DUNGEON ♛ LEBEDCHE LAKE

[boardmaster]

LEBEDCHE LAKE
20 JANUARY (DIANTHE) 2016

Commander Lisbrand greets you with a grim expression when the Heroes gather outside of the forest cave. The Heroes are tasked to set up anti-magic explosives provided by Lisbrand Technologies and Gammon at the entrance. On the commander’s signal, loud bangs fill the air, shattering the barrier. A freezing wind howls like a banshee, sending chills down your spine as if to warn you. Turn back now.

Lisbrand remains steadfast. Judging from what her scouts brought back, she informs the Heroes that this dungeon is unlike the others they’ve faced. Mana activity is off the charts, only one scout made it back alive from recon, and… her brother’s in there. Please bring him home safely.

Basic info on the dungeon can be found here. Dungeon mechanics can be found here. All OOC questions about the event may be directed to the thread below.

ONE ♙ Mirror Mirror
According to Commander Lisbrand, anyone carrying large amounts of mana can now enter the dungeon. Not only that, but you are also able to see every other Hero who entered too. Convenient, but peculiar. In any case, with the help of mana crystals provided by Gammon, Lisbrand’s coming with you.

The path beyond the chamber where you found Alumina is decidedly different. As you proceed, the rock walls turn brittle and clear. You are now in one of the glass tunnels located underneath Lebedche Lake. Dusty footprints are on the glassy ground.... Someone has been here before, and very recently, too.

The glass creaks underneath your weight but it holds. For now.
Follow the footprints and you will reach a spacious intersection. There is a figure calmly waiting for you on the other side with their back turned. No matter how sneakily you approach, they whirl around and you come face to face with… yourself?

MONSTER ♟ Chilling Reminder
Weak against What you’re weak against	Strong against What you’re strong against	Immune to Water
This ice monster is best described as your own reflection. They know everything about you, from the way you talk to the way you walk. They know every skill and spell in your arsenal. Whatever your weaknesses and strengths are also their own. But they also represent THE WORST IN YOU. They constantly CONFUSE others and TAUNT you, reminding you of your ugly, shameful soul. Beware: they can also transform into your other allies in the middle of a fight. Watch out as they try to SMASH the glass tunnels around you for a decisive end to this battle. Strangely enough, the surrounding water will not seep into the tunnels. Instead, it will suck you in and DROWN YOU IN AN INSTANT, and your allies will have no way to get you back. DROPS: Ice Shards, Broken Mirror, Fake Weapon Fragments, Illusion Powder

Once the last monster has been defeated, the deafening silence returns to the tunnels. Take a moment to breathe, heal and check on your fellow Heroes. If you see someone shivering and shaking, help by warming them up or drying them off. You don’t want to remain drenched in the freezing temperatures.

TWO ♙ All the world’s a stage
At the end of the winding glass paths, you reach the underside of the crystal swan which recently appeared. There, you find a theater stage, and the curtains turn into solid blocks of ice once Heroes enter. It will take more than a powerful fire spell to get out of this one.

The black swans outside are still circling the construct above, but you are safe underneath the surface of the lake. If you look past the glass walls, you can watch the fish swim by sunken boats. It’s eerily calm, almost beautiful especially when snowflakes begin to drift down from the ceiling somehow.

A shattering noise sounds behind you and several crystal staircases appear. On top of them you will find…

MONSTER ♟ Pas de Deux
Weak against None	Strong against None	Immune to Attacks
A troupe of disfigured ballet dancers that come in pairs. Parts of their body are missing or bent in unnatural ways. Their feet bleed as if they’ve been DANCING FOREVER. Their morbid dance HYPNOTIZES their audience to face the same fate. Attack them normally and they will instantly TELEPORT to the other side of the room. The key to victory in this battle is dance itself. Together with your comrades, you must DANCE WITH FEELING. Only by dancing as you attack them will you be able to land a hit. But if you do not take this seriously, painful CUTS will mysteriously appear on your body. Don’t get served, Hero! DROPS: Tin Soldier, Tin Heart, Crystal Spangles, Book of the Eternal Dance

As the final curtain falls for the dancers, the crystal ceiling will shatter, opening the way to the crystal swan above. As you try and catch your breath, the frozen curtains melt to reveal Alumina and Lisbrand.

