12 hour event

[17:12] {NARRATION} Your event will begin shortly. Make yourself comfortable, I will be getting the items and bosses ready.
[17:33] {NARRATION} Before we begin, I need to preface this here and now. This event that you are currently on is one that carries a risk. The risk is one of High Chance of Death.
- - - - - - - - - -
If you take 3 permanent injuries over the course of the event. you will die.
If you drop below 100 Vit at any point during the event, you will die.
If you do poorly against a boss and roll extremely low, you will die.
If you play this without caution and throw hesitation to the wind, you will die.
- - - - - - - - - -
You are allowed to use up to 5 lax essences at any time.
You are allowed to use up to2 Healing Elixers ONLY after a boss battle.
You are allowed to use up to 2 trauma kits to repair perms at any time.
- - - - - - - - - -
Your IC post will drop in just a moment. Good luck. You'll need it.
[17:34] {NARRATION} 3 Healing*
[17:40] {NARRATION} Niklaus Rowan- Skadi's Champion- The Drakanite had returned from Glacier's Birth, a remote string of frozen glaciers and islands to the north, with the hopes and dreams of an Ancient dragon resting on his shoulders. A mission to return back to Agartha and once more make it a safe place for dragonkind.

Through research, hunting, exploration- Niklaus came across knowledge of a rather odd occurance. Another string of islands, almost completely mirroring the positions of the ones up in Glacier's Birth- Though they were located in the south not the north. These islands were not frozen, but molten and scorching.

The collection of volcanic isles to the south known as Swelter Circle would be his next destination. Through recruitment and collection, Niklaus and his party find themselves on a rather impressive ship heading to the far south of Agartha's islands now.

... To track what very well might be another dragon, hidden and as far from humanity as possible. After all, mass genocide had forced them from Agartha's mainland. The heat is palpable in the air- The humidity is almost overwhelming. The captain himself brings a towel to his forehead and wipes sweat.

".. Are ye' sure ye' want me men to sail ya' this far south? Thar's a reason many don't end up leavin' Agartha, champ. There's been an awful lot of scary stories comin' out from these parts." The ship was fast en route to one of the volcanos surrounding the center of Swelter Circle.

Event- Start!
[17:46] Unfeeling of any obstacles on their path, such as winds or heat, the Lich chose to accompany his son on the journey that would be certainly one of a kind; but surely, he would not come alone - at least several dozen undead guardsmen, all shaped by the powerful Arts that Arthur was in possession of and capable, accompanying them on their journey.

Still, what would it be if he simply took the lead everywhere and never allowed his son to shine? This would end poorly, for he must learn how to lead his people, how to take initiative and how to handle rough situations. Surely, he can speak to the captain?

And that's exactly what the Lich King allowed his son to do.

"Worry not." - he spoke to Niklaus.

"We'll have plenty of people to scout ahead with, and plenty of backup when things go sour. Retreating at this point is unacceptable."

Patient like a viper. Arthur had all the time in the world... and while he showed that they should keep going as usual, he didn't particularly hurry anywhere.
(Arthur Rowan)
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[17:46] --An expedition in search of another Dragon, having not gone during the first one, Vaan felt a mixture of both excitement and anxiety.

It was going to be dangerous, no doubt-- that was a given, but as the Invidia and co sailed aboard the ship, with a crew of highly capable magi he felt somewhat at ease.

As for the captain's question, well it wasn't up to Vaan to provide an answer. He knew what Niklaus would say-- they were certainly going to continue their travels south no matter what became of them.

Everyone had steeled themselves for this already, right?
(Vaan Invidia)
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[17:48] He was silent the entire trip.

One objective. It was so simple, yet the sheer amount of danger that came with it was unimaginable. Being frozen was one thing, but being burnt to a crisp-- it was a much easier way to lose someone. He needed to get in the zone. His attention was stuck on Vaan.

His baby.

He had to make sure that the boy made it home unharmed, or at very least with something that could be fixed with ease. Silence from the Patriarch for now.
(Neo Invidia)
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[17:48] Southern most. That's where they needed to head for their next expedition. It had been his goal, his ideal to make dragon life on Agartha something that could be thriving once more, so...

He wasn't holding back.

With a glance directed toward the captain there, he would wave his hand through the air, allowing the likes of the dense, sweltering humidity to collect around his fingers.

"Retreat was never something I intended on to begin with." He mentions in a strong manner. "Get us as close as possible, and we'll do the rest of the work. I thank you for your assistance, of course."

Cordial as always to those that aimed to assist in his hairbrained endeavors.

"Remember to keep watch and to stay as vigilant as you can, everyone. No unturned stone can be unaccounted for."

...No avalanches too small.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[17:49] The first thing Freya had noticed from the shipride was the intense heat that seemed to permeate every nook and cranny of the ship.

She had to be honest, there was some nervousness to this trip. She'd heard the stories of Niklaus' trek into the frozen badlands in search of the Ice dragon. The possibility of danger was extremely high.

And so was the possibility for treasure and glory.

When they'd finally touch down, she removed the cloak around her armor, and flexed her own Rieka out; the lodestone in the center chest piece of her armor. Burning away whatever measure of fear that could, or would sweat through her system.

"We've got this. Thanks, Captain."

A small salute before joining the others for what would be truly an epic tale.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[17:49] And if this were to be the day he died, Taiga at least wanted it to be a good one.

Though, it was hard to squeeze out anything that could be considered 'good' from a place like this. Having long grown accustom to travel over sea, Taiga was prepared for a nice, relaxing voyage. But it felt as though he didn't even have time to properly settle in before the water was about to turn to steam. Ech.

Taiga positions himself like a crow, high above the rest of the party all the way on top of the tallest mast there was on the ship. Crouched, perched up with gleaming crimson eyes scanning the horizon. He's patient, waiting. Mentally preparing himself the whole while as he waits for something - anything to show itself.

It seems he wanted to be to himself, for the rest of the journey.
(Taiga Voss)
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[17:51] {NARRATION} Anyone wanting to look out of the ship to get a good look, roll a D20.

Taiga- At the crow's nest, you pass automatically.
[17:52] Arthur has spent most of the journey looking about and/ or tending to his Undead anyway.
(Arthur Rowan)
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[17:53] Niklaus honks his clown nose.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[18:03] {NARRATION} Niklaus discusses with the Captain of the ship as he steers.

Vaan and Arthur stare across the ship's sides to the further reaches of Swelter Circle- And at first, it's a stunning sight. What looked like hundreds of tiny isles and islands remained on the outskirts of the humid archipelago. From those tiny islands, there were large volcanoes that rose up further into the heating up string of islands.

One such volcano, near the outskirts, they were heading to in particular.

When Taiga looks out across the sights, though, he catches an entirely different view of things. The ship was currently heading to a rather large volcano near the edge of these island chains- However-

There was something far more massive and impressive than ever before at the center of Swelter Circle. A huge, colossal volcano rises into the sky like a spire. A peak that scaled far higher than the mountains on Agartha bar those to the north of Dawn- This crimson volcano, already flowing with magma, was some few nautical miles from their position.

They would not be going to the center, but at that center? Perhaps they'd find something no human ever should. The boat very quickly arrives at the smaller volcanic isle- The Captain turns his head to look at Niklaus and the others while they speak.

"Aye.. Swelter Circle is a place where me and me men often go to rally up good catchin' for Crafthold and Gehenna. We target the isles on the edges of it- Never the center. Lately, things have gone from smooth ta' real bad. One of my mates, Riley, said he was sailing out here with a few of our empolyees- He said he say somethin' horrifying. Some kind of monster flyin' across and jumpin' from island to island- Said it was the size of -Huanghzou- itself. Last seen? Headin' to the center of the circle...

.. We ain't heading there now or ever, but if ya' see some kind of monster the size of a whole settlement? Uhh... Don't run on back to the boat. Ya. We need less of those on Eternia."

The ship docks on their selected isle.
[18:09] Something suggested him that those volcanos could well enough erupt. Or perhaps, they were in luck and those were slumbering? While tending to his Undead and instructing them of what has to be done, he listened to the captain speak- surely, he's had something useful to say, and that much became evident with his confession of the fact that there was something lurking across these lands.

Something inhuman.

"That could be the dragon you speak of, if it flies and is as massive as Huangzhou itself."

"Perhaps your friend had seen it after all."

But to digress...

The decisions for the rest were left up to Niklaus. That's his trip, and he was going to let his son take the lead, rather than shadowing him with his own effort.
(Arthur Rowan)
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[18:10] Taiga stands up on his perch, hot wind blowing through in the upper drafts, his cloak billowing in the winds. He peers out, head slowly turning to take in the whole of the expansive ring of islands - already feeling some tightness in his chest start to form. The rock itself seemed to be his enemy, his senses all flaring at once whenever he looked up at those massive volcanic mountains. The thought that they were only heading towards such a place of danger brought him no comfort.

He steps back, letting his foot slip off the edge! He's falling, but as he does, that cloak unfurls its wings, the shadow cast by Taiga swooping up and spreading out! It forms feathers, layered atop one another that build up, starting at his shoulders until Taiga has a full set of raven like wings to break his fall. With a single, powerful flap, his descent slows just before he hits the deck!

THUNK! He lands next to Niklaus.

"...My eye's didn't see any threats, at least not from our position." that's what's on his mind, of course. "I'm ready for departure."
(Taiga Voss)
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[18:11] Gazing out from the side of the ship, gray eyes marveled at the sights. So many islands...perhaps one day he could return to visit each and every one.

One day.... But for now, the group had not but one goal, and it was a goal Vaan wouldn't stray from, he was certain the others wouldn't either. "Nice view..." The words were spoken quietly, mainly to himself.

Hearing the captain's words, he could only imagine that it was likely the dragon being spoken of-- but to be the size of Huangzhou? Vaan clearly underestimated just how huge they could be. Stories of such weren't heard either.

The Invidia could only hope that Riley was exaggerating, but even if he weren't, Vaan was up to the challenge.
(Vaan Invidia)
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[18:11] The size of Huangzhou itself.

There's a few blinks that are given toward the Captain, a look of being impressed along his features. He was quite engrossed in the conversation, and it seemed others could scout out and see what they needed to without him.

The ideal of a monster the size of a settlement truly made the tension rise, didn't it? "It could very well be what we seek." He mentions as his eyebrows raise.

"...But your friend didn't get a good enough look at it to truly know, did he?" It never hurt trying to get more information, really. They had docked.

If there wasn't more information--

"We can head out once the Captain has let me know any other details he might have."
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[18:12] Freya was pretty much spaced-off sitting at the side of the boat, sword in hand. Her ears perk up on the sound of the captain explaining the nature of this archipelago.

A monster the size of settlement?

Certainly, it wasn't exactly the size of a town like Dawn, but from what Niklaus had told her about this dragon? It would be an interesting confrontation indeed.

She stretched out her arms once the boat had finally docked, cracking out her joints and getting out the pre-battle jitters that had accumulate-

Freya jumps at Taiga's landing. A little unexpected, but a nine out of ten on the finish.

She follows the rest of the crew behind, sword at the ready.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[18:21] {NARRATION} [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCfOjorfqjE ]

"Nah. He damn near shit himself when he saw something that cast a shadow over his entire boat and then five more around him. I'd just be careful.. Ain't ever heard of something like that. Stay away from the center of Swelter Circle. Stick to these smaller volcanoes- Y'all should be fine?" The Captain seems slightly worried with these crazy magi folk asking him more questions.

Hell NO he didn't want to know anything else about something the size of Huangzhou flying around. And Huangzhou was larger than Dawn by all accounts, too.

The Captain turns about to set the wooden plank out so that they could now get onto the island- He points his finger to the volcano they'd landed on.

"I know a guy, Joani. He's gotten to explorin' a good deal of these things- There should be three spots on the mount ye' can get inside and take a good look around. Joani don't go too far, though. Dangerous ain't a non-magi's most loved hobby, after all."

The island itself? It rumbles slowly with a tremor. Arthur had made a right predicition after all-

This volcano was still very, very active.
[18:22]
{LOAD GAME}

[18:26] The rumble revealed all of the answers he needed. Thankfully, he already had experience battling against what seemed to be as large as the force of nature itself... though, that sort of fire did not come from volcanos - but from Divine Dragons, instead. Surely, their fire burned hotter, right?

"Be prepared to act in case of eruption. Don't want to end up being swallowed by the lava."

Obvious remark, but sometimes, obvious things must be reminded. What if someone forgets, gets too reckless, or something else? You can never be careful; in that regard, when they docked, the Lich King ordered his Undead to begin scouting ahead - each corner and shadow around them, everything had to be checked. The servants, dozens of them, were as thorough as it gets; their ultimate loyalty and dedication to their King knew no bounds.

And a little push from his Necromantic strength surely helped.

"In case you spot something suspicious, don't go there. I have my servants for that."
(Arthur Rowan)
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[18:28] So the depicted size wasn't completely accurate. If the captain's friend hadn't gotten that great of a look then the Dragon could be smaller...or in a worst-case scenario, bigger.

Thinking of having to encounter something of such a large size and possibly even face off against it was enough to give Vaan a slight shudder. It wouldn't last long, now wasn't the time to show fear-- they hadn't even left the boat yet.

From the very moment a tremor was felt upon the island, Vaan would take to the skies, levitating a few feet above the ground with the use of Gravity magic. His next course of action would depend on Niklaus' and the rest of the group, there were three entrances, which would they take?
(Vaan Invidia)
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[18:29] Despite the directives Niklaus had gave him to specifically hang back when it came to dangerous situations, Taiga strides right off the gangplank and onto the island itself as the Captain wraps up his conversation with the rest of the crew. Talking to strangers wasn't really his forte - but he felt confident that he was with good company. They'd ask the right questions.

He was, after all, a fish out of water here so to speak. The hardworking non-magi needn't be bothered by his presence, at the very least, that's how he feels.

But despite his best efforts to slam his face into whatever first deadly encounter there was, Arthurs undead get there first. He pauses, shuffling to a stop and looking behind him as the skeletons and zombies take lead. ...Yeah. That probably was the smarter way to go about things, huh?

"...You'll likely end up terrifying the guide we're supposed to meet up with, if the first thing he sees is a small army of undead rolling towards him." He pauses. "But a thoroughness is needed, if we hope to survive."
(Taiga Voss)
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[18:30] Well. Not that he could blame someone for not wanting to get a better look, but him personally? He would've. "Thank you for that." He chimed outwards with a brief nod.

Aiming to make his way down along the plank and to the island, toward the end he would leap forward, allowing his wings to glide for the rest of the way down as he looked around.

The tremor that came caused a shaky little breath to leave him as he glanced around, taking it all in the best that he could. "Got it, got it." He murmured quietly as he narrowed his gaze.

"If there's an eruption, I think Vaan might have a good enough grip on fire and gravity magic to hold it back, and I think my water can slow it a bit." Maybe. Perhaps.

It was hard to say, really.

"Let's find the guide, yeah?"
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[18:35] {NARRATION} The island itself.

The surrounding is littered with tropics. Bright green palms spout up in the sandy beaches of the active volcano's lowest point. Except. There's a problem. As they start to walk on the sand, a clear look through the trees and brush would reveal-

A measily twenty or so meters of sand- To which the trees grew upon those sands- But past that? Cooled, rough rock. This rock seemed to have spilled all the way from the peak of the volcano and ran down to this point. It had very well already eaten most of the island alive- A volcano that turned the island it was founded on- Into itself.

Vampire volcano? Sick.

Sitting upon a rather large boulder far ahead- A man with dark skin, Gehennan, remains idle with a hiker's pack and a straw hat on his head. Islander? Something..
[18:38] There could be at least several ways they could go about it- the most obvious one, of course, would be to just scale the wall with magics; then again, the presence of the man ahead of them gestured for the fact that he could be the guide they were looking for.

And it would likely be the better solution to enlist his aid.

"Hm."

Figuring that the Gehennan might not appreciate the presence of a literal Lich King, he decides to not speak and leave that for someone else. They might even score better deal that way.
(Arthur Rowan)
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[18:38] A foot moves, kicking off of the ground to allow his wings to carry him into the air. Not particularly keen on walking along the sand, he would glance around, and his brow furrowed a tad bit as he noted the fact that the volcano was very much volatile.

Even then, he would shift, moving forward toward the figure that sat upon the boulder with even motions.

"Hello. Would you perhaps be Joani?" His inquiry comes and goes as he watches the man, observing rather intently.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[18:38] It was quite the sight.

The island had been nearly taken by the Volcano. Neo had second thoughts about building his settlement on a Volcano. Oh well. A nod was all the captain of the ship got before Neo has exited. He hovered close to everyone else, constantly glancing about.

As he catches sight of a human being his gaze narrows. He decided not to speak this time around, he didn't want to end up killing a man for no reason. Neo could be very bad with words when he wanted to. Not to mention, Gehennans and Vampires aren't on the best of terms.

"Mmm."
(Neo Invidia)
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[18:39] Once more, he was met with beautiful scenery. Levitating around alongside the group, Vaan kept watch of the surrounding areas. Really, he was just admiring the sights.

As they came further towards sand as well as the cooled rock and even a dark-skinned man, the Invidia chose to halt and allow others to do the talking.
(Vaan Invidia)
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[18:40] Freya took cautious steps along with the rest of the party, taking in the sights of the island as she walked.

The cooled rock had eaten away at the rest of the jungle? Interesting. She picked up a loose rock to inspect it, before setting it back down and approaching the apparent guide.

She gave a friendly nod and a smile. Probably shouldn't speak, though. She wasn't the best with words, outside of taunts and battle-crazed yells.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[18:42] Taiga hikes along, crimson eyes scanning the treeline over, and over, and over again - constantly alert, constantly refreshing what information he had in an attempt to start wary. He had been caught out one too many times on dangerous expeditions like this to go completely unaware again.

He follows the party, standing roughly towards the front of the group, always making sure to have Niklaus just behind him. Just... in case.

He catches sight of their scout, and steps a little to the side so that Niklaus may speak to him directly! Those eyes of him draw over the man, his ears tuning in. He's suspicious of everything, including this man - trying to sus out exactly how this average Jo was handling being all the out here in the middle of nowhere by listening to the tremors of his heart.

It was a useful tool for discerning liars -- or those with cold feet.

He stays silent, otherwise.
(Taiga Voss)
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[18:45] {NARRATION} Joani looked to be rather timid and idle as they approached upon him. A further inspection if any of them were a medic would be able to tell that the darker skin around his elbows, arms, and chest, had been completely and utterly burned by some slew of infernal heat.

They weren't normal burns, but they did blend in well with his skin tone. The burns looked.. Second, maybe even third degree.

He tilts his head upwards at the group of INTIMIDATING people approaching him, and his eyes go a little wide noting the walking skeleton, vampire, and oscuri.

"Oh hell..." He mutters below his breath, "I'm really gonna' get myself killed today.." Joani, with shaky hands, turns to stare back at Niklaus and nods. "Yeah. Never seen a blue drakanite before.. Errr.. Yeah. I'm Joani."

His tone was one that held a little bit of fear in it- Though for his burns of the mythical magi in front of him- Well. It isn't certain.
[18:49] Vaan observes quietly.
(Vaan Invidia)
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[18:50] "Oh, blue. Yes," he keeps afloat, but one hand touches against the edge of the scaled construct. "After I championed for Skadi and helped to raise her child, I took on the coloration of herself and her spawn." He chimes outwards, looking thoughtful over it.

Still, his eyes observed those burns, and then a hand offers out, showing the lighter coloration of his skin, a clearly fake hand.

"Also where I lost my hand, but ah, old news." He speaks, dropping the hand unless the guide wanted a handshake.

"We were advised that you know this island well. Would you mind terribly guiding us along or at least telling us what you know? We're seeking something specific-- an Ancient like my Lady. We were told that there was a creature the size of a settlement here, but it's unclear if that is what we seek or if that is another beast entirely."
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[18:51] Ah. No wonder there were such flutters in his chest - he was already halfway dead by the time they got there, huh? Taiga's brow knits, huffing a little at the sight. He keeps himself tuned in to his surroundings, idly prowling around the clearing and permitting Niklaus to work as the face of the party!

He didn't feel like talking much at all today, it seemed, having stayed silent even to his friends since the moment they set foot on the island. Perhaps it was simply Taiga aiming to take the mission as seriously as possible... or something else was on his mind, clouding his thoughts.
(Taiga Voss)
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[18:52] {NARRATION} ".. Skadi. Ancient... What."

He looked at Niklaus as if he were on crack.
[18:53] Niklaus LOL.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[18:53] Niklaus Rowan says, "Dragon."
[18:53] Freya stifles a laugh.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[18:53] Arthur Rowan says, "Son..."
[18:53] Arthur Rowan asks, "Do you need help negotiating with this man?"
[18:53] "Are you re--" traded?!?!

He was going to finish the sentence, but opted not to. It was better to just observe.
(Neo Invidia)
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[18:54] Niklaus Rowan says, "No! It's."
[18:54] Niklaus Rowan says, "Fine."
[18:54] Niklaus Rowan says, "All is well."
[18:54] Arthur Rowan says, "Very well."
[18:54] Niklaus Rowan says, "It's not hard to understand we're looking for help trying to find the dragon here."
[18:55] {NARRATION} "Dragon..? Those were genocided-" He turns to Arthur at the phrase 'help negotiating.'

