DUNGEON ♛ GISELA TOWERS

[boardmaster]

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.

Comments

[hymnals]

[ Adra packs the flowers carefully in his bags before anything else. They'll make beautiful ink, he reckons, and the thought of working with them once he's home calms him a bit, gives him something to look forward to.

He joins Gil by the mural, and the door, and he narrows his eyes as he examines the uncomfortably romantic embrace. Adra runs his fingers over the tiles, on down to the door, which is quite clearly impassable. His eartips curl. ]

You've got to be kidding me.

[ Adra's a dungeon veteran. He knows the probable score here.

He's not happy about it. ]

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh reaches the same conclusion as Adra, and naturally, his thoughts trail back to Saber. He knew her legend as well as she did, knew her familial name wasn't just for show. The blood of a dragon ran through her veins, and so it made the most sense she'd play the part of one in any such dramatic reenactments.

But perhaps shockingly, Gilgamesh assesses her body language and takes a hint. She may be ready to move if needed, but overall she doesn't want to be bothered right now. She's focusing very hard, on what he can only guess, but it may be for the best, for the sake of party morale, that they handle this between the two of them. So Gilgamesh sets aside his obsession and offers Adra a hand and a smile.

He looks strikingly earnest. A man very much aware of Adra's weaknesses.]

Shall I have this dance, oh siren of the skies?

[It seems Gilgamesh has claimed the role of dragon for himself instead! How gratingly predictable.]

[armorial]

[ Her eyes open when she feels someone's gave on her, but takes note on how Gligamesh for once understands when to not approach her. There's no longer distaste on her expression, merely curiosity. Her eyes dart to the mural, then back to Adra. He doesn't sound happy, but she doesn't know that for a fact. Maybe he'll enjoy the dance, so she lets this unfold first.

If he doesn't then she guesses she'll try to save him, but for the most part she has recomposed herself completely. There are no words though, not like she has much to say. ]

[hymnals]

[ Adra has his weaknesses. He's quick to anger, but he's just as quick to forgive. He cares too fast and too much, and it makes him vulnerable, makes most of his relationships dangerously uneven.

But he is vulnerable by design. Consciously soft. And while he might be a fool, he's not an idiot, and he's not impressed. Some of Gil's efforts earlier in this trial had been impressive--his attempt to take responsibility, his genuine concern for his team's well-being, his short, brilliant fight with the aello. But his treatment of Saber just now rankles Adra. She has every right to be angry, disgusted. She deserves better. And, honestly--foolish as this thought may be--Adra thinks Gil can do better. ]

We don't have a choice.

[ He takes Gil's hand, his own burning hot, hotter than usual. He doesn't want to do this, but he doesn't want Saber to endure it, either. Besides, it's clearly a necessity if they want to progress. So he'll get it done. ]

[babbylon]

Nonsense. You act as though you would not choose to dance with me.

[Because in Gilgamesh's backwards world, he had every choice in the matter. Gilgamesh appears immune to whatever malaise has descended upon his comrade, taking up the reins with eagerness. As the dragon, it's most appropriate for him to assume the leading role anyway, and that's exactly what he does.

And while Saber may be spared from participating directly, she will be an active audience member in this, as Gilgamesh guides Adra with him and towards her with his very first few steps. They are slow, easy to follow and pick up on even for a novice. He's not so cruel to throw him into intimate throes immediately... though they are doomed to come, sooner or later, judging from the mural.]

What are you scowling for? I much prefer that you might smile, little sun.

[All the charm in the world being employed here, but none of it will erase the fact that Gilgamesh's past history with Saber quite clearly bordered on toxic and nauseating.]

[armorial]

[ If it was someone else, maybe even a complete stranger, she would have allowed this to continue for her own safety. However, it's Adrasteius, one of the first to talk to her, her roommate, and her comrade. She senses his distress and weariness quite easily, two of the few emotions she can easily read. There are far too many fond memories to let him take the fall for her. A king, a knight--Artoria will not allow this any longer.

She stands up when they come closer, doing what she can not to barf at how he's speaking to the elf. When they slow, she grabs Gilgamesh's wrists and puts a pause to this dance. There's that familiar glower, adamant and unyielding. ]

I will take his place. [ She would like to let Adra rest like she did, maybe admire the flowers more. It's the least she can do with all the trouble they both have caused him with their clashes. ]

[hymnals]

[ Adra doesn't answer right away. He goes through the steps, moves in close, then back out again. His body radiates heat, shimmers with a faint aura of light--a projection of his mana, a self-soothing mechanism. He looks up at Gilgamesh, about to speak, and then Saber cuts in.

Light, he's over this. ]

Saber. It's fine. We're already halfway through the damn thing. I've got it.

