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BOARDMASTER ([personal profile] boardmaster) wrote in [community profile] pawnstorm2016-05-20 03:32 am

DUNGEON ♛ GISELA TOWERS

GISELA TOWERS
20 MAY (VALLARIA) 2016



High in the skies, the howling winds tangled around the Gisela Towers make it difficult to hear anything. The monolithic structures believed to exist only in legend or harpy memories loom over you. The thick ropes of ivy crawling up the length of each tower is the only sign of life. Every now and then, shadow seems to pass overhead. It might just be a trick of the light.

Instead of the usual suspects, another familiar face comes forward to greet our Heroes: the devil-may-care Lei, captain and commander supreme of the Airy.

Lei
Nervous that your commanders ain’t here? Don’t worry, you’re in good hands. So! Here we are at this… thing. Something something tragic romantic tale about a dragon and a phoenix. Anyway, it’s stupid and you don’t gotta know. Ask one of your commanders later or bribe me with a drink.

Now for something more important—

[ the winds roars loudly, muting lei’s voice. but heroes can watch his hand gestures and actions as he teaches them how to use the grappling hook: aim and shoot the gun. maybe twirl it with a fancy flourish first ]

—did you get that? All right, good! I don’t have enough hooks, so you’re gonna have to share. And take good care of them, I want them back! Now get in there and clear it ASAP! I ain’t got all day to fly you all back home!

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
One does not simply walk into the Gisela Towers. The only way in is up the long and weathered staircase that wraps around the structure. However, the thing is riddled with missing steps, weak stones and slippery condensation from the cloud cover, so you’re going to need a little help. Should you attempt to climb the stairs, they will crumble beneath your feet at best and bury you beneath their rubble at worst.

This is where Lei’s newfangled(?) contraptions will come in handy! The pockmarks and small ledges created by weathering in the first tower’s structure could prove useful. There are, of course, a limited number of grappling hooks available, so you’ll have to partner up if you want your party to get anywhere. Parties of four are given two of these guns, while the poor souls with less party members get one.

Gisela’s gale-force winds will knock you around and make it seem like the towers are close to toppling over. However, as you make your way up you’ll see that the towers are actually far from abandoned.

MONSTER ♟ Ocypete
Weak against
Lightning
Strong against
Wind
Immune to
None
Regarded as abominations of the avian world, ocypetes are BIRDS the size of horses, which would be incredibly advantageous if they had wings.

The offspring of a human and a harpy, ocypetes have HUMAN ARMS that they use to scale surfaces and strong TALONS that can crush rock. They don’t fly, but they do RIDE THE WIND with the use of their long tail feathers, which possess magical wind properties and are nearly twice as long as they are tall. They would look almost elegant if they didn’t have a tendency to flap their arms while gliding.

Legend has it that when the phoenix left the towers, the ocypetes were accidentally left behind because dragons plucked their wing feathers, making them look kind of funny. Now with a few millennia’s worth of abandonment issues on their semi-feathered shoulders, they’ll seek to prevent Heroes from ascending the towers by any means necessary with an odd variation of Airy MARTIAL ARTS.

Their TAILFEATHERS may be acquired as loot.

What will Heroes encounter once they finally make it inside? More broken staircases, more monsters, even stronger winds blowing in from cracks in the walls and the foot of the tower (which is open to the air), and no floor whatsoever. Gisela’s Towers are hollow! The only footing to be found is on small ledges: some similar to those outside the tower, some that look more artificial; and intact sections of the stairs winding around the walls. You’ll need magic or some ingenuity to stay on your toes—literally! If you lose your grip or footing, it’s a several thousand foot drop back to Gresser. The quickest way down… and the deadliest.


TWO
The treacherous and exhausting climb brings you to a more sturdy area that looks a little less like a wrecking ball just passed through and more like some kind of hive. Blocking your way are dozens of sturdy-looking nests suspended like particularly ugly balls of twine from the walls. These are home to the insectoid Aellos. Tearing the nests apart for loot is only a good idea if you want angry swarms after you.

