatural.

The space around them glitched.

A mere instant, where their UIs faltered, heads up displays blinking out, numbers and data corrupted by the simple expulsion of the thing that came out from those Ascent Reapers. An instant, where a perfectly rendered world, so realistic that it was painfully so, showed a flaw.

Cain looked at the stain, already vaporizing in the beating sunlight, and let out a drawn-out sigh. This was Tertoria after all, and Dissonance flowed freely out of the Calamity Deep in spite of the measures placed to contain it. Which meant that the Star Heights became a fair bit more dangerous, didn’t it? Was this still a place for newbies?

He didn’t have the right to decide that.

“That,” Cain spoke, turning to the others, “is a vestige of a true monstrosity, an existence so potent as to be more an unnatural disaster than anything that can truly be slain. Four years past, the Many-Eyed Maw, Titanius, sought to devour the kingdoms of Astorea and Falderen, but that was because she was chased off from Tertoria, the land whence corruption thrives and saints bleed. The Star Heights, under the protection of both heavenly dominion and consecrated leylines, would normally be free of such an affliction…but it appears that it is not.”

The question was simple then.

“Such matters are not our jurisdiction, and Dissonance itself is a perception-warping nightmare that breaks the boundaries that Terrasphere as a game establishes. Knowing this, do you two wish to continue to climb?”

Rolls

Normal Attack
1d100 (87) + 25 + 20 = 132
132 damage
Pierce Weapons | Cain Darlite | 533

Play Sheet

 

[Gutsy Ironvolt]

"HAH! SO A VESTIGE OF THAT MONSTER I'VE HEARD ABOUT?

Regan smiled.

I KNEW COMING TO THIS MOUNTAIN WAS A GOOD IDEA! HAHAHA, I THOUGHT THERE WOULD ONLY BE BEASTS AND MAYBE BANDITS TO TEST MYSELF AGAINST, BUT TO FIGHT A REAL HORROR, HAHAHA! WELL, THAT JUST TAKES THE CAKE DOESN'T IT? SO THIS MIGHT BE THE SAME MONSTER OR AT LEAST A PART OF THE MONSTER THAT WAS KILLED FOUR YEARS AGO?! HAHAHA! IF THERE'S ANYTHING LEFT OF THAT THING I WANT A PIECE OF IT!

Laughing hardly, Regan waited for Cain to point the way.

"I'LL RIP WHATEVER THE HELL IS CAUSING THIS DISSONANCE SHIT TO POP UP INTO SUCH LITTLE PIECES THE WORMS WON'T EVEN BE ABLE TO EAT IT! HAHAHA!"

Looking at the mountain Regan's eyes beamed with excitement.

Finally, something legendary to destroy! Something worth my time! I've been training and practicing for weeks now against goblins, gnolls, bandits, and other pathetic things but this is a real test now. Something I can really sink my teeth into...

Regain nodded at her two companions.

"WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR! HAHAHA, WE'VE GOT WORK TO DO AND CREATURES TO END!"

@Cain Darlite @Fiora Di Angelo

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

100 / 140

Words almost made it out of her mouth the moment Cain caught with precision what overwhelming odds could not, one single strike to put the worm down in the air, yet the very consequence of their act claimed her attention moreso than his sniping. The world bugged quite literally, as the air and her very own UI stuttered as if they were not supposed to hit that thing at all. Missing code? Perhaps an unfinished area? Fiora refused to accept this was real, yet delusion could not withstand reality's weight: This is a game, at the end of the day. And yet, his explanation did nothing but distress her further.

"Wait wait hold on, are you telling me this is and is not normal?" Both hands waved infront of the pair as to halt them before they decided to rush ahead, at least in the case of the vampire queen herself who had no issues with meeting death face to face. "I have no idea what Titanius is, but you make it sound like it should not be part of this game at all." Serious as his theatrics may sound, it ended up being Regan who confirmed her doubts, corroborating to Cain's claim and painting her in doubt. Inconclusive, Fiora stared back up to the skies, to the peak they were yet to reach, like the goal felt far more sinister, a bad omen, if something that could break the limitations of Terrasphere despite all possible warding against this Dissonance's intrusion.

She gave a defeated sigh, shoulderblades rising into an overxaggerated shrug before her right hand waved forth as per to continue their march. "No use overthinking it. Bugs and glitches ain't about to make me run away. But you call the shots if it turns out to be more than what we can handle, Cain. You are the most knowledgeable here afterall." Jade eyes locked dead on with the man once she forced her trust on his hands, metaphorically speaking. "Well, at least Regan over here doesn't give two shits what the dissonance is." As usual- Inspiring, now that she felt at odds with what's to come.