[ He looks to Gilgamesh, his expression aggrieved, but also--solemn, perhaps expectant. He wonders what Gil will do with this. If he'll let Saber go. ]

[babbylon]

[This is something of a dilemma.

Of course, his heart leaps with the offer Saber makes; what more could he even want, dancing with the woman he so ardently lusted after? He even neglects that it's clearly done to relieve poor Adra and almost opens his mouth to accept the invitation before the elf asserts himself again.

Immediately, he turns indecisive. Was this a test of some kind? Was there a "right" answer Adra was waiting for here? How ridiculous. A King made his own rules. He didn't have to abide either of them, so he won't. He resents this being treated as a burden, so ultimately he calls her bluff. Their bluff.

Shaking off that momentary uncertainty, he makes his choice.]

I will dance with both of you.

[In one hand, he takes up Saber's. In the other, he takes up Adra's. So the dance resumes, with Gilgamesh playing each side with equal skill. Wooing both of his harpies. The door will open because he wills it to open. They will proceed because he wills them to proceed. And he won't be made a fool of, by elf or by knight.

He won't be the party member they deal with just because. A leader was meant for more than that.]

[armorial]

[ She is the dragon, mind you, but she'll allow him this privilege before a couple steps in she leads the King of Heroes similarly to before. Of course, she watches him with a careful eye! Aside from her piercing gaze, she doesn't seem so opposed to this--

Only because she is helping Adra. She hopes that this is somewhat relieving and if not enjoyable? She learned from someone that activities such as these are better shared with others.

Others as in not Gilgamesh, but they can include him this time.

She's quiet throughout, only stealing glances from the corner of her eye once in a while. Most of her attention is on the door. Door please open. ]

[hymnals]

[ It's a surprising choice. Adra doesn't reject Gil's hand, and he falls pretty quickly back into step, with fresh energy, even. Why?

He looks from Gil to Saber as he moves, his feet light and quick, even as the look on his face hardens with resolve. He is no dragon, but he isn't really a harpy, either. He's something else entirely, something as yet not revealed. ]

I don't know what happened between the two of you in the past.

[ But he can guess that it was probably Problematic. ]

But this is what I do know: here, in Enprise, you have a chance to move forward. You have an opportunity. And you --

[ He looks at Gilgamesh as he speaks. He's entreating, he's imploring, but this is not some lovestruck plea. He meant what he said earlier: he believes in this man. He's seen nobility in him, compassion, respect. Things Saber deserves to see, too. ]

-- you shouldn't squander it.

[ Gil is not a burden to him. He's frustrating, to be sure. But that's only because Adra expects more of him. Wants better for him. ]

[babbylon]

[Not even Gilgamesh dares to impose this time. Not necessarily because he respects her personal space any more than before, but because he's... well, he can't deny it. He's enchanted by her, utterly. Only a few could get away with trying to lead him at much of anything, but Saber definitely makes the list. An expert of the romantic waltz she most certainly is not, yet at the same time there's always such grace to her form. Such dignity, such poise, which serves to settle him, if only a little.

When Adra speaks, Gilgamesh recognizes that he should listen. Caught in a daring twirl and dipped into near breathlessness, he considers the beautiful face above him, and the beautiful face beside him. All three of them Kings, all three of them with stories to tell. And hadn't it been Saber who wanted and was willing to hear the rest? Hadn't it been Adra, who was trying even now to reach him?

I know very well who you are; I know who I am. Do not fret, Gilgamesh.

I, too, won't forget.

I can come to understand you, if you would allow me—]

I won't.

[The very last picture on the mural depicted the harpy bowing its head to the dragon. And so...]

The most precious things in this world are also impossible to obtain.

[Gilgamesh bows his head to Saber, and the door opens at last.]

[armorial]

[ Damn... so she has to deal with Adra lecturing her and then Gilgamesh being, well, not himself but also himself. She can practically feel the responsibility of maintaining morale on her shoulders. Here we gooo, Saber.

She first looks at Adra, almost instantly understanding who he is to Gilgamesh. She remembers clearly this unsettling question about how a king should treat his subjects, her telling him that this person might see things in him not many do. There's so many things she wants to ask the elf... But it is not the time.

There's also this man bowing her head to her, obviously to only enact what's on the mural. He's still insufferable, obnoxious, immature, and yet he has these other sides that she has never seen before. She would have been able to drop him, all of it, quickly and never need to deal with him yet they're working together only because he tries to be somewhat tolerable She wishes to learn more as well.

Taking in a deep breath, she'll place a hand on Gilgamesh's shoulder. Again. ]

Raise your head, King of Heroes. [ Out of habit, even if it isn't a genuine gesture from him. She starts her display, a large smile and eyes bright with ardor. It has been long since this passion has come to her, possibly when she first became a king. ] We are not treasures for you to collect, but we are here as your allies.

