AshartheDragonGod

Raiding for Balmug

Oct 10th, 2020
74
0
Never
Not a member of Pastebin yet? Sign Up, it unlocks many cool features!
text 69.37 KB | None | 0 0
  1. [18:22] Gajin looked through his own pack! It wasn't the most impressive supply of materials but it would do he thought. It'd do well enough to keep him fed and hydrated. Ready for the campaign to come! Which would be nice, so far he'd only raided the Slayers with Moxtli or Deep Company allies.
  2.  
  3. "Mhm! check, check, and check." Standing up he slung his pack over his shoulders. Ready to get moving and see what the norns had arrayed against him.
  4. (Gajin)
  5. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  6.  
  7. [18:32] {NARRATION} Thanks in part to the great deceased dragon Skarlax, the Fireblooded learned of the location of Balmung. Within a manor that belonged to Astor noble family, formerly a thought abandoned armory. It has since seen upgrades and renovations since that time so many years ago and now stands as the secondary seat of the family's influence and power.
  8.  
  9. This was the former home of Leoni ven Astor, a blacksmith of some renown who utilized fallen Barsburg technology to protect the former armory by reverse engineering it.
  10.  
  11. Deep within it's depths lay the vault where the fabled sword is rumored to be housed. Protected and guarded under lock and key as well as armed guards and who knew what else?
  12.  
  13. The manor grounds are kept clean and tidy, and as expected there are guards patrolling the exterior. The number of guards makes it clear they are protecting something.
  14.  
  15. -------------------------------------------------
  16. OOC Note:
  17. During the course of the event, you all are free to roll a d100 in order to search an area (each of you are!), and you may be rewarded with extra loot or money for your efforts.
  18.  
  19. For the time being, please select one from your numbers to roll a d20 in order to determine if you're able to sneak past the guards. Good luck!
  20. (Alternatively you can choose to storm in and fight.)
  21. [18:34] {NARRATION} Additional note: You need to roll at least a 14 in order to sneak successfully.
  22. [18:35] As they come across the grand manor the Drakenite looks around, his eyes scan the area and they fall on guards you'd expect to see at such a place. He stands there with his hands in his pockets waiting to hear what exactly they were going to do.
  23.  
  24. Taking a pre-rolled joint from his pocket carton he swipes a match and lights it. The drakenite seemed pretty lax looking at the grand compound. Partially because due to who was present, it'd be covered in flames and tumbling in a few hours.
  25.  
  26. He guaranteed that much.
  27.  
  28. "Rest your souls." He said to those standing in wait at the doors, it went for those inside as well.
  29. (Dezmond Graves)
  30. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  31.  
  32. [18:38] And thus, the fortress is braved. Its exterior, hardly becoming of a family whose legacy was to slay divine beasts. And from their gathering point, Orodyn, now appointed dragonlord, casts his gaze around the group of consolidated raiding efforts.
  33.  
  34. It trails from person to person. Brynhildr, Raphael - the two newer Flame Heralds. Dezmond - a brother in all right and honor proper. And last, Rune and Gajin, their juniors.
  35.  
  36. Following it, the amethyst gaze returns to the older brother, Varceal.
  37.  
  38. "We're not sneaking in, I presume." Breaking a smirk upon the edge of his lip.
  39.  
  40. "... we should make our entry announced. Flaunt it. We're here for Balmung."
  41. (Orodyn Vartuul)
  42. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  43.  
  44. [18:38] This was it, then! With fists pressed against either side of her palms, one knuckle after the other was snap, crackled, and popped. Sure sneaking was an option-- but them? Sneak in? They weren't exactly made for something like that.
  45.  
  46. ...Except? A couple of them were. With a curious gaze given to Dezmond and Raphael.
  47.  
  48. "We may be brutes, Orodyn, but we've a mission that needs to succeed. If we can afford to snap a few necks silently?" She motions towards the gates.
  49.  
  50. "Then our job will be made all the more easier. We're not here to show off, after all." They were here for something far, far more important.
  51.  
  52. "But should Raphael fail?" Her fist gently clashes against her open palm. "I'm all for showing off."
  53. (Brynhildr)
  54. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  55.  
  56. [18:39] Raphael trailed alongside the rest of his Drakanite group, mythril blade in hand. Giving it a few rolling slashes, he'd ensure his sword arm was just limber enough to get the job done. A deep inhale is taken while they were in front of the manor's grounds. The greenery, the trees-
  57.  
  58. The guards in front of the door posed a challenge. Raphael looked to the others for a time and brought his palm up to gather a trace amount of magic within. "The less resistance the better, no?" Letting the mana in his palm spiral out of control until it was an ugly black hue, Raphael would be overtaken with a special shade of shadow.
  59.  
  60. .. And in the next moment, he would begin to shadow walk towards the nearby trees.
  61.  
  62. In a spectacular attempt to sneak towards the manor windows!
  63. (Raphael Vance)
  64. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  65.  
  66. [18:39] Varceal would cross is arms looking at the manor of the dragonslayers from osrona - he curled a brow forward as he awaited the next actions it didn't seem like any of the guards were noticing them, probably because of the false security they built up over the years.
  67.  
  68. Varceal would raise his hand - to stop any advances.. then his eyes would shift to either Raphael or Dezmond. "One of you dragons of shadow should try to sneak us pass with your magic - I am all in for burning this place down to the ground, but after we meet our mortal enemy." He said looking to orodyn.
  69.  
  70. "I know you want to start it now - but for the sake of our smaller drakes we should do this the safe way."
  71.  
  72. Then he gave a nod to the two dragons of shadow waiting to see which one would try their magics.
  73. (Varceal Vartuul)
  74. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  75.  
  76. [18:40] And so, the fireblooded have arrived to their destination. To an armory once thought abandoned, now restored and filled with guards.
  77.  
  78. A couple guards? He's certain they can handle. However, a frontal assault would alert everyone currently inside, giving a warning ahead of time to who knows how many guards still inside. This would lead to a major trouble: The guards would know from which direction the fireblooded will be coming while the latter will be unaware of where the guards are, and the guards will have the home advantage, knowing the armory much better than they do.
  79.  
  80. "We should sneak-" Rune's suggestion goes flat when Orodyn suggests breaking in.
  81.  
  82. Luckily, both Brynhildr and Raphael are suggesting the silent approach.
  83.  
  84. "I agree. Sneaking in would be easier for us."
  85. (Rune Daman)
  86. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  87.  
  88. [18:40] Orodyn Vartuul says, "... tch."
  89. [18:40] Orodyn Vartuul asks, "Sneak?"
  90. [18:40] Brynhildr says, "Raphael has lead feet anyhow."
  91. [18:41] Gajin kept close to his fellow Fireblooded as they approached the manor. Still a little ways off from it the group came to a halt. Close enough to get a good luck but not close enough to alert the guards patrolling the grounds proper. Though of course their could be smaller patrols sniffing along the outskirts beyond the grounds.
  92.  
  93. Glancing over as Dezmond spoke the young swordsmen frowned slightly. Not that the violence was anything to shy from but the coming killing wouldn't be very pleasant. Still, as they stood waiting for orders he'd reach up to grip his sword's leather-bound hilt. Pulling the blade free with a soft *skrrt* sound and holding it so it faced down. The length pointing towards the ground as he waited for the order.
  94.  
  95. "Don't worry about me, I'm more than ready to put my sword-skills to the test." Gajin didn't want any strategy to be implemented just to cover his own weakness or youth. After-all he was here to help, not be a crutch that slows the group down.
  96. (Gajin)
  97. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  98.  
  99. [18:42] Varceal Vartuul says, "Well then.. either of you.. let's use your powers to our advantge."
  100. [18:43] Dezmond Graves says, "Go for it."
  101. [18:45] {NARRATION} The Fireblooded disagreed with the best method in order to infiltrate the manor proper. By sneaking in past the guards on the outside, or by drenching the entire grounds in flames.
  102.  
  103. But it seemed Raphael ultimately made the decision for them. As the shadows cloak him and he moves forth as the others discuss the best way to enter, he moves towards the nearby trees.
  104.  
  105. Immediately an alarm begins to blare from runes carefully hidden amongst the treeline, alerting the guards to their presence.
  106.  
