Michelaar Posted February 2, 2022 Share Posted February 2, 2022 The trip hadn't been the easiest on Gabriela. Sitting with Ren was certainly nice, as she often felt the need to cuddle into him when she was too weak to really do anything else. Draining the mana.. so this kind of stuff can just.. happen in the outside world? It was scary to think that this condition wasn't even thinkable in the places the siren had visited in the past. The others in her wagon were a nice distraction though, and she wondered how the rest of them were faring. As she was about to ask, a loud ''Hey! Body!'' could be heard. It came from another wagon, and ahead, a body could indeed be seen. Was this the body of someone who had all of their mana sapped? It was a scary thought.. this could have easily happened to several of them in the group, if they had come unprepared. In any event, Gabriela surely wasn't going near the body. And with Ayane volunteering, the problem seemed to have been resolved anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweet podado Posted February 2, 2022 Share Posted February 2, 2022 There's only so much to do during long travels, and Ren actively finds himself meditating during most of it. The other times he's not doing so has him either comforting Gabriela and bringing her close as he wraps an arm around her, or making sure Ayane and Shizuka were also faring well throughout this excursion. At some point he even took a look at Bridgit, who's been keeping more to herself than before...aside from the fact that he's seen her inch closer and closer to where Shizuka is sitting. Interesting...veeeery interesting. Leaving well enough alone though the ex human is barely able to focus on going back to meditating when he hears the demon king call out for a body. There's an irritated scowl on his face, already having to deal with the constant mana sap from the wastes to suddenly have that be the first new update in their travels. It's not surprising to see the Fallen volunteer, with the other human following after...but he definitely perks up when Ayane does as well. "..." He says nothing, nor does he volunteer as he goes back to settling down into the wagon once more as he lets out a very long sigh. "You don't have to worry about Shizuka, she's in good hands," he all Ren tells her, but offers a hopefully reassuring smile towards his cousin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanami Touko Posted February 3, 2022 Author Share Posted February 3, 2022 Thesephine sighed. "Alright... Lucille, Ayane, Bladen. Take some potions with you, make sure your cloaks are on properly, and Lucille! No flying! Last thing we need is Vilkiss crashing because you didn't respect the wastes." It was a short flight, but the horse was likely already tasked enough. "If any of you start to collapse, and the other two notice, prioritize bringing them back over this body. Okay?" They were off to their body, then... Thesephine could only hope this was worth the distraction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercenary on the Winds Posted February 3, 2022 Share Posted February 3, 2022 (edited) Lucille nodded at Thesephine's order; flying now was a terrible idea, both because of herself, and because Villkiss also didn't really have an understanding of what the wastes were doing to her. It would be a disaster for her to take flight, only to crash, and hurt either of them, or even worse, someone else. Lucille hadn't missed the gaze of the third volunteer, another horned monster, but this one was a woman. Whether it was out of concern or distrust, Lucille couldn't quite tell. She looked over her shoulder at Seilan and smiled, "Be back." Pulling her cover up, Lucille hopped out of the wagon, and moved over to Villkiss. She quickly got situated in the saddle, and noticed that Villkiss was oddly concerned. "Villkiss, something the matter?" The winged horse seemed to be nervous. She was shaking her head while looking in the direction of the body. Lucille's eyes softened and she caressed the horse's face, "...I know you're worried about this and me, but we can't let those two go on their own. I've got you, we'll be okay." Lucille took the reins and got herself and Villkiss into position, "O-okay. I'll... follow after you two." She was already sweating a little more than normal. Heat, mana sapping and nerves seemed to be a terrible combination, but Lucille took a deep breath with gentle fanning of her face. "Just keep focused on the person who needs help... Help them get the body, and then get back to the wagon. Simple." Edited February 3, 2022 by Mercenary on the Winds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scorri Posted February 3, 2022 Share Posted February 3, 2022 Bladen quickly grabbed potions for himself but also a few extra for whoever was out there. Pulling his cover up more fully, he stepped the rest of the way out of the wagon, immediately feeling his tiredness grow. The heat combined with his mana getting pulled away left him stifling a yawn. "R-right. I'll take the lead, if you don't mind. Figure if it's a trap, I can take the hit a little better than you and your mount." Looking over at Aya, he raised an eyebrow. He hadn't exactly expected her to volunteer as well, not that he was complaining. "Aya, will you take the rear?" It was silly, to be honest, sandwiching the human in between them, but he just didn't trust her. He was most suited to be in the lead here, given his ability to take a hit and still stay standing, but that didn't mean he had to like having a human at his back. Especially