Active [Republic of Kuridan - Yale Village Outskirts] Whack 'A Mole 2: Dirtier Business

[Elvario]

This RP is part of the Isekai Hell setting. It is a continuation of this part. It is currently open to be joined. Late participation is allowed, but no guarantees of any customized interactions and/or worthwhile remaining plot to join in for will be given.

What to expect out of character:
Pacing will be every Wednesday and Sunday, around 11:00 (CET / UTC+1). Post before that or risk being skipped. Missing a round during non-combat rounds likely won't matter too much. Missing a round during combat will likely result in negative consequences for the character.

As the RP is being split into parts, it is meant to least around 30-ish days per part. One more part is estimated for the story to wrap up after this one.

The RP will focus on map-based exploration and combat, but will have room for social interactions amongst PC's (and possibly NCP's). For the combat, a 'light' version of the Effectiveness system will be used (3 actions per round, base effectiveness, Cooldowns, etc.).

What to expect in character:
A while ago, odd mole monsters were spotted in the Drider inhabited village of Yale in the Republic of Kuridan. Scouts from the Kuridan Adventurer's Guild have located a cave that they assume to be their nest, but they found signs of it being tempered with.

The Adventurers Guild is now sending in adventurers to go investigate and to deal with the monster moles, as well as any other trouble they might run into. The party will have likely found this quest on one of the Adventurer's Guilds notice boards, along with a description to an area near the cave in question. The path there was already marked by scouts, so finding the meeting-up spot should not be of issue.

The party entered the cave and fought some initial moles. Now they find two paths ahead of them. One a giant chasm with some pillars and undead. Another a rope-bridge. A fox on either side.

When joining, please let me know the following things in your first post:

• Asset goals. – By Novama's word, whether it is related to the RP or not doesn't matter, if you wish to obtain an asset during the duration of this RP or upgrade an existing one, let me know so we can formalise it. That's enough to achieve it.
• Narrative goals. - Any side-goals and quests related to the plot that you might wish to add for the sake of lore/flavour. Also if you wish for the obtained of an asset/skill to be an 'involved' part of the RP. I'll see what I can do in such cases. Due to the nature of this RP and the amount of participants, I won't give any guarantees of it working/being implemented.
• Character owned Point Boosters. - Attentive Student, Mentor, Devour, Narrative Booster. So that I know when/if to include them during narration or in grading.
• [Wanted] Titles – So that I know to involved the Hunters somehow to ensure it won't negatively affect the aftermath. Also let me know where to find information about the Hunting party to use for their involvement.
• [Criminal] or [Monster] Titles – Certain settings might be more difficult to access as a criminal or monster. If those are in possession of the character, they might need some extra/alternative routes to be worked into the story and might risk facing some serious hostility form (N)PC's if found out.
• Active Downtime | Buddy Skills | Masterwork Skills | Complex Assets – If your character has an asset they wish to upgrade using the [Downtime] function or if they have any of these skills with passive elements to them, let me know so I can add it to the grading sheet post-RP.

Tags and character goals:
Elvario Almeida – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Increase her reputation with the Kuridan Adventurer's Guild. | Using Downtime to have stories of her deeds spread her reputation in other Adventurer's Guilds as well.
Femboy Whizziemin the Greatest, Reborn! – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Will be updated if new/recurring goals are given.
Maxxob Koralia Ironjaw – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem | Will be updated if new/recurring goals are given.
Develius Jebidiah Boone – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Will be updated if new/recurring goals are given.
IanThe170 Joshua Wincent – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Will be updated if new/recurring goals are given.
Fantasy-Cat Kiyo – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Will be updated if new/recurring goals are given.
Maverick Six Martin - Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Will be updated if new/recurring goals are given.

Spoiler: Full images and Sources

Mole https://www.artstation.com/artwork/R3gbm

Skeleton Warrior https://www.artstation.com/artwork/mqgZY

Mercenary Fox https://www.artstation.com/artwork/b569Va

Shaman Fox ]https://leossart.artstation.com/projects/1nD34o

Martin's [Comet] wouldn't strike the undead. Instead, their shields had started to glow... after which they deflected the energy projectiles back at where they came from. It wasn't entirely clear what magic they'd used, as it certainly wasn't something ordinary. To those with enough arcana or magic knowledge or perception, however, it'd be clear the magic stemmed from their shields. Not from them. Yet, oddly enough, they seemed to return to a more passive mode the moment they'd finished deflecting the attack. All the while, the Shaman fox's flute kept playing as the cave kept being lit up by magical lights.

Combat Mode is Active​

• Three actions per turn. (Including abilities, moving, attacking, long-winded speeches, dodging, aiming, switching weapons/gear, etc.)
• Cooldowns apply. Please keep track of them in your posts.
• Area specific debuffs and challenges may apply (limited light, loose rocks/gravel, narrow spaces, allies in the way).
• Effectiveness (light version) will be used when/where applicable.
• HP pool will be 3 + vitality (when using heavy armour) or speed (when using light armour) or character grade (when using no armour)

The party (Almeida, Kiyo, Martin and Koralia) are currently targeted by the following magic attack:

Comet - Gravity Affinity F, Magic E, Magic AOE F, Magic Range (E Metamagic), Homing F, Indirect F, Knockback F, Magic Targets F - Creates 5 "bolts" of gravitational energy that can come from and direction and seek out targets like missiles. Travel out to 100 feet and each individual comet explodes with a 15 foot AOE - Grade E - 1 Post Cooldown (INT B + CAT C + ABL E = 11 BE + 1 Homing = 12)

Meanwhile, on the other side, the Mercenary Fox was willing to give a bit more away.

Mercenary Fox: “How about this. I'll let the small one cross and exchange some more information. If you bring back our Shaman, we might even help you get set-up with a better way to deal with the moles. They've been an annoyance to our goals here as well.”

He'd eventually call out to Whizzie and Jebidiah. He hadn't spotted Joshua yet. Perhaps for the better, as such a sight might not help with diplomacy.

Mercenary Fox: “I can't offer you any more without discussing it with our leader.”

He'd add, giving away that he, apparently, wasn't the one in charge.

 

[Femboy]

1
Whizziemin the Greatest

Equipped Titles: Monster, Incubus
Point Booster: Attentive Student (F)
Character Sheet
Common | #Abyssal#

Goals: Obtain/Upgrade Republic Nobility Title, collect samples and research info
Luckily, Whizzie had diverted his attention from the matters going on with the others, so the danger of a projectile being reflected wasn't of the slightest concern to him. If his companions turned out to die from such an incident, he knew exactly the way to escape out right after he'd collect samples from their bodies for research purposes. It didn't feel like he was getting anywhere with the mercenary, up until he had suggested that Whizzie was allowed to come over. It felt like a suspicious offer more than anything, but Cassidy nearby would be a useful ally with a ranged attack. That, and he somewhat anticipated he wouldn't be abandoned down here by the rest of his party.

Sighing softly to himself, maybe this could be more beneficial after all.
"As long as you're willing to play nice, I'll be willing to cross on over to have a nice conversation about things, it'll be a nice time for the both of us~" he peacefully chimed, before stepping towards the bridge.
"You best not have any mean intentions now, I'm trusting you that we can get along just fine, maybe it'll be more fun than you realise" Whizzhe smiled, a small smug smirk forming on his face as his slender tail swished and flicked a little. Giving the benefit of the doubt to the mercenary, he'd go ahead to try and cross, giving a glance back to Cassidy.

"Keep an eye in case there's trouble, make sure you and the others don't forget about me depending on how long I'm over there for" he'd quietly add, going to cross over.
"So, my dear~, what might you want to talk about? I'm sure there's looots of good things we can discuss" the incubus hummed on his way.

Actions
1.
Alternate Identity (F) (Be really convincing when making friends with the fox mercenary)
Alternative Identity (F), Deception (F), Seduction (F), Persuasion (F) - Name: Wicke La'Kaia - Titles: Fae, Beast - Looks the same, maybe with hiding his wings, tail or horns, but has a thematical appearance that could be convincingly passed off as one of the other races - F Grade - 0 Turn Cooldown
​

 

[Maxxob]

Koralia Ironjaw

Languages: "Common", "<Bestial>"
[Beastkin], [Native], [Thoroughly Petted], [Baby Eater], [Summoner Abducted], [Fish out of the Water], [Widersia Adventurer Guild F] - Color #876fd6
Point Booster: Attentive Student D
RP Goal: Obtain The Republic Adventurer Guild F asset; Downtime: None
Resilient [Surprised]

Elvario Maverick Six Fantasy-Cat

Koralia watched with narrowing eyes as smarty-farty-Martin used his hocus-pocus to try and take out the skelly-dudes. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to work all that well, so much so that whatever he had used was being launched back to the group. "Shit!" She exclaimed, as she readied her sword.