  107. One by one they filtered in, armed guards ready to do battle with the Fireblooded.
  108.  
  109. ---------------------------------------
  110. OOC Note: After this fight you will get another chance to roll another D20 to try your attempt again in an effort to avoid further detection. Either that or you can mow down 2 additional guards. The choice is yours!
  111. [18:48] Laughing his gauntlets are tightened and his wings erupt violently from his back, he flexes and takes in one long pull from his joint, exhaling all at once releasing the smoke in one burst.
  112.  
  113. "HA!"
  114.  
  115. He couldn't have done any better, but he was happy to have done this the easy way. It's not cool being depended on and then choking. He'd experienced that feeling more than a handful of times in the coming year.
  116.  
  117. "This way's easier anyway." He says walking forward menacingly.
  118. (Dezmond Graves)
  119. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  120.  
  121. [18:48] Fuck.
  122.  
  123. Brynhildr wasn't kidding.
  124.  
  125. "Too late - go loud!" Orodyn immediately takes flight, his tame blade taking on a bright glow, morphing its silhouette to resemble a javelin more so than a saber.
  126.  
  127. "There's no point in losing time here - we storm the place... Leave no time for them to retaliate!"
  128.  
  129. He charges the guards.
  130. (Orodyn Vartuul)
  131. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  132.  
  133. [18:49] "Well! It was worth a try, at the very least. But it seems they've got this place guarded by more than just their eyes..." With the runes blaring their deafening sires and the guards running to meet them half way, a cold chill slowly began to spread beneath the young Drakan's feet.
  134.  
  135. "So how about we just clobber our way through this lot and meet the next welcoming committee head on, eh?" The staff upon her back is reached for, and once pulled, a faint heat began to emit from her opposite hand.
  136.  
  137. Fire and ice coalesced, ready to do battle with those who sought to stop them.
  138.  
  139. "Overwhelmin' them it is!"
  140. (Brynhildr)
  141. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  142.  
  143. [18:49] Raphael didn't even get a chance to make it to the manor windows. Or the manor in general, really! While he was hidden in the midst of the shadows, a secret magical alarm was tripped nearby. As the runes flared to life, it seemed they'd be at liberty to do battle at last. As armed guards stormed out into the courtyard, a resounding "Sorry! I guess I've got lead feet, huh!?" Came from the treeline.
  144.  
  145. Raphael, now cloaking both his draconic claws and his mythril blade in the very same dark energy he'd used to hide himself.
  146.  
  147. ".. Go loud? Alright, then! We're going loud!!" A massive claw made of shadow would begin to tear through the incoming soldiers. Time to rock the boat.
  148. (Raphael Vance)
  149. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  150.  
  151. [18:50] Well...
  152.  
  153. There goes any plans to try sneak their way in.
  154. "Ladies and gentlemen?" Rune reaches a hand to the hilt of his sword, drawing it from itssheath.
  155.  
  156. "I hope you all made sure to sharpen your blades and polish your staffs. We're going in, the rought method!"
  157. (Rune Daman)
  158. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  159.  
  160. [18:50] {NARRATION} Additional Note: Everyone please do /vit for me.
  161. [18:50] Gajin watched as the shadow-drake attempted to make his move. Gliding along the grounds like a whisper. Well, that's what he thought would happen until the alarms began to blare and the armed guards started to organize themselves and spill out into the courtyard.
  162.  
  163. Taking a deep breath as he stepped forwards the youth brought his blade up in front of him. So that his gaze continued past the sharp edge of hardened iron out towards the guards. With an easy flourish he turned the blade to the side and started to rush forwards into the courtyard. At full tilt the young warrior's frame began to blur in a trail of brilliant blue mana.
  164.  
  165. As he crossed the outer gates he took a quick breath and then let loose a mighty, "Raaawwrr!" Bringing the sword up to his side as he leapt at the nearest swordsman. A bundle of aggression in a diminutive package!
  166. (Gajin)
  167. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  168.  
  169. [18:50] * You have been awarded 4 Roleplay Points! *
  170. [18:50] "Well I can't say I didn't try it." He shrugged unsheathing his blade Volund and pointing it to the guards. "You are the past- a osronian mistake and I will see to it that you are burned to the ground."
  171.  
  172.  
  173. "We will just kill them all- and burn this place to the ground." He kinda staked his claim on that much - the place would do better being reduced to ash, and with a smile he awaited the protectors eagerly blade being raised to his side and gripped with both hands.
  174. (Varceal Vartuul)
  175. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  176.  
  177. [19:00] {Won Restrained RPB against MillyDM}
  178. [19:01] {NARRATION} Varcael do the victory RP, others follow up.
  179. I'm not counting Gajin's KO, it's okay.
  180. [19:04] The guards come in swinging, no fear, no restraint. The fighters gather around and get into formation, soon enough they spread apart fighting their own battles in unison.
  181.  
  182. The fighter dashes in grappling with a guard and suplexes them flinging them backwards into everyone else to combo them up. He began swinging furiously at them as they flew away.
  183.  
  184. "HEADS UP!"
  185.  
  186. One guard, One guard they all beat on with the viciousness of piranhas to a wounded duck. His day was certainly hell.
  187.  
  188. Fire, blades, magic of ridiculous power, they all pummeled this singular opponent and then he shook his head sadly. He watched as they surrounded him, as Varceal came to finish him off he began looking for a way in.
  189.  
  190. "I'll do the next one if you lot don't mind. I don't promise success, but I'll try."
  191. (Dezmond Graves)
  192. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  193.  
  194. [19:05] Raphael ran into the fray cloaked in nothing but his own martial prowess and the shadows he'd been commanding. Razor sharp claws rip and shred through metal- And though Raphael goes all in nearer the beginning, being surrounded and beaten down by twenty some guard individually hurt. Mythril stings when you're cut into ribbons by a lot more than ten foes, it would seem!
  195.  
  196. Raphael throws himself back, his wings expanding to help with the gliding motion while he coasted through the air. Brynhildr and Orodyn offered plenty of support in their guarding while he continued to run in for quick, peppered hit and run type attacks.
  197.  
  198. And in the end, the Drakanite is panting softly as his mythril blade finished through the carcass of one final guard. ".. Talk about.. An entry party.." Raphael needed a quick second while the others finished off the remaining foes. When Dezmond offered to use his shadows to sneak the next time, Raphael holds a thumbs up.
  199.  
  200. "... Y-Yup.. No arguments here, man."
  201. (Raphael Vance)
  202. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  203.  
  204. [19:06] The guards were definitely not trying to be caught off guard to his surprised they were exceptionally trained, each one attacking upon him and his brood in cadence to their strikes and one by one they would be failing to land a grand strike upon the drakanite.
  205.  
  206. His own brood was efficient and could rival their strength if not be greater using their powers and blessing against the guards to knock them down and even land killing blows on some.
  207.  
  208. As Varceal turned to Gajin who seemed to be having some trouble being teamed up by guards. "I see..." He said as he swung against the current guards that were entertaining him blowing back to their feet - and raising his sword in the air.
  209.  
  210. "Don't worry- I'll do this for you." The fire around the area would swirl into the sword volund causing the blade to reach its melting point - and as it reached it's limit Varceal would swing towards Gajin and the enemies that sounded him sending a wave offire and magma his was and reducing his current foes to ashes - saving Gajin from any mortal blows.
  211.  
  212.  
  213. "Finish them off my brothers and sisters- show them no falter.. don't let them think that they actually stood a chance." He would turn and watch how the rest would do the might of Garljing's coat.
  214. (Varceal Vartuul)
  215. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  216.  
  217. [19:06] A swarm of salamanders rapidly overwhelm one of the guarding men just ahead of the door. And whilst Varceal gallantly fronts the assault, the rest of his men, including the twin dragonlord, support his endeavor. Their guards up, awaiting the next few men to waltz out and face them at the tidy, now smoke-filled courtyard.
  218.  
  219. Varceal puts an end to the first of them swiftly.
  220.  
  221. "... with me, you lot!
  222.  
  223. That's not all they've got...!"
  224. (Orodyn Vartuul)
  225. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  226.  
  227. [19:07] And so? They were given their first taste of action and Brynhildr for one was having a heyday with every thrown punch, kick, and barrage of fire and ice that left her open palms.