MONSTER ♟ Aello
Weak against
Fire, Lightning
Strong against
None
Immune to
Wind
Aellos resemble large eagles more than the DRAGONFLIES they’re supposed to be. Mature Aellos can fly, but the flightless and fuzzier larvae are just as formidable.

They can HYPNOTIZE with their dozen kaleidoscope-like eyes, rendering targets IMMOBILE but still aware of their surroundings. In order to free them, a fellow Hero must gaze deeply into their eyes for at least 15 seconds.

These monsters are also able to SPIT a gelatin-like substance that will stick Heroes to any and every surface and also each other. FIRE will reduce its stickiness. The larvae use hit-and-run tactics: they hunker down in their nests, peek over the edge and launch gobs of spit. The flying aello like to drop their SPIT BOMBS from above and occasionally also release a POWDER that ruins visibility and makes you sneeze.

Feeling adventurous? Why don’t you give the spit a lick? It’s actually totally EDIBLE, tastes like jello, and is filled with mana. Just be sure to heat it up so you don’t get your mouth stuck shut.

Their GELATIN SPIT and INSECT PARTS may be acquired as loot.

The staircases at this altitude are in better shape than the ones you have—or haven’t—been using. That doesn’t mean they’re any less dangerous. Not only do the Aellos chase you down here; traps are hidden in the steps as well. Some may act like quicksand, trapping an unwary Hero halfway into the stone. Others are enchanted with wind spells that can toss you up in the air, the long way back down to the ground, or blow your skirt upward. There might even be some that provoke the pesky bugs even more!

This floor has flowers and trees creeping their way in from the outside and covering every inch of the place, including treacherous weaknesses in the path. Behind these overgrown plants is a mural depicting a sensual dance between a dragon and a harpy. In order to advance, at least two Heroes will have to mimic the dance painted on the walls to open the door.


THREE
A barrier prevents you from progressing any further. Magic, physical attacks or sheer willpower will do nothing. To dissolve it, you must create a concoction from the random ingredients available on the table and splash it on the barrier. There is no set recipe, so trial and error and a little creativity will be your friends! Along with your trusty party Bishop, of course. (You did bring one, didn’t you?) Those not well-versed in alchemy may end up with potions that explode upon completion, splashing party members standing too close with a variety of strange side effects ranging from mild body horror to a bad case of halitosis. The unfortunate effects seem to differ from Hero to Hero, and they last for a few minutes to a couple of hours.

Once your party crosses the barrier, you will find yourselves outside. The skies are darkening, but you’re still able to discern another tower wrapped in the clouds. A bridge once connected the two structures, but most of it is missing. Use those grappling hooks!

Upon entering the second tower, a marble floor at odds with everything from the last tower will greet you. Lift your head and you’ll find that the rest of the tower is also hollow all the way up; those heights allow room for fountains and waterfalls. It’s a suitable area to replenish mana and rest. Parched throats can be quenched with the sparkling water all around you, but approach any waterfalls and they will start moving in a very unwaterlike way.

MONSTER ♟ Celaeno
Weak against
Lightning
Strong against
Fire, Earth
Immune to
Water
Possessed by pride and cursed by the phoenix’s wrath, these dragons are nothing like the ones you encountered before.

Celaeno resemble huge snakes made of water and possess ENCHANTED SCALES that float through their bodies and render them extremely RESISTANT to both magical and physical attacks. You will have to find WEAK POINTS in their protective aura. Hopefully you have a Knight or Bishop on your team to find those weaknesses as soon as possible! Each dragon’s weak points differ. Fortunately, all Celaenos go down easily once you find that soft spot.

They use their long, slender tails like WATER WHIPS to knock down or douse their targets; the force of a tail may equal that of a fire hose at full blast! The only time it sheds its armor is to shapeshift into a WATER PRISON that can trap one or more enemies. Try not to attack it while a Hero is trapped inside; it will hurt your friend as well! Use STATUS EFFECTS to confuse or distract them so the prison loses shape.

Their ENCHANTED SCALES, SMALL GEMS, and DRAGON WATER may be acquired as loot.

