DUNGEON ♛ SALAMANCA TEMPLE

[boardmaster]

SALAMANCA TEMPLE
20 MARCH (NARCISSA) 2016

Once a grand place of worship for the ancestors of the Alfersa, the thousand-year-old ruins of Salamanca Temple returned to their full glory overnight. However, it also seems to be teeming with ancient reptiles long thought to be extinct. As the Heroes enter, it’s clear that the multilevel temple is a prime example of the artistic achievements of its time. The rooms are lush with plantlife that creeps in between the cracks of marble tiles and statues of Gladia with serpents at her heel, and the walls are covered in paintings and bas-reliefs depicting a famous epic about the Alfersa’s victory over all reptilian creatures.

The majesty of Salamanca Temple almost makes one fact easy to forget: it was most infamous as a site of magic… and human sacrifices.

Our Heroes know that there’s only one way to get out of here: find and defeat the boss!

	Lisbrand I’m sure you’re all aware, to some extent, that in addition to the war with Noir, Blanc must deal with threats within its own borders. These are what we call dungeons, and we only have a basic working understanding of them. Think of them as natural phenomena. Your task is reconnaissance and retrieval of the mana cores believed to be hidden in the deepest part of the structure, but you will likely encounter resistance. [a gesture to her side] Secretary Verdoni has more details about the nature of the structure. Secretary, if you would.
	Verdoni This is Salamanca Temple, a sacred and important site of cultural heritage to the Alfersa. Grand temples such as this were supposed to fill the devout with hope, but the Gladia of old was not always a benevolent goddess. Gladia’s Alfersan cult was infamous for its taboo sacrificial rituals. As a result, this temple is shrouded in frightening rumors and legends. Over the course of its bloody history, many atrocities were committed over the most trifling matters... The most famous is the tale of Moura Serpente. Perhaps you Heroes will have the chance to personally witness the truth behind these hallowed walls.
	Lisbrand Our scouts are incapable of exploring the structure the way this task force can. Therefore, you will be the front line in this mission. Your issued magical weapon will grant you immediate access to the temple once you approach the entrance. [and just to be safe, she gestures again. some of the Blanc soldiers who have tagged along for support functions march their way towards the appropriate door] Base camp will be established just outside the temple, in the event that you need to leave the area.
	Verdoni Which means that the Airy will be here for a while. Once you finish the dungeon, you are free to retire to your quarters. If you don't feel like riding the ship again, then walk. The journey to Caissa on foot will take a week at most. I suggest heading north to spend the evening at the city of Polgar. I suppose walking is a good thing for you Heroes; we will not always have the luxury of air travel.
	Lisbrand We will be breaking camp in the evening to rendezvous with Airy, so if you are not out of the dungeon by that time, you will be walking back to Caissa. [a pause] But I expect a number of you will do so anyway. This country is on full alert, and traveling by foot should be relatively safe inside our borders, but I hope I don’t need to tell you to be vigilant. I will expect all members of the task force back in Caissa by Lathrya 8th. Heroes, move out!

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 ♙

When you enter the temple, the flooring is surprisingly weak — wait, no. That’s a trap. And those are your screams.

You land in what seems to be the vast and sprawling corridors of the temple’s basement: dark, dank, and full of rats. But it’s more than just that — the smell of blood is thick in the air, and every so often, you might hear cries of agony. Magic circles, dried blood on ornate daggers, and tables with unspeakable tools for keeping mouths shut and human limbs in place… something tells you this is exactly what Verdoni warned you about.

MONSTER ♟ Lizardman
Weak against None	Strong against None	Immune to None
Men cursed to roam Enprise in a LIZARD-LIKE FORM by the goddess Gladia. Some conspiracy theorists say they aren’t cursed. In fact, their kind was the first to inhabit Enprise before the Alfersa arrived on a giant spaceship! But locals will squint and silently judge if you honestly believe this. These ANGRY, ARMORED lizardmen are equipped with BLADED WEAPONS and their surprisingly exceptional prowess in COMBAT. Their TOUGH SKIN and SHARP SENSES set them apart from your average human soldier. If you grab one by the tail, he’ll simply chop it off and grow one right back! But you might want to go ahead and take the risk — in alchemy, LIZARD TAILS are known for their regenerative properties. Their WEAPONS, SMELLY ARMOR, TAILS and LOINCLOTHS may be acquired as loot.

Once you make it back to the first level where the laity worship, you’ll be met with... more lizardmen. But not all hope is lost! Find the switch on one of the many life-size Gladia statues to open the hidden door behind the altar and proceed. The switch’s location may vary for each party.

TWO ♙

Only the clergy may enter the higher levels of the temple. Before they do, they must wash themselves in the pools of holy water that flank the entrance. These pools are so rich in mana, bathing in them will even replenish your own. As you splash around, you realize you’re not alone. Red and black lizard-like creatures emerge from the depths of the pools with eyes alight with fire and smoke blowing out of their nostrils. Looks like they woke up on the wrong side of the bed!

