Fantasy Ascent into Madness

[Lyro]

Ascent into Madness

Interest Check | Characters​

The city of Loyeqris - by far the largest settlement of the small dwarven nation of Otres and one of the biggest cities in the entire world. Its three inter-connected caverns are constantly abuzz with activity as rocket-powered elevators shoot up and down, high-speed trains enter and leave on suspended rails, and its inhabitants go about their daily lives in the dirty streets below. The dim orange glow of the ceiling lights, reflected throughout the city by the stonework buildings' metallic ornaments, lends the city an oneiric quality to which the increasingly impatient academic below was completely oblivious.

Professor Kytrek Rhodius checked his watch for the tenth time as he stood next to the entrance to the central station. The next elevator was supposed to have arrived 20 minutes ago, and the service was usually appreciably punctual; what could possibly have held it up? He had arrived several days in advance to Loyeqris precisely to avoid this kind of situation. However, just as he was about to turn towards his companion and make another remark about the inefficiency of public transportation, a loud roar above him signaled the imminent arrival of the elevator cage.

"Finally," he grumbled as he picked up his bag and his rifle and walked up to the massive elevator doors. "Come along Cy, our ride's here."

The roar progressively diminished into a subdued hissing noise as the elevator cage slowed its descent. A few seconds passed and the doors slowly opened, revealing a crowded set of adventurers awkwardly doing their best to fit inside while some faint music played in the background. Kytrek quickly scanned each of them over, noticing as he did so the insignia of the Guild on each of them. "Well," he remarked with a humorless smirk, "that would explain the delay. Move aside, birdbrain," he added to the avire standing close to the door as he started shoving his way in unapologetically.

 

[C.DEX]

Cyell's eyes looked upward, paying little mind to the avian the professor had so kindly pushed past. The technology of the Dwarves both irritated and impressed him, though his own appearance in their world seemed to draw just as much ire. Those notions melted away as his eyes fell onto the folk who had already been in the elevator when it had arrived. A low, unappreciative grumble escaped from his throat as he tried to fold both himself up and slip inside. He found himself tucked into a corner in the back, wearily glancing over the duffle and giving particularly hard stares to the rest of those who had taken up in the elevator.

"Amazing how technology can pave the way to inefficiency." He murmured, eyes averting from the professor, who he knew wouldn't appreciate his comments as much. His accent was foreign and harsh, though not guttural. The apprentice's skin took a gray pallor, adorned by blue streaks of what looked like runes, though their language didn't follow runic code. The Ambrock lantern on his side contrasted the sterile white that came from the ceiling of the elevator.

The speaker thrummed next to his ear.

His irritation grew. There was a niggling in his brain and body; one that he blamed on the lack of magic coursing through the area. Curiously, it didn't effect him as much as a standard mage, and the cold sweat that broke out on the face of one of them had sent him into a conflicted smirk.

"This music is terrible, on top." He said, words failing him. "Like scratching inside of your head. Is this what you listen to, Professor, or are the Deep Humans more sensible than that?"

 

[EMP]

Astaroth Blackfang

Astaroth watched as the professor pushed aside the Avire, a little humorous it was. After him came in an Infernal Human, Astaroth could tell that one was experiencing slight irritations from the lack of magic on this level. Though he wasn't in any position to talk, seeing that he also felt a tad bit uncomfortable in the lower levels. Fable stood well behaved at one of the corners of the elevator, only occasionally tapping his hooves on the metallic floor. He let out a soft grunt as Astaroth stroked his white mane.

The music on the other hand, Astaroth felt, was driving him insane. How do people even enjoy this? One of the other elves caught his eye, he looked particularly young, standing reasonably shorter than Astaroth himself, and wore simple robes. "Greetings, my name is Astaroth Blackfang, what brings you to a journey to the surface?" Astaroth asked in the Elven tongue as he approached the shorter one. "What is your name?" he continued.

Lunar

 

[A Murder Of Corviknight]

Evgeniya Dawnswing

---------------------------------​

Eva let out a low amused hum, not even looking up from her newest (or one of her older books depending on how one looked at it), as she swept her offending wing over her head and out of the way to let the two men in. Considering that she didn’t feel anyone being bowled over by her admittedly large wings...she didn’t think that she needed to take her attention away from her book. She didn’t bat someone into the wall with her wings (again), so nothing else was really of her concern right at the moment.