With her the muscles of her arms tensing and bulging, heart drumming in her chest, the shark would swing her sword in a half-arc in front of her, trying to destroy the incoming projectiles that sought to hit the whole group. The mercenary took care to limit its range, to not risk hitting the skelly-dudes again. [Action 1]

Not stopping her counter-attack, or perhaps better said protective offensive maneuver, she would slash, both horizontally and diagonally, at the magical projectiles with gritted teeth. [Action 2]

And, amidst all of it, her brows furrowed. "Ain't good to attack 'em from range! We need to get close and personal. Maybe push 'em off the ledges or somethin'!" That was the best she could think of it. And, while she had no idea if Almeida or Kiyo had ranged capabilities, she still warned them. "<Looks like attackin' from distance is bad. Maybe smashing 'em up and close will do the trick.>" [Action 3]

While she would rather not walk through that narrow-ass bridge, that seemed like the only option now.

Spoiler: Actions

1 - Zoom! - Fighting Style E + Deflect E + Penetrating E + Area E + Selective [Being used to shape the Area like a 180º half-circle in front of Koralia, sparring allies/environment as far as she can see, targeting only the incoming attack. Also being used to limit the range of it, so it doesn't reach the Undead.] E, Energized E - Grade E 0 Post Cooldown - Strength A (6) + Weapon B (5) + ABL E (2) = 13 Base Effectiveness, -2 to enemy stat if counter-attacking, -2 to enemy item
2 - Basic Attack +1
3 - Dropped some shark-wisdom

 

[Fantasy-Cat]

Character Sheet
​

Kiyo quickly dashed behind Martin and Koraliain in an attempt to dodge the incoming missiles. “By the grand tree! That was close” he said with an excited look in his eyes. He then poked his head out from behind Koraliain to see what was attacking the group. A wave of rage and disgust swept the happiness and innocence from his face. “Undead!” He spat. “We need to destroy them!” he shouted to the two before him.

Vile monsters! A blight on the natural world. The voice said in pure anger.

“That’s something we can agree on” Kiyo responded with a whisper ass he extended his head forward while analysing the undead enemy. “I’ve read a lot about these monsters…” he told Martin and Koraliain. He tried to remember what he had learnt when studying the arcane…

Actions

Dodge the missiles [speed F]
Analyse the undead [arcane E]​

 

[Maverick Six]

Martin
Mentions: Elvario Maxxob Fantasy-Cat
Equipped Titles: Abomination, Human (Mundane), Construct, Expert Tinkerer, Isekai, Mad Scientist, Student of Higgs Boson F
Languages: |Common | %Analog% |

"Shit." Martin watched as the comets he summoned from above bounced off the creature's shields. Soon his own attack was headed for him. His face nearly like stone most of the time and as cold as others described -- widened with surprise.

"Incoming." He said at just about the same time as Koralia did.

"Accelerate." With that word came another two spells. spell. Two gravitational waves manifest midair, spawning about 15 feet from Martin's person. Just as Koralian said, he'd seek to knock aside. [Accelerate]

They dare use my own attacks against me?

However, he smile turned to something of a smirk.

"Quite interesting." From Martin's eyes, mythical energies enhanced his so called "appraisal" as an equal to his scanners. Using this, Martin sought to scan the surrounding area. His glowed dimly as he used mana to augment the radius of his scan. The targets of the scan were both the undead themselves and the strange weapons they carried. He leaned quite a great degree onto his knowledge of crafting and his knowledge of mythical forces. [Quite Interesting] However, his eyes would look through incoming data to find anything else that he might stumble upon.

Assuming Martin managed to aid in nullifying the kinetic forces of his own attacks and being tossed like a ragdoll by them.

"Almeida, I recall you wanting to have at the moles. Now's your chance. I'll aid you in your next attack. And I may decide to collapse structures if they decide to flood the place. Perhaps attacking from multiple angles might make this easier." Martin said, trying to coax the eager-seeming woman into going first.

In truth, this was hardly a mission worth dying for.

---

Spoiler: Actions

Actions: 3/3

HP: 6/6 (D Grade Vitality + 3 HP BUFF)
Armor: 2/2 (E Grade Heavy)

1. and 2. Accelerate - Gravity Affinity F, Magic F, Indirect F, Energized F, Magic School F, Metamagic Range F, Knockback F, Telekinesis F - Martin spawns a gravitational wave out of thin air to throw a target in any direction. Can appear from anywhere within 30 feet. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown (INT B + CAT C + ABL F = 10 BE + 1 Homing + 1 Combo = 12) (Counter Reflected attack)

3. Quite Interesting C.... - Artisan: Tinkerer C, Appraisal E, Magic E, Magic Range F, Metamagic AOE (E), Magic School F, Physics F, Arcana F, Engineering F - Martin dedicates his knowledge and areas of expertise to gather information on something. Using magic, he extends the range and area of his appraisal to encompass multiple targets of interest. Range of 30 feet and radius of 50 feet - Grade C - 3 Post Cooldown [Analyze Skeletons + Their Weapons]

Cooldowns:
Martin
F - 0 Posts Remaining
E - 0 Posts Remaining
D- 0 Posts Remaining
C- 3 Posts Remaining
B- 0 Posts Remaining


Text: #7DF9FF

 

[IanThe170]

Character - CharactersJoshua Wincent
Languages: %Analog%; Common
Titles: Construct; Born for This; BIV
RP Specific:

Spoiler

• Asset Goals: Obtain metals or minerals which could eventually be used to enhance his body.
• Narrative Goals: Asset Goals, with the addition of finding any neat hobbies from the other characters involved.
• Character Owned Point Boosters: N/A
• [Wanted] Titles: N/A
• [Criminal] or [Monster] Titles: N/A
• Active Downtime | Buddy Skills | Masterwork Skills | Complex Assets: Masterwork: Gatherer(Ores and Minerals)

Miscellaneous:

Spoiler

• Spoiler: Stats

  Strength - F
  Precision - D
  Intelligence - E
  Vitality - D
  Speed - D
  Character Grade - F
• Spoiler: Skills

  Resilient E (Fatigue - doesn’t need food, water, sleep; suffocation)
  Engineering F
  Survival F
  Barrier F
  Electric Affinity F
  Magic F
  Artisan Tinkerer F
  Masterwork: Harvester F
• Spoiler: Abilities

  • Electromagnetic Shield - Barrier F, Electric Affinity F, Magic F - Creates an electric Force Field around a target, which protects from damage, but may cause a slight shock when touched - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown - 1 Post Duration
  • Look, don’t touch - Electric Affinity F - Shocks upon will anyone or anything that comes into contact with it - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown
  • Mobile Battery - Electric Affinity F, Engineering F - If an electronic device can be charged, Joshua can charge it - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown - Narrator Discretion
• Spoiler: Equipment

  Built-in toolkit required for robotics/engineering of own body.
  Central Core F(Natural Catalyst)
  Gathering Set for Ores and Minerals

The gang over at the bridge near the graveyard seemed to be having fun, that was for sure. Based on what Joshua saw of the fellow constructs offensive power, perhaps it was for the best to stay near the skeleton and boy-toy. At least until it's figure out exactly how the magic deflection works. He already had one near death experience due to unlikely chance, he did not wish for another one.

Near the bridge where he himself had stayed, things were progressing rather smoothly between the mercenary and the boy-toy. Well, as smoothly as walking towards the mercenary on the safety hazard that could be referred to as a bridge could go. Regardless, they had no clue if and when the moles would pop out again, nor the mercenaries intentions, so he'd still and try to observe the situation, prepared to rush in and deploy his [Electromagnetic Shield] or just zap with [Look, don't touch], if necessary. Hopefully and most likely it would not come to that, but you never know.

Since it appeared he wasn't exactly noticed either, due to lack of presence and conversation, he'd keep it this way.

 

[Develius]

---

"CURRENTLY DISGUISED AS 'CASSIDY B. FLINT'"
Languages:
| Common | #Abyssal# |
Mentions:
| Elvario [Fox Mercenary + Almeida] | Femboy [Whizzie] | IanThe170 [Joshua] | Maverick Six [Martin] | Maxxob [Corallia] | Fantasy-Cat [Kiyo]​

---

Cassidy squinted cautiously upon hearing the mercenary's request to let one of their own across, which in this case would be Whizzie. In addition should they bring back the shaman to them, they might help his possy with their mole problems given they were annoying them as well. But anything more would be something for their boss to speak on. Something wasn't terribly sit right with the gunslinger with this whole exchange. "Now hol' up just a lip-smackin' min!" the gunslinger growled leerily. It was evident that he was getting concerned and mildly-aggravated by all this dillydallying, "Ya'll jus' expect us to continue with this lil tradin' game for info with one of our own as damn collateral like dis? When we hardly be trustin' yas in the first place? Just what n' tarnation is the point of all dis for whatever sus-"

He'd be interrupted as Whizzie would willingly agree to the trade as he walked across the bridge to be beside them. Cassidy was absolutely dumbstruck by this display. "Wut?" he called out to Whizzie, "Ya serious? What if he-?"