Without any stairs in sight, the way up lies in those dragons. After their defeat, their magical scales can be put together to form a boat that can ride the waterfalls upwards to the top floors.


FOUR
The skies continue to change once you reach the top. Black clouds begin to close in, stray bits of land that have broken off from the main island hover nearby, and a sudden torrent of powerful mana may disorient your party. A storm is approaching.

Just as the first chunk of hail falls from the sky, a mighty roar reverberates through the darkness. Something very large lands on the walls of the tower and causes a tremor that whittles chunks from the tower and actually rolls the clouds back; is that the toll of thunder, or just more roaring?

Finally, an impressive three-headed dragon emerges from below. Once it has perched itself on the tower, one head speaks in a rumbling growl.

BOSS ♟ Tianya the Thrice-Scorned
Weak against
Lightning
Strong against
None
Immune to
Wind, Fire
“Did that phoenix send you?! Tell her she cannot return! Not even over my dead body!”

Unsurprisingly, Tianya ─the dragon once wed to the phoenix─ is more than just a legend. He lowers his heads and another loud, guttural cry fills the skies. For now, he remains STATIONARY at the top of the tower. All three heads attempt to SWALLOW a Hero whole if they get too close. Should you go on the offensive, you may be able to chop off at least one head before he’s pissed off enough to move. The fallen head writhes in agony as it moans:

“It hurts… it burns…”

At this point, Tianya takes flight. The strong GUSTS from those wings can launch a Hero right off the tower. Use your grappling hook(s) to play floating island hopscotch: evade devastating dive attacks and run from the MANA BEAMS shot from his mouths.

“You’ll never understand! I never wanted her!”

As you travel from island to island trying to get close enough to deal some real damage, Tianya hides in the CLOUDS to launch ambush attacks. Eventually, a PHOENIX descends from the heavens in a burst of fiery light. However, it’s not the phoenix of legend; it’s actually one of Tianya’s spells, and it will burn away most of your mana if any of its flames make contact. MANA EXCHANGE may be the only way to continue this battle...

Once Tianya is down to one head, he will immediately rise higher into the sky.


“My last words are for her and her alone.”

After Tianya is defeated, the storm clears; Enprise’s twin suns shine once more. That precious DUNGEON CORE floats down, blanketed by a SINGLE LARGE FEATHER, golden and shining in the light.

“It’s warm… She was always warm…”

A SCORNED DRAGON HEART and a MYSTICAL PHOENIX FEATHER may be acquired as loot.

As soon as both core and feather touch the tower, an ominous rumbling and shaking begins. The Gisela Towers are falling apart and it’s now a race to escape before you’re buried under the rubble.

And don’t forget the grappling hook(s); Lei wants them back.


FIVE
All that’s left of the Gisela Towers is rubble. The dungeon has been conquered, the island reclaimed, and the ruins of the old regime can now become the foundations for something new: the site of the harpies’ homecoming after hundreds of years.

LOCATION ♟ Gisela

An ancient sky island that has existed since time immemorial. What enables Gisela to RIDE THE CLOUDS may be an even greater mystery than the mechanisms powering the Airy. The island appears most frequently above Gresser, though its extraordinary altitude makes it DIFFICULT TO LOCATE.

The landscape of Gisela is overgrown with JEWEL-GREEN FORESTS, crisscrossed with gorges and dotted with networks of small caverns. But its crowning glory is the THIN GLEAMING WATERFALLS that flow from its edges and into the sky beyond. The water is embraced by RAINBOWS and condenses into CLOUDS when Gisela is high enough, lending to its unusual weather patterns.

Although the island initially seems largely uninhabited apart from the Gisela Towers, there is a SEALED OFF AREA that, when viewed from the air, looks suspiciously like LUSH, TILLED FIELDS. Should you ask Lei about this, he will only give you an unusually stern warning against disturbing it. Looks like you’ve solved the mystery behind the pai tiles.

Now that the menacing Towers have been demolished, a variety of animal life — usually airborne — will begin to appear on the island. Some of them you’ve never seen before! The fall of the Towers also uncovered the existence of HOT SPRINGS below; newspapers speculate wildly about the source, but most agree that it must have something to do with the renewed vows between phoenix and dragon.