The Avire did, however, snicker from behind her book at the infernal human’s comment as she tucked her wings back neatly into resting position. The music wasn’t terrible, but it was also unfortunately not aligned with her current tastes in music. It wasn’t really surprising considering that it was elevator music. Wasn’t there a saying and a stereotype in standard Dwarven that elevators just tend to be cursed with bad music? Or was it just universal?

Eva suddenly frowned at her book at that niggling thought and asked aloud, "Elevators being cursed with bad music... Is that a standard Dwarven saying or just a stereotype that’s said universally?"

It was a rather stupid and irrelevant question, now that she thought about it. However, it would have been equally stupid to let the thought roll around in her head like a persistent parasite. Or as her people often say, crack down on the bugs while you can still see them.

Notes

Location Elevator cage

Status Curious curious

A/N None

Tagged None. Or anyone.

Mentioned Lyro , C.DEX

 

[Lunar]

Landren Ozz
The Wizard
Location: Elevator \\ Mood: Curious \\ Objective: Greet other Elf
The long nosed wizard was standing in the back, he was smaller than most of the other passengers, in the eyes of other Elves, this was seen as an oddity, for most Elves were extraordinarily tall. Along with Elven height, was Elven magic. This was another oddity that the young wizard Landren had possessed, he held massive magical potential and power, but was horrendous at conducting spells. When he did however, they usually ended up in disaster. Many long nights at his desk copying rune shapes, reading up on hexes and curses, casting simple Prestidigitations from wands he crafted, all of this has extended his power, but not his control.
Landren, preferred Ozz, was considered young among the other Elves, 111 to be exact, which is equivalent to approximately 21 human years. A studious, young, magical elf was his outwardly look, with his dark blue wizard robes and his pointy wizard hat that hung a Cresent ornament at the tip to go along. His great curiosity for anything magic brought him to this elevator, he tasted knowledge and adventure on his tongue and was instantly on board.

His trek to the machine has been quiet, he noticed several other elves that entered the elevator after him, he was one of the first passengers. It was a long ride down, stopping at different floors until it was finally full. Music then started playing, it was low quality but oddly it was...catchy. Landren began slightly swaying his hips to the beat, hitting one of the passengers, a Faun by the looks of her. To his left was another Elf, he was considerably taller. Landren was about to start humming the tune even louder until he was interrupted by the elf. "Greetings, my name is Astaroth Blackfang, what brings you to a journey to the surface?" He said. "Hail and well met! I am Landren Ozz, but you can just call me Ozz! Oh, uh well I need some way to fund my magic. Educations not free yo know. Also I'm really excited to test out what I know on Monsters and stuff!" He said a little too enthusiastically, holding out his hand awaiting a shake. As he does this, small sparks protrude from his hand and fizzle to the floor.

Mentions: Xhin ( Absurdisan ) Astaroth ( EMP )

Interactions: Astaroth ( EMP )

​

 

[Absurdisan]

Xhin Dionis​

Elevator to Loyeqris - Cramped
Xhin paid little heed to the others in the elevator. Her attention instead was focused on the stag that had entered with the elf in grey robes, as it had been for a good while since they boarded, after she had scanned over the other passengers and gotten sandwiched at the back of craft along with the majestic beast. She bobbed her head to the music as she eyed its antlers intently - she could have sworn they were glowing slightly, but from her admittedly short vantage point and under the artificial glare of the elevator lights she couldn't be sure. Her contemplation was interrupted when the elevator slowed to a stop and doors opened to let another couple of people in, which seemed crazy to her considering how crowded it already was. Crowds are never fun when you're not tall - you always end up buried in a sea of shoulders and torsos.

She heard the unmistakable voice of Professor Rhodius, barking orders to the avire at the front in his usual grumpy tone. Xhin had delivered a couple of things to and for him over the years, but he hadn't paid her much mind, sharing no more than a couple of words of acknowledgement, a sentence if she was lucky, despite several attempts to strike up a conversation. No gratitude, though. For once her height was a bonus, as if she could avoid talking to that crotchety old goon, the better this already lousy ride would be. Hopefully he didn't notice her antlers poking up in the throng of bodies.

There was another voice she didn't recognise, someone talking to the Professor - which was good as it would hopefully distract the old coot further - followed by some comment about the music from the bird woman. Her wings were pretty, she could see them even from where she was. One of the elves had a funny hat, and he was apparently trying to dance, managing to bump her shoulder with his hip. She let out a quiet "Oof," before he and the stag-elf struck up a conversation in their native tongue next to her, which was a treat as she could actually understand them.