  228.  
  229. The poor guards, though Varceal rattled their heads the most, didn't have a grand time slipping and sliding on the ice she casted upon the ground. It was her favorite thing to do, really! One second they charged at her, then the next she made a makeshift slip and slide just so they could go and surf their way straight into her fist.
  230.  
  231. You know- the works.
  232.  
  233. "Aye, if y'think we can still make another stealthy attempt after that? Y'do got the shadow magic, I guess..." But should he fail? She was going to go marching up to those doors herself and bring the whole establishment down.
  234.  
  235. "If this fails, we're crashing the party the hard way."
  236. (Brynhildr)
  237. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  238.  
  239. [19:07] Right of the bat, blades were drawn, clashing at each other. Magic was flang, causing destruction in the area.
  240.  
  241. That, is one way to make an entrance.
  242. The battle was of particular struggle to the still wingless drakanite, mostly relying on defense and avoiding blows against the sheer numbers of the guards. Luckily, he had other fireblooded to support him, swinging in for the save- And giving Rune an opening to bind some of the guards together, with metallic chains formed with his own magic.
  243.  
  244. "That should hold them up for now" Rune proclaims, sheathing his sword back in place.
  245.  
  246. "So... One could say we came ringing at the front door, and started a party as Rpahael said! Now..."
  247.  
  248. Rune turns to look towards the entrance door.
  249.  
  250. "At this point I imagine, its bye-bye stealth, hello barging in with full force. Shall we get going?"
  251. (Rune Daman)
  252. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  253.  
  254. [19:08] So it began! The youth's blade struck down with gleeful abandon upon the shoulder of the guard. There was a brief moment of elation that crossed Gajin's features as he felt purchase, pushing hard to feel the spray of blood from the guard. His teeth bared in a primal aggression that hinted towards his heritage as one of Ryujin's people.
  255.  
  256. That was until the blade slide to the right, gliding off the pauldron and swinging towards the right. Safely away from the guard and rendered impotent. For a heart-beat the forward momentum of Gajin's attack looked like it'd carry him past danger and out of the way.
  257.  
  258. That was until he felt the gauntleted fist striking him across the face in a backswing. The harsh metal digging into flesh and cracking nascent scales as the force alone sent him hurtling towards the side! Into a band of more guards.
  259.  
  260. To his credit he jumped up quickly and started to defend himself against the band. It was clear he'd beoverwhelmed in a few moments if things kept how they where. That was until a slosh of molten magma covered the Guards around him. Leaving the young Drakanite out of danger. With a wide grin he'd offer a wave and shout at the Dragonlord.
  261.  
  262. "Thanks!"
  263. (Gajin)
  264. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  265.  
  266. [19:21] {Won Restrained RPB against MillyDM}
  267. [19:23]
  268. {LOAD GAME}
  269.  
  270. [19:36] {NARRATION} The Fireblood storm the rest of the guards after their second failure of sneaking past. Sometimes, some things just aren't meant to be and clearly seven feet tall Drakanites sneaking is one of them.
  271.  
  272. The collective might of the Fireblooded is no longer questioned, at least by these guards, as they are summarily mowed down by the various magics the group commands. Magma, fire, ice and even holy magic all intermingle to overcome what the Manor has to offer. At least on the outside.
  273.  
  274. Yet despite their strengths, the guards are house Astor guards for a reason. They do not simply roll over to be defeated. They fight with their all and several of them manage to wound the Fireblooded's numbers.
  275.  
  276. Dezmond gets a particularly exciting close call as a burly Guard repeatly pummeled him with a blade, and yet the sharpened edge of the mythril sword did absolutely nothing against the Drakanite's hardened scales, allowing Dezmond the upper hand and to escape unscathed.
  277.  
  278. Raphael on the other hand, proves not to be as lucky. As he battles the guards even double team him, forcing him to go toe to toe with not just one but two. One of their attacks comes from his flank, a clobbering right hook that impacts his temple and leaves him dizzy. Has he suffered a concusion?
  279.  
  280. Beyond that however, the Fireblooded are free to invade the manor. Nothing stands in their way. Or does it?
  281.  
  282. ------------------------
  283. OOC Note:
  284. Dezmond - No injury
  285. Raphael - 1 day temp
  286. [19:41] Raphael struggled with this group far more than he did the first one. When he'd ran out of luck, two of the guards approach him with blades in hand. Even though the Drakanite could duck in and out of the shadows, he's left with one particularly scary instance- Completely out of tricks!
  287.  
  288. And so while he dueled both enemies, he'd push all of his focus into the left one. His line of thinking ran simply- Defeat one as fast as possible, taking and enduring whatever blows the other might deal- So he could focus on one for the remainder of the skirmish.
  289.  
  290. Unfortunately for Raphael- The Drakanite had two particularly hardened veterans on his tail. And when a heavy swing connects with his temple, Raphael hit the ground.
  291.  
  292. Hard.
  293. (Raphael Vance)
  294. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  295.  
  296. [19:42] When the second round of guards inevitably came? Brynhildr did away with whatever pain might've plagued her. Because right now? There was no time for slowing down.
  297.  
  298. It was the usual business for her! Ice crept across the lands while explosive flames blew guard after guard back, keeping them mostly at bay, short of the occasional swipe of blades that managed to cut into her.
  299.  
  300. She didn't care so much about herself, though. Those little cuts? They were negligible. The thing that really catches her attention, however? Is the sight of Raphael being swarmed by the very bastards is enough to make her chest burn.
  301.  
  302. And it's without even a thought that she moves to his aid, gliding upon ice to catch one of them off-guard.
  303.  
  304. "Hey." She breathes low, a hand upon the man's shoulder the only warning he gets before her claws dig and her other hand grips at the back of his skull.
  305.  
  306. "Two on one's a bit unfair, ain't it?"
  307.  
  308. Ice clambers, spiking and enveloping until the entirety of his skull is cocooned by the very element, leaving him rocking off to the side. Top heavy as he was, he was quick to hit the ground with a thud, bits and pieces of ice scattering off.
  309.  
  310. A gruesome way to go, no doubt.
  311.  
  312. Brynhildr's gaze turns, falling upon Raphael. "Are you alright?"
  313. (Brynhildr)
  314. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  315.  
  316. [19:42] Seven drakanites walked to the front door, with many guards charging out to greet them.
  317.  
  318. And when the dust settled? The seven stood firm, above the fallen guards. A good start, even if one of them got struck by a guard hitting him from the back.
  319.  
  320. "Guess the front door's clear now, the entrance door is now ours to charge through." Rune proclaims, but somehow... He doesn't feel fully satisfied with the idea. If they are going to be this bold and charge in?
  321. Might as well make it even more daring, no?
  322.  
  323. Looking for another option, Rune takes notice of the windows on the walls, an idea coming through his head. "Say... What if we didn't take the front door, and charge through the windows instead? Might catch any would be guard that remained inside by surprise."
  324. (Rune Daman)
  325. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  326.  
  327. [19:44] Gajin looked around at the dead and half-melted guards at his feet. Well he'd not helped a whole lot just then but at-least he wasn't hurt. Which was more than could be said for everyone. Carefully extracting himself from miasma of molten bodies.
  328.  
  329. Twirling his blade upwards as he sheathed it into its sheath. Their was a soft click that echoed outwards as it was put away. Walking over to rejoin the group he'd just give a soft smile. "Well that could have went worse." Now he stuck close to his compatriots.
  330.  
  331. His gaze shifted towards the door and then towards the windows. "You know... Maybe they didn't alert everyone. These guys where tough and sneaking through might not be a bad idea." He wasn't one for underhanded strategies but this looked to be a time to use one if ever there was one.
  332. (Gajin)
  333. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  334.  
  335. [19:44] As his attempt to sneak in fails miserably he laughs and steps back waiting to be swung on. It was pretty clear that he would have to be first to whatever beating they were about to be given.
  336.  
  337. He inhales quickly, his body began to feel light with the aide of the herb. He didn't know who, or what would come out. He just know he'd be fighting.
  338.  
  339. BOOM!
  340.  
  341. As a burst of guards come out from the door he tries to grapple with two of them, wanting to disarm them quickly. He figured if he could do that he could lessen the toll on the others from the start.
