Graded [Cegloth][World] - Lay Low Longing

[SilverFeathers]

Ninelle Lifeblossom (#54d1b0)​

Things passed by in a blur, almost incomprehensibly. All that filled her senses was the image of Tyrmar's head being ripped clean off his body, and the maddening sounds that followed in the darkness. "E-Eris, Tyrmar... h-he's..." Trembling uncontrollably, it was pure instinct that drove her to quickly throw out a defensive spell "Bloom!" and dive outwards, away from the blinding light, using the propulsion of gravity to try to avoid her incoming peril.

Whatever state she was in after things had stilled, she would try to call out once more. "...Eris? Where are-" Slowly tracing the blood trail with her eyes, Ninelle finally realized there would be no voice to respond to her calls. Not anymore.

Though that fact was slowly beginning to sink in, with some kind of numbness following with it, Ninelle tried to whip her head back towards where Tyrmar had... fallen. She was very clear that they had not dealt any damage to the ratmaa that had taken away Eiru, but the other monster was a different case, at least, she hoped so. Training her eyes on the beast in the dim light of the firestones, she studied its exterior and mannerisms, trying to get a grasp of its health and whether she could exact vengeance for at least one of her companions.

Novama
---
Intelligence D | Fae Wand (Magic Catalyst E)
Speed B | Flight F
Actions:

1. Defensive Magic: Cast Flower Bed between Ninelle and the enroaching beam of light.
   • Flower Bed (Grade F / 0 Post CD)
     • Magic F, Nature Affinity F
     • Create large soft flowers to cushion a fall/blow or act as platforms briefly
2. Defensive Action: Dodge with the aid of [Flight F]
3. Examine the [Ratmaa] eating Tyrmar, particularly its health. (In dim lighting)

Cooldowns:
E grade abilities on cooldown this turn (1 turn cooldown)

 

[Skyhunter]

Horatio Lebac

​

As Horatio was climbing down using his dagger, he would hear the strange acidic creatures coming for him, climbing on down towards him, Horatio growled as he kept on climbing, he could feel acid dripping on him, but he chose to ignore it. Along his way down, whether he was tried to fasten the pace or he got careless, he would slip, and his dagger didn't enter the wall correctly. Horatio gasped as his eyes widen looking into the air above him where the ugly creatures were at. Horatio felt himself freefall for a few moments as he landed on the ground on his back, letting out an annoyed groan. The zealot rolled over onto his stomach then pushed himself onto his feet and began to move, sheathing his dagger and unsheathing his sword. Making his way down a tunnel quickly he ran at first but eventually he slowed to a quick pace once he saw the tunnel full of these fire stones.

Lighting his vision up as Horatio then took his shield into his hand and started to make his way through. He could smell the stench get worst; must mean he's getting closer. He saw that firestones were uneven piles, it felt warm with the chilly air. Horatio looked up, listening to the thumping and smelling the stench. Was he close? Horatio was hoping so, he wanted this mission to be over. Blow up this damnable tree and kill the commander. He was about to enter a chamber of some kind, should he enter? Enter even though he can't see? Horatio wasn't sure, but he needed to push on as Horatio quietly made his way into the chamber. Listening with his shield and sword up, ready to fight if he was walking into an ambush, making sure he had a strong grip on his weapons and that he was protected better this time.

 

[D. Rex]

Mentions: Skyhunter @Garbage Pail Kid saxon SilverFeathers AbenSur D. Rex
OOC:
Time: 10:40pm
Weather: clear sky with bright moon, chilly breeze, warmer in the stagnant air filled tunnels of the rotting tree
Cooldown:
TLDR: Rudi's search for clues failed but he did find 2 ratmaa that moved to attack him, Eris's beacon had went out some time ago and she fires a beam of light that explodes on the creature before she MIA's, Ninelle conjures a bed of flowers to hinder the Ratmaa before having to defend against the aoe of Eris's light blast, Tyrmar released a strong blast which was somewhat weakened by Ninelle's bed of flowers that got between the fighters before the Ratmaa ultimately claimed his head and putting Tyrmar down for good, Horatio mostly scales the descent before falling but is able to evade the ratmaa. He now faces an ominous space ahead of unknown fate.
Post Listening:

Cegloth - Dead Tree of the Fae See

​

Rudi
Rudi's inspection of the chamber and tunnels leading out from it was thorough. However, while Rudi had no shortage of talent, he lacked any practical training to assist him in choosing the best route forward. Sure there were signs of passage through the place. The streaks of blood here, the tell-tale screams echoing from somewhere else, the skittering of clawed feet and the inhuman snickering and cries elsewhere. Would one tunnel go where he wanted faster than others? Would any go where he wanted? Was it better to take the tunnels that seemed to have many creatures traveling it? Was it better to avoid heavy traffic and take the opposite routes or just ones with less signs of passage? Many questions with few answers. Rudi would likely just need to flip a ryke or point while closing his eyes. His decision would have to wait a moment.

While he was looking into the various routes and deciding the best route or least sucky route, saliva of a dark corrosive nature would drop on his shoulder and fizzle out. Rudi wouldn't need to know what was up there to know what was coming. There was a tunnel descending from the ceiling and a rat man was clinging to the walls in an inhuman way. Although the creature was quiet and lining up its surprise pounce with some degree of care, it's salivating alligator jaws gave it away and allowed Rudi to ready himself as the ratman dropped out of the air to strike at Rudi with an acidic [E grade ability].