MONSTER ♟ Salamander
Weak against Water	Strong against Ice	Immune to Fire (except salamander fire)
In Enprise, salamanders are not amphibians, but FIRE-BREATHING reptiles the length of crocodiles. They have sticky pads on their feet that enable them to CRAWL UP WALLS and LEAP on unsuspecting victims. We hope your spars with the feathered inhabitants of Airy prepared you for this. When COOKED, a salamander’s MEAT can BURN ANYTHING that consumes it. However, it can only be cooked with SALAMANDER FIRE. It’d be wise to keep one alive to cook the rest. We suggest using the FLAME on the tip of its tail — less teeth and much safer. The SALAMANDER PARTS and MEAT may be acquired as loot.

At the other end of the room, there is a door with… teeth? That breathing sound isn’t your imagination; the door is very much alive and will chomp at anything that gets too close. Time to get creative. Behind the door is a staircase to the next level.

THREE ♙

Among the rooms on this level filled with treasures of wines, weapons, gemstones and gold is a large shrine with an imposing 20-foot tall statue of Gladia, a thick needle, pieces of cord and a scroll rolled out on a raised pedestal. Written in old Chernovian are instructions in poetry that varies for each party: Heroes must make a necklace out of the eyes of snakes and offer it to the statue. Those who did their research will be familiar with this practice: by doing this, you are giving her all your bad luck and having her bless your journey ahead.

You’ll need all the luck you can get because the moment you finish reading the scroll with your eyes, hundreds of snakes begin to slither out Gladia’s eyes, nose and mouth.

MONSTER ♟ Alfersan Snake
Weak against None	Strong against None	Immune to Poison
“Hissss...!” Men who were transformed into snakes by the goddess Gladia. Alfersan snakes are HOSTILE and VENOMOUS, but their powerful venom is also known to create the most potent of antidotes. Some adventurers might hate snakes more than others, but you Heroes can do this much, right? The SNAKE PARTS and VENOM can be acquired as loot.

Once the necklace is complete and offered to the statue, the statue will turn, revealing another staircase to the next level.

FOUR ♙

Men weren’t the only ones punished by Gladia. One thousand years ago, the priestess Moura grew envious of a higher member of the clergy, whom everyone preferred over the selfish, narcissistic Moura. What did that woman have that she didn’t? Consumed by these negative thoughts, Moura transformed the woman into a snake and chopped her into pieces for Gladia, praying that the goddess would hear her plea.

In an instant, Gladia answered: “All your life you have lived a lesser being, so a lesser being you shall become!” With these words, the goddess cursed Moura with a head of full of venomous snakes. Ashamed of her appearance, she locked herself up in the temple to fully devote herself to Gladia. They say that Moura lives up to this day, waiting for Gladia to grant her salvation...

As our Heroes enter a large, circular room at the top floor, they will see a desolate young woman muttering the prayers beautifully inscribed in gold leaf on the walls. Olive skin, pointed ears and amber eyes — there’s no doubt that she is Alfersa. As she raises her head and meets their eyes, she greets them with an eerie, twisted smile.

And so do the snakes in her hair.

BOSS ♟ Moura Serpente
Weak against Fire	Strong against None	Immune to Poison
“You are not from this world. … Ehehe… Ahahaha! Oh! Oh, praise Gladia!” Believing the Heroes to be her divine retribution, Moura wastes no time. At the snap of her fingers, a GIANT SERPENT crashes into the room and slithers to its master’s side. The serpent is strong and quick, and when Moura hops on its back, she is nearly untouchable. Strike its soft UNDERSIDE to get some damage in! “To deliver judgement and receive judgement — that is why I exist. I live for no one but my goddess...” The SNAKES ON HER HEAD are a deadly force on their own: they can extend, retract, and even change color according to Moura’s mood. Moura can also use them to get around. When the snakes sink their teeth into your flesh, their bite can either POISON or PETRIFY. The venom will grant its victim DIZZINESS and NAUSEA. We hope you stocked up on antidotes. The remedy for petrification, however, is A KISS ON THE LIPS. One from your true love won’t have any special effect, but that’s rather sweet of them, don’t you think? PRAYING to Gladia — even if by just talking or asking her for anything — will grant you a temporary RESISTANCE TO POISON. “Why? Why do you listen to their prayers and not mine? … Heh… Gladia did always favor the pretty ones!” If you are PRETTY, Moura with direct her rage at you and chase you down. And if everyone is pretty? She’ll take down the prettiest first. To make matters worse, swarms of ALFERSAN SNAKES begin to crawl over the Heroes to distract you and restrict your movements. Don't fret; the TORCHES in the room will help ward both snakes and Moura away. “My goddess, is this enough...?” When you deal your final strike, Moura appears unharmed. But she falls a second later, sprawled on the marble floor and looking up at the ceiling. Slowly, her eyes close and her chest stills. Is she at peace? A glowing object rises and floats above her chest — your first DUNGEON CORE. MOURA’S ARMOR and TOMES ON STATUS MAGIC may be acquired as loot.

You may exit the temple by going back the way you came or jumping out the hole Moura’s serpent made. Falling to your death won’t be a problem — the giant serpents of the temple see you as their new masters. They will catch you and let you hop off their backs once they reach the ground.

