Graded [Gloomhold Swamp] The Kink in the Food Chain

[Vaudivolt]

​

Darin was closest to the impact that turned the very swamp against them. Roots rose from the murky water, attacking with flurries of whipping strikes. But, try as they might, they missed the target as he ran and ducked for muddy cover. Laying in the muck, Darin noticed the roots did not follow him down. The attacks appeared focused around the height of the original impact with the webbing. They almost seemed to lack awareness regarding environmental changes beyond registering a sudden impact.

When the roots found no target, they halted and reverted to their original positions. And Darin got to his feet with a shout. However, a louder noise overpowered his demand for clarification. Unfortunate timing, but at least the piercing roar gave the lizard marksman time to line up a shot at the announcing threat. And he sent two musket shots toward the monster when it dragged itself from the undergrove. Fully locked, the first shot found purpose against the beast's head, cracking part of the hardened plant matter surrounding its maw. However, it also prepared the monster to defend against the follow-up shot. It whipped its tail around, using it as a shield to soak up the impact of the second projectile. [1]

Paru took a similar approach to Darin, using her agile movements to maneuver through the whipping roots. She nimbly evaded their attacks while steadily moving closer to the prized monster. It was only a matter of seconds before nature halted its assault without landing a single hit on her. And when Paru's feet touched muddy earth, she fluidly drew her blade with a declaration of war directed at the beast. The weapon was trained and ready before she lunged forward. Her glinting steel connected with the defending tail and sliced into the area hit by Darin's second shot. But it locked against the scales when the monster's strength began pushing back against her aggravated assault. [2]

Ko found a different approach to nature's assault. And with his hands itching to draw, he brandished twin blades at the first signs of danger and confronted it. As the roots swung toward him, the wolf returned the favor with razor-sharp strikes. The tempered steel of his blades proved itself superior against wood, slicing through the thick root and severing the webbing spun within the bark. In response, it jerked violently, halted as if immobilized, and crashed into the shallow waters. The slaying of the root allowed Ko free passage to potentially join Paru's side in front of their target.

The monster noticed the additional threat approaching and broke the lock against Paru's blade. It allowed itself to suffer a deep gash as it pulled its tail away to gain the momentum necessary for a wide-lashing attack. The wounded tail attack targeted all close-range assailants with a sweeping strike. [3]

---

Action [1]: Basic Defense [Tail]
Action [2]: Tail Guard - Natural Weapons E, Superstrength E, Flexible
Action [3]: Deterring Lash – Natural Weapons F, Area F (5ft), Flexible, Knockback

Strength D
[Fangs/Claws/Tail] Natural Weapons E

---

Voider StarPrincessVal Orikanyo

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Paru

Mentions: Vaudivolt Orikanyo Voider
Languages: Common | <Beastial>​

Paru stumbled when all her strength against the tail was suddenly pulled away as the beast repositioned for a tail attack. She planted her foot, turning to the side and grinning wildly. Spirits, she loved her job. She held her sword over her shoulder and waited as the tail swept forward, watching for the perfect moment. As it came, her grin widened. "Keep holding tight." The words were aimed at the tiny being on her shoulder, but she never took her eyes from the incoming tail as she brought her sword down to meet it.

Once the lash was dealt with, Paru kicked off from the ground, putting her natural Kirin grace and years of training to use as she flipped over the tail, swinging wildly at it as she passed over.

Action 1 + 2: Furious Admonition - Effectiveness 11 [Penetrating] E, [Knockback] F, [Deflecting] F
Action 3: Cunning Edge - Effectiveness 10 [Drain Strength] F

Spoiler: Full Mechanics

Current HP: V=2 S=3 CG=2

Furious Admonition - Boulder Render E, Denying Strike F - Paru stands firm and meets an attack with a crushing response. - Grade E - 1 Post Cooldown - 2 Actions

• Boulder Render - E - Penetrating - Paru puts all her strength into a single swing. Slow but devastatingly powerful.
• Denying Strike - F - Knockback, Deflecting - Paru times her swing carefully to reduce the impact of an incoming attack and punish the attacker. 2 Actions

Furious Admonition E (2) + Nodachi C (4) + Strength B (5) = Effectiveness 11

Cunning Edge - Crippling Fang F, Acrobatics F - Paru sacrafices power to plant a debilitating wound on the opponent. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown

• Crippling Fang - F - Drain [Strength] - Paru lunges forward, aiming a slash at a targets vital point to lessen their ability to fight.

