The Irish Tree
Snowdrops
Silverstein
Majoraa
Izurich
AwesomeZero5
PaulHaynek
Rezod92
@Enkryption@Polaris North@ReusableSword@The Irish TreeNPC(s): Lapis
Lapis was taken aback by the sudden shift of demeanor on display by Scarlett. Most of what she’d seen so far was the woman behaving like a wild animal, crawling up the tower like some feral feline. She was also grossed out by her sudden puking during the ride to the village. Thankfully, she was able to clean off any gunk that got on her boots with her command of the elements. That aside, the woman standing in front of her barking orders had the air of someone seasoned and confident in the field.
Like Xashan and Roze. Perhaps, even, her…brother? The thought caused her eyes to widen a bit. Snapping herself out of her thoughts, she noticed Scarlett generating an alchemic spear in her hand, declaring she was going “fishing”. ”....? I, I don’t understand? You out of nowhere start barking orders, then you decide to go hunting? Are you touched in the head?”” She uttered. Though, it seemed her words would go unnoticed, as Scarlett left to search the outer reaches of the surrounding forest. While still taken aback, she felt there was something more to the alchemist’s actions. All she could do was let out a sigh and turn back to the others. Lapis didn’t appreciate being called a “bleeding heart” and “Miss Clown Hat”, but for now, she’d let it slide.
”I swear, that lady is as haughty as she makes my brother out to be. Well, Mr. Tilnak, it seems she wants us to play around in the mud while she fishes for lunch.” She said, turning to the insectoid Belua. ”Still, I can at least appreciate the importance of strengthening the village’s defenses. I guess you guys are going to back her up? ” She looked at Shavis and Hector.
The noble sniper had seconded Scarlett’s proposal to divide tasks in order to prepare to deal with the encroaching beasts. Lapis looked on as Hector summoned a tiny wisp and had it tail Scarlett to keep an eye on her. She figured that this method would probably work better, as Scarlett seemed like the type who didn’t want to be bothered while on the field. That’d be best…for now
The scarred alchemist having now left, the village elder turned to Shavis and Hector. ”Most of our manpower has been dedicated to repairing damaged homes and gathering resources lost due to the beasts. I’m afraid that we don’t have much to spare, but if needed we can provide some able bodies to aid you in the hunt.” He said ”That’s quite alright sir.” Lapis responded, with a friendly smile on her face. ”Your settlement has been through enough, please just focus on rebuilding. My associates and I should be more than enough to handle the rest!”
–
Scarlett made her way further into the forest past the village’s boundaries. During her trek, she would see reptilian footprints scattered in various places. Along with them, the surrounding trees and boulders were covered in claw marks. She would have to tread carefully, as it was doubtful that the Makara would take kindly to an intruder. With spear in hand, Scarlett eventually found herself in front of a large lake. The surrounding area was covered with a thin fog, giving it a surreal and precarious air. As she drew toward the water’s edge, she began to hear a loud slapping sound coming from the water. The fog made it hard to see where it was coming from, but it sounded like it came from near the lake’s center. Her spear at the ready, she got close enough to where the water touched her feet.
At that moment, a large erupting splash washed over the alchemist. It was accompanied by a guttural reptilian screech. A large specimen of the aforementioned beasts instantly pounced on her. Scarlett was able to react quick enough to stab the beast in the shoulder, but it didn’t seem to bother it much as it bit down on hers. Due to Scarlett’s unique composition, the beast didn’t get much for its trouble, and Scarlett was able to kick it off of her.
The beast quickly got back on its feet and hissed. It appeared Scarlett’s fishing trip turned into a deathmatch. While she focused on the beast in front of her, ripples and bubbling could be heard behind her coming from the lake. More roaring and hissing sounded from the water; the hiss the first made was it calling for help! Unless Scarlett did something, she would soon be swarmed.
Hector and Shavis may have been nearby and sensed the danger, especially with the wisp the former used to tail Scarlett. If they were quick, they may make it in time. They also had the suppressants given to them by the alchemist. Perhaps it would be wise to use them and come in for a sneak attack against the incoming swarm.
–
Lapis and Tilnak had set up the village’s defenses by combining their earth and water elemental abilities. By working in tandem, it didn’t take very long for them to create a hardened barrier that separated the village from the expanded territory.
”I hope this works…” Lapis stated, looking over the barricade they made whilst taking care of any finishing touches she saw. ”Your command over the elements is impressive, Mr. Tilnak! Though, I suppose that shouldn’t come as a surprise.” She said, complementing her comrade.
Before they had time to further converse, a louding snarling sound could be heard. It was followed by a large claw appearing on the top of the barricade. ”Oh no!” Lapis and Tilnak witnessed a few of the aquatic creatures start to come down from up the mud walls they made. ”Oh crud! Scarlett’s plan didn’t account for them being good climbers! Hachigan, to me!!” At that moment, Lapis’s little familiar began to grow in size, adopting a brand new and more menacing form.
The creatures that descended were already on them. With a bellow of its own, Hachigan began whipping at the creatures with its powerful tentacles, attempting to snatch them up. Lapis provided support by attempting to freeze the creatures in place. Tilnak would see a couple coming for him as well, and they would overtake him unless he acted quickly.
@PaulHaynek@Silverstein@FrogRFlowRNPC(s): Evelyn
Evelyn looked at Einer with a blank expression as she was led out of the office by Einer, which quickly turned to one of annoyance. ”That jerkface! I swear, I’ve never known anyone to raise my blood pressure so many times in one day!” She snapped. ”I thought we were supposed to be a team!!” Walking past Einer, Eve stormed down the hall. She didn’t bother asking which direction they went off in, since she’d likely be able to trace their mana signatures, especially Asterope’s.
