[18:47] {NARRATION} Ever since the last attack against Huangzhou, the Ghoul King's legion had seen weaker activity throughout Agartha. They had fallen back to their Skeleton Tower, a terrible construction of earth and bone that had risen high above the island they built it upon.

With many of the undead called back to Dawn due to Arthur Rowan's awakening, the Ghoul King's forces were waning even more than they were before the losses they had suffered. But still, the necromancer persisted.

Dark clouds had accumulated around the tower and in the sky while the undead lord was biding his time. Now would be the best time to strike. A team of heroes from each affected settlement banded together and journeyed off toward the tower to end everything once and for all.

Upon their arrival, the group found many of the encampments around the structure empty and abandoned. Tents and wooded barracks that had held the many undead soldiers were left behind while the Ghoul King brought his forces together in within the Skeleton Tower itself.

Some straggling undead could be seen shambling in the smoke and smog, and in the dead of this terrible, final night, the force of Agartha's finest chose to strike.
[18:50] {NARRATION} Among these accursed fields behind a boulder, the seven found themselves about a mile from the tower itself with several options of how to advance forward through the mist.
[18:58] A long road brought the lot of them to this very place, one that had been discovered out of luck, truly. If it weren't for the dragon returning there, they never would have known where the Ghoul King's army hailed from. Ethan still believed it to be a miracle that he was alive. His lips parted as he gave a few thoughts out on the way there.

"You guys are sure you wanna do this, yeah?" He asked, mainly asking himself that very question in the process. His wandered from one destroyed building to a half-torn tent. Had their plan to attack been caught? Were they expected? A few gestures brought forth flames to the straggling undead, hopefully catching them out before they entered the mist, coming to a stop not too far.

"We shouldn't split up. I've got a feeling this mist is gonna try to make us feel lost even if we're right next to eachother."
(Ethan Hawke)
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[18:59] Mikhaila never imagined herself walking upon such a source of corruption with a demon of all people, for starters.

But she was here now, facing down what could potentially be death itself. The prospect was frightening -- the fear in her slipped through the cracks of the stoic mask she was making for herself, but at least she was not alone... no, she was far from alone. She looked to the other members of their little task force before looking to the mists that obscured their vision to some extent.

"Positive." she murmurs, only to raise her voice a little for clarity. "Positive, hm- I could do something about this mist if it'll ruin our approach. I wouldn't want to run into a wandering skeleton."
(Mikhaila Elisheva)
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[18:59] Equipped and prepared, the Elder Drakan is loaded for bear against whatever nightmares they might face ahead.

Armor? Check. A freshly sharpened Nyeshk sword? Check. Potions, bottles, and other instruments of war and/or healing? Check. She even pats herself down and goes over the list in her head, one by one. They've got the time to afford sequestered behind the distant boulder, after all.

Other than her physical gear, she adds the looming, floating presence of the ethereal Quetzal to her checklist. It twists through the air in lazy circles around her with its eyes wide and alert on the lookout for danger.

From this distance the forces of the tower look underwhelming at best, but overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer. She knows better.

"Of course. If we didn't, we wouldn't be here. Do we have a plan of attack?"

Naturally, her focus shifts to the sea-serpent.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[18:59] The air carried the stench of decay. And the Elisheva carried the same smile on his face that he had before they fought against the army in Huangzhou. Or the army in the Dreadwoods. Or that giant dragon that had given his older sister an actual disease a few years back.

But the trip wasn't about revenge. They needed to topple this tower and the undead inside, no matter what it took. The tyranny of the Ghoul King had to end here.

That's what Noel had come for.

With a sword crafted from his own ice magic on his back and that prismatic glow clinging to his being, the demi angel prepares for what was likely their greatest trial yet.

"I'm sure. Splitting up is a terrible idea, too. Ashera and I can be guiding lights, if you all are okay with that." Before they could give a reply, the man's frame is lit ablaze - colors of the rainbow now all around him in addition to a few small faes. He nods to his sibling and stares ahead, looking for the possible paths.
(Noel Elisheva)
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[18:59] Emiri had followed along with the rest of their group - at his back rest Kagayaki, and nothing else. No potions, no first aid kits, or anything.

He was confident. Nothing would strike him as long as he had his faith. His belief.

"So, this is where the Ghoul King rests." He stares, gazing up at the daunting Skeleton Tower and the black clouds that brood around its peak.

"..Then tonight, he falls." He adds.

.. then, Emiri waits for someone to follow!
(Emiri Taiyang)
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[18:59] Eiphraem's eyes are locked forwards.

The reports from the scouts weren't wrong- He had to wait for the pullback from Gehenna, to watch the supply lines, the necromantic trails of energy. See when they had to be pulled back, to have their tethers strengthen, to send out new troops from the victims of the war.

His patience had been rewarded. The serpent was happy to strike when the time was right.

"We use it."

His body remains low and to the ground as he leads the group forwards under the cover of the silver mist that surrounds him- Were they less powerful magi, they would doubtless be afflicted by the thrumming current of mercury that surrounds the demon of Crafthold at his battle readiness, a numbing toxin that he couldn't help but have pervade his magic when he was ready to fight.

It leaves a faint, diamond dust sparkle in the air.

Passing close to the encampment calls him to drag the shroud of the air close to himself, infecting it with his personal magic.

"... Close to me." He whispers out, drawing the tyrium blade- It links with him, rather than merely draining him dry, infecting that platinum gleam in the air. If you have any obfuscating magics- Use them. Noel, can you chill the air?"

(Using Fool's Cold, + mercury mist to try to obscure us from magi detection.)
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[19:00] "If you have any obfuscating magics- Use them. Noel, can you chill the air?"
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[19:03] Chilling the air?

Noel bobs his head along in response, hands raising up soon after. After a bit of focusing, the air around the group begins to drop in temperature!
(Noel Elisheva)
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[19:10] Ashera would take her trek towards the skeleton tower. She would slowly take a look at the construction of the tower. Slowly feeling the small weight of the people that have died to the monsters that resided from the ghoul kings army.

Ashera would raise her sword, as she would slowly attune herself towards harmony. And would slowly attempt to do it further. She would even meditate even further. She would attune herself with the arcane. She would feel the loss of spirits around her. And would harden her resolve.

The people have been attacked by the ghoul legions army, terrorized by their people, they ghoul king has manipulated the dead of all kinds people, and animals. The king would disturb the lifestream as it exists.. and would use his evils upon whoever he deems fit...

That will happen no longer.

As she keeps her sword and mind sharp ready to protect, and cleanse the evils of the ghoul king once and for all.

(Ashera Ixis)
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[19:11] {NARRATION} With Eiphraem's mist that hid the group's movement as well as Noel maintaining a chill that could fool any basic undead, the party moved forth. The clay across the ground was torn up and grey. The closer to the tower the group was, the greater the corruption that ebbed forth grew. Even with the faint lights that those of holy talent could provide, everything here was dark and dreary.

In the distance those echoed groans of the ghoul patrols came, but fortunately for the living, they met the entrance with no opposition. The cold metal of the doors was anything but welcoming. Thick layers of reinforced iron and steel, had the whole of Agartha sent armies marching toward them, the entrance would have still posed a challenge.

But here it was, unguarded and uncerimonously approached, the other side of the threshold awaiting.
[19:11] Ohtli grumbles and shivers, -none- too happy about the cold.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[19:34] As they traveled through the landscapes surrounding themselves with mist Ethan took the time to memorize their position - the feel of the location and the way they'd have to escape if things went south. Even with Wayfinding in his back pocket it wasn't guaranteed he'd have the time to cast it fully. Green eyes trailed from one side to the other before a few muttered words escaped him, shared to the rest of the group.

"It almost looks like they're... Waiting for us. Expecting us. It could be bad."

Hopefully the mention alone was enough to give people some thought about it, have a plan of even how to open the door.
(Ethan Hawke)
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[19:37] There were hurdles, and then there was the door before them.

With its reinforced steel and large stature, it would be hard for the entrance to actually be accessed. Though.. The task might be a bit easier for a water magi.

Noel turns to Est and furrows his brow, almost too polite to ask if she would be willing.
(Noel Elisheva)
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[19:39] Soon after making their way through the barren landscape, they arrived to particularly durable-looking door.

A glance is given to each of the party members.

"That's what it seems like. There has to be another way in, though? Unless... this is it, which in that case we could probably try to... drill through it."
(Mikhaila Elisheva)
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[19:39] "I certainly wouldn't trust it," Ohtli grumbles, teeth chattering as she huddles down into her coat. With the doors flung wide open she's cautious. All the more reason to draw the Nyeshk longsword from its sheathe and heft the unfamiliar weight of the metal in her hand.

Around her still the Quetzal spirit flits and twists, equally as restless as its summoner.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[19:41] As the group drew nearer to the tower, Emiri feels.. Confused.

It feels too easy to get to the tower. Once they're there, he gives an inquisitive gaze to the steel doors that prevent their entrance.

"..Huuuh, those doors look heavy..." He pondered.

Emiri wasn't super smart somehow
(Emiri Taiyang)
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[19:44] Est arrived, far later than the rest of the group; her questionable physiology doubtlessly made it fairly easy to trail behind everyone, and it's only when they came to the door that rolling mist crawled up behind the group and reformed near Eiphraem.

"...You all left me behind," she muttered fairly meekly, but went silent as she stopped to contemplate the door. She glanced sidelong at Noel, mind instantly going back to the last expedition she had with him.