Within the same time period, a second Ratmaa lumbered into the chamber. It's back legs didn't seem to properly keep up with its strong front arms. There was some awkward relationship between the curled back legs and long front legs that seemed to function more like a gorilla's than a more human or rat like creature. Despite the weird gate, the creature shuffled quickly toward Rudi with an inky black trail of smoking spit marking its passage and scaring the tree. [E grade ability. creature is coming from the front]

A fruitless inspection and a waste of time. The only fortunate thing being he had at least noticed the dripping coming from above. As he looked up to see the rat thing ready to spring, while out of the corner of his eye seeing another one coming out of a tunnel ahead of him. Just great... just great.

With a split second decision, he planned out his course of attack. Rudolph took a step back just as the creature leaped, making sure that he would not be directly under any acidic splatter in case he struck the creatures face. In that same motion, he made an upward swing. His blade instantly being surrounded by those deadly arcs of red lightning. [E grade Ability: Red Retaliation]

With blade high, he followed the swing through, bringing down at an angle to the rat thing that was charging him. Aiming to the crimson charged blade cleave through the creatures shoulder. [F grade ability: Red Riposte]

All the while, he was ready should his attack not finish one of them off. [Ready defense action]



Mechanical summary.

Action 1: E grade ability Red Retaliation to pouncing ratmaa. (Abolity has deflect E)

Spoiler: Red Retaliation

Red Retaliation
Grade E
Cooldown: 1 post
Fighting style Orichalcum Bastion E, Fighting style Rubrum Fulminis E, Deflect E, Blight E, Continuing E, Blind Fighting, Always Outnumbered

Those who attack Rudolph will know his fury. Every incoming blow fuels his wrath, spark flying as he blocks their attack and delivers a blow that will make them think twice about trying again. He turns that anger into power, both blade and lightning lashing out at opponent he blocks, leaving lasting effects as the lingering electricity in the foes seeks to remind them of their mistake.

Deflect: 2
Additional damage type: Lightning
Additional Damage: +2
Continuing Damage: 1 per post
Continuing Duration: 2 posts

Action 2: F Grade Ability Red Riposte to charging ratmaa. (Ability has deflect F)

Spoiler: Red Riposte

Red Riposte
Grade F
Cooldown: 0 post
Fighting style Orichalcum Bastion F, Fighting Style Rubrum Fulminis F, Deflect F, Blight F, Always Outnumbered

No strike at Rudolph goes unpunished. The more he is attacked, the more determined he gets. With a shower of sparks, his electrified blade meets the incoming attack, and with a flash he strikes back in retaliation against the one who sought to do him harm.

Deflect: 1
Additional damage type: Lightning
Additional damage: +1

Action 3: Ready Defense



Relevant stats:
Strength B
Vitality B
Speed B

Bastard Sword: C
Brigandine: Heavy Armor C (damaged to E)

Novama

 

[Novama]

Mentions: Skyhunter @Garbage Pail Kid saxon SilverFeathers AbenSur D. Rex
OOC:
Time: 10:50pm
Weather: clear sky with bright moon, chilly breeze, warmer in the stagnant air filled tunnels of the rotting tree
Cooldown:
TLDR: Ninelle disappears in a flash of divine light. Horatio encounters a weakened pair of Ratmaa. Rudi struggles to hold on with the pair of Ratmaa that engaged him within the maze of tunnels.
Post Listening:

Cegloth - Dead Tree of the Fae See

​

Ninelle

Whether it was the shock of witnessing what became of her allies, the prospect of what may happen to her next, or simply too caught off guard to outrun a blast of light, Ninelle was engulfed in the light. Her vision would be filled with the holy blast, eliminating all shadow including the shadows of her mind as her thoughts slipped away like falling into a deep sleep. Then nothing. The light was gone and so was Ninelle. All that remained was the bloody mess left by Tyrmar's struggle and fate, as well as the telltale signs of what became of Eris.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Horatio
Horatio would enter a chamber that was poorly lit deep within the tree. He saw the signs of struggle. One severely mauled corpse was in a bloody mess to the side and missing a head (Tyrmar). Other savagery was present, but it wasn't that shocking compared to what had taken place in Cegloth that night. In the gloom, Horatio could make out 2 lumbering shadows of Ratmaa as they noticed his approach and came his way, their mouths messy with their own acid and feasting. One of the Ratmaa was particularly injured looking, but did not hesitate to hunt new prey. Both would lunge at Horatio with with gator like mouths open wide and sharp teeth, blood, and black tar splashing and visible. [+E grade ability attack]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rudi

Rudi's sword arts were effective. His upward sword strike to the falling Ratmaa would hit first. His blade flashes and sparks red as it streaks through the Ratmaa. The creature fell at his feet, split in half from mouth to tail. The already foul air now had a burned scent.

The 2nd attack was a sufficient defense in that the swing of the blade allowed Rudi to stop the Ratmaa's charge short with a slash through the snout. It screeched loudly as blood as putrid as its saliva gushed forth. The creature carried on, however, and did not die quietly in a corner. It visciously came back around toward Rudi with severed jaw flapping loosely and clawed deformed hands lashing out frantically [ F grade ability attack]. Rudi's defensive action was used up when he back stepped to avoid the creature landing on him.