That fear doesn't look any better.

"Look. I don't know what uh.. What's going on here, but dragons are pretty much myth now, guy." When Niklaus speaks up, he stares at him and makes another funky expression.

"... There ain't no dragon here, -guy.- Y'all killed most of them back on Agartha."
[18:58] "They weren't all genocided."

The statement comes and goes easily as he squints toward the man. "Especially since I'm literally raising a hatchling. The intention is to fix what others did to the creatures."

He clears his throat. "But there is a beast here, that's for sure. Also, for curiosity sake... Those burns on your arms, where did they come from specifically?"
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[19:02] {NARRATION} The dark-skinned fellow turns to the others and squints back at them as Niklaus said he was 'raising a hatchling.' Did they know that Niklaus was insane? Perhaps clincally??

He blinks a few more times and hops off of the boulder and points to the volcano- The eastern side of it.

"There's a nasty drop to the east- It's one of the entrances.. Uhh.." He shakes his head again, not wanting to comment on how perposterous 'dragons' and 'ancients' and 'beasts' were.

"... I fell some- And landed right below the island. I climbed up and out, but I brushed against a vein of magma when I did." He'd stretch some and point out three locations afterwards.

"East. It'll take you below the volcano. North. It'll take you to the top. If you go west, it'll take you right around the center of the mountain. Those are the only caves I've seen so far.. I haven't gone in further than just a look, but all of them are dangerous."
[19:07] Brushing against magma. It made him want to shudder. Even then, he'd hold off. Though granted--

Maybe he was insane, maybe not.

He didn't pay attention.

As the options were laid out for them, he would brush his fingers through his hair in momentary thought. "The East has a drop." He comments, looking toward those around. How many people flew, and would it be something they could pull off?

Last time, Sienna and Taiga had a good amount of issue.

"Do you have any personal suggestions on which cave to visit? You'd know best."
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[19:08] "This isn't like the avalanche situation." He pauses.

Neo takes a glance north, then east, then west. He frowns, his foresight was off at the moment. "I'll be honest, no matter where we go something is going to go immensely wrong and will lead to great pain and sorrow." He smiles.

"I don't mind where we go this time around."

No matter what danger awaits, and Neo readied himself for whatever's to come.
(Neo Invidia)
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[19:08] So that much meant they already had something to come from; at least, he could begin sending the Undead to different directions so they could check and report. These were all trained soldiers, many participating in sieges and battles that most non-magi never get to see. But...

But where to go first?

"I'll take the decision making to you, Niklaus. Wherever you decide we should go first, I'll begin sending the Undead that way so they could check things for us."

"Something tells me that rushing as quick as we can won't end well."
(Arthur Rowan)
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[19:10] Taiga turns, looking back at the man.

He waits for them all to finish talking, giving Niklaus the information that he needed before finally stepping forward to actually speak. His talk was far less imperative than the rest of the parties, so he didn't feel right to interrupt anyone else. What he was offering, after all, wasn't a question - but comfort.

A small cup of tea. All the way from home, brewed by the best teamaker on Agarthan soil, Shizuko Voss. It's somehow still piping hot, no doubt helped by the islands radiant heat. He holds it out for Joani to take, slit like pupils staring him down.

"...Thank you for your assistance." He kind of got the read that he was starting to think they were all a bunch of uncouth animals rambunctiously running around - and wanted to show at least a little bit of decency after receiving such valuable information!
(Taiga Voss)
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[19:10] {Item} You drop Garden Tea.
[19:11] Three options, huh? Either around, under, or directly in. Freya wasn't quite the best tactician in the party, but she did weigh the options they all had.

Going in from the top could be a bad idea. What if the volcano erupted as they were gliding in? Going below, and they could risk a cave-in with lava.

"Honestly? We should go around."

She crosses her arms and nods to herself. Good plan.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[19:12] Vaan followed whatever decision the others were going to make.
(Vaan Invidia)
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[19:20] {NARRATION} Jaoni probably would've told them all to jump in a ditch and go swimming- But when Taiga walks forward and offers the tea? He sips. Then he makes an immediate 'ahh' as if he'd drank from Heaven's fountain.

"Look- Ah-" He points to the path to the west and north. "You don't want to go east. You'll get messed up, and I imagine it gets worse when you're under it. I haven't been west in a long time, but there's this killer ravine in the cave that'll end bad for anyone. North? I go all the time. There's a hot spring inside- Natural. I stick to the shallows, since it'll get too hot if you go further into it."

He goes silent afterwards, leaving them to talk with one another and decide. Joani wasn't moving from that boulder after he gave the tips.
[19:22] Niklaus Rowan asks, "Anyone adverse to the North, then?"
[19:22] Niklaus went north last time fml.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[19:22] Freya Vishkar asks, "...Hotspring you say?"
[19:23] Neo Invidia says, "East."
[19:23] Taiga Voss says, "So long as you can contain yourself once we hit the spring. It sounds to be the safest opt--"
[19:23] Taiga Voss says, "Of course you would say that."
[19:23] Vaan Invidia says, "Grandfather..."
[19:23] Neo Invidia asks, "What do you mean?"
[19:23] Taiga Voss says, "Nothing."
[19:23] Neo Invidia asks, "Do you not see that man?"
[19:23] Freya Vishkar asks, "Why would we go to the spot he doesn't want us to go to?"
[19:23] Neo Invidia says, "He's literally afraid of anything."
[19:23] Niklaus Rowan says, "I can contain myself fine. More water means more I can manipulate, too..."
[19:24] Freya Vishkar exclaims, "He didn't even say what was east!"
[19:24] Neo Invidia says, "Alright, when a giant torrent of water spouts and you can only save yourself I'll be sure to laugh while we boil."
[19:24] Niklaus Rowan says, "..."
[19:24] Arthur Rowan says, "Allowing my servants to check around first is always an option. Just saying."
[19:24] Neo nods sagely.
(Neo Invidia)
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[19:25] Arthur Rowan says, "I always bring them to my adventures."
[19:25] Taiga Voss says, "Arthur's plan is the most practical."
[19:25] Niklaus Rowan says, "...Let them check."
[19:25] Arthur Rowan says, "Mm."
[19:25] Neo Invidia says, "Show 'em Artie."
[19:25] Arthur Rowan says, "I'll have them check the north. Unless, you want to go other places."
[19:25] Niklaus Rowan says, "North's fine."
[19:25] Niklaus stares at Neo. He was right about the avalanche, though...
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[19:27] A single waft of hand...

… and that much was already enough to compel the servants to walk North. Geared up, experienced and cautious, the brave Undead made their way towards the north to check around every inch and step of the land; obviously, it's not just looking about, but to actually find anything worth their while.

If there's anything at all.

It's a good thing that Arthur was in possession of thousands- though, for this occasion, he only took a few dozen, transported in small squads. Surely, that would be enough to satisfy whatever demand they may have? Least, he would need to bring here an army next time.

Much like he brought one to the tomb of Fallen Angel.

"Now, let's see what they return with."
(Arthur Rowan)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:29] {NARRATION} The servants return with a detailed report of-

All clear. It would seem like the island was very quiet bar the actual cave entrances and exploration of volcano interior.
[19:29] Arthur Rowan says, "There is your answer, Niklaus."
[19:30] Niklaus Rowan says, "Let's go."
[19:30] Freya Vishkar says, "North it is? "
[19:30] Vaan Invidia says, "Perhaps I should continue my necromancy training after all..."
[19:30] Arthur Rowan says, "Necromancy is hardly worth it, unless you truly dedicate yourself to it and master it."
[19:30] Arthur Rowan says, "If you don't wish to master it, don't bother."
[19:32] Taiga shoulders up next to Niklaus, bumping into him lightly then continuing to walk down the path together. He always, no matter what, stands just a tiny bit in front of him, making a point to always be one step ahead. If Arthurs undead assessed the path to be clear, he had no reason to act so cautious, but it was honestly just ingrained into his mind - as he had explained to Niklaus before.

Tendencies of a samurai, always protecting the one they were hired by. Of course he'd receive special treatment.
(Taiga Voss)
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[19:34] {NARRATION} The North.

The group hauls themselves across rocky crag and split trail of running lava until they reach what looks like a giant mouth. The cave's entrance. From the entrance, there is a huge stream of steam rising up from the inside of this cave and rising until it had to escape in this direction.

.. Inside, faint bubbling can be heard.
[19:37] "Perhaps it's the spring that the man was talking about... or, a deadly boiling trap."

"First time I'm glad that I'm cursed and this body can't feel pain at all."

A small comment in regards of his own state, being a skeleton as a Lich, to which he turned towards Niklaus; he wanted to see what his son would decide to do, but he also realized that this might look unsightly for him to ask his father to borrow the Undead once more. And so...

"I suggest we enter with some cooling protection around us. It could be a whirl of frost wind, which I am personally capable of, and allow the Undead to take the lead once more. Should the temperature rise to unbearable levels, they would warn us ahead of time."

"But keeping in mind that protection, perhaps we can make it through without any concern whatsoever."
(Arthur Rowan)
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[19:37] "HMMMMM."

Neo could see it now.

Boiling. All of them. Oh well, whatever happens, happens. He looks to Niklaus, and the Voss, ready for their next expert decision. Neo had a bad feeling about this path, the north was almost always bad. He lives in the north! He knows how bad going north is, okay?

"Well, lover boys. What's next?"
(Neo Invidia)
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[19:38] --And so, with the aid of tea and also Arthur's undead, the group was able to ascertain that the north path was safe or rather, the safest of the tree.

Vaan continued on alongside the others, heavily considering returning to his lessons on Necromancy, despite the Rowan's warning.

It was rather hot, but such was to be expected-- Vaan was unnerved for the most part, he relished in flames and heat though Arthur's words seemed like good advice, perhaps some sort of protection would be in order.
(Vaan Invidia)
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[19:38] Up along the way they'd travel and to the open maw they would find themselves. A glance around and he would furrow his eyebrows. It felt... Strange. Like they'd be trying to descend into a mouth of an actual beast here.

Wary of magma and the steam, he'd be sure to use the water within to push it away from the group.

"Bubbling. Think it's water or magma?"

A small grin touches his features with the question. "I'll assist with whatever protection I can. Let the undead scout in ahead and we'll follow."

Let's not boil alive, he guessed.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[19:39] The intense steam coming from the cave didn't bode well, but if what the Gehennan said was true, it should be fine!

...Right?

For precaution, Freya covers her skin in various stones and rock that are free, creating an external shell of stone to protect herself.

Rocks should be good against boiling heat.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[19:41] {NARRATION} Those creating heat protection for the group.

D20.
[19:42] {NARRATION} Freya. You create an insular chamber of rock around you. Unfortuantely, you do such a shitty job at it- You have created a furnace.

Of which you are on the inside of.

Rest of the narration coming in onnneee second...
[19:46] {NARRATION} Arhur and Niklaus-

With a combination of icy cool and mastery over water- You have created a solid stream of coolant around you two-

And one other member of your party. +2 to heat related rolls.
- - - - - -
Neo. You're dead. Shut up. +0 to heat related rolls.
- - - - - -
Freya- You immediately ditch your creation as you had fucked up on it- You have scorched yourself, overheated almost already. -1 to heat related rolls.
- - - - - -
Vaan? You live around this. You've been around your own flame and Vel's scorching bursts for your entire life. This is your enviroment. For a while now, you'll perform just fine- Even better with the heat. But soon.. It might prove to exhaust you. +0 to heat related rolls.
[19:47] Taiga looks expectantly towards Niklaus for him to apply water veil on his fiancé like a good boy.
(Taiga Voss)
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[19:48] Niklaus does indeed veil Taiga with water, boys. Let's goooo.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[19:48] With the conjured veil of cooling protection, a simple order was given to the Undead to scout ahead- though, they were not told to rush ahead without any care, but rather carefully check everything that they would encounter. If anything, they must still come out alive and preferably unharmed - he could still use the assistance of his servants.

"Let's see how far we can go, then."

"...And someone, pull out Freya from her forge."
(Arthur Rowan)
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[19:50] The idea Freya had for a rock-covering was quite possibly the worst idea she could've made today.

The moment she covered herself, she realized she had no way to actually stay cool, and immediately she discards the rock covering, revealing a now slighty-red Freya.

"IT'S LIKE A SUNBURN BUT ON EVERY PART OF MY BODY OH FUCK"

She's not very good at thinking through things.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[19:51] Looking over at Freya as he extends the protection over to Taiga, he furrowed his brows.

"...Probably not the smartest thing to do, Freya."

Ah well, it was time for them to do, then die, he guessed. "Let's go. Let the undead lead and let's push forward."
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[19:53] Taiga takes his water shield with a little hum of appreciation! Good, good. His body already ran a little cold, but that was bound to change as his body was affected by the outside heat. He was like a lizard or some shit -- Niklaus had to get a spray bottle to keep him cooled off.

On that note, he stands a little bit distanced from the rest of the party, swinging his blade out from his back and holding it in his hand!
(Taiga Voss)
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[19:53] Taiga Voss asks, "...Who's first, then?"
[19:53] "Is it me, or am I hotter than usual?"

He looks down at his skin, and yea it was getting really hot in here. A glance was spared at Freya, and Neo just shakes his head. Poor girl. It was clear she was going to have a difficult time here. "I see the Vishkar gene has passed to the Spawn. I'll keep good watch over you, worry not child."
(Neo Invidia)
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[19:54] Arthur Rowan says, "I can walk in first after undead. Not like I can even feel heat or pain."
[19:57] {NARRATION} Undead go in. Undead come out.

A hotsprings. A bubbling, vast array of water that reaches across into what looked like a magnificently sized pond. There is a further reach into the cave to go deeper, but there is too much to explore without coming back in a timely manner.

A hot spring- A long walk to some kind of new cave room.
[20:00] Niklaus keeps the protection agoing while he lets Arthur march forward, following along. His gaze keeps ever-vigilant either way.

"Just be mindful. Make sure you don't pass over any kind of holes. Geysers may very well be a real threat here."

LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[20:01] Vaan followed behind the two, keeping watch for any of the aforementioned geysers.
(Vaan Invidia)
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[20:01] Arthur follows through, of course. He flexes the fact he's a bone dad and can't feel heat, therefore walks a chad stride.
(Arthur Rowan)
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[20:02] Freya decided to do something quasi-intelligent, and threw over a bubble shield of Rieka over her body while she walks. A small one- one that covers her now-medium rare skin.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[20:02] He moves with a grace like no other. The apex predator was so elegant, yet savage. His eyes were peeled as he followed behind the Rowan duo. He was ready for action, even with out the heat his blood was boiling. Tongue lapping around fangs as he fanaticized about killing whatever he came across.

"Yum."
(Neo Invidia)
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[20:04] {NARRATION} are you checking out the hot spring first or the deeper part of the cavern
[20:04] {NARRATION} like tell me this in ur rps so i dont have to ask these <3
[20:04] Niklaus Rowan says, "<*observes the hotspring for a few moments.*<"
[20:05] Niklaus observes the hotspring for a few moments.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[20:05] {NARRATION} Niklaus. D20.
[20:06] {NARRATION} Niklaus- When you lean in to examine the hot springs, you see something sparkle just below the springs. Upon a closer look, almost too close, you can see inside of the bubbling springs that there is a very active stream of water pooling into it- Below that? There is an extremely large amount of boiling water at the very bottom of the springs-

They were looking at the shallows, and staring into the deeper end. However-

Something akin to a silver key passes your vision for a moment- Attatched to a chain- It moved with the boiling water and kept zooming across the bottom of the springs.
[20:08] Niklaus, in short order, attempts to halt the water so that he can get a hold of the key. It's nothing slick, it's very abrupt, but he makes his attempts none-the-less.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[20:10] {NARRATION} The water boils fast- There is no longer a stream pouring in. Meaning..?

The water levels start to fall. The room's temperature begins to increase while cool water was no longer flowing into the springs.

-1 to everyone's rolls while maintained. However.. The key you spotted stops moving quite so fast.

However... You see a few more keys- Attatched to chains in the exact same manner. There must've been twelve.
[20:11] Arthur observes what his son is doing.
(Arthur Rowan)
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[20:11] Arthur Rowan asks, "You do know both me and Neo are in possession of telekinesis, right?"
[20:11] Niklaus Rowan says, "PLEASE USE IT."
[20:11] Neo Invidia says, "I-..."
[20:11] Freya Vishkar says, "NIKLAUS IT'S VERY HOT IN HERE HURRY UP"
[20:11] Arthur Rowan says, "Hm."
[20:11] Niklaus Rowan says, "HURRY UP. I CAN'T HOLD IT FOREVER."
[20:11] With that said, Arthur concentrates on the keys; in particular, he tries to lift them out of the water and towards the group - though, he isn't stupid enough to actually grab them with his hand, rather letting it cool down to some degree.

He may not feel any heat, but who knows just how hot it is?
(Arthur Rowan)
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[20:12] Taiga shuffles back a little, eyes squinting.

"Keh." even he was starting to feel the heat, his blood matching to the temperature of the room and making him... quite uncomfortable. He somehow felt like he knew this was going to happen when Niklaus got himself near some water - something always did, good or bad. something. Never a dull moment.

"Keys...? Did someone... throw them down for a reason? This cave certainly doesn't seem... inhabited."
(Taiga Voss)
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[20:13] Driven by immense hatred, and a mesh of negative emotions. The unseen unstoppable force of Arcane was used on those keys. It was wild, he was attempting to grab as many keys as possible. A sudden, yet powerful tug on those chains.

He hoped to at least get one key? Or something.
(Neo Invidia)
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[20:13] {NARRATION} The keys are attached to a rather durable set of chains- Concentrating on all of them at once, pulling might just tear up the ground they are chained to.

... To which lava would be under. If you wish to pursue this action, D20. Both of you. +Arcane.
[20:16] {NARRATION} Neo- Your mastery isn't quite where it has to be, and upon trying to tug up as many keys as you can- You can't quite pull any of them. Arthur extends his arcane down into the boiling, screaming water now and focuses on two keys in particular.

Tearing them up, the chains break from the force and two silver keys fall into Arthur's hands. Or wherever.

-2 to everyone's rolls. The heat in the room from the stopping of cold water has started to become extremely apparent.
[20:17] Niklaus releases the hell out of that water as Arthur gains the two keys.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[20:17] Arthur Rowan says, "We should perhaps keep moving. Unless, you want me to pull all keys one by one."
[20:17] Arthur takes the keys, now that he got two. Though, he hands them over to Niklaus.
(Arthur Rowan)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:17] Niklaus accepts them cautiously in his fake hand as to not burn himself.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[20:17] Neo Invidia says, "Let's keep moving, please."
[20:17] Niklaus Rowan says, "We can backtrack if we need them."
[20:17] Niklaus Rowan says, "Let's go."
[20:17] Taiga Voss says, "...We still don't even know what they're for."
[20:18] Niklaus Rowan says, "Yes, that's why we'll backtrack if necessary."
[20:18] Taiga Voss says, "But a keys a key."
[20:18] Arthur Rowan says, "Mm. Let's keep going."
[20:18] Niklaus saw a shiny, tried to grab a shiny.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[20:18] Freya Vishkar exclaims, "We have like three keys now!"
[20:18] Taiga Voss says, "It'll open SOMETHING..."
[20:19] {NARRATION} The water crashes back into the room, and the temperature starts to go down once more.

-1.

The keys go back to adverse, extreme movements back under the wter.
[20:19] {NARRATION} watr
[20:20] {NARRATION} waer
[20:20] Taiga nods on that note, taking position next to Niklaus.

"Let's head deeper into the cave. Perhaps we'll discover the answer there?" He proposes! Seems like the next logical step, of course. His scarlet eyes gleam brightly, starting to adjust to the shadows of the cave!
(Taiga Voss)
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[20:23] {NARRATION} Deeper into the cave.

At first, it doesn't offer much. The normal dripping and dropping of water occurs throughout the normally silent caves. With the steam and hot water inside of the cave, the moisture had condensed on the roof.

... They arrive now at another room entirely. There is a stone door ahead of them- A golden lock has been manufactured INSIDE of the door- Meanwhile..

Twelve silver chests reside on the sides of the door. Six on each side.
1-6 Right
7-12 Left

The keys that Arhur had plucked had numbers on them. 4 and 6.
[20:23] Arthur Rowan says, "Something tells me these chests may have laid traps."
[20:23] Arthur Rowan says, "Should probably let undead open them."
[20:23] Niklaus Rowan says, "Alright."
[20:23] Freya Vishkar says, "Sounds like a plan. "
[20:23] Arthur Rowan says, "You can feel the power and order them around, Niklaus."
[20:23] Arthur Rowan says, "They will listen to the son of their King."
[20:23] Freya takes a big step back from the undead opening the chest.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[20:24] Niklaus hands the keys over to thing one, and thing two. "Go unlock the respective chests."

The statement is brisk as he nods to them.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[20:25] Taiga squints. That was... a lot of chests.