Cunning Edge F (1) + Nodachi C (4) + Strength B (5) = Effectiveness 10

Cooldowns:
D - 1 Post
E - 1 Post

 

[Voider]

Darin​

​

---

Loading another shot, Darin looked over to the fishfolk, who appeared to be hiding in the mud. "Your friend is injured and your home threatened, yet you cower like a fool!? Fight with us, or are you not worthy of the spear which you wield!?" He shouted exasperatedly[1]; though Darin did not typically care for the business of others, the scenario of combat was a different matter.

Turning back to the threat at hand, Darin made a split second decision as he saw Paru and Ko engaging it head on; he sprinted forward, lightly hopping over any small obstacles in his path[2]. Once Darin got close enough to feel confident in his next action, he skidded to a halt in the mud, raising his musket to aim. Breath held, tail stilly balanced, eye aligned with the barrel, and movement of the target tracked, he pulled the trigger. A plume of smoke darted out, and a lead ball shot forward towards the mutated-looking crocodile[3]; visually, it was the same as every shot taken, but to Darin, he could feel the stronger force behind it.

---

Action [1]: Berate Attempt to Convince the Fishman
Action [2]: Used Skill [Fast F]
Action [3]: Used Ability [Precise Shot E] (7)

F Grade Cooldown: 0/0
E Grade Cooldown: 0/1​

• Precision D
• [Gun/Spear] Musket/Bayonet E - A smoothbore musket; fairly simple, but effective if used properly. With a detachable bayonet, it can transform the firearm into a lethal melee weapon.
• Precise Shot - Constant Positioning [Gun] E, Range E, Accurate E, Steady Hands E, Focus F - With steadied hands and concentrated focus, Darin swiftly fires a projectile with high precision at the intended point of contact if said point is 30ft or less away; in the case that the intended point of contact is on (or is) a moving target, act as if the target's movement grade was reduced by 2. - Grade E - 1 Post Cooldown

 

[Orikanyo]

Ko



"Tsk, how foolish you are to think I can be kept away with paltry attempts at aggression!" He would not stop his movement in, hell he wouldn't stop to consider the others as well, he trusted them to do what they thought was best, for it was his duty to take the things head... And so he would. But first, he would show this beast the depths of it's folly.

It shall know the sting of his blade and what it means to do battle with a true master of the blade.

He did not wait for the tail to finish flailing for he wanted that excertion of strength, he would meet it head on.

"Know your place!"

Defiant Edge, Weapon Mastery E, Deflect E, Flare E (Hearing), Drain Strength E, Penetrating E, Accurate E. A aggressive defense, the sound of which sends the opponent's ears ringing and damage their ongoing strength. Grade E Actions 2 strength lowered for 1 turn and is 2 grades

Actions
1. Move
2/3. Ability

Defiant edge effectiveness: strength C 4, Weapons D 3, Ability E 2, deflect core adds 1 to defense per grade 2, Drain Strength triggers if higher grade than incoming attack

Effectiveness total: 11

 

[Vaudivolt]

Lashing out against both opponents to gain the upper hand did the monster no favors. Its deterring lash connected with the blades of his opposition. And the momentum only aided the sharp edges to sink deeper into the hardened tail. The combined effort beset the tail with deep lacerations. The scales and hardened plant matter stripped away, revealing soft flesh beneath. And when it swung its tail back to shield it from further harm, Paru sealed its fate.

With Kirin's grace, she vaulted the retracting tail while sinking her blade into the exposed flesh. Using the momentum of her agile movement, she managed to pull the edge through and sever the tail near its base. The monster roared with a pain-fueled rage as Paru landed her vault. [1] And the severed tail crashed into the shallow waters at her side. Distracted by the pain and lacking its primary defense, the monster could not defend against what happened next.