In the background of the tunnel maze, more sounds of creatures lurking in the immediately proximity became apparent.

Spoiler: creature of cegloth

​

 

[D. Rex]

Mentions: Skyhunter @Garbage Pail Kid saxon SilverFeathers AbenSur D. Rex
OOC:
Time: 10:50pm
Weather: clear sky with bright moon, chilly breeze, warmer in the stagnant air filled tunnels of the rotting tree
Cooldown:
TLDR: Ninelle disappears in a flash of divine light. Horatio encounters a weakened pair of Ratmaa. Rudi struggles to hold on with the pair of Ratmaa that engaged him within the maze of tunnels.
Post Listening:

Cegloth - Dead Tree of the Fae See

​

Ninelle

Whether it was the shock of witnessing what became of her allies, the prospect of what may happen to her next, or simply too caught off guard to outrun a blast of light, Ninelle was engulfed in the light. Her vision would be filled with the holy blast, eliminating all shadow including the shadows of her mind as her thoughts slipped away like falling into a deep sleep. Then nothing. The light was gone and so was Ninelle. All that remained was the bloody mess left by Tyrmar's struggle and fate, as well as the telltale signs of what became of Eris.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Horatio
Horatio would enter a chamber that was poorly lit deep within the tree. He saw the signs of struggle. One severely mauled corpse was in a bloody mess to the side and missing a head (Tyrmar). Other savagery was present, but it wasn't that shocking compared to what had taken place in Cegloth that night. In the gloom, Horatio could make out 2 lumbering shadows of Ratmaa as they noticed his approach and came his way, their mouths messy with their own acid and feasting. One of the Ratmaa was particularly injured looking, but did not hesitate to hunt new prey. Both would lunge at Horatio with with gator like mouths open wide and sharp teeth, blood, and black tar splashing and visible. [+E grade ability attack]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rudi

Rudi's sword arts were effective. His upward sword strike to the falling Ratmaa would hit first. His blade flashes and sparks red as it streaks through the Ratmaa. The creature fell at his feet, split in half from mouth to tail. The already foul air now had a burned scent.

The 2nd attack was a sufficient defense in that the swing of the blade allowed Rudi to stop the Ratmaa's charge short with a slash through the snout. It screeched loudly as blood as putrid as its saliva gushed forth. The creature carried on, however, and did not die quietly in a corner. It visciously came back around toward Rudi with severed jaw flapping loosely and clawed deformed hands lashing out frantically [ F grade ability attack]. Rudi's defensive action was used up when he back stepped to avoid the creature landing on him.

In the background of the tunnel maze, more sounds of creatures lurking in the immediately proximity became apparent.

Spoiler: creature of cegloth

​

Keeping the sword ablaze, he swung out once more with another electrified attack aimed at taking the rat things outstretched, hoping to cut it off at the shoulder.

[Using F grade ability: Red Riposte]

Spoiler: Red Riposte

Red Riposte
Grade F
Cooldown: 0 post
Fighting style Orichalcum Bastion F, Fighting Style Rubrum Fulminis F, Deflect F, Blight F, Always Outnumbered

No strike at Rudolph goes unpunished. The more he is attacked, the more determined he gets. With a shower of sparks, his electrified blade meets the incoming attack, and with a flash he strikes back in retaliation against the one who sought to do him harm.

Deflect: 1
Additional damage type: Lightning
Additional damage: +1

But the sounds of danger were quite worrying. He could not stick around here any longer. Even if the rat thing was still alive, he could not stay around to finish it.

He had to move now.

Ready in case of an incoming attack, he bared his sword and picked a tunnel that he figured seemed the quietest based on his gut feeling. He didn't even have the time to count eeny meeny miny moe. This was a sure fire way to get himself killed... he just new it... He ran down it as fast as he could, to try and outrun the oncoming horde. Maybe the stupid things would be happy in canabalizing the injured he left behind. Or maybe he would run smack dab into the middle of their nest.

Well... he did have a bomb in his pocket... if worst came to worst... he would take them all down with him. Because fuck them, that's why. This world sucked anyway.





Mechanical summary.

Action 1: F grade Red Riposte used on remaining rat thing.

Action 2: ready defense.

Action 3: Movement down corridor.


Extra!: Using Lucky in hopes of picking the right tunnel to go down to lead me to where I need to go, or not certain doom.

Relevant Stats/Skills

Bastard Sword: C
Strength: B
Speed: B
Vitality: B

Fast: F
Lucky: 1 point used.


Novama

 

[Skyhunter]

Horatio Lebac

​

Horatio quietly made his way down the large chasm, having his shield ready along with his sword pulled back ready to stab in front of him. He stopped coming up on a body before him, Horatio's eyes looked down at the body before him, mutilated and torn apart, a head was missing. The soldier's eyes looked up slowly in front of him when two figures came crawling forward towards him. Horatio inhaled then exhaled, this would be a bit tougher than last time, he began to back up away from the two nasty looking creatures, they killed this poor sod. Horatio would try to kill them before he ended up like him. When they approached the soldier, Horatio noticed that one of them was injured, that had to be the first one to be killed, but with two versus one it will be difficult, but if he could kill the injured one, a one on one wouldn't be so difficult. Seeing the two getting ready to lunge at him, Horatio realized they had no care for their own wellbeing, the two would leap at him and Horatio would use his battle experience [Warfare D] to move out of the way effectively. Horatio would then turn around and see the injured Ratmaa and slashed his sword down on its head, hoping to kill it. Right afterward, Horatio would use his shield to cover himself from an attack once more and even planted his feet to prevent being staggered.

