DUNGEON ♛ LIEFSTE CARNAVAL

[boardmaster]

LIEFSTE CARNAVAL
20 JULY (DELPHINE) 2016

The Heroes chosen for this dungeon may reach Petrosian by any means they choose (by Airy with passports, by foot, by train, etc.) but they must travel to the area under suspicion by a smaller train, sponsored by VIPs; from there, they will take the fifteen mile, bumpy ride from the quaint town station to an open valley downstream. As you’re jostled around in your seat, a cheery announcement informs you that this train ride was sponsored by the illustrious Ryder, who felt it was necessary to express his gratitude to the Heroes and their admirable efforts that just barely saved his life last month. How thoughtful of him.

As the train chugs to a stop, beyond the forest and behind our Heroes, endless fields of gold seem to stretch out as far as the eye can see. What was once rich green grass has been painted yellow by the sweltering heat and clear summer sky. Few trees offer shelter from the sun, but most Heroes will have to provide their own shade as they wait for Secretary Verdoni and Ryder’s quick debriefing.

	Verdoni [ he looks so done with Ryder, but he has a job to do ] Every year, this field serves as the site of the famous Liefste Carnaval. For obvious reasons, we do not usually spend money to send our forces here, and if anyone would like to convince me otherwise, I shall have them entertain their fellow rapscallions at St. Amant.
	Ryder [ coughs ]
	Verdoni [ shut up ] However, due to financial constraints and missing people reports in the area, the carnival was canceled. And yet it is here. We have reason to believe that the reports of missing individuals tie into this carnival. Furthermore, our researchers say there is an abnormal amount of mana activity in the area. Given your previous experience with those, I don’t believe I need to elaborate any further. Your job is to investigate the carnival, find the truth behind it, and retrieve the dungeon core. As for your transportation, we’ve arranged a—
	Ryder Thank you, Secretary. Heroes. Out of gratitude for your heroic rescue, the least I could do was provide some incentive to fetch me a souvenir. This train, the Big Red, was built by one of Gammon’s finest mechanics. I had it shipped here under great expense so that you could enjoy the luxury of Gammon. I hope you Heroes are fortunate enough to visit my land soon. [ and as an afterthought: ] Ah, and rescue those people. Of course. By the way, this weather is absolutely dreadful. My skin was never this dry back in Cochrane. Guard A, Guard B, set up camp. We don’t want to faint from the heat later, do we?
	Verdoni [ why is this guy even here ] To answer the question on everyone’s minds: yes, there is a point to collecting these dungeon cores. Apart from restoring natural order to the land, we have reason to believe the dungeon cores may hold the key to finding a way home for you Heroes... Once we have proper confirmation, I will soon be able to make a formal announcement. Secondly, yes, Commander Lisbrand is still recovering from the Noir attack. We are hoping that she’ll be well enough to join us soon. For now, we do what we can.

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 ♙
Welcome to the Liefste Carnaval! Don’t be shy, come on in!

There’s nothing of note when you approach the carnival’s entrance. The hustle and bustle of any other fun-filled festival can be heard from the outside, complete with excited shouts and distant music. The smell of popcorn and other saccharine treats waft over and make your mouth water…

Before you satisfy your cravings, you should get a ticket. You’ll be greeted by a vaguely humanoid ticket seller entirely covered in confetti and pieces of torn tickets, with a rattling breath as if it caught a cold. It doesn’t speak and merely points to a sign that says 500 colle per person! What? Not everything comes for free. An item of similar value will also suffice.

If you refuse to pay and shoulder your way past it, you’ll find yourself shoved onto your back, face to face with the ticket seller himself. The bits of paper on its face rustle before it shuffles back over to the stand. Try again and you’ll find yourself getting further and further away from the entrance as a minor curse begins to settle upon you. You may come up with your own curse (e.g. loss of voice, speaking in gibberish). Thankfully, the curse doesn’t last long, but the message should be clear: pay for your ticket.

Once you have acquired your ticket, you are free to enter the carnival at your leisure. Should you turn around to ask the ticket seller for more information, it will vanish into thin air, leaving nothing but a small heap of confetti.

Walk past the first booth; a gaggle of happy children with balloons approach you with boxes of welcoming gifts. Though you might want to remember what all children are taught: don’t take candy from strangers.