The one where she nearly got punched in the face by a flying golem. Ringing the doorbell wasn't the best idea - she should've just slipped in, stealthily. Perhaps...

"I am sure that I could try to slip through a crack here,"the spectral girl said, body already more like a human-shaped cloud of fog than an actual, physical thing. "...And find a way to open it. Shall I?"
(Est Kang)
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[19:45] Eiphraem's influence reaches far enough to coat them.

It'd probably leave everyone's fingers and mouth a bit tingly and numb, with thick, heavy eye lids. It's the profusion of mercury, and any holy mage or similarly purging effect could remove the light tickling sensation.

"..." His hand goes towards the gate, curiously.

"This can't be the only entrance. Let's canvas the tower for entries- I am certain we could fly up, if necessary, but I would not want to make us vulnerable midair."

He turns towards Est- Smiling, faintly.

"Hold on; Let's circle, first. If we can find a smaller, locked, entryway."
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[19:46] Ashera would walk towards the area. She would feel the buzzing of the occultic magic, and would slowly feeling the detect of the occultic influence. She would slowly maintain her fomorian stance, playing defensively.

Ashera would slowly take a look around to see the others.

"The door is quite firm and closed. Should I try to enter and break in? I can be able to unlock it without the other people being hurt as well as well I am on your call Eiphraem.."

(Ashera Ixis)
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[19:48] Est rolls with snakedad. Big doors are impractical - there usually is another smaller door for emergencies.
(Est Kang)
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[19:49] {NARRATION} Encircling the tower under the same magical guise that disguised their presence, they moved without trouble once again. The dirt underfoot provided for silent footfalls until nearly halfway around they spot it;

A hold burned through the bone and earth. No ash or incinerated debris left signs of fire magic that created this entrance, but whoever had formed it certainly found their way inside through here.
[19:51] Ethan Hawke asks, ".. Let's go through here?"
[19:51] Est Kang says, "...Worked for whoever was here before us. Might as well."
[19:51] Noel Elisheva asks, "Sounds like a plan. Should I scout ahead for the living?"
[19:51] Mikhaila Elisheva says, "What if they died-"
[19:51] Est Kang says, "Then we /don't/ die."
[19:51] Ethan Hawke says, "I don't think any of them will be living."
[19:51] Noel Elisheva says, "Good point."
[19:51] Emiri Taiyang exclaims, "..! Oh, we should go trhough this hole!"
[19:53] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ah-"
[19:53] Eiphraem Kang says, "Right."
[19:54] Eiphraem Kang says, "Yes- Noel, take point."
[19:54] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "--Are you sure?..."
[19:55] Eiphraem Kang says, "We can move up to the front, Ohtli, when needed."
[19:55] Eiphraem Kang says, "I trust in his detection skills."
[19:55] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "Hnnn..."
[19:55] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "...Carefully, Noel."
[19:55] Noel Elisheva says, "Define that word again? We're in the hive of the undead.."
[19:56] Mikhaila Elisheva says, "Snrk."
[19:56] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "Your back-talk is doing nothing for my concern."
[19:57] Ashera Ixis says, "Lead the way Noel."
[19:57] Noel gives a bow to avoid being thumped by Ohtli and takes the lead after -- projections of three faes colored by the primary hues orbiting around him. His aim is to move through the scorched hole in the tower's defenses and guide them in - carefully and cautiously.

At the same time, he aims to take on the persona of a walking radar, tracking any mana signatures that were not hidden in the general area.

".. I was just joking. I'm focused."
(Noel Elisheva)
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[19:58] {NARRATION} The tunnel went on for a short amount of time, still without note of fire magic. Somehow the constructed wall had been torn through until it arced downward. It was only small enough to flow through single file, likely the work of a lone person who had come here before the allied strike force.

Within the tunnel it was dark, given it was not constructed with light sources or hospitality in mind. It opened out ahead of the group where finally a green glow indicated something was awaiting.

Emerging through the exit, they all found themselves in a circular chamber, one with four more doors... foot prints across the muddied floor lead out from the hole in the wall and toward each of the doors. Three of them were smaller, while the entryway dead ahead was marked by another grand construct made of metal. Runes carved within it were the source of that emerald glow, and veins in the wall indicated they were drawing source from whatever lied behind the other three doors.

This was the north door, while the southern, western, and eastern ones were much smaller and made primarily of blackened wood.

Noel does not detect anyone nearby.
[20:02] After following in a single-file line down the cramped path, Noel leaps out into the center of the room, prepared for combat. Or maybe he was just trying to look cool, since he already knew that there was no one ahead.

Regardless, the four doors are given a great deal of attention as the others file out.

"What's the play here? We agreed to stay together, right? So we have three paths to clear before we can.. crack the northern hallway open." Cassel's lessons in deductive logic had paid off, apparently.

Noel turns back to the rest of the group, waiting to see what they made of it all.
(Noel Elisheva)
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[20:05] "We should hit each door together- you're probably right, Noel, each door contributes to opening that big one right here." She points to the northern door. "...maybe the person who broke in here first died trying to open it? What a strange design, too, it's like someone was intended to come here."

The blonde, on alert, surveyed their immediate surroundings.
(Mikhaila Elisheva)
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[20:07] Upon arriving in a room with three paths to take Ethan thought for a few moments. They all seemed equally non-descript and unclear - yet the path they would take would certainly change the outcome of this raid— the outcome of their lives. And so, the Wayfinder did the only thing one could do in this situation: He pointed at one of the doors and—

"Ee nee mi nee ma nee mo, let's stick together and take that do...

...or."

He ended on the western door.
(Ethan Hawke)
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[20:08] The Drakan tucks in her wings, shuffling in line behind all the others and into the keep's interior.

"We could search them systematically...Which I wouldn't be against. But as we discussed earlier, splitting up isn't a great idea."
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[20:08] The Kitsune pressed on as they went in, single file as everyone else apparently. Emiri glances around carefully in the dark, though his constant aura of Glow gave light.

"I.. hrrrm.."

Once again, Emiri waits for someone else to do something! He is so wise and undecisive kya ( >___< )
(Emiri Taiyang)
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[20:09] "Hold for one moment."

The serpent's voice echoes out. He was no master, but...

He walks over to the doorframe, trying to read over the runes. He had Elisheva's tome as somewhat of a reference, in addition to his own studies- Before they moved forwards, he attempts to read over the symbology that binds the magic into the door.

With a soft press of the front of the tome, when he pulls it from his side, the lock clicks open.

He's willing to take a few minutes.

The dead gave him no haste.
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[20:10] Ashera would slowly walk along side the blessed angel, with the dark and beckoning room. She would take a look at the cramped tunnel as she would slowly reach towards the end. She would take a look at each door as she would see the others.

Each door would be quite odd towards her. One north door would look perfectly normal. Just like the others. She would then look towards everyone else. And would proceed to consult them on what door they should pick.

"Hey, These doors seem quite off... It seems that the main door up at the north is much different than the other blackened ones.... I think that the doors may be booby-trapped. Especially the one up the north....Should we approach with caution? Or should w-"

Ashera would take a look at Eiphraem. Hey may be unto something..
(Ashera Ixis)
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[20:11] Ethan Hawke says, "-"
[20:11] Ethan Hawke says, "Oh."
[20:11] Ethan Hawke asks, "You guys don't wanna clear the whole thing up..?"
[20:12] TattlesDM whispers: The magic within the doorway feels familiar, but in a twisted sort of way. Necromantic energies are certainly present, but while the Ghoul King's origins are from Arthur, no signs of Azraelite influence are here. Instead something warped, something that feels far worse than even chaos magic has been put into the foundations of this tower, a kind of magic even a Lich should not be capable of.
[20:16] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "I'm for clearing it out..."
[20:16] Ohtli Tezcacoatl asks, "Noel can sense where things are though, yes?"
[20:20] Noel Elisheva says, "Might be more trouble than it's worth, honestly."
[20:20] Mikhaila Elisheva says, "I think our aim should just be cutting the head off the snake."
[20:20] Mikhaila Elisheva says, "."
[20:20] Est Kang asks, "...Excuse me?"
[20:20] Mikhaila Elisheva says, "I-"
[20:20] Noel Elisheva says, "..... "
[20:20] Mikhaila Elisheva says, "I meant the"
[20:20] Noel Elisheva says, "Mikhaila...."
[20:21] Mikhaila Elisheva says, "the ghoul king"
[20:21] Esso Naam says, "Despite the bad analogy here, I agree."
[20:22] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "If that will stop it all? Then by all means."
[20:26] Emiri Taiyang whispers something.
[20:26] Eiphraem's lips purse.

His brows knit together, and that's not a good sign.

His fingers idle near the runes, pulling back haphazardly as his tail starts to lash along the stone, sliding back and forth. His fingers tap along the book.

"... This isn't Arthur's work," He mumbles. "... But it's-"

His mouth moves, silently.
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[20:26] Eiphraem Kang says, "... I think we should go to the south. We need to examine the whole facility."
[20:26] Eiphraem Kang says, "As much as possible."
[20:26] Esso Naam says, "Agreed."
[20:27] Ethan Hawke asks, "Why south?"
[20:27] Esso Naam says, "Best not to have any unwanted surprises."
[20:28] Mikhaila Elisheva asks, "Why not?"
[20:30] Noel Elisheva exclaims, "South it is!"
[20:30] Ethan Hawke says, "Alright-"
[20:31] Ethan Hawke says, "Better than going off a song."
[20:31] Admin ChanceA: I'll be rebooting in a bit (server tends to crash if it passes 32 hours uptime) but I'll give a 10 minute heads up prior
[20:32] Ohtli Tezcacoatl whispers something.
[20:32] {NARRATION} The southern door was chosen first. Aside from the veins that ran along the ceiling and floor and through the entryway's frame, there was little sign as to what was on the other side. The door opened without a struggle, though a long and hollow creak ensured stealth wasn't really an option.