1. Movement/Dodge [Warfare D]
2. Attack, Sword D
3. Shield/Blocking

 

[Novama]

Mentions: Skyhunter @Garbage Pail Kid saxon SilverFeathers AbenSur D. Rex
OOC:
Time: 11:00pm
Weather: clear sky with bright moon, chilly breeze, warmer in the stagnant air filled tunnels of the rotting tree
Cooldown:
TLDR: rudi finishes the last of the 2 ratmaa and flees. Rudi finds a massive female ratmaa and has a choice to make. Horatio was overpowered and melted down to bones and sinew. Has 1hp and F grade sword and no armor. Still under threat of being eaten even as he heals back from the damage.
Post Listening:

Cegloth - Dead Tree of the Fae See

Horatio

Horatio's experience in battle and familiarity with war showed dividends. He did not freeze up in fear or surprise as the monstrous fae leaped at him with acidic spittle flying. Shifting weight, he easily glide stepped to the side and out of the projected path of the Ratmaa. The Fae were more wiley than anticipated. One of the rat men instantly touched ground with limbs longer than they should have been and rammed the 2nd ratmaa off course and back into Horatio whom he crashed into with metal melting abandon. Horatio gets doused in the black ooze which immediately starts dissolving his armor and flesh in moments. What remained of Horatio after the Ratmaa rolled off of him was something between a skeleton and zombie.

When Horatio got up to strike down the wounded ratmaa, he would find his body, what was left of it, was racking him with pain and he would have difficulty performing (in addition to damaged muscle and ligament tissue. (-1 to all actions) The average man would have died already or succumbed to system shock. He swung his sword at the injured rat creature, but the rat creature had similar ideas and lunged at him in turn. Horatio's body was already badly damaged, so the ratmaa did little to make it worse other than make it hurt and force Horatio to pick himself back up again. (sword -2. now F grade sword as it took the brunt of the attack.)

The floor was covered in black ooze that evaporated in the air and dissolved Horatio. The smell was putrid and worse than burning hair. Horatio would have troule hearing due to his severely melted and gnawed ears but his missing nose could smell just fine in between globs of melted tissue. His dark gods must have smiled upon him wicked because he still had eyes to see what was coming. The 2nd ratmaa lunged at him with +F attack ability. The dim chamber was getting darker. Horatio's regeneration would kick in by the start of his next post and restore much of his body that was lost and fix the pain that penalized his abilities. (+1 hp)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rudi

Rudi efficiently executed the remaining Ratmaa facing him with a counter that cleaved the creature's head. Moving 30 feet down the nearest tunnel after realizing the fight was over for the moment, he could make out the stumbling, scuffling feet of the awkward ratmen bounding after him down one of the many tunnels. The chase was on. It was unclear how many there were behind him. He ran through lit, barely lit, and dark tunnels. He saw several bodies, some of assassins and some of the ratmaa. Despite the frantic running, it felt like a good sign. Surely there would be more signs of fighting as he drew closer to the goal. Then he found a hole.

Sliding down the down the tunnel and into a chamber, he dropped a dozen feet to the floor and crashed into a pile of bones. The bones were of varying size and creature but all had the signs of teeth and claw etched into them. What's more: the bones were flexible like thin rubber. In response to his landing, some of the bones went bouncing away from the shock. An inhuman rumble was heard before it was seen. Rudi would look up and spice a large beast. Like a gorilla, it supported itself on the knuckles of its front paws while its hind legs were smaller and oddly curled beneath it. The creature, itself, from fist to head was about 12ft high. Its belly was bulbous and squirming, while its six teats were engorged and seeping a foul brew. It's face looked like that of a woman if she were a giantess. Had that been the first thing he saw of the creature, perhaps he would have been able to hope for a better outcome. However, it was only a moment before the woman's face split to reveal a massive maw filled with hundreds of rowed teeth and a bubbling brew of black that boiled over as if salivating for the kill.

Rudi could see some light coming down the corridor beyond the massive rat creature. If he expended all 3 actions dashing (with 1 being F grade Fast), he figured he could make it. However, doing so would potentially open him up to reprisal from the creature if it became hostile. It already seemed agitated. The dim light made the gleam in the giant creature's eyes all the more ominous.

Spoiler: creature of cegloth

​

 

[D. Rex]

Kicking the bones away as he stood up. He looked at the massive thing now standing in his way. He did not need to see its open mouth of hundreds of sharp teeth to think to himself "Fuck that!" Trapped in here with that thing. Well... going toe to toe with that thing... was a bad idea.

Now, Rudy was a brave guy. He didn't particularly fear dying. Not at this point anyway. However he he didn't particularly like the idea of being turned into a pile of goo by swimming in acid spit. That would hurt, very likely. Very likely would hurt a lot. But so did being eaten. So would anything that happened if he stayed. So would running away, probably... could not think of many ways to get out of here without there being pain or death. Not unless he was super lucky. But his luck would run out eventually.