The few structures already in place on the island have been speedily converted into BAZAARS manned by Airy harpies. Most specialize in legal alchemical gimmicks, but there’s always another side to these things. Everyone’s here to soak in the breeze, and by that we do mean everyone.

In response to the tourism boom, NEW AEROPORTS have also opened in both Gisela and Gresser to provide reliable transportation between the two locations.
sunderings: (this dream won't last)

[personal profile] sunderings 2016-05-21 03:13 am (UTC)(link)
[ He rises, Caren in tow, lashes fluttering just as she expects, his hands helping her legs to secure neatly about his waist as he turns his head, catching the jerk of her chin in his peripheral. Endearing as always, his little sister, their relation (though not by blood) evident in the way he anticipates and adjusts to her habitual scolding; her penchant to be dour with an effortless smile. Yes, he is joyful, and what's more, he is unabashed, at the ready with the grappling hook which he brandishes with an easy grace and fires, its prongs finding purchase in the tower looming above. Testing the line, he seems pleased with its position, aligning with several pockmarks the size of footholds, the weathering of the stone beneficial for their climb. ]

No mana shall be wasted, only put to good use. [ Do not worry so, Caren are the words which pass unspoken between the King and his charge as his gaze turns upon Aisha, and Alice who hesitates, her hand upon the hilt of her sword. ] Let us endeavor to remain at the same altitude, during the climb. If any enemies should find us, we will face them together.

[ And be stronger for it, regardless of struggle to be found in traveling in pairs. ]

I do not know what this 'elevator' of yours is, Lady Aisha, but if it has claws such as your own... [ Light of heart and willful, the King's spirits are bright in the prospect of adventure, entirely innocent (if not somewhat in awe, even now) as he continues on: ] ...it must make for quite the ride.

[ The image it forms in his mind's eye is enough to deepen his smile as he shakes his head, pulling upon the cable before him as he finds his grip, his heels scraping the tower's side as he hoists himself (and Caren!) up, holding there. ]

Come, then. Our journey awaits.
liberal_arts: (violence in violet haze)

[personal profile] liberal_arts 2016-05-21 03:13 am (UTC)(link)
-It was a far cry better than dealing with the Aello. And besides, Kasen had gotten the very same idea from the mural, gladly taking that hand with a small, coy smile.-

It would be my honor, my friend.

-Kojirou and Tyrnen were in for a treat.-
liberal_arts: (he won't see what it costs)

[personal profile] liberal_arts 2016-05-21 03:23 am (UTC)(link)
-It was a fitting mood for the other sword as well, whose look darkened as they approached the roaring creature, sword at the ready, mana ink already dripping from its blade like black blood.-

A child thrashing over lost love... how inelegant... At least it has three necks to cut.
showsnopiety: (I close my eyes)

[personal profile] showsnopiety 2016-05-21 03:25 am (UTC)(link)
[His fluttering is met with a sigh; his smile with an eyeroll. It's habit by now, after the long month and a little more together, side by side. He's clearly enjoying himself, no matter what she says or does.

But she still touches his face just so, clearly worried, even if her expression is as dish water dull as ever. Her legs are, at least, secure around his middle. She sees nothing wrong with what he says, about staying together at least; it makes sense to her. Her arms move to embrace him, even as it may seem familiar, she merely wants safety.]


Something like that. But there are no claws, Sion. We'll take a ride on one, once we're through this.

[He might enjoy going up and down one of those. There might be on in the Airy. Her eyes linger on Alice though. Maybe it would have been better if she had been paired with Sion for this but...she's certain at least that Aisha will not let her fall.]

For now...I'm ready.

[She'll keep him safe. And this close, with such an embrace, they will be able to share enough mana that she could at least spit out spells, if not use her weapon readily.]
sakeplz: (Bedroom Eyes)

[personal profile] sakeplz 2016-05-21 03:52 am (UTC)(link)
[Pulling him close, he moves them right into the first position. Of course he's taking on the role of the dragon because he's the bigger one. Besides, he thinks Kasen would make a pretty bird. Smiling at him, he glides his fingers over that pretty face as he guides him into a spin.