	Lisbrand Alumina, it’s not safe here. This dungeon is an anomaly; we don’t know what might happen to us. Come with me!
	Alumina Fleur? …No! I need to find Ledo and Nerea! You should go back! I’ll be fine. This is something I have to do. Unlike you, I’m... [ runs away ]
	Lisbrand Alumina! [ runs after her ]

Where are they going? Alumina is a civilian, so you must send them out. But as you try to follow the pair, you lose them in the light...

THREE ♙ The Swan Prince
In the chamber of the crystal swan, pale sunlight filters in, illuminating three figures. An angry Nerea and a crystal projection of an amused Princess Katya seem to be in the middle of a one-sided argument. Nerea’s voice rises, which makes the beautiful white swan huddled nearby flinch back. It weakly lifts its head towards the Heroes, pleading with far too intelligent eyes for an intervention.

	Nerea This isn’t what you promised!
	Katya Oh, but it is. You wanted Alumina to yourself. I gave you a love potion.
	Nerea That killed her.
	Katya So I gave you her mana, which you put into an automaton you stole.
	Nerea Made me steal.
	Katya Haha. [ smirks ] You wanted Ledo out of the picture. Again, I gave you a love potion. Made him a swan. You wanted to bring Alumina back to life, so I asked for thirty eyes, forty limbs, fifty hearts...
	Nerea But Ledo’s as well?
	Katya I do not see the problem. He was to marry your beloved Alumina, no? So get rid of him. Marry him, crush him, take his company and give it to me. That was the deal. See it to the end.
	Alumina [ enters with Lisbrand ] Nerea! Ledo!
	Lisbrand Ledo? [ glowers ] Princess Katya… Explain yourself, Nox!
	Nerea It’s not what it looks like! I’m— I’m trying to save Ledo! Alumina, Fleur, please… Please believe me!
	Katya [ cackles ] Oh, that’s rich! Nerea, hurry up and kill that swan! Before he takes your beloved Alumina!

As Nerea hesitates, a relieved Alumina rushes towards the swan. Nerea falters.

	Katya Heh. You bore me, Nerea. Here I thought you would get your happy ending. You disappoint me. Ah, but fifty is enough for the next part of the spell. Now, Ledo... Awaken.
	Ledo [ the swan twists its body uncontrollably, screaming in pain. for the first time, it is able to speak. ] A...lu...mi...na… Run...

BOSS ♟ Ledo de Lisbrand
Weak against ???	Strong against ???	Immune to ???
“The real Alumina died. Nerea killed her. She killed everybody. I tried to tell someone—-anyone. But no one heard me. It was so cold. No one listened. I tried to stop them… before their hearts were stolen too.” At Princess Katya’s command, Ledo de Lisbrand has transformed into a grotesque union of a human and swan--Alumina even comments that he looks like an angel. His stances are similar to his sister’s, whom Heroes have trained and fought with long enough to notice. His GUN’s cursed bullets contain RANDOM ELEMENTAL AND STATUS EFFECTS. His SWORD strikes also DRAIN you of your energy. Katya’s hold on his mind is strong… Thankfully, two of the most important people in Ledo’s life are also here to assist: the automaton Alumina with a giant gatling gun she lifts with surprising ease, and your reliable commander Fleur de Lisbrand. Together, weaken him to bring him to his senses! “I’m sorry, Alumina. I’m not an angel. Lisbrand Technologies is my life. Fleur loves this country. Blanc and my family’s legacy… They will not fall by Noir’s hand. I will destroy you all. Katya, Nerea… My Servants, attack them.” Ledo’s AUTOMATONS join the fray. A MECHANICAL BUTLER uses a large iron hammer to crush any living thing in sight. A MECHANICAL MAID stands at the back to throw cursed mana crystals at the Heroes, which will either debuff you or explode! Decommission the pair quickly. “I always knew you were an automaton. You looked like her, spoke like her, and you even had her mana… but you and the Alumina I knew felt different. Even so, I could feel your love. It was so different, yet so real… and I thought that was beautiful.” Ledo will swoop into the air, spreading large weathered wings in an attempt to escape attacks and Alumina and Lisbrand’s gunshots. Aim for those unnatural wings to bring him back to the ground! “You had me drink a love potion, Nerea, but the moment you cursed me, you said that I never had your heart. It was then that I remembered who did…” DROPS: Enchanted Swan Feathers, Mechanical Heart, Noble Cape, Butler’s Suit, Maid’s Dress, Iron Hammer, Cursed Mana Crystals