Through the door, the team found themselves within a darkened room, but once they all file in, the door itself closed behind them. Torches lining the walls revealed anothe circular enclosure with nothing but a lifted stone basin upon a pedestal in the center.

Inscription along the side read:

The Sacrifice of Blood
The way ahead cannot be opened without pain

Within the large basin was a hand, bloodied and pale, but not deteriorated. It must have come from a living person who had come here first.
[20:34] Admin AnMouse: save us
[20:35] Admin ChanceA: ?
[20:37] Esso steps in after Eiphraem, glancing around warily. He's keeping a hand on his sheath and the other hand on his dagger. He glares back as the door slams shut behind them, then he turns back forward.

"I guess we're not leaving just yet."

He glances around the circular room, examining each torch briefly before his eyes are drawn to the raised stone basin in the center. He furrows his brow at the inscription, then the hand in the basin.

"Either whoever came through here before was over-zealous, or this is taking a bigger toll than we'd want to give."
(Esso Naam)
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[20:38] The Drakan eyes inscription on the wall. Of course the familiar words stand out. Sacrifice. Blood.

She slowly reaches for her dagger, but the environment that these words are carved in naturally makes her hesitant. Deeply, deeply hesitant.

"...If it is sacrifice that is needed? I am ready. But I think it goes without saying I don't like the look of any of this."

Ohtli approaches the basin and prods the severed hand with the tip of her knife, frowning.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[20:44] Ashera would slowly take a small walk towards the southern door. She had a HUGE feeling that the darkened entrances were booby-trapped. But the power of her Deep attunement would slowly begin to quell if her abilities would allow it.

"Oh, this doesn't look too ba-."

Ashera would take a look behind her as she would see as the door had slammed before her. She would turn around slowly. As the only way was forward.

Ashera would slowly approach even further. Being calm, focused and collected. She would not allow the inscription to phase her trust and valor. Slowly would take a squint deeper....She would slowly walk deeper...

"Stay calm..Stay close...."

She would instruct everyone.

(Ashera Ixis)
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[20:44] Esso Naam says, "We shouldn't be in any rush to appease it. It could be a trap."
[20:45] The dimly lit torches, the door slamming shut, the pedestal in the center— they were all forebodding a rather tragic end for the group if they didn't manage to pass through that challenge. As Ohtli approached the structure and readied her knife, Ethan spoke up.

".. Try drawing blood from it. It still looks alive."
(Ethan Hawke)
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[20:45] Noel Elisheva says, "It may also be the only way out.."
[20:45] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "My offer still stands if it's the route we want to take."
[20:45] Mikhaila Elisheva says, "I think it's our only one."
[20:46] Est Kang says, "-Ethan raises a fair point."
[20:46] Eiphraem Kang says, "I do not think it is the only route, but-"
[20:46] Eiphraem Kang says, "I feel we NEED to explore the whole facility."
[20:46] Eiphraem Kang says, "... Something..."
[20:46] Ashera Ixis says, "Alright."
[20:46] Eiphraem Kang says, "Darker than Arthur is responsible for the warding upon that door."
[20:47] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ignorance is a greater enemy."
[20:47] Esso Naam says, "We should consider all our options before someone sacrifices a limb like that."
[20:47] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "Darker than Arthur?...Good we're here to clean it up then."
[20:47] Ashera Ixis says, "Mmhm."
[20:47] Eiphraem Kang says, "Yes. Nobody-"
[20:47] Eiphraem Kang says, "Nobody cut off a limb, please."
[20:47] Ohtli sheathes the knife, nodding.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[20:47] Eiphraem Kang says, "Do we have anyone whom can study the magics of the basin? "
[20:47] Emiri was about to cut off his arm.. he sighs and rolls his sleeve back down
(Emiri Taiyang)
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[20:47] Eiphraem Kang says, "We may be able to figure out what it desires to consume."
[20:47] Ethan Hawke asks, "Earth magic?"
[20:48] Eiphraem Kang says, "If it is literal-"
[20:48] Eiphraem Kang says, "Pain."
[20:48] Eiphraem Kang says, "... I am certain we can generate it without lasting damage."
[20:48] Est Kang says, "If Ethan is right and the hand is 'alive'- hm."
[20:48] Esso Naam says, "I kind of regret that we didn't bring a fae with us right now."
[20:48] Eiphraem Kang says, "We DO have NOel."
[20:49] Est Kang says, "NOEL DO THE THING."
[20:49] Emiri Taiyang says, "NOEL DO THE THING."
[20:49] Ashera Ixis says, "NOEL DO THE THING."
[20:53] Admin AnMouse: oh i thought the server was laggy but its just my backwoods internet
[20:53] Admin AnMouse: nvm
[20:53] Noel approaches the hand beside Ohtli and places two fingers to his temple. His other hand reaches out to hover over the severed hand! Only one of these two actions actually mattered.

A prismatic aura surrounds his digits and begins to spread out and over the phalanges in the basin.

The aim is to 'heal' the hand, if such a thing is possible. Reviving and restoring the blood cells within to get a steady stream flowing in the basin. Would it work?!
(Noel Elisheva)
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[20:54] {NARRATION} The hand is dead.
[20:55] Noel Elisheva says, "i.."
[20:55] Est stares.
(Est Kang)
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[20:55] Noel Elisheva says, "couldn't save it."
[20:55] Ethan Hawke says, "..."
[20:55] Est Kang says, "It's okay. You'll get 'em next time."
[20:55] Est Kang says, "...Budy."
[20:55] Est Kang says, "Buddy."
[20:55] Eiphraem Kang says, "Well."
[20:55] Noel tilts his chin down to the ground and falls back in line.
(Noel Elisheva)
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[20:55] Eiphraem Kang says, "That is good to know."
[20:55] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "...So."
[20:55] Mikhaila slowly shakes her head in pity for her little brother.
(Mikhaila Elisheva)
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[20:55] Ethan Hawke says, "We couldn't even.."
[20:55] Ohtli Tezcacoatl asks, "Could you examine the -basin- itself, Noel?"
[20:55] Ethan Hawke says, ".. give it a hand."
[20:55] Ohtli Tezcacoatl asks, "To determine its nature?"
[20:55] Noel Elisheva asks, "It's NATURE?"
[20:55] Est Kang says, "No, /its/ nature. Not it is nature."
[20:55] {NARRATION} Something shakes the room.
[20:55] Ethan Hawke says, "-"
[20:55] Noel Elisheva says, "I did not get a GUIDE for this FAIRY stuff. I have no ide--"
[20:55] Noel Elisheva says, "est"
[20:55] Mikhaila Elisheva says, "It looks like it's made-"
[20:55] Mikhaila Elisheva says, "out of rocks"
[20:55] Emiri Taiyang exclaims, "Earthquake!!!!!!!!!!!!"
[20:55] Eiphraem slides forwards, towards the basin- With a soft exhalation- Before he startles.
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[20:55] Est Kang says, "Fu-"
[20:55] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "The nature of the -magic-, y-"
[20:55] Emiri Taiyang says, "Earthqua------------"
[20:55] Ashera Ixis says, "Oh n-"
[20:56] {NARRATION} All is still again, but the group is aware that something is watching them.
[20:56] Admin AnMouse: got em already
[20:56] Admin AnMouse: slowpoke
[20:56] Ethan Hawke says, "..."
[20:56] Admin ChanceA: i took the credit that's all that matters
[20:56] Admin AnMouse: :angry:
[20:56] Esso Naam says, "Mmmm.."
[20:57] Ethan Hawke says, "I feel like..."
[20:57] Ethan Hawke says, "Somebody's watching me-"
[20:57] Esso stares at Ethan.
(Esso Naam)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:57] Esso Naam says, "Of course someone is."
[20:57] Ethan looked around briefly.

".. and I've got no privacy."
(Ethan Hawke)
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[20:57] Esso points at his own eyes, then back to Ethan.
(Esso Naam)
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[20:57] Est reaches into the mist that gathers about her, dragging an icicle-shaped staff out from it. "...If all else fails we can spill its blood into the basin. If it- if it has blood, anyway."
(Est Kang)
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[20:58] Est goes right for the murder option. Because of course she does.
(Est Kang)
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[20:58] The sensation immediately WHIPS Eiphraem's head up.

Noel's attunement to living beings might stand, but the serpent's nature immediately makes itself known as a soft, roiling buzz hits the minds of all nearby, a tinnitic buzz as the demon's mind reaches out.

Telepathy rolls out, trying to search for any nearby minds- Connecting, pushing to softly fill the 'channel' between them.

He splays a massive hand over the basin.

"... Ohtli."

"Is your athame magical?" He utters, tersely.
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[20:59] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "No, sir. But it's old and I've always used it in my rituals..."
[20:59] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Do you think it can pierce my flesh?"
[21:00] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "If you tried hard enough, perhaps- what are you thinking to do?..."
[21:01] Est Kang says, "SACRIFICE ZEALOT TO THE BASIN"
[21:01] Ashera Would take a look around, sensing arcane presence, or any presence of life at all. And she would feel the presence almost immediately after the Earthquake..

"Oh no... This is a little irritating..."