As Adrasteius has stated, we will move on from what we were. [ This is where she'll look at Adra, giving him a nod of thanks for all he has done, now back to the golden king. ] I've told you before as well. Even if fate challenges us, we are kings of legend--we will slay fate and rewrite our own story.

I, Artoria Pendragon, King of Knights, will see to it to the end. Let us proceed and show this world that we are more than our pasts!

[ She may be small, but she holds so much more than grace. Practically the embodiment of confidence, it's surprising she's only a girl and a pawn at that. Still, she looks to the door and leads. ]

[hymnals]

[ His first thought, after both of their reactions: Saber's name isn't Saber? Well. Good to know. He's enlightened.

And relieved, too, that they both seem to have taken his words in the proper spirit: he cares for them both, and while this dungeon may not last forever, he's sure this won't be the last time that the two of them will have to work together. Of course, in the end, all Adra has are his convictions, his words. His hope for something better than what came before. Making it a reality--that's not up to him, in this case. But he'll keep trying to help, if he can.

For the moment, though, he manages to smile weakly at the two of them as they go forward. ]

Artoria, huh? That's the spirit.

[ And so they stride forward ... right into a barrier.

Oops. ]

Hmn.

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh startles at the touch, and looks up before he's ever even bid to do so.

She's so... striking. Always. When she's fierce, on the field of battle; when she's rebellious, refusing his every advance. When she's loyal and true to those foolish ideals. When she says anything, anything at all, when she commands him, and he rails against it at his core, you cannot conquer me, little knight, but finds himself enraptured still. Such a strong, unyielding expression. Such a lovely smile, a maiden masquerading otherwise.

When he speaks to Adra later, it will be less a justification and more of a confession—I love this woman, but she does not love me. I will make her love me, I will make her see. Before he can drum up the gumption to answer her, she's gone, back turned and footsteps marching ever towards their goal. Only a girl, only a pawn, but truly the ideal trophy in the King of Heroes' eye. He will not forget her words. He cannot forget her words, along with Adra's.

A little winded but inspired nonetheless, Gilgamesh follows in due time to meet the same barrier. He gives it a solid thump, but it doesn't yield.]

Our attacks are unlikely to penetrate its defenses.

[Gilgamesh was, however, nearly as dungeon savvy as Adra. His eyes wander for the solution, and fall upon the table.]

Over there. Adra, take a look for us; I believe those ingredients are more your area of expertise.

[armorial]

[ As quickly as she pulled that off, she also settles back down to how she usually is: stoic, collected, and bearing little presence. Saber, of course, is amazed by such a barrier. She touches it!! With a hand and looks up the door's frame, then through it. It's truly a magnificent piece in its own right, but they must break it. It's good that Gilgamesh points out the table, because she has thought about hacking through it.

She perks up when the other king also orders Adra to play with alchemy. While her interest is piqued, she doesn't follow after the elf. She wishes not to disturb him when he's working... However, she does wonder. Is there truly a potion or a concoction meant to bring the barrier down?

Or perhaps they are supposed to drink it? Then it will allow them entrance. ]

What a strange mechanism. [ She touches it one more time before retracting her hand. Now she'll wait. ]

[hymnals]

[ Adra's an herbalist, but he's not strictly an alchemist; he mainly puts his knowledge of plants towards his scribe work. But the research involved does mean he knows quite a bit about the various properties of this or that flower, and he's spent significant time learning the flora of this world, besides.

Unfortunately, the table is not solely covered with herbs. There are also glossy black feathers, lumps of the aello jelly-spit, plump, glassy eyes from an unidentifiable creature, etc. Quite an assortment. ]

Let's see here ...

[ He rubs his temple, thinking. He recognizes the plants--firepetal, princess lace, so forth. Firepetal, he knows, has some incendiary properties, so he'll use that as a base. Maybe some of the spit for a magical kick? And a feather, for good measure ... he sets to work, muttering to himself, measuring and mixing.

It'll be a second. ]

[babbylon]

[A second, huh... well, between awkwardly shuffling on his feet or trying his damnedest to hit up Saber without blatantly hitting on her, Gilgamesh goes for the latter option. May as well attempt to sharpen those conversational skills while he can. Maybe someday he'll level up to tenuous toleration.]

When you become a Knight, [because that's all but a given at this point] you will be able to read waves of mana for yourself, and manipulate them as you see fit. You'll be the strongest among us by far, as well, able to cut down hordes enemies in a single swing.

[There! Friendly, helpful, and informative. And more than a little complimentary, too. He can totally do this make nice thing.]

Although I cannot imagine you'll regain anything like Excalibur, which is unfortunate. Perhaps you might devise a new Noble Phantasm for yourself?

[Saber's Noble Phantasm...! Oh, he's getting excited just thinking about it.]