FIVE ♙

Salamanca Temple is in a secluded area, so the Airy is parked at an open meadow. Walking back involves cutting your way south across the jungle and crossing the river. We hope you brought a map and a compass! Both are available for purchase on the Airy. The Airy will leave for Caissa on the evening of the 20th. It will arrive in Caissa on the 22nd.

For those who want to explore, the jungle gets thicker as you head north until you find winding stone paths that lead to the city of Polgar.

LOCATION ♟ Polgar

Although Polgar is a city relatively untouched by Blanc’s technological advances, it remains one of the country's largest urban centers due to its TOURISM. The city is home to the ALFERSA, a matriarchal society similar to that of the Amazons, in which men are often relegated to housework and manual labor. Most Alfersa believe that machines are no replacement for good hard work and prefer to live alongside NATURE, though small clockworks and machinery do exist in certain parts of the city. TROPICAL FLORA blankets Polgar and its architecture. There are many TEMPLES and SHRINES here dedicated to Gladia, Lathyra and Oubliette, all well-kept as the Alfersa are proud of their heritage. For the gods, their faith does not waver. Some of their festivals last entire months, with the celebration moving from shrine to shrine in resplendent procession. Polgar is also a popular tropical GETAWAY; its spas, resorts, restaurants, hot springs and brothels are all well-known and high-class, staffed by beautiful men and women and catering to all preferences.

Comments

#TEAM_MESS (Tieria, Sion, Emil, Shinn)

[sunderings]

[ The flooring gives way with an echoing groan, a shriek, and as always, Sion Astal lands on his feet. What isn't the norm (though perhaps it is swiftly becoming as much, what with how many times the other man has come to occupy the bassinet of his arms!) is the extra weight he carries, though he does so with ease, supporting Tieria's back with one arm, and with the other, the narrow bend of his ward's knees. Dust billows, yet, from the chasm in the ceiling above, the slats of light which filter through from the first level of the temple casting long shadows throughout the vault they've fallen into. But regardless of the tumble and the nature of their welcome, all parties are well.

Or well enough, at least. ]

Emil, Shinn. [ Rats scurry around his feet as he shifts, turns his head, the lambent gold of his eyes making long, gleaming trails in the dank blackness as he surveys the area surrounding and knows it for what it is: a place of ritual and of sacrifice, something none too dissimilar from the crypts where he'd once ordered that forbidden magic be carried out, regardless of loss of life. Still, the light of Sion's gaze is cold, seeing only opportunity when he looks upon ornate daggers, their blades caked with old blood, and it is after setting Tieria down that Sion comes to possess one, turning it once over in hand. ] Have you your bearings?

[ Are you in need of aid? is the unspoken question as he searches for some pillar which might be climbed, footholds which could be used to scale, anything but the singular passageway which exits the room for it feels too much like they've been funneled into a trap.

But if there is no other way, so be it then. ]

Collect anything which might be of use, and let us move out.

[impulsives]

I'm fine.

[ Well. He's as fine as he can be, anyways, considering he managed to land on his two feet too. Sometimes he's thankful for the fact that he's... genetically modified because this drop would probably be worse if he didn't have his reflexes. But well, if there's anything he can note about this place.

It's that it's dank as fuck. And that it smells like... well. Less a battlefield and more a slaughterhouse.

Ugh. Still, Shinn's just dusting himself as Sion addressed him. And he's just going to move to pick up an ornate dagger that's stuck a few steps away from him. It's... not really sharp, but anything pointy is good enough for him right now in addition to his mostly useless 'weapon'. ]

[buildyourworld]

[ Dropping from trap door while you're wearing glass slippers is probably not the best idea ever. It's like jumping from the second floor in heels, part 2. So, he's thankful that somehow, he has manages to land on Sion instead of both his feet because it would have been hell to break his ankles upon entry. He stands and flexes his ankles a little once Sion sets him down, nodding, surprisingly calmly (for Sion anyway) due to their situation. ]

I'm alright. Thanks.

[ He looks around, checking to make sure Shinn and Emil are fine before he steps forward, nose wrinkles at the horrendous smell of this place. Rats everywhere... he certainly hope there's no disease awaiting them here.

The place isn't familiar to Tieria but even he could tell that this must have been used for something disgusting. He could recognizes some of the torture device as he picks up a pair of smaller, blood coated dagger. Frowning, he scrapes those blood off with the daggers after fiddling with them with deft hands, finding them of good use despite the duller blades. It's better than being unarmed. ]

Everyone stay close.

[forbothofus]

[Emil handles the sudden drop like someone used to falling. (Dragon riding 101) He lands on his feet and staggers over the uneven ground. His carrier growls and sinks claws into his jacket. It takes only a moment to understand Pomelii's protest. When Emil catches the overwhelming smell in the room, he tenses. A glance towards his comrades confirms they are all right, and the only other presence in the room is the rats.]

I'm okay. [His voice sounds deeper - more stern - from disapproval, perhaps. Although he’s spent a fair amount of time in monster lairs, those were always… cleaner. Humans are so cruel and needlessly messy by comparison. And dark magic is offensive to him by nature.