@Cain Darlite @Regan

Playsheet

 

[Cain Darlite]

Perhaps it was to be expected. Certainly, his first encounter with Dissonance, with the knowledge of a new World Boss on the horizon, was to sign up for the most difficult part of the raid and plunge head first into the nightmare that was Titanius Core. Without experience, one could not gauge danger…though even with experience, perhaps Regan wouldn’t shy away from any of it.

“Titanius was a part of the game that wholly contradicts prior experiences with it, capable of warping the minds of players to the point where they would betray their own. Psychological attacks, as opposed to…virtual ones.” It was easy enough to recall Astor himself, the Kingslayer and the Master of the Frozen Flame, turning against the rest of the raid. “So long as you’re prepared to lose your mind, let us continue.”

Though Regan’s mood remained on the up and up with each step higher, Cain moved more quietly now as they climbed past the switchbacks and scrambled upon the remnants of past avalanches. Behind them now, Tertoria’s landscape stretched outwards with a cruel majesty, large swathes of greenery sundered by fissures so deep as to be carved out by the axe of a war god. Breath came shallowly, breaks had to be taken once in a while. Conversation stilled as the air grew heavy with something else. And as they continued to climb, the sun continue to fall, sky gradating from azure to indigo, the brightest of stars now speckling the skies.

As they climbed, they could see more Ascent Reapers, their brains scattered against the slopes, their ribs exposed and entrails befouling the crisp air. Unable to bear the Dissonance that infected them. Crashing against slopes to silence the alter-sentience.

A shame, that alpine flowers and stark ridgelines were ruined by such discoveries.

But the end of monsters and beasts mattered not, when tangible dangers produced themselves once more. Lurking at the edge of the slopes, stalking at the corners of one’s vision, the rock baboons that made their home the Star Springs descended thousands of meters away from their habit, eyes blackened by the worm, fangs bared and frothing. Dozens, perhaps, bounding upon knuckles with spike-like growths, extending from limbs of mismatched lengths. Contortions of nature, whose very presence caused one’s UI to flicker and crash, HP bars pixelating while investigations revealed only garbled text.

And one by one, encouraged by the hive mind, they breathed deeply that thickening air and let out their empathic chant!

“DOOK DOOK DEEK!”

A battle was afoot, but with promise of greater struggle ahead, would it be enough to simply break through, even with the risk of being struck from behind later?

Dissonant Baboons
(Tier 2) Contorted and cursed, these baboons have lost all semblance of their bath-loving nature, and now seek only to bate in the blood of unsuspecting travellers.

LP 5
DC 60
Retal 30

Dissonant Aura. Player UIs glitch and sputter, hindering Auto-Assist users and combat loggers. These creatures are Immune to Corrupt, Dark Magic, and Animancy masteries.

Cosmic Reckoning. Disrupted by masters of the soul and forces greater than what they can warp, Astramancy and Spirit Magic have advantage against Dissonance.

Baboon Buffoonery. Recklessness runs in the blood of all simians. When LP is below 3, Retal is doubled to 60.

 

[Gutsy Ironvolt]

60 / 145

-30 HP retal dmg

As the team continued their way up the mountain, Regan was all smiles as she kept her eyes peeled for any threats that needed to be neutralized.

"YOU KNOW, I HAVE TO SAY I REALLY DO LIKE THE FRESH AIR OUT HERE! HAHAHA THE CITY IS FINE BUT THERE'S SOMETHING PRIMAL ABOUT BEING OUT HERE IN THE WILDS TESTING YOURSELF AGAINST MONSTERS. IN MY OPINION, THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO HONE YOUR STRENGTH!

Releasing her sword from her sheathe, Regan swung at some branches cutting them down in a flash. It was apparent that she was enjoying herself and if she could whistle, she would certainly be whistling a bright happy tune right now, at least until she heard the baboon.

"OH HO HO! ANOTHER FIGHT ALREADY!"

Looking at the creature, corrupted from head to foot with dissonance.

"DISGUSTING. SO THIS IS WHAT DISSONANCE DOES, HUH? WELL DON'T WORRY, I'LL PUT YOU OUT OF YOUR MISERY IN AN INSTANT! HAHAHA, YOUR HEAD IS GOING ON MY WALL, BEAST!"

Charging forward, Regan lunged at the baboon scoring a solid strike.

@Cain Darlite @Fiora Di Angelo

Rolls

@Malzel
Normal Attack
1d100 (44) + 15 + 0 + 15 = 74
74 damage
Hemomancy | Regan

Dissonant Baboon (DC 60)

4 / 5

Sheet