one who had one just recently changed sides. If Aya could keep an eye on her as well as the rest of their surroundings, well, it would leave him better able to focus on what was ahead. "Lucille... If there's trouble, grab Aya and get back to the wagons. You'll be able to get back to get us help the quickest, and I can hold out for a while." Hopefully. After a short pause to make it seem like he was waiting for objections, he spun and started heading towards the body. It was the right plan, he was sure of that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRoon Posted February 3, 2022 Share Posted February 3, 2022 Ayane simply nodded at Ren's reassurance and smile, she couldn't help but return the smile. "See you soon then." She turned to the demon king and nodded as she prepared herself for the trek. After a short moment of taking care of that she approached Lucille and Bladen and gave them a nod. She listened to Bladen's plan closely. While he didn't outright state it she could tell he has some reservations about Lucille coming on this mission, Ayane had her own too but they were from a different place. "...very well, the rear is mine." She spoke. "But don't be mistaken, Bladen. I won't turn tail at the first sign of trouble. We all return together, end of story." With that she followed behind the human woman before her and kept her eyes as sharp as her blade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercenary on the Winds Posted February 3, 2022 Share Posted February 3, 2022 If it wasn't clear before, it was certainly clear now. Neither one of the pair trusted Lucille to hold up. Which, to be fair to them, she wasn't the best option for something like this. She had thought to go because of Villkiss being able to carry the unconscious body should they have needed it. But if they were actually attacked, Lucille was almost definitely a liability as a mage without the ability to use another weapon, and already struggling with the heat and the sapping. Really just felt like being back with Coteon forces--Being considered a liability and all--and Lucille didn't like that one bit. She did as she was asked, following behind the bird with the horned woman behind her. "I agree with her." Any semblance of Lucille's nerves evaporating replaced with annoyance, "As long as we stay together, there shouldn't be a problem." She really should have expected this, and really, probably should have just left well enough alone. Why do I even bother sometimes... Shook the thought from her head, and kept her eyes open. For once, she was the one with the vantage point. The bird was right about one thing at least, she'd be the fastest both to react, and to acquire help if they needed it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Balcerzak Posted February 5, 2022 Share Posted February 5, 2022 (edited) Jade had giggled a bit at Lavinia's declared intention of mercilessly exposing their passengers to PDA, but when she shifted topics to the issue of the 'mares, that was where she sobered up. "No, you're right to worry. When I crossed in the past, I was using regular horses, I didn't get these lovely ladies until Morwen's, remember? But... The silver apples I give them are highly concentrated with magic, so that should keep things in check, even if I have to make the feeding schedule more frequent to compensate. They aren't cheap, but..." the merchant sighed and leaned against Lavinia lightly, "I have sufficient supply and will just have to bite the bullet and swallow the cost of resupplying once we get to Hwein." When Tres showed up though, that was completely unexpected. On the one hand, the fact the dumb, lovable beast was still obsessed with her was a warming feeling, on the other hand, a bit more logistical strain... Well, Marina should be pleased by this. The three of them, five of them?, had had some fun times together. Jade had naturally assumed a body, alone and abandoned in the wastes, would have been long dead, and was inclined to tell Lavinia they should just drive on by, but the matter had just as swiftly been taken out of their hands. "Well, I guess we're doing this, good idea or no now," she murmured as the three musketeers volunteered for the job in the wake of Thesaphine's loud call to action. She readied her rifle as they went to investigate. Edited February 5, 2022 by Balcerzak Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scorri Posted February 5, 2022 Share Posted February 5, 2022 Lucille's response to his plan was, well, short. Ayane's had been expected, protesting the idea of running away, which was expected, honestly, but he hadn't expected the pegasus rider to object. He frowned slightly, knowing he wouldn't be able to argue against both. He figured that Lucille was offended that he didn't trust her, but he wasn't exactly losing sleep over that. As long as she agreed to cooperate, she could be as short with him as she wanted. Drawing his sword, he shook his head. "Fine, we all go back together." He slowly moved forward, approaching the collapsed figure, looking for any signs of life. He knew the chances of this being either a trap or a waste of time were significantly higher than any of the other possible outcome, but he couldn't run away. Close enough now to see the figure more clearly, he called out, "Hello, you! Can we help?