After an attempt to spur the fishfolk into action, Darin provided an example of fighting back against the threat. A sharp glance over the barrel aligned a shot with the eye of the monster. And with a pull of the trigger, a lead ball shot forward. It found purpose just left of the crocodile's eye, but it was enough to blind the monster in one eye. Its socket cracked from the impact. [2]

In a mix of blind rage and confusion, the monster charged forward. [3] It would attempt to trample its current opposition while, at the same time, getting revenge on Darin. However, it did not account for the stray spear lodging into its cheek as it charged. And the crocodile veered from its collision path and crashed into the shallow waters a few feet to Darin's left – needing time to claw back onto its legs.

Fishfolk
The stray spear had come from the fishfolk now standing on his feet in the muck, staring wide-eyed at the unexpected result of his throw. “How'd'ya like that for fightin' with ya?” He boasted, but it was clear from a glance that he was fighting back the panic of being without a weapon. Still, the monster lay down, and there was an opportunity. The fishfolk kicked off the mud to try and rush forward, but something lashed out to trap his ankle. It pulled his foot out from under him, forcing him back into the mud he'd cowered in.

“Howta-- Locag?!” He cried, distraught when he looked back. The bewilderment and fear on his face as he saw the festering mold on his partner's back had sprouted into a flurry of vines. And one of them rose with purpose. The end of the vine was sharp from a large thorn, ready to pierce the fishfolk's vitals through his exposed back. [1]

---

Crocodile
Action [1]: Angry
Action [2]: Angry.
Action [3]: Charge – Fast F, Natural Weapons F, Knockback

Strength D [Effective F]
[Fangs/Claws/Tail] Natural Weapons E

Fishfolk Vines
Action [1]: Piercing Vine - Natural Weapons F, Blight [Spores] F, Flexible, Penetrating F

Strength E
[Vines] Natural Weapons F

---

Voider StarPrincessVal Orikanyo

 

[Voider]

Darin​

​

Mentions: Paru ( StarPrincessVal ), Ko ( Orikanyo )
Interactions: Fishfolk ( Vaudivolt )​

---

As Darin took a step away from the crashing crocodile, he responded to the fishfolk. "Quite a good throw." He said respectfully, beginning to load another round for a point-blank shot.

This was interrupted by the fishfolk's next words; when Darin turned his head to see what was happening, his eyes widened. "Shoot!" He lifted his musket up and fired at the vine[1], attempting to —at least temporarily— ward it off. Turning his attention to the crocodile for a moment, his notice was retaken by the spear lodged within it. "Finish it off, I've got a different matter on my hands!" He shouted to Paru and Ko, running up to the crocodile, and pulling out the spear with his right hand[2].

Not wanting to be near the dangerous creature for long, and with time likely running out, Darin began a short sprint towards the fishfolk[3]. With musket in left hand, and spear in right, his feet swiftly carried him through the mud. "Catch your weapon!" Darin shouted as he approached within a few yards, using his momentum to throw the spear sideways towards the fishfolk.

---

Action [1]: Basic Attack [Gun] (Counter-Attack, 5)
Action [2]: Movement (Dislodge spear from crocodile)
Action [3]: Used Skill [Fast F] (Run towards fishfolk)

F Grade Cooldown 0/0
E Grade Cooldown 1/1​

• Precision D
• [Gun/Spear] Musket/Bayonet E - A smoothbore musket; fairly simple, but effective if used properly. With a detachable bayonet, it can transform the firearm into a lethal melee weapon.

 

[Orikanyo]

Ko



"Tsk... Those who cannot handle the battle should stay from it... Now.. Watch!" with his set up done and within the enemy's guard... he would strike... It was performing a charge, a desperate attempt to strike back at him! But he was trained for this, and knew better than to falter when faced with an enemy's bluster!

From the outside it appeared almost simple, to quickly to see in-depth, like a flash between blinks of an eye...

Drawing strike: Shaken tree, Falling petals., Weapon Mastery E, Blight(Razor Sharp) E, Continueing (Bleed) E, Contact E, Penetrating E, Accurate E, Linked E. Grade E Action 1

One second he was standing strong, the next he lashed out at the creature incoming. Four strikes, the twinned blades made arcs of silvered light in the air as they cut. Ko himself was silent in this moment, a blessing for most, but to others a show of his concentration...

Perhaps this dog was most dangerous when he finally shut his trap.