She could feel the buzz after his telepathy Closing her eyes in silent pain....
(Ashera Ixis)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:01] Mikhaila Elisheva says, "im god"
[21:06]
{LOAD GAME}

[21:09] Est Kang says, "...Suddenly I find myself wishing we preserved my old heart in a jar to carry around. Would've been /great/ here."
[21:09] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ohtli. Do- Do NOT hit any tendons or muscles."
[21:09] Eiphraem Kang says, "Bleed me into the basin."
[21:09] Ohtli Tezcacoatl asks, "...Wh...Why?"
[21:09] Est Kang says, "Wait, wait, wait wait wait, me instead- don't-"
[21:09] Eiphraem Kang says, "... Pain."
[21:09] Eiphraem Kang says, "We don't need flesh- It's pain."
[21:09] Eiphraem Kang says, "Potentially."
[21:09] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "I don't -want- to give you pain. If it's pain, then it's anyone's pain."
[21:09] Eiphraem Kang says, "At worst- We have trained healers."
[21:09] Esso Naam asks, "How about we just all pinch you?"
[21:10] Eiphraem Kang says, "... I am the most likely to be resilient."
[21:10] Eiphraem Kang says, "I would prefer no humans under my wardship to be as harmed as little as possible."
[21:10] Eiphraem Kang says, "..."
[21:10] Eiphraem Kang says, "That was a double negative."
[21:10] Eiphraem Kang says, "Apologies."
[21:10] Ethan Hawke says, "..."
[21:10] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "..."
[21:10] Eiphraem Kang says, "I would prefer they do not get harmed."
[21:10] Mikhaila coughs into her fist.
(Mikhaila Elisheva)
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[21:10] Eiphraem Kang says, "Please use the knife."
[21:11] Ohtli Tezcacoatl asks, "...You are -sure- you don't wish for me to do it to myself?"
[21:11] Esso nods. Eiphraem's true colors have come out.
(Esso Naam)
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[21:11] Ethan Hawke says, "Not all pain's physical, either."
[21:11] Est Kang says, "Noel, you smell bad."
[21:11] Ashera Ixis says, "Oof."
[21:11] Ethan Hawke says, "Noel, you let your brother fall into madness."
[21:11] Noel clutches his heart.

"S-stop it."
(Noel Elisheva)
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[21:12] Eiphraem Kang says, "Absolutely."
[21:12] Est Kang asks, "IS IT WORKING? ARE YOU PAINED?"
[21:12] Noel Elisheva says, "Yes."
[21:12] Mikhaila Elisheva says, "I think you smell okay, Noel."
[21:12] Esso keeps his mouth shut. He shares Noel's pain.
(Esso Naam)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:12] Mikhaila subtly sniffs the air.
(Mikhaila Elisheva)
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[21:12] {NARRATION} The air smells like blood.
[21:12] Mikhaila Elisheva says, "o"
[21:12] Ashera Ixis says, "DISGUTANG"
[21:14] The Drakan looks immensely reluctant to do harm to the Archon.

"I want to state then, for the record sir, that I hate this," she grouses, approaching the Archon beside the basin. Ohtli takes the knife, letting the tip of it hover over the scaled palm.

Then neatly, carefully, she slices into his skin as shallowly as possible. Ordinarily it might have been repelled, but the magi's touch imbues it with a peculiar sheen that makes cutting with the primitive blade far easier.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[21:19] Eiphraem's earfins fold back, his eyes squinching shut firmly.

His breath catches, his lips actually trembling a little bit as he twists his head to the side.

His skin is TOUGH. It isn't hard, but instead- It YIELDS supernaturally, smooth like shark skin if from every angle. When her knife touches down, at first, his flesh merely indents against the edge...

But the shine of Ohtli's magic is more than capable of helping the knife drive into the archon's flesh. Sweat starts to bead on his forehead- Combat adrenaline helped him endure pain, but the pampered brat of Avalon, hand raised by Sima Kang was not the strongest at endurance.

Perhaps to benefit here, but certainly not to Eiphraem's happiness.

He emits a soft whine, as fuschia blood bubbles to the surface of his sea-foam colored skin; alongside a foul smelling, clear fluid that lies just beneath the epidermal layer- Trying to seal and start preventing blood from spurting for more than a couple seconds. It reeks like a bacteria infested wound, but it seems far, far more benign.

He grips his upper arm, his tail SLAPPING audibly against the stone.

Blood, likely, would drip into the basin as he tries to keep a stiff lower lip- Poorly.
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[21:20] Ashera Ixis says, "Mmm."
[21:21] Mikhaila Elisheva says, "Oh god-"
[21:23] {NARRATION} Eiphraem's palm is cut, and blood pools out of the wound to drip into the basin. However, as it descends, something slows its fall, and the steady stream of blood rolls down toward the hand. It wasn't a crippling wound, but a cut from the hand still bleeds quite a lot if left unattended.

However, even as more and more blood dripped down, it all rolled into a single droplet that rested beside the hand, and nothing more.

The room trembled a second time.
[21:24] Ethan Hawke says, "..."
[21:24] Mikhaila Elisheva says, "I think that did -something-."
[21:24] Esso Naam says, "But not what we wanted."
[21:24] Ethan Hawke says, "Did it work..?\"
[21:24] Ethan Hawke says, "It doesn't look like it."
[21:25] The Drakan cannot stand Eiphraem's pouting and whimpering. Her kinder instincts kick in to over drive, much as if she were tending to an injured animal or a chilled with a skimmed knee, and Ohtli hastily pockets the knife in favor of trying to dab the bleeding wound on the Archon's hand.

"Shhhh...shh shh shh...It's alright, it's alright. I'm sorry, I'm sorry," she soothes, fumbling for a tiny little container of lax essence derivative.

"I don't think that worked..."
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[21:30] Ashera Ixis says, "This is.. Not good..."
[21:30] Lick!

Lick, lick, lick. Like an injured animal, Eiphraem immediately laps at his hand in between dabs- His thick, drug-carrying saliva combines with the foul smelling ooze, making a quick poultice with the consistency of tree sap- Some of it probably clinging to the hanky.

Demons were very, very resilient creatures.

He gently pushes his face against Ohtli's head, for a second, trying to calm down, whuffling softly through his nasal slits. He doesn't say anything for a moment.

He sort of a beast, at his heart, as much sapient rationality was put onto him.

It did not. It was worth an attempt. I think what is above is too much of an issue, and we are noticed.

We can try to break in- I think if we are noticed, we should stop here, and try the east. That is more likely to lead us to towards the north. We can double back if we are wrong.

Rather than trust his voice, he exhales softly and relies on telepathy.
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[21:30] Eiphraem Kang says, "I-"
[21:30] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ahem."
[21:30] Eiphraem Kang says, "I think, it requires an excess of blood, but-"
[21:31] Eiphraem Kang says, "We can't afford to weaken ourselves in this state."
[21:31] Eiphraem Kang says, "Also, there may be an undead dragon."
[21:31] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Another route, for now?"
[21:32] Noel Elisheva asks, "Maybe we could all give a little blood, rather than a lot from one person?"
[21:32] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "We could try that."
[21:32] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "All else failing, I'm prepared to make the sacrifice still. Seeing as how we're sort of...trapped."
[21:32] Ashera Ixis says, "Maybe thats the case..."
[21:32] Noel Elisheva says, ".. But can someone besides Ohtli do the cutting? No offense, that just looked like it hurt more than it needed to."
[21:33] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "I-I...I wasn't trying to make it hurt."
[21:33] Ethan Hawke says, "..."
[21:33] Esso Naam says, "There's no guarentee we'd get out if you sacrificed a limb though."
[21:33] Ethan Hawke asks, "The hand's blood took yours away, yeah?"
[21:34] Ohtli pats Eiphraem's cheek consolingly, then takes her knife and sets it down on the edge of the basin.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[21:34] Ethan Hawke says, "Or-"
[21:34] Ethan Hawke says, "I mean."
[21:34] Est flexes the fingers of her left hand, dropping an icy needle from her sleeve into her grip. She eyes her right hand, thoughtfully.
(Est Kang)
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[21:34] Ashera Ixis says, "Hmm."
[21:34] Ethan Hawke says, "We could try to move that hand away."
[21:34] Est Kang says, "...Can we just- yeah."
[21:35] Eiphraem Kang says, "..."
[21:35] Eiphraem Kang asks, "... Ohtli. Can you- Telekinetically lift the hand?"
[21:35] Eiphraem Kang says, "I feel, perhaps, making contact with it may be unwise."
[21:35] Ashera Ixis says, "I can make a stick out of stone."
[21:36] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "I can do that, yes."
[21:36] Ashera Ixis says, "With a little scoop on the en-"
[21:37] The Drakan waves dismissively at the notion of sticks and such, waving once more again in the direction of the hand in the basin. With her mind powers she lifts it from the large bowl and sets it down on the ground somewhere far, far away...
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[21:37] Ashera Ixis says, "She can attune herself with the Arcane as well...."
[21:37] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "Correct."
[21:37] {NARRATION} The hand is moved. It's still dead.