Well. He would run. And if that creature was going to eat him. He was going to make sure this rat queen choked on him... but he wasn't going to lay down and die. If he died today, he was going to at least say that he tried.


So Rudolph ran. Went directly into a full sprint, running as fast as he could. He doubted he could fully evade the reach of the creature, but he might at least be able to avoid some of the worst of its attacks. A moving target was hard to hit, in theory.

He ran. He ran. And he ran. If he could just get to that opening, he could drop a bomb and run some more. Maybe with a bit of luck he could make it.


Mechanical summary

Using point of Lucky

Running towards the lit opening. Full turn movement.

Action 1. Movement, running (fast f)
Action 2. Movement, running (fast f)
Action 3. Movement, running (fast f)

Stats
Vitality B
Speed B
Fast F
Lucky F 2/2

Armor C (now E)

Novama

 

[Novama]

Mentions: Skyhunter @Garbage Pail Kid saxon SilverFeathers AbenSur D. Rex
OOC: You generally can't use an F grade ability multiple times in a single post. Using Lucky first would typically make using fast impossible as well. We will assume you are making a lucky/fast ability as part of his first action.
Time: 11:11pm (make a wish)
Weather: clear sky with bright moon, chilly breeze, warmer in the stagnant air filled tunnels of the rotting tree
Cooldown:
TLDR: Horatio succumbs to fae creatures. Rudi runs for his life.
Post Listening:

Cegloth - Dead Tree of the Fae See

Horatio

While a defense might have helped, the world would never know. Horatio was pounced upon by the two Ratmaa and would not rise like he had before. Instead, parts and pieces flew by amid wet taring sounds and splatters on the wooden walls of the chamber.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rudi

Rudi runs for his life among the scattered, bouncing bone yard. The massive Ratmaa creature lumbered after him faster than expect. The ground shook beneath Rudi's feet as it ran. It roared, inhumanly despite its forward face, which regularly split into an acid bath of teeth. Dust would occasionally trick down around him as Rudi made his way through the tunnel at the far end of the massive chamber. Despite the Ratmaa's size, it filled the space and slid through the tunnel after Rudi.

The light Rudi saw and ran into was the flames from the firestones piled high in a chamber that the tunnel would lead down into. In the slightly brighter room, Rudi would see 2 Ratmaa lumbering his way, beckoned by the screaming female bringing up the rear. Both Ratmaa were covered in some poor corpse's innards as they melted and dripped off their faces. Their toothy grins were sinister and off putting. Beyond the 2 ratmaa was the gory signs of struggle and loss with blood pools and smears all over the place. The smell was even stronger here. There looked to be at least 2 main ways out of the chamber besides the one he took to get into the chamber and dozens of other smaller tributaries. The one to the left was somewhat lit and upward traveling. The tunnel to the right was farthest away and disappeared into darkness. Staying put would likely turn into contending with at least 3 ratmaa as others' hoops and hollars could be heard echoing in the many tunnels. Charging blindly would likely turn into a chase that may gather additional Ratmaa to the hunt or maybe allow for a temporary reprieve.

Spoiler: creature of cegloth

​

 

[D. Rex]

Mentions: Skyhunter @Garbage Pail Kid saxon SilverFeathers AbenSur D. Rex
OOC: You generally can't use an F grade ability multiple times in a single post. Using Lucky first would typically make using fast impossible as well. We will assume you are making a lucky/fast ability as part of his first action.
Time: 11:11pm (make a wish)
Weather: clear sky with bright moon, chilly breeze, warmer in the stagnant air filled tunnels of the rotting tree
Cooldown:
TLDR: Horatio succumbs to fae creatures. Rudi runs for his life.
Post Listening:

Cegloth - Dead Tree of the Fae See

Horatio

While a defense might have helped, the world would never know. Horatio was pounced upon by the two Ratmaa and would not rise like he had before. Instead, parts and pieces flew by amid wet taring sounds and splatters on the wooden walls of the chamber.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rudi

Rudi runs for his life among the scattered, bouncing bone yard. The massive Ratmaa creature lumbered after him faster than expect. The ground shook beneath Rudi's feet as it ran. It roared, inhumanly despite its forward face, which regularly split into an acid bath of teeth. Dust would occasionally trick down around him as Rudi made his way through the tunnel at the far end of the massive chamber. Despite the Ratmaa's size, it filled the space and slid through the tunnel after Rudi.

The light Rudi saw and ran into was the flames from the firestones piled high in a chamber that the tunnel would lead down into. In the slightly brighter room, Rudi would see 2 Ratmaa lumbering his way, beckoned by the screaming female bringing up the rear. Both Ratmaa were covered in some poor corpse's innards as they melted and dripped off their faces. Their toothy grins were sinister and off putting. Beyond the 2 ratmaa was the gory signs of struggle and loss with blood pools and smears all over the place. The smell was even stronger here. There looked to be at least 2 main ways out of the chamber besides the one he took to get into the chamber and dozens of other smaller tributaries. The one to the left was somewhat lit and upward traveling. The tunnel to the right was farthest away and disappeared into darkness. Staying put would likely turn into contending with at least 3 ratmaa as others' hoops and hollars could be heard echoing in the many tunnels. Charging blindly would likely turn into a chase that may gather additional Ratmaa to the hunt or maybe allow for a temporary reprieve.