Finally, Ledo sinks to his knees. He’s shaking, gasping and looking as if he’d just survived a war. Blood, sweat and tears trickle down his face. He coughs and clutches his chest in agony. A dungeon core slips through his fingers and clatters to the ground.

At the same time, Ledo begins to topple to the side. Alumina cries out and catches him before he can hit the ground. Although weak from the battle, Ledo looks at Alumina with a tender smile.

	Alumina [ flustered ] Why are you looking at me like that? I’m not the Alumina you want...
	Ledo [ chuckles ] I never said you had to be.
	Nerea [ looks as if she wants to approach, but frowns and doesn’t. she tightens her fists. —which open when Lisbrand cuffs her. ]
	Lisbrand Nerea Nox, you are under arrest for treason, murder and grand larceny. Heroes, take her. [ a couple of compliant Heroes—perhaps you—take Nerea into custody, and she lets them. she stares into the distance as she slowly realizes that everything she’s done has been for nothing. ] I should have known it was you, Katya.
	Katya You should have. I suppose that’s why the swan is inheriting the company. As for Nerea… [ at the snap of her fingers, Nerea disappears from your grasp ] She has a lot of potential. Ahahaha! Heroes, you must be wondering why the dungeons are like this… Or, well, how I know about dungeons at all. Just so you know, you’re not the only ones the gods favor! Ah, you all look as tasty as you did before… I can’t wait to see all your faces in the months to come! [ as she starts to cackle, Lisbrand stabs the mana crystal, ending the feed ]

After Lisbrand puts her gun back in its holster, she and the Heroes prepare to set off with Alumina and Ledo. The army will come to fetch them in large boats at the dungeon entrance, she says. She also reminds the Heroes that Nerea Nox is now an enemy of Blanc. Alumina begs Lisbrand not to speak any further—even the Heroes know what fate lies before Nerea. Lisbrand suggests that perhaps it is best to rest her mind for now. That goes for the Heroes, too.

Comments

yew geneolgia | bishop | open as all hell

[geneolgian]

i - i am a shadow, the true self;

[ All in all, Yew can't say he's a stranger to something like this. He'd already confronted a certain yokai back in Luxendarc who'd do the same sort of things to pry her claws into people's emotional wounds and lay them bare for all to see, all with a sneer on her face and taunts flowing from her mouth. Who'd force him to relive one of his most painful memories by re-enacting it right in front of him, force him to face his cowardice. But that was then, and this is now. Now, he does not have the stalwart support of his dearest friends Tiz, Magnolia, and Edea. Now, he does not have the asterisks that he'd carried and used, their tiny but collectively significant weights in his bag serving as a reminder of what he'd accomplished (and how much there is left to do). Now...all he can do is try to face forward as best he can, because that's what he swore to himself and to everyone else, even if the "everyone else" he originally intended to refer to aren't even here.

That's why anyone stumbling upon this sight will see two Yews engaged in a duel, identical rapiers drawn and clashing, the metallic clangs resounding throughout the area. Only one of them however, projects Yew's usual attempted confident attitude, but with a certain twist to his normally optimistic personality that makes it a little too clear just which one of Yew is the real deal, spewing verbal venom with a cheerful smile on its face. ]

Playing hero without your family name hanging above your head...this world is the perfect place to run away to and deny everything, wouldn't you say? No more of being shackled to father's legacy, or stifling family rules that led to your brother's life being ruined, courtesy of you.