A single droplet's worth of blood remains in the basin.
[21:37] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "For..."
[21:37] Ohtli Tezcacoatl asks, "Forty years or so?"
[21:38] Ohtli pauses, then leans in examining the basin. Is there a line or some level indicator to where blood had been in the past?
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[21:38] Ashera Ixis says, "Ah. I can move objects, but not nearly as well."
[21:38] Eiphraem Kang says, "... Perhaps it needs-"
[21:38] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Others?"
[21:38] Est Kang says, "...I'm- going to shove this icicle through my hand. I am used to extreme injuries. This would be more or less nothing."
[21:38] {NARRATION} There is a thin etching of a line all around the basin about 3 inches from the rim all the way around.
[21:39] Ashera Ixis says, "Mmm."
[21:39] Eiphraem Kang says, "..."
[21:39] Ashera Ixis says, "Sacrafices must be done."
[21:39] Ethan Hawke says, "..."
[21:39] Emiri Taiyang says, "Ah, fill to line! That's on my instant ramen cups."
[21:39] Est Kang says, "What is ramen and what makes it insta-"
[21:39] Est Kang says, "..."
[21:39] Emiri Taiyang says, "."
[21:39] Ethan Hawke says, "It'll be faster if we all bleed together."
[21:39] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "So. We all take a little from everyone...We can try that."
[21:39] Est glances down at her hand again, turning it over a few times.
(Est Kang)
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[21:39] Esso Naam says, "If it doesn't all pool up into a single droplet."
[21:40] Ashera Ixis asks, "Well. We can measure progress can't we?"
[21:40] Ashera Ixis says, "Can't make an omlette without breaking a few eggs."
[21:40] Est Kang says, "...Head injuries cause significant blood loss without being particularly problematic-"
[21:41] While they discuss it, Esso takes a moment to scan the room once more with his eyes for anything else that might stand out.

A draft, a crack in the wall, a torch that's different from the rest, any detail that doesn't match.
(Esso Naam)
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[21:41] Mikhaila Elisheva says, "...I think blood loss is kind of problematic."
[21:41] It's either bleed out, or be trapped in a room forever. Ohtli naturally prefers the former as she rolls up her sleeve, bares her scaled forearm, and readies her knife again.

Her cutting is far less delicate on herself, but the result is the same. The Drakan bleeds freely into the bowl.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[21:41] TattlesDM whispers: Esso sees one looks like a stone arcway that has been bricked up on the opposite end of the room.
[21:41] Esso Naam asks, "Anyone here an Earth magi?"
[21:41] Ashera Ixis says, "I am."
[21:41] Esso Naam says, "Come with me for a moment."
[21:41] Ethan moved up closer to the bowl, too, looking down towards it for a few moments, then up to Ohtli. His left hand extended outwards to help out.
(Ethan Hawke)
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[21:42] Esso starts moving towards the opposite side of the room, glancing around warily for pressure plates, wire, or any other possibly trap as he moves towards the archway.
(Esso Naam)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:43] Est steps forward, holding her right hand over the basin. She lifts the needle of ice in her left hand like it's a knife, but... hesitates - and then doubly hesitates once she catches on that Esso is doing something.
(Est Kang)
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[21:43] TattlesDM whispers: Esso hears a distant growl. The closer he gets to the bricked up doorway the louder it is.
[21:43] Esso stops a number of feet away, pursing his lips and squinting his eyes.
(Esso Naam)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:44] Noel actually despises the sight of blood, but moves forward anyway.

Arriving beside Ethan, he conjures two think knives of ice. One is handed to the wayfinder (sharp side first), and the other is used to gut a gash in Noel's palm for the sacrifice.

It is likely deeper than it should have been, and he cringes the entire time. But he bleeds.
(Noel Elisheva)
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[21:44] Approaching the basin, the Kitsune glanced down at it carefully. This was maybe his least favourite part.

Then, he looked at everyone for a few seconds.

"Okay, does anyone have a knife, but.. a CLEAN knife.. I don't want to get any diseases from any of you." He speaks.
(Emiri Taiyang)
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[21:46] Ethan takes the ice, sharp side first. And most definitely gets a cut from it - blood starts flowing. A certain odd warmth can be felt dripping from his palm and trailing down his forearm as the red liquid leaves his body. A pained squint was kept on his features all the while.
(Ethan Hawke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:47] Est just... waits for Esso. What are you people doing.
(Est Kang)
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[21:47] TattlesDM whispers: There is definitely something behind the wall.
[21:47] Ashera would slowly remove her armor plating from around her arms. She would slowly offer her wrists... And would take out her blade. She would slowly press her wrist against it. And would dump a pints worth of blood before feeling a slight light-headedness. She would use the power of lifetream to slowly speed up healing her blood wounds.

Ashera would still feel the stinging pain from where she was cut. And would give a small sigh.. She did the sacrifice not for herself. But so that the people could get out. The Paladin would nod her head. As she would look at everyone else. Including esso.

Ashera would slowly walk towards esso, as he seemed to have a plan in mind, Hoping that there would be any good in his idea. Maybe she would be able to save them. If the two had thought hard enough....
(Ashera Ixis)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:47] Noel makes another knife for Emiri.
(Noel Elisheva)
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[21:47] Emiri cuts his hand with his rented ice knife! Whoa!
(Emiri Taiyang)
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[21:47] "I'm a little reluctant to give my blood to strange pots, but..." She shakes her head at Emiri before looking at the bloody basin.

A small current of wind materializes near her palm, hovering almost innocently before fully manifesting into something threatening. Silently, a sharpened blade of wind cut her across her own palm, the wound causing her to wince ever so slightly as her precious, precious blood flows in with everyone else.
(Mikhaila Elisheva)
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[21:47] Esso holds up a hand to stop Ashera from stepping past where he'd stopped. He nods towards it.
(Esso Naam)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:47] Esso Naam asks, "Do you hear that?"
[21:48] {NARRATION} The blood that spills into the basin does little to raise what is already in the container. They all bleed far more than the result showed, and it's not hard to see that. It's more than a few droplets, but given seven had drew blood across their arms/palms, it was now as though there were seven droplets in the bottom.
[21:48] TattlesDM whispers: There is a low growl coming from the other side of this bricked up doorway.
[21:49] Mikhaila Elisheva says, "..."
[21:50] Ashera Ixis says, "I do..."
[21:50] Ashera Ixis says, "I feel it too...."
[21:50] Esso Naam says, "We may be able to knock this down, but we'd probably be in for a fight."
[21:51] Est Kang says, "Serious question, there are /multiple/ water magi in here, have we considered just-"
[21:51] Est Kang says, "...Filling it."
[21:52] He flicks his earfins forwards, licking onto a thumb as he watches Ohtli carve deep, with some alarm- If not stopped, after the flow didn't work, he's slide it over her wound.

The saliva leaves behind a soft, floaty sensation, banishing pain after it's allowed to infect her wound, if she lets it.

It's an opiate.

He turns his head towards Est-


(Eiphraem Kang)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:52] Esso Naam says, "There's a fair chance water will do the same thing blood will, but that's worth a try."
[21:52] Eiphraem Kang says, "... We could try that. If it fails- We knock it down."
[21:52] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Agreeable?"
[21:52] Mikhaila Elisheva asks, "What's stopping us from just blowing our way through that door?"
[21:52] Est Kang says, "Oh, nothing. In fact-"
[21:52] Esso Naam says, "The growling on the other side is what's stopping us from blowing these bricks down."
[21:53] Emiri Taiyang says, "Growling?.."
[21:53] Esso glances back at them, pointing at the bricked up archway in front of him.
(Esso Naam)
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[21:53] Esso Naam says, "Might be an option, but most likely a fight behind it."
[21:54] Ethan takes a few moments to look at the drops of blood remaining in the bowl, the cut in his palm being seared by his own magic as he contemplates the solution. A quick count of what was remaining individually left him finally speaking up - thinking he had the solution at last.

"One drop for each person that bleeds into it. That's how much remains— I think the solution's not to run away or avoid a fight, it's to take it."
(Ethan Hawke)
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[21:55] The Drakan wrinkles her nose as Eiphraem slathers saliva up the laceration on her arm, the skin on the back of her neck crawling. It is probably in her top ten of strangest sensations ever felt. But far be it from her to get in the way of the Archon's care of one of 'his humans'.

And...much to her surprise? It does feel better after he smears drool on the wound.

"I...thank you?" she replies, perplexed.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[21:57] Est has, notably, not bled into the basin yet - perhaps for the best, given the curious properties of the thing. She hums in thought for a moment, stuffing her weaponized ice back into her sleeve as she thought it over. She tapped the tip of her staff against the edge of the basin a few times, about to go ahead with the "just use water magic to fill it and/or see what happens" plan - but Ethan gives her some pause.

"...Take it? How so?"
(Est Kang)
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[21:58] Ashera would slowly pull of spare stone from the ground, as she would slowly create what is to be a battering ram. She would take a look towards everyone She would take a look at the few And would nod to them.

"Alrighty. Lets get to cracking!"

Ashera would say. She would be aware of those around her. And would need to prepare herself. Before she was going to do what she was thinking she would look towards everyone prepared. And would give them a warning in advance.

"Alright. Those behind us. Stay in your defensive positions.. Esso stand behind me."

Ashera would slowly delve into her meditative state. Increasing her connection with the arcane. The power of the lifestream would slowly bolster her physical abilities As she had practiced gathering the life energy around them. All whilst still hearing a buzzing from the archon.

Ashera would then arch her battering ram back, And would use the force of the arcane to push the back of the battering ram, increasing its speed as she would bash through the brick wall.

"BAM!""BAM!"

She was ready for what awaits them.
(Ashera Ixis)
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[21:58] Est screeches.
(Est Kang)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:58] Ethan Hawke says, "..."
[21:58] Ethan Hawke says, "Probably that way."
[21:59] Emiri Taiyang says, "Hm."
[22:00] {NARRATION} The basin was left to the thoughts of the others. Ashera had other plans. The battering ram and the woman wielding it charge into what is little more than a bricked up archway, an addition to the walls of the structure that did not match the rest of the room. While the basin had sat awaiting a sacrifice, something else was shaking the room as it drew closer... and closer.