"...Hold on." He holds a hand up. "What kind of room is this, before we start opening anything else? Twelve chests... a bunch of keys hidden underneath boiling hot water.... what exactly is going on here?" He was overthinking things, as per usual, but that wasn't a bad trait to have when on a deadly adventure like this!
(Taiga Voss)
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[20:26] Niklaus Rowan says, "I uh, don't actually know."
[20:26] Freya Vishkar says, "One of these chests probably has the right key."
[20:27] Taiga Voss asks, "Two factor authentication...?"
[20:27] Niklaus Rowan says, "We're sending the undead to open the chests, anyways."
[20:27] Freya Vishkar says, "More like, eleven of these chests have explosives in them."
[20:27] Taiga Voss says, "...So it'd have to be someone capable of actually going down and grabbing those keys out from the water unharmed."
[20:28] Taiga Voss says, "Or something."
[20:28] Niklaus Rowan says, "In the boiling water where it moves erractically."
[20:28] Freya Vishkar says, "Unless we're really, really lucky."
[20:28] Taiga puts a hand to his chin, humming.
(Taiga Voss)
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[20:28] Niklaus Rowan asks, "So are we going to stand here and idle, or can they make their attempt?"
[20:29] Niklaus Rowan asks, "...Any objection?"
[20:29] Niklaus Rowan says, "We can shield ourselves, as well."
[20:29] Niklaus Rowan asks, "Jjuuust in case?"
[20:29] Freya Vishkar says, "Sounds fair."
[20:29] Niklaus Rowan says, "Don't bake yourself."
[20:29] Neo Invidia says, "Mmm, part of me wants to attack these chests and open them by force."
[20:29] Neo Invidia says, "Unsure if that'd be a good idea."
[20:29] Arthur Rowan says, "Neo, please no."
[20:29] Niklaus Rowan asks, "Do we have any objection to the undead opening these chests?"
[20:29] Vaan Invidia says, "Not from me."
[20:30] Neo Invidia says, "This is why Arthur is here."
[20:30] Freya Vishkar says, "No. But I will be shielding myself."
[20:30] Niklaus Rowan says, "Very well."
[20:30] Arthur Rowan asks, "Wait... did you just open these sort of things on your own before?"
[20:30] Arthur Rowan says, "Niklaus, your father has literal armies of thousands."
[20:30] Arthur Rowan says, "Just ask to borrow few next time if I'm not there."
[20:31] Freya throws up a stronger shield of Rieka around herself. She learned her lesson with rock shielding and heat before.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[20:31] Niklaus Rowan says, "What can I say? I'm about that life."
[20:31] "Open them."

The statement is final as he braces himself with the water used to keep them cool. It would, hopefully, provide some good absorption in cause things did end up going awry.

With that, he'd wait.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[20:31] {NARRATION} Which undead opens a chest first-

Four

or

Six?

: )
[20:32] {NARRATION} ....
......
.......

Six opens. The chest creaks open slowly-

....

Nothing happens.
[20:32] Taiga Voss says, "My favorite number is fou--"
[20:32] Neo's body begins to slowly fade into a fine, bloody mist-- Okay.
(Neo Invidia)
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[20:32] Taiga Voss says, "Phew."
[20:32] Freya Vishkar says, "Ok. Now, lets see what's behind chest number four. "
[20:33] Niklaus Rowan asks, "Is there anything inside?"
[20:33] Arthur prepares to fade into a mist too. Just in case.
(Arthur Rowan)
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[20:34] Niklaus mist form boys unite.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[20:34] Vaan didn't have the ability to face into a mist, and so he just...hid behind Freya.
(Vaan Invidia)
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[20:35] {NARRATION} ...
.....
...... Four begins to open as the key is placed into the chest. It is turned and cracked open with an audible 'click.'

It is almost immediately after that the chest starts to open and sharp TEETH spring from the edges of the chest. A tongue and mouth appears inside of the chest that had just been opened as both undead start to hop backwards. Unfortunately, they are both immediately attacked and devoured in one whole bite as the chest started to howl and chomp aggressively.

The undead are smashed into bone bits-

MIMIC.
[20:35] Niklaus Rowan says, "...--"
[20:35] Neo Invidia exclaims, "Yahaha!"
[20:35] Neo Invidia exclaims, "I was right!"
[20:35] Freya Vishkar says, "KILL IT."
[20:35] Arthur Rowan says, "You fuck. Jeremy was my favorite undead."
[20:35] Arthur Rowan says, "Kill it."
[20:37] Taiga squints. Hm. Unfortunately he was not apart of the cool kid club of having racial mistform and just had to eat whatever was to be delivered to him.

---Oh my fucking lord it was a mimic. Oh god.

"Wh-" He's startled at first, his entire body bristling at the sight as his sword is swung about in front of him! The undead are slaughtered in massive bites, and Taiga can sense that they're next on the chopping block.

"I've... never seen one of these. It disguised itself as a chest... but..." He looks around, gaze quickly flickering between the other chests! There was no way to tell, huh? They looked almost exactly the same as the beast attacking them right now!
(Taiga Voss)
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[20:38] There is a look of shock that crosses along Niklaus' features, and he very abruptly considers his mortality.

Holy shit.

Imagine if one of them had to actually go and stick their hands inside of that thing? They'd be goners without a doubt.

Even then, he forces backwards, water beginning to cascade around him as he drew in a few sobering breaths.

Were they about to throw down? He sort of hoped so.

Vibrations of anticipation...!
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[20:39] There wasn't much time for reactions, and gasps.

Action.

With the use of Arcane, he'd send a telekinetic wave downward at his feet further propelling himself into the air. His aim was to come down right on top of the mimic, attempting to cut the thing in two right here right now.

If it didn't fall he was going to keep swinging.

His eyes illuminate, as his desire to battle takes full effect. Even if this thing was reasonable, it was far too late. If uninterrupted Neo would continue to lash out on this being, whether he got aid or not.
(Neo Invidia)
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[20:39] While strategically hiding, Vaan awaited to see what would happen until-- OH MY CAIN! The chest ate the Undead. He had never seen anything like it.

"What the-- I didn't even know that Undead, but it was a valued member of the group. It sacrificed itself...so that we could carry on."

Looking to the others, Vaan waited to see what the group consensus would be. Did they...fight that thing? He didn't want to charge in by himself and look like a clown.
(Vaan Invidia)
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[20:40] They killed Jeremy. Bastards.

The Lich King drew upon his staff- electricity crackled around him, and despite the close quarters, Arthur was mastered enough of a storm mage to directly strike the Mimic with it; the winds howled, the icicles floated about, and the fury of the storm was unleashed upon the Mimic immediately.

Some monster won't get away from killing his creations.
(Arthur Rowan)
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[20:41]
{LOAD GAME}

[20:42] {NARRATION} Neo. Wave of Arcane.

D12. I need to know which chests also get hit with this blast.
[20:43] {NARRATION} Chest 5 explodes open-

Nothing happens. Fight begins. Hit follow on the DM!!!!
[20:44] Vaan Invidia exclaims, "FLAME ON!"
[20:45] {NARRATION} /vit!!
[20:46] {NARRATION} Party Total of:
1355 vit.

One of you may roll a D20. If 10 or below, +100. If 11 or higher, -150. Pick. Wisely.
[20:46] {NARRATION} The Mimic is initially slammed with an oppressive wave of Arcane force!!

It looks weakened from the beginning!!
[20:46] Neo Invidia says, "Bitch ass."
[20:57] {NARRATION} KO COUNTER:
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Taiga: 1
Nik: 1
- - - - - - - - - - - -
D6 for injury.
[20:58] {NARRATION} Taiga: 4 Day Temp
Nik: 12 Day Temp
- - - - - - -
Injuries may be taken for one another ONCE per person.
You may RP your victory now.
[20:59] {NARRATION} RP Victory!
[21:03] Alright.

Whoever said that a chest would hurt this much? Even from the jump as it thrust forward, it would force the Drakanite back. Harshly.

Sliding backwards on his feet, he would continue to flood the chasm with water to slow down it's advances, to fight it off, but alas...! Even with that much within him, he would soon find-- in short order-- that he'd be slammed back against a wall with enough force to cause his breath to leave him, and for various bones within him to crack.

Harshly.

The best that he could do in this instance was keep those within his scope of vision healed as the world practically danced around him. Sweat clung to his features as he grit those teeth together, but--

He wasn't going to just let this get the total best of him.

Upwards he'd stagger as he looked around blearily, clearly swept off those feet of his by the creature.

Whew lord.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[21:04] Taiga seems to have taken Niklaus's lesson to heart... for most of the battle, at least. He hangs back, brutal winds whipping around Neo and Freya both to support heir heavy hitters, with the occasional manipulation of blood coming out to daze and confuse the mimic! Whatever organs it had, they'd begin to twist and turn under his command, opening the way for the others to attack!

...Unfortunately, this also just seemed to draw the beasts ire. It rushes him down, picking him apart from the crowd and shouldering through the rest of the parties efforts to stop the maniacal mimic! He raises to block... only to have his entire sword arm consumed by the mimics mouth!

It clamps down, tearing apart his skin, slobbering those tongues all over the limb! He grits his teeth, digging into the dirt and whipping his entire body around. With of a bit of leverage, the mimic is slammed into the ground, a spiderweb of cracks forming in the caverns floor. The teeth digging into his arm rip and tear, flesh flaying as he breaks free!

In the end, it's up to Neo to finish the job - Taiga's arm left too injured to swing that massive sword of his for a short while!
(Taiga Voss)
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[21:04] If there was any time for Vaan to use his full force, it would be against this chest right here. Despite looks, it proved to be a powerful combatant, and to think there were potentially more of them within that room.

Spooky.

Taking to the skies, Vaan would focused his flames into two massive wings of glorious flames. At the beginning of the battle, the Kitsune had suffered a direct hit from the chest, knocking him to the ground for a few minutes. That just went to show how mighty it was. He wouldn't be able to take more of those.

For the remainder of the battle, Vaan focused on dodging as well as matching his attacks with those of the group. At one point, his flames had even managed to combine with someone's telekinetic prowess to make something remarkable.

Finally, it had fallen, it was defeated but not without Niklaus and Taiga having been injured. There was a concerned look upon the Invidia's features. If a mere chest could do that to the party, just what would they be able to expect from the actual dragon, rumored to be the size of Huangzhou?
(Vaan Invidia)
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[21:05] This was a box with an attitude, apparently, as it flung itself at Taiga and Niklaus during their scuffle. A sickly, rose-colored aura sprung forth from the helish mimic, and Freya blazed her own aura in defiance.

The battle was intense, Freya was intent on smashing open that chest with as much force as possible, swing after swing of Rieka-infused strikes from the arcanium blade, but it seemed that this was a tough nut to crack.

So? Like any reasonable Oscuri, she ditched her blade to punch the carrion crate with as much force as she could, smashing the top of the box with a savage strike from her right arm.

"EAT SHIT!"

Enough of a blow to slightly crack the creature, before she backed off. It would be Neo's job to finish it off.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[21:06] He lives for it.

Battle, so sweet. This mimic was powerful, a beast like no other. Trading blows with this chest monster felt like suicide. That only made the challenge that more desirable. Vaan's great flames scorch the battlefield, as the Rowan mages attack from afar. The water dragon, in attack with the storm. Such a beautiful combination.

All the while the three swordsmen worked together in near perfect sync. Freya managed to disable the monster for brief periods while Neo and Taiga took turns striking the chest.

In the midst of all the chaos Nik, and Taiga would both find themselves hurt by the mimic, and it seemed as if the thing pushed to harm more of his party. Neo wouldn't allow that ever. He took off, a burst of speed as the son of Baukdengrad's banshee flew straight for the mimic.

He grabbed hold of the mimic, his hands grabbing at the top and bottom of the chest. It took great strength, something that Neo prides himself in. He'd pull, and pull, and pull.

Snap!

The chest was torn into two. Effectively killing the mimic. "Wonderful-- I wonder if I could eat this thing..."
(Neo Invidia)
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[21:07] Bombarded by the strikes coming from the whole team, surely, the Mimic was bound to give in eventually- there's no way that it could ever withstand the pressure of them all, and while the Lich battled with little regard or emotion in this particular scenario, being a fairly unfeeling being, something did move his non-existent, dead heart.

The injury of his son.

Like a swift tornado, he made a dash to it, not bothering to finish off the Mimic; others, certainly, could do that. The two blue fires that replaced his eyes began inspecting the Drakanite, almost with surprising- and disturbing- quickness, assessing the injury swiftly. It's a good thing that he was a skilled Biomancer - treating this would not take long.

And it's a good thing that the injury looked treat-able... though, he also noticed that Taiga was injured, and he knew that he was important; if not to him personally, then to his son.

"Bring Taiga to me." - a brief order to the Undead soldiers that battled along with him, and they brought the injured Dhampir.

Having them both under his wing, the runework began to form under them- it was taxing upon the Lich King, lending his own energy to mend their wounds, but it was not the end of it; the Undead had medical experience of their own as part of the warfare, and while Arthur worked the magical side, they resorted to bandages, stitches, treatment of any potential burns and a lot more.

"This will be over quickly. Just hold on."
A raise of his arms. And...

'Vitae - The Purpose of Vitality, Strength.'
'Imperium - The Purpose of Energy, of Channel.'
'Sacrum - The Purpose of Sacrifice, of Sharing.'

And the miracle was channelled. The decades of knowledge he possessed weren't only to keep servants - sometimes, it was to preserve life. Although their injuries were mending quick, it taxed onto Arthur's energy, and the blue fires in his eyes grew dim... albeit, briefly.

"Hrm-"

"Should be better."
(Arthur Rowan)
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[21:09] {NARRATION} They would find that the chest carried with is such a powerful, horrific bite to it. The strength was impressive, and showed with every bite and chomp it took out of them. It came far too close to eating some of them fully, but it is defeated in due time with the various crashing weapons and bursts of magic alike.

It had gotten the best of Taiga and Niklaus-

The chest is pulled apart as it tried to devour Neo from his grip on it. The thing roars outwards until it eventually snaps and crackles- Spitting out a digested piece of... Metal?

It dies on the spot.. Injuries would be tended to as well. Everything begins to get fixed bit by bit.
[21:10] And like that, his father had aimed to mend his injuries and bring his shattered bones back together. He was in a daze, and well... Hair stuck to his features from the collection of sweat and humidity.

…

"Thanks, Dad."

It's wheezed out as he soon comes back to vitality and health. Attempting to center himself, he would look on blearily toward the door.

"How are we getting through...?"
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[21:11] Arthur Rowan says, "Well-"
[21:11] Freya Vishkar asks, "Is- Is that a key?"
[21:11] Arthur Rowan says, "We should probably head deeper into the volcano. And..."
[21:12] Arthur Rowan says, "You should be more careful, too."
[21:12] Niklaus Rowan says, "I'm-- I'm trying."
[21:12] Niklaus Rowan says, "I've had my spine broken three times now. Maybe that was the fourth."
[21:12] {NARRATION} Chest 6 is dead.
Chest 5 is dead.
Chest 4 is opened.

Nine more remain. They are out of keys. There is still a golden lock on the stone, locked door.
[21:13] {NARRATION} [We're in speedrun for this portion. You can make small posts d/w]
[21:13] Freya Vishkar asks, "Do you think there is some tamper-protection on the chests?"
[21:13] Niklaus Rowan asks, "We can try. Neo, Dad, do you want to try to use the arcane to blast the chests open?"
[21:13] Neo Invidia says, "Again, I can continue to attack these chest-"
[21:13] Freya Vishkar says, "We should first check if there are runes on them."
[21:14] Freya Vishkar says, "To differenciate the mimics from the duds."
[21:14] Arthur Rowan says, "Hm."
[21:14] Taiga Voss says, "...Hnnngh."
[21:14] Niklaus Rowan says, "Observe them."
[21:14] Taiga Voss says, "I didn't notice a single difference."
[21:14] {NARRATION} 1 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

Take a pick! Any pick!

[D20s are acceptable for attack rolls, but as far as visuals go- There are no differences unfortuantely.]
[21:15] "Too late! Gotta blast!"

With a powerful thrust forward from his palm came a devastating wave of telekinetic energy heading straight for chest seven. Neo was clearly aiming to hurt whatever was going to come from this one.
(Neo Invidia)
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[21:15] Escaping Light [DM] says, "oh my fgucking god"
[21:15] Niklaus dsjadhasjkdsa.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[21:15] Taiga Voss says, "...Look at him go."
[21:15] {NARRATION} CHEST SEVEN EXPLODES.

IT ROARS- AN EVEN BIGGER FUCKING MIMIC COMES FROM IT. WHY DO THEY ALWAYS PICK SEVEN

THIS ONE IS STRONGER, MORE ANGRY, BLOOD RED EYES
[21:15] Arthur Rowan says, "..."
[21:15] Freya Vishkar says, "GOD FUCKING DAMN IT."
[21:15] Niklaus Rowan says, "Ah shit, here we go again."
[21:15] Arthur Rowan says, "At least Jeremy number two didn't die this time."
[21:17] Taiga just stares. Not at the mimic, mind you, but at Neo. He's deadpan in expression, completely and utterly unamused.
(Taiga Voss)
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[21:19] Aw shit, here we go again.

Another mimic, this time even bigger than the last. She gives out a long, annoying groan.

"When has Seven ever been lucky? WHEN? IT'S CURSED!"

No time to complain. Time to beat the shit out of it.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[21:19] Niklaus Rowan says, "So cursed."
[21:20] "Yahahahaha! Yes! YES!"

Neo flew high, and you already knew what was next. You don't.

He stood in place for a bit, almost like he was meditating. His hand was placed on the blunt edge of the Lightbreaker. Neo would hum, as the space around him would distort. He was channeling an unreal amount of chaos, all for an on the spot attack.

A long ranged slash.

"Coraline's shriek!" A downward swipe of his blade, and another crushing force of arcane was sent flying at the chest. It was in the shape of cut across flesh, tearing through the lifestream damaging the world around it as it made contact with the chest.

"Get ready friends. Aha..."
(Neo Invidia)
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[21:20] Arthur Rowan says, "Hrmmmmmmmm."
[21:20] --And so, after just fighting against the smaller mimic which was quite powerful, Neo Invidia, Father of the Future decided to strike a chest which revealed an even larger foe.

"If that other Mimic was so strong...we're in for a wide ride." He was scared, but there was nothing else to do but continue to fight.

Once more, flames blazed before shifting into wings. He was ready.
(Vaan Invidia)
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[21:20] Niklaus wide ride.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[21:20] Freya Vishkar asks, "...Wide ride?"
[21:21] Niklaus Rowan says, "Mmh."
[21:21] giga mimic is about to wide ride this flame slide

y'know what I mean
(GIGA MIMIC)
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[21:21] Vaan Invidia says, "Well, that's a wide chest."
[21:21] Niklaus Rowan says, "..."
[21:21] Arthur Rowan says, "It's fine. I guess I can hand out even more energy."
[21:21] Arthur Rowan says, "Just make sure to carry my bones back home."
[21:21] Neo Invidia says, "It's okay to like the same sex, Vaan. I won't judge you."
[21:21] Vaan Invidia says, "We don't even know that things gender."
[21:21] Freya Vishkar exclaims, "Look at that tounge!"
[21:21]
{LOAD GAME}

[21:22]
{LOAD GAME}

[21:22] Vaan Invidia says, "."
[21:24] Arthur Rowan says, "Whatever. If we keep killing chests, eventually, they will run out of mimics."
[21:24] Arthur Rowan says, "I hope."
[21:34] GIGA MIMIC says, "what the fuck"
[21:35] {NARRATION} KO COUNTER
- - - - - - - - - -
Taiga: 2
Niklaus: 1
Freya: 2
Neo: 2
Arthur: 2
- - - - - - - - - -
D6 +1. This mimic shit is getting old IC and OOC- Injuries are easier to avoid.
[21:38] {NARRATION} Taiga: No Injury
Niklaus: 1 Day Temp
Freya: 4 Day Temp
Neo: 4 Day Temp
Arthur: 12 Day Temp
Vaan: No Injury
- - -
I'll invite you 4 to a 6cap, hand out injuries- You may RP while I do this.
[21:44] Having each box you open in this retarded gameshow of a dungeon was getting old, and Freya had already figured out the appropriate means of smashing this carrion chest.

When the second mimic appeared, she yelled out to the rest of the party,

"When I punch that thing, you all go in, alright?"

It was the most reasonable course of action. Blade bounced off the metal shell of this beast, but a Rieka-infused punch to the top of the chest would be enough to stun the creature while her Rieka would move to lock-up the Mimic's ability to fight.

So, she thrust herself at creature, fists blazing, and lands a single strike on the top. However, the beast was far smarter than it's smaller kin, and catches her fist with it's teeth, ripping into her armor and skin.

With a cry of pain, she pulls out a now bloody arm and flies directly up, hovering a few meters above before diving down in a fiery plum of emerald fire.

"CHAAAAAAAA!"

She slammed into the top of the chest, shattering the creature into wooden splinters and flesh fragments. The leftovers of the mimic sizzled with flickering verdant flames, before eventually searing away.

She rises, holding her injured arm, and kicks it one more time for good measure.