Spoiler: creature of cegloth

​

In full sprint he had passed the giant rat momma. Just as he entered into the bright room, he pulled the bomb from his pocket, this was a good of a place as any! For fucks sake...a good of a place as any. Take out as many of these fuckers as possible.

With the bomb activated, he didn't even bother throwing it. He just dropped it and kept on running. More ratmaa ahead... two of them. Staying and fighting was not an option with angry momma hot on his heels.

Dying here was not his intention. Fuck that. He did his job as close as he could. Drop a bomb deep in the belly of the tree. And thats what he did. Though he had know idea how much time he had. Steeling himself for the brutal run, he set his determination to fuel him. Sheer unadulterated stubbornness to not give up. To either get out of this hellhole or go down swinging. Promising himself that if he did die, he would will ever fiber of his being that at least three rats choked to death on his rubbery acid drenched bones, at least two more slip in his goo and break their neck, and for ten would suffer from severe indigestion and constipation.


Options were scarce. That made deciding easy. Light good. Dark bad. Knowing his luck, probably not. But the critters liked the dark so that was as good of a reason as any.


Rudolph redoubled his efforts, digging his heels back into sprint. Hoping he could outrun the ratmaas expected attacks at him. He aimed to run up the lit path going upwards.



Mechanical summary

Action 1. Set timer and drop bomb
Action 2. Run like hell towards lit tunnel (movement fast f)
Action 3. Run like hell towards lit tunnel (movement fast f)


Stats
Str B
Vit B
Spd B
Fast F

Armor C (now E)
Sword C


Novama

 

[Novama]

Mentions: Skyhunter saxon SilverFeathers AbenSur D. Rex
OOC: You generally can't use an F grade ability multiple times in a single post. Using Lucky first would typically make using fast impossible as well. We will assume you are making a lucky/fast ability as part of his first action.
Time: 11:21pm
Weather: clear sky with bright moon, chilly breeze, warmer in the stagnant air filled tunnels of the rotting tree
Cooldown:
TLDR: Rudi drops bomb and runs for life as explosions happen. Fae See Victory.
Post Listening:

Cegloth - Dead Tree of the Fae See

Rudi had fought a good fight. He had ran a good race. It was time to get going and send all the monsters to hell in the process. Rudi successfully pulled out and activated the magic bomb and dropped it in the smear that was Heratio. His boots would wetly splat against the tree as he ran. It wasn't the worst thing he had had to deal with that evening. The ratmaa pursued, the ones not distracted by the blinking bombs in Horatio paste at least.

Rudi had no idea where he was going and no idea how to get out. The maze he dealt with earlier in the evening was still all around him. But this time, time was of the essence. He ran, climbed, duck, slid, swam, and finally stopped. Fresh air. Of all the putrid things in the tree, he could finally smell fresh air. He rushed toward it. The way out was near at hand. Unfortunately, it was just a space between 2 tightly woven branches. It was a sliver of space that allowed ventilation, but it was not enough to grant Rudi freedom. His time was up.

*BOOOOOM!*

From outside, Cegloth's trunk exploded outward in a blue explosion that sent splinters as large as wagons into the surroundings of the tree. More explosions rumbled the tree and blue explosions erupted up the length of the tree into its canopy, rattling the upper branches. The old tree groaned loudly before snapping in the middle. The massive tree's upper half would slowly fall in the distance, hiding the sheer size of the tree. When it landed, the ground quaked and blue smoke would billow from the splintered trunk.

Countless creatures scurried about in the aftermath of the downfall of Cegloth. Ratmaa were most numerous, but there were some assassins that survived, barely. Rudi would be among the survivors that got rocketed free of the tree during the destruction. He would be in bad shape, but alive. He would immediately note some chuckling sounds and more screams as his hearing came back to him after the blasts that destroyed the tree. Ratmaa were closing in on his position as they hunted in the evening air. It was a bad situation. Even if he were fit to run, the fae forest was not a place to go running in the dark. Was barely a place to go running during the day when one was a human. But then all the Ratmaa whimpered and scattered. It was coming..

Rising high into the sky, some 'thing' pulled itself free of the massive tree's ruins. The creature was at least as wide as the tree was once it pulled itself free from the smoldering base of the tree. Riding atop the creature was a lone fae man. The creature, with rider, thundered off into the fae forest, leaving wrecked trees and rattling ground in its wake. Although only a shadow, it was apparent to Rudi and all who heard his tale, the Fae had acquired their new weapon. It would seem the explosives were not in the heart of the tree.

Spoiler: creature of cegloth

Spoiler: cegloth tree interior tunnel

The End
Fae See Victory


​

 

[Novama]

Isekai Hell RP Grade​

Skyhunter saxon SilverFeathers AbenSur D. Rex

It came down to a last buzzer beater shot, but the rp did come to its conclusion. Overall, some of the issues were apparent. Most folk were learning how the combat system worked on the fly rather than in advance. Teamwork was missing or not quite right on both sides. Characters optimized for combat struggled when they weren't fighting things. Characters more versatile had difficulty dealing with the wandering fea creatures of the zone. Just goes back to the teamwork which may have helped overcome the situations in which the characters struggled. There were some pretty cool stand out moments: Light creating abilities that weakened the enemy, daring escapes, efficient combat mastery for dispatching multiple enemies. All participants may have faired better if their characters brought and/or used means to create light.