Until Esso and Ashera had heard its growls.

Until it was behind the brick wall itself.

And as the barrier between IT and the party came crashing down, Kalurex the Undead Dragon emerged, its wounds patched or torn away entirely as it was now reconstructed and reforged to end the lives of intruders.
[22:01] Esso Naam says, "Ah, this is a familiar sight."
[22:01] Noel Elisheva exclaims, "Familiar isn't the word!"
[22:02] Mikhaila Elisheva exclaims, "Is- is that the same dragon?!"
[22:02] Ethan Hawke says, "... Definitely."
[22:05] Despite the imminent terror this thing brings, Esso does nothing but grin, drawing his dagger. The thing's bigger than him, stronger than him, and maybe even smarter than him, but he injured it before, and he'll do it again.

"I see you've gotten patched up. I need to open that wing back up again!

He glances briefly back at Mikhaila before returning his gaze to the dragon. His next words are uncharacteristically venomous.

"We owe you."
(Esso Naam)
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[22:05] He emits soft, contented little thrums, eyes half lidding for a moment. He turns to try to do the same for Est-

Crash.

He doesn't hesitate. His left hand is hidden at his side, cut, but his right hand is perfectly hale, ready for battle as it grabs onto the blackened bastard sword with a single, massive grip befitting a demon properly. It bites into his flesh, the cold thrum of the accursed metal binding to it's master's aura.

He breathes, heavily, as mercury droplets float in the air around him.

His eyes go wide.

He slides backwards- To get room to charge, fully.
(Eiphraem Kang)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:05] "Great."

Holy magic began to manifest itself around Mikhaila in an aura. However, that was only the initial stage -- the magic went further. The holy glow began to intensify and deepen in shade while Mikhaila's blue eyes too, took on a similar shade. As the mana circuits under her skin began to glow golden as well, the holy aura finally crackled and violently erupted into one of pure energy.

"Maybe we'll finally be done with it this time."
(Mikhaila Elisheva)
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[22:07] It was a slightly familiar sight, though the beast was far less... alive than before. It seemed as if all the damage they had inflicted upon it had been reduced to nothing, torn away or patched up. The beast itself was far more ferocious than what the Wayfinder remembered; it wouldn't listen to his words a bit at that time.

Air was drawn in, his lungs filling up as his sparks lacking any color appeared around him. The world surrounding him lost all expression and hue, mana having its personality nullified and reduced to nothing. With his staff in hand and his body prepared for battle, the young man launched forth a blast of dark flames.

The magi that had found the beast out in the world was far from what Ethan was now.
(Ethan Hawke)
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[22:07] Following her muted screech, Eiphraem's ghostly ward pulled herself together and drifted to her lord's side, rolling along with the suddenly urgent fog at her feet. Her staff was gripped in her right hand, and by the time she took point she had multiple sharp needles of ice gripped between her fingers.

This was the dragon she failed to keep up with last time - but there were no elaborate high-speed chases to be had this time. "...Well, there's our exit," she muttered, pointing. "And..."

The mist swirled around her, the cold only becoming more oppressive and unforgiving with each passing moment. Go time.
(Est Kang)
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[22:07] Noel is in the process of tending to the cut on his hand as the flimsy wall is shattered by Ashera's might. If nothing else, she had saved them time and potential a potential maim.

But with such a familiar enemy now present for them all to see, their next line of action is clear.

They needed to finish what the army of Huangzhou started years ago.

And for some stupid reason, Elisheva's oldest son was smiling.
(Noel Elisheva)
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[22:08] And there it is. The undead dragon she'd heard tell of. To see such a creature lain low and then risen in a crude effigy, warped and twisted to the designs of a cruel master.

Really, it's better this way. Now they don't have to fiddle with the puzzle of the sacrificial basin, and now they can get down to business.

The ghostly Quetzal shrieks and fans its wings in rage to see one of its kindred so defiled. Ohtli joins in it its scream of outrage and fury, both of their aims clear- to lay the tortured soul to rest. Both dart in on feathered wings to right this dreaded wrong.

In this moment she does not allow her pressing age to hold her back from this sacred duty.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[22:08] As the brick wall came crashing down, the Kitsune was on his toes almost immediately. It became clear, eventually, perhaps even a bit too late that there was something on the other side of the wall.

What he didn't expect was the undead dragon that attacked them years ago. The same one..

"I see.." He said, pausing. "This is certainly the right place."

He puts his hands together. Focussing his chakra, Emiri begins to weave handseals near the speed of light - dozens within a matter of seconds.

"Raiton: Cloak of Faith!" He shouted into the darkness of the tower, a golden shroud of lightning covering his body.

And yet, it was like the glow he once sported intensified in these few moments. He reaches for Kagayaki on his back, pointing one of its blades at Kalurex.
(Emiri Taiyang)
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[22:09] "Raiton: Shinko no manto!"
(Emiri Taiyang)
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[22:19] Emiri Taiyang exclaims, "Zettai hoden!"
[22:19] Est Kang says, "WHAT ARE YOU SAYING"
[22:19] Emiri Taiyang exclaims, "RAITON: ZETTAI HODEN!"
[22:20] Est Kang says, "Oh, Raiton. I understand everything now."
[22:20] Est doesn't get it at all.
(Est Kang)
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[22:20] Kalurex the Reconstructed exclaims, "Wind Style: Rasen-Shuriken!"
[22:20] Est Kang says, "OH NO"
[22:22] {NARRATION} Mikhaila, Ethan, Noel, Ohtli, Emiri, Esso
Roll for 1 down each.
[22:26] {NARRATION} Mikhaila/Emiri/Ethan - 4 day temp
Ohtli - 1 day temp
Noel/Esso - Close call in your RP
[22:28] Emiri Taiyang says, "KIRI--aaagh..."
[22:28] ** TattlesDM has inflicted an injury upon Esso Naam. ("Shoulder Gash", "Esso took a swipe from Kalurex the Reconstructed for Mikhaila Elisheva. While he saved the demiangel from being harmed, an enormous claw raked across his front and cut open his shoulder. Luckily it was only the tip, and the wound, while large, is not deep.", "Temporary", "Duration: Medium (4 days)") **
[22:30] ** TattlesDM has inflicted an injury upon Ohtli Tezcacoatl. ("Minor Electrocution", "Ohtli was hit in the chest by a bolt of lightning from Kalurex the Reconstructed. The arc was nothing more than a minor blast, but it will leave Ohtli shaky for as long as the injury lasts (which shouldn't be long).", "Temporary", "Duration: Short (1 day)") **
[22:31] Ethan Hawke whispers: let me type my injury]
[22:31] Ethan Hawke whispers: because i already have]
[22:31] Ethan Hawke whispers: [the rough desc anyway]
[22:32] Never trust anyone who'll tell you fighting a dragon is easy; that's what Ethan learned on that day. Even after the leaps and improvements he made since the last time he faced the beast it meant nothing. His worthlessness was just about the same before its might, leaving him be somehow caught off-guard by the beast appearing inches away from his face, launching a strike with its tail dripping with acidic mana. It burn right through the skin on his left arm— the very same spot that had been completely destroyed by the forest beast.

Reito would be mad. How could he be so careless? She'd have to operate on the very thing she had gotten rid of days prior.

Ethan panted, remaining on the ground for a while after the dragon fell.
(Ethan Hawke)
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[22:33] ** TattlesDM has inflicted an injury upon Ethan Hawke. ("Minor Burns", "Ethan got caught in Kalurex the Reconstructed's fire, and while he is a pyromancer himself, he was unable to avoid the undead dragon's inferno. Some minor burns roiled across his arm and will last for a little while.", "Temporary", "Duration: Medium (4 days)") **
[22:33] In a battle even more frenzied than the last, they clash with the dragon. The room is filled with hostile magic, and the artful dodger moves from spot to spot, darting in to hurt the dragon, then pulling out to avoid taking TOO much damage.

After an Adrenaline pumped battle, in the Dragon's final throes, it swipes frantically, scratching his chestplate, but narrowly avoiding doing more than that. His eyes shoot to Noel and Mikhaila, and while Noel manages to avoid the dragon's talons, Mikhaila does not.

Not.. AGAIN.

In an instant, the young man snaps across the distance, tackling Mikhaila to the ground, taking a wide gash across his shoulder, twisting through the air and slamming into the ground, cushioning Mikhaila from the landing. His injured arm falls slack to the side and he closes his eyes, exhaling through his nose and gritting his teeth as he tries to force the pain out of his mind.
(Esso Naam)
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[22:33] Mikhaila Elisheva says, "aaaaaaaaa"
[22:34] ** TattlesDM has inflicted an injury upon Emiri Taiyang. ("Bruised Back", "Emiri was tossed into a pillar by a blast of Kalurex the Reconstructed's telekinetic might. While it did not shatter bone, the kitsune was left achy and bruised from the blow. It will last some time.", "Temporary", "Duration: Medium (4 days)") **
[22:34] Waves of holy water and ice wash over the battlefield in addition to a wide assortment of others, aiming to protect and heal rather than attack the dragon directly.

It works fairly well up until the dragon becomes enraged by Emiri's foreign ways. Every handseal seemed to enrage it, and every incantation of declaration of an elemental affinity sparked a foreign rage that would be hard to find anywhere else.

The armored tail of the undead swings just over Noel's head as he bursts towards Emiri, hoping to save him. It was an extremely close call.