The stag bearing no further intrigue, Xhin was getting bored. When the funny-hat elf held out his hand, the sparks and fizzes that issued forth from it caught her attention, and she tried her best to turn around and face the two, her hooves making much clattering on the metal floor. Ultimately she just succeeded in pressing herself further into the corner of the elevator, but now she could at least turn her head at a funny angle to face the elves without poking them with her antlers, although they were now clanging against the wall. She looked up at the two and her eyes lit up. "Hi! I'm Xhin...oof," she said as she tried again fruitlessly to adjust her position, resulting in a clatter of antlers upon metal. "I like your stag," she said to Astaroth, smiling widely.


EMP Lunar

 

[Lyro]

Kytrek grunted at his apprentice's remark as he shoved his way back to the control panel for the elevator. "For once, we agree on something." As the avire made her comment, Kytrek couldn't help but roll his eyes in disdain. "A birdbrain through and through. Watch as I uncurse this place using the most powerful spell of all - the mute button." Reaching forward to the console, Kytrek pressed down on a small button to the side, and the music instantly shut itself off. "Say what you want about dwarves, at least they realize just how awful their music is."

As he turned back to look at the assembled crowd in more detail, the metallic doors silently slid shut behind him. With a barely perceptible lurch, the elevator started sliding downwards once more, its next stop their destination. Kytrek scoffed as he noticed the two elven wizards in conversation with each other, one of which almost looked like a caricature of his profession. Simply disgraceful. His own attire was much more sensible, of course, as he had chosen his best clothes for the occasion. Normally, he wouldn't have bothered with decorum, but this wasn't an ordinary mission, and the reward was no ordinary sum. In any case, it looked like he had over-dressed for the occasion if anything, considering everybody else's attire and... had one of them actually brought a stag all the way down here? He closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh.

"Look sharp, boy. We're clearly among professionals here."

 

[TripTripleTimes]

The elevator is not... bad. Crowded but alright and if a 200 cm half-orc can surrvive a 3 day halfling party without stepping on anyone than this is not a challenge to sweat. But atlas, here is Faelen, standing ridged in the middle of the metal cage, elevator music muted and now feeling awkward. Ze glares down at the well known travelling professor, their head nearly touching the ceiling of a Dwarven elevator. Oh wait, their head is definitely smooshed uncomfortably against the ceiling and ze is paranoid that the magical, glowing deer (stag) behind them might have a nibble on their hair. Hearing a tiny voice behind them, ze is reminded that a tiny Faun is also standing behind them. Good Yahweh, please let this elevator ride be a smooth one.

Ze grunts and shifts their weight from one foot to another, causing their chest armor to shift uncomfortably. It is a good thing that ze took off of their large travelling bag and claymore before entering the cramped room.

 

[C.DEX]

Cyell looked around himself, gauging the crowd. There were a fair amount of elves around him; he didn't have too big of an opinion on elves, but most of them had an opinion on him. He remembered the words. Uncultured. Uncouth. Still, he didn't hold it against them; those comments came from most civilized societies. He saw two sets of antlers amongst the crowd; one a taller set from a ... stag, was it? It looked quite a bit more delicate and lithe than the monsters that he'd hunted back home. The man that had accompanied it was talking with another elf, as well as a smaller set of antlers whose body didn't peek out far enough amongst the others to make themselves known. A standard human, which looked much like a harbinger of some sort. Then, the hard-to-miss avire and half-orc, utter opposites in their own rights.

"This would be the sort that responded to a call to the Surface, but I guess I'm not far off." Cyell said. He himself looked just as 'unprofessional' as the rest of them, though due to cultural norms instead of personal choice. "I could say a lot about dwarves. Their music is the least of it." he snarked, with a grin, "Might as well be a subculture of elves. Never seen so many hard stares in my life. Coming here for all of them must have been their own personal parade. At the very least we wouldn't have caused a stampede."

Cyell looked up to the bird, whose comment had been snarkily dismissed by the Professor.

"Most elevators are made by dwarves, so it's a moot question."

Standing up to his tip toes, the apprentice attempted to garner a glance toward the elevator buttons, which had lit up in response to the level they were currently on.