  342.  
  343. He kicks one in the ribs and flips him over sending his claws into the armor of the next. As he shook him free from his armor he chomped down hard on the metal armor biting through it with his powerful jaws. As he's roughing up the one guard he's struck in the back with a blade not sharp enough to penetrate his scales.
  344.  
  345. "Man.. talk about low." He says turning around to kick themaway and rest for a moment. He watches as the others finish the remaining guards off. Raphael seemed to be hurt, it seemed like the luck of Shadow Dragons was cursed.
  346. (Dezmond Graves)
  347. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  348.  
  349. [19:46] "Fodder - and forsaken- guards left to defend a old and lost temple to our peoples destruction." As they would finish off the last - he would watch Dezmond and Bryn tear a new whole into the guards prides. "Hmph.. -" He could help but to feel the bride of his kin around him- yes they would make up for the mistakes of theria - and they will be seen as a new light for all of esshar.
  350.  
  351. "It will seem that we would be free to enter and search for what Skarlax sent us to retrieve, then we will burnt his place down..- it is after all a monument to our destruction." Varceal would take lead and take all the fall for any traps in the area should there be some.
  352.  
  353. "Come along - we have more fighting to do I expect." but only time will tell...
  354. (Varceal Vartuul)
  355. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  356.  
  357. [19:47] Brynhildr makes right by her name and title, as do they all.
  358.  
  359. The guards are dispatched of by the petite brigade of fireblooded. Each salamander digging swords, fists and claws into their enemies with little remorse - for they are nay more than an obstacle to brave, one of several small echelons to climb through.
  360.  
  361. Their prized goal rests inside. Balmung.
  362.  
  363. Eyes are cast upon the one to have sustained some miscellaneous injuries, Raphael. A meditative hum, as he deems them not of grievousness - he could handle them - the dragonlord declares.
  364.  
  365. Orodyn's golden dirk lifts, then points inwards, to the fortress' gate.
  366.  
  367. "We waste no time, dig in!"
  368. (Orodyn Vartuul)
  369. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  370.  
  371. [19:47] And so as Raphael hit the ground with an absolutely heavy thud, Brynhildr was left to deal with cleaning up. The Drakanite had actually managed to kill one of the guards he was fighting- But the other downed him with that strong blow to his temple. Brynhildr's quick save keeps him from coming out of this with anything other than a concussion-
  372.  
  373. But his pride would've rather he'd come out of this perfect and untouched. Looking up, his vision a tad bit blurry- He'd grin at Brynhildr.
  374.  
  375. "Hey.." His hair a bit ruffled, ".. Come here.. Often?" A flat palm is put onto the ground as he pushed up and slowly began to collect his bearings. "I'm- I'll be fine, yeah. My heads spinning a thousand miles a minute here, but- I can still fight."
  376.  
  377. He'd lean on her for a moment, catching his breath as he did so.
  378.  
  379. ".. Thanks, Bryn." The luck of the Shadow Dragons was absolutely cursed.
  380. (Raphael Vance)
  381. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  382.  
  383. [19:53] {NARRATION} The Manor itself was as one would expect from a great noble family; multiple levels and multiple rooms. Many places where the Vault could be. The interior of the manor is dimly lit.
  384.  
  385. Directly ahead of them is a grand staircase leading to a second floor. On the ground floor on either side of the staircase are two other sets of stairs leading down. If they connected together and led to the same place was ultimately a mystery. Two doors flank the stairs leading down, and past that they can also explore the east and right wings respectively.
  386.  
  387. For now, no guards come to greet them. Where should they go?
  388. [19:55] "Fifteen thousand and eighty two."
  389.  
  390. There's a pause, as he scours the serene, almost uncannily inoperant surroundings of the manor's entrance and hall. Eyes squinted, as he reads the mood. An ambush...?
  391.  
  392. Hadn't he gotten too good at noticing them already?
  393.  
  394. Mayhap they had just run out manpower for now.
  395.  
  396. "... we're clear." He denotes. "Search this floor first, start by the right wing.
  397.  
  398.  
  399. … don't split up."
  400. (Orodyn Vartuul)
  401. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  402.  
  403. [19:56] Rune Daman says, "Sounds good to me. Lets search one room at a time."
  404. [19:58] {NARRATION} The collected Drakanites opted to explore the East Wing. Fine marble scuffs under their bootsteps and eventually they enter...
  405.  
  406. The Kitchens. It's stocked fully, and yet before they're able to even get a proper look around? A maid practically screeches, having been in the process of baking bread. She attacks them with a rolling pin.
  407. [19:58] Raphael Vance says, ". . ."
  408. [19:58] Orodyn backhands the maid, seeking to knock her out immediately.
  409. (Orodyn Vartuul)
  410. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  411.  
  412. [19:59] Brynhildr says, "--"
  413. [19:59] Raphael Vance says, ". .."
  414. [19:59] Raphael Vance says, "Orodyn."
  415. [19:59] Raphael Vance says, "You-"
  416. [19:59] Brynhildr asks, "Well, I-... That's fine. I think?"
  417. [19:59] Raphael Vance says, "Yesterday, you literally said you beat women when you're drunk."
  418. [19:59] Raphael Vance asks, "Are you DRINKING?"
  419. [19:59] Orodyn Vartuul says, "... no comment."
  420. [19:59] Rune Daman says, "..."
  421. [19:59] Brynhildr says, "He came prepared..."
  422. [19:59] Varceal incenerates the woman as she falls to the ground back the back hand.
  423. (Varceal Vartuul)
  424. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  425.  
  426. [19:59] Raphael Vance says, ". .. . . .. "
  427. [19:59] Raphael Vance asks, "? ??? ? ?? ?"
  428. [19:59] Orodyn Vartuul says, ".........."
  429. [19:59] Rune Daman says, "Varceal... That was too much."
  430. [20:00] Brynhildr says, "I..."
  431. [20:00] Brynhildr says, "She-... She was a maid."
  432. [20:00] Brynhildr asks, "Varceal?"
  433. [20:00] Varceal Vartuul says, "She was the enemy.."
  434. [20:00] Brynhildr says, "SHE WAS A MAID."
  435. [20:00] Varceal Vartuul says, ".....Let's continue.."
  436. [20:00] Rune Daman exclaims, "I can pin such people down with chains instead, Varceal!"
  437. [20:00] Orodyn Vartuul says, "You know how maids get when you leave them alone in a room for too long."
  438. [20:00] Orodyn Vartuul says, "Rpl 170+ and shit..."
  439. [20:00] Rune Daman exclaims, "If you want them quiet, I can gag the mouth too!"
  440. [20:00] Brynhildr says, "From now on, no more of that."
  441. [20:00] Rune Daman exclaims, "Agreed!"
  442. [20:00] Varceal Vartuul says, "......Fine.."
  443. [20:00] {NARRATION} The maid is knocked out savagely. She bleeds a little from her lip. The Astors didn't really care about domestic abuse however so it was fine. They are free to explore the kitchen. If they wanted to?
  444.  
  445. ---------------------------------
  446. OOC Note: Roll, my pretties, if you wish to search.
  447. [20:00] You know in those really corny movies- Where some real shit happens and the camera begins to slow down and the narrator speaks up? As Raphael watches this poor maid get backhanded and simultaneously incinerated-
  448.  
  449. ".. Yeah. That's me. You're probably wondering how I got into this situation," Raphael voices aloud. His eyes never stop being wide from what he's just witnessed. A polling pin. They were all armored in flames and mythril.
  450.  
  451. He would never unsee that.
  452. (Raphael Vance)
  453. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  454.  
  455. [20:00] Gajin absorbed the brutal handling of their foes. Learning how to be a real Drakanite for when he grows up.
  456. (Gajin)
  457. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  458.  
  459. [20:01] Brynhildr says, "...I'm gonna look for a snack."
  460. [20:01] {NARRATION} Roll a D100 btw.
  461. [20:06] {NARRATION} Why were a bunch of strong Fireblooded Drakanites looting a manor's kitchen? The world may never know. The maid certainly wouldn't.
  462.  
  463. Raphael locates 5 fire crystals on the counter by the bread. Maybe they liked spicy bread?
  464. Varcael finds 3 sugarcap mushrooms in a barrel.
  465. Brynhildr locates five MORE fire crystals on the floor, having been scattered by the maid when she had been surprised.