Aftermath
Cegloth was destroyed and the blue mana cloud that billowed from the destroyed, dying life tree let all of See and Empire know a blow had been struck. However, the attack was insufficient for dispatching the commander and his mission. The Fae were now in possession of a powerful ally and weapon according to eye witness testimony. Most of the Empire's assassins were lost in the assault. The setbacks exceeded expectation. The Empire was now weakened in their ability to perform subterfuge efforts as well as now forced to contend with the prospect of a new bio weapon.

Rewards

Novama - 26 points (narration bonus included)

Horatio(deceased) - 38 points

• Mandatory Title acquired [Dead] - character has died. Rp'er may run or participate in an rp to have their character resurrected. Rp requires at least one other person participate. The rp grants 2x points to the deceased character upon their revival.
• asset acquired - Corpse Embrace - character's proximity to death and time spent dead has cloaked them in an aura that makes predators deem them to be dead already and not prey to be hunted.
• item acquired - Ratmaa Blood - character's body has been ravaged by the fae creature's corrosive fluids. if character ever recovers from death, they will find themselves immune to the corrosive fluids of the Ratmaa and that they have an F grade resistance to Acid damage.

Rudi - 52 points

• optional title acquired [Praetorian] - character survived a brutal ordeal and culling of many colleagues. By chance and necessity, character has been promoted to the rank of Praetorian, an elite soldier within the East Empire ranks. Their job description includes protecting Empire officials and empire intelligence management. The Praetorian are a unit of people 2nd only to the ruling class within the Empire. They are also the people most feared by any wise ruler, but a necessary evil due to the services they render. Character may come and go within the empire as they wish, including war camps, and do so armed. Character is also compensated well and assumed to have +1 Wealth skill grade of money/influence for any dealings with East Empire narratives. During war time, Praetorians can be called upon to fight. Praetorian's that end their service have easy time landing commander roles within the Empire's army.
• asset acquired - East Empire Information Network - character has access to an information network that keeps track of various empire interests and empire threats. Not as easily accessed or leveraged outside of the Empire.
• item acquired - Orichalcum Fists D - Member's of Rudi's cohort as a Praetorian were gifted wraps/knuckles/cestus/claw weapons with precious metal attributes. Should Rudi ever find himself disarmed, he would not be lesser for it.

Eris(deceased) - ??? points

• optional title acquired ???
• asset acquired ???
• item acquired ???

Ninelle(deceased) - ??? points

• optional title acquired ???
• asset acquired ???
• item acquired ???

Tyramar(deceased) - ??? points

• optional title acquired ???
• asset acquired ???
• item acquired ???

Epilogue
​

It was quiet in the smoldering remains of Cegloth. The commander and his companion had long since moved on and the same was true for the Ratmaa now without a home. The dead true was now truly dead in that it was devoid of life. Even the billowing blue smoke that had rose profusely over the downed life tree was gone. Among the splinters, one could barely pick out a flick from a firestone, but that was the extent of movement in the place. All save for one distortion in space that lazily bobbed in the air currents.

The distortion gently fluttered like a butterfly over the wreckage of the tree before dropping into the splinter piles to disappear from view. The moon shone brightly that evening, but no more movement was noted. Suddenly several brilliant rays of light streaked into the sky from beneath the pile or shattered tree. Exploding outward and then freezing mid-air as if held there by invisible hands, the wooden chunks that covered the area were now aerial decoration and witness to the being that stood at the center of it all. Bathed in light, it appeared to be the size and shape of an average human, but the space at its back was heavily distorted to suggest something was there despite nothing being visible. The light dimmed just a bit to show the visage of a young man wearing papal robes devoid of color. It was the Pope of the Fae See religion, ruler of the Fae nation, and as much a god as Zeus or Anubis, but with a preference to dwell among and rule over its devout rather than some paradise. Leader of the Fae Cardinals and King of all Fae. One of the older residents of the IH world as well.

"Rise, my champions. This dark hour needs stalwart hearts were light yet remains,"

His holiness then raised a finger to the heavens and swirled the air gently, once. That was all it took. Suddenly the air in the vicinity burst into orchestral chorus song in some forgotten language. Accompanying the air's music, a pillar of light stretching from the heavens to the remains of Cegloth made a beacon for all taking in the evening air to see and bare witness to the miracle taking place. Forming within the glow of the pillar before the king of the fae, 3 humanoid forms of light gathered and took shape.

"Eris, priestess of the light and hero of Courage. Rise and serve your people. Your goddess apologizes for being unable to do more, but encourages you to grow stronger in your faith."

"Ninelle, child of nature corrupted and hero of Wisdom. Rise and serve your people. Not only against present evils but also against past wrongs."

"Tyramar, adventurer and hero of Power. Rise and serve your people. May the hardship you have endured never be wrought upon our people."

As the pope spoke each line, the 3 entities of light solidified into the fully restored members of the defense team, this time dressed in solid light and empowered with new abilities and purpose. Their eyes alone would now burn with a light that would let the average creature know fate is on their side.