[armorial]

[ Oh, he's talking about something interesting. She listens intently even though she's not sure why he's so positive of what she'll be like and how strong she'll become. It's flattering, but Saber only knows how to act a certain way--aloof. It's not... feminine at all, but she knows no other way. ]

I see. Knights in this world are quite particular. [ At least she has some info on what she's apparently going to be. Mana manipulation, while easy for her to grasp and possibly pick up, feels so foreign now after so long. There's an appreciative silence for this information though. That's his reward.

She does raise her eyebrows at that last part though. She considers it, but casts it aside. It would use up too much mana in the end--But that's because she's comparing it to Excalibur... Excalibur was destructive in every way and consumes too much mana. ]

I can't imagine a Noble Phantasm that would best fit me aside from Excalibur. [ It's who she is. That sword is what makes her a king--it holds her aspirations, her dreams, her deals. How can she just suddenly create a new Noble Phantasm? As great as that sounds... ] It is like asking to craft a piece to replace the Gate of Babylon or Ea.

[ She might be misinterpreting his question, actually. She doesn't know that though, but he can try to help her if he pleases. ]

[hymnals]

[ Adra's ears twitch as he picks up on their conversation. Very civil. Good. Reputation +50 for both.

Meantime, he's finished his concoction. It's carmine red in color, and looks almost appetizing, but he's relatively sure that they are not supposed to drink it. ]

You two might want to stand back.

[babbylon]

[His easy smiles, the ones that don't come with extra layers of ego applied or aren't angling for a particular and calculated reaction, are always the most genuine. They make him look more like a boy than a man, a boy with a pretty face that meant well—though of course all parties present know the truth. Still, it's a handsome look.]

You are you. I trust in your ability to come up with something truly great.

[It's his way of returning her earlier encouragement. Adra interrupts, and this time, this time Gilgamesh doesn't throw a fit. He nods, retreats a few steps from the barrier.]

Be prepared for anything. We may very well be walking into an ambush.

[armorial]

[ She doesn't reply, but only looks over to him with her eyebrows raised. Never has she seen such a smile before... It's refreshing in a unsettling sense. It's like this man isn't the one she knows--but he is. He is the same one.

When Adra comes back and she sees the golden king receive him well, her perception of him rises. However, there's no indication of it at all. She merely takes a couple of steps back as well to let the elf do his work, fully prepared for any kind of surprise. ]

[hymnals]

[ Adra uncorks the mixture. It has a sharp, sweet scent; fruity and earthy all at once. It's thick, too, similar in consistency to the aello spit (unsurprising, as it was part of the base). ]

Here we go.

[ He tosses the lot of it onto the barrier. The mix is effective: the barrier pops, fractures, and shatters. But the resulting explosion sends bits of the mixture everywhere, splashing onto all three of them. The liquid dissipates in puffs of sweet-scent red smoke, but it leaves behind a souvenir: feline ears and tails for each of them.

(Adra's tail is fluffy and thick and the color of an orange creamsicle.) ]

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh draws his sword, sensing attack...!

But it's not an attack that comes. Or rather, it's not an attack against them. Rather it's something inflicted on them, and it takes a moment for Gilgamesh to realize just what's happened. There seems to be a slight breeze in the air, felt on his head and near his behind. Yet what he assumes to be wind is actually the twitch of golden ears and a matching tail, seen only when he turns around.

Gilgamesh blinks. And blinks. And blinks some more. And the sum of his reaction...]

Oh.

[Yeah, that's about it. What, did anyone really expect the guy who went willingly into the maid outfit to care about animal parts?

Adra, on the other hand, proves far more interesting. He spies that creamy tail and feels the immediate and unrelenting urge to pounce on it. So he does, and it's unfortunate but given that Saber's in the same situation it's probably better him than her. Sorry, Adra, a real King takes one for the team.]

[armorial]

[ She isn't completely aware of what has happened to them quite yet, but she does when she sees her own tail peeking on the side--then at Adra and Gilgamesh having those cat-like features. It's only ears and a tail, so her shoulder slump, relieved that it's a minor effect.

However, Adra's tail is very fluffy and the way it sways is hypnotizing. Focus, Saber. Her fellow Servant must be suffering as well, so she turns to him and: ]

Gilgamesh, control yourself--[ Oh...

It is too late. At least she can hold herself back from the urges to swipe at anything that abruptly moves. She stays there, watching this all unfold. An exasperated sigh follows after, cat ears pinning back to show her sense of defeat. ]

[hymnals]

Sorry about that, I'm not exactly an alch--oh--!

[ Adra shrieks as Gil goes for his tail; naturally, he loses equilibrium instantly and falls forward, onto his knees, hissing. Blood elves are half-cat as it stands, after all. His tail poofs in agitation, becoming somehow even fluffier than before. ]

You goddamn animal--

[ Still, he does think, 'at least it wasn't Saber'. ]