  466. Gajin rummages through a box that was open to grab 4 whole cylion.
  467. Rune? Rune manages to find five earth crystals, in a little pouch.
  468.  
  469. And Orodyn?
  470.  
  471. He slips and falls on his ass from the dropped rolling pin of the maid he had so savagely backhanded. Karma at it's finest.
  472. [20:07] {NARRATION} Dezmond also finds 3 poppylus in the back of the storage closet. Big ups to Dezmond.
  473. [20:07] Raphael reached for the counter to scrounge up anything they may have left otherwise unattended to. When he'd blink a few times and tilt his head, looking down at his palm when he'd picked up five whole flaming crystals. The Drakanite instinctively moves one to his mouth and bites down on it.
  474.  
  475. Spicy.
  476. (Raphael Vance)
  477. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  478.  
  479. [20:07] Orodyn quite literally scooby doo slips over a rolling pin, barrel walking over it for a solid four meters before finally losing rhythm with its rotation and falling over it, slamming the back of his spine against him in the most horrid way.
  480.  
  481. "AGH.
  482.  
  483. FUCK.
  484.  
  485. FUCK.
  486.  
  487. FUCK."
  488.  
  489. That's what you get, Orodyn.
  490.  
  491. That's what you get.
  492. (Orodyn Vartuul)
  493. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  494.  
  495. [20:08] {Item} You picked up Cylion x4.
  496. [20:09] Rune opens the pouch, staring inside the content for perhaps a bi too long, just wondering one thing in his mind.
  497.  
  498. Who, by Ryujin's divine bottocks, would use earth crystals in a food recipe?
  499.  
  500. Oh, those poor, broken-teeth Astors...
  501. (Rune Daman)
  502. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  503.  
  504. [20:09] Watches as the barbaric brothers of his rip through the kitchen. He would stand clear of the area, certain that they would stir up a ruckus from the sudden screech and rumbling. There was likely a few guards near by who'd heard the commotion hadn't they?
  505.  
  506. He stares at a pile of flowers that flew from the kitchen towards him. He could have taken them. But would he?
  507.  
  508. "Cursed flowers.. go back to whence you came."
  509. (Dezmond Graves)
  510. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  511.  
  512. [20:10] In truth, Brynhildr was more or less looking for a snack rather than some scattered fire crystals, but hey! Finders keepers, right? She bends down to scoop them up, and when she lifts back up?
  513.  
  514. She's eye level with one freshly baked loaf of bread. Bingo.
  515.  
  516. The Drakanite scoops it up for the taking. The entire loaf. All of it. She carries it with her, plucking piece after piece from it. What? She's hungry. Fighting a bunch of guards left a person needing the energy!
  517.  
  518. "Hey, Orodyn," she muses through a mouthful of bread. "Nice."
  519. (Brynhildr)
  520. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  521.  
  522. [20:10] Was peaking under the sink when he came back out with a small box. Setting it up on the counter-lip. Opening it to reveal! Cylion, the young Drakanite just tilted his head. What the heck was this stuff?
  523.  
  524. Well, he was sure Bell could use it for something.
  525. (Gajin)
  526. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  527.  
  528. [20:10] Orodyn Vartuul says, "... no way."
  529. [20:11] Orodyn rubs the back of his bum. "... let's move on, let's forget any of this happened. I swear - let's get going."
  530. (Orodyn Vartuul)
  531. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  532.  
  533. [20:12] Rune Daman asks, "So... Lets head downstairs?"
  534. [20:12] Gajin asks, "Shouldn't we clear the ground level first?"
  535. [20:12] Orodyn Vartuul says, "... aye, pillage..."
  536. [20:13] Gajin says, "Don't want them cutting off our retreat."
  537. [20:13] Varceal Vartuul says, "Hmm - I have reason to believe that we should take the west wing, then we go through the center - for the last part should we choose to destroy this place."
  538. [20:13] Varceal Vartuul says, "It should start from the heart.."
  539. [20:13] Varceal Vartuul says, "Like all flames."
  540. [20:13] Rune Daman says, "I mean, if we are here to find the most important stuff they're keeping, I think they'll tuck it away at the lowest part."
  541. [20:14] Rune Daman says, "But, if you all want to keep searching this level, I'll go with it."
  542. [20:14] Raphael Vance says, "... I'm feeling east wing."
  543. [20:14] Gajin asks, "Aren't we in the eastwing?"
  544. [20:14] Orodyn Vartuul says, "... I agree."
  545. [20:14] Orodyn Vartuul says, "W-We are."
  546. [20:14] Orodyn Vartuul exclaims, "West wing!"
  547. [20:15] Brynhildr says, "Whichever wing we haven't gone, that wing."
  548. [20:15] Orodyn Vartuul says, "Chop-chop."
  549. [20:15] Gajin pulled forth his blade!
  550. (Gajin)
  551. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  552.  
  553. [20:15] Gajin exclaims, "Onwards!"
  554. [20:15] Brynhildr asks, "Orodyn?"
  555. [20:15] Varceal Vartuul says, "Don't chop chop, your bound to fall on your ass again."
  556. [20:15] Brynhildr says, "Orodyn, prepare your backhand."
  557. [20:15] Gajin says, "pfft-"
  558. [20:15] Orodyn Vartuul says, "I will. It never misses."
  559. [20:16] Varceal would start to move to the west wing.
  560. (Varceal Vartuul)
  561. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  562.  
  563. [20:17] {NARRATION} The assembled Drakanites opt to explore the other side of the manor. Surely there wouldn't be a second kitchen in this place, right? Instead they are greeted by the stillness of a study. No one is present, and no maids are in need of a backhand.
  564.  
  565. Upon a desk are various letters, free for them to read if they wish. As well, there's an open book on the table if they wish to investigate that too.
  566.  
  567. -----------------------
  568. OOC Note:
  569. You can read the letters, look at the book, and roll to pillage. (D100)
  570. [20:18] Spotting the letters, Rune decides it may be worth reading them, walking up to the desk and siting down to get a closer look.
  571.  
  572. Who knows, it might give them some hints as to where to look next.
  573. (Rune Daman)
  574. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  575.  
  576. [20:19] The young Gajin in his eagerness rushed forwards ahead of the group! Kicking in the door to the study and bursting in with a small trail of smoke following him as he did so. Impish little frame darting left and right as he looked for a fight.
  577.  
  578. Confident there wasn't one the youth did what all young kids did once they entered a library. Namely started climbing the shelves to search for the higher books and see if there was any interesting.
  579. (Gajin)
  580. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  581.  
  582. [20:19] "A study, eh? Places like these always have some sort of secret to 'em, so-..." Brynhildr moves to the bookshelves in particular.
  583.  
  584. There's two things she's looking for, really! She's looking for anything out of place-- a book capable of being pulled in order to open a hidden doorway.
  585.  
  586. Studies always had hidden doorways, right? If not that, then maybe she'd find something sticking out of one of the books. Either way? She's rifling through books like a madwoman, looking for either hidden letters or a hidden switch...
  587. (Brynhildr)
  588. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  589.  
  590. [20:19] Raphael develops the trait jealousy as Brynhildr fishes up more and more loot than him. Presumably! She's on fire tonight with the rolling and lifesaving. He'd look around the desks, pulling papers up and reading them as he went.
  591.  
  592. What would he find as he searched through the piles and piles of documents? There's too much to look through in detail- So he's after important tidbits.
  593.  
  594. Trade deals, backwater marketing- That sort of thing. He's also!!
  595.  
  596. On the hunt for anything detailing the containment of the weapon Balmung.
  597. (Raphael Vance)
  598. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  599.  
  600. [20:21] As they move to the opposite wing he looks around in the room following behind he others. He couldn't find anything really, maybe it was because he wore shades in doors?
  601.  
  602. The drakenite sulked looking around in the shadows for figures he could make out, but everything looked like blobs of grey and black to him. He simply waited to the side, saving his energy for the best part of this recovery.
  603. (Dezmond Graves)
  604. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  605.  