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakezuGD Posted February 9, 2022 Share Posted February 9, 2022 Bladen's call would find no response. It was difficult to see exactly what kind of person the body was, fallen on their front as they were, a long cloak draped over most of the rest of them... but should his eyes be sharp enough, he could notice that the figure wasn't entirely immobile. The slightest attempt to crawl forward with one hand, away from the party approaching them. Even still, that they were being unresponsive didn't bode well for their condition, likely on the verge of passing out, or worse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRoon Posted February 9, 2022 Share Posted February 9, 2022 The lack of response worried Ayane as they approached, the figure even tried to crawl away from them. With a small frown on her face she approached the mystery person and kneeled to them to take a closer look. "Be at ease. We're not looking to kill you, so long as you say the same..." Though after she had said that she wondered if the person could even answer her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercenary on the Winds Posted February 9, 2022 Share Posted February 9, 2022 The person was alive; that was a positive at least. She could be happy about that, but strangely the figure tried to crawl away. Lucille didn't say anything, electing to leave it to the bird and the horned woman, and instead had Villkiss stretch her wing over the fallen body. Give the pair some cover, while she kept an eye out in the direction that the figure had tried to crawl. The sapping effect, and heat were worse now that they were off the beaten path. But Lucille remain focused, fanning herself with one hand, carried forward by an element of spite. There had to be a reason they were crawling away, and she needed to keep an eye out for it. Maybe they were frightened by the bird... or something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanami Touko Posted February 9, 2022 Author Share Posted February 9, 2022 As the group approached the body... The individual seemed to still be alive. Not rotting or decomposing, but giving off the faintest glow. Their worries would be put elsewhere for the moment, as Villkiss took a step closer, a crack resounding from the surrounding area... A line began to open in the ground, the entire wastes starting to crumble around this body, a hole opening, and widening, at a frightening rate! "... Jade. Jade! Drive!" Lavinia had realized what was happening already, urging the zombie to start their cart again... Thesephine had already cracked the reins and was trying to drive around them. "Lucille! Bladen! Ayane! Get on her pegasus and fly away...!" Thesephine's voice began to fail as she saw just how quickly this collapse was happening, and coming to them. The ground beneath their rescue group's feet was already fading away... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakezuGD Posted February 10, 2022 Share Posted February 10, 2022 Nashwa wasn't very enthusiastic about having to stop for a body, but they couldn't just leave someone who might still be alive out there either. She didn't want to risk her own mana in the endeavor, on shaky basis as it was, her hair having returned to its disparate black and red hues from the brief moment it had been all its natural red. A good enough moment to check her equipment with things being halted... ...but that didn't last for long, a sudden call to get going, accompanied by a daunting cracking noise from all around. "H-hey! What the Hel's going on? This place gets earthquakes!?" It didn't feel like she imagined an earthquake to feel, though, hastily getting her things strapped and slung to make sure they'd stay on her person. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scorri Posted February 10, 2022 Share Posted February 10, 2022 "Dammit. DAMMIT! LUCILLE, GRAB AYANE AND GO, I HAVE WINGS OF MY OWN!" Sparing a glance down to the body on the ground, he growled. "If you can spare the weight, take our body here too." Looking back over at Lucille to check, he saw her going to grab Aya and let out a small sigh of relief. Time to go then. A moment of concentration, and there came his wings. They spread out to their full width, flaring out wide as he jumped up into the air, wings pumping, once, twice, thrice... And just when he thought he was clear, ready to fly, he felt almost as if his magic was wrenched away from his control. This wasn't like the normal way he lost control of his wings, no. One second his magic was there, the next moment it was completely gone. Not slipping away, not there but out of his control. Just gone. He flung his hand out, as if he could somehow fly without his wings, almost hovering for a moment as his momentum carried him upward, but all too soon, gravity called. And then he was falling, directly down towards the opening gash in the ground. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercenary on the Winds Posted February 10, 2022 Share Posted February 10, 2022 It all started happening in an instant. The ground beneath their feet was disintegrating, heralded by a crack. It didn't take more than a glimpse of the wings on the bird's back for Lucille to know exactly how she was going to have to do things. Didn't even have to wait for Bladen's command; Ayane, and the body were now first priority, and then him, if he needed the assistance. Villkiss was already prepared to take flight, her concerns from earlier wholeheartedly warranted. "Ayane, if you think you can grab the body, and get them up here, then do it, if not, then just get aboard!" They weren't going to have a lot of time to figure things out, they could only do what they absolutely could. The bird assured them that he could fly on his own, and out of the corner