"...For Jeremy."
(Freya Vishkar)
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[21:46] {NARRATION} When the Giga Mimic explodes from Freya's emeraldic flame-

A golden key is found in the depths of its stomach- Opened now as it died a painful death.
[21:47] Another battle against a damned chest. How was it actually possible for them to end up getting in trouble like this?

Even then, as they fought, Niklaus would-- in short order-- soon aim to smash and rip away the rest of the chests from the wall.

In his distraction, however, he would find himself flung backwards-- and then, his hand would catch a hold of himself behind him, and the sound of his wrist cracking came along the way. The bones inside would be turn to muck, but...!

They finally did it.

"Let's... get the hell out of here and onto the next."

His hand would glow golden as he aimed to set the bones back into place, numbing the painful, broken bones all the while.

Guh.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[21:49] Yet another battle.

As much as Arthur tried to keep himself safe and away from all harm, there was little that he could do as the overwhelming strength of the Mimic bit at him; the magic, the mana reserves he was in possession of, all being consumed partially to weaken him. Normally, that could even prove fatal - but the Lich King possessed such reservoirs that even after this injury he still had an impressive amount of control.

Fusing yourself to the essence of Fallen Angel does that to you.

"Hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh--"

Slowly, but surely, his servants were beating onto Mimic along with other people; unwilling to continue expending even more of his own mana, he spoke out.

"I had forgotten how it's like to feel sick. I've been reminded just now."

"And yes. Let's move on."
(Arthur Rowan)
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[21:49] Taiga plays it safe, as always - taking measured risks and exploiting whatever opening was exposed by his allies to the fullest extent. Together, they were a well oiled machine, even the mighty Giga Mimic unable to bear the brunt of their fully powered assault! Neo and Taiga both move in tandem with one another...

They've been fighting together since Taiga was thirteen. Of course their teamwork would be top notch. Though Niklaus might be the one he trusted most with his life, Neo Invidia stood alone as Taiga's greatest ally - and foe. For all the times he had tried to kill that man in his youth, those movements were burned into his brain. He knew exactly how to follow up, exactly how to aide him.

It's a thing of beauty, to have their blades sing like this.

...Not that he didn't hate the fact that this old bastard had gotten them in this mess in the first place! A fact he makes evident as soon as the mimic falls, Taiga glaring over at Neo with a rather angry look painted across his face!

"You- absolute..." He rolls his eyes, gritting his teeth to stop from saying more! "I can't believe we somehow picked out TWO mimics in a row!"
(Taiga Voss)
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[21:50] The second mimic's larger size wasn't just for show. It was stronger and far more durable than the last. The only thing within the parties favor would be that it's larger size of course left more room for spells and the like to hit it.

Just as before, Vaan fought valiantly against the creature, holding back nothing-- his flames seemed to grow and expand more around his frame, dancing wildly and glimmering with a more brilliant light than before.

If this wasn't the very brink of his untapped power, then it was close. Flames scorched the area, singing the mimic whilst avoiding his allies and soon with help from everyone they had reigned victorious once more.

The Kitsune had also been lucky enough to avoid any serious damage, but boy was his body hurting.
(Vaan Invidia)
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[21:50] The trio of swordsmen were a perfect team.

Freya's disabling ability made for a very easy fight. This mimic was being tossed around like a ragdoll. Neo took hold of the beast with the Arcane, slamming it around while the rest of his party attacked it with all their might.

Neo couldn't play around, he had to fight this beast head on. So he did, Neo got dangerously close.

Blade clashes with chest.

Neo was clearly losing every single exchange, and that was the sole reason he kept coming back. The chest would sink it's teeth in Neo's shoulder biting away at the flesh-- the pain was there, but Neo was very numb. It only earned a smile as he pushed the thing away.

Eventually Freya would deliver the killing blow! "Amazing! Much better than the rest of your line. I love it!" Neo learned a single thing from this encounter.

Mimics aren't good for vampire diets.
(Neo Invidia)
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[21:50] Arthur Rowan says, "Hrm."
[21:51] Arthur Rowan says, "I could probably expend even more of my energy to cure some of you, but-"
[21:51] Arthur Rowan says, "This is becoming too taxing."
[21:51] Freya Vishkar says, "I'm- I'm alright. "
[21:51] Niklaus Rowan says, "Give it some time for when we accumulate more damage."
[21:51] Freya Vishkar says, "I've got some Lax for myself. "
[21:51] Arthur Rowan says, "I can cure it only one at a time, really."
[21:51] Arthur Rowan says, "It will be irrelevant, Niklaus."
[21:51] Niklaus Rowan says, "Yes, yes..."
[21:54] {NARRATION} From the mimic's desecrated corpse- They are granted more items for their pain. It may have been a risky choice, but they did get something in return for their hard work.

The golden key and two more Searstone Ingots remain on the floor, covered in purple blood from the nasty monster. The door had a golden lock on it with the exact shine of gold of that very key.
[21:55] {Item} You picked up Searstone Ingot x2. Dropped by Escaping Light [DM].
[21:56] Arthur Rowan says, "--Niklaus, I do not think I can carry on. I feel sickened to my very core, whatever that beast just did to me."
[21:56] Niklaus Rowan says, "...Ah. Right."
[21:56] Arthur Rowan says, "At most, I can cure two of you before I go, as final help from me."
[21:56] Arthur Rowan says, "You can take the Undead servants with you as well."
[21:56] Freya Vishkar says, "Get whoever's the worst off. I'm alright."
[21:56] Arthur Rowan asks, "Who was injured?"
[21:56] Freya grabs the golden key, and motions for Vaan or Neo to get the ingots.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[21:56] Freya Vishkar says, "I'm hurt, but I'm alright."
[21:56] Niklaus Rowan says, "Take care of Freya and Neo."
[21:56] Niklaus Rowan says, "I think Taiga is unscathed."
[21:56] Taiga Voss says, "..Mhm."
[21:56] Arthur Rowan says, "Mm."
[22:01] Before he would go, that's about as much as he could do - help two of them to get back in their best, all to ensure that they would fight efficiently whatever is ahead of them; the undead servants walked over, beginning to treat Freya thoroughly; be it bandages, or stitches, or other things to be treated, they had it all. The experience in warfare taught them that much, as some of them even served Arthur during siege of the army upon Fallen Angel's tomb.

And yet...

There was also Neo. While his servants treated the Oscuri, the runework was drawn, and Biomancer worked his magic in order to forge the injuries on Vampire's body efficiently. Surely, there's more aspects to this than that, but this would do for the injury that Neo experienced.

A shimmering glow, a bask of light, a surge...

… and once again, the blue fires in his eyes simmer down- the body of the Lich King was full of mana, all in order to puppet it efficiently, but with each usage of 'cure' like this, more and more mana was running dry from his body. It's something he must restore- and it would easily explain why he's feeling so sickened right now.

In other words, he's sacrificing part of his own essence to restore another. And there's only so much he has to spare.

"Hrm…"

"This is all I can do for now. Niklaus, try and bring as many Undead servants home as you can. I will be back at the docked boats - you can take full command of them."

"Stay safe, son."
(Arthur Rowan)
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[22:03] A breath leaves him as he nods his head up and down. He understood. It made a person weary to fight so hard, and Arthur had taken a good amount of damage in this expanse.

It was time to trudge forward.

"I will be safe. Let's move out. Everyone. Thank you, Father."

A hand waves, and with the undead tailing along, he would keep steady the course. "Freya, unlock the door, won't you?"
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[22:03] Freya moved to unlock the door with the golden key, taking a long look at the lock to make sure nothing was out of the ordinary.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[22:06] {NARRATION} The creatures of Pandora weaken!
Ahem....

Once the golden key is placed into the door and it is popped right open, there's a giant gemstone locked inside of the stone slab on the other side of the door. Some kind of ruby? It'd be impossible to retrieve, but.. It's glowing.

It lights up with a bright, shining light after the door opens up. They now had options. A spiral staircase- With stairs that went up, and stairs that went down.
[22:09] Tending silently to the mush that was his wrist, he would attempt to brace it in silence with the force of water now locking around it. His fingers burned and his brain registered that it was god awful, but alas--

It was fine. He'd be okay.

He hoped.

"Check out the downstairs," he mumbled toward two of the undead, aiming to send them descending down as he looked at the others.

"...We can trudge upwards, if that's what you all prefer, or we can just wait for them to report back and then send them up there."
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[22:11] Taiga stands afar, not wholly convinced that this door wasn't going to somehow grow teeth and chew them all down to a fine powder, and he's visibly relieved when proven wrong on that assumption. Thank the lord.

He moves up to the stairwell, standing a little closer to Niklaus than before now that the poor boy had already managed to get himself injured in short order. He didn't want to take any more risks, frankly. He looks up and down, silently assessing the situation.

"If we go deeper, we'll likely be heading towards the core of the volcano..." He advises. "It'll probably become much hotter."
(Taiga Voss)
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[22:12] --And so the group had been met with a staircase. Up and down, two directions, two outcomes. Vaan well, didn't want to make any foolish decisions and so as usual he kept his input to a minimum.

The goal at the end of the day was to locate the Dragon, and with Niklaus being the Dragon King and all, perhaps he'd have an idea of where one might be?

Likely not, surely it didn't work that way. With the question asked, he'd simply say what's on his mind.

"I think we should wait for their return and have them check upstairs as well. Those two chest monsters were tough-- who knows what else lies within this volcano?"
(Vaan Invidia)
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[22:13] Freya rolls her shoulder, the bandages taking care of her close shave with the chest.

"Yeah. Send the undead first, then we'll check."
(Freya Vishkar)
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[22:13] {NARRATION} D20 Nik.
[22:14] {NARRATION} When the undead are sent to march down the stairs, they go and continue down those stairs for what must've been twenty minutes.

... Another ten minutes pass. And unfortuantely, they don't seem to come back. Not after the thirty minutes that they spent going 'downstairs.'
[22:15] Niklaus Rowan says, "...Up it is."
[22:15] Neo Invidia says, "I'm going down."
[22:15] Freya Vishkar says, "We"
[22:15] Vaan Invidia says, "Grandfather."
[22:15] Freya Vishkar says, "We need to move as a group."
[22:15] Niklaus stares into the distance.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[22:15] Neo Invidia says, "Okay, I'm sorry."
[22:15] Freya Vishkar says, "We're all going up, or all going down."
[22:16] Vaan Invidia asks, "They haven't returned so...I agree with going up-- or maybe we should send more undead up first?"
[22:16] Niklaus sighs a short bit, pointing the undead up the stairs this time.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[22:16] Niklaus Rowan says, "Alright, but they'll start to dwindle."
[22:16] Neo Invidia says, "Sending undead, here and there will only waste-"
[22:17] Niklaus Rowan says, "Father told me to come back with as many as possible."
[22:17] Vaan Invidia asks, "Well, the decision to go up was based on the ones going down not returning. What if they wouldn't return if they went up either?"
[22:18] Freya Vishkar says, "It's up to Niklaus. "
[22:18] {NARRATION} The undead start to head upstairs, but stop only momentarily as they argue about which direction to go- Where was the final decision?
[22:18] Niklaus Rowan says, "Up."
[22:18] Neo Invidia says, "Up."
[22:19] Freya Vishkar says, "Up."
[22:19] Taiga looks to Niklaus.

"...I'll follow along, but we need to head back down at some point." He nods. "Think of it this way. Whatever made that door obviously had the ability to get the keys, right? The keys that were hidden in heated water, unable to be reached by anyone else. It only makes sense, then, that they'd continue to build the more important parts of... whatever this is, closer to the heat.

I think those undead probably fell for another defensive measure that's designed to be only be passed by something resistant to heat, like with the keys in the hotsprings…"
(Taiga Voss)
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[22:20] Niklaus Rowan asks, "Alright, but can we just scout now so this stops being a conundrum?"
[22:22] Taiga Voss says, "Of course, of course."
[22:22] Taiga heads on up, to be clear!!!
(Taiga Voss)
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[22:25] {NARRATION} Up. They scale up the stairs- The undead come with and return in due time so I won't mention that much- The group arrives now in a place where the heat isn't nearly as bad as before. Sooner or later, though- The light from the ruby is gone, the heat from the lava is less intense- And it has gone completely dark without some kind of light source.

They climb for ten minutes- Eventually they surface. They are led to a stone opening now that pushes them out into a giant, massive opening. Below them was bubbling and boiling magma- Above them are a few vents so that hot air may escape. They are left with a ledge now, facing the ravine.

Hot air races upwards in quick fashion- Across the ravine? Another stone opening just like the one they were just at now. However, with the hot air quickly rising in blasts from the boiling lava below- Flying was going to be near impossible.

On the edges of the ravine- Are small, stone cliffs that one might be able to shimmy across- Or crawl.
[22:30] There is but an audible, annoyed sound that leaves him.

Wasn't this the ravine that they had been advised about? It was... very high up, too...

"It really doesn't seem wise to try and work our way around this. This is the other opening that the guide was talking about, wasn't it?" He inquires slowly as he looks between those there. "Either we can turn and descend down, see if there's a better way up, or we can take our chances by trying to wiggle around on."

With a broken wrist, it would've been very hard for him to hang on if he slipped, so... He was wondering if they should've just turned and gone back down.

Ugh.

"Does anyone have any better ideas? Maybe Freya can manipulate stone to make a pathway to cross, and Taiga balances out the hot blasts coming through?" They'd have to figure something out, naturally.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[22:33] "...Did anyone bring a rope, by chance? If one of us could make it across and somehow make it easier for the rest of us..." Taiga observes the situation cautiously, not at all liking their chances from the outlook. There had to be some way to swing this more in their favor if they wanted to cross!

He could already feel himself getting uncomfortably hot with all this air around him, his blood raising in temperature slowly but surely, even with the help of Niklaus's water magics! Troublesome, troublesome indeed. "I'm willing to be the first one to cross, if need be. I've gotten out fine so far, so I'm at least risk of failing." He reasons.

"...Or honestly, perhaps Neo could just throw us across." He proposes... as a joke...right?
(Taiga Voss)
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[22:37] Delicate, he followed behind almost silently. These type of situations were perfect for his kind.

Though.

He found himself stuck in the mind. He was unsure of how they were going to get across, that was until Taiga spoke of something very insane. However with some thought Neo had made in his mind the 'Full proof plan'. He looks to the boy as he said those words.

"Ah, I suppose I could throw you across-- but I'd have to have Vaan manipulate the gravity around you. I'm pretty sure with some help from the Arcane you'd get across without dying. Maybe an injury, at the very least."
(Neo Invidia)
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[22:37] Taiga Voss says, "...You're taking that suggestion far too seriously."
[22:38] Niklaus stares into the distance.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[22:38] Neo Invidia says, "Nonsense! There is nothing out of an Invidia's reach."
[22:38] Neo Invidia says, "I can- no I will throw you."
[22:38] Vaan Invidia says, "...It's not like we have many other options."
[22:38] Taiga Voss says, "...I'll put an end to our little rivalry right here and now, Neo - I'm sure kid me would be very happy."
[22:39] Niklaus grips his metal hand tight, gritting his teeth.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[22:39] Neo Invidia asks, "Are you saying that we wouldn't be friends anymore?"
[22:39] Freya seriously considered being thrown across, but her sense of reason told her that there was better options.

"Do you think I could make our foot space easier to step on with a little bit of Earth Magic?"

She said out loud, hoping it would stop people from yeeting each other across.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[22:39] Niklaus Rowan says, "Pleasedothefootspace, Freya."
[22:39] Niklaus Rowan says, "Thanks."
[22:40] Taiga bristles a little.

"--L...Listen." He sighs. "The hot air would blow me off course, no matter how good that arm of yours is!"
(Taiga Voss)
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[22:40] Neo Invidia says, "Yes, more space. I'll need leg room. This is a human body that I'm tossing."
[22:40] Freya Vishkar says, "Look- I could try and manipulate the rocks aroud that ledge and form a bridge for us to walk easier on. "
[22:40] {NARRATION} Room starts to heat up. Soon, -1 to rolls will be applied.
[22:40] Niklaus Rowan says, "N-O."
[22:40] Freya Vishkar says, "Making a bridge. Now."
[22:40] Niklaus Rowan says, "Let's GO."
[22:40] Neo Invidia exclaims, "Niklaus! Cool this place off now!"
[22:40] Niklaus Rowan says, "Vaan, steady us with gravity magic."
[22:41] Taiga Voss says, "...Wait, no. Don't."
[22:41] Taiga Voss says, "The gravity would push down on the rock."
[22:41] Taiga Voss says, "If it breaks, we fall."
[22:41] Taiga Voss says, "And die."
[22:41] Taiga Voss exclaims, "Rock bridge is good though. Do that!"
[22:41] Niklaus Rowan says, "No, it'd steady your center of balance and give guard rails, Taiga."
[22:41] Taiga glances back towards Neo to make sure he isn't being snuck up on.
(Taiga Voss)
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[22:41] Neo Invidia says, "But he could hold it together."
[22:42] Taiga Voss says, "Fine, fine."
[22:42] Neo Invidia says, "Don't worry, the arcane'll grab you when I'm ready Taiga."
[22:42] Taiga Voss says, "Do whatever - I'm going first."
[22:42] Freya sheathes the arcanium blade, and thrusts out her hands. Even though she was a swordswoman, she was still an Earth Magi anyway. She did her best to collect loose stones and rocks, creating a makeshift bridge from what's avalible, reinforced by shaving off some material from the roof.

She made sure there were some holes on the side to let out pressure, but not big enough to impede movement.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[22:42] Lifting his hands up, he would soon channel his water magic to begin trying to keep a cooler air around them, waiting for Freya to conduct her magic.

Tick, tock.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[22:42] {NARRATION} Freya. D20.
[22:44] A hard ravine to cross. Many ideas were thrown around, but ultimately it seemed it would be up to Freya attempting to create some sort of walkway for them. Vaan was, well clueless on what to do, until he heard the Rowan's voice chime out.

Steady them with gravity magic?

It was worth a shot. Extending both arms outwards, he'd attempt to aid Freya's creation of the bridge, moving small stones with a gravitational poll to conjoin with her creation.
(Vaan Invidia)
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[22:44] {NARRATION} Vaan. D20. You must beat 11.
[22:46] {NARRATION} Neo. Try your Arcane TK.

You must beat 13.
[22:47] Niklaus continues his attempts at keeping the atmosphere around them cool. Fuckin' hell.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[22:47] Oh no.

Neo watched as both his own son, and Freya failed horribly at holding the bridge together-- he took it upon himself to try and aid. Tearing from the lifestream Neo's chaotic influence would hold the bridge as steady as possible making for an easy cross.

Hopefully.
(Neo Invidia)
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[22:48] Escaping Light [DM] says, "i cant excuse... 2 nat 1s...."
[22:48] Escaping Light [DM] says, "taiga... write ur crosing RP"
[22:48] Taiga aims to move forward, on that note, not wanting to give Neo another chance to toss his ass. As Freya works her earth magic, and Vaan assists with his gravity magic, he aims to continue bravely! All the way on what felt like on top of the world, with lava beneath his feet, there was a ton of reason to be terrified. So he rightly was.

Blood magic flows, and his heart steadies. His breathing stops entirely. He's deadpan, outwardly, no matter how hard he was shaking on the inside, he's externally... still. Muscles tense as he takes step after step on whatever abomination of a bridge there was to step on!

he has no fucking idea.
(Taiga Voss)
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[22:54] {NARRATION} The party watches in anticipation as Taiga went to walk the newly constructed bridge of cobble and stone that Freya had dug up. Vaan pushed his hands forward to immediately try and stabilze it with gravitational magic-

This causes it to immediately gain weight, and Taiga goes with it. The group watches as Taiga begins to fall in climatic fashion as the cobble begins more weighted and begins to fall to the lava below at almost terminal velocity. Vaan's magic had made it worse.

It is only then when Neo went to fire off an arcane force of telekinesis- And the rocks are repelled even MORE. Taiga is falling to his death at such an high speed. The cobble begins to spread out in odd directions from Neo's blast of magic. There is a visible path to the other side- But it would require the grace from a god.

From something that wasn't from this mortal world. Taiga's life flashes before his eyes, and he began to zoom across the ravine. Through whatever means he may RP, Taiga saves his own life-

B a r e l y.
[If you fell into that, it was character death. Your 20 saves you. Taiga may RP.]
[23:07] His heart stops.

All the bloodflow in his body stops at once. Frozen in spoke as he sees it - his death. His end. Right in front of his face, just inches away. It isn't... the lava. It isn't the fall. It isn't anything truly there. --In fact, for a moment, Taiga can't see a damn thing. He isn't there, crossing the ravine, he's somewhere else entirely, deep off in his mind and looking in from afar, like peering through a window at his life from miles away, the whole of his existence just a glint in the distance.

He isn't in control. The beast is.

And Taiga? He clutches tight... then lets it free.

As Taiga begins to fall through the sky, something seems to change suddenly, the previously limp body suddenly sparking to life as it fell through the air. The piece of rock he's sailing to the ground explodes before the groups eye, as Taiga becomes a living arrow - darkness expanding out from him all at once as his shadow takes a life of its own, wings forming at his shoulders that tuck in tight to his body, like a bird of prey soaring upwards.