 

[Devious Dilbert]

James Huewes
What a shame. James was actually kinda diggin' the elevator music. When you grow up with Dwarves, you take on their style. What they like becomes what you like. Having only been to the higher levels for business, James wasn't too deep into their culture. He only knew that things were wacky upstairs- but interesting nonetheless! Ah well, if awkward silence was what the trekkers preferred, so be it. Fredrick, perched on his shoulder, was suffering from some minor claustrophobia. Er- not exactly. More like the bird was just annoyed with the stuffy, tight box that they all stood in as she fluffed herself up and clung to her partner.
Me too, Freddy, me too. -He thought, raising a free hand to stroke the fine feathers of his friend.

A few conversations were taking place here and there, James himself wanted to just get the hell out of this elevator. For both himself and his dearly beloved companion- who didn't take up precious, much-needed space like somebody else's pet. The ride wasn't hell though. Putting up with tight spaces was sometimes all part of the job of uptrekking. And how could he be that mad when the famous Professor Kytrek himself was standing in the very same room as James?!
It sort of made sense- why the man would come along on a trip to the surface considering his work, but it was still quite exciting to be working with a man of his caliber. What a fascinating coincidence, he thought. James likely wasn't able to hide the glint in his eye when the professor and his apprentice stepped through the metal doors in a rush. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to express his admiration for the man as bodies separated them, pushing James into one of the back corners of the metal room.

Inside were also "high-dwellers", those who had obviously come from the upper levels. James's normie human status was greatly contrasted by the fantastical magical auras that the faun, infernal-boy, the half-orc, and the elves all possessed, easily leaving himself to be overshadowed by their odd and quirky appearances. But eh- Probably just another part of the job.


(Interactions: None. But am open.)

 

[TripTripleTimes]

Hearing about the comment about dwarves and the backhanded remark, Faelen looks down at the walking death human. Ze has no love or hate relation with the Dwarven kind but they find it distasteful of anyone disrespecting anyone within their reach. Well, that is how Faelen interprets the conversation at the front of the elevator. Tired of standing stock still in the elevator with too many breathing bodies and not music to enjoy, Faelen opens their mouth.

“Now, now,” Faelen starts, speaking with the calmest voice they can muster. “It is uncalled for to be bad mouthing any races like that. Music is one of the core pride for a lot of races. The Dwarfs have their heavy beats, the Elves are with the soft, windy melody, Halflings with their cheerful rhythm, and everyone else with their own thing. There may be influences of different cultures here and there, but lumping any one race’s music, or any aspect of the race, under another is plain rude. “

“The Dwarfs are smart folks and may have deliberately placed this music in here.” The half-orc scooches over to the elevator panel that Professor Kytrek is standing in front of. “If people can’t dance to the music, it would be a topic for the people inside the elevator to discuss during the trip, hence breaking the ice, as some youngins may say.”

Now, Faelen looms over the Human something-times their age (the oldest one). “Unfortunately for most folks here, I prefer the music on, unless... everyone introduce themselves.” By the end of the sentence, Faelen’s voice grows louder so that everyone in the elevator can hear. They look back at everyone, eyes creased happily. There are one or two new faces Faelen does not know but many of the people are recognized because of the Adventurers, Inc. annual meeting, the guild’s newsletter, or personal experience (or any combination of those three). If Faelen guess correctly for this group’s future, it may be nice to have everyone know each other.

 

[Lyro]

Kytrek opened his eyes and levelled an impassive glare at the half-orc towering over him. He crossed his arms and moved to block the controls. "Ease off, pal. Save that pent-up orc rage for when we're fighting ants the size of cathedrals." He jerked his thumb at the mute button right behind his left shoulder. "Anyway, by your own admission, the dwarves are smart - smart enough to recognize when the popular opinion is that their music is terrible. And the most popular opinion in here by a v-mile is mine, as you'd know if you had heard of me." He waved his hand in the general direction of the rest of the elevator. "Ask anybody in this elevator about Professor Rhodius, if an introduction is what you want. If they matter, they'll know everything there is to know. And if you matter, I'll know well enough about you sooner than later." His eyes briefly rested on the faun in the back as a faint flicker of recognition passed through his mind, and he nodded towards her. "Even she would know, and she's just some courier."

Twisting his head to look at the counter above the doors, Kytrek frowned when he saw its slowly-decreasing value and turned back to face the orc. "Plenty of time to get to know each other anyway, no need to rush. The joys of public transportation."

 

[Absurdisan]

Xhin Dionis​

Elevator to Loyeqris - Cramped & Flustered
Xhin jumped when the towering half-orc suddenly yelled, eliciting another painful CLANG as her antlers hit the metallic wall behind her. The great figure's loud voice ruptured the awkwardness of the cramped space, and she almost spoke up to save the poor fellow from further embarrassment, but the Professor beat her to it, much to her disdain.