of her eye, she was sure she'd seen his wings form. But out of that same corner, she saw the depression open, and someone going down. Oh stars above, I have to be dreaming. She said it to start, and if nothing else, she kept to her word. "...Ayane, forget the body! We don't have time, we have to get him!" Lucille reached out her hand, as Villkiss started to take to the sky, "Hurry up!" If Ayane moved fast enough, maybe they could rescue the situation, but it would be incredibly close, if not impossible with a passenger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRoon Posted February 10, 2022 Share Posted February 10, 2022 Everything happened so fast, the ground started to give way around them. Ayane took a small groan as she inwardly cursed her own luck. But of course she couldn't die here, not until she completed her mission. Bladen gave his plan out to have Lucille carry her and the victim out of danger, Ayane agreed with them both. She rushed to the body and quickly picked it up, if there was one thing she thanked the curse for it was the strength it came with. With the body in her grasp she rushed to the pegasus. She had no time to hesitate, no time for words. She simply acted and hoped it would be enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Balcerzak Posted February 10, 2022 Share Posted February 10, 2022 (edited) Swearing softly under her breath, and wishing she had the luxury to calm down with a smoke, Jade thrust her rifle into Lavinia's lap, whistling to alert her 'mares and get them started into action while she grabbed the reins to provide additional guidance. "This was a bad idea from the start, it seems." Then calling back specifically to address the fallen star and her other passengers, the zombie added, "Brace yourselves, things may get a little bumpy." Edited February 10, 2022 by Balcerzak Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelaar Posted February 10, 2022 Share Posted February 10, 2022 It all happened so fast. The tired feeling Gabriela had was quickly silenced by the screams around her. What was happening? An earthquake?! ''W-wha?! But what about Bladen.. Ayane, and Lucille?!'' She looked and a worst case scenario was occurring in front of the siren's eyes. The timing was suspicious to say the least. Just as people leave their seats, the earth starts to quake? As if that was a coincidence. But those thoughts too were quickly drown out by the scene happening in front of Gabriela's eyes. Bladen's wings didn't seem to be working, and he was falling into the opening that appeared on the surface. The siren must have gotten delirious from the atmosphere, but without thinking, she got up from her seat and took wing. Her magic may not work, but her wings could hopefully still carry her far enough to save Bladen. As fast as she can, she zoomed to where Bladen was and tried to grab him.. anywhere! If there was even the smallest chance to save him, she would take it.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanami Touko Posted February 10, 2022 Author Share Posted February 10, 2022 The carts started to run, the group trying to escape. Gabriela shot towards Bladen, diving to rescue him, her hands reaching his shirt... But the heat. The weight of another body, the magic of the wastes sapping against her will... Despite her best efforts, the hole was coming closer, ever so slightly. Ayane had grabbed this pour soul, trying to reach Lucille's pegasus, but as her hand reached out towards Lucille's... The woman suddenly started becoming more distant. The ground had left Ayane, the oni plummeting into the hole, along with the person she'd grabbed. "Faster... Faster...!" Thesephine was snapping at the horses, trailing after Jade's cart. She shot a glance to the side, the gap in the ground expanding furiously towards them. "Oh... Oh, Goddess Hess, it's going to catch us...!" Whatever sink hole their weight had opened up was growing at an intense speed. Unless they managed to speed ahead through some manner... They were all going to disappear into whatever waited below the wastes. "Bumpy is fine!" Lavinia cried out, looking back just in time to see Ayane disappear into the hole. "No! No, dammit... A-Asami!" Lavinia called back towards the other carts, hoping someone had the ability to-- "H-Hey! Suki! Don't!" Amera was panicking, Lavinia getting up and looking over the cart, in time to see the wolf running straight towards the hole. "Wh-What is she doing!?" "I don't know!" Amera shouted over, trying not to freak out more than she was. It didn't help that Suki jumped right into the hole, after Ayane. "No!!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoldsbroTSG Posted February 10, 2022 Share Posted February 10, 2022 (edited) Marina had kept an eye out regarding this... downed body situation. While she let the trio who backed out of the carts do their thing, she was readied up in case of a situation. That's when... everything went awry. Before she knew it, the ground was collapsing, Ayane was practically dragged into... whatever was below, Gabriela, Bladen and Lucille all trying to fly out, and the carts all trying to make their way out. She barely had time to think, what would she do...? Then suddenly, Suki started booking it, towards the hole. Well, now was better a time, than any. Marina looked over to Seilan, and nodded. "I'm not leaving our people behind," Damn it if someone challenges her feelings on this one. These were all her comrades now. With a deep breath, and some faith in herself, Marina took a step and jumped from the wagon she was on, breaking