He reaches another piece of rock, just barely large enough to grab onto - and his claws dig in, ripping it apart as he flings himself further upwards. But it wasn't enough, still, he was still falling, still flying off the side of the volcano towards certain death.

A blade whips forth, and a massive CRACK! rings out as Taiga's unconscious body swings it into the side of the ravine. ...Almost immediately, a burst of hot air rips out, Taiga having struck right on a vein of magma. His wings unfurl, a movement faster than the eye could perceive ripping his blade out of the rock as he catches the burst of hot air, blowing him backwards and further upwards! He's soaring, darkened wings spreading out and flapping desperately, every movement upwards met with another claw into the sheer rock wall before him, Taiga kicking, pulling, his hands cracking open with open wounds as he digs into the molten rock to support his ascent.

If Icarus's wings melted under heat, then it could be said that the beasts wings instead soared under such pressure.

It's a heartstopping moment -- all contained within three seconds of lightning fast movement. Almost impossible to keep up with.

But Taiga flies forward, soaring up and over the lip of the other side of the ravine and unceremoniously flopping down. Face first in the dirt, he's motionless for a long while.


(Taiga Voss)
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[23:12] Freya Vishkar says, "...Ok, so large bridges are out of the question. "
[23:12] Freya Vishkar says, "But- We should think smaller. We move across one at the time, and I make stepping stones out of rocks. "
[23:12] Freya Vishkar says, "Not an entire, bridge, but footholds with enough weight to carry one person at a time."
[23:12] Neo Invidia says, "Mmm..."
[23:12] Neo Invidia asks, "I can toss two, and fall in the hole. How's that?"
[23:12] Neo Invidia says, "I'm pretty sure I wouldn't die."
[23:13] Neo Invidia says, "I am you know... Immortal."
[23:13] Freya Vishkar says, "Lets not risk it."
[23:13] Freya Vishkar says, "I'll go first, small stepping stones."
[23:14] A breath leaves him, and he watches the likes of Taiga nearly fall to his death.

Now was not the time, nor was it the place for him to really think this through rationally, was it? His feet crackle with electricity, and then he whips his form around. There's a sudden blast of water against the wall of the ravine as he rockets his form with the embodiment of lightning, aiming to get-- in any god damned way possible-- partially over the edge of the ravine to teleport himself over to Taiga's side.

So, to propel, then to teleport the rest of the way.

He needed to get over to Taiga. He had to make sure he was okay.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[23:15] {NARRATION} Niklaus gets to the other side.
[23:16] With a sigh, she conjures more earth magic, creating a few flat floating stones that covered around her. The stones attached themselves to the side of the ravine, making footholds for her to take a step. When she took a step, the free disk would move in front of her for another step.

It was slow, and meticulous. But, hopefully using less stone overall would allow her to keep her concentration.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[23:17] Neo Invidia says, "..."
[23:17] {NARRATION} Freya doesn't need to roll again. She crosses.
[23:17] Freya dabs on the other side.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[23:17] Freya Vishkar says, "Vaan! Use the footholds! One step at a time. "
[23:18] And down to the ground he crashes, sliding to a halt as he aims to collect Taiga up into his arms.

There's the soothing sensation of water, of any way that he can heal the other as he holds him close.

"Taiga, Taiga, Taiga."

He whispers his name repeatedly, wings shielding away from any heat. Over and over, he'd rock, but he could feel the force of life still within him. He was still scared.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[23:18] She moved the earth-disks back over to the start, holding about three of them for Vaan to take steps, and keeping them pinned in the side of the wall. Again, once he took a step, she'd move the last disk to the front, creating a path for him to walk.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[23:20] Taiga just... kind of rolls over, looking up at Niklaus with a... surprisingly deadpan expression. It looks like he doesn't even realize what just happened! Because he doesn't!

"...Huh?" Is the first noise out of his mouth as he slowly sits upright!
(Taiga Voss)
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[23:23] So-- the others had managed to cross, all that was left were himself and his grandfather. Beneath them laid a ravine of lava, likely to be certain death.

At his disposal laid fire magic, energy magic, as well as gravity magic. There were the footholds which Freya had managed to cross with, could he use them as well.

Raising his index finger to his brow, Vaan would wipe some sweat from it. Things were getting tough, this wasn't where he was going to fall. No, greater things were in store for the Invidia than dying on some sort of Volcano island.

First, a deep breathe would be taken. The Kitsune's eyes would close as he focused. Wings likely wouldn't provide much aid in this situation. Ultimately, he came up with nothing, other than just attempting to loosen the weight of gravity around him form and cross via the footholds.
(Vaan Invidia)
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[23:23] {NARRATION} With difficulty-

Vaan is half-way across the ravine. Barely.
[23:25] {NARRATION} Freya. D20.
[23:25] {NARRATION} Vaan. One more.
[23:25] Looking down at the other with concern, he clenches his chattering teeth down and together, trying to keep himself from freaking the fuck out.

Ahh.

"You're alright." He gives a shaken breath outwards.

His heart drums so hard. They were struggling. Oh god.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[23:29] {NARRATION} Vaan. You attempt to bridge the final cap as you close in. Freya's manipulation of rocks help you to get almost there. You are a leap and a flap of your wings to get across- But as you went to jump-

You are blasted with a jet of hot air from the boiling lava below. You begin to lose your footing, and start to spin and twirl down towards the lava below.

Neo. You are too far away to issue a save. Freya can save with a D20, 13+. If she fails this roll, you will be issued a perm.

If she does not choose to roll, you may roll one more D20 to decide whether you will get a temporary or a perm along with a one on one narrate.

Decide quickly.
[23:32] {NARRATION} Vaan. As you are falling, an immediate burst of rock comes from below the lava below. Like a spire, you assume this is the end. You are moments from hitting the scorching heat below and becoming ash-

That is until the giant rock formation sprouts and grows bigger and bigger. Freya's earth magic saves you within an inch of your god damn life.

You are sent flying upwards after landing on the spire- It rising into the air gives you a boost to your air. Those of you that watched Vaan fall and presumably die-

You see him ascend to safety now on the other side, barely unscratched. Barely.
[23:37] Alright.

Vaan across, barely. That leaves just Neo. Neo. Oh my Cain. "Ah, let's do this." He fears nothing, in fact he believes that he'd live the fall anyways. He gages the distance for a bit, a roll of the shoulders. "Alright everyone."

He turns, his back facing the other side.

Hands lay on the ravine walls, as he does a little push. Then another. One sharp exhale from the corrupted husk, "Phewww."

It was so sudden.

Neo sent yet another telekinetic wave at the wall on his side propelling himself to the other side. For good measure he took once glance back, his body would begin to disperse he was hard to see-- just black fog moving at a rapid pace his aim was to appear right beside Taiga.

An ability that he hasn't practiced much outside of battle, shadow warping.
(Neo Invidia)
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[23:37] {NARRATION} i didn't even get to narrate but the dc was 11
[23:38] {NARRATION} neo crosses
[23:39] {NARRATION} By some fucking miracle-

None of these jobbers decide to take the ledges offered to them. Instead of shimmying, they leap like fucking brainlets.

Taiga almost died. Vaan almost died. Neo almost died. Freya is the MVP of this room- The opening into the next room-

Awaits.
[23:40] Taiga finally stands upright, dusting himself off a little! He rolls his shoulders, nodding towards all parties present. "Well! Seems we all got worried for nothing!" ...He didn't even see half the other people crossed, his eyes were far too focused on Niklaus, but he figured they all crossed without a problem!!!
(Taiga Voss)
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[23:41] Freya just kinda fell backwards on her ass from concentration, she's never have to use Earth Magic this much in her life, and saving at least three people from a fiery death.

They all owed her drinks after this.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[23:41] Niklaus fucking lived after freaking out to get to Taiga.

God fucking bless.

Either way, pressing forward into the next room, the Drakanite would pull Taiga along. He didn't want to let him go. Oh no.

"This was awful. Let's go. Let's go. Let's go."

He kept moving, eyes observing for 'just in case'. He was tilted off of adrenaline and more.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[23:41] Taiga Voss asks, "--Klaus?"
[23:41] Taiga does not understand.
(Taiga Voss)
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[23:41] Niklaus shakes.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[23:41] Freya Vishkar asks, "DID SOMEONE SAY KRAUS?"
[23:41] Neo Invidia says, "Freya."
[23:41] Freya Vishkar asks, "Yeah?"
[23:41] For a moment, it seemed as though all hope was lost. Falling, due to his failure-- into a pit of lava. But then...by what could only be described as a miracle, he found himself being plunged upwards by a rock, getting him across safely.

Vaan was breathing heavily, scared for his life-- but thankfully the Vishkar had provided aid. "Thank you, Freya..." All he could manage to utter before continuing on with the others.
(Vaan Invidia)
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[23:43] {NARRATION} The next room-

It is a small one. One built completely and utterly of black and purple stone around the room. It felt almost like a compressor of some sort. There doesn't seem to be an exit in this room. Ominous..
[23:43] Niklaus Rowan says, "..."
[23:43] Niklaus stares up at the ceiling.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[23:43] Freya Vishkar says, "Alright gang, lets split up and search for clues."
[23:44] Freya Vishkar says, "I'm gonna stand in the middle and be a lightsource."
[23:44] Niklaus Rowan asks, "Is there a feeling of magic in here?"
[23:44] Neo Invidia asks, "Should i punch something?"
[23:44] And Freya did just that, she moved to the middle of the room and flexed out her Rieka, trying to illuminate the entirety of the room.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[23:45] {NARRATION} The walls radiate magic. As Freya illuminates the room- There is a darker, humanoid shape in the wall. It is made of a much darker stone than the rest of the room.
[23:46] Taiga is mostly just latched to Niklaus at this point, through no fault of his own! He couldn't really poke around the room even if he wanted to, with his hands being crushed like this. Taiga... still doesn't get it, but at this point has enough context clues to figure that it was a very close success for his crossing. ...So he permits this, for the time being, as long as no danger was present.

He does, however, sniff and look around - trying to detect anything else amiss about the room, if at all possible.
(Taiga Voss)
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[23:46] {NARRATION} Taiga. D20.
[23:47] {NARRATION} Taiga. You feel inclined to approach the figure made of dark stone inside of the already black stone room. You bring your hand up to it- Trying to detect if it was something amiss. Something not quite right...

It is then when you understand that this room in its entirety- Is not quite right. The door to leave the room immediately slams shut, and the room itself begins to crawl and move as if it were made of living flesh.

Two red eyes sprout from the figure in the wall.
[23:48] Niklaus Rowan says, "...Not this shit again."
[23:48] Freya Vishkar exclaims, "PUNCH IT!"
[23:48] Vaan Invidia says, "Ah shit, here we go again."
[23:48] Niklaus looks around him at the WATER ELEMENTAL that was still caught in his aura.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[23:48] Taiga IMMEDIATELY whips the arm that Niklaus is clutching to behind him, aiming to throw the poor boy aside like a ragdoll as his other hand reaches to draw his blade!
(Taiga Voss)
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[23:49] Niklaus ...flies off to the side.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[23:49] Freya is absolutely ready to punch the lights out of this bitch, and does so.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[23:49] Neo fucking loses it.

He drops to his knees punching the floor below-- he thought the entire room was alive. A low blow should do good damage, right? If that didn't work, he'd rise to his feet. Aggressively stomping at the floor, over and over again.

Without signs of stopping.
(Neo Invidia)
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[23:50] Freya Vishkar says, "NEO THE ROOM ISN'T MY DAD."
[23:50] Niklaus Rowan exclaims, "It's like the one elemental!"
[23:50] Freya Vishkar says, "YOU CAN'T CALL IT RETARDED."
[23:50] Niklaus Rowan exclaims, "The one that was all around the room! Neo! Taiga!"
[23:50] Gazing at the two red eyes which formed, Vaan was still a bit shaken up from almost having fallen into LAVA, but even so he knew what had to be done.

"I'm going fuck kill."
(Vaan Invidia)
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[23:51] Niklaus Rowan says, "JUST ALIKE."
[23:51] Niklaus Rowan says, "LET'S GOOOO."
[23:52] {NARRATION} /vit
[23:54] {NARRATION} 900 Collective Party Vit.
1050 Monster Vit.

One of you may roll to weaken it.
D20. 11 or higher to -100 or below +100.
[23:55] {NARRATION} With a critical strike to the elemental's throat, Taiga's blade sinks between the near impenetrable obsidian armor-

It weakens its first round considerably.
[00:04] {NARRATION} Niklaus. You can take 1 extra KO for rolls and end it on R2.

Or you can risk the R3.
[00:09] {NARRATION} KO COUNTER:
- - - - - - -
1 KO all
- - - - - - -
D6.
[00:10] {NARRATION} Taiga: No Injury
Neo: 4 Day
Nik: 1 Day
Freya: 1 Day
Vaan: 12 Day
[00:16] With such an enclosed space, Freya was in her element. The elemental had similar magics to her own, in a way. A reflection of her own energy, heightened and refined to a much more potent point.

But Energy magic itself can go so far. Even for such an impressive display of power, it was nothing compared to her God's gift. Flames of pure Rieka flared out from the lodestone in her armor, shrouding her blade in a shower of verdant green flame.

"This hand of mine glows with an awesome power!"

She thrusts forward, the blade impacting and sundering a large portion of the obsidian. The elemental reacts, sending shards of obsidian towards her, piercing the armor and knocking her back.

Undeterred, she flies back in with even more vigor.

"And it's burning grip tells me to defeat you!"

Slash after slash, shecuts and shaves away at the animated rock monster.

"Take this! My love, my anger, and all of my sorrow!"

She pulls back, and thrusts at the elemental one last time.

"RIEKA, BURST!
The sword is imbedded into the monster, and glowing lines of Rieka begin to spiderweb out of it. After a few moments, it spills out! The elemental exploding in a flash of emerald flame.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[00:16] Escaping Light [DM] says, "im going to perm the next person who quotes anime"
[00:16] Escaping Light [DM] says, "with death"
[00:20] {NARRATION} The elemental finds itself overwhelmed and overpowered. Even despite the overwhelming piercing power and durable set of armor it wore- A burst of reika would leave it to explode and die on the spot.

Unfortuantely, this is the end of the line.

It clatters to the floor, and breaks into a million pieces. Two pieces in particular- Radiated with extensive magic. They seem to be the core.
[00:21] Vaan Invidia says, "."
[00:21] Freya Vishkar says, "Whew... Ok. "
[00:21] Freya Vishkar says, "I'll, uhh, take those."
[00:21] Freya whistles inconspicuously as she gathers the chunks of mana-enriched stone.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[00:23] Taiga watches as Freya goes in for the final blows, squinting his eyes at the climatic explosion of reika that floods the room and leaves the obsidian monsters in shambles! With that, he lowers his blade, huffing audibly - thankfully having managed to avoid taking any significant injuries in their battle. Niklaus, however, seems not so lucky.

He quickly rushes over to his side - wanting to repay the favor he had given Taiga when crossing the ravine. "...Klaus." He leans down, picking him up by the shoulder and helping the boy back to his feet! "Do we have any more medical supplies? ...He's hurt - and of all of us, it's most important that Niklaus is in proper shape to speak with the dragon. I get the feeling we're... close. Very close."
(Taiga Voss)
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[00:23] Niklaus Rowan says, "Don't."
[00:23] Niklaus Rowan says, "I'll handle it when I'm good and ready."
[00:24] Contrary to his words, Vaan most certainly did not go fuck kill on the beast, no-- instead he was beaten and pummeled despite his efforts.

While the beast was eventually defeated, Vaan had suffered a grave injury to his left leg, effectively making walking impossible until such had been treated.

So-- he'd spend the rest of his time levitating, when possible at least.
(Vaan Invidia)
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[00:24] Niklaus just holds a hand to his stomach in agitation, glancing toward the blood seeping out.

Great. Lovely. Perfect.

At least his guts weren't spilling out all over the floor, he guessed.

"I just want to move forward."
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[00:25] Quickly, Freya gives Niklaus one of the light-blue potions in her pack, one of the expensive ones she purchased from Shizuko before the trip.

"Drink this. Otherwise, It's going to burn a hole in my pocket."


(Freya Vishkar)
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[00:26] Niklaus isn't repeating himself. He'll do it when he's ready.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[00:26] It was so intense.

Neo fought a good fight like the rest present, however he wasn't as lucky. The obsidian elemental had taken his arm and shattered it.

Ouch.

"Right... I- Let's go."
(Neo Invidia)
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[00:26] Taiga Voss says, "..."
[00:27] Taiga, at the very least, refuses to let go. Helping Niklaus walk the rest of the way there by shouldering some of his weight.
(Taiga Voss)
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[00:27] {NARRATION} The room was made of the elemental in question- As they had defeated it- An open door is revealed. Inside of this open door, there is a crystal in the stone slab below that begins to shimmer and light up.

A ruby glows bright with red- Almost as if some kind of marker that it'd been 'cleared' so to speak.

An opening to a spiral staircase beckon them forward once more- Though there's an odd blinking on the wall to the right...
[00:30] Niklaus seems a bit distracted for better words to describe it. As he's tugged along, a hand touches against his front as he uses his holy magic to heal his flesh over. Teeth grit and grind all the while as he gives a pained breath.

"Just, what's the blinking?"

Guh.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[00:31] {NARRATION} Three smaller gemstones are in the wall.

Two of them are blinking with the same red light from before. One of them is not.
[00:32] Freya Vishkar says, "I think- That's our progress."
[00:32] Freya Vishkar asks, "Wasn't there a ruby light when we defeated the mimic?"
[00:32] Neo Invidia says, "What the fuck."
[00:32] Niklaus Rowan says, "Then, we go down."
[00:32] Niklaus Rowan says, "Fuck it. Let's just go forward. Do, then die."
[00:32] Freya Vishkar says, "No one is dying. "
[00:32] Freya Vishkar says, "Not on my watch, anyway."
[00:33] Neo Invidia says, "I'm already dead."
[00:33] Taiga Voss says, "...Breathe, Klaus."
[00:33] Taiga Voss says, "Your hearts a mess."
[00:33] Freya Vishkar says, "You konw what I mean. "
[00:33] {NARRATION} /vit

Anyone below 100?
[00:33] Freya Vishkar says, "Vaan, you arn't looking so hot."
[00:33] Vaan Invidia says, "I've certainly seen better days."
[00:34] Freya Vishkar says, "Lax? "
[00:34] Taiga glances over, giving a slightly worried look. His attention quickly returns to the gemstones on the wall! He's more or less latched himself to Niklaus, so he isn't able to get up there to investigate without either abandoning Niklaus, or potentially putting him in the way of another trap. Guh.

"...Can you... touch one of them, maybe?"
(Taiga Voss)
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[00:34] {Item} You drop Lax Essence.
[00:34] Freya Vishkar says, "Yeah. That."
[00:34] Taiga ...also tosses a lax over.
(Taiga Voss)
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[00:37] Niklaus hisses a short bit between his teeth. He's hurting, clearly. Between his broken wrist and the cuts on his front, it's not a good time. They're relatively minor wounds, sure, but he's been tossed around like a ragdoll on this expedition, definitely.

"I just think it's a progress indicator. We have to descend down, I think. Is this the same staircase? Hhhhhhhhh--…"

Yeah, he did the 'dad' thing.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[00:38] At this point Neo just wanted to see some fucking dragon.

Followed or not he walked down those stairs, not waiting for anyone.
(Neo Invidia)
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[00:39] There was no hiding that he was in pretty bad shape. A lot had happened on this expedition, challenges, intense battles and it all took a toll on the Invidia.

Especially with his leg being shattered and all, fortunately Taiga came to the rescue. Reaching out, he'd catch the bottle of Lax Essence before opening it up and well, applying it to his leg the best that one with a broken leg could.

"... Thanks, Taiga."

Just how many times would people save him?
(Vaan Invidia)
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[00:42] {NARRATION} Down the stairs. It is a long while. It actually takes forty minutes of straight going down the stairs if they were going slow- Twenty if not. They were magi in a hurry- So maybe not?

Regardless- The temperature is rising quickly as they come down here. There is actually the rush and bubbbling of magma that they can hear around them when the reach the bottom of the stairwell.

[ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gK9u4vza7c ]

Like they were in the heart of the volcano now. Movement was getting hard, and the heat was getting to just about everyone at this point.

[ -2 to all rolls without significant coolant. The one providing coolant can not make their own rolls. ]

A door opens up now into what looks like a giant, scorching room. To the edges of the room, there are streams of lava running down metal pipes and into what looks like a furnace. There are buckets thrown around the room now. Obsidian and stone lay around, though they don't look as potent as the ones taken from the bosses above.

There is a lot in this room. A lot to examine and invesitgate.
[00:43] Niklaus makes the god damn coolant.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[00:46] The heat was getting unbearable. She really didn't have a way to shield herself from the heat without cooking herself alive, so she simply stuck with the rest f the group while examining the room.

She would find something, right?
(Freya Vishkar)
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[00:47] It was probably all he was good at for the time being, anyways. Hands lifted upwards and there'd be a misting from the Drakanite as he looks around, allowing the amounts of mana-infused water to haze around the others in a protective manner. This, in turn, also included some of his blood along the way.