He clicked his teeth in frustration as Whizzie ensured he had this under control, only asking they all keep an eye out for trouble if any arise. Of course, he should see about asking the others whether or not they've seen a shaman... but neither did he want to loose a potential employer like Whizzie if the opposing force decided it was best to kill him. If only he knew for sure they could trust their word. Truly... he had to force himself to truly trust these strangers. Hopefully their research friend got it all covered.

"Ah shiet..." he mumbled defeatedly before calling out, "A'ight fine. I'll be back in a jiffy though to let the rest know..." He then glared directly at the fox mercenary, "Ya'll both stay RIGHT here now. If you HURT 'im... or if I don't see ya two 'ere once I git back... I'll skin ya alive. Ya hear?"

With that, Cassidy proceeds to exit the cavern and make his way towards where the rest of the group are - missing sight of Joshua who had been silently watching them the whole time. Though by the time he reached them he'd notice that they were already in combat. Already there was mole carcass was standing right next to Martin and Kiyo. "Oi Martin!" Cassidy called out to Martin, "What's happenin' over there? That foxy guy be askin' if we can git em back their fox shaman for more info. Meanwhile he got that Whizz-kid with em in exchange for more info and while Whizzle claims he got dis covered, I dun think we canz let em be fer long! Sumthin' mighty sketchy about all this I tell ya what!"

He readied his revolver in the meantime, preparing to engage the current situation before them if needed...

---

Actions:

1. Moves towards Martin.
2. Explains situation to Martin.
3. Readies revolver if needed.

 

[Elvario]

Fantasy-Cat (Remember, Kiyo wasn't said to speak Common. Use some language indication on whether he's speaking Sylvan (Fae) or Beastial (Beast) to communicate.)

Tags and character goals:
Elvario Almeida – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Increase her reputation with the Kuridan Adventurer's Guild. | Using Downtime to have stories of her deeds spread her reputation in other Adventurer's Guilds as well. (Rounds: I)
Femboy Whizziemin the Greatest, Reborn! – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Obtain/Upgrade Republic Nobility Title. | Collect samples and research info. (Rounds: I)
Maxxob Koralia Ironjaw – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem | Obtain The Republic Adventurer Guild F asset (Rounds: I)
Develius Jebidiah Boone – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. (Rounds: I)
IanThe170 Joshua Wincent – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Obtain metals or minerals which could eventually be used to enhance his body. (Rounds: I)
Fantasy-Cat Kiyo – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | (Rounds: I)
Maverick Six Martin - Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. (Rounds: I)

Spoiler: Full images and Sources

Mole https://www.artstation.com/artwork/R3gbm

Skeleton Warrior https://www.artstation.com/artwork/mqgZY

Mercenary Fox https://www.artstation.com/artwork/b569Va

Shaman Fox ]https://leossart.artstation.com/projects/1nD34o

The combination of Koralia's and Martin's counters was enough to to slow down and eventually dissipate the incoming gravitational energy.

Almeida

Spoiler: full image and source

From: Almeida

Although Almeida had also raised Valerius, it seemed that was no longer needed “<Ohh... I thought we were going to play a game of smashing that back and forth for a bit.>” She grumbled.

As for not attacking from range, Almeida shrugged. “<We could've deflected it back again, maybe, to see who keeps up the longest? Or maybe throw more rocks at them? The dead mole also seemed to hit... Or yeah, we just go and smash them up. I just don't want to be knocked off of those bridges.>” She looked down. That wouldn't be a fun fall.

As Martin talked to her, she tilted her head, then shrugged. “%If you're talking to me, you're not speaking my language. I got no clue what you're saying mate.%” She admitted. Then she pulled out a rope. “%If we tie this to someone's waist and let them go first, we can at least pull them back up if they fall.%”

Turning to Koralia and Kiyo, she'd repeat herself. “<If we tie a rope around someone's waist, we can try pulling them back up even if they fall.>” Then she'd hold up the rope, looking around to see if anyone would volunteer to go first.

Thankfully for Kiyo the inbound attack was already stopped by Koralia and Martin. His arcana knowledge would confirm that the glow on the shields had been a magic enchantment. The undead themselves, however, he couldn't confirm too much about. It was possible they were plain monsters, some created by a necromancer, perhaps even constructs, animated piles of bones. Yet he'd need to get closer to learn more with just his arcana knowledge backing him.

Whilst Martin's arcana knowledge was lower, the use of magic and other knowledge to back him got him some different results. The skeletons themselves could be appraised, which confirmed they were [Monster], [Undead], [Skeleton], [Guardian] and [Ritual Bound]. Their shields and swords both evaded appraisal.

As Jebidiah came over to explain the situation, Almeida would ask him. “#What is going on on the other side? Are there skeletons over there as well?#” She then held up the rope. “#Also, if you're down to cross the bridge first, you can. We'll tie this to your waist and hoist you back up if you fall!#” She would offer. “#Worst case, I guess we'll need to vote on who to go.#” “%Should we vote on who to go, if nobody's wanting to try cross the bridge?%” “<Should we vote on who's crossing the bridge first?>” She'd ask the others as well.

Meanwhile, Whizzie had gone on to make a friend.

Mercenary Fox: “Sure, I'll play nice.” The mercenary would reply to Whizzie. “I've got no clue what 'fun' you're yapping about.” He sounded a tad annoyed as he added the last bits.

As Whizzie would move across the bridge, he'd enter a small cave on the other side. A large crate was blocking off further access into the tunnel.

Mercenary Fox: “First. What the hell is up with your tone? Second. Why are you here. Really. Are you truly here for just those Moles?” His eyes would seem to pierce Whizzie. “I've got a sharp nose for lies and deceit, so I'd suggest you to be honest if you want to stay healthy and safe and have a 'good time' right now.”

As Joshua was standing by alone, he'd hear some dirt fall, likely causing him to deploy his shield. Although it ended up merely being some gravel shaken loose by Koralia and Martin's counter attacks. Still, it did bring up somthing. He could technically try gather some of his minerals right here and now. Not like anyone was watching him. Right?

 

[Maxxob]

Koralia Ironjaw

Languages: "Common", "<Bestial>"
[Beastkin], [Native], [Thoroughly Petted], [Baby Eater], [Summoner Abducted], [Fish out of the Water], [Widersia Adventurer Guild F] - Color #876fd6
Point Booster: Attentive Student D
RP Goal: Obtain The Republic Adventurer Guild F asset; Downtime: None
Resilient [Surprised]

Interactions: Elvario Maverick Six Fantasy-Cat Develius
Mentions: IanThe170

Seeing that her and smarty-Martin's efforts were enough to deal with the reflected attack, Koralia let out a long, loud sigh. "Ain't that a bitch? But at least we didn't end up becomin' a colander." Shooting a glance towards smarty-Martin, she gave him a thumbs up with her thick thumb. "Nice job, old man! That there fancy-tricks ya have sure are effective." Her rumbling tone, and smirk, pointed that it was an attempted praise.

"<I dunno 'bout destryin' 'em, kitty. But we sure are gonna push their bonny asses outta way. Maybe they end up splatterin' when hittin' the bottom of that hole.>" Giving Kiyo a new nickname, the shark pointed her sword towards the deep chasm in front of them. "<That should be enough to deal with 'em.>" She concluded.

And, rolling the shoulder of her sword arm, there was a nice, and loud, cracking of bones, along with an expression of relief on her face. "Not lyin', this is the first time I see somethin' reflectin' back stuff. Glad it didn't get us by surprise or somethin'." That would have been a bit nasty. "<Yeah, fallin' from that narrow-ass bridge doesn't look fun.>" Agreeing with Almeida, Koralia started looking around, seeing if there was anything she could use to make the crossing safer.

"<So, usin' the rope as a life-line...>" Murmuring, her eyes started sliding from each of the adventurers: The newly arrived Cassidy, then Kiyo, Martin, Almeida and even Joshua at the distance. Her bestial gaze focused on a specific part of their bodies, namely, their arms. "<Ya sure these guys would be able to hoist someone up? I mean, look at the old man! Bet he would throw his back if he tried!>" The index of her free hand pointed towards Martin, before it moved to the sleeve of the one holding the sword. And, pulling it up, revealing her muscular arm, she tensed it, even without needing to flex, making the musculature bulge.

"<I have to be in the rope pullin' duty.>" She said, her tone having an edge of frustration. "<Damn, I really wanted to push those stupid skelly-dudes off that platform.>" Sighing, she turned to Cassidy. "Shaman? Ain't that the one playin' the flute that made this room bright?" Giving him a chance to hear the flute player, she continued. "We need someone to cross over and push those stupid skelly-dudes outta way. And I ain't that confident ya'll twigs for arms ain't gonna snap while pullin' the security rope. So, time to figure out who gonna cross it. Or I guess I can try to throw someone across too." That was an option too, a dangerous one.