Oh he's enjoying himself. Does it show?]
sugegasa: (Default)

[personal profile] sugegasa 2016-05-21 04:13 am (UTC)(link)
[Shunsui wasn't great at magic himself. At least, not yet, in this place. But he did have his sword, and fairly secure footing when it came to climbing, so the stairs weren't proving to be impossible. Difficult, for sure, but he could handle it!

Fighting here would be another matter entirely, though. While he was fairly sure he could handle what came at him, the safety of his team was far more important than defeating some random foe. To that extent, he shared Shin-Ah's wish to keep them moving as quickly as possible. The sounds of their approaching enemies were growing louder by the moment.

He cupped his hands around his mouth and called up to Shin-Ah,]


I have one of those strange things! The guns with hooks.

[He then turned to Wukong, lowering his hands.]

I mean absolutely no offense, but if you'd like, you can easily hold on to my back or shoulder! I'm quite large and have quite a bit of training in moving around in these types of environments. No guarantees, but we might be able to move a bit faster if you could use that sword to defend my back as we go?

[Kavi was a bit closer to Shin-Ah, and while he hadn't checked to see which one of them had the other hook, he was fairly certain they could partner up. If not, he was quite capable of helping one or the other!]
Edited 2016-05-21 04:23 (UTC)
flirtations: (pic#10277784)

Team Two and a Half Women (Jae-ha, Aigis, Vietnam)

[personal profile] flirtations 2016-05-21 04:16 am (UTC)(link)
[ Also Team "Is Gravity Supposed to be a Problem?" ]
Edited 2016-05-21 04:16 (UTC)
herplaceinthesun: (calm)

[personal profile] herplaceinthesun 2016-05-21 04:16 am (UTC)(link)
Nah, they're pretty boring... but nice if you can see out of it.

[The image of him riding one makes her laugh, what a softie. Then again, after this something like that might be the best thing. There was bound to be lots of trouble in there.

Caren and Sion pair up, and she waits. Her assumption is that Alice is simply afraid of either heights or having to rely on her. Aisha supposes it's understandable, even the bit of vulnerability she's experienced since arriving here was a pain in the ass. It makes her more patient than she might otherwise be.

She can't quite stop the urge to bounce on her toes, though.]


Ready when you are. [Mostly to Alice-] Let's do this!

[After all, adventure was up there.]
path_to_the_world: (pic#9927705)

[personal profile] path_to_the_world 2016-05-21 04:25 am (UTC)(link)
[Less fussy perhaps, and slightly wondering about his current company, however greatly worried about such heights. Also greatly worried about grappling hooks. How do you know they're secure? What keeps them from not simply losing grip and letting you fall to your death. Not to mention his athletic prowess had much to be desired.]

Do you think we should take a break? Maybe? Or... go slower? Perhaps... because... well.... the ground, it's not sound. I'm sure we should be more careful.....

[He didn't even know what he was trying to say, he was just incredibly conscious of the ground below him and how little of it there was and the great distance between this questionable ground and the more solid ground below.]

Why isn't there flying magic here!!!!?
digophelia: (more twisted)

[personal profile] digophelia 2016-05-21 04:28 am (UTC)(link)
[ It would make sense that the siblings would pair up, wouldn't it. Alice took the time to glance away from the both of them, quelling any slight feelings of jealousy. It reminded her a little of her older sister and her, though, Lizzie had some similar qualities in Sion (her teasing and playfulness), she had similar qualities to Alice, herself. She almost gets pulled down by a memory of her older sister.

"Keep our secret, Alice, or we're not sisters."

What a terrible time to think of Lizzie. She purposefully waits, glancing away with a hand on her sword and continues to be very silent and reluctant. It would be reasonable to assume that perhaps that standoffish behavior was her fear of heights. As soon as she hears Aisha's voice, Alice came to the conclusion she had no choice.

Anyone that gets near Alice will notice her shift; she stiffens, even flinches with the slightest of touch. She'll just continue to reluctantly grip whatever she can and hope that they ascend quickly.