[ Another clang of blades meeting. He won't deny things. He'll face them head-on because that's what he vowed to do. The words thrown in his face still sting, and though his teeth are gritted, he doesn't say anything in return as they fight, blades clashing against each other. Not yet, at least. ]

But there's one thing you can never deny. You know what I'm talking about, don't you, Yew Geneolgia?

Sh-Shut up...

[ Yew finally mutters, and then sucks in a breath as he braces himself for the next strike (both physical and verbal). The smile on the mirror image's face grows a little wider as its words grow louder, its strikes increasing in force. ]

The blood in your veins! You hate it, don't you? After all, it's absolutely awful to carry the blood of men who unleashed a deadly plague. Men who used fear and murder to climb their way to the top. But don't worry...I'll spill it for you!

[ Unfortunately, his reflection's skills are his own skills, its spell knowledge his own knowledge, its weaknesses and strengths his own weaknesses and strengths. Yew knows that things can't go on forever like this, as one of them has to give at some point.

When he hears the footsteps of someone else approaching while locked in combat, Yew glances back at the source for only a moment (out of desperation? out of distraction? or out of a faint sense of hope that someone else is not only there, but there in another sense of the word that he would appreciate right now), which is all the opportunity that mirror image needs to swipe at Yew's feet and knock him on his behind. ]

Gah!

[ A hand or two would be appreciated. ]

ii - we can dance if we want to, we can leave your friends behind;

[ Facing his mirror image in the tunnels shook him up, to say the least, but he needs to press on. People are in danger, after all, and...he might know more than others just how acutely painful it feels to lose a brother. He doesn't want Commander Lisbrand (or anyone else, really) to go through that, ever. A quick Analysis of the enemy dancing pairs brings up some information, namely that they're apparently immune to...attacks in general, and a quick swipe at one of them only causes them to teleport away in the blink of an eye. How fun. ]

Well, they're apparently immune to attacks.

[ He says, a little unimpressed with the situation, because that is just plain unfair. But if this dungeon is anything like the other dungeons he's tackled here in the past, party members will have to do something with each other to be able to proceed or land hits at all. Can it even be called a battle if one side can't even be touched? After all, with both dancers and combat, it takes two to tango...

...two to tango...

Yew turns toward a nearby party member and smiles at them, offering one hand while the other is pressed against his chest. ]

May I have your hand? I have an idea, but please forgive me if I'm a little rusty. It's been quite some time since I've brushed up on my lessons.

[ Despite his station here, he still is the son of a noble family. ]

wildcard;

[ Need some mana exchange? Food? Discussing post-dungeon implications which he might be all too happy to provide some nerdery about? Anything goes! Feel free to PM me or poke me at chlorophylls or chlorophylls#9203 at Discord if you want to reach me to hash anything out. ]

ii - thank goodness because they're no friends of mine

[notwagging]

[ eh? keaton looks positively stunned. nevermind the whole mirror image deal being a pretty perilous and annoying trial, but now dancing? does he look like a dancer or at least equipped with a skill set that could enable him to be a fluid mover and shaker? heck, he's basically got two left feet as it is and the only reason he doesn't trip over himself is because of getting distracted by potential treasure...

... which is why he doesn't really look interested in joining Yew in any sort of activity. ]

Nah. I'm leaving.

[ and then he grimaces, immediately recoils and lifts up his sleeves. cuts on his arms, even on his face, appearing out of nowhere? the realization dawns on him as he dabs at them that maybe, MAYBE, he has to participate. ]

... you better lead, then.

[ grumpy wolfface on, he takes Yew's outstretched hand and huffs. ]

[geneolgian]

All right.

[ THANKS KEATON........is what he would think if he didn't change his mind so suddenly. (No, he totally thought that too, even if Keaton agreed in the end.)