 

[Femboy]

2
Whizziemin the Greatest

Equipped Titles: Monster, Incubus
Point Booster: Attentive Student (F)
Character Sheet
Common | #Abyssal#

"It'll be fiiine~. I have you all to trust too, don't I? Just make sure to not spend too long doing whatever you're all doing, and come get me soon enough. I doubt he'd just be sitting in this cave if he didn't have unfinished business here, so he wouldn't get far if he tried to do something" Whizzie answered to Jebidiah, the gunslinger's concern was a good sign of their reliability. Jebidiah might've quite easily come into someone trusting of Whizzie enough to not question his monster status, a good outcome without even trying.

Having crossed to the other side to join the Mercenary, Whizzie would shake his head a little when the other didn't understand the fun.
"Talking with me is going to be more fun to the both of us than either of us having to deal with the things that are elsewhere in this cave. Besides, it is the companions that I here with that'll likely come across any missing friends you have here. You don't have much reason to remain against us, when we're only likely to help you free of charge" Whizzie had first answered. Crossing his arms, his gaze had briefly drifted over the suspiciously obstructed path. Hearing out what he had to say, the concern of him sniffing out the incubus' own biggest secret was a fear. Then again, Whizzie himself wasn't trusting that the other wasn't also keeping secrets.

"This is just the way I talk, there's nothing wrong with that, is there?" he cheerfully hummed, pacing a little back and forth.
"I've only said the truth. I'm a researcher here to study the monstrous and magical, I mean no harm to you or anyone else. Opportunities for my own interest in research don't come around often, much less that I can partake in. Besides, it's okay to have secrets as long as they're not hurting anyone else, or intend to. Besides, it doesn't feel very nice to question me about secrets when I can tell you've got some of your own~" Whizzie's face would grow to a soft smile, almost devious, as he'd look back to the blocked passageway.

"Doesn't seem that normal for someone to be in a cavern of monsters, and be all defensive and agitated once people show up. So, I can keep my own personal business to myself, and I won't question yours. It's also a reminder that if you did do anything against me, you're only going to paint a really big and nasty target on yourself and everything in this cave. So for now, I'd suggest we discuss things like reasonable people, rather than start accusing eachother of business that doesn't matter to the other" Whizzie answered, a quiet giggle as he stopped his pacing. He would've liked to know what was behind the blocked passage, but he wanted to get the Mercenary working with him rather than against him.

Actions
1.
Alternate Identity (C) (Convince the Mercenary, get on his side and trust)
Alternative Identity (C), Deception (F), Seduction (F), Persuasion (F) - Name: Wicke La'Kaia - Titles: Fae, Beast - Looks the same, maybe with hiding his wings, tail or horns, but has a thematical appearance that could be convincingly passed off as one of the other races - C Grade - 3 Turn Cooldown​

 

[Maverick Six]

Martin
Mentions: Elvario Maxxob Fantasy-Cat Develius
Equipped Titles: Abomination, Human (Mundane), Construct, Expert Tinkerer, Isekai, Mad Scientist, Student of Higgs Boson F
Languages: |Common | %Analog% |

"Ah yes that's right. You know several languages yet the one you don't know is the one that is most spoken." Martin mumbled in common, this time deliberately, before replying in analog to Almeida. %"I was suggesting you be the one to go across. I am not very mobile. My options are more limited on the move."% Though as he spoke, he was deeply focused on something else.

Martin's pupils danced beneath a minute glow.

"Such strange titles on these things. "Monster", "Undead", "Skeleton", "Guardian" and "Ritual Bound." I can't see their weapons either. Either my scanning abilities are quite lacking or those weapons are too powerful for me to glean." Martin rattled off the titles as Jebidiah appeared.

"We've gone from moles to skeletons." He said.

"I have a theory. There is another party who wants something else with this cave. Likely, there is something valuable here. Hence why that mercenary was being quite tight lipped earlier. What if anything this has to do with the moles, I have yet to figure out."

He motions to the skeletons. "But these things seem to be guarding something."

He motions to the fox. "And this one seems to be a treasure hunter of some sort."

"Of course, this is only a "theory" of sorts."

Doubts were levied towards Martin's physical capacity. And he shrugs. "I am quite old indeed. My power is quite literally in my mind as opposed to this body." With his average at best strength (F) and below-average movement speed (G), Martin wasn't exactly going to get many places quickly, and not while lifting a lot. Appearances of heavy-looking armor aside that contained advanced technology to lighten the load.

Sure that he did not wish to be the one to go across, Martin decided to try something else, launching a new set of attacks through nothing more than trial and error. However, this time he didn't really target the skeletons as moreso the ground they were standing on.

And he had yet to either grant himself the equipment nor technology to augment his strength.

He chose the island to the leftmost section and began to cast a spell.

"I appreciate it Ms. Ironjaw. You must quite the sword arm to contest my attacks." At the moment, it seemed best to remain in her good graces. "I hope you're potentially ready to do so again. I'll make this one weaker. Though it may prove useful in other ways." He said with a smirk.

%"I'm going to attack again."% He warned Almeida, before he did it.

"Fissure." He clasped his hands together and then spread his arms apart -- a motion akin to ripping something open. The ground on the island would begin to rumble before.

BOOM BOOM BOOM

The ground on the islands would simply explode until 10-foot craters would spawn in the ground like artillery. The left-most area seemed to be of little importance. Matter would be momentarily manipulated until pockets of negative matter formed with positive and then violently repel one another. As the gravitational forces worked, there'd be no signs of any chemical, fire nor did anything strike the ground. [Fissure. Done 3x]

The ground beneath simply became a weapon. Or more accurately, the violent removal of the ground. If this place was unstable, he'd seek to exploit that in the party's favor.

However, a question came to mind as Martin scanned the room and the fox played his flute. Martin wondered as to what exactly was being guarded. Were there any other entrances in sight? He sought to scan the area as he contemplated potential consequences. He didn't want to accidentally prevent the party from progressing.

However, his main focus was on as to whether or not he'd managed to outwit his opponents.

---

Spoiler: Actions

Actions: 3/3

HP: 6/6 (D Grade Vitality + 3 HP BUFF)
Armor: 2/2 (E Grade Heavy)

1. Fissure - Gravity Affinity F, Magic F, Quake F, Indirect F, Energized F, Magic School F, Metamagic Range F, Knockback F - Martin manipulates the gravity in an area below the ground, causing a 10 by 10-feet ( Approx 3 by 3 meters) hole in the ground to spawn. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown (INT B + CAT C + ABL F = 10 BE) [Target. The island to the left)

2. Fissure - Gravity Affinity F, Magic F, Quake F, Indirect F, Energized F, Magic School F, Metamagic Range F, Knockback F - Martin manipulates the gravity in an area below the ground, causing a 10 by 10-feet ( Approx 3 by 3 meters) hole in the ground to spawn. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown (INT B + CAT C + ABL F = 10 BE) (Another spot on the island to the left)

3. Fissure - Gravity Affinity F, Magic F, Quake F, Indirect F, Energized F, Magic School F, Metamagic Range F, Knockback F - Martin manipulates the gravity in an area below the ground, causing a 10 by 10-feet ( Approx 3 by 3 meters) hole in the ground to spawn. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown (INT B + CAT C + ABL F = 10 BE) (A third spot on the island to the left)

Cooldowns:
Martin
F - 0 Posts Remaining
E - 0 Posts Remaining
D- 0 Posts Remaining
C- 2 Posts Remaining
B- 0 Posts Remaining


Text: #7DF9FF

 

[Develius]

---

"CURRENTLY DISGUISED AS 'CASSIDY B. FLINT'"
Languages:
| Common | #Abyssal# |
Mentions:
| Elvario [Almeida] | Femboy [Whizzie] | IanThe170 [Joshua] | Maverick Six [Martin] | Maxxob [Corallia] | Fantasy-Cat [Kiyo] |​

---

"Skele-boys now?" Cassidy replied curiously before looking out at the caverns before them, "Wuz next? Man-eating bats or sumthin?" Indeed, more of his kin were just lying around. Though from what he overheard just before he reached them they were also considered "guardians" and "ritual bound". These weren't just fallen corpses and now they apparently posed a threat to the party as a whole. In fact Martin even confirmed they appeared to be guarding something...

Though as Corallia replied to his "shaman" question, she pointed towards the fox "treasure hunter" perched up on a separate rock island to their right. Taking a glance Cassidy would indeed see who they were talking about, playing the flute as he oversaw the situation. "Ye... yeah! Dat oughta be him!" he called out enthusiastically before cupping his hands to his mouth region. He directed his voice towards the shaman. "Oi! You 'dere! Youz the shaman right? Couple o' us ran into your fellow foxy sword friend jus' a wee-bit ago! He be worried mad about'ya! We'll getcha down and take care o' deez boney boys, somehow, and take ya back to him!" Perhaps he was being a bit redundant, but any confirmation about finding their friends is enough to hopefully bring confidence to him

With that now solved and out of the way, it was time to figure out their next move.