Alice will feel more inclined to say something once she doesn't have to deal with her aversion to touch. ]
path_to_the_world: (Looking up)

[personal profile] path_to_the_world 2016-05-21 04:30 am (UTC)(link)
[He was so glad he didn't have to do this. Though, it was fun to see them dance. Surely he would witness another artistic aspect of Kasen? And he was told there was a lot you could learn about a person through their dancing. Surly he could learn something of the other most recent companion?]
rollin: by me (serious | sometimes bffs burn their tats)

Team wHERE IS KIJA (Kaito, Asuna, Yata)

[personal profile] rollin 2016-05-21 04:39 am (UTC)(link)
[ alternatively team "kaito help us" ]
sugegasa: (smirky smile of smirkiness)

[personal profile] sugegasa 2016-05-21 04:43 am (UTC)(link)
[Shunsui is, of course, no dragon, but he's been dancing in his free time for probably more years than there are hairs on Wukong's body, so that was definitely in their favor. He gave Shin-Ah a gentle pat on the shoulder, feeling very protective of him, and walked past to study the depictions. Finally, he turned and smiled at Wukong, dipping into a sort of bow to try to impersonate the dragon depicted.

He moved closer, a smirk on his face.]


Looks like those two had some fun, eh? I'll do my best not to step on your feet!
rollin: <user name=heist> (smile | mikoto-san!!)

[personal profile] rollin 2016-05-21 04:48 am (UTC)(link)
[ Enthusiastic as ever, Yata was the first in their team to grab a grappling hook. In retrospect, a Rook doesn't need one of these. He was just really excited. ]

Oh man, it looks so cool! I've always wanted to try one of these. [ yata just give it to kaito ] How does it work?

[ He's a hands-on kind of guy, but he's also kind of an idiot, so following Lei's instructions over the roaring gusts is near impossible. PRESSES ALL THE BUTTONS. ]
Edited 2016-05-21 04:48 (UTC)
path_to_the_world: (pic#10193120)

[personal profile] path_to_the_world 2016-05-21 04:57 am (UTC)(link)
[Was it a thing for swords to just get super aggressive and narrowly focused during fights? He supposed being a sword meant you were doing your best when fighting. If he thought about it carefully it wasn't all dissimilar to Ira who definitely got into an interesting focused state when considering magic. Which of course made sense when talking about a magic book.

How easy it was to simply accept sentient swords and a normal thing was a bit strange. It suddenly hit him just how used to Ira he had become.
]

I hope neither of you plan to run off, can we make a plan first?
flirtations: (stares at hands wheres my smut)

Potion making

[personal profile] flirtations 2016-05-21 05:05 am (UTC)(link)
[ As comfortable as Jae-ha ordinarily felt in the sky, it was oddly refreshing to have his feet back on semi-solid ground. Still, he's seen the integrity of the buildings here, and it's highly likely a wrong step could mean falling to their deaths. So he treads carefully, keeping an eye out both for his teammates and any enemies.

If the overall theme continues, their next foe would also be airborne, which adds a layer of complexity to besting them. So he stays on his toes, so to speak, and though he expects to be faced with another monster bird, or perhaps a wyvern, he's not quite expecting... a wall. This is the only way they can go, they've already checked-- there's no other route to proceeding. ]


Huh... this is annoying. Well, at least this will be easy to get through.

[ Don't count your chickens before they hatch... He leans back, gains a running start, and lunges his right foot against the wall. If this structure was as flimsy as the rest of the dungeon, it would easily give away beneath the force.

Of course, nothing happens.

Nothing, that is, except for Jae-ha hissing in pain and groaning as he falls back from the resistance. ]


Ow! What is this made out of?! [ His ego is so bruised... there aren't many things he isn't able to kick through. ]
Edited 2016-05-21 05:06 (UTC)
avantguard: (shock » full nude mod)

[personal profile] avantguard 2016-05-21 05:05 am (UTC)(link)
[ Not like that.

Asuna had been waiting with Kaito for Yata to grab (AT LEAST TWO) grappling hooks for their party but when she looks over, he has one.

why

He's also pressing all the buttons. That doesn't seem like a good idea. ]


Y-Yata-kun! Wai─!