Emil avoids any contact with the bloodstained instruments. He's doesn’t appear scared of them, rather, judging by his grimace, disgusted by their previous use. There’s an aura to the room that sets him on guard - monsters tend to gather in places that suggest a meal, like sharks to blood. His stance is straight and alert, hand resting on the hilt of his sword, listening intently to catch any sounds besides the scurrying of rodents. The metallic smell is thick, but he takes a deep breath to check for other scents: damp fur, oils from scales or feathers, active magic, and other immediate dangers.]

Watch the rats. If they scatter, it may mean a spell has activated or a predator is coming.

[sunderings]

Doubtless, some manner of foe is already on its way.

[ Not that he, of course, is perturbed by the fact. Rather, it is quite the opposite: the Hero King boasts an air of confidence and calm so pervasive that it seems startling, stark in contrast to Emil's disciplined stance. Coupled with that acute measure of focus, the way his hand rests at the ready atop the hilt of his blade, the younger man's insight is surely a testament to his familiarity with combat (use any and everything as a resource, even the rats), and as Sion strides past him, making way to the passage at the far end of the chamber, he catches Emil's eyes, nodding his head in a silent measure of thanks even as his briefly mind strays, wondering at what great battles his comrade has seen, what trials he has faced.

But now is hardly the time to share stories, and it is with a precise economy of motion that Sion tucks the dagger he'd claimed away, into the collar of his boot, before drawing Guiding Light from its place at his side, for the hall before him is steeped well in darkness, and the light of jewel-encrusted sword is a good a torch as any. ]

If we were meant to fall, and I believe we were, a welcoming party awaits. [ And he is not so keen upon meeting them here, in such a enclosed space. Thankfully, the passageway is none too narrow, such that push will not literally come to shove if they should have the pleasure of happening upon an enemy—there is ample room to swing a blade, throw a dagger, and to dart forward as Sion means to do in just a moment, but first: ] It would be a shame, not to greet them.

I will go first, though I would have everyone keep a few paces behind. We may yet make for ourselves a small element of surprise.

[ What is Sion, after all, if not a lure with a shining sword, lambent eyes, and a streak of silvered hair which marks his path as he disappears down the corridor, footsteps as quick as they are light. And it is a task he does seamlessly, blinding a trio of long-limbed, lizard-like men (they stand on two legs, wear armor as any soldier might, but such seems to be the extent of their human characteristics) to all else as he pitches forward, swinging his blade not to strike, but to call upon its ability: the formation of a searing, crescent of light which knocks their opponents back, leaving them stunned and vulnerable to the sink and plunge of a sword sinking into the flesh beneath the lip of a chest plate.

But two others yet remain, and they'll not remain dazed for long. ]

[buildyourworld]

Noted. [ Acknowledging Emil's warning, Tieria follows after Sion, his eyes having already adjusted to their dark surrounding. He sheathed both dagger on either side of his belt, not planning to use it unless he has to. Even though he's proficient in them, Tieria has learned that the more he uses magic, the better he becomes able to use them so he intends to use magic primarily. The daggers would be useful if anything comes too close.

He frowns when he noticed severed human limbs at one corner of the room and it's only due to his training that he isn't outright balking at the scene. He sure hope this wasn't some kind of Frankenstein project experiment room. Moving quickly away, he keeps enough distance from Sion to guard their current vanguard, Sion having that advantage of being able to command a knock back skill with his weapon. He's careful not to block Emil's way, since he's aware that his roommate is build for physical combat. He keeps an eye on Shinn, having not know the full extent of his power or skill.

When he first saw the blinding light and then heard the sound of Sion's spell knocking back enemy, he rushes forward, just enough to see his target and immediately ready his spell, fire, by the look of their enemies. What are those strange beings, really? Even worse, do they ever bath? He can smell them all the way back! ] On my count, 5. [ Five seconds, that's it.

Reciting the scientific formula for combustion, he's watching the battle unfolds in front of his eyes, focused on keeping track of enemies but most importantly his allies. ]

[impulsives]

[ Thankfully, Sion made enough of a good impression on Shinn that he doesn't cause a fuss at his plans. Of all his on-foot combats, his last one had been quite special, considering it's at a festival where he could hear screams of panic and realize that even in this world war is still a horror no one should be subjected with.

And now... His eyes still refuse to believe the abominations he's currently facing with his group. But right now, this is very much a battle with his, and three others, lives on the line. As Tieria counts down, he steels his nerves for battle. It's do or die, and he sure as hell isn't going to die in this dank pit filled with dead bodies.

(How many of these used to belong to a family that cared for them... No, stay focused, Shinn.)

Upon Tieria's countdown reaching 0, Shinn immediately dashed forward, finding his body a fair bit lighter, just like that time during the first battle. And with a slight hop, plunged the dagger he's currently holding to one of the monster that's still disoriented by Sion's first strike at the group. ]

[forbothofus]

[ Emil notes the acknowledgement and allows Sion to take the lead. As light reveals the chamber, he falls into step beside Tieria and Shinn as a guard. He’s too tense for it to show, but he’s relieved to see everyone appear composed. (Though Sion’s nonchalance raises some skepticism.)