He was as arrogant and self-important as ever, and his rant set an unease deep in the pit of her stomach. She wanted no part of this, but she also felt so bad for the poor half-orc, and she was sickened by how the Professor was acting, and the conflicting emotions weren't making for a happy faun.

Oh gods, he just called her out. In front of all of these people. And she was stuck here. Oh gods. Oh no. Her eyes widened. She was shifting uncomfortably and looking frantically between the half-orc, the floor, the Professor, the wall, the ceiling, the Professor again - her eyes darted about as her hands were wringing the bottom of her tunic. Mercifully the professor turned to look at the floor counter, leaving her to her own devices. Her eyes were still wide as she looked firmly at the floor and forced out a greeting.

"My name is Xhin. I'm a runner for the guild. I've..." she cast a quick, furtive glance at the Professor before securing her gaze on the floor again, "I've made deliveries for the Professor a few times..." Her voice drifted off, and ground one of her hooves into the floor.

Interactions
Lyro TripTripleTimes

 

[Devious Dilbert]

James Huewes
Something hit the metal walls of their container and James looked over to see a nervous faun sunken into herself. The bicker wasn't a problem for him nor Freddy, but his soft little heart couldn't handle seeing the unease that the poor girl was in after having been called out and forced to speak up. The nice guy in him decided to help little Xhin out.

Clearing his throat, James spoke up, tucked into the back of the box and likely to be buried by all of the mass inside.
"Hey, friends. Let's not fill the compact elevator with blood and hostility." After a brief pause, he spoke again, and this time his words were directed at the mildly annoyed half-orc.
But I did like that music too!

"If an introduction is what you want- then you'll get it, rest-assured. You were just talking to the Kytrek Rhodius- famed magical professor of the underground. You've likely read or heard about him a billion times in your life. If you ask me, he's the most important man in this room. More important than you and I'll ever be," James said, adding a soft chuckle to his last words to lighten up the straight-truth. He was aware of it- the others should be too, he thought.

Fredrick gave her master a nibble and he removed his hand from the feathers of her sleek chest.
"But now that I'm done sucking-up, the name's James. James Huewes. Tell me yours, pal. Unfortunately for me, I don't think I know of you."


(Interactions: TripTripleTimes , Mentioned: Absurdisan & Lyro )

 

[C.DEX]

"Ah, I understand." Cyell said, with a nod. For a moment, he grew quiet. A thoughtful expression crossed his face. It almost seemed for a moment as if he had been regretful, taking in the orc's every word as if it were law and correct. Perhaps it was due to the intimidating stature of the large flower-adorned beast, or perhaps it was him actually listening to their words. However, the thought was fleeting. Again, Cyell opened his mouth to speak. "So the dwarves have their beats, the elves have their melodies, the halflings have their rhythm, and the orcs … have their chimes? Because if they're all as easily offended as you, you all must be fairies."

It had become evident then that Faelen's diatribe had fallen on the deaf ears of an irritated mage, in slight withdrawal from having been in the lower levels, who didn't particularly enjoy the more-than-large enough company of all the adventurers that had dotted the elevator. Because of their adjustments, the only one standing between himself and the orc was Professor Rhodius, and that was a more than satisfactory gap. They loomed over them both like an intimidating beast, demanding an introduction, but Cyell remained just as unfazed as ever. His arms were crossed over his chest in defiance, despite the fact of the matter being that the orc was actually younger than he was.

"Ahitra mpihinana." he murmured, which to anyone who had understood the Tievellian language, was a particularly disdainful phrase. Thankfully, no one to his knowledge knew it, though the Professor had certainly heard him utter it more than a few times toward people that he found contemptuous.

"My name is Cyell." he said, though he didn't denote his status. For good reason, as well. He was an apprentice. They got an introduction out of him, and that was enough. His eyes shifted to the human. "I'd be more inclined to be less hostile if I wasn't close enough to smell you all, and … if they were less insufferable." he said, in defense of himself. "But nice to meet you."