Not like he could particularly help it.

"Please take a look around. I'd like to get out of this sweltering hole sooner rather than later," he murmurs.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[00:50] Taiga anxiously steps forward into the room, leading Niklaus along slowly by surely down the stairs and allowing the rest of the party to head forward instead. After all that had happened, there was a certain tenseness all about him now - a worry that went down to his muscles. He could feel it. Smell it. Sense it - every drop of blood Niklaus was losing only making him more and more anxious. Just drink the potion, idiot.

But... he was going to live, for now and he really didn't feel like arguing now of all times. So he keeps his mouth shut.

"...This is..." He hums. "Some kind of forge room, definitely. They've channeled a ton of the natural magma down here for... some kind of process to make obsidian. Look for any mechanics - some way to operate the furnace." Taiga gives his own glance, trying to figure out exactly how this room was supposed to work!
(Taiga Voss)
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[00:50] {NARRATION} Freya. D20.

Taiga. D20.
[00:50] Taiga Voss says, "lol"
[00:51] Taiga is blinded by Niklaus's face.
(Taiga Voss)
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[00:52] Niklaus Rowan says, "Stop looking at me so intently and just do what I can't do right now."
[00:54] {NARRATION} Taiga. You don't really understand how to work the mechanisms for the forge. For all you know, it could be alien tech and you'd be exactly where you started.

Freya, when you look around- You find two things.

A set of three shattered skeletons wearing armor scattered in the far corner of the room. Half of the bones have been melted as if hit with some scorching attack- They have Arthur's insignia.

In the other corner- You find an anvil with a large hammer nearby. A sword lays on the anvil, half finished and in a mold of some kind.

Vaan, when you get to searching as well- You find the door to leave the sweltering forge. However, the lock isn't anything like you've ever seen before. The keyhole is something akin to a diamond- Almost like the tip of a sword.

You also manage to find a huge cauldron of water nearby- It doesn't radiate heat. It is cold.
[00:59] Upon floating downstairs with the rest of the group, the first thing Vaan thought to do was to look around, examine his new surroundings and what-not.

It was getting hotter, even he could attest to that. The hotter the area was, the closer they'd be to the Dragon...right? Surely it would enjoy the heat. He wasn't sure how stuff like that worked...

Upon searching around, the Invidia came across a door in which he'd immediately notice the lock was out of the ordinary.

What sort of key could even open it?

Not long after, he also noticed a cauldron of water. Extending an arm towards it had shown that it was surprising cool?

"--So. door with strange key-hole here and also even more unusual...cold water." He'd announce to the others.
(Vaan Invidia)
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[01:00] Freya Vishkar says, "The key to this room is strange. Could we find a key? "
[01:01] Taiga Voss asks, "...Are those Arthurs skeleton?"
[01:01] Taiga Voss says, "How did they get all the way over here..."
[01:01] Niklaus Rowan says, "We sent them down here."
[01:01] Freya Vishkar says, "It seems Jeremys two through four were incinerated."
[01:01] Taiga Voss asks, "...Wasn't that on the other side of the ravine???"
[01:02] Freya Vishkar says, "We went back through the stairs. They must've connected."
[01:02] * You have been awarded 2 Roleplay Points! *
[01:02] Freya Vishkar says, "Anyway-"
[01:02] Freya Vishkar says, "What's on the anvil? "
[01:02] Taiga hums, looking to Niklaus by his side. He then looks over to the door that Vaan found, squinting.
(Taiga Voss)
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[01:03] {NARRATION} [Do you guys want to call it here and come back tomorrow?]
[01:03] Freya Vishkar says, "It looks like- A sword? Not a finished one, but still a sword. "
[01:04] Taiga Voss says, "...We have to forge the key, i think."
[01:04] Taiga Voss says, "If we use the hole as a mold."
[01:04] Freya Vishkar asks, "Do- Do any of you know how to work a smith?"
[01:04] Taiga Voss says, "...Absolutely not."
[01:04] Taiga Voss says, "--Vaan."
[01:04] Vaan Invidia asks, "No but...how hard can it be?"
[01:04] {NARRATION} The unfinished blade is already in a mold.
[01:04] Niklaus continues to cool the room.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[01:04] Taiga Voss says, "Use your gloves."
[01:04] Freya Vishkar says, "Well-wait."
[01:05] Niklaus Rowan asks, "...Does the blade have anything to do with it?"
[01:05] Freya Vishkar says, "There's already a sword in this mould. "
[01:05] Freya Vishkar says, "Try jamming it into the keyhole."
[01:05] Niklaus Rowan asks, "It's what, diamond shaped?"
[01:05] Vaan Invidia asks, "Will it...fit if its unfinished?"
[01:05] Freya would proceed to pick up the sword and inspect it.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[01:05] Taiga Voss says, "That's why you use the gloves - just... pick up some molten rock and put it on the rest of the mold."
[01:07] {NARRATION} Freya, as you put your already toasty and medium rare hands onto the blade- You suffer an extreme burst of pain as the heat from the blade goes right back into your hand. You stumble backwards and land in a cluster of black, obsidian buckets.
[01:07] Niklaus Rowan says, "..."
[01:07] Niklaus sighs deeply and manipulates the cold water over toward the burning hot blade.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[01:08] Freya Vishkar exclaims, "HOT!"
[01:08] Freya Vishkar says, "Very hot! The sword is still very hot."
[01:09] It was worth a shot. He would likely be the only one capable of doing such, although he held no idea how to finish a blade.

Finding molten rock wasn't hard-- they were in a forge after all, with the Caldera Gauntlets on hand, Vaan would reach over to retrieve some pieces before well...placing them into the mold? The part where the sword was unfinished of course.

Next, he'd float there...staring. Perhaps the use of the hammer was in order? Vaan really had no idea how this worked.
(Vaan Invidia)
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[01:10] Taiga nudges his head towards Vaan.

"Also why I said to use the gloves - he's the one most suited for this. I'm... not sure if you've ever forged a blade before, but we just need something to push whatever pins are locking that door." He looks at his own massive blade, then over to the door. Hm.

"But... what's the point of having a door you don't even have a finished key for..."
(Taiga Voss)
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[01:10] Freya Vishkar says, "I think- We gotta hammer those pieces in to place."
[01:10] Freya Vishkar says, "Then we cool it in the wate.r"
[01:11] {NARRATION} Vaan manipulates the magma from the forge- Moving it from the forge to the mold. The molten rock fits nicely within the mold and the rest of the unfinished blade. As Niklaus moves water over it, it cools it down tremendously.

There are still unfinished parts to the sword, and it is far from anywhere usable.
[01:12] Freya Vishkar says, "Fill the rest of the mould full."
[01:12] Freya Vishkar says, "Like, all the way full."
[01:12] Taiga Voss says, "...A tip is all we need."
[01:12] Freya Vishkar says, "Just the tip"
[01:12] Freya Vishkar asks, "?"
[01:13] Freya Vishkar says, "We just need to fill the mould with lava, and cool it down. "
[01:13] Vaan Invidia says, "I never imagined that knowledge of blacksmithing would come in handy on something like this."
[01:14] {NARRATION} The mold is full- It is cooled down enough-

It doesn't look sharp like a sword. It's fucky in a few places.
[01:14] Niklaus Rowan asks, "Are we going to see if it's the key or not?"
[01:14] Freya Vishkar says, "Well- I can try to hammer it into shape. "
[01:14] Freya Vishkar says, "It needs to at least kinda look like a sword."
[01:14] Freya moves to grab the hammer and hammer-out the impurities of the blade. She's not skilled in blacksmithing, but she's good at hitting people, and objects.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[01:15] {NARRATION} D20.
[01:16] Taiga notices that Freya is hitting it wrong. He doesn't know a lot about forging, but he can tell her strikes are going all over the place! Giving a glance to Niklaus, he lowers himself a bit to let him ease back onto his own two feet.

Grabbyhands to Freya.

"Give me that."
(Taiga Voss)
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[01:17] To be fair, she was doing a pretty good job at the start, but it quickly deteriorated.

She gave the hammer to Taiga.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[01:17] Vaan Invidia says, "If only Daius were here, he can just manipulate metal."
[01:18] Taiga rolls his shoulders, cracks his neck and rears back! He aims to try his own hand at forging the blade, focusing on making sure the tip was in shape to fit in they keyhole!!!
(Taiga Voss)
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[01:18] Niklaus hits this fucking sword. Fuck man.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[01:18] Freya Vishkar says, "...You're doing even worse, dude. "
[01:18] Niklaus Rowan asks, "WHY ARE WE HOPELESS?"
[01:18] {NARRATION} The hammer was looking like one thing or another until Taiga hit it-

until Nik hit it-

oh its fucked.
[01:18] Taiga Voss says, "How the fuck do I make a sowrd"
[01:19] Freya Vishkar says, "Lets- Lets try again."
[01:19] Taiga Voss says, "......."
[01:19] Taiga Voss says, "I uh."
[01:19] Freya Vishkar says, "Throw that one out."
[01:19] Freya Vishkar says, "New mould. "
[01:19] Taiga Voss asks, "You know what?"
[01:19] Freya Vishkar says, "Err, New Lava."
[01:19] {NARRATION} The room's temperature begins to rise quickly. It is starting to become overwhelming. Even for the coolant.
[01:20] Taiga looks at the hammer... then the sword. Unceremoniously, he CRACKS the hammer down as hard as possible, snapping what was finished completely off! Then from his pockets he SLAMS down a chunk of ARCANIUM!!!
(Taiga Voss)
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[01:20] {Item} You drop Arcanium x3.
[01:20] Niklaus Rowan says, "--..."
[01:20] Taiga Voss says, "Use this."
[01:20] Vaan Invidia says, "I-- Don't think that will help."
[01:20] Freya Vishkar exclaims, "WE DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW TO USE LAVA!"
[01:20] Freya Vishkar exclaims, "Try again! Quickly!"
[01:20] Freya Vishkar says, "Fill the mould with Lava, Taiga and I on hammer duty."
[01:20] Taiga Voss says, "If we use magma, it'll only make the room hotter and hotter."
[01:20] Freya Vishkar asks, "HOW DO WE HIT THAT INTO A SWORD?"
[01:20] Taiga Voss exclaims, "Dylerun did it with his bare hands!"
[01:20] Niklaus uses the cold water to attempt to give the room some form of a chill.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[01:20] {NARRATION} D20 to combat, Nik.
[01:21] Freya Vishkar exclaims, "VAAN! FILL THE MOULD!"
[01:21] {NARRATION} The room's temperature is at 130F.

It is rising faster.
[01:21] Freya Vishkar exclaims, "I'M GOING TO HIT IT ONCE IT'S COOLED!"
[01:22] Well, the sword was fucked-- the only option left was to try and create a new one. Gathering lava from the forge once more, Vaan would place it into the mold.
(Vaan Invidia)
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[01:22] FREYA SMASH WITH HAMMER.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[01:23] {NARRATION} Freya smashes the lava before it is cooled. It goes everywhere-

The room is at 135F.
[01:23] Niklaus is still attempting to wrangle in the temperature of the room, a bit of panic touching his features.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[01:24] Ah SHIT, here we go again!

Third time's the charm. Vaan gathers more lava, placing it into the mold.

"This time...wait until it's cool."
(Vaan Invidia)
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[01:24] Freya Vishkar says, "OK! Ok."
[01:24] Taiga sweats a little. A single droplet falling down from the side of his face! This surely couldn't be good for his circulatory system, right?! "J-Just.... yeah." He nods in agreement with Vaan, standing at the side of the forge!
(Taiga Voss)
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[01:25] Niklaus drags the water over to attempt to cool it down at a more rapid rate.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[01:25] Niklaus Rowan says, "Taiga. Wind magic."
[01:25] Freya is prepared to hammer the sword into shape once it's ready to be hammered.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[01:25] {NARRATION} The room is rapidly approaching a point where a headache begins to form. Nausea is permeating the area. They were running out of time.

Niklaus drags water across the blade- It needed a windy cool.

The room was at 138F.
[01:25] Taiga manipulates the wind, blowing it across the surface of the mold and trying his best to cool it off reasonably well for Freya to finish the job!!!
(Taiga Voss)
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[01:26] {NARRATION} A combined effort job- The blade is forged, cooled, hammered into place. It looked sharp. It looked razor sharp. It was huge, too. Far bigger than any person could wield if they were human sized.

The room was 141F.

145F is lethal.
[01:27] Vaan Invidia says, "Uh-- looks like this will have to be a team effort. Everyone, grab onto that sword."
[01:28] Freya Vishkar exclaims, "TEAM EFFORT! LETS GO!"
[01:29] Niklaus shortly aims to get his hands on the blade, aiming to get it over to the door. This was the key, right?

Let's gooooooo, man.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[01:30] It was hot, very hot. They had created the sword, all that was left was to actually use it. However it was large, way too large for just one person.

Vaan attempted to grab it along with the others, would their combined strength be sufficient?
(Vaan Invidia)
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[01:30] Freya conjured all of her strength to grab the hilt, and carefully along with the others, jam it into the keyhole.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[01:31] {NARRATION} With everyone's combined strength- The blade is movable. It is slotted into the keyhole, and now it had to be turned.

4 D20s. Combined party total will prove if it turns or not.

The room is 143F.
[01:32] {NARRATION} The key turns, the lock clicks- The room is 144F.

The door bursts open and a wave of cold and hot immediately intermixed between the two rooms. They escape death.. And the forge room-

Within an inch of their life. They are now inside of a dimly lit, cold room. Completely away from the bubbling magma- And a faint hammering of metal to metal can be heard inside of the room now.

It was very dark inside.
[01:35] Freya bursts forth from the room, gasping for breath from that near-death experience. Gasping for breath and sizzling from that lethal heat, she stands herself up ignites her Rieka, trying to see what's going on.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[01:35] And now, they were into the room.

Ah, fuck.

The shaking of his shoulders comes and goes as they fumbled into the room, and he drags in a few sobering breaths.

The glimmer of holy magic would be produced as he attempted to aid Freya in seeing what was within the chasm.

Guhhh.

They really kept biting the damned bullet, didn't they?
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[01:36] Taiga lurches the keyblade, helping the party in turn, and finally breaking in to the next room! He quickly hurries back to Niklaus's side, tugging and pulling him along to help him stumble into the cold, all sticky and sweaty no doubt. His heart is a mess, every fiber of his body felt like fire - and his blood was no doubt getting dangerously close to boiling him alive at this rate.

He falls to his knees for a moment, slipping his grip on Niklaus as to not take him down with him. He crawls forward still, determined to keep moving and holding a hand up to stop anyone from helping him back up! "I'm... I'm fine. I'm fine." He chokes out!

"...Just... give me a moment. Wh... where the hell are we?"
(Taiga Voss)
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[01:36] Teamwork makes the dream work, and while the sudden chill was a relaxing reprieve from the raising heat, but he couldn't help but feel worried.

The room was cold. A magma dragon wouldn't reside in such an area...right? Plus, what was with that sound of metal being hammered?

"That was...challenging. But now things are cold, we are still within a volcano, right?"
(Vaan Invidia)
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[01:40] {NARRATION} The room lights up now- Reika glows, holy light beams, and now they were inside of the room once more. A cool chill is in the air, and sitting in a giant obsidian throne is a gruff, stout demon. They were about six feet tall, and around five feet wide. He brings a massive hammer down onto a blade below, holding onto the molten blade with his bare hands and the hammer slamming with a single hand as well.

He looks up from his work, staring back at the few who had enterred inside of his quiet, cool room. As light shines across the walls- It was an armory of swords. Thousands of weapons sprawl across the room- Each of them made from the obsidian and searstone they'd collected here already. Unfortuantely, all of them shared the same look and design of the one they just made.

Impossible to wield- But perhaps not to the Forgemaster.

"... Hmmmm... Visitors..."
[01:43] There's a glance around the area, eyes widening a tad bit as he noted the large weaponry within.

Lips parted a short bit before he comes to a halt. Bloodied, beaten, and more, the Rowan would continue to stand tall-- albeit a bit irritated with all that had been going on.

"We aren't here to disrupt your work, but we are here to find the dragon that resides within." He states, wings shuddering behind him.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[01:43] Freya looked up at the massive demon hammering away at the forge, as well as the collection of swords. She was... impressed? It looked like the life-long work of a master, considering how long it took all four of them to make even a pale replica of one of it's blades.

She gave a polite wave, albeit it someone haggard, and spoke.

"I, uhh, like the swords!"

She gestured to one of the swords on the wall.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[01:44] It wasn't long before his question was answered-- gray eyes met with some sort of demon, one which appeared to be a master blacksmith, at that. The next things to be noticed were all of the weapons which decorated the room.

They seemed nicely made.

"Ahh, hello there. It's as my companion said, we're in search of a Dragon." There was a want for one of those blades, it would've made a nice souvenir but ahh, that's not the reason they had come.
(Vaan Invidia)
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[01:45] Taiga is speechless, still cooling down on the ground as he struggles back to his feet. Woozy, dazed and delirious he stumbles forward into the room - looking more than a little disheveled. He was exhausted by this point, the continual back to back near brushes with death having done little to soothe him.

"G...guh." Taiga wipes at his face!

"...Greetings." Is the only coherent word he offers, and it's quiet.
(Taiga Voss)
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[01:45] The Forgemaster says, ".. Ahh.. Azikar.. Scorchwing.."
[01:45] Niklaus widens his eyes after a moment. A name, finally.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[01:45] The Forgemaster says, "Not many make it here- Even less looking for that dragon.."
[01:46] Niklaus Rowan asks, "Is this Azikar as large as a whole settlement?"
[01:46] Vaan Invidia says, "Scorchwing...I like the sound of that."
[01:46] The Forgemaster says, ".. What? No."
[01:46] Freya Vishkar says, "I knew it was an old wive's tale. "
[01:46] The Forgemaster says, "Azikar is.. As large as perhaps- A temple."
[01:46] Niklaus raises his brows upwards. Hmnn.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[01:46] Niklaus Rowan asks, "Is there something else that lurks here as well? Or is it just Azikar?"
[01:47] Vaan Invidia asks, "This will sound a bit random but-- is there any way you could part with one of those blades?"
[01:47] The Forgemaster says, "... Sorry, but each is a masterpiece. None of you look like you have the coin, or the stamina left to haul one. Perhaps another time."
[01:48] The Forgemaster asks, "... Where is 'here', young Drakan?"
[01:48] Niklaus Rowan says, "This cluster of islands. Swelter Circle."
[01:48] Vaan Invidia says, "Fair enough."
[01:48] Freya Vishkar says, "Aw. I would've liked to swing one of those around."
[01:52] {NARRATION} ".. Yes. Many live here in Swelter Circle. Each and every volcano is special to the central ecosystem- To life. Azikar is one of many adult dragons who live here- Deep inside of the volcanoes... You ask for something else? Like what? A beast the size of a settlement?" The Forgemaster turns his head to Freya and shakes his head.

"You would topple. They are for the upcoming war."
[01:53] A breath is inhaled as he closes his eyes.

"There was someone mentioning that there was a large beast that resided here. I didn't know if it was connected to Azikar or not." He pauses, though.

"War?" He inquires, tilting his head up. "What will you be warring upon, then?"
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[01:54] {NARRATION} ".. A secret for now, I imagine. Azikar would not be pleased with me if I spoke- If you want to know more abbout Azikar- His chamber is just further ahead. If you have questions, he'll be the one to answer them. Pray tell- Why are you looking for the dragons that have hid themselves from Agartha?"
[01:57] His fists tighten, broken bones grind together, and he draws in a careful breath.

"Because I'm going to bring dragons back to Agartha come hell or high water. I'm going to make them respect dragon kind once more, and I don't care who I have to kill to do so."

Dawn. Huangzhou. Crafthold. If they got in the way, he wouldn't stop at anything at this point. Obsidia was the best choice, wasn't it? Given that Vaan was right here.

"I want Azikar's help just like I obtained Skadi's help."
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[02:00] {NARRATION} "... That is an unfortunate thing to hear, Drakan. If you truly care not who you have to kill to reach that point- Then you'll have to kill myself and Azikar on the way there." The Forgemaster rises to his feet now, and brings his weapon along with him as the molten rock dripped across the floor as he walked over in thundering steps towards the ground.

The red hot blade- It is pointed back at them now with his eyes narrowing. A gruff, wrathful expression is what he wears whilst doing through the motions.

"Azikar will not help a disciple of Skadi- And nor will I."
[02:02] Ah shit, here we go again. Another battle in their way, but perhaps it didn't have to go this way. It seemed the problem was that this demon wasn't too fond of Skadi, but why?

"--Did something happen between you, Azikar, and Skadi? Why would you two refuse to help her disciple?"
(Vaan Invidia)
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[02:03] For real?

It kind of seemed obvious that the ice-dragon and magma-dragon wouldn't like each other, specifically on principle. Yet, that idea didn't come into play in Niklaus' head.

She sighs, and draws forth Colada, intent on ending this quickly, and specifically non-lethally.

...as long as this demon didn't do anything specifically stupid, like injuring her friends.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[02:03] Tilting his head from side to side, he would crack his neck now.