Before mention of a ‘welcome party’ or even catching the smell, Emil feels Pomelii's tail turn to a bristle brush against his neck. He draws Harvest silently. The legendary weapon looks less inspiring than the daggers, appearing to be a sword crudely fashioned from wood. It’s either very deceptive or has illusions of grandeur. (Anyone who saw him in battle during the Palamède would vote the former.)

Emil takes a steadying breath, prepares his stance for a run, and waits for the final count. The last word is barely out before he darts forward to attack. Taking advantage of the stun, Emil lunges forward and aims for the creature’s neck. Alas, Harvest has other plans. The wooden sword connects like a club, bashing the dazed lizard aside. Emil tightens his grip on his rebellious weapon’s hilt and brings Harvest’s blade back in a half circle. This time it obliges with a proper slash, cutting scales and armor easily as a mana blade, though Emil feels his energy seeping into the blade as a result. The lizard crumples to the ground, not finished but struggling to move.

Emil hesitates only a moment. This is not his world and this is not his servant. Sparing it will only endanger his comrades. Without further thought, he drives Harvest into a final blow. Efficient and swift – he’s not the type to leave his enemies to suffer. ]

[sunderings]

[ They are effective as a unit. Where Sion takes up the vanguard (and how he is accustomed to it, holding the position, to shielding all those who would stand behind), Tieria is swift in his assessment of their close-quartered engagement, rallying together an offensive maneuver on the count of five. When Shinn pitches forward, Sion has already withdrawn Guiding Light from its bed of reptilian skin, its blade no less brilliant, no less shining and bright, as it takes the lizardman (suffering already from the bite of Shinn's dagger, marked by it as sacrifice) by the neck, swung in a cutting, elegant arc from behind, for the Hero King is in a constant state of motion, had feinted past the two remaining creatures to seize the opportunity of striking aback.

And so it goes, his sword gore-covered as the second lizardman is felled, the third falling to Emil and a wooden sword which is far more than it seems, its blade cleaving through scaled and leathered flesh with ease.

True, they have yet to become wholly acquainted with one another, and their company is far from synchronized, but there is, perhaps, no better way to learn a person than by fighting at their side, and this is but the first volley of many opponents to come. As much is evidenced by a low, sibilant hiss which echoes from farther down the passageway, the sound of a lone enemy who had stood behind, perhaps as a sentry who turns now to alert more of its kind, intent upon summoning more foes to its aid.

But they will not allow it. ]

Tieria.

[ —it hadn't escaped his ears, the formula which the man had recited, and Sion knows it for what it is: a fire spell on the brink of being actualized, one which would not miss its target. ]

[buildyourworld]

[ Tieria watched the battle in front of him quietly, accessing every one of his allies efficiently. Like Emil, Shinn looks to be capable in physical combat from the way he wields the dagger. It seem like Tieria would likely be relegated as their primary magic caster, especially if Sion intends to tank. Not that Tieria would stop him this time, he knows Sion is capable of it (although he's also reckless) and he trusts him more than Emil or Shinn combined. For now anyway.

Having heard the hissing and Sion's alert, Tieria immediately released the firebolt, his aim true, setting the sentry ablaze upon contact. The lizardman's scream of agony could be heard until it finally stops, be it by the work of the fire spell or Sion's, if he chooses to follow up with his own blade. ]

Emil left, Shinn right, secure the perimeter.

[ Frowning as he finally gets a proper look at the bodies of those lizardlike men they fought just a moment ago. Just what kind of creatures were they? Still, he crouches low near them, examining what's left of them as he covers his nose. These lizardmen stinks. But something caught his eyes.

The swords these lizardmen (lizardcorpse more like it) used are clean and sharp, unlike the daggers he took from the first room. Prying one of the dead bodies, he holds it up to give it another once over, swinging it a couple of time to check if it's usable. Satisfied, he pries another sword off the heap of lizards, and after looking it through, he waves Shinn over. ]

Shinn, take this, it's in good condition.

[ Discarding the two dull daggers, Tieria takes the first sword instead. ]

Part Two - Cooking with Monsters: Dungeon Edition

[forbothofus]

[ Following a hectic battle, the last salamander slides out of the mana pool. The deaths of its’ fellows doesn’t seem a bother when there are tasty people near. (More food for him! The chomping door will be jealous.)

Emil drags a sleeve over his forehead and licks his lips. He steps carefully over one of the lava-hot corpses and holds forth a rusted iron sword with a heavy slab of fresh salamander meat impaled on the tip. For someone about to cook over a monster’s mouth (and teeth, and fire), he seems quite self-assured.

The salamander exhales flames and lunges forward. Emil leaps away from the searing heat, keeping the sword stretched out. The steak sizzles in the licks of flame. The salamander waddles closer, now eyeing the steak with as much interest as the boy. ]

Could you distract him? Make him turn around so I can reach his tail?

[ Emil asks his teammates. Not like he’s never done this before, but the tail flame would be a lot easier! ]

[impulsives]

I can't believe I'm actually doing this kind of extreme cooking.

[ It's not a grumble of annoyance, but just a sort of 'i'm still getting used to this shit and it's getting weirder what the fuck' statement that came from Shinn. Still, he's going to try and awkwardly maneuver to get the Salamander pinned down so they can actually cook the meat.