  606. [20:22] Orodyn kicks open the door, backhand ready to destroy a bitch's mouth. But much to his dismay, there's nay a soul there to receive the blow. A shame. After a quick, luck-infested search of his surroundings, Orodyn heads straight for the book - mayhap some sort of information on the location of Balmung could be there - the rest could handle the letters, surely.
  607.  
  608. "... Waste no time.
  609.  
  610. Only the essentials.
  611.  
  612. Break everything else."
  613. (Orodyn Vartuul)
  614. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  615.  
  616. [20:23] Among searching the place variceal would stop to read the words placed on the book, any history with the information of this place or any secrets could be useful on their current mission.
  617.  
  618. Knowledge is a underrated- advantage Varceal knew this to be true.. So he would opt to read the letters out loud to everyone around ( in narration of course) as he walked along his kin as they pillaged everything within the west wing.
  619.  
  620.  
  621. (Varceal Vartuul)
  622. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  623.  
  624. [20:24] Varceal would rock orodyn to sleep as he reads the book of dragons and dragon slayers. uwu
  625. (Varceal Vartuul)
  626. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  627.  
  628. [20:33] {NARRATION} Rune is the first to the desk, the assembled letters quickly painting an interesting story. The letters themselves detail something interesting: they are direct handwritten letters from Balmung's last wielder, Anastasia. They detail and confirm her disappearance within Barsburg, written to her aunt Leoni. The first few letters beg for forgiveness, before they turn to outright apathy at the lack of such forgiveness.
  629.  
  630. Raphael joins in on reading the letters. Further reading indicates the Dragon-slayer specifically sent the sword to the manor for safe keeping. For in her own words, Barsburg could never truly apprecaite cutting down a flying lizard in the air.
  631.  
  632. Varceal and Orodyn both look at the book while the blonde Dragonlord opts to read the letters out loud to everyone present. Varceal's letter he plucked up reveals perhaps more information than they came to deal with: on the final letter where she signs it's no longer 'Anastasia ven Astor', it's now signed 'Anastasia pyr Docro'.
  633.  
  634. The book they look over have splashes of old dried blood on it's pages. Glances at the pages detail work of golems and advanced machinery. Some pages had runes that were indecpherable. The front cover is of black leather with golden etchings on it. Beyond that, nothing to prove suitable to their task.
  635.  
  636. Brynhildr perhaps had read too many mystery novels. There were no hidden switches or hidden mechanisms to reveal a trap door. The books are of various subjects, mostly combat and history. A proper library for a noble household.
  637.  
  638. In their rummaging, they find the following:
  639. Raphael locates 3,500 coins in a coin box.
  640. Varceal after reading the letters and looking over the book finds 2,000 coins.
  641. Brynildr in all of her fervor locates 10 lightning crystals stashed away behind a book.
  642. Gajin finds a whopping 4,000 coins altogether.
  643. Rune rummages and manages to steal 1,000 coins.
  644. Dezmond leans back allowing the others to steal but he does manage to grab 500 coins for himself.
  645.  
  646. Orodyn? He locates a dark black chunk of ore. At first glance it appears to be Nyeshk, and yet upon touching it, he'd feel it's anything but. It radiates with potent and raw occultism.
  647. [20:37] Like a little gremlin Gajin snatched a fat stack o'coins and stashed them into the depths of his copper-plate.
  648. (Gajin)
  649. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  650.  
  651. [20:37] {Item} Picked up a bag of 4000 dropped by MillyDM.
  652. [20:38] It was, in truth, worth a try! Even if she'd been reading far too mystery books, she wasn't going to put it past any nobles to go and try and hide their most precious secrets behind closed doors.
  653.  
  654. Nevertheless? One book she inevitably shakes does give away to a whole downpour of lightning crystals. Not bad, really! An idle bite is taken out of her bread. Yes, she's still eating on it-- and she would be for the next fair amount of time.
  655.  
  656. "Anybody find anythin' useful?" She asks, stuffing one of the books under her arm. Was she taking it? She was taking it.
  657. (Brynhildr)
  658. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  659.  
  660. [20:39] Sitting back waiting on someone, anyone to jump out he watches as they go through the rooms reading books and going through things. He stood off to the back until coins came into play. The drakenite shuffled over to a counter and swipes some coin pocketing it all quickly and then going back to his watch.
  661.  
  662. "Beats collecting three pork." He says to himself.
  663.  
  664. He watches as everyone else stumbles upon coin until he realizes osmehting Orodyn has with them. It looked pretty intense, and he couldn't really tell what it was, just the energy radiating from it seemed..
  665.  
  666. Off.
  667. (Dezmond Graves)
  668. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  669.  
  670. [20:40] The gremlin didn't know a lot about the history of... Anything really but! As the letters where read aloud he started to feel uneasy. It was one thing to be looting the house of an old Dragonslayer but this was... Different. He felt bad for this person and worried about what happened to them to make them give up their name.
  671.  
  672. He'd given up his when the old priest rescued him and sent him to the Temple and out of Theria but it was different he'd chosen to let go of his name. Suddenly the weight of all that coin started to cut at him as his lips pursed into a frown.
  673. (Gajin)
  674. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  675.  
  676. [20:45] Ven Astor.
  677.  
  678. Pyr Docro.
  679.  
  680. So, the lightbringer lived. She had not merely gotten lost in a daze post the rip on Myllenoris' fabric occurred.
  681.  
  682. "Defected... perverted by the Dog Emperor...?" The dots connect slowly, history slowly starting to make sense after Varceal allows for a glance to be taken at them.
  683.  
  684. "She should have died with her name. How unceremonious." Fingers snap, casting a golden flame over the letters, turning them into no more than a handful of ashes.
  685.  
  686. No quarter for a traitor - the once lightbringer was no exception. Gone from the continent, gone from the face of the earth.
  687.  
  688. Spare a name nay.
  689.  
  690. After studying the tome, he seems to falter in noticing the obvious. They may just have a mechanical guardian, somewhere. Instead, his greedy dragon's gaze secures a piece of familiar mineral.
  691.  
  692. Obsidian.
  693.  
  694. Retrieving the other piece from hispocket, the one Sparkle had given to him, he meditates.
  695.  
  696. Now he had two. Interesting.
  697.  
  698. "This was worth it, shall we move on?"
  699. (Orodyn Vartuul)
  700. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  701.  
  702. [20:47] "so another family betrays the osronian kingdom - I guess the grimmores were only following in their footsteps - every man must find their way.." The dragonlord would shrug as he placed the book down. "Let us continue to the center of this building - I imagine that is well guarded...so suspect a fight."
  703.  
  704. He didn't need to remind them that they needed to be vigilant. "Is everyone ready to go then." He asked looking over to his brother than the rest- who all by his own surprise has found something of value..
  705.  
  706. With that he gave a smile before moving on to the center room. "I think we should take the right staircase - I will press on incase any traps are at bay waiting on us.. does everyone agree? He would wait before he moved with his blade drawn to his side.
  707. (Varceal Vartuul)
  708. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  709.  
  710. [20:49] Rune kept searching to try and find more letters. Instead? He somehow managed to find around one thousand coins lying around near the desk.. It is frankly a bit surprising for one room to have this many coins hidden in here, making him wonder as to why exactly the money was kept here.
  711.  
  712. As for the information they have found about Anastasia? Admittedly, the rookie fireblooded doesn't know enough of the full details to better understand it all. As far as he can tell? Anastasia was but another person who switched sides and joined Barsburg.
  713.  
  714. "I'm ready to go too." Rune proclaims, getting up and ready to walk somewhere else.
  715. (Rune Daman)
  716. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  717.  
  718. [20:50] Orodyn Vartuul says, "I'll follow your judgment, brother."
  719. [20:56] {NARRATION} So, the Fireblood leave the study pilfered and semi-destroyed. Whichever maid comes to clean up the mess will surely scream in horror. The group move to the east side staircase going down. Taking it a step at a time they soon realize it winds deeper than any stairs leading to a basement should. Runes cast upon the walls provide a soft rosegold light providing ample opportunity to see on their way down.
  720.  
  721. Everything is silent in their immediate surroundings and yet occasionally they heard clinks traveling up and down, to the west. Soon enough however they continue to dive deeper and deeper and even those sounds of the once great workshop of Leoni ven Astor passes them by.
  722.  