her fall with a roll. Quickly getting herself up, she ran and took the leap of faith, Faith don't fail me now...! Edited February 10, 2022 by Silver Gallade Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercenary on the Winds Posted February 10, 2022 Share Posted February 10, 2022 Ayane made her attempt for the body, and in an instant, she was joining the bird on a one-way trip to the bottom of the wastes. Others reacted quickly, Marina and another beast girl both hurried out, and were making their attempts to grab the falling duo. Gabriela had also taken wing, and she had the same idea. No matter what... it seemed like Lucille's only destination was down. "Villkiss... I'm so sorry to do this to you, but we've, we've got to do what we can." Lucille had no clue what the heat and sapping effect was like for her partner, but it was either take the risk, or potentially let people get hurt or worse. Villkiss was panicked, but what else was new for the pair? For once, her small stature would be reasonably helpful; she could probably accommodate two people, but she likely wouldn't be going up if she caught anyone. Catch the closest person as quickly as possible... that seemed to be Marina, and maybe having a passenger as she descended into potentially the gate of hell itself would keep her nerves from melting with the rest of her. She could also keep an eye out while Lucille focused on flying. "Marina!" Lucille reached out her hand, hoping that she wasn't going to be too late to catch her too. There was just way too much going on. What the hell is going on?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoldsbroTSG Posted February 11, 2022 Share Posted February 11, 2022 (edited) "A-Ah!" Marina's hand was suddenly caught. Now she's dangling, and with a gaze at the deep darkness below her, she started to regret her gusto. Fear built up as she stared into the void. But... I have to go! "L-Lucille, let go! I gotta get Ayane and Bladen!" She tried shimmying out of Lucille's grip, "I'll be fine, I promise, I don't want to drag you down with me!" Edited February 11, 2022 by Silver Gallade Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercenary on the Winds Posted February 11, 2022 Share Posted February 11, 2022 (edited) Lucille looked down, and then back at Marina telling her to let her go. Lucille couldn't quite see the bottom, if there even was one. But there it was again; while not the same thing as what the bird had said, it was close enough that Lucille had heard enough. "Yeah, okay, you can go get the two of them. So, question. What are you going to do when you just keep falling? Have you thought through the second half of this plan?!" Lucille squeezed the girl's hand as tight as she could--which unfortunately, wasn't very tight--and tried to pull her up. "Where the heck do you think I'm going?! Do you think I'm running?! I'm GOING AFTER THEM! You can't drag me down if I'm GOING DOWN THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE!" Lucille used her foot to urge Villkiss down into the growing abyss, and pulled her other hand off the reins to help pull Marina up. Marina had let the lid off the quietly simmering pot that was Lucille's temper. Only she wasn't simmering anymore; she'd already dealt with Ayane and Bladen doubting her, now Marina was here trying to go rescue the two of them by herself, while Lucille was right there, and willing to help. She was at a full boil now. "First the bird, then Ayane, and now you! Unbelievable, mmm, what exactly are you going to, hah, do by yourself?! There are two of us, urgh, here! So we are, going, to, get them, TO-GET-HER!" What a terrible day. Edited February 11, 2022 by Mercenary on the Winds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanami Touko Posted February 11, 2022 Author Share Posted February 11, 2022 (edited) The hole continued to expand... The ground giving away intensely, this area likely having grown weak from years of travel across whatever gap was buried beneath the soil... The horses, not even Jade's nightmares, could outrun this. One cart after another began to fall into the opening abyss, screams from their passengers echoing, as those flying managed to catch several, but the heat and the sapping of the Wastes... They all began to descend, slowly, but surely, into the void below... Despite falling such a long way... Thesephine shook her head, waking up, seemingly undamaged... And neither was the cart she had been driving. "What... What, the heck...? S... Sollowy...? Sollowy? Solly!? Where are you!?" Her eyes began to adjust to the surprisingly well lit interior of this oddly colored space. A light blue adorned the walls, carved smooth and shaped into bricks, but without any of the rough texture associated with modern brick work. This made no sense. Surely the fall would have killed them, yet, she was fine, more than fine, not even injured, the cart undamaged, the horses-- "Well, okay, that's weird..." The horses were gone. So was everyone else... Wherever she was, no one had fallen with her. Not even Sollowy... She was right next to me... What, what happened? Where is she? Deployment! Rules: - You may deploy in any quadrant of the map (Top left, bottom left, bottom right, top right) - Only 4 may deploy in each quadrant (any odd PCs leftover will be placed after we hit 20 deploys) - you may deploy anywhere in the quadrant - 4 NPCs may be deployed this map, one per quadrant Edited February 15, 2022 by Mel the DM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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