So he's going to just distract it by poking its back with the sword he gained from the lizardmen earlier. ]

[sunderings]

[ Extreme cooking, Shinn says with a much too serious expression, and Sion cannot help but laugh, silvered and light as he keeps watch from the ledge of one of the pools, taking full advantage of the holy water and its mana replenishment boon, now that the flood of salamanders has been quelled. Or rather, quelled save for the singular beast which is now far less of a salamander and much more of a gaslit stove.

(His smile, after that, is a private one.) ]

Enjoy the experience, it is likely one you will never happen upon again. Besides... [ He looks to Emil, then, confident that the younger man will continue to evade any and all close encounters with the salamander's breath of flame. ] ...cooking with companions a heartwarming activity.

[ Just as it could easily be a scalding one, which is why, despite all appearances, he is at the ready, able to cast healing magic if some manner of mishap should come to pass. ]

[buildyourworld]

[ Unlike Sion, Tieria is only using the water to clean off the blood in his hands and sword, before noticing the mana replenishment property of the water. No wonder his mentor is hanging around one of those pools.

Trusting Emil and Shinn to the salamander roasting, he'll just keep watch just in case any more surprises leap out at them. He doesn't bother with the cooking since it's something he's told never to try by his family, but even he chuckles at Shinn's comment. ]

This is not a camping trip, Sion [ ...what cooking with companions often entail. ]

Be careful of the tail. [ He warns Shinn, as he tends to a ragged cut on his thigh, cleaning it quietly as he grits his teeth. One of the salamander managed to swung it's tail at him, cutting him with the spikes on its' tail. Luckily, he has the sword from earlier, so it has died as quickly as its' ambush when Tieria stabbed it right through it's gut and sliced it in half.

Most of the fight in this room had been physical since the salamanders made it almost impossible to remain stationary in one spot long enough to cast a spell. Which is why this room is now a bloody mess... ]

[forbothofus]

[Under normal circumstances it is a comaraderie building exercise (especially when something catches fire or explodes and you find out who is most efficient with water magic.) Right now, it's a test of reflexes. Fortunately that brief dip in the mana pool revived his mana resources, which Harvest had depleted during the last ambush. He’d still be soaking up mana, but he volunteered for the dangerous job – as usual. Perhaps he is getting a bit overconfident… but from what he’s observed of his teammates, he trusts they’ll step in if called to.

The salamander snorts out smoke then twists around to snap at the sharp instrument digging into its back. Emil dodges the swing of the tail then holds the steak over the tail flame like a camp fire.

He refrains from talking so as not to draw attention, and he can spare only a nod of thanks to Shinn. His hands are getting slippery as the heat is starting to affect him. But the steak just needs a couple more minutes… the door won’t mind if it’s rare, right?]

[impulsives]

[ Urgh, why does everything here has to literally stink. The Salamander's breath is just as bad as the stench of the lizardmen, probably worse considering there's a high chance of him being burnt to a crisp if he's not really careful. Still, Shinn isn't complaining, the sooner they can get to feed the goddamn door, the better. Though, there is one question he has in his mind considering he wasn't exactly paying any attention to the briefings. ]

Say, where are all the others anyways? A bunch of us entered around the same time, and so far it's just been the four of us right now.

[ He knows it's a phenomenon from that short briefing at the beginning, but it's been bugging him now that it's a bit more quiet after all the fighting they've done. ]

[sunderings]

It is nothing if not an anomaly, the place which we've entered. [ —Sion's voice rings, airy and light, clear as a bell as he shifts closer to Tieria, aware of the injury which the man tends to on his lonesome. Had his ward truly thought the wound might escape his eyes? It is a jagged cut, likely to take to infection if not properly cared for, and for all that Sion seems light of heart here, in this moment, he is aware of their blood-soaked surroundings, the ages of grime to be found in the temple, and Tieria's own discomfort.

Healing magic is quick to find his hands, his mana, newly restored, poured into a beautiful gesture which encourages skin to knit back together, and another which sees pain soothed. These are little things, but the cut closes over soon enough, and more than the Hero King would care to admit, in this realm it is this manner of restorative spellcraft which comes easiest to him. ]

When we raised our weapons, calling for summons to the temple— [ A gentle hum upon his lips, he surveys Tieria's new-found lack of injury with a discerning eye, and finding himself satisfied, he returns to skimming his hand over the surface of the holy water, golden eyes flitting to the company's up-and-coming chef-duo. ] —we were likely partitioned accordingly by the entrance itself.

[ Giving pause, he wonders if he is not the only one familiar with walking the spaces and voids between worlds. ]

The others, whom we did not stand side by side with, are undoubtedly facing their own set of trials.

[buildyourworld]

[ It's not like he intends to not treat the wound but he simply wants to clean it first, even if it's probably not necessary for magic healing but he's so used to it that it's the first thing he thinks of when dealing with it. ] Thanks... [ Still, he's grateful for Sion's help, watching as his wound closes painlessly, slightly quicker than it would have been on a different person. Where the wound was, is nothing, except angry red skin that would eventually fade away into nothing. Although the wound was horrible, it left no scar on him. It's as if he hadn't been hurt at all... ]

Shinn, stab the tail in place. [ It sounds a lot easier said than done but Tieria has seen the boy's reflex and is fairly sure he could do it with some effort. Even though he's watching, it doesn't mean he's not worried about their safety.