Martin would utilize his gravity powers to try and destroy the skeletons on board, crashing gravitational ordinance upon these boney savages. Still, there was the thought of someone having to go across to investigate or deal with them up-close, so long as they had a rope tied to their waist in case they fell. Jebidiah considered whipping out his abyssal in an attempt to communicate with them, but he doubt it would be of much use against those stage to guard whatever they were guarding.

Maybe if he had some mind-control powers could he commit a whole "Lich" situation, which would be funny but wholly unrealistic...

Regardless, it became clear to him on who was probably to cross. It was risky, but with the added safety precaussions and his "secret identity", there at least seems to be a chance. He turned to Almeida. "#I'll flip a coin 'n ere and cross if none of yall wanna do it.#" he soffered in abyssal to the dwarf, repeating in common for the others, "#Just make sure yall don't slip up if I fall. Hell, maybe my abyssal speak can help tell dem folk to stop rattlin' in dere boots.#"

Should they agree, Cassidy would offer to have the rope tied to his waist before carefully crossing the bridge with steady steps... approaching the nearest skeleton with a careful glance and an arm stretched out in front of him.

 

[Elvario]

Tags and character goals:
Elvario Almeida – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Increase her reputation with the Kuridan Adventurer's Guild. | Using Downtime to have stories of her deeds spread her reputation in other Adventurer's Guilds as well. (Rounds: II)
Femboy Whizziemin the Greatest, Reborn! – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Obtain/Upgrade Republic Nobility Title. | Collect samples and research info. (Rounds: II)
Maxxob Koralia Ironjaw – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem | Obtain The Republic Adventurer Guild F asset (Rounds: II)
Develius Jebidiah Boone – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. (Rounds: II)
IanThe170 Joshua Wincent – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Obtain metals or minerals which could eventually be used to enhance his body. (Rounds: I)
Fantasy-Cat Kiyo – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | (Rounds: I)
Maverick Six Martin - Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. (Rounds: II)

Spoiler: Full images and Sources

Mole https://www.artstation.com/artwork/R3gbm

Skeleton Warrior https://www.artstation.com/artwork/mqgZY

Mercenary Fox https://www.artstation.com/artwork/b569Va

Shaman Fox ]https://leossart.artstation.com/projects/1nD34o

Almeida

Spoiler: full image and source

From: Almeida

Sharky made a point, as Almeida looked at the folk in question. “<Maybe if they all worked together?>” Even then it was a 'maybe' at best. “<Perhaps we'd have to tie the rope to something... maybe... Hmmm....>” She looked around, but couldn't really spot something that'd work well enough. If Sharky had to be on rope-pulling duty, perhaps Almeida herself would have to cross? She debated it. Although she did want to double-check if someone else dared going first.

It seemed Martin wasn't down for it. “%Oh, right! I guess I could try. I bet Koralia could hoist me up if needed.%” She'd nod, as it seemed like she was getting volunteered anyhow. She was shocked by what he said next. “%What, attack again, but...?!?%” As it didn't seem like Martin would change his mind, she just readied Valerius to deflect the attack again if needed.

Yet it wasn't needed. It seemed that the fissure attacks had indeed landed. Whilst the skeletons would move their shields downwards, it didn't deflect the damage back at the party. Instead, it seemed to negate most of the impact from hitting their torso's, having it only hit their legs. That said, it did reveal that these skeletons were relatively sturdy, as they were left mostly unscathed by the impact. The ground below them, however, was not, as the terrain was now a lot more uneven and covered in loose gravel.

When Jebidiah called out to the Shaman, he wouldn't hear a reply. Instead, the flute would just change its tune as the lights that kept the entire area lit would change a little into a more yellow-ish hue.

As Almeida still debated going, it seemed someone else offered. “#Alright, me and Koralia will drag you back up if needed, no worries~#” She'd speak as she'd be happy enough to tie the rope around him. Although depending on how tight he'd pull it, they would notice that he was unhealthily thin around the waist. You'd almost think he was all skin and bones when getting a rope tied around him. “#Mate, you should come have dinner with us after. You could really stand to gain some weight, this can't be healthy.#” She'd suggest.

As for Jebidiah crossing, he'd be able to get across most the bridge with ease, although as he got near the end, the skeleton's undead head would suddenly jerk towards him. Its hollow eyes gazed upon him and it took a defensive position.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

Elsewhere, Whizzie was chatting it up with the fox mercenary. The latter didn't seem the most eager to chat, but even though it was low-grade, the exposure therapy to Whizzie's Seduction, Deception and Persuasion seemed to slowly chip away at him. At the very least it kept him talking and paying attention.

“I'll see it when I see it.” The mercenary would reply. “Although you're relatively easy to talk too, I'm not eager to end up tricked just that easily.”

The fox sniffed the air. “It's a weird way to talk. Just like it 's a weird way to smell.” His hand remained on his weapon. “Let me remind you. We got here first. I'm the one with the weapon here. Your research excuse is... not the most believable.” It was clear the fox remained at least somewhat on edge.

When he himself was challenged, it was only Whizzie's tone of voice that saved him from triggering the fox to get more physically aggressive. “Depends on what's normal. We have a mission here that's confidential. Such things aren't the most uncommon now, are they?” He snarled a bit. “You're the interloper. You're the one trying to talk things through. So if anyone's bound to start talking, it's you.”

As for the threat, that got him to snarl a bit louder. “You think threatening me like that works? How about I return you the favour? Your group was pretty eager to leave you here. Perhaps they won't even notice if I kill you and toss your corpse into the chasm, then claim you ran off.”

He calmed himself again. Just a bit. Long live persuasion skills. “Fine. How about you at least say why you study such things? Let's hear something more convicning.”

 

[Develius]

---

"CURRENTLY DISGUISED AS 'CASSIDY B. FLINT'"
Languages:
| Common | #Abyssal# |
Mentions:
| Elvario [Almeida] | Femboy [Whizzie] | IanThe170 [Joshua] | Maverick Six [Martin] | Maxxob [Corallia] | Fantasy-Cat [Kiyo] |​

---

Guess the shaman all but confirmed his identity. Fantastic.

Almeida's comment took Jeb off guard a for a moment, as his phantom heart skipped what felt like twenty consecutive beats in a single second. Despite the amount of cloth, rags, and all sorts of filling he puts under his ragged clothing, looking down at his waist he realized he was still disturbingly thin as the rope tightened as much as it can around him. He gave an excused laugh as if he laughing at her joke, but deep down he was utterly terrified.

"#DINNA'?!#" he shrieked in abyssal almost surprised before reverting to a dismissive tone, "#Ahahahaha, I mean, naaaaah dontchu worreh. I've jus' been doin' a buncha inter-mittent fastin' is all. I knowz wut I'm doin - but uh tanks fer the offer.#" He couldn't help but give the equivalent of a brief - blink if you miss it - scared side eye to Martin as if saying "Help me! Also don't ya DARE".

Carefully crossing the bridge with careful steps, with one hand on his holster, he made his way towards the other side while eying the boney toll guard blocking the entrance. He had to be VERY careful here. Though as he got close, the skeleton jerked towards him in a defensive formation, nearly throwing his body off balance with the sudden startle as he dug his heels into the rock below. "#Woooooah, shhhh shhh... easy dere...#" Jeb growled in abyssal as he outstretched a hand towards him as if distancing a wild bull, "#No need to rile' yer ligaments so itchy-like. We ain't 'got bones tah pick with yas or uh, whatever yer guardin'...#"

With his back against the group, Jeb took a moment to extend his head towards the skeletons, just barely revealing his white skull towards his boney relatives but not to raise suspicion with the party members behind him as he said lowly to him. "#I can attest to that.#"

He then pointed towards the shaman on the rock face without disengaging eye contact with the skeleton. "#I dunno what yer guardin... nor am I mighty interested to be honest... but dat dere foxy with de flute? We need 'im back with us. Alive. Dunno wut he did to rattle yer bones but I assure ya... we won't be disturbin yous any further or whatever yer safe-keepin. Jus' let us collect him and we'll be outta 'ere in a jiffy to let yall rest in peace. Ya boys dig?#"

---

Actions:

1. Prepares his revolver just in case. [Concealment F]
2. [Diplomacy] - Convince the skeleton toll to let them get the shaman; helps by revealing his true identity - [Skeleton] + [Monster] Titles - to him.
3. -

 

[Maxxob]

Koralia Ironjaw

Languages: "Common", "<Bestial>"
[Beastkin], [Native], [Thoroughly Petted], [Baby Eater], [Summoner Abducted], [Fish out of the Water], [Widersia Adventurer Guild F] - Color #876fd6
Point Booster: Attentive Student D
RP Goal: Obtain The Republic Adventurer Guild F asset; Downtime: None
Resilient [Surprised]

Interactions: Elvario Maverick Six
Mentions: Develius

“Don’t ya worry, I wouldn’t let us bein’ hit by ‘em flyin’ bolts. Felt like they would make a number on us if they hit.” The shark replied to the scientist. Her eyes narrowed when he told her to be ready, not in aggression, but more in a challenging manner. “Hah! Bring it on, I’m ready to deal with it!” While saying that, she started to taking a more batting stance, looking ready to hit a home run if more projectiles were reflected in their direction. “<Get ready, Almy! We might need to do some battin’!>” She warned the half-construct.