Grumpy wolves remind him a little of someone back home he's fond of (despite the utter mess that divided them for a time), so the grumpiness isn't too offputting. In fact, he's more curious about the more...literally fluffy aspects of the other young man. ...Is he a Dogmancer of sorts? Or just an actual beast person...?

Those questions can wait, though. As promised, he takes Keaton's hand and pulls him closer. ]

I take it you're not a fan of dancing?

[notwagging]

[ for what it's worth if Keaton were to be on fire, he would be the true blazing wolf! no imitators allowed, thank you. also, it'd be pretty cool to have an asterisk for Dogmancer, wouldn't it? ]

No. What's the point of it? If I want to impress people, I'll do it on the battlefield. [ he licks his lips, looking down at his and Yew's feet. ] Besides, I don't think I'm really cut out for it.

[ he allows himself to get pulled closer, looking a little mystified though his tail starts to wag. though he looks like he may not like the act of dancing, he's not really sure of it himself! ]

I hope the dancing will keep us safe. I don't want to get cut again.

[geneolgian]

[ If Keaton was on fire, he'd be a literal blazing wolf, which would be pretty cool, but they'd also have a lot more to be concerned about, in that case.

As they are right now, Yew lets out a small, light laugh upon hearing him say that. God, it really is like talking with Janne all over again, down to the distaste for all the fancy formalities and the eagerness for battle. He can't say he's wrong either; Yew himself isn't a fan of the dances and attempts-to-impress politicking of the upper crust either, and Keaton doesn't seem like the type to be cut out for dancing at all.

Still, onwards and upwards. One of the dancing pairs is closing in the distance, and Yew takes a few waltzing steps towards it, though trying to keep his pace slow so that Keaton won't fall behind. ]

If my hypothesis is correct, it should. It's time for experiment number one!

[ Revealing himself to be a nerdlord right off the bat. Smooth. And by that, he means that he lets go of one of Keaton's hands to step back and draw his rapier from the sheath instead, slashing at the enemy in one motion. Fortunately, it doesn't teleport away from them this time, and he doesn't seem to have suffered any cuts so far either. ]

[notwagging]

[ he seems enthusiastic. that alone enables Keaton to dance along, keeping his steps in time with Yew's. of course, he is watching their steps instead of what's ahead and that action receives his full attention as Yew pulls his rapier out and slashes almost in time. part of the dance, almost! and that's what gets Keaton's eyes to widen slightly, tail staring to swing rhythmically... a furry metronome? sort of, kind of.

for someone who had a preconceived disdain, he's enjoying the fighting part. that'll do, Yew. that'll do. ]

Me next! [ the hand that was left free is now able to swing and he barely scratches at the other dancer. that earns him a frustrated grunt and shake of his head, ears twitching. ]

... dang! [ he snaps his gaze back at Yew, puffing his cheeks out slightly. ] Next time, let's get even closer. I can't help without a weapon.

[geneolgian]

All right.

[ Yew nods, his own gaze falling upon the wagging, furry metronome that is Keaton's tail (how helpful and fluffy!) and—

—no, no, focus. They're still in combat, technically, even if they are dancing. One, two, three, one, two, three. Something else Keaton mentioned catches his attention, though. ]

You didn't bring a weapon?

[notwagging]

Well, I have one. It's not like a sword, axe, lance, bow, or even a tome of magic. Look down.

[ they're wrapped around his hands, the pink collars with the pointy nubs, though they don't seem to hurt Yew--- in fact, to anyone Keaton deems friendly or not dangerous, they're just as soft as the innocent leather straps. ]

I was told reach means a lot in combat, but I rather just rush down someone and beat them before they get a chance.

[ sadly, he can't play by his own rules. hence the dancing.

but two more couples approach and Keaton gives Yew a look of determination. ]

Can you twirl me, like they do in some dances?

[geneolgian]

[ ...Collars? Wrapped around his hands, like knuckles, maybe. If it's a magic weapon, then they probably also have extra other handy abilities as well. As he's learned throughout his travels, even the most ridiculous abilities and occupations could turn deadly when placed in the right hands. ]

O-Of course!