Catching up to them, Eve and Einer caught them discussing what they’re next move should be. ”There you are, you little runt!” She hissed at Leon. ”What’s the idea, sneaking off on your own. Trying to take all the credit for yourself?” She was silent for a moment, a sharp glare locked on the knife-eared Fae. ”I caught the gist of the convo you were having. Sounds like we’re all going to tail that worker over there, then stick it to those thieves. Sounds fine to me, ‘bout time I got around to roasting some droogs.”
The group then waited until closing time, watching the workers leave for home. Josef also bade them a farewell as he trusted the mission to the reaver team. They eventually spotted the worker Leon tailed with his mind knife, he appeared to be looking around to be sure the coast was clear. He then started to make his way further into the valley. The group carefully tailed him, being sure to avoid his line of sight and drawing no attention to themselves. Eventually, true to what Leon had analyzed, the worker stood in front of a pair of boulders deeper into the canyon. ”Hey, it’s me, Camil, let me in.” After making his presence known in front of the stone wall, the boulders suddenly parted ways, being accompanied by strained grunting. “Come on in,” said a voice. The worker known as Camil walked through the opening, which was promptly closed behind him. The group slowly made their way toward the entrance, as they’ve finally reached the crux of their quest.
”It’s about time, I was SO fed up with sneaking around. It’s just not my style...” Eve whined. She was the first to walk near the stone doors. ”Seems this place is members only.” She said, channeling a bright vermillion energy in her palm. ”That’s fine, I have my own pass right here!” Eve, without even consulting the rest of the party, decided to force her way into the hideout. In a brilliant flash of light, the stone boulders were completely obliterated. The force generated a wind and blew at the rest of the party, having only narrowly evaded the incoming debris.
“What the hell was that?!” Said a voice. Quickened footsteps could be heard heading towards the blown apart entrance. Several cronies came out, they appeared to be armed with magitech blades and guns. “Dammit, that shitcock Camil was followed. Take ‘em out!” Another one yelled. They began firing on the group, starting with the fiery fledgling witch. ”Crap!!” She uttered, quickly scrambling onto her staff to dodge the incoming gunfire. The bullets that missed their mark had left the earth scorched as they made contact with it. The impact craters were also quite larger than one would normally expect, so it was probably a good idea not to get hit by them. Eve retaliated by shooting plasma energy at her attackers. ”Fall to my radiance!” She exclaimed.
Meanwhile, on the ground, several blade wielders began charging toward the rest of the group. Various blades began radiating either fiery or electrical energy. If the party didn’t want to be chopped into charred pieces, they would need to act now.
@Hammerman NPC(s): Ruecian, Rozemyme
”Based on recent events, we don’t believe that will be the case.” Rana said, finally speaking up. Her words held a sober stoicness with them. ”While the monster has actually attacked a few other regions in recent times, it has never appeared in the same area more than once. This should be just a routine purification task.”
”Indeed. The official was next to speak. ”Rana sums it up perfectly. That is to say, of course, efforts are being prepared to deal with the beast when it next appears. Right now, there hasn’t been any rhyme or reason to its sightings. Now then, if you all didn’t have any further questions, Rana will accompany you to the contaminated zone. If you would…” He mentioned toward Rana.
”Yes, we’ll be off now. Follow me please.” Rana said, ignoring Lanus’s leering eyes as she led the group to the designated spot. The group trekked out of the tent they were in and were led deeper into the forest. As they ventured further, a sickening feeling began to wash over them. Rana herself, despite her best efforts, couldn’t hide the anxiety she was feeling being back in this place. Gods dammit all, why are they keeping in this terrible place? She cursed to herself. Eventually, they arrived at a scene that showed the true devastating effects of miasma.
The foliage and vegetation in the area had completely died, leaving naught but purplish rotting ash in its wake. The air was murky and made the atmosphere dim and unclean. ”This…” Rana was hesitant in her speech. ”This is the main area the rot has affected. We’ll start the purification process here.”
As she addressed the group, twisted hands began to sprout from the ground. They didn’t look like hands, but they weren’t quite claws either. They were some sort of hideous, incomplete appendage that couldn’t decide what distinct form it wanted to take. Violently erupting from the earth, hideous figures came into view. They were grotesque creatures that were made up of rotting muscle and bone, and appeared to have three skeletal heads. They also had whip-like appendages that sprouted from the back of their necks. They bellowed with a vaguely humanoid moan. ”Shit!” Rana managed to spit out.
”Roze, that’s our cue. Let’s clean this up. Lanus, Rene, keep up and provide support when needed. Team up with Rana.” Rue said, generating a lance of ice in his hand. As two creatures began drawing near, they were instantly beheaded by the Belua’s icy weapon, he then charged into the fray to take down more. ”Rue, you’re always rushing headlong into everything, taking your strength for granted.” Roze said. ”To me, Devion!” Her command summoned a large eel-like creature to her side. With a shriek, it began to charge rime in its mouth. ”Sublimate these pests!” Devion let loose a stream of ice that froze the monsters to the point where their bodies shattered into little pieces.
As the two veterans went to work, more of the creatures sprouted near the other three. Wasting no time, they were already drawing near Rana. Panicked, she began to prep a spell, but because she was caught off guard she may not be able to cast it in time to save herself. The Fae couple would have to quickly improvise a plan of attack.