“Mmm… didn’t seem to do much.” Koralia said in a rather disappointed tone, her thick tail swishing back and forth with decreased speed. Apparently, she was looking forward to hitting the attack one more time. “I wonder how we gonna get that flute-playin’-fox outta that platform. Maybe the fox can jump into that middle platform?” She asked, pointing at the very edge of the platform, where the corpse and the undead were closest to. “Thought of throwin’ ‘em a rope, but then they gonna need to stop playin’ that magic flute.” Trying to do anything above that chasm, without light, seemed way too risky.

The frowned a bit when she caught the thinness of Cassidy’s waist, almost looking sad. “Poor guy, he is lookin’ like he is only bones.” With her tone charged with pity, she shook her head a bit. “Hunger is somethin’ I don’t desire to no one.” Putting her Zweihänder away, Koralia quickly grabbed the rope, her gloved fingers wrapping firmly around the life-line. “<Did ya see how thin he is, Almy? I bet he is starvin’! We really should get ‘im some food after this. Those… cooked or fried meals ‘em humans and fae love so much. Raw would be too much.>” She added.

And, as Cassidy threaded forward towards the center platform, Koralia would keep giving him more of the rope, but not releasing it even after he had successfully crossed the bridge, in the off chance he ended up being pushed from it. “<Think we can use that dragon skull as a bridge for the shaman?>” “Think we can use that dragon skull as a bridge for the shaman?” She asked in both common and bestial. “Man… a pitty that the flyin’, pink man disappeared. He would have been perfect for his.” She clicked her tongue.

 

[Femboy]

3
Whizziemin the Greatest

Equipped Titles: Monster, Incubus
Point Booster: Attentive Student (F)
Character Sheet
Common | #Abyssal#

Whizzie intertwined his fingers as he clasped his hands together, humming quietly as he listened to the mercenary's reasoning of being present first. He still was keeping entirely silent on the actual reason he was here in the first place, which even Whizzie knew wouldn't hold up in an official Court of Law.
"We are not interlopers, we are here on officially registrated Guild business, here to investigate the area due to suspicious activity of the arrival of monstrous mole creatures. I've threatened you with nothing but the truth, but you're only currently threatening me with armed weapons and violence. You are already under high suspicions under the discovery of your presence, of which all current adventurers are now aware of. I would recommend that you calm yourself before you incriminate yourself any further. I'd also remind you that I have plans to attend to with such companions, and they are already aware of where I should be currently. If I were to become missing, you would most certainly be acknowledged as a suspect criminal. That, and your identity is already recognised by other party members by now, that and said party members will likely also locate your own companions. I would recommend you cease your threats and cooperate kindly, you are only worsening your position for yourself and your own friends." Whizzie answered, he'd at least go on to answer about the researcher thing. But first, he'd add a small comment.

"So, working with me is the easiest it'll be. Otherwise, I can likely guarantee adventurers and members of the law will be delving down here to uncover anything you may wish to keep secret, or track you wherever you may go in order to bring you to justice. I am not making any attempts to harm you or place you in danger, I am only willingly cooperating for the benefit and ease of us both".

"If it'll calm you, I am here on research purposes to study the mole creatures that have appeared here. Their abnormal size and strength must originate from something, of which I partake in interest of progressive works of all qualities; Biological, magical, or technological. Understanding into the reasoning behind the appearance, and developmental evolution, of these creatures would prove great to my own work. That, and understanding those things may help learn more about medicines and biological enhancements in order to improve the strength and stanmina of those in requirement. The scent likely derives from previous work with monsters and other things, such scents from certain... unapologetic creatures, do leave everlasting scents within clothing and property" Whizzie answered in response, hoping that would be enough to calm him down and his paranoia. Whizzie did expect he was probably doing some suspicious activity, he wasn't doing any sort of good job in the slightest in order to tone down how much of a criminal being he was making himself out to be.

1.
Alternate Identity (F) (Convince the Mercenary, get on his side and trust)
Alternative Identity (F), Deception (F), Seduction (F), Persuasion (F) - Name: Wicke La'Kaia - Titles: Fae, Beast - Looks the same, maybe with hiding his wings, tail or horns, but has a thematical appearance that could be convincingly passed off as one of the other races - F Grade - 0 Turn Cooldown​

 

[Maverick Six]

Martin
Mentions: Elvario Maxxob Fantasy-Cat Develius
Equipped Titles: Abomination, Human (Mundane), Construct, Expert Tinkerer, Isekai, Mad Scientist, Student of Higgs Boson F
Languages: |Common | %Analog% |

"Huh. I'd be lying if I said I meant to do that. I was trying to level that small island. However..." Martin said, his titanium-alloy fingers tapping against his chin. "Quite a useful discovery, if I do say so myself."

The others seemed quite a bit more well suited to hauling Jebidiah up. And he appeared to be quite lightweight. Indeed, he was a little bit too lightweight. The other two seemed to be getting suspicious.

"I'd say old Cassidy's is fine as is weight wise. Perhaps it is a spell. Or perhaps a mutation. Or maybe he is using a strange technique as some people do to achieve a feat which borders on the supernatural. Or whatever passes for it in this world." He said in common to nobody in particular, before shrugging. There were ultimately an infinite number of explanations as to why he might weigh this much. And Martin simply sought to send all their mind down the trail of each and everyone.

"A blessing in disguise, wouldn't you say?" He said, a small grin spawning on the man's face. Teeth well maintained were town Cassidy.

Martin raised his palm, and the ambient mana aligned to cast yet another spell. If they had difficulty reflecting that then a similar attack could be launched.

However, the attack never came. Martin couldn't make out a word of what Cassidy was saying and yet he'd seen that he was trying to converse. It wouldn't seem as convincing to be diplomatic if Martin was leveling the place, would it?

"I might not be able to hurt them. But I might be able to trap some of them."

Looking at those yellow lights changing colors in reaction, to Jebidiah's question. The yellow lights and changing tune almost seemed a confirmation.

"So that is our man, hmm? I wonder how he got over there. We may only need to give him enough opening to make it over here."

---

Spoiler: Actions

Actions: 0/3

HP: 6/6 (D Grade Vitality + 3 HP BUFF)
Armor: 2/2 (E Grade Heavy)

1. None.

Cooldowns:
Martin
F - 0 Posts Remaining
E - 0 Posts Remaining
D- 0 Posts Remaining
C- 1 Posts Remaining
B- 0 Posts Remaining


Text: #7DF9FF

 

[IanThe170]

Character - CharactersJoshua Wincent
Languages: %Analog%; Common
Titles: Construct; Born for This; BIV
RP Specific:

Spoiler

• Asset Goals: Obtain metals or minerals which could eventually be used to enhance his body.
• Narrative Goals: Asset Goals, with the addition of finding any neat hobbies from the other characters involved.
• Character Owned Point Boosters: N/A
• [Wanted] Titles: N/A
• [Criminal] or [Monster] Titles: N/A
• Active Downtime | Buddy Skills | Masterwork Skills | Complex Assets: Masterwork: Gatherer(Ores and Minerals)

Miscellaneous:

Spoiler

• Spoiler: Stats

  Strength - F
  Precision - D
  Intelligence - E
  Vitality - D
  Speed - D
  Character Grade - F
• Spoiler: Skills

  Resilient E (Fatigue - doesn’t need food, water, sleep; suffocation)
  Engineering F
  Survival F
  Barrier F
  Electric Affinity F
  Magic F
  Artisan Tinkerer F
  Masterwork: Harvester F
• Spoiler: Abilities

  • Electromagnetic Shield - Barrier F, Electric Affinity F, Magic F - Creates an electric Force Field around a target, which protects from damage, but may cause a slight shock when touched - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown - 1 Post Duration
  • Look, don’t touch - Electric Affinity F - Shocks upon will anyone or anything that comes into contact with it - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown
  • Mobile Battery - Electric Affinity F, Engineering F - If an electronic device can be charged, Joshua can charge it - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown - Narrator Discretion
• Spoiler: Equipment

  Built-in toolkit required for robotics/engineering of own body.
  Central Core F(Natural Catalyst)
  Gathering Set for Ores and Minerals

Joshua sat patiently and observed the boy-toy, but it seems everything was working out quite fine for it. There were a few threats thrown around, but nothing as big as the brief interaction between the cotton person and it. So surely enough it would be fine to just leave the two there, especially as the fox was rather kindly informed of them being here on official guild business. Hence Joshua would move closer to the rest of the group, making sure the land-lover was between him and the shark, as a small precaution.