Actions:
1: Ability
2: Normal strike
3: Normal strike
Effectiveness calculation: Strength C 4, Weapon D 3, Ability E 2, Linked E 2, +2 effectiveness due to attack stacking, =13 effectiveness, bypass 2 armor grades, 2 rounds of continuing bleed.

Energized E reducing Cooldown to 0

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Paru
Mentions: Vaudivolt Orikanyo Voider
Languages: Common | <Beastial>
​

Paru grinned with vicious delight as the tail came free landing with a splash and thud next to her as she barely disturbed the water. She turned and pointed her sword at the beast in challenge, but her expression suddenly changed to surprise as it charged away from her toward the others. "H-hey! I wasn't done with you yet!" She begin to run after the beast, the water barely reacting to her movements, when the fishman cried out. She snapped out of her blood lust for a moment, taking in everything that was happening. She looked at the crashed beast, then to the fishfolk with the vines flailing around. "Damnit." She leaned down to the little being on her shoulder. "Frog, what's wrong with the fish person laying in the mud? Is it too late to save them? Do you know of anything we can do to stop the vines from spreading and lashing out?"

No combat actions

 

[Vaudivolt]

When the enraged crocodile charged forward, Ko took advantage of the careless movements to make its escape as costly as possible. Using his blades, he produced four arching flashes of silver against the shade of the swamp. As they glinted in tandem with the charging beast, the blades shredded the side of its body down to deep, gushing wounds. The damage left a trail of blood for the shallow water to dilute, up to where the beast buckled and fell before its charge found purpose.

The monster lay still as Darin lined up a kill shot, but cries from the fishfolk prolonged the beast's survival. The whipping vines that had burst forth to attack the fishfolk demanded the bullet meant for the monster, and Darin obliged. With the precision expected from a trained marksman, the lead ball tore through the thorn vine – and bought Darin time to turn to the crocodile.

It still lay there, dormant, until Darin pulled the spear from its body. The sudden shock awakened the slipping mind of the beast. Its undamaged eye shot open, pupil wildly searching until it locked onto Darin. And as the lizard marksman ran to aid the fishfolk, the monster clawed itself up from the shallow water. Its blood seeped from the wounds of its shredded body, but it would not stop. And when it moved forward in an attempt to charge at Darin again, its limbs buckled for the last time. The monster crumbled under its own weight and crashed into the shallow water with a loud splash. Its maw, open wide and unmoving, directed at Darin.


Still, it was not over. Another threat remained, and Darin threw the dislodged spear toward the fishfolk to help him beat it off. The fishfolk caught the weapon, raised it toward the remains of his friend, and hesitated--

Pebble
During that moment, Paru snapped out of her bloodlust. The scene before her prompted her to ask advice from Pebble. The small stone golem on her shoulder twisted and spun. Its headstone moved as if it followed the wild movements of the remaining vines. “Touched heart veins but resisted being same.” Pebble turned its head toward Paru before continuing. “The heart wants them same. Help the heart, and it will stop want them same.”

“Too late?” Pebble questioned when it turned its head back to the fishfolk standing over his infected friend.


Fishfolk
--“Locag, why'd'ya hafta be--” The fishfolk shook its head and, with a trembling hand, forced the spear into the comatose body. It pierced the center of the growth, and the vines responded as if it directly hurt them. They lashed wildly, forcing the fishfolk to release the spear and recoil before the vines began coiling around it. But, before they could seemingly attempt to pull the spear, it was already over. The vines, bereft of their host, quickly browned and rotted away. The remaining dead matter only held up from the support of the planted spear.

For a moment, the tense air surrounding them settled. An almost peaceful quiet washed over the area where now a fishfolk stood over the mangled body of a friend. He sighed deeply, breaking the silence, and turned toward the group. “Locag... was a brother...” He began, the anger in his voice overpowering withheld regret. “Y'ain't hafta come, getta Fishhook, but I'mma keep goin'. He ain't dyin' for nothin'...”

---

StarPrincessVal Voider Orikanyo

 

[Voider]

Darin​

​

---

Darin silently stood, watching the scene unfold. Even before the last of the threats vanished, and the fishfolk declared his resolve, Darin's choice was already set in stone. "I came here with a mission, and I would be amiss not to see it through." He responded, loading another round into his musket. Once he was finished, he held out a hand to the fishfolk, "I know not who you are, nor who Locag was, but we're going to be allies in this; the name is Darin, professional marksman, you?"