 

[Lunar]

Interactions:Rhodius ( Lyro ) Faelen ( TripTripleTimes )

Landren Ozz
The Wizard
Location: Elevator \\ Mood: Excited \\ Objective: Fanboy

While waiting for Astaroth to shake his hand, several more conversations went on around him. The little faun that he accidentally bumped into while dancing awkwardly complemented the other Elf's stag, he was sure they'd get along, easy ice breaker: Antlers. After pulling his hand back, he awkwardly scratched the back of his head, the other elf must have gotten distracted. Landren began adjusting several of his elvish earrings, they looked more tribal than feminine, one had a shiny gem in it while the others were just the small dangling kind.

Suddenly the giant Orc that stood in the middle of the elevator yelled about the music and how everyone should introduce themselves. He squeezed his way through the crowd to stand next to the Orc, which was almost too easy for him, taking his frame into account. "Well, um hey, you see, big fella, I'm not always into chimes, I love to dabble in some of the Minotaur's grungy-ness!" He said into reply as he smiled up at the Orc, displaying a noticeable gap in his teeth.

The young Wizard wanted to continue his newly started conversation with the Orc, but then he heard the Old Man start ranting and a few others started chiming in about the Old guy, and then he learned who he was. The young faun, Xhin, and then the "Nice guy" spoke the man's name. He thought to himself, but then the Companion introduced the Old Timer. Professor Rhodius. Landren became so excited that he barely heard what the Companion, introduced as Cyell, said in that odd language.

The Wizard became pushing his way through the crowd to the old man, finally after making some tight squeezes, he reached the geezer. "PROFESSOR RHODIUS! PROFESSOR RHODIUS! HI! Hey there, I have heard so much about you, I'll have you know that I have been studying magic since I was young, but I have never been accepted into any Universities or Schools. Do you think you could teach me some stuff? Spells? Charms? OH! I actually recently figured out how to draw this special rune its called--" He ranted on for what seemed like forever, seemingly never taking a breath. All the while he was sometimes spraying out colorful lights from his hands.

​

 

[C.DEX]

"He really likes it when you touch him. And his stuff. Feel free to unfold any scrolls he might have on his body. After you've eaten and you haven't washed your hands yet is the best time." Cyell said.

 

[A Murder Of Corviknight]

Evgeniya Dawnswing

---------------------------------​

Eva stared at the two blankly. That wasn’t...really what she was asking or implying. However, the question wasn’t really worth repeating (especially, considering that she would actually have to bother to explain herself). It was tedious and a waste of effort in the end. No matter how curious different idioms within cultures made her, it wasn’t really worth accidentally getting feathers up someone’s ass(1). Instead, she just turned her deadpan stare back to her book, shrugging, since books in general were definitely more interesting than the people in the elevator. The human professor was a great example. His papers were much more interesting than the person himself.

Though...it was a bit hard to concentrate on her book when people were squawking within such a small space…

In the end, as the buzz within the elevator got louder, Eva gave it up as a lost cause and gingerly put her book away. The Avire would have gotten...very angry if it got damaged from a spontaneous fight breakking out within this small space. Not even a half-orc can stop her from defending the life of her books. Especially, considering a good portion of her book collection were one of a kind...

"Eva," she said simply, giving the half-orc a peeved stare. They might have not damaged her book, but they did disturb her while she was reading. Trying to read, anyway.

Then, she couldn’t help but add in, "and the human professor is an important person, in this sense. But, his research is more interesting and easier to understand than his personality."

"Ah," she chirped with a cheery hum and smile, not really meaning any harm. "But that’s the case with most people though. So, that’s not really his fault or problem, I guess."

Notes

Location Elevator

Status “Let me read, please.”

A/N (1)An Avire saying that I thought would be funny. It’s basically the same as “stepping on someone’s toes” except weirder than “ruffling someone’s feathers”.

Also, Eva is just reading an old crumbling book about a dead civilization because that’s definitely something that you want to read before an expedition, right? (Nope. >->)

Tagged TripTripleTimes

Mentioned C.DEX , Lyro

 

[Lyro]

As the human wizard finished his sycophantic tirade, Kytrek narrowed his eyes at him and was about to question the sincerity of his statements when the ridiculous creature masquerading as a wizard stepped forward and began babbling nonsense at him.

"Look-- st-- hold o-- shut--" Kytrek tried to interject as the wizard prattled on, to no effect. He felt himself starting to get angry. Who did this buffoon think he was? While it was certainly gratifying to meet people who knew of him for once (had he met any of them? none of their faces seemed familiar, the faun aside), this was no excuse for this man's behavior.