As he looked over the situation at hand, he was rather surprised. It seemed the cowboy was trying to interact with the Skeletons. Joshua had no real clue how exactly necromancy or the undead in general worked, but still. Anything goes, seemingly. Perhaps a pet rock was possible here. Well, a pet rock is always possible, but one that would interact back with you. Perhaps the stone from earlier was just trying to hug him or something.

Regardless, Joshua would continue observing in silence as it seemed negotiations were happening on all sides and he was certainly not the negotiator type.

 

[Elvario]

Tags and character goals:
Elvario Almeida – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Increase her reputation with the Kuridan Adventurer's Guild. | Using Downtime to have stories of her deeds spread her reputation in other Adventurer's Guilds as well. (Rounds: III)
Femboy Whizziemin the Greatest, Reborn! – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Obtain/Upgrade Republic Nobility Title. | Collect samples and research info. (Rounds: III)
Maxxob Koralia Ironjaw – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem | Obtain The Republic Adventurer Guild F asset (Rounds: III)
Develius Jebidiah Boone – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. (Rounds: III)
IanThe170 Joshua Wincent – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Obtain metals or minerals which could eventually be used to enhance his body. (Rounds: II)
Fantasy-Cat Kiyo – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | (Rounds: I)
Maverick Six Martin - Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. (Rounds: III)

Spoiler: Full images and Sources

Mole https://www.artstation.com/artwork/R3gbm

Skeleton Warrior https://www.artstation.com/artwork/mqgZY

Mercenary Fox https://www.artstation.com/artwork/b569Va

Shaman Fox ]https://leossart.artstation.com/projects/1nD34o

Almeida

Spoiler: full image and source

From: Almeida

Jebidiah's excuse caught Almeida off guard. “#Fasting until you're that thin? That's...#” Almeida wasn't sure what to say about it. “#Pretty wild.#” That was her conclusion.

When Jebidiah approached the skeleton and started to talk to it, he wouldn't get any response in the slightest. A completely hollow stare, devoid of any type of sentience, was all he got in turn. It seemed like something had completely snuffed out any form of consciousness in these brethren of Jebediah's. In fact, the skeleton closest to him would swing its sword at the outstretched hand, only to conclude that Jebediah was still too far off and return to its defensive position.

That said, the movements and talking had achieved one thing. The other skeletons were being drawn towards them, moving their way under, over and past the dragon skull to head closer towards where Jebediah was speaking to the skeleton. Their shields all raised, their eyes hollow. None of them seeing to even register any attempts to communicate, merely focussed on moving in to defend the area from its supposed intruder. If there was any way to snap them out of it to begin with, mere talk didn't seem to be enough.

Smiling when the shark told her to be ready, Almeida lifted Valerius. “<It's a good thing I might join a baseball team! I'll be ready~>” She stated, as she got into an actual batting position. Then she called out to Jebediah, “#What are you doing out there? Are you studying them or something?#” She wondered what his plan was to begin with, just standing there without doing much.

Almeida did agree with Koralia. “<Oh yeah, for sure. I feared he might snap in half just from me tightening the rope. That surely can't be healthy.>” She was in total agreement on that front.

As for using the dragon skull, she wasn't entirely sure. “<Maybe..?>” She thought for a moment. “<Or we throw him the rope, have him tie it around his waist and then just try have him jump and hoist him up. We might have to do it in the dark or with just torch and lantern light, but I think it'd work.>”

Martin and Joshua deciding to wait out the actions of their teammates. It did give Almeida an idea. “%Perhaps we could throw across Joshua with a rope, to get the Shaman. Or can't you use that gravity magic to do something?%” She'd ask Martin.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

The Mercenary Fox was still not exactly 'at ease' with Whizzie's company. “I'm not a fool. I know how easily accessible these types of guild quests are to just about anyone. Unless you have a high-level guild request form or something, it means absolutely nothing.” He replied, sounding a tad annoyed at being taken for a fool.

He sighed. “You're yapping too much. I'll re-evaluate how well cooperating with your group goes if you manage to get our Shaman back.” He eventually concluded.

As for his work, the fox seemed to mostly buy it. “Fair enough, although I'm surprised a small person like you would come looking for them in their own lair, rather than hire folk to bring them over. Don't folk like you have some lab somewhere to dissect them in peace or something?” He'd squint his eyes, clearly still at least somewhat suspicoius.

The scent, however, was what had him most suspicious. “Unapologetic creatures, you say?” He didn't seem to get what was insinuated. “I'm not convinced yet, but we'd be going in circles. I'm pretty sure our ranger would be able to sniff you out even better and confirm or deny this. Until then, you're free to keep behaving as you are.” He'd say, accidentally revealing the job and nature of a third member of theirs.

 

[Maxxob]

Koralia Ironjaw

Languages: "Common", "<Bestial>"
[Beastkin], [Native], [Thoroughly Petted], [Baby Eater], [Summoner Abducted], [Fish out of the Water], [Widersia Adventurer Guild F] - Color #876fd6
Point Booster: Attentive Student D
RP Goal: Obtain The Republic Adventurer Guild F asset; Downtime: None
Resilient [Surprised]

Interactions: Elvario Develius Maverick Six

Listening to the explanation from smarty-Martin about Cassidy's nearly skeletal frame, the shark would raise one of her eyebrows. "Right, maybe it is that. Ya kinda sound like ya are old pals, am I right?" She asked, being a tad nosy and curious, her eyes darting towards the bridge-crossing cowboy. "Guess if he didn't collapse from starvation so far, he will be good until this is over." Or, at least, that is what she hoped for.

Then, turning to Almeida, the shark shook her head. "<Sorry, seems like I got ya hopes up for nothin'. No battin' for now.>" She pursed her lips together in disappointment. "<Smarty-Martin said that shooty-dude will be fine even if his waist looks thin as a twig. Guess they know each other for some place...>" Letting the inconsequential possibility hang in the air, her attention went back to the middle island.

She began pacing from one side to the other, clearly not used to standing around. Even more so when one of the skelly-dudes tried a fail, lazy swing against Cassidy. "Man, fuck 'em skelly-ass dudes! Push 'em into the chasm!" She said in a louder voice, knowing little about how difficult that would end up being or not.

"<Throw 'im a rope?>" Tilting her head, she considered Almeida's suggestion. "<Could be worth givin' it a try if we manage to walk close to the edge right in the middle. Then, after he ties the rope 'round his waist, we just give it a strong tug, pullin' 'im towards us.>" She approved the idea, however, trying it out depended on Cassidy's success.

 

[DarkKitsune]

🗡NAORI DESTIEEN 🛠
INTERACTIONS: Elvario

After the previous ‘adventure’ Naori found himself going into a cave in the middle of nowhere. Closer to the republic then he was his home country, there seemed to no black orbs insight though he had a way to hide himself if he needed too now. However he went in for a few reasons—one. Potential subjects, moles? Those would make interesting constructs if he could drag a body out. And perhaps there might be some materials of use in these caves. It, would also be easier to target a person and drag them out if he needs to. Whether it be them dying or dragging them out kicking and screaming. Entering the cave Naori looked around and promptly walked into one of the paths at random holding his dagger,​

 

[Develius]

---

"CURRENTLY DISGUISED AS 'CASSIDY B. FLINT'"
Languages:
| Common | #Abyssal# |
Mentions:
| Elvario [Almeida] | Femboy [Whizzie] | IanThe170 [Joshua] | Maverick Six [Martin] | Maxxob [Corallia] | Fantasy-Cat [Kiyo] |​

---

One vain attempt to communicate with his kind later and he'd find that he scored no dice. Their eyes were soulless and void of consciousness, with not a single independent thought running through their domes. "Shucks..." he grumbled irritably to himself. The skeletons didn't respond directly to his voice or identity as among them at all. At least not in a positive manner. It did however attract more towards his position, with Cassidy instinctually leaning back as one lazily swung at him from the edge of their platform. Fortunately he was far enough away not to get hit but it was evident that talk was cheap here. This was their rock and they weren't willing to budge an inch of it.

Though they curiously didn't pursue him from said rock... not even making their way onto the rock bridge the gunslinger was currently standing on.

Hearing Almeida call out from behind him, Cassidy ensured his cowl remained firm upon him as he simply shrugged. "Thought I can speak to 'em buggers in monsta-talk!" he called out in common, talking more towards the rest of the party then the dwarf herself. His stance was still firmly squaring up with the other skeletons, "Turns out ya can't seem to reason with em! They really wanna keep to dat dere rock!"

Hearing Korallia roaring how they should just push them off into the depths below, Cassidy was beginning to realize that violence might just be the way they have to go at this. Rummaging through his bullet bag, he'd switch the normal bullets to those containing [Acid Affinity F] - bullets designed to spew acid at their target. This was amongst the few new purchases he'd made prior to this assignment, and hopefully the compound strong enough to melt the boney boys to goopy slag. Or cause any damage for that matter.