[ Without further ado, he takes a few more steps, removes one of his hands from Keaton, and then raises his other arm as high as it can go for the sake of completing a successful twirl, standing on his tip-toes for the extra boost in height if he has to. (He's still a growing boy! Don't judge him.) ]

[notwagging]

[ such magnificence, such grace! and he's glad that Yew is going the extra distance by standing on the tippiest of toes in order to help Keaton with his equally elegant swivel on the balls of his feet. yeah, maybe he's a little off balance but that's fine--- with his other hand outstretched in a fist, he clubs one of the opposing dancers right in the face with those deadly looking spikes, leaving huge marks as he strikes true.

then, he grabs Yew's hand and resumes the dance... stepping in rhythm, one two three, eyes widen with surprise. ]

... did I do good?

[ though he quickly spots the second of the pair about to counter. revenge for it's friend or possibly to show them how it's really done??? ]

Whoa, watch out!

[geneolgian]

You did gr—Waugh!

[ Unfortunately, Yew's praise will have to be cut a little short thanks to the nearby enemy about to counter. Since it's trying to retaliate thanks to having its dance partner, it lashes out with a grotesquely bent limb, which is the last thing either of them need on top of the cuts received earlier. Infected wounds can be dangerous, after all. Thanks to Keaton's warning, Yew hurriedly parries the strike with his rapier and lunges forward, dragging Keaton a bit along with him; although not in perfect form, it gets the job done, and that's one dangerous target eliminated. Sharp eyes and ears, doggo. ]

...That was a close one! You have a very keen eye.

[notwagging]

You think so? I mean, of course I do! I'm glad you finally realized it!

[ though he looks a little disappointed, his tail bears the truth--- it wags quickly, breaking the rhythm that he had set at the beginning. of course he has good eyes and generally good reaction! he is a wolf at heart, in soul, and ears and tail. ]

But you're a pretty good dancer. I guess I'm lucky, I can't think of many who have these kinds of moves.

[ though Keaton is pretty apt at the art of conversation while fighting. speaking of, another pair approaches, but their movements... they're dancing to a different beat. it's oddly metered, steps taking odd patterns of duple and triple. there's still a pattern to be found but it's very unlike what they're doing. ]

Huh. I can't keep track of them.

[ and unbeknownst to to the Wolfskin, he's trying to match them instead of Yew, taking a step forward and getting a foot caught in between the other's. ]

i - i'm you, you're me, we're a happy family?

[foxhands]

[It seems Nakigitsune arrived just in time, considering what he sees in front of him. Immediately he rushes in, drawing his sword to block what he assumes to be the fake Yew's next attack.

Did you want battle support? You've got it! Did you want verbal/emotional backup? You might be asking too much. Still, he's a talented enough swordsman to keep up their opponent at bay for a bit, even if the sword he's got isn't a magical one, and manages to get out a word of...maybe not encouragement, but it's close enough, right?]

I'll help you.

[geneolgian]

[ Backup of any kind would be welcome right now, even if it's not verbal/emotional. All he needs is someone to be there, to know that he's not alone (because that's what he really can't stand, in the end). ]

...Thank you.

[ His gratitude is sincere, and he even manages to turn his frown upside-down just a bit as he scrambles back onto his feet, grabbing his weapon and immediately preparing a spell as Naki holds the mirror image at bay. ]

I'm...It's fast, but its defense is a little lacking.

[ In other words, all they need is a really good shot or two to take it down, because if it really is supposed to be him, then it shouldn't be the best at taking hits. (Unfortunately. He himself still has a ways to go.) ]

aaaahhh

[foxhands]

[Lacking defense, huh? He nods at the information, deciding to try pushing back to see if he can knock the mirror down. While not exactly a heavy hitter himself, Nakigitsune is speedy enough to keep up, and has the added bonus of...not being you. Which means he could probably get in a few surprise hits, somewhere?

He's trying, anyway. He's an experienced swordsman! He can manage this! As long as the enemy doesn't have any surprise spells or anything up his sleeve.]