"That's why it's going to fall to Vaan to Champion for Azikar, and not I."

The statement comes clean, concise, and planned out. "That was always the plan. We all have different ways."

He doesn't flinch away from the weapon. Not even the smallest bit.

"Come. If that's what you must.

But the one seeking the blessing isn't me. It's him now. This is his show."

And he expected nothing less than finesse from the Invidia.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[02:03] {NARRATION} "Then I truly hope you and Vaan can come to terms with killing each other in the future, young one. You cannot change what has been set to occur."
[02:05] Niklaus Rowan says, "Advising what is set to occur is better than leaving us here in the dark."
[02:05] "Sure we can. I wouldn't have gotten this far if I didn't exceed past unbeatable odds."

She gave a tired grin to the demon.

(Freya Vishkar)
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[02:06] Taiga lurches forward, dragging himself in front of Niklaus and putting an arm out to the boys chest. He looks woozy, but has been slowly cooling himself off since he entered the room. Finally, he's capable of standing on his own two feet, posture straight and chest held high. He's absolutely dwarfed by the forgemaster, but certainly doesn't seem to be acting the part.

"...And so I ask you... do you believe people to be like a blade?" He speaks clearly now.

"...And do you believe a blade is defined by the make, or those that it cuts down? ...Disciple of Skadi or no, judge us by our act, not our kind. I'm a monster through and through, no doubt, and yet I've shouldered an immeasurable burden for the sake of this moment. For his sake." Taiga draws on his weapon, holding it forward.

"I do not wish to slay you... but if you offer no compromise, then so be it."
(Taiga Voss)
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[02:07] {NARRATION} "I wish there was another way- But it is because -I am the Champion of Azikar,- I cannot let this come to pass. Should you defeat me, I pray that you will kill me.

You will not like what Azikar has to tell you.The coming future will be a bloody one."
[02:07] Niklaus Rowan exclaims, "...!"
[02:08] {NARRATION} /vit
[02:09] {NARRATION} [WARNING]

Because of the lethality that the Forgemaster is now fighting with, injuries at the end of the battle will be DOUBLED. Good luck.

You will need it.
[02:15] {NARRATION} Taiga: 2
Freya: 2

D6.
[02:16] {NARRATION} Freya: 2 12 Day Temps
Taiga: 2 1 Day Temps
[02:20] ** Escaping Light [DM] has inflicted an injury upon Taiga Voss. ("Bent Finger", "Taiga's left thumb has been bent backwards an excessive amount due to being slammed with extreme force during a battle.", "Temporary", "Duration: Short (1 day)") **
[02:21] The Forgemaster was Azikar's Champion.

It was something that he hadn't particularly anticipated. Moving through the fire and the flames, there was a grit of his teeth as he allowed the water to trickle through, as the flames were doused out by the likes of the dragon-based prison.

The tendrils would cling and hold onto the demon, and there's a loud roar that leaves him in the direction of the Kitsune.

"VAAN. IT HAS TO BE YOU."

His voice calls it out loud toward the Kitsune, his shoulders held back tightly.

One champion to another. It had to be this way, didn't it?
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[02:21] ** Escaping Light [DM] has inflicted an injury upon Taiga Voss. ("Broken Knee", "Taiga's left knee cap has been broken out of place, and the leg itself has become excessively difficult to move. The leg dangles without movement.", "Temporary", "Duration: Short (1 day)") **
[02:23] Freya was absolutely clobbered by the demon forgemaster, his fiery grip searing the entirety of her face and neck, as well as a swift strike across the groin, sending her flying away in a clump.

So much for invincible, am I right?


(Freya Vishkar)
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[02:26] Taiga takes a fire filled assault straight to the face as he clashes blade with The Forgemaster, their blades ringing out across the battlefield intermittent with explosive bouts of magic from both Demon and ally alike. He doesn't even know what's happening for half the battle, flames battering against his form as that massive sword of his finds openings even through his most desperate of defenses.

One strike, right to his hand, the uncomfortable feeling of his finger almost being chopped right off - bone breaking underneath. It takes all he can to rise his blade again to block the next strike. But it's not enough. It crashes right through, sending him reeling back as his own defenses turn on him, the flat of his blade whipping around and slamming into his kneecap as Taiga goes flying!

BOOM! CRACK! He's out. Thrown away like a discarded piece of scrapmetal - not nearly up to the standard of the Forgemaster, it seemed.
(Taiga Voss)
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[02:27] Of course, nothing seemed to be able to have been resolved peacefully in this place. However, Vaan was unsettled by the forgemaster's words.

Azikar already had a Champion...? One who the Dragon had presumably chosen-- one who was likely more fit for the role than him.

The Demon even seemed to far surpass Vaan's prowess of fire magic, being able to at least contend with the four of them. Yet here they were, battling over it-- to move on and progress to the actual Dragon. He didn't intend to turn back now, no-- he was prepared for this, they all were.

Besides-- it seemed that Niklaus felt the same way.

VAAN. IT HAS TO BE YOU.

The voice was heard loud and clear-- Vaan's flames flared, expanding and dancing wildly. The Demon was bound and now it was up to him to handle the rest. It had to be him.

Vaan rose higher, as high as the ceiling would go within the room. Clenching both fists, he'd beat his wings fiercely and inhale, gathering a great deal of oxygen before exhaling a wall of scorching flames, their purpose was to incincerate the Forgemaster.

And as that was done, he'd descend to just a few feet above the ground once more. Breathing was heavy, such an attack took a lot out of him. This entire expedition took a lot out of him.

"Azikar is just ahead...this may be the final battle, hopefully we won't have to even face him...For now though, this guy was a blacksmith-- perhaps if we look around we can find some spare materials he may have."
(Vaan Invidia)
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[02:29] Freya, in an intense amout of pain, quickly retrived the final pale potion in her pack, and attempted to drink it down.

It was painful, probably the worst pain in her entire life. But, she managed to get the entirety of her potion down her throat.

She coughed up in pain, screeching out as the potion did it's magic and stitched closed her wounds.

Finally, she brought herself back up, and faced forward.

"This dragon... better be worth it."
(Freya Vishkar)
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[02:29] Niklaus Rowan whispers: Drink the potion. I will be fine.
[02:30] Niklaus Rowan whispers: Please. I already almost lost you once.
[02:30] Niklaus Rowan whispers: I don't want to endure it again.
[02:31] Taiga Voss whispers: ...Yeah?
[02:31] {NARRATION} [1 Potions remains]
[2 Lax remain]

As the body of the Forgemaster is met with a torrential stream of hellfire, he falls to the ground and begins to burn into ash. It is a quick process- As he burns and molts away.. And in the cradle of all of his ashen remains- There is a glowing, powerful item that remained within.

It was an item that he wore around his neck, it seemed. A charm made of-

What seemed like pure, fluid magma.
[02:31] Niklaus Rowan whispers: Yes. I'll take the Lax.
[02:31] Taiga holds his hand out.
(Taiga Voss)
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[02:31] Niklaus passes it over to Taiga.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[02:34] With the forgemaster having been defeated, Vaan noticed something-- a particular item which the beast had donned around his neck. Still weakened, the Invidia would float over to retrieve it.

"This is..."

Not only was it stylish, but he could feel the power emanating it just from the touch. Raising the amulet upwards, Vaan placed it around his neck.
(Vaan Invidia)
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[02:35] Taiga takes the potion in his hand, thumbs open the cork and slams it down! ...Or so it seems. In fact - he doesn't swallow a single bit of it. Some part of him is pissed at Niklaus, upset that he would look at himself time and time again and think of himself as a lesser. That Taiga of all people was the one that needed sheltering, protection. It was never like that in his mind, Taiga's very nature was predicated on defending others.

They were both hardheaded as could be about the others survival. ...So of course this would blow up right in Niklaus's face.

He immediately goes for something that Niklaus had absolutely no defense against. A kiss. He never played fair, did he? Mouth to mouth, that potion was going right back to Niklaus in what was undoubtedly a unnecessarily long makeout session between the two right before what was almost certain to be their untimely demise.

God, get a room.
(Taiga Voss)
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[02:35] Freya Vishkar says, "Gaaaay."
[02:39] The Drakanite harbored a hopeful look that maybe, just maybe he'd be listened to in this instance, but...--

Lips pressed against his own and he freezes, feeling the warmth that would flood into his mouth as he gave a confused sound outwards. Why?

His heart was scared. He wanted Taiga to be the one to make it out of this, not him. So... Why?

So he's healed, but at what cost? What if he had to lose the person that was most important to him?

Perhaps that's why as he pulls back, there are angry tears that cloud his vision as he glares at the Voss.

"That's not fucking fair and you know it."
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[02:40] {Item} You picked up Lax Essence. Dropped by Niklaus Rowan. .
[02:47] {NARRATION} [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3w2OCylUTU]
[Music is for Optional Immersion]

The final chamber has finally opened. In the Forgemaster's final, secret room- There are three rubies that light up on the end of the long corridor. Three of them finally blinking in show. There is a crackle at the door infront of them- And the heart to the volcano had finally opened. When those doors crack open, there is a blast of immersurable heat that washed over the Forgemaster's once cold room.

It begins to heat up in much the same manner as the forge had before. Though this didn't seem as lethal as being confined to a metal box, it had the same aura as before within Skadi's domain. A layer of heat that mirrored her cold- An unfuckwithable aura that bled out of the chamber and dared any mortal to come forth. A chamber that had long since been unexplored for some millenia.

... The sharp, harsh noises of bubbling lava can be heard from inside of that door that now opened. The party walks to the door, and enters what is known as the true Heart of the Volcano.

They stand on a singular stone platform that seems to move forward and descend down lower and lower. On their right and left, there are rivers of rushing lava that swarm and travel at what must've been hundreds of miles per hour. Getting knocked into that would be instant death.

No avoiding it.

The stone platform brings them to the center of this grand and mighty chamber- And to the north? Directly in front of them? A section of the mountain that looked like.. A core. Around the core, there lay mechanisms made of arcanium and obsidian from above. It looked like an amplifier.

It was the very reason the volcano beat like a heart. Like a pulse, they can hear the noise in their heads.. A thumping heart beat, that raised the temperature each and every time. The location itself was legendary- Infernal-

Though.. There is one thing of magnificent note. The location wasn't just.. Legendary.

It was Divine.
[02:53] Moving forward, there is a thump of his heart as he looks, staring on toward the likes of the flows of lava.

This was... This was absolutely intense. The sweltering heat ate him alive, causing a bit of a shift in his spot.

A part of him wanted to yell out in his frustrations, to know where Azikar was, but he couldn't. He'd done enough talking to get them in trouble today, hadn't he?

The beating within his head would be something he tried to will away as he wiped an arm against his forehead.

"...What do you think we should do?"

The inquiry comes low as he looks between the party now.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[02:53] They finally made it. The four amigos in the face of a lava-based death. All of them battered besides Freya and Niklaus.

Whatever dragon they had to parlay with, they had to do so quickly. It was time to fight this dragon with words, and hopefully not with blade and magic.

Although- she was taken aback by the divine essence in the area. It permeated the air and surrounding landscape. An awe-inspiring sight for the young Oscuri.

But- She had a job to do.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[02:56] With the chamber opened, the group would press on. It had been challenge after challenge, obstacle after obstacle, and battle after battle. Vaan still wasn't in his best shape, but that didn't matter-- everything done on this expedition was finally reaching it's culmination and pretty soon, he was going to meet one-- a Dragon.

With the newly acquired Magmatic Amulet around his neck, not only was Vaan feeling stronger, but also more confident. It was as if nothing could stand in his path. The power of his already intense flames had been bolstered.

"This is it-- we're here."

The words of Niklaus rang through his head once more-- words of how prideful the dragons could be, also the Rowan's warning would be recalled.

Cupping both hands around his mouth, Vaan would make a call to the Dragon.

"Azikar! -WE- ARE HERE!"
(Vaan Invidia)
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[02:56] This was it.

Those angry tears from Niklaus hurt him. More than he could possibly put to words. He knows what he's doing is selfish. ...But it didn't feel like he had any other choice, honestly. It was just in his nature, some part of him that refused to bend or crack no matter how many vows he broke, no matter how far away he drifted from his origins as a little samurai kid hellbent on following orders. ...He was willing to break those orders now, for the sake of others. He didn't know if that meant he had grown up, or regressed, or what. He didn't care, in this moment.

He had found something greater to care about than words. He knew that much.

And so he strides forward ahead of the pack, and Niklaus could see it - see the results of his actions clear as day. He was avoiding putting weight on one leg, and had shoved his hand in his pocket. All to put on some display of being invincible - of being fine as they trekked closer and closer to what felt like the fiery pits of Helheim.

Taiga stands before divinity as a malignant stain on the world. A false creation, so far removed from man and beast alike - that he truly stood alone. Basking in this fire, in this divine radiance with his cloak billowing in the sweltering winds.

"AZIKAR?!" He howls out. Making their presence known.

Guess that answers Niklaus's question.

(Taiga Voss)
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[02:57] "AZIKAR, WE ARE HERE!"
(Vaan Invidia)
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[03:02] {NARRATION} "Truly.. Those are words I've been waiting to hear for a century, now."

[ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ioxeg8mi5Zw ]

The winds inside of the molten cavern start to pick up as something can be seen moving inside of the magma directly north. Near the core of the volcano. Near the heart of the magmatic power made of aranium and fueled by a spire shard. Divine influence flows through the caverns as if it were natural.

This magic was unlike anything most of them had ever experienced. From the north, the giant creature swimming inside of the magma finally shows itself as Azikar the Scorchwing breaks from the lava and lands in front of them all- On the stone platform now.

It's wings expand outwards, easily one-hundred feet in length as it were. The mighty magma dragon begins to crane its head forward and stares back at each and every one of them. The Forgemaster had said he was an adult dragon.

But he was just as large as Skadi was. Was she some kind of newly ascended Ancient? Perhaps a decade or two in her time? Azikar stomps forward now, as stone of the stone platform breaks off and magma drips from its very scales. Its head inclines further now- Staring them down with an uncertainty to its actions.

"... Humans... Humanoids... Enemy to the Dragon.." Azikar smiles and lets the skin between each and every scale start to glow with a bright, orange light. It looked like he may very well have been -made- of magma.

"... To what do I owe this visit? Come to genocide another?"
[03:03] Niklaus gives a glance to Vaan. It was now. Here was the time.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[03:10] He had called, and it had appeared. A massive dragon, towering over himself as well as all else within their party. It's wingspan was massive and for the briefest of moments, there was a quiver within his chest.

THIS is what Niklaus and the others had been faced with before...?

It was a bit daunting, standing or floating rather before the Azikar. Enemy to the Dragon... That's what the Scorchwing said. If there was any place to begin, then this would likely be the first part for him to clarify.

A few moments were taken to clear his throat before the Invidia spoke. "Azikar Scorchwing..."

Be respectful.

"--Mr. Scorchwing, I mean." Sheesh, was Mr. even a proper way to address a dragon? "We come here not as your enemies, but as those seeking to become your allies. There will be no genocide, I am Vaan Invidia, the strongest fire mage in all of Agartha." Even he didn't believe that, yet those very words would be spoken with confidence, he wouldn't falter. Not now, before the Dragon which they had all braved through those trials to meet with.

"I-- come to ask a request of you. I wish to become your new champion, as for the former one...I have bested him. The proof is in the amulet around my neck."
(Vaan Invidia)
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[03:11] Niklaus kept his stance clear, shoulders held back and wings folded behind him as he watched in silence toward the dragon.

His intention had been to allow Vaan to speak for himself. To prove.

He had no right to interfere within it. He believed in the Invidia.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[03:14] Taiga waits with baited breath, unsure as to what could possibly come of this. If this Dragon was anything like Skadi, it would deserve further proof of Vaans worthiness. Undoubtedly, a battle. But... how? How could he possibly face a beast like that? He remembered this exact feeling with Skadi - but it seemed so distant to him now, so far away. Only to have that fear of death return to him in full force, double the power, his entire body freezing up as he faces down Azikar.

...How Vaan managed to speak now that it was this close, Taiga had no idea.

He was frozen in place - or perhaps more accurately, melted to his boots. A lump in his chest as he assessed everything. Every plan of attack running through his mind all at once, every way to approach this beast crossed out down the line one by one until it seemed, in Taiga's mind, that nothing would work.

This was... he was going to die here.

No. Shut up.

The battle had already started in Taiga's mind, raging on as the inferno around him grows more and more intense with each passing moment.
(Taiga Voss)
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[03:16] You can do it, Vaan.

A stare of confidence from his behind flank. Her sword was sheathed, and the flames of her Rieka were burning from her very soul.

She had faith that Vaan Invidia, Flame Emperor of Agartha, could champion this might creature's offspring.

If not? She'd defend her friends and make good on the promise to suplex this dragon by the horns. It would be a legendary tale, one that would burn bright runes across of Colada, the storyteller's blade.

Even now, runes of her triumphs today burned themselves across her Father's blade, fulfilling the story of his child.

The ups, the downs. Everything. It wasn't just her life.

It was the entire history of the Vishkars on Agartha.

Could she die here? Most likely. Only if she wasn't at the top of her game, and didn't do everything she'd been practicing for the entirety of her life.

Even if she died, it'd just be another rune on the blade.
(Freya Vishkar)
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[03:17] {NARRATION} "... Scorchwing is the title my enemies use moments before they are burned to cinders. You will call me Azikar." The magma dragon moves forward now, closing the distance between the two. "But if you truly think that becoming my champion is as easy as slaughtering my best friend- Then I think you'll sooner find yourself in the spirit world than returning to Agartha."

Azikar stomps a single foot down onto the stone platform- And more magma begins to build up around their left and right. They were losing room to stand and possibly fight on.

"You are right about one thing, Vaan. There will absolutely not be a genocide. No more dragons will die. But if you think that I, one of Rygalis' chosen cabinet- Will allow you to become champion without your intentions? You are sorely mistaken. So go. Tell me now. Why. Are. You. Here?"
[03:27] That...could have gone better, yes-- far better. With the Dragon's approach, Vaan stood his ground. At this point he was either ready to die or trusted in himself as well as his allies to a great extent.

As the magma began to build up, he'd make a swatting motion, first with his left arm and then the right. With each, the magma seemed to stop in it's place, possibly even beginning to recede a bit.

"Now, now...there's no need to get hasty here. As I said, we're on your side. The goal of our group is to bring Dragon life back to Agartha and make them feared as well as respected as they should be." A quick glance was given to Niklaus, the Dragon King. He had seen the Rowan speak up for dragons time and time again.

"I'm here to prove myself worthy of becoming your Champion so that I may raise your next-born within Agartha.

I am one of the leaders of a small settlement by the name of Obsidia, it's located atop a volcano that's not too different from this one. I think it would be the perfect environment to raise your offspring."
(Vaan Invidia)
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[03:27] Azikar says, "..."
[03:28] Azikar whispers something.
[03:31] There's certainly a burning passion that can be attested to within Vaan, and he knew he chose well.

His hands tighten, visibly. His stance shifts and he moves along the ground, wings extended outwards as he drew in that heat into his lungs for just a few moments.

"Fear, respect, and to destroy those who have dared sully the likes of dragon kind. There are those within Agartha that are being killed, stripped, more for what they have done."

There's a certain malice that drips from his tone.

"Agartha will be a land for the dragons. Let us make it such. In Kerafym's honor, for them going out and touching what should've never been touched."
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[03:35] {NARRATION} "Do you not understand the lies that escape your mouth? It was never our goal to take dragons to Agartha- It was only ever the goal of Skadi to follow this pipe dream. Rygalis has defined it, willed it that we draconic few are to remain off of Agartha forever. Away from the scum of humanoid approach- The very people who genocided our race and ran us from our home world."

Rygalis. Rygalis. It was a name that the adult dragon had kept mentioning.

"In the name of Rygalis, the one true ancient. In the name of Kerafym, WHO YOUR PEOPLE INVADED HIS HOME AND SLAUGHTERED HIM- WE IN SWELTER CIRCLE STAND FOR THE VERY ANTITHESIS OF SKADI'S GOAL."

Azikar leaps up and slams his entire weight into the platform below. Magma begins to fall from the ceiling, and swallows up half of the stone platform now.

".. If you want to be my champion, you will fight for Rygalis. To keep dragons away from Agartha forever. You will kill Skadi and her supporters. You will slay one of the humanoids here in my chamber."
[03:46] Freya stood in silence as the two flame-shrouded beings in front of her battled it out with words. But there came a point where she could not hold in her tongue, for better or for worse.

She clenched a rieka-blazing fist, and spoke.

"And do you truly believe by locking yourself away in the far corners of our world that you will not only keep this peace, but sustain a future for your kind?"

The tone that she spoke in, her posture; it all changed. Something else had channeled itself into Freya as she spoke. She drew upon the energy of her Ancestors often, it was only rational that sometimes, she would draw too much.

"You are a fool to think that hiding yourself from others will keep you safe. Look at us. We've passed every challenge faced at us, and we wish to help. What will you do when Dawn sends their paladins? Or when Huangzhou or Gehenna sends their legions to the other dragons? To you?"