After (potentially) shaking hands, Darin then turned to address Paru and Ko, "Well then, what are your choices?"

 

[Orikanyo]

Ko



"..Tis done. contract fufilled." Ko cracked his neck, before eyeing the others. "Hrmm.. a loss... battle brings loss and gain..." he sheathed both his weapons with a practiced flourish, both blades clean as the day they were forged. "I did as bidden. I have duties to fulfill elsewhere and my blades need proper work done to them." he rested his right hand upon the handle on his right side blade, a finger tapping the kashira.

"Paru, I trust you can see to any ongoings? I shall be in the... Bugger me its some Ryken barony, I care little for names. Send for me if you've need, or spy a head worthy taking." he gave the woman a deep bow, seems she did in fact earn his respect, or at least comradeship.

"...For now I must cleanse myself of bog stink... And brush and oil my tail... Gods the stench..."

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Paru
Mentions: Vaudivolt Orikanyo Voider
Languages: Common | <Beastial>
​

Paru stows her blade as the beast collapses for the final time. She felt sympathy for the fishman but, such is the way of those who live in such places. The thought of ending the life of the suffering one had occurred to her. Perhaps it was best it had been done by his brother. She had hoped he could still be saved, but perhaps it wasn't too late for the others. Or herself, if what the fishman claimed was true.

At Darin's inquiry she nodded her head. "I'll continue. Perhaps we can still do further good here." She smiled at Ko as he prepared to head out. "Aye, I'll see it done. Thank you for your assistance once more, mu- Ko. It's always a pleasure to fight alongside you. I'll call on you again." She smirked at his complaints, though she wasn't exactly pleased to remain herself.

She looked down to Pebble on her shoulder. "Alright, you said Help the heart, it will stop." She moved her finger to poke it, but at the last second held back, choosing instead to stroke his head. "Lead us to the heart, Frog."

 

[Vaudivolt]

And thus, a seemingly simple handshake forged a new alliance. The fishfolk appeared appreciative of the offer to continue along, yet cautious of the willingness. In fact, the fishfolk understood Ko's refusal to continue far better. In a way, the swordsman was correct. Their contract with the engraved stones had been fulfilled – the monster slain. Very soon, those carvings might fade away as if never there.

But, without further preventative actions, they would resurface in time and call for another group to combat newly created threats to the Gloomhold's balance.

As such, Darin and Paru deemed their parts yet unfulfilled. They would seek out the heart that was hiding away beneath the roots of the ancient willow that loomed overhead. Their path ahead would take them further into the source of these anomalies, all for a chance to end it true.

But, when faced with the worst that Gloomhold Swamp has to offer, would that lofty goal be worth the undertaking?


The End

Spoiler: Narrator Bonus & Title Suggestions

There are only suggestions, please wait until Grader confirms before adding!

Narrator Bonus Worth - 14 pts

All
Title: [Marsh Marching] - Character has experience fighting in swamp environments, making it easier to maintain balance on unsteady terrain.

Darin
Title: [Big Game Hunter] - Character has experience fighting large animals, making it easier to locate their weak points.

Ko
Title: [Eager Combatant] - Character exudes a warrior spirit, making those around them more likely to request their aid in combat.

Paru
Title: [Chasing Tail] - Character has discovered a knack for severing tails, tail enthusiasts beware!

 

[Novama]

Isekai Hell Grade​

Clyvelle Vaudivolt Orikanyo StarPrincessVal Voider

I liked the inclusion of pebbles and piranha folk. Don't see that too often. Had some good fights. The sniper and blade master really coming into their own at this point in their journeys. Will be interesting to see where the storyline leads with the corruption of the swamp. I appreciate a good swamp/bayou mystery.

Aftermath:
N/A

Rewards:
optional title acquried by all [Marsh Marching] - Character has experience fighting in swamp environments, making it easier to maintain balance on unsteady terrain.

Points:
Vaudi - 34pts (narration bonus)

Ko - 24pts

Paru - 33pts

Darin - 33pts