  723. The stairs transition from brick and marble to more rough hued stone. It's not long after this transition do they reach the Vault itself. It seems they had chosen well, perhaps. The wonders of a renown blacksmith's workshop passed them by, but they were precisely where they needed to be.
  724.  
  725. It's a long room cut out of the stone itself and on the far end stands a massive Golem, clearly meant to protect whatever laid within the vault itself. Balmung and what else?
  726.  
  727. It stood immobile and stationary.
  728. [20:59] Orodyn Vartuul says, "... ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh."
  729. [20:59] Orodyn Vartuul says, "So that's what the book was s-...."
  730. [21:00] Rune Daman says, "On the bright side? I guessed right on the right stairs."
  731. [21:04] Raphael brought a hand up to feel at the runes on the walls, slowly going down the stairs as they were finally brought to a towering beast that stood before them. They stand in the center of the room - Looking around from wall to wall. The Vault wouldn't be simply left to them, it seemed. A mechanical, magical horror guarded the entrance in full.
  732.  
  733. The Drakanite reached for his mythril blade, giving it a few circular spins while it was held in his right hand. ".. Your orders, Dragonlords?" Raphael's wings started to expand out in full while he slinked into the shadows, barely not illuminated by the runes meant to brighten the place.
  734.  
  735. ".. I was totally looking forward to looting the whole mansion, too." He'd have to be content with his coins.
  736. (Raphael Vance)
  737. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  738.  
  739. [21:06] If the golem was stationary it meant as soon as they tried to get past it, it would turn on wouldn't it? He looks at it from head to toe, it was massive, making any of the Drakenite present look like toddlers to a schoolyard bully.
  740.  
  741. He stood there waiting, resonation with Raphael's words. He was itching for a fight anyway. He just needed the word to cut loose, they did have younger individuals here who were at risk in the event anything drastic came of their next choice.
  742.  
  743. "Guard yourselves accordingly..." He says taking another hit of his joint, he was just waiting now.
  744. (Dezmond Graves)
  745. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  746.  
  747. [21:06] This time Gajin wasn't the one in front rushing with a sword drawn ready to scream his head off and leap at the first foe they saw. Which was for the best since this go around he'd have probably ended up splatted by the giant golem at the end of the hallway. He stopped and just looked across the long stretch of stone between himself and the monstrous contraption.
  748.  
  749. "Wow... That's massive..."
  750.  
  751. The words left his lips before he knew what was happening. It was an involuntary response to the sight. One of awe and amazement. Did Achyon have things such as this hidden in their workshops? If so what could the rest of Esshar do against that?
  752.  
  753. Barsburg had left the war in the hands of minor nobles for a long time. What if the great empire refocused their attention upon Esshar? Could any of the small desperate kingdoms hope to stand against such a force? The young Drakanite nervously readied the blade he carried as he shifted closer towards the other Fireblooded.
  754.  
  755. Things weren't going to be easy from here. He looked over to Rapheal as he mentioned looting. "I imagine the best loot is past that thing."
  756. (Gajin)
  757. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  758.  
  759. [21:06] It was skarlax's decree that they would do this - and by devotion and faith the fireblooded would do anything to make up for the mistakes of theria. No more darkness, no more trickery - betrayal.. they would make their imprint upon Esshar once again, and everyone will know about the drakanites of Garljing's Coat.
  760.  
  761. "It is time.." he said Voluund still be held in his left hand. "It is time to show our devotion - it's time to show to skarlax - and his father and his fathers father that our devotion." The blade now being pointed to the golem.
  762.  
  763. "Destroy this toy - rid it of it's current encampment and complete the quest given to us by skarlax." He said
  764. (Varceal Vartuul)
  765. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  766.  
  767. [21:06] And so? They'd gone and finally reached their destination. There the golem stood, mighty and tall-- if not a little dormant. It was waiting.
  768.  
  769. "...Those guards were nothing more than a mere warmup," Brynhildr mumbles, quiet as could be. She didn't know if that thing could hear them or not, but she wasn't about to chance the odds of angering it prematurely.
  770.  
  771. And with one last healthy bite of bread, she moves to stow the loaf away somewhere safe. A pocket? A backpack? She's probably got somewhere to put it. The only important part? Is ensuring it's not burnt to a crisp in what was to come.
  772.  
  773. "What Raphael said. Not that I think this thing's willing to be spoken to, unless one of you happened to read about where it's off switch is..." That'd be too easy, though.
  774.  
  775. So instead, she reaches for the staff upon her back, readying it for any sudden movements fromthe golem. "Whatever it's guardin'? S'gonna be big."
  776. (Brynhildr)
  777. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  778.  
  779. [21:07] While Rune gets the momentary satisfaction that his guess as to where the vault is was correct, the golem in front of them is a much bigger concern-Literally so.
  780.  
  781. "I'll be honest... I'm not sure my chains can hold down something this massive." Rune proclaims, while reaching for his sword. Hopefully, this new weapon of his won't break once it'll clash against the golem's hard exterior.
  782.  
  783. After all, breaking a new weapon on one's first mission? Is bound to set a bad precedent.
  784.  
  785. Unable to fly himself, Rune decides to take a more defensive approach, stepping behind the winged drakanites, knowing that once they'll soar up and fight the golem?
  786.  
  787. The golem will have its eyesight up towards them, giving him a chance to strike the golem at his legs, perhaps even binding them with his chains.
  788.  
  789. At least, that's the working theory- Now it's time to test it!
  790.  
  791. "Lets break the golem done,and get the loot!"
  792. (Rune Daman)
  793. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  794.  
  795. [21:07] Well, too late now, wasn't it? Had Orodyn taken more interest in the contents of the book? Mayhap he could've found any failsafe, or even the golem's weak spot.
  796.  
  797. But, that wouldn't be quite becoming, would it?
  798.  
  799. Wasn't simply braving the fight with the chiseled guardian of Leoni ven Astor's workshop the better choice?
  800.  
  801. "It's not moving, yet... mind your surroundings."
  802.  
  803. If anybody had a creative solution? It would be the perfect time to come up with it.
  804.  
  805. Varceal speaks.
  806.  
  807. "Or-... or not?
  808.  
  809. We can blast this thing apart otherwise."
  810. (Orodyn Vartuul)
  811. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  812.  
  813. [21:08] Brynhildr says, "...None of you read about an off-switch, eh? Any secret codes? Phrases? No? Breakin' it down might be our only option."
  814. [21:09] Gajin asks, "Maybe there was something in those letters we read?"
  815. [21:09] Orodyn Vartuul says, "... all runic, didn't understand most of it."
  816. [21:09] Orodyn Vartuul says, "Just fight it, we'll be fine."
  817. [21:09] Rune Daman says, "It -was- an option, until someone burned the book."
  818. [21:09] Orodyn Vartuul asks, "... are you afraid?"
  819. [21:09] Gajin says, "Yea, a lot."
  820. [21:09] Brynhildr says, "I'm not, but if I walk out of here a different person, I'm strangling the one who burned the book."
  821. [21:10] Brynhildr asks, "Orodyn, was it you?"
  822. [21:10] Gajin was an honest youth.
  823. (Gajin)
  824. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  825.  
  826. [21:10] Orodyn Vartuul says, "Yes."
  827. [21:11] Brynhildr will remember that.
  828. (Brynhildr)
  829. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  830.  
  831. [21:11] {NARRATION} The Drakanite's initial presence wasn't picked up until they began to speak. That alerted runes within the floors and walls, cleverly disguised until they reveal themselves in a rosegolden hue. The giant golem seems to come to life all at once with a creaking sound. The eyes lit up crimson and it took it's first few jarring steps towards the group.
  832.  
  833. It said nothing. After all it was just a Golem in the end but all at once steam smoldered from it's internals, running on a strange mixture of whatever details were in that book in the study and golemancy. Fire jutted from it's feet, the Golem despite it's size being deceptively quick.
  834. [21:18] Orodyn Vartuul says, "GAJIN."
  835. [21:18] Orodyn Vartuul asks, "ARE YOU OKAY, GAJIN!?"
  836. [21:18] Gajin says, "I'm fine! "
  837. [21:18] Orodyn Vartuul exclaims, "MAKE US PROUD, GAJIN!"