"So do we start smokin' em or what?" he called to the group, wondering what they wanted to do next now that diplomacy had failed, "Cuz my trigga finga be miiiiighty itchy now... and I don'ts see any otha way of gettin' past em without sum good ole' smashin or wutnot."

---

Actions:

1. [Aim] Prepares bullets laced with [Acid Affinity F].
2. Awaits further confirmation from group.
3. -

 

[Femboy]

4
Whizziemin the Greatest

Equipped Titles: Monster, Incubus
Point Booster: Attentive Student (F)
Character Sheet
Common | #Abyssal#

"I do have a place of my own, although I prefer to work in peace and solitude for that kind of thing. I also like seeing and experiencing these environments and creatures firsthand, what sort of researcher would I be if I didn't go out of my way to witness the natural livelihood of these creatures for a full firsthand understanding?" Whizzie mentioned, learning about there being a third member of this stranger Mercenary's group. That was at least something interesting to know. But considering it didn't feel like Whizzie was going to be able to get anywhere else with discussing further, he'd look back to the bridge he crossed to come see him.

"Well, if you believe that I'm yapping too much, perhaps that would be a place to put our discussion to rest. It feels like we've spoken all there is to say, and you do not trust me on what I say. But thank you on the information, I'll be heading on my way to reconvene with the rest of my companions" the incubus answered, there wasn't much else he felt like could be accomplished here. Giving a glance back to the Mercenary, he'd have to make sure to better assure his safety as whoever these strangers were clearly wanted him pointed out for his 'weird scent'.

"If you have nothing else to say, then I bid you good day" Whizzie answered, a small glance to see if the fox really had anything else he wanted to get out. Otherwise, he'd plan his next move of returning back over the bridge to join up with the others.

Actions
1.
Alternate Identity (F)
Alternative Identity (F), Deception (F) Persuasion (F) - Name: Wicke La'Kaia - Titles: Fae, Beast - Looks the same, maybe with hiding his wings, tail or horns, but has a thematical appearance that could be convincingly passed off as one of the other races - F Grade - 0 Turn Cooldown

2. If the Mercenary has nothing else to talk about, go back over the bridge to find and join up with the others.​

 

[Maverick Six]

Martin
Mentions: Elvario Maxxob Develius IanThe170
Equipped Titles: Abomination, Human (Mundane), Construct, Expert Tinkerer, Isekai, Mad Scientist, Student of Higgs Boson F
Languages: |Common | %Analog% |

"It appears diplomacy has failed. What a shame. Yet I cannot be surprised. I have met many beyond reason, and whom only know force." Clenching his fist for a moment -- a distortion appeared around it before dissipating.

A question asked was a question answered. %"I cannot throw Joshua without harming him. I may manipulate mana freely. However, to manipulate objects directly is harder. I have difficulty manipulating mana within things directly. And the results are often violent."% Thinking however, Martin did get an idea. He didn't have any rope.

%"The rope however, strangely, that could work. Yes. Actually..." %

SLAP

He facepalmed, hand pressing against his face before sliding down, as if scolding himself. His wrinkly face stretched for a moment as his hand dragged down. "I can't believe I didn't see this sooner."

This time was short lived, however.

%"I'll be borrowing some of this" %Martin pointed towards some rope, and recited a spell familiar spell.

"Levo two." With that, Martin would seek to levitate a large bundle of rope. He could only manipulate about two pounds of material at a time. However, he could move those two pounds up to 100 feet away. A bundle of rope which had been set aside to be thrown was instead levitated across the chasm. [Levo II]

"That looks like quite the cluster. As a last resort, I may collapse the bridge, should they attempt to cross. " Martin said, making a contingency plan known. The cluster of them seemed apt to be able to defend and make a shield wall with greater ease.

In the meantime, however, a levitating rope was heading harmlessly over to the fox kin.

"You there. Fox with the flute. Grab this rope quickly. Either tie this to yourself or tie it to something firm." There was a brief moment in which Martin looked backward for reasons unrelated, however.

DarkKitsune

"I hear some activity from behind us. I do not know from whom, or what." Despite this acknowledgment, Martin remained focused on the task at hand.

---

Spoiler: Actions

Actions: 1/3

HP: 6/6 (D Grade Vitality + 3 HP BUFF)
Armor: 2/2 (E Grade Heavy)

1. Levo II -Magic E, Magic School F, Magic Range [Metamagic E], Telekinesis F, Energize F, Gravity Affinity F - Martin levitates a small object into the air within 100 feet of his person. - Grade E - 1 Post Cooldown

Cooldowns:
Martin
F - 0 Posts Remaining
E - 1 Posts Remaining
D- 0 Posts Remaining
C- 0 Posts Remaining
B- 0 Posts Remaining


Text: #7DF9FF

 

[Elvario]

Tags and character goals:
Elvario Almeida – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Increase her reputation with the Kuridan Adventurer's Guild. | Using Downtime to have stories of her deeds spread her reputation in other Adventurer's Guilds as well. (Rounds: IIII)
Femboy Whizziemin the Greatest, Reborn! – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Obtain/Upgrade Republic Nobility Title. | Collect samples and research info. (Rounds: IIII)
Maxxob Koralia Ironjaw – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem | Obtain The Republic Adventurer Guild F asset (Rounds: IIII)
Develius Jebidiah Boone – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. (Rounds: IIII)
IanThe170 Joshua Wincent – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Obtain metals or minerals which could eventually be used to enhance his body. (Rounds: II)
Fantasy-Cat Kiyo – Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. (Rounds: I)
Maverick Six Martin - Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. (Rounds: IIII)
DarkKitsune Naori Destieen - Deal with the [monster] Mole problem. | Deal with whatever [Laiod] might gt up too. (Rounds: I)

Spoiler: Full images and Sources

Mole https://www.artstation.com/artwork/R3gbm

Skeleton Warrior https://www.artstation.com/artwork/mqgZY

Mercenary Fox https://www.artstation.com/artwork/b569Va

Shaman Fox ]https://leossart.artstation.com/projects/1nD34o

Almeida

Spoiler: full image and source

From: Almeida

“<Talk about a bad pitch~>” Almeida joked back, although she was at least a tad disappointed as well. “<That's pretty wild. I'm still worried he'll just snap in half if he need to pull him up by the rope at some point.>”

Almeida nodded at Koralia. “<Yep!>” The simple plan might sometimes be the best. “<Sometimes tying them up and giving them a good tug is the quickest way to get things done!>” She'd surmise her plan.

Turning to Martin, she'd tilt her head. “%I don't think I get it, but I get enough. It's more like punching than carrying stuff then, right?%” She would try to boil down what he said to more simple terms. Except that it wasn't just like that. “%Oh? Let's go then!%” She suggested, happy enough to get this plan on the go.

Between the rope used on Jebidiah and the one now used with Martin, I'll say all available rope is currently in use.. As Martin took the remaining rope, he did manage to levitate it towards the fox. However, short after he gave his instruction, the flute music would stop.... and everything turned pitch-black dark instantly. The torches and lamp having gone/been put out by now. The only one who could still somewhat see around them was Jebidiah (greyed out zone) thanks to his Darkvsion, but the rest of the group could no longer even see him. They could barely even see where the chasm they were in front of started.

They would eventually hear a voice echo towards them.

Shaman Fox: “Got it... tied up... to...”

It echoed across the chasm. Assuming Martin kept one end to himself (?), he would see the rope being lightly tugged to show that something was tied to the other end right now. Although nobody would be able to see what had occurred on that end.

The moment everything went dark, with Jebediah waiting on the rock to see whether or not he should start fighting, he (and only he) would notice something. In the skull of the dragon, something smaller that was shining a little. On closer inspection, it wasn't really reflecting or giving light, as it was more of a slight magical glow. Oddly enough, it immediately distracted the skeletons as their attention shifted, as they moved away from him to to stand around the skull.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

Meanwhile, the Mercenary Fox still doubted Whizzie. “ A more careful one.” He would reply as to what type of researcher Whizzie would be if he wouldn't be going out to do things like this. “Hold up there.” He'd say with a snarl. “You're my guarantee that your 'friends' won't do anything funny when they find our Shaman. You're not going anywhere.” He'd put his hand on his blade to emphasize this wasn't up for debate.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

Meanwhile, Naori had been able to easily find his way to this cave system, thanks to the path have been marked rather well. He'd also been able to cross the rock into it across the river. Yet that's where things got a lot more difficult. He neither had the skills nor tools to obtain a lasting light source, only able to get a small bit of light going thanks to his fire starter kit. It meant he'd have to carefully navigate the caves in near-total dark.

At the point where he started to see even less, he could vaguely make out two directions. One to the south, one to the east. He would hear someone's voice echo from the tunnel to the east. “You there” it echoed clearly. Then something “Fox... flute... rope... tie.... tie.. firm..” It was tough to make out the words further than that.

That said, Naori could try going in either direction or try figure out a way to get some more information despite his limited sight in these dark caves. Or he could simply try calling out to whomever had been shouting on the other side.