"Stay down! I'll heal you."

The medic makes his way over to his comrade, hoping to help him up!
(Noel Elisheva)
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[22:36] Ohtli is still spry, for a sixty-something. She's quick on her feet and as she zips around on azure wings crystals sprout from the ground in her wake. Her and the spectral Quetzal work in unity and to great effect.

But the Drakan is not as spry as she used to be. When she should've gone right, she instead goes left and takes a bolt of lightning from the great undead dragon square in the chest.

She crumples, wheezes, and clutches at her heart. Oh...oh, sweet Spirits, is she having a heart attack? Her limbs can't seem to stop shaking either.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[22:36] Ohtli frantically presses life alert.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[22:37] Emiri shunshins away.. for now
(Emiri Taiyang)
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[22:38] Admin ChanceA: how do DMs set spendables again
[22:38] The fight was on, she could face the dragon again, but in an environment that definitely wasn't favorable for a fighter like her. Her best efforts consisted of high intensity bursts of energy in tandem with holy-infused winds to slice at the dragon's form. At some point the occultic winds ends up dragging Mikhaila a bit too close for comfort.

Her eyes went wide as she saw the talons coming.

She was about to get hurt again.
Why was it her? Why was it always her?
Seriously, why was she always the one to get hurt so badly?

Suddenly she finds herself tackled down. Gasping, she glances around -- she wasn't hurt? They had won?

"Esso, you-"
(Mikhaila Elisheva)
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[22:38] Admin Sodaman: i just edit using the shift click and edit the rpp they have
[22:40] Dungeon Master Scarlet Gensokyo: OH YEAH DM accounts can't access the debug menu
[22:40] Dungeon Master Scarlet Gensokyo: They have to spend negative rpp
[22:41] Ashera would charge towards the adversity before her. She would continue to take on the dragon once more. And would fight with all of her might. As many of her allies had fell, she would continue to fight on for them.

As she continued in her Arcane siphoning state. She would continue to assist in taking down the dragon. She would draw her blade. Stabbing through the tough and rigid armor. Slowly weakening the dragon as she attacked it.

As her Arcane attunement had increased her abilities, as well as helped to strengthen her resolve against her enemy. Even when her fears had over come her. Even when the pain of those that were killed from this monster forced her to grieve. So would continue to fight. And help take down the dragon... with Esso's assistance.

She would look towards the group. And would have a sense of concern for them. She had a sense to help and protect them. And they would suffer fighting against the dragon. She hopes that every would walk outalive in the journey...

"Is everyone alright? The dragon will pose a threat to us and the people no longer...."

She would say staring primarily at the injured.
(Ashera Ixis)
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[22:41] {NARRATION} The undead dragon was defeated once again, and as it drew blood and crippled those who stood against it, crimson ichor began to fill the basin. Steadily and surely it rose with each injury and each cry of pain until at last as the beast fell, it reached the grooved line.

A pulse of green light along the veins of the floor fired off, now crimson, toward the central chamber the party had first come to before entering this sacrificial chamber. Kalurex laid finished, dead, likely for good across the floor, but something had sent it, likely to die here.

But why?
[22:45] Admin ChanceA: the 'spend rpp' command?
[22:45] Admin ChanceA: is that what it's named?
[22:45] Dungeon Master Scarlet Gensokyo: Yeah, and then they have to "spend" a negative quantity to give RPP to the EC
[22:53] Admin ChanceA: ...Oh -
[22:53] Admin ChanceA: oops
[22:56] Eiphraem's mind begins to spin in the aftermath, glancing towards the basin.

His mind churns, unpleasantly, gripping at his chest for a moment, as he watches the basin. His hearts fall, a sinking sensation in his chest and lower coils alike as his massive claws drag at his coat- Covered in water, bone shards, and the aftermath.

He's paralyzed, for a long moment- Glancing towards the basin. He scratches, his brows knitting.

Breath flutters, and his sword arm hangs heavily. "... This-"

His fangs dig into his lower lips- Exposed, due to the adrenaline of combat, down from their sheathes in his upper gums.

He stares upwards.

"... Is everyone alright? We should have- Amelioration." He exhales, sharply. "I can assist. I think we are invited up."
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[22:57] Noel Elisheva says, "I think we're good to go. I've got Emiri."
[22:57] Ethan Hawke says, "..."
[22:57] Ethan Hawke says, "Let's-"
[22:58] Ethan slowly floated up to his feet, brushing the dust off his shoulder with his right hand.

"- get going."
(Ethan Hawke)
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[22:58] Mikhaila Elisheva says, "...thank you, Esso."
[23:01] Esso lets out a groan, letting go of Mikhaila entirely. He reaches up with his now free hand and grips his shoulder next to the cut. His wounded arm moves when he tries to move it, so clearly it's not TOO bad.

"That's what friends do, right?"
(Esso Naam)
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[23:02] The Drakan recovers herself, dusting off dust and debris. She hacks, and coughs, and puts all her accoutrement to rights. All is well minus some shakes and jitters- and the fact that her hair stands on end as a result of considerable static.

Ah. But work. Work isn't done.

"Fine, fine. Just-" a twitch. "Fine."

Ohtli busies herself with the body of the dragon. Her head bends low and she begins a short prayer over the corpse of the fallen beast. Nothing too long that might leave them vulnerable.

When she opens her eyes again after brief contemplation, she reaches out to take one of the fallen reptile's teeth from its head. In the aftermath, perhaps, she can make sure that its spirit has been properly laid to rest after this ordeal.

"We should likely be on our way, yes."
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[23:06] {NARRATION} Returning to the main room, the party found the northern door now adorned with one red rune and two green ones. The red glow was, of course, attached to a vein that ran into the room they had just come from, while the other two extended outward to the western and eastern areas.

A chilling breeze came from where the tunnel they'd entered through had been as if something was trying to show them that the wall had sealed itself shut.
[23:07] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "Well...the path is clear, it seems."
[23:07] Ethan Hawke asks, ".. Which one next?"
[23:07] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "The other two rooms hold the key to continuing."
[23:07] Ohtli Tezcacoatl asks, "Flip a coin?"
[23:07] Eiphraem Kang says, "..."
[23:07] Eiphraem Kang says, "East."
[23:07] Esso Naam says, "I'm with Eiphraem."
[23:08] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "East then."
[23:08] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "Let's get to it."
[23:08] Est Kang says, "East it is."
[23:08] Noel Elisheva says, "East-east."
[23:09] Ethan Hawke says, "East-it."
[23:09] Ashera Ixis says, "Lets go."
[23:10] {NARRATION} Entering through the east door, the party found a similar sight as before; a circular room with something in the center. Though where the basin had been in the southern area, now there was simply a raised platform covered in white coals and burning, green fire.

Any pyromancer or spiritmancer could recognize that this was no ordinary inferno, and meddling with the dancing flames could very well prove harmful.

Among the fire, all could see a locket with an L, steadily burning but never melting, out near the center. Along the side the table read;

Sacrifice of Possession
The way cannot be opened without loss.
[23:10] Esso tears a piece of his coat sleeve to wrap it around his shoulder. He seems to be having trouble doing it with one hand though.
(Esso Naam)
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[23:10] Ohtli reaches over, giving poor Esso a hand- but also twitching and potentially making a mess of things.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[23:10] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "...I would be wary of that fire, by the way."
[23:11] Ethan Hawke says, "..."
[23:11] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "More sacrificing. I'm noticing a theme here."
[23:11] Est strolls into the room, pushing the door open.
(Est Kang)
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[23:11] Esso Naam says, "Pain, possession. I wonder what's next."
[23:11] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "I suppose we'll find out."
[23:12] Ohtli Tezcacoatl asks, "If no one else has something they want to give up...I have something I can attempt?"
[23:13] Esso Naam says, "I'll be the first to suggest we cut the knot."
[23:13] Esso Naam says, "Try putting it out with water."
[23:13] Esso Naam says, "I doubt it'll work, but we gotta try stuff anyways."
[23:14] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "No. I will tell you now, that's probably not going to work."
[23:16] Ethan looked at the flames for a few moments, a light frown adorning his features as its appearance and overall feeling was... Way too familiar. Green fire, some heat and the idea of losing something.

"That fire's... something else."

The Wayfinder's right hand shifted lightly, perhaps his type of magic could be useful there. A single green magical circle was cast forth from his fingertips, the first of an array of many others. Netherworld - the primary command that established a connection between the physical realm and the spirit world. If there was anything that belonged to that parallel plane within these flames, then the circle was sure to react in some sort of way, right?
(Ethan Hawke)
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[23:18] {NARRATION} The fires stir in reaction to Ethan's wayfinding, his magic attracting some heat and attention by what would otherwise be a non-living bed of flames. Perhaps it's a warning.
[23:18] Esso Naam says, "Alright, maybe we shouldn't wantonly use magic in here."
[23:18] Ashera Ixis says, "Mmm..."
[23:19] The Drakan casts her gaze about to the others before she starts to reach for the second sword on her back- the far less fabulous one, the blade of mithril that she's more typically seen with.

She admires the little smiley facing etching on its hilt, what truly makes it a work of art in her eyes, and looks back up to the brazier.

Ohtli approaches the bed of coals. Unless someone stops her?...She offers up the treasured sword, the last gift of a long gone friend, into the fire. And she does so with a heavy heart.