  838. [21:18] Gajin exclaims, "OKAY! I'll rip its heart out!"
  839. [21:19] Gajin shifted to attack mode.
  840. (Gajin)
  841. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  842.  
  843. [21:19] {NARRATION} There were minor beeps that accompanied that first round of battle.
  844.  
  845. Was it merely an assesment of those within the Vault?
  846. [21:19] Orodyn Vartuul says, "W-Wait... wh-"
  847. [21:19] Brynhildr says, "...I don't like the sound of that."
  848. [21:19] Rune Daman exclaims, "Keep your eyes and ears for any surprises!"
  849. [21:19] Gajin exclaims, "NO FEAR!"
  850. [21:19] Varceal Vartuul says, "....Gajin - you are a strong man I have no doubt in my mind that you will-"
  851. [21:20] Varceal Vartuul says, "...But..please... don't go down"
  852. [21:20] Rune Daman exclaims, "Lets knock that golem down instead!"
  853. [21:20] Brynhildr says, "Stay alert."
  854. [21:23] {Won Restrained RPB against MillyDM}
  855. [21:32] It feels like a fool's endeavor, continuing to try and fight the man-made horror this way. In a moment of scarce brilliance, the drakanite finally manages to think outside the box.
  856.  
  857. A short recollection of the book's imagery flashes into his conscious. Orodyn recalls a critical opening, perhaps an intentional design flaw, just at the height of the Golem's neck, where the fuel for the magiteck flamethrowers was regulated.
  858.  
  859. In truth, the language barrier made it difficult to locate its hole proper. Yet, by virtue of agility, and after requesting a boost from their younger recruit - Gajin, the dragonlord leaps in faux flight, orbiting just the back of its neck.
  860.  
  861. Then, by hopping from the ceilings surface as a boost, he comes pummeling down, sword in hand, stabbing down into the rock armor, just down the indentures and cracks between plating.
  862.  
  863. And once he makes an incision, he continues to pierce straight down in his dragon's dive, uninterruptedly slicing past its not-as-hardened interior, finally coming down the lower half of his center, effectively splitting the mechanical wonder in half.
  864.  
  865. Its circuitry imploding sparsely, in shortage behind him - the chisel beast losing operational qualities... until it ceases to function.
  866.  
  867. Covered in gasoline and ichor, he glances back to his brigade with a confident smile. He nods.
  868.  
  869. They were victorious.
  870.  
  871. "Search its remains... something of value may be there."
  872. (Orodyn Vartuul)
  873. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  874.  
  875. [21:36] He was tasked with pride and endurance. The twin aspects of a Dragon of fire and stone. As he well was! This was his moment to showcase his stuff and it was a moment the youthful savage wouldn't pass up. There was a lull in the fighting as he guaranteed his safety and as he received the commands of the Vartuul brothers. Pride and endurance.
  876.  
  877. As the tension rose the young Drakanite stood tall! Letting the flickering light of magic shine off his copper brigantine armor. Casting him in a bronze hue as those vibrant sienna hues settled upon the golem. Now was the time to overcome this obstacle that stood in his path to Dragondom.
  878.  
  879. Taking a deep breath the youth's body shimmered with a spattering of crimson scales. Exhaling a cloud of smoke from his mouth and nose as he let out a ear splitting roar. Embodying his previous declaration, no fear. Casting himself forwards like a bow string's twang.
  880.  
  881. "RAAWWRR!"
  882.  
  883. As he closed the space he reached back with his left hand towards his shoulder. As he did so spikes of drakanite bones began to split through the hardened scales. Gripping the end of one to retrieve a might club the youth chucked it upwards towards the Golems face.
  884.  
  885. He didn't focus his attention to see if the bone club did its work. The golems leg was fast approaching and he needed to strike. Leaping forwards he plunged his iron-blade into the knee joint. He could feel it gain leverage on something before snapping in twain.
  886.  
  887. The force brought him to the ground where he rolled away. Dodging stomping feet as he scrambed to and fro. It was only as the attention was let off briefly that he turned to see Orodyn charging hi sway. Barely a word was past as the young Fireblooded's hands came together, as the Dragonlords boot planted into his palms the youth shot upwards. Feeling muscles like steel cords tighten and twist as he heaved the older Drakan upwards towards the Golems face.
  888. (Gajin)
  889. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  890.  
  891. [21:37] With a ragged, quiet breath and the sweat swiftly wiped from her brow, Brynhildr kneels off to the side once the large golem had been taken care of. Whether or not it was over? She didn't know. That beeping could've been anything, really.
  892.  
  893. It could've came from anything but the golem and she wasn't about to let her guard up for a second.
  894.  
  895. But when told to scavenge it for parts? She rises, moving towards it to do just that. The rubble is kicked through, boulders overturned...
  896.  
  897. She looks for anything particularly shiny-- like an internal part lost in the husk that might be useful if ripped from its core.
  898. (Brynhildr)
  899. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  900.  
  901. [21:40] This, was not an easy fight. The giant golem was exhaling heat, reverberating back upon touch with the stone walls that surround them, heating up the air like a sauna. It is a good thing most of his companions here are used to heat, either through their own magic or by merely being drakanites.
  902.  
  903. As for Rune, though? He was sweating, profusely. However, sweat along isn't enough to halt him down. As planned in his head, he struck at the lower parts of the golem while the rest struck from above. Eventually though, the heat became too strong to bear up close, forcing the wingless drakanite to retreat, and instead?
  904.  
  905. He'll send forth chains at the golem's legs time after time, trying to pin the golem down and halt- Or at least, impede, his movement. Eventually, with a well-placed strike by Orodoyn, the golem falls down, leaking gasoline on the floor!
  906.  
  907. Upon Orodyn's call to search the golem, he'll look at the leaking liquid, oozing andstill visibly hot.
  908. Still, an order is an order, so -with hesitation- he'll begin trying to pry into the golem, in search of anything valuable.
  909. (Rune Daman)
  910. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  911.  
  912. [21:42] The battle was grueling, a combination of fire and water was sure to make a mess of things - but in it's last momments Orodyn would shine in a divine light and crash into the enemy destroying the construction that would stop them...
  913.  
  914. Voluund was placed back into it's sheath as the battle came to it's closed his eyes trailing over his men looking for injury before shifting to the vault one more time.. - he came close to the door his claws on the door.
  915.  
  916. "finally.. after all this time- we can do what we came here to do.. and prove to the world that we are devoted and the idea that the old theira left behind will be forgotten."
  917.  
  918.  
  919. It was so close..- balmug…. In skarlax's hands-..... but?
  920. (Varceal Vartuul)
  921. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  922.  
  923. [21:43] As they raged around the drakenites took off charging at the golem. His job was simple enough, support when he could. He was trying his best to body block but the impact of whatever cannon it was firing off sent the drakenite flying backwards into the walls.
  924.  
  925. CRAAAACK!
  926.  
  927. His body tossed into a column that came crashing down over him, he quickly throws his hands up catching one and flinging it as hard as possible at the golem. He was right behind it, charging into the fray swinging wildly.
  928.  
  929. Each blow sent vibrations up his bones, whatever it was made out of? It was probably valuable. His knuckles bloodied and his roar grew louder with each stride. He did his best tackling it once more, only to be sent spiraling into a wall leaving a massive crater in his wake.
  930.  
  931. He watched groggily as Orodyn dealt the finishing blow.
  932.  
  933. "Man.. that hurt..." He mumbled.
  934. (Dezmond Graves)
  935. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  936.  
  937. [21:44] Raphael brought his mythril blade across the golem's torso, kicking at it with a massive eruption of shadow blowing up from the core inside. He needed to be quick, as the swinging arms from the titan before him were causing giant shifts of elemental magic throughout the room. The harder he fought, the crazier the room ended up getting. Water rushed in all directions, earthen shakes kept the vault never still.
  938.  
  939. Leaping forward, Raphael sought to sink his sword deep within the hull of the golem itself. Kicking it backwards, he'd run to the side and keep himself from toppling. Having avoided most of the attacks themselves, Raphael needed to have patience.
  940.  
  941. .. And when an opening appeared? It was abused. Eventually? The Drakanites had won victory.
  942. (Raphael Vance)
  943. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  944.  
Add Comment
Please, Sign In to add comment