[ ONE OF THEIR LIMITED HOOKS SHOOTS OUT OF THE GUN ]
sunderings: (into the deep)

[personal profile] sunderings 2016-05-21 05:50 am (UTC)(link)
[ And so they climb.

Their ascent is, perhaps, not nearly so swift as Alice might have liked, but the pace they strike is steady, and the company makes good time. Three quarters of the tower falls to the banter which the King pitches back and forth between the blasts of the grappling hooks and the latch of the prongs, before the sound of his voice (and even the firing of the guns!) is swallowed by the whipping winds, the gale which sees Caren's hair swirled everywhere, and Sion giving pause first to heal Aisha's hands (if the skin of his palms has long since gone raw, he does not wish to imagine the state of her own) before tending to himself, then Alice and Caren both.

Now, more than ever, they will need to be steadfast in their footing and their holds, for at this altitude, the shadows which had once passed harmlessly overhead are now foreboding in their proximity and loom much too close to go unaddressed. And for all the thrill (the pleasurable ache which has settled into his muscles over the duration of the climb), the King does not enjoy the vulnerability of open air, and chooses to preemptively guard with a barrier woven by the words what I seek is reflection. ]


Caren— [ He calls, then, to their comrades, his voice carrying this time through the torrents of wind: ] Alice— Lady Aisha and I will need for you to be our eyes. The source of the shadow...

[ What manner of foe approaches? ]
querella: (The forbidden sound and flower)

TEAM "D IS FOR DANGEROUS" (One, Shinoa, Assassin [Beserker])

[personal profile] querella 2016-05-21 06:01 am (UTC)(link)
[ Two knights and a bishop walk into a bar. ]
Edited (and i will get these f-ing names right) 2016-05-21 06:07 (UTC)
showsnopiety: (to me)

[personal profile] showsnopiety 2016-05-21 06:07 am (UTC)(link)
[She holds on. There's little ease she can do, other then ensure that there is a flow of mana between them, flowing sure and strong, keeping them both fine and well. There is a need to adjust and make carefully comfortable at intervals; her thighs, at one point, start to ache from keeping a grip on Sion as they go still higher and higher.

And yet...(though there is a part of her that wishes to scold and sigh, to roll her eyes, even as they keep up quiet banter until the winds make it near impossible...

...and shadows that had been far away draw ever nearer. Oh. Her eyes widen, and she takes in a sharp breath. Now she has seen some things. Battled against evil. But these? There is only one way to sum them up:

Freaks of nature.

The arms flap as if they flailing for balance, with fearsome beaks and tails long and lush. But more importantly, they appear to be wind riders and...this could get bad. Very, very bad.]


Wind riders. Some manner of bird with human arms; I know not their names.

[She takes in a deep breath, meditative and she reaches within herself for her mana. For fire. Adra had been more help and a terror when he assisted her in finding her desires and magic.]

Throw them into the furnace of fire!

[Flame flows forth from her suddenly outstretched palm, her gaze under her hair of steel and determination. She doesn't know what Alice will do, but...in this case, heat is all she can offer, a distraction, a probe, and pain for the creatures about to set upon them.]
hoasen: (do you need this?)

Resting/Looting (maybe that water boat idk)

[personal profile] hoasen 2016-05-21 06:08 am (UTC)(link)
[To say they got past that barrier unscathed would be untrue. They also are down to the last drops of mana after having to cross that non-existing bridge. But that was really easier than having to make a potion that blew up in your face.

At least this second tower is looking much nicer.]


Nothing so far... [Vietnam says after pacing around the floor, looking around at the high ceilings.] Should we rest here?
hoasen: (HUH)

[personal profile] hoasen 2016-05-21 06:13 am (UTC)(link)
[Seriously, Jae-ha, you look around first before you launch yourself into any wall, really. No matter how strong he is.

But before Vietnam could notice the potions table during her search around, Jae-ha was already hissing around in pain. This in turn worries her, so she runs up to him, trying to look at his foot.]