The topic has him contemplating something. He has been wondering why they haven't seen anyone else that enters the dungeon and has for now, assumed they entered from a different entrance. ] That or this temple is larger than it appears and the others might have been transported into a different location. It'll be troublesome if they're in different dimensions, [ This would answer Sion's question of whether he's the only one who is familiar with spaces and voids between worlds, although, not entirely in the same sense or discipline. ] some of them are not capable in combat... [ Now he's beginning to worry for Lapis and Marie (although he's sure Soma would likely make sure they're fine). ]

FINALE: Serpent Steak, Overdone

[buildyourworld]

[ Can things get any worse than snakes falling from the ceiling? Apparently so, with an extreme tag to it for extra kick. Never mind that he had to make a necklace out of disgusting snakes eyes earlier, now they have to face a giant serpent and a crazy woman whose head would give Sion and Lapis collateral nightmares. ]

Back! Shinn, Emil, guard, don't get bitten. [ Immediately putting distance between himself and the monstrous duo, Tieria is already mentally mapping out the area, trying to formulate a plan for the group. ]

Sion, back, with me. [ Holding a hand out to Sion voluntarily, not because he likes Sion but because he knows it's necessary, to conserve mana. Both of them have used up considerable amount of mana in the previous room dealing with those snakes and hadn't had enough time to recover them yet. ]

If anyone knows anything about this sort of monster, speaks up. [ The lack of information ready at his disposal is annoying him as usual but he's not about to let it affect his capability. Fighting against overwhelming enemies isn't something new. At the very least, his team members are all capable fighters, even if two of them are reckless as hell. Tieria believes if they work together like they did since the beginning of this exploration, they would be able to overcome the monster duo.

He'll make sure all four of them make it out alive. ]

[forbothofus]

[Emil pauses when he enters the chamber, looking around curiously. Unlike the other areas of the temple there's a... presence here. Not heavenly in nature as he would define it, but powerful enough to feel a ripple through his own mana. The whispered prayers confirm his suspicion that they’ve reached the heart of the temple.

Emil takes in the priestess’ appearance without sign of shock or pity. His eyes narrow; he’s tired of this cursed place taking lingering anger out on their party – tired of having to end things a goddess didn’t have mercy to end on her own.]

This is a Lamia- no, a Medusa.

[He has no qualms about meeting her eyes once he realizes her petrify skill does not lie in her gaze. But his focus quickly moves to her mount, considering the serpent’s mass and scales. The rasp against the stone, the flexibility of the spine, the twist of the coils… Emil makes a few speculations about possible weaknesses.]

Medusas have the ability to petrify. The serpent may too. Don't lower your guard. Aim for the belly, not the neck, and watch the heads.

[Those are all the details he has time to convey. In the precious few seconds left, Emil takes a vial out of his pocket and drains it in one swallow. It is only a basic antidote, and not the best quality from a street peddler, but he's going to need all the help he can get.

With his defenses taken care of, he lifts Harvest to point between the serpent's eyes in challenge. He’ll take out the small snakes as needed, but first they have to remove the leader.]

[sunderings]

[ Lamia, Medusa, both ring foreign to his ears, and though Sion minds the briefing (Emil's insight is invaluable—speculation or otherwise, it is borne of familiarity all the same), he finds the words ill-suited to describe the priestess in her desolation, her prayers falling upon deaf ears. Moura is cursed, she is forsaken, and her Goddess knows nothing of mercy. Gladia is no different from the divinities which the Hero King would eradicate (and has), a Goddess who would rather sow the seeds of misery than deliver salvation herself.

Now, it has been left to them to see this place put to rest, some semblance of peace granted to the temple turned tomb first by sacrifice, and then by the work of their hands. Hands which hold together, for Sion has reached to take Tieria's own, palm pressed to palm and fingers intertwined out of necessity; the singular, practical need to increase mana intake from a dungeon so laden with it. And if the act should so denote a united front, it would not be a farce.

Though they are four, they have been bound by a singular cause, and they stand together as a company true: they will not stop here! ]

Then let us see this Medusa dismounted. [ Already, Sion is casting magic, pouring mana into a wind spell with the intent to target Moura herself—though the voice of the priestess reverberates through the chamber (I live for no one but my Goddess...), there is precious little time to waste.

Swiftly, now: ] Leave the matter of the priestess to Tieria and I, she alone will be the target of our spells. The serpent—

[ And it surges forward with Moura upon its back, intent upon sinking its fangs into Emil, its challenger, to secure itself a snack. ]

—is best cleaved with a sword.

[ Just as Moura might be best pushed back, clean off her mount, as her pet closes in on a target.

This, though, will require more force than a single Pawn's spell is capable of carrying...! ]

[impulsives]

[ Lizardmen, Salamanders, a ton of snakes, no, a FUCKTON of snakes, and now Medusa herself. It's as if his small prayer of hope was just discarded by whatever deity lives in this fucking world the moment they entered the final room. Either ways, right now, while Shinn wants nothing to do with this dungeon anymore, he still needs to fell this creature.