"...I'm sorry, Auggie."
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[23:19] Ethan Hawke says, "-"
[23:19] {Item} You drop Newbie Pants.
[23:19] {Item} You picked up Blue Mythril. Dropped by Ohtli Tezcacoatl. .
[23:20] Esso protectively grips Fulgur Mico as Ohtli tosses her mithril weapon into the fire.
(Esso Naam)
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[23:22] Ashera would Take a look at Ohtli's sacrifice. Giving the woman a nod. If only there was something of value she could give up as well she had thought.
(Ashera Ixis)
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[23:22] {NARRATION} Blue Mythril is cast into the green flames. They coil and lick around it until the fire appeared to take it in toward the center where the locket lied as well. They burned brighter and the sword's metal began to react to the heat. Parts peeled away and melted but the solid artifact remained present, in its own inanimate object Hel.

A fired red light was emit from beneath the table and down the vein toward the central room.

The deed was done.
[23:26] The Drakan watches what was possibly one of her greatest material treasures, full of years of sentimentality, vanishes into the flames. It reappears in stasis, out of reach but still observable.

Several bright, vivid memories flash through her mind. Kinder ones. Pleasant, even.

She hangs her head. It hides a few shameful tears that manage to leak from her eyes

"...We ah...We should continue. Yes?"
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[23:27] There seemed to be a certain emotional weight to Ohtli's gesture, heavy enough for Ethan not to mess with the fire any further. His lips parted but no word came out as the metal of the blade seemed to be ripped from itself. Watching the older woman tear up like that was something he didn't really expected or really wanted; it really was enough of a sacrifice for the door to open. If that kind of emotional bond to the blade was equal or greater than the pain the collectively felt with the undead beast from before then...

".. I'm sorry." He muttered towards the winged woman, offering one hand on her shoulder before nodding, moving towards the corridor after a few seconds of silence.
(Ethan Hawke)
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[23:27] Noel makes his way over to Ohtli once her sacrifice is through, a hand reaching out to lightly pat her on the back. For as long as he had known her, she had that sword. Parting with it was not an easy thing to do!

He sympathizes with the Drakanite and then prepares to continue, Emiri likely still with him despite the kitsune not being mentioned anymore after this particular post.

"Thank you, Miss Ohtli."
(Noel Elisheva)
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[23:29] The ghostly woman shudders, her blood running colder than usual as it dawned on her that, had she been able to drag her most important possession around, it might have been her tossing something into the fire today. Empty black eyes shift to Ohtli, looking just a little bit shinier as she bowed her head.

She doesn't say anything - Noel and Ethan are quicker on the draw - but the sentiment is there.
(Est Kang)
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[23:34] Esso has no sympathetic words or gestures; Noel and Ethan have that covered. As he watches the sword join the locket out of reach, and Ohtli's obvious pained body language afterwards, he doesn't even need to see her tears for his muscles to tighten as he grits his teeth.

A flame that was once small inside of him grows as those closest to him suffer at the hands of this tower. Esso grips the sheath of his dagger so hard that it hurts him, but he doesn't let up. Blood is starting to soak the make-shift bandage tied around his shoulder, but he doesn't react to it. He looks up at the ceiling as if looking through all the stone that this tower is made up of, glaring at the Ghoul King he pictures in his mind.

Though he doesn't open his mouth to speak, his thoughts are clear. The Ghoul King is going to pay.
(Esso Naam)
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[23:36] Ashera would walk towards the woman. As she would close her eyes at the sight of that. The woman before her was brave. And had resolve within her actions. Not many would part with a sacred blade of one close to her. And even less destroy it in front of them.

She would walk towards her and pat her shoulder. Using the power of the lifestream to attempt to soothe the woman. What she needed at this time was comfort in loss. And she would try her very best to do so.

"That was very brave and selfless of you Ohtli… We all thank you for your brave sacrifice.... This will not be for vain. And the person behind this atrocity will be punished for it. That's a promise."

The krausite would say, giving a not towards the drakkan.
(Ashera Ixis)
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[23:55] Ohtli re-steadies herself and engages in the time honored tradition of many of her Order magi predecessors.

She takes a deep breath and shoves down her feelings. There is work to do, treasured sword or not. The Drackan clears her throat, dabs her eyes, and casts one last look of longing towards its hovering effigy.

"Thank you, each of you. But there are greater things at stake. Let's get the lead out, hm?"
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[23:59] {NARRATION} Onward to the final, western door the party went. On their way through the central chamber they would all see two of the runes were now a brilliant scarlet, the final of the three that glowing emerald.

The west door lead to another, circular chamber identical to the other two, though this time there was nothing but a single obelisk standing high from floor to ceiling. Nothing was left behind this time, not a hand nor a locket, and the eerie air that already felt as though someone was creepily watching increased tenfold.

Upon the obelisk, these words were etched:

Sacrifice of Secrets
The way cannot be opened without truth.

[00:00] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "Well..."
[00:00] Esso Naam says, "How ominous."
[00:00] Ohtli Tezcacoatl asks, "It...-seems- straight forward?"
[00:00] Esso Naam asks, "The question is, what sort of truth does it want?"
[00:00] Ohtli Tezcacoatl asks, "I'm assuming...a secret?"
[00:01] Est Kang says, "...That is /abysmally/ easy, if it is straightforward."
[00:01] Out of all the doors this one seemed to be the scariest. What were they supposed to do? Stand there and stare at the thing? Ethan lips parted, head tilting as he felt a chill run down his spine - forcing him to stand straight once again.

"What's... That?"
(Ethan Hawke)
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[00:01] The Drakan has only more and more frowning for this latest inscription. She's got a secret or two, certainly...

But after giving away her sword, hopefully someone else can field this one.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[00:01] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "I'm assuming it has to be something of great magnitude."
[00:01] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "Otherwise it wouldn't be a sacrifice."
[00:01] Ashera Ixis says, "A secret."
[00:01] Ashera Ixis says, "Hmmm."
[00:01] Ashera Ixis says, "Alright...."
[00:01] Est Kang says, "...Anybody have anything juicy? I mean- I do not think my /one/ secret amounts to very much."
[00:02] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "...-Only- if no one else has anything to give."
[00:02] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "Spirits, please."
[00:02] Est Kang says, "No, no. Sit this one out."
[00:03] Est Kang says, "...Though I do not think the obelisk would be particularly interested in hearing about-"
[00:03] Esso Naam says, "I don't know if I have a secret big enough to trigger this."
[00:03] Est glances in Eiphraem's direction.
(Est Kang)
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[00:03] Esso Naam says, "I'm pretty open."
[00:04] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "At least any secrets I have to give are involving people that are dead or gone. But really, let's see what you all can come up with."
[00:05] Esso Naam says, "My biggest secret for the longest time was my relationship with Muchom, but that's already public knowledge at this point."
[00:05] Est nods to Esso. There is understanding. There is camaraderie.
(Est Kang)
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[00:05] Esso turns his head away and mumbles the next part.

"But that's decayed a bit since then."
(Esso Naam)
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[00:06] Noel Elisheva says, ".. Sorry to hear that."
[00:06] Noel Elisheva says, "Uh.."
[00:06] Est stops nodding. There is no longer understanding. There is no longer camaraderie.
(Est Kang)
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[00:07] Esso shrugs his shoulders.

"Hard to be in a relationship with someone you almost never see. It may live or it may die depending on if she disappears for another few years."
(Esso Naam)
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[00:18] Ashera would slowly take a hand. And would touch the obelisk and would close her eyes. She would take a look towards everyone and back. She would really be deep in her feelings at that point.

"Everyone believes that I have everything in check. But that couldn't be farther from the truth. Every day I wake up I wonder about my kids. And how I never was able to BE with them enough because I was to busy trying to protect the others around me, as well as serve the will of lifestream..."

Ashera would close her mouth as tears would slowly show.

"I even missed my sons wedding, as she had given Layla his hand in marriage... Even worse, my lack of attention towards Nasu has lead him to push me and Ume away as he acts brashly and injures himself... And Aaliyah has slowly felt the same.... I wonder if I am a horrible mother for continuing to keep up my duties... Because I secretly feel like my kids are suffering for it... As I fear Yusha will follow the same fate....""

Ashera would slowly cry.

"Another thing... I feel the weight of the lives close to me. I continue to fight for what is true in this world... Only to wish that the suffering from those close to me will slip my grasp... Like Varick and Izabell has... The pain of that loss is why I try to fight... Why my resolve ever breeds true... My guilt was soon turned to will to keep fighting... Though I wish I could have saved my goodbyes for them before they left me....."

Ashera had said. Tears rolling down towards her cheek. This was her brutal honesty. And she had felt the need to get that pain off her chest. Even if the obelisk had rejected it. She would wipe her tears. Feeling the weight of her secrets diffusing... She felt she had to get it off her chest to eventually move forward in life.
(Ashera Ixis)
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[00:18] The Drakan slowly pads up beside Ashera. Her turn now to offer comfort, a hand gently resting on her shoulder.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[00:19] Est Kang whispers something.
[00:19] Ashera Ixis says, "I still can't believe I missed my own sons wedding...."
[00:19] Ashera Ixis says, "Also I wish ethan can give me that fire COCK."
[00:21] {NARRATION} With a flash of red the obelisk flared. The light traveled up the vein and out of of sight as it reached the central chamber. A shudder indicated that the entryway that lead higher into the tower was opened, and with it the air became all the more foul.

The burdens of the three sacrifices the Ghoul King forced upon the party were heavy to bear, but they had proven themselves all the same. The question still remained, however, as to who had suffered these tests beforehand? And what sort of fate had they found up ahead?
[00:22] {NARRATION} [Pause Here]