Eris(deceased) - ??? points

• optional title acquired [Hero] - (of the fae see) - Character has been raised to the status of Hero for the Fae people. Their purpose is to fight for and defend the fae against all enemies. Hero's are rare existences in the world. They will naturally be drawn to their charge's enemies and likewise the enemies of the Fae will be drawn to the Heroes. The collective might of the heroes will always be sufficient in eventually quelling any opposition even if only one remains. heroes are naturally acknowledged and adored by the people in their charge. They have freedom to come and go in the nation of their people. Their nation takes care of them and in turn, the heroes are expected to protect their nation. Heroes can never be made to go against the thing they are hero over. they have the uncanny ability to create a way to the perfect ending that would have been impossible for anyone else. As much as fate twists in the favor of Heroes, should they fall, those they protect will be without recourse and be made to face all manner of hardship including the possibility of annihilation.
  
  
• Fae Hero Boon - Upgrade Intelligence to B, Vitality to D, and Religion to E (when upgrading, also increase earned points by 28) - A Fae Hero that knows their allies are among the divine shows no fear in the face of adversity. They stride with confidence knowing no greater power could stand before them.
  
  
• asset acquired - For anything and everything that relates to race, character is now part of the Fae tree. They will be treated well by fae allies and shown contempt by Fae enemies. Despite not being directly affiliated with a Fae Church, the character's Hero status grants them special permission to interact with the Fae religion at a high level and in so doing more easily propagate her own faith's ideals and tenants within the Fae nation.
  
  
• item acquired - Fae robes of light [heavy armor] E - An armor of light stitched into a dress made for a Hero of the Fae. Out of combat, the robes will repair itself if ever damaged. Character will no longer fight in darkness so long as they are wearing these robes.

Ninelle(deceased) - ??? points

• optional title acquired [Hero] - (of the fae see) - Character has been raised to the status of Hero for the Fae people. Their purpose is to fight for and defend the fae against all enemies. Hero's are rare existences in the world. They will naturally be drawn to their charge's enemies and likewise the enemies of the Fae will be drawn to the Heroes. The collective might of the heroes will always be sufficient in eventually quelling any opposition even if only one remains. heroes are naturally acknowledged and adored by the people in their charge. They have freedom to come and go in the nation of their people. Their nation takes care of them and in turn, the heroes are expected to protect their nation. Heroes can never be made to go against the thing they are hero over. they have the uncanny ability to create a way to the perfect ending that would have been impossible for anyone else. As much as fate twists in the favor of Heroes, should they fall, those they protect will be without recourse and be made to face all manner of hardship including the possibility of annihilation.
  
  
• Fae Hero Boon - Postcognition skill E (when adding skill, also increase earned points by 28) - let no deed against the Fae people go unpunished. For the Fae Hero, a scene of devastation and loss is not reason to despair but a dagger that shall find its way to the perpetrators heart.
  
  
• asset acquired - The resurrection was complete. Ninelle may be a complete fairy again without mechanics (if you wish). Otherwise, if that would screw with your plans too much, her inorganic parts will become perfect replacements, ones with perfect weight distribution, no rejection, and without the need for regular maintenance or special repair. Narrative effectiveness bonus granted against difficulties imposed by a artificial body.
  
  
• item acquired - Fae gown of light [light armor] E - An armor of light stitched into a dress made for a Hero of the Fae. Out of combat, the dress will repair itself if ever damaged. Character will no longer fight in darkness so long as they are wearing this gown.

Tyramar(deceased) - ??? points

• optional title acquired [Hero] - (of the fae see) - Character has been raised to the status of Hero for the Fae people. Their purpose is to fight for and defend the fae against all enemies. Hero's are rare existences in the world. They will naturally be drawn to their charge's enemies and likewise the enemies of the Fae will be drawn to the Heroes. The collective might of the heroes will always be sufficient in eventually quelling any opposition even if only one remains. heroes are naturally acknowledged and adored by the people in their charge. They have freedom to come and go in the nation of their people. Their nation takes care of them and in turn, the heroes are expected to protect their nation. Heroes can never be made to go against the thing they are hero over. they have the uncanny ability to create a way to the perfect ending that would have been impossible for anyone else. As much as fate twists in the favor of Heroes, should they fall, those they protect will be without recourse and be made to face all manner of hardship including the possibility of annihilation.
  
  
• Fae Hero Boon - Mentor skill E, Natural Weapons Upgrade to D (when adding skills and equipment upgrade, also increase earned points by 28) - the Fae Hero is endowed with ageless wisdom in the ways of combat. Despite the Fae being primarily magically focused, their countless lifetimes have allowed their citizens to absorb and accumulate many trades and practices of knowledge and skill.
  
  
• asset acquired - For anything and everything that relates to race, character is now part of the Fae tree. They will be treated well by fae allies and shown contempt by Fae enemies. Additionally, his relationship to the Fae and the world of Martial arts has opened up a relationship to seclusive sect of monks that practice a form of psionic martial arts. The Fae Hero would have the right to learn their secrets.
  
  
• item acquired - Fae aura of light [heavy armor] D - a natural armor visible as a layer of light that coats Tyramar's body. The aura repairs itself after the wearer's body is repaired. Character will no longer fight in darkness so long as this aura is projected.