Steeling his resolve, Shinn brandishes his sword, which is reeking less of Lizardmen and Salamander blood, but still smelling like snake blood considering the amount he killed earlier. Right, he knows how Emil fights pretty much at this point, as do the other two spell-users. Protecting the ranged fighters if the need arises, as well as coordinating teamwork with a fellow melee fighter.

...This role is definitely not something he's used to. But when it comes to protecting people...

There's no way he will lose! ]

Well, what's one more snake to kill! Like hell I'll lose to this piece of crap!

[buildyourworld]

Don't be reckless. [ There's no need for him to repeat caution against snake's movement since they're already used to them in the previous room. Still, the mere size and speed of the serpent is alarming enough.

Lamia? Medusa? Tieria has never heard of them. Maybe he read them off some text before since they do sounds rather familiar but he doesn't remember a thing about them. But once Emil mentioned that they are able to petrify them, that gets him to panic inwardly. Doesn't that mean they will die? What are they going to do if that happens? Tieria has no idea how to fix that!

In any case, he'll focus on the Medusa as Sion suggested, holding onto Sion's hand as mana continues to replenish between their bond. He caught Emil drinking something and wonders aloud what it is, not liking the lack of communication from his roommate. After all, anything could affect the whole team during a battle. ] What did you drank, Emil?

[ Before he could cast a wind spell to go with Sion's however, Medusa decides that it's game time by charging at them(!) right after muttering something about someone favoring the pretty one. He doesn't even have time to comprehend what she said because unfortunately, she's charging right towards Tieria and Sion! Left with no choice, he lets go of Sion's hand and quickly sidesteps her charge, narrowly avoiding the serpentine duo. ] Sion!

[ Immediately upon that, he hurriedly put some distance between them and himself, not eager to become snake food. ]

[forbothofus]

[Alas, he has no time to answer Tieria’s question as the serpent rears for a strike. The sight is familiar enough that Emil has no reason to panic. He is simply thankful it is one head and not three. Now the trick is to provide a distraction to give the others opening for spells.

Emil raises his left hand and a hiss of air gathers around his fingertips, building into a barely visible distortion. The spell will be weak, but effective enough.

The serpent lunges and Emil steps to the side. A sudden gust unleashed by the wind spell deflects the muzzle by inches, but those inches are enough. In the nature of snakes, there is a split second while the serpent expends the force of the lunge and tightens its muscles to draw its head back. Emil strikes across the head as it draws level with him.

Harvest doesn't cut deep, but it stings mightily. The snake twists in reflex, briefly exposing a section of underbelly. That's all Emil wanted. He twirls Harvest into a practiced motion down for momentum and then up into a stab, and this time Harvest slides in between scale plates. And gets stuck.

With a roar of pain, the serpent thrashes. Before it can crush him, Emil braces his foot against the side and yanks Harvest free. He’s a second late as one of Moura’s snakes darts down to land a nip on his shoulder. Emil barely flinches when he feels the prick of fangs. The potion is active; he’ll be fine. The angry serpent is a far more pressing problem.

Emil leaps back to regain distance. He’s about to encourage the boss to chase him again when Moura redirects her mount towards the Sion and Tieria. Emil skids to a halt and, judging by his wide eyed expression, this was not part of his plan. Why would they ignore him, the active threat on the field, to attack Sion? It doesn’t make sense! Gritting his teeth, he launches into pursuit.]

[sunderings]

[ He can only react.

Moura, her headful of snakes and great mount of a serpent all, sees fit to overlook Emil (for all that the swordsman's blade had been true, Harvest meeting with its intended mark!), her sights set instead upon Sion and Tieria both. Or rather, the Hero King alone, as Sion soon comes to find—loathe though he'd been to abandon a spell nearly cast, its elemental power seconds away from being wholly realized, he knows when to withdraw, when to retreat, and no sooner than he does, fluidly sidespringing out of harm's reach, he glances up in swift assessment, finding: Tieria, thankfully at a safe distance, Emil, lunging forward, and Moura close enough for Sion to glimpse the amber of her eyes, her pet serpent halted as it coils back unto itself, readying for a strike.

(Let us see for how much longer she favors you, pretty one!)

And lo: the Hero King, well accustomed and trained to make split-second decisions upon the field of combat, draws Guiding Light from its place at his side, and propels himself toward the priestess and serpent both. He might have chosen to flee, putting ground between himself and the Alfersa who would target him on such a foolish, petty basis (pretty, perhaps he is, with radiant golden eyes, silvered hair, and pleasing features), but as much would only draw her away from Emil's blade, and render her all the more difficult to target by way of magic.

No, he'll not allow for that. He'd much rather hold Moura still, leave her open to attack, and he does, engaging in a perilous dance in order to stay just one daring moment out of reach from a partner which would inevitably sink its fangs into him unless their did something quick and clever to avoid that very outcome.

But ah, as Shinn himself had said: Like hell they'd lose!

There may very well be the faint beginnings of a smile playing upon Sion's lips as he avoids the serpent's strike by a hair's breadth, his body curved perfectly, feinting to the side opposite of Emil's advance so that his comrade's charge might yet prove to be a surprise. ]