Jae-ha! [She holds her hands out, ready to heal him with whatever she has left.] It looks like they're not going to make this easy for us, but still, let me help.
sunderings: (i could buy myself a reason)

DANCE ALL NIGHT.

[personal profile] sunderings 2016-05-21 06:27 am (UTC)(link)
[ Away from the hive and its hordes (that gelatinous spit and the powder which clung to it), their company ventures through clusters of trees and their vines, flowers and vegetation unfolding from the tower's crevices, impossibly alive. And how the flora and fauna seems to be their silent guide, forming a pathway marked by underbrush and branches which rise like curving bones, forming an archway before them. As ever and as always, the King is vigilant, sensing for threats which may be hidden in the way ahead even as he turns his eyes back, searching for signs of still-pursuing Aello.

Finding none, he lowers the hand which would have summoned a protective barrier with but a single gesture of command, and looks forward again, to the three who blaze onward as he guards them. Heals them as he gives pause to his step, a murmur of incantation upon his lips as he sees his companions renewed, their tires lifted from them along with lingering wounds, for who knew when they would meet with combat again?

It is best to be prepared, or so deems the King, for there are better things to be caught off-guard by—like a mural, for instance, beautifully illustrated and depicting...

...a dance? A courtship of legend, not only destined for tragedy, but to be given life again. Nearing the others, the King reaches to gently brush the tips of his fingers against the sprawling age-old artwork, then to the sealed passageway just beyond. ]


This is... [ Well, it is not so troublesome as having to feed a door bearing fangs. ] ...a task meant for two.

Who among us is skilled with dance?
querella: (People and dreams will be broken)

I-II But the place was well guarded

[personal profile] querella 2016-05-21 06:34 am (UTC)(link)
[ The Intoner pressed her body firmly against the wall, crimson eyes narrowed in concentration and slight irritation over the current state of affairs. Climbing up the stairs had proven to be a reckless endeavor where trust was truly put to the test. Her shoulder still ached from the jolt of their borrowed tool. She had left the grappling hook in the assassin's care, as she assumed he would be able to keep up with it should anything happen to her or the young bishop. She listened for the cries of their feathery enemies, sure that they would strike even while they were within these ancient walls. Her boots gingerly pressed into what little ledge was offered, keeping her steps light. She moved as a dancer ought to, carefully moving one foot in front of the other. The broken staircases would only offer some additional footing when they came upon them, but she was sure they would fall apart as quickly as the others. ]

Assassin, Shinoa, there is a gap in the wall ahead, it will allow for extra room for another twelve paces. But be on your guard.

[ Her voice was raised just loud enough for them to hear, no more, no less. It was best not to draw in too much attention. Wind whistled through the large gaps in her chakram, pulling at her, threatening to drive her off the cliff. But One was used to such gale force winds, having felt the same pull when riding atop her dragon, Gabriella, some time ago. She pushed her fingers into the stone, gloves threatening to split at the finger tips.

The golden haired knight lifted her head, looking up above them. Just a ways away she was sure she could see a platform, or at least what looked to be a platform. She couldn't be certain from where she was now. Hopefully they would reach it soon, even if it meant climbing up one of the half remaining staircases to get to it. A sense of foreboding started to nibble at her nerves, but it was easily pushed away in favor of perseverance. ]
passtave: (✿when he come up in the club)

[personal profile] passtave 2016-05-21 06:56 am (UTC)(link)
[ Ugh, she feels so useless... without anything to protect herself except her weapon (which she doesn't even feel confident enough to use properly), she can only hold onto Bolin as they ascend—leaving him and Kija to do all the work of protecting their little party.

Why did they pick her to do this...? Surely there must be a more useful Hero out there.

In any case, she looks pretty relieved to be standing on solid ground again, her hands white-knuckled as she clutches them in front of her chest. They're so high up already, and they haven't even reached the top yet! She's really... not looking forward to the rest... but they really don't have a choice. Even if she has to— ]


U-Um... I-I can... do that... [ There's the rest of that sentence. It's a little awkward, but... she doesn't want to be even more of a burden than she is already. ]

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