Drawing into his speech a small amount of the ambient magic, Kytrek spoke in the voice he normally reserved for his spells - a clear, piercing sound that seemed to come from the air itself. "Silence," he intoned. At this depth, unfortunately, it was little more than a parlor trick and had no effect besides slightly amplifying his voice. "I did not come here to be regaled with tales of your incompetence," he continued in his normal voice, his tone filled with disdain for the elf.

He glanced at the avire talking to the half-orc. "The bookworm's right. You want to improve? Read my work. If that doesn't do it for you, you're a lost cause." Noticing on the avire's face the all-too-familiar expression of someone who just had their reading interrupted, he turned to look at her and added, "I wouldn't try to read in here if I were you. We're just about to leave the upper city limits and--"

"Priority Velocity in 15 seconds," boomed a gruff voice through the elevator's intercom, as several panels around the elevator slid open and metallic bars emerged from the walls. Kytrek grabbed the one nearest him with one arm.

"Some advice if this is your first time to this Level - you'll want to grab on to something." He glared at Cyell, anticipating his predictable joke. "Not me."

 

[EMP]

Astaroth Blackfang

Astaroth watched as the half-orc tried to rile up the people in the elevator, but to minimal success. Can't be helped can it? The faun was cheerful, at least to him, "Why, thank you." Astaroth responded. Fable looked with curiosity at her, especially at her antlers. Metallic sounds filled the elevator as the majestic stag stepped closer to the faun, and unexpectedly, began to sniff her dark auburn hair. Astaroth tried his best not to laugh, but little burst giggling escaped him. Just before he wanted to pet Fable, a loud voice came from the elevator, "Priority Velocity in 15 seconds". Astaroth grabbed the nearest bar available and held on to Fable. This was not the first time he went to the upper levels but he could never get used to this.

 

[Absurdisan]

Xhin Dionis​

Elevator to Loyeqris- Cramped & Amused
When the human spoke up, Xhin tore her gaze from the floor and looked at the man - oh! He had a black bird on his shoulder, and Xhin briefly wondered how she had missed that before remembering the stag beside her. It was a veritable zoo in the elevator. At his 'sucking up' comment, she smiled briefly at James, a small sign of gratitude for his kindness. The avire at the front also got in a few barbed comments which improved her mood further.

But it was when Landren, the wizard in the funny hat, approached the Professor and spoke to him that she was caught off guard. She hadn't seen the old fart so flustered before, and watching him in that state threatened to elicit a laugh from her. As Kytrek shouted, Xhin hurriedly returned her eyes to the floor so her huge grin wouldn't be obviously visible to the Professor or his apparent lackey, Cyell.

With her face down, she suddenly felt a nuzzling at her head, and slowly raised it to see the stag now sniffing at her hair. Her grin widened and her eyes went wide once more as she reached up slowly to see if she could pet the creature, when a loud voice boomed out, "Priority Velocity in 15 seconds." Her grin faded quickly as the metal bars extended from the walls. She had forgotten about this part of the elevator ride, caught up in the others inhabitants of the elevator.

She grasped the nearest bar tightly with both hands, slightly awkwardly as it had appeared next to her shoulder. Normally this part of the trip was fine, even for the little folk like her, but in such a cramped carriage there was a real danger of someone falling into and hurting her. She looked around at the people closest to her - Astaroth and his stag, James, and a bit further forward, the half-orc - and said in her nicest, kindest little voice, "Please hold on tight! You could get hurt, and I... may get squished." She hated admitting to any problems her size presented, but this was a real issue at the moment.

Interactions & Mentions
EMP Devious Dilbert TripTripleTimes ~ Lyro C.DEX A Murder Of Corviknight Lunar

 

[TripTripleTimes]

The half-orc grins widely seeing that the old human does not back down from them. Of course, Faelen has anticipated this, the eccentricity and the attitude from the professor. Failing to rouse the professor to introduce himself with his own mouth, Faelen looks at the little Faun when mentioned and back down at the man with half opened eyes. Ze smirks at the man and agrees mentally that yeah, they have time to know each other.

The 200 centimetre being turns to a side to look at the rest of the people. Ze nods at the Fauna, satisfied. Her introduction answers the question how the two know each other. Not a necessary information, but a bonus to know. It’s a pity Faelen never got a mail from the tiny one. She’s a sight for sore eyes for sure. Then there is a wave of introduction right after another. Faelen’s eyes crease with amusement at Jame’s elaborated introduction of the professor. James is a friendly and honest soul. Cyell’s comment about them all being fairies nearly made the half-orc laugh. Under the great Yahweh, they may as well be. The man has a sense of humour.