"You will not progress while locking yourselves away. You will only stagnate, and be picked off one by one. What happened to Kerafym was a tragedy because of the ignorance of those on Agartha. The only way to cure that ignorance is with knowledge and understanding, which Niklaus has brought."

She gestures to Niklaus, then continues.

"He has come to make peace with your kind and make those of Agartha understand. His will has brought him here, to fix the mistakes of the past and present."

Finally, her eyes set on the Dragon.

"He will protect your kind, even if he has to kill his own."
(Freya Vishkar)
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[03:53] They weren't their people. They were a pack of ragged, mangy animals. The fact that they had ever gone forward to do this was beyond him, and the fact that anyone could say that they were his? It drove him a bit wild, that was a certainty.

Who was Rygalis?

The question remained in his head as he brought a hand back, lashing a long, harsh blast of water against the magma that attempted to encroach upon them.

Slay...?

There's a short snarl that comes along the way as he leans forward. Betrayal like this? No. They were banded together. They belonged together, did they not? In his mind, he knew-- he knew what the war was going to be upon. He knew.

...And it was all their fault, the upper echelon of Dawn that hunted Dragons like sport. Did he particularly have words? No, but his heart drummed. It was full of adrenaline, full of fear, full of more.

"There will be no sacrifice."

The Drakanite would shift, standing firm and tall against said statement. "It makes us no better than them. They are not our people. They are wrong.

AND THEY ARE DAMNED."

Features contort, more and more animalistic as they come, he's straining against his own binds again-- trying to push past what he was, what he could become.

"Pipe dreams this, pipe dreams that. Kerafym NEVER deserved what happened to him, no matter what. He was out of the way, he was bothering no one."

It was a shock that he wasn't a fire magi, because he had a lot within him.

"I won't let anything else like this happen. I refuse. I imagine your war is to be waged upon them, correct? Well, it is what they deserve, what they have coming to them, and it matters to have those on the inside that will stand among you when you do come."

As it stood, Dawn mattered little to him. He'd fight for his beliefs, they had constantly crucified, vilified, forsaken him.

And this fight? There was much to prove. Much to be keen on. It was the simplistic fact of the matter.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[03:57] Taiga feels his heart stop again when he hears those words.

To keep Dragons away from Agartha forever. You will kill Skadi and her supporters. You will slay one of the humanoids here in my chamber. ...No. No way. This Dragon wasn't anything like Skadi - not anything at all. In fact, it all made sense suddenly. The war that the Forgemaster spoke of, was this its true nature? A feud between Dragons whether to accept civilization or shun it once and for all? With all the Dragons that had been hunted, slaughtered at the hands of man and beastfolk alike... could Taiga really blame it?

But even so. That answer... the conclusion that they had come to was undeniably wrong. Incompatible. But was he really hardheaded enough to try and argue with a Dragon? A divine beast who had made a forge out of a volcano - one with boundless knowledge and experience and power. One capable of slaughtering them all if it so pleased.

...How could he say no? How could he expect the others to stand firm against such a thing?

He had spoken words with similar meaning behind them. To slaughter those that would sully this world for the sake of the 'greater good'. To remove the stains on this earth so that it may be painted with a clean, pure brush. That by doing so, he would dirty his own hands so that others may remain unsullied. ...Was that not was Azikar was asking of them now?

He's hopeless. Unable to find words to match his thoughts.

Taiga looks over to Niklaus... a fear in his eyes that shined through those red, bestial eyes. Caught between a volcano and a dragon, with no where to run. Freya stood strong, speaking words that pass through his ears like a mumbling static as Taiga practically completely dissociates from his body. He was supposed to be the calm, collected one. Capable of crafting words to woe even a beast such as this.

But he wasn't as perfectas Niklaus said he was.

…

"To expect that I, or anyone else here would turn coat is a pathetic assumption, predicated on the idea that we are as weak and spineless as the cowards who murdered your kin." Taiga finds something to say, however.

"...Those that stand before you today are unlike any mortals you've ever borne witness to in all your years, Azikar. And we can prove it to you here and now. To permit your lineage to fade into dust, to lock yourselves away so that none of your kind can see the wonders of the world -- that is your child's choice. Not yours. You've no right to decide their destiny, to forgo any chance of reclamation that they might seek without so much as a word.

We will not be slaves to the systemic violence that has plagued your kind. Nor will your child be slave to your ideology predicated on fear. If I must be the one to open your eyes... so be it."
(Taiga Voss)
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[04:07] {NARRATION} 'Do you think that locking yourself away will provide a future for your kind?'

'You are a fool if you think that your last chance for safety will keep you alive. What will you do when Agartha hunts and kills you all?'

If these were the reasons for bringing them to the continent- Why then did they- Say that all of Agartha would come to kill them here? They will kill them anywhere.

'You will not progress by locking yourselves away.'

But this? This was all they had left. Did they not have the empathy to understand that the dragons had locked themselves away in fear? To try and preserve their lives? This was.. Their.. Last chance.. For survival...

... The last chance.. They stepped and spit on Kerafym's death, even while locked away.. They disgraced all of dragonkind.

- - - - - -
Niklaus' statement is less to be alarmed of- But after Freya finished- There is an abysmal expression of Azikar's face. Almost as if he had been told every single WORST thing you could tell a man back to back to back.

And it was true- The dragons- While being so magestic and mighty- Were utterly pathetic in this trapped state. Freya kicked him in his face. Niklaus is stared at for a time, and Azikar shakes his head. "No. The war? The only war is the politcal battle we fight against Skadi at this thrice damned goal to remove the last guards for safety we have left as a race- A species."
- - - - - - -
Taiga says a terrible thing as well-

To take his child from him and bring him to the horrors of Agartha without the safety. To bring it to a place where they harbored and celebrated Kerafym's death. It shook Azikar to his core that these people-

Could be so utterly heartless. Flames and magma boil over its entire body. A final statement had to be made.

"... Leave the green and white ones here to die- I will slaughter them for their words. Then we may speak- Discuss- Define one another's aims for the future of dragonkind."
[04:07] Niklaus Rowan says, "I believe you did not hear me the first time."
[04:07] Niklaus Rowan says, "THERE WILL BE."
[04:07] Niklaus Rowan says, "NO."
[04:07] Niklaus Rowan says, "SACRIFICE."
[04:07] Azikar says, ".. Then all of you must burn."
[04:09] {NARRATION} Before we begin..

This is a five round battle. At the end of the fight, if you roll poorly- You will die.
Azikar is now fighting with extremely, massively lethal force- Injuries will be doubled at the end of the fight.

If you LOSE the fight to Azikar, one of you will die without question. It will be based on the lowest roll of a D20 if you cannot decide as a party.

I will not hand this fight to you OOCly as your DM. Fight your fucking heart out. Good luck. I am fighting to win.
[04:10] {NARRATION} /vit for one final adjust
[04:14] {NARRATION} Freya: 1
[04:24] {NARRATION} AZIKAR ROARS INTO THE SKY- INFERNAL AMOUNTS OF MAGMA SWARM HIS BODY-

HE HAS REGAINED MAXIMUM STRENGTH.

DO. NOT. GIVE. IN.
[04:24] Vaan roars into the sky as well!
(Vaan Invidia)
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[04:27] {NARRATION} Azikar has been defeated by Vaan Invidia! They're unable to continue fighting.
[04:30] {NARRATION} KO COUNTER:
Freya: 4
Vaan: 2
Nik: 2
Taiga: 3
- - - - - - - -
Roll your D6. Determine your fate...
[04:32] {NARRATION} Niklaus: Two 12 Day Temps (-80 Vit)
Freya: Two 10 Vit Perms (-20 Vit)
Vaan: Two 4 Day Temps (-80 Vit)
Taiga: Two 12 Day Temps (-80 Vit)
- - - - - - -
Please /vit now. If your grand total is less with the above changes, you may face character death.
[04:32] {NARRATION} Vaan survives by 7.
[04:33] {NARRATION} Taiga's character faces death by 4 vitality.
[04:34] {NARRATION} He may survive through healing potion- Or diving into his injuries.
[04:34] {NARRATION} Tanking*
[04:35] {NARRATION} Niklaus. (-120 Vit.)
Taiga. (-40 Vit.)

No one dies today... You may RP your victory!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
[04:36] {NARRATION} Freya. Do you want 1 20 vit perm via limb loss-

Or -10 smaller organ ones?
[04:37]
{LOAD GAME}

[04:37] {Item} You drop Vitality X.
[04:49] ** Azikar has inflicted an injury upon Taiga Voss. ("Shattered Elbow", "One final movement into an attack that would've otherwise killed Niklaus- Taiga's arm was hit by an extremely powerful swipe from Azikar, the Scorchwing. His elbow has completely shattered, leaving his left arm completely unmoving.", "Temporary", "Duration: Long (12 days)") **
[04:49] Vaan.

He was worthy. He meant what he said, and he'd do it above all else. They wouldn't let their expedition, their journey, any of it be something that wouldn't be worthwhile. As they moved, he held true.

There would be no sacrifice.

There was no acceptance he could lay down of this. As Skadi's follower, as her Champion, if he let her down--

Then he would've failed. He had to fight for her, he had to show her the finesse that was well deserved without a singular doubt. The dragon's roar was loud, but Niklaus?

He could be louder.

"I'LL NEVER GIVE IN TO YOU."

Throughout the chasm, water crashed and steam rode through the air. He was battered, beaten, thrown around above all else, but his waters would hold onto Azikar. Right in place for Vaan to do what he had to, to pressure forward. He felt like he was practically melting, and well--

He would be.

Gaze snaps over toward Taiga as he blasts forward on the force of cosmic might, and he would force the Dhampir out of the way with a rough force, soon finding scaling hot magma burning against his back, along his wings, practically ruining his clothing, skin, and more. Rock collides against him harshly, and he can't stop it.

He was never meant to burn like this. To his knees, he goes, the sound of the raging battle not more than a strange, haunted dream as he finds scales melting from his wings, as he finds muscle in layers being exposed. Sweat clings to him as he tries to keep afloat, but he feels as if he's actually...

...Going to die.

But it was worth it in the end, right? Mismatched eyes drag along toward Taiga before he drops against his chest, planted against the stone, feeling agony spelled out for him just like this.

They'd have to finish it. There was no way that he could carry on. At least he did it right by someone in his life, and that someone being Taiga Voss.
(Niklaus Rowan)
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[04:54] This was a legendary encounter, indeed. The combined might of Freya, Taiga, Niklaus, and Vaan could only barely stand up to the awe-inspiring might of this Elder Dragon. It was a grueling, painful encounter.

Freya was not prepared for the searing flames of this beast. Every breath of the monster was like the hot ash of the volcano; his claw were light iron blades still white-hot from the forge. It took every ounce of her energy to even disrupt parts of it's body, due to it's weight.

And at each bout, she found herself on the floor. It was so dangerous to even be near the molten scales of the dragon, yet she had to get in close. It was her job to disrupt the magical castings of each opponent they faced today.

She had to do her job.

But a wave of searing magma was intent on stopping her. She attempted to dodge, but even the earth was intent on sealing her fate. Magma rose up, catching and searing her arm against a mound of white-hot stone. She screamed out in pain while eyeing the dragon, preparing a massive wave of deadly lava.

Freya knew what had to be done.

With Colada, she struck at the point where the stone met flesh, and hacked at it, until her arm was completely severed.

But even with all of that, with all the pain in her body. The seared flesh, everything, she had to push forward. When the Dragon had finally shown a small weak point, she capitalized. With the entirety of her Rieka, her will, she lunged at the beast. Her hand blazed, brighter and more potent than in her entire life. If she were to die here, she was going to make her ancestors proud.

That final punch, the final impact of Rieka against molten scale, did not go unaided. She flew at the beast with the last of her wing's energy, seemingly guided by... others? The manifestation of her Rieka had formed other shapes, other people guided aloft byemerald wings. There where two others beside her, guiding her fist to her target; an open wound in the creature.

Those people beside her spoke in ethereal, hushed tones. She couldn't hear over the pounding of her heart in her chest. But even unable to hear them audibly, she still knew what they were saying.

DO IT NOW, FREYA!
DO IT NOW, FREYA!

She didn't have enough strength to fell the beast, but she held just enough Rieka in her body to disrupt it's ability to control it's lava, just enough for Vaan and the others to deliver the final blow. With a final impact from her right arm, Azikar is stunned ever so slightly enough for Vaan to finally do it.

"Do it... now, Vaan."
(Freya Vishkar)
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[04:58] The final battle. They made their terms clear-- none of them were going to abandon one another, neither were they going to back down. All of them had come to far, had braved through the volcano, and it wasn't to simply give up and turn back in the end.

The battle began. To his left was Nikalus, to this right, Taiga, and behind him stood Freya. It wasn't the best team to face off against a Dragon with, but it was certainly a reliable one.

Blood, water, fire, wind, energy, gravity, earth-- a myriad of magical spells all came together to face off against the behemoth. Vaan's focus laid in mostly dodging the dragon's attack whilst countering with his own. What couldn't be dodged would be blocked by the Gaunlets gifted to him by his Aunt.

Even so, this was a Dragon that they were fighting. One that specialized in Magma. Fire would prove to be less effective, but it was still all that he had, his bread and butter.

Things weren't looking good, he was weakened, all of them were but it was dark times like these that flames burned their brightest! The fire which shrouded Vaan seemed to grow, expanding and becoming even more fierce. In that moment...everything stopped around him as if time had frozen itself. His leg was broken, his ribs bruised and his shoulder burned, but that wouldn't stop him...

I-- won't let this be the end. We didn't fight so hard just to die here! I...I'll save everyone.

Gray eyes would dart to Niklaus, before drifting to Freya and Taiga as well. They were all weakened, but they wouldn't give up.

Vaan held out an arm, looking down at his palm, flames began to focus around his fist, growing before condensing only to grow and then condense once more, a process which continued to repeat itself. He could feel power within his fist, and perhaps it just might have been what was needed to finish things once and for all.

Azikar was being distacted by the others, but Vaan wanted it's attention.

"AZIKAR!"

The name was called out loudly, almost as if Vaan himself were roaring. Whether or not it turned to face him, the Invidia would continue talking.

"You Dragons...you think that things will ever change if you just hide yourselves away like this?! We all come from far-- we traveled and have been through SO MUCH, just to be able to see you. JUST to offer our aid to your next generation and yet...

Yet you still don't trust us-- you'd rather see us perish than allow us to try and make a difference for Dragons across the entire world. Well I'll tell you what; I'm not going to perish. Neither is Niklaus. Neither is Taiga. Neither is Freya! We're going to...We're going to WIN!!!

As he spoke, the flames around his fist would grow larger and larger before Vaan propelled himself forwards using a burst of flames from his feet to act as boosters.

Do it... now, Vaan.

He was flying straight for the Dragon, entire body covered with flames with the speed of a missle, Vaan's fist cocked back and the moment he made it close enough...

"WHY DON'T YOU JUST WAKE UP?!" The words bellowed and his fist would thrust forwards, striking Azikar within his jaw with enough force to topple the beast!
(Vaan Invidia)
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[05:01] Taiga fights.

It didn't make sense to him. How was it possible that something like this would choose to lock itself away? To not let their child have the final say? He didn't mean to steal a baby from a crib - but he saw his truth - the truth of the world as something far greater than what could possibly be gained in safety. This is the insight that Taiga had gained by exposing himself to the world. By opening his view of the world and experiencing these dangers, by leaving the next that was provided for him to find his own truth.

That's what he wanted to give to this hatchling. Choice. Freedom.

Maybe he was a fool for not understanding the fallacy of his statement. Maybe he was rotten for wanting to bring something so precious into a world of hurt and pain. Maybe he was heartless for not understanding the love, the protective nature of this beasts parenthood.

Worthless thoughts consumed by an inferno.

Dodge. Strike. Block.

If his soul wasn't lightyears away locked away in a star, Taiga was certain that a single hit from Azikar would knock it clean out of his body. It's a senseless whirlwind of violence that consumes everything around them, magic exploding all around him in what felt like an impossible battle. The dhampirs frenzied senses work against him in this moment, information overload buzzing in his brain as the battle begins.

Each and every blow struck, Taiga is acutely aware of. Freya's reika surging. Vaan's flames desperately fighting against those of a Dragon. Niklaus's water steaming on contact with attacks that threatened to sweep them all away in a flood of magma.

Taiga fights for his life.

For Niklaus's life, as well.

His lover hits the floor first. Taiga thinks that the Dragon himself had somehow snuck up behind him, slamming into his ribs only to find Niklaus throwing him out of the way. His stomach plummets, a sickening feeling overtaking the whole of his body as he realizes what's happening. He's being saved. Not again - anything but this horrible feeling. He was a protector. The one assigned to a target with intent to defend them down to the very last breath. This shouldn't be happening.

But it does.

An attack that had slipped through Taiga's vision lands against Niklaus and sears him away. By the time Taiga recovers enough to whip his head over to Niklaus, he sees only the worst of it. The flames that consume him. The dragon rushing forward to finish the job.

He snaps.

That bestial state overtakes him again - scarlet eyes gleaming with an intensity none had seen before. Taiga is on all fours. His weapon abandoned as he bolts over and --

CRACK!

Dragonclaw bites into him as he flings his body right in front of the unconscious, scorched Niklaus. It pulls on his arm and slams him into the dirt, the entire volcano roaring out in response as a spiderweb of cracks forms outward, a crater being dug out as Taiga is left broken and helpless. ...But he saved him.

They saved each other. Just as it had been so many times before.

Even as pain overtakes him, even as his entire body goes numb - blood seeping out from his wounds and sizzling against the hot dirt, all Taiga can think of, the only emotion that comes to him is an oddly smug satisfaction that he had managed to take the blow for Niklaus one last time. As he closes his eyes, he genuinely believed it to be his death.

What a shock.
(Taiga Voss)
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[05:09] {NARRATION} Fight to the Finish. It is an absolute hellstorm of blows. From flames, to blades, to dragons of water crashing with Azikar's own might. Over and over again, they clash until there is naught by dull edges on the blade- And a bloodied dragon by the end of it. Their thrashing had caused a seperate cave entrance somewhere far across the magma to open up. It was likely hidden for good reason. A shining, molten egg lay hidden upon the cave.

But as the others fall one by one, and Vaan readies himself up to chage one last time- Azikar opens his mouth for a fireball to charge.

"You humans understand NOTHING! Nothing of what you've done! Why we hide! Why we cannot come to Agartha and live!" The knuckles slam into his jaw, stopping the fire from shooting outwards and instead keep the flame ready to explode right inside of his jaw.

A collosal explosion occurs from inside of Azikar's mouth, and the dragon is sent careening backwards into the central core of the volcano. His rugged back slams into the heart of the volcano, and the arcanium keeping the Spire Shard in tact shatters in tandem.

The shard and collection from the volcano's heart start to overload in that second- Magma levels begin to rise. Azikar remains on the ground, thoroughly beaten and stomped out. The Spire Shard skitters across the stone platform at Vaan's feet-

And the dragon mutters one last thing.

"I would sooner... Die... Than watch you take my child... To your wretched hellscape... Do it... If you don't kill me... I'll kill -you.-" Azikar could no longer fight, and as the volcano overloaded and neared eruption and explosion-

They had decisions to make- A second fireball charges in Azikar's mouth now- Aimed right for Vaan once more. A final attack- One to die for.
[05:22] With the shard skittering to his feet, Vaan reached down to collect it. This was his second time seeing such an item and holding it within his palm was even more marvelous-- however he had other problems...

Azikar wanted revenge, it seemed. He had been around Niklaus long enough to know that the other wouldn't accept the killing of Dragons, heck, even he didn't want to kill it at this point.

Not after going through this whole expedition in hopes of being able to raise a hatchling of his own. Time was scant, his allies were just as beaten and bruised as he were if not worse.

I'm...sorry, Niklaus.

With how beaten his body was, evasion didn't seem like much of an option. He'd have to face Azikar's flames head-on with his own.

Inhaling, particles of fire began to form at the Invidia's mouth, coming together to create a small sphere of flames which would expand by the second. Afterwards he'd blow them forwards with the remainder of his might, hoping to overcome the weakened Azikar and hopefully not kill him in the process.
(Vaan Invidia)
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[05:24] {NARRATION} Vaan strikes first- And the explosive fireball would crash into the weaked Azikar. He would not die from that injury, and the other items were free for the group to get whilst the volcano experienced.. A complete meltdown. They had to leave.

Azikar could live the magma- He swam in it. He could not live being crushed to death. I will roll to determine his fate..

(D20. 12+ Azikar will live. 11 or lower, Azikar will inevitably die.)
[05:25] {Item} You picked up Arcanium x6. Dropped by Niklaus Rowan.
[05:27] {NARRATION} Narrowly avoiding the falling boulders that could kill a live- Vaan's fireball throws Azikar back into the magma where he could regenerate and survive this encounter.

At the end of the day- Vaan would save his life. I don't know whether that would make him more or less upset. Probably more.

The group scales the volcano, escaping the core just barely in tact. They would have a long ride home- And almost as soon as they had left.

... They are once more in Dawn. Ready to accept the consequences of their encounter with death. And the boons of their rewards.
[05:27] {NARRATION} Event...

... Complete.