Faelen narrows their at the sickly looking man and doesn’t introduce themself yet again after Jame’s invitation to do so. Instead, ze looks at the elf with the braids coming towards them. A young elf, Faelen assumes by the elf’s musical interest. Of course, they are very aware that judging people on first impression is not a good- The elf’s word throw-up concrets the half-orc’s impression on him.

The Avire, Eva, is next to introduce herself. It is short and to the point just like what Faelen has imagen the winged woman to be. Seems that there is a good number of people, and as Eva infos the group more about the (in)famous professor, Faelen looks back at the professor to see him struggle to quiet the hyper elf. They remind Faelen of their halfling family where the grandpa tries to hush the tiny children to tell them a story, somehow. Somehow.

There are one or two more people to introduce themselves but the announcement in the elevator warns the group of their destination. Taking the warning to heart, Faelen quickly grabs their pack and sword left in the middle of the elevator, slings them on, and holds onto the nearest bar. Their head turns towards the Faun and laughs out loud.

“Don’t squish the little one, everyone.” Ze grins, tusks and all. “I am Faelen the Ironflat. It is a pleasure to meet you all.”

 

[A Murder Of Corviknight]

Evgeniya Dawnswing

---------------------------------​

Eva gave the human professor a small wry smile. At least someone had noticed her dilemma. But the bemused expression was quick to fade into one of clear annoyance when an unfortunately familiar announcement boomed through the elevator’s intercom. The Avire only sighed and grabbed onto the metallic bars that had appeared not long after the announcement. It wasn’t the first time she rode this form of public transportation and, unfortunately, it likely wasn’t going to be her last.

"...Pleasure." she deadpans at the half-orc as she folds her wings tighter against herself. As funny as it probably would be to accidentally hit someone in the face with a wing or two...she’d like to keep her wings intact for whatever journey she’s going to be sent off on later. Her wings could pack a good punch but they don’t fare nearly as well taking the punches.

Honestly, she didn’t think anyone would want a lump of moose or orc on top of their person. A part of the Avire couldn’t help but pity the faun...Xhin, was it? Enchanted, magical stag or not, getting a furry ass in your face was not a very pleasant possibility to think about. And some of the elves in the elevator look rather...pointy. Boney elbows and knees were not fun to get hit by.

Notes

Location Elevator

Status Squish? No thanks.

A/N That moose ass comment tho.

Tagged TripTripleTimes

Mentioned Lyro , Absurdisan , EMP

 

[Jeda Teq]

Kniges "The Great"

After the velocity warning, Kniges collapsed his wings by folding his wing arms below his chest. The illusion of a wall he created vanished now that the shimmering scales under his wings were hidden. The absence of the false wall revealed there to be two feet of extra space.

Kniges laughed as his scaly lips warped into a smile "Carl, who knew the cast for our show would be a bunch'a Guildies and that old fart." The large bat perched itself on the railing and let out a screech. Kniges eyes widened as the realization that he might have to split his shards with the others. "wait, Don't tell me that YOU all are after MY, I repeat, MYYY 855million shards?" gripping the railing with his left hand he pointed a finger accusingly at the group with his right.

 

[C.DEX]

Cyell tore tired eyes away from the ranting wizard, closing them briefly as the elevator came to its priority velocity. As much as he wouldn't have liked to admit it, the technology that was used in the lower levels often made his stomach turn. He'd spent years immersed in it, of course, as the result of his travels, but that didn't mean there wasn't a niggling in his brain that made him the least bit nauseous. Or was that the magical withdrawal? Either or, a look of discomfort crossed his expression as his hand laced around the metallic bars. He opened his eyes again, shoving back down his food, and glanced around.

Irritability reared its head again.

"Whoever the gecko belongs to can feel free to eject him, since he seems so displeased with the current accommodations." he said, thumbing toward the emergency open button on the control panel. The gecko, of course, was in reference to the newly acquainted dragon-esque creature that had just revealed themselves. "The last thing we need is a screeching bat in a crowded elevator and a flying minikin who takes up more space than he has brain capacity, and apparently we all have a love for taking animals onto journeys with us."

The hand that hadn't been clasped around the bar reached up and pinched the bridge of his nose. It had become somewhat evident to the attentive eye, then, that his harsh words toward the people of the elevator may have been solely due to their circumstances, but that was something they would certainly come to find out later.

For then, he stood and waited.