MONSTER ♟ Wicht
Weak against Fire, Holy	Strong against None	Immune to Dark
A demon possessing a wooden puppet painted and carved in the form of a happy child with rosy cheeks. It offers BOXES OF CHOCOLATE to unsuspecting victims. Be warned: the chocolate will give you CHILLS AND MALAISE, and eating it will prompt fellow Wichts to link their hands together and circle around you as they chant RING AROUND THE ROSIE. This is not an innocent game, but a spell that accelerates the progression of the disease inside you, manifesting in RASHES, FEVER, SNEEZING AND COUGHING. The Wichts have no sympathy to spare; they’ll keep chanting ‘til you all fall down! Don’t feel like chocolate today? Oh, the Wichts insist. As they shove their boxes at you, their giggles turn into maniacal laughter. Their cherubic features melt into something sharper, harder, and you barely have time to react before they try to rip your heart out with their SHARP CLAWS. Catching Wichts is not easy. They use the wind magic of their BALLOONS to fly out of harm’s way, and the more mischievous ones will inhale the helium inside to release BANSHEE-LIKE SCREAMS that will stun and knock your party back. You can eliminate these demons by any means, but defeating these wooden puppets with HOLY MAGIC will banish the demonic spirit inside them, rendering them lifeless with the angelic features they originally had. These Petrosian-style puppets show really good craftsmanship! DROPS: Colorful Balloons, Gift Boxes, Petrosian Puppets, Wicht Claws, Mana-infused Wood

Suddenly, the cheerful and festive atmosphere vanishes. A flag flutters against a strong, abrupt gust of wind. Shadows seem to whisper and point and watch with gleaming, uncountable eyes. The paths are deserted and what was a vibrant place full of life is now anything but.


TWO ♙
In the chocolate box of the first Wicht you defeat, you will find a hand-drawn map of the carnival. It is extremely detailed and meticulously labeled with every ride, shop, and sideshow. Does this cartographer have a perfectionist streak? There’s a crudely-painted red heart circling one attraction in particular: the tunnel of love. But from the way the color dried, you’re starting to think that’s not paint…

Before you reach the tunnel of love, you have to pass through game stalls and the haunted house. Move quickly; those familiar Wicht giggles are approaching and they will not take no for an answer. Hide behind stalls or large crates to avoid them. Perhaps Rooks or Illusion Queens can cover the party’s tracks!

If you choose to hide behind stalls and crates, a cold draft might hit your back, send a shiver down your spine and make you whirl around to confront—no one. But you could have sworn you saw a shadow in the corner of your eye… Before you can think, something too close for comfort bursts into hysterical laughter, attracting the attention of the Wichts and forcing you to abandon your shelter.

However, Wichts can’t touch you if you join in the fun, and the carnival offers a variety of games to play, from dime pitch games to shooting galleries. A man next to a strongman game might even holler at you to step right up and test your strength. Neither firearms, ammo or hammers will be provided, but you’re Heroes, right? Improvise! Win, and you’ll be greeted by...

MONSTER ♟ Steun
Weak against Holy	Strong against Dark	Immune to None
Carnival staff manning the stalls with smiles that will haunt your nightmares. People who win their games infuriate them! Their weapon of choice depends on where you find them. Food vendors will be eager to hurl BOILING OIL or throw an entire GRILL at your face, while those at the shooting galleries might come at you with FIREARMS—real ones! But sometimes, a bullet won’t kill you. Instead, it will make you smell like cotton candy. It will also cast CHARM MAGIC on you, making your party members fall in love with you. Only strong willpower can break the spell… or you know, a good, old-fashioned kiss. Staff members may also toss stuffed toys at you, but these cute and cuddly things aren’t a gift of goodwill. They’re enchanted grenades that explode into heart-shaped confetti and release a gas that will make you LAUGH UNCONTROLLABLY for a good five minutes. DROPS: Assorted Guns and Bullets, Carnival Food Items, Stuffed Toys, Carnival Staff Jacket

Glad that’s over! Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be the last area you needed to traverse. Checking the map again reveals that the haunted house is up next. But that shouldn’t be a big deal; you can usually avoid those by simply walking past, right?

Wrong. As you enter the area, you’ll soon realize that the roads around the house are clogged up by cotton candy and popcorn which might serve as convenient snacks to replenish your mana. The only free path leads to the front door.


THREE ♙
The floorboards creak as your party enters the haunted house. A flash of lightning preceding a crack of thunder reveals a large, arachnid leg. Clicking noises of pincers are the only warnings Heroes get before your party is grabbed and hauled upwards, one by one. Tough strings like silk trap your bodies in a tight cocoon that dangles from the ceiling. Resistance is futile, as struggling will damage your clothes. Don’t worry about flashing anyone; the spider is more than happy to cover your bare areas with more form-hugging strings. The spider silk seems to be enchanted, since captured Heroes cannot escape on their own. You must help them to proceed!

As the spider works on hauling its prey upwards, the others must rescue their comrade before it’s too late! Unfortunately, your entrance has awoken a sudden rush of monsters, and the blood and drool they’re spewing make it hard to believe they’re in costume. Hobbling and groaning zombies, scarecrows and half molten blobs or something in between are eager to have you for dinner themselves. The enemies themselves are not particularly dangerous; it’s their sheer number and the furniture they’ve knocked over which make this fight a pain in the neck. Kick and bat and suplex your way through the enemy ranks until you reach the rickety stairs.

Climbing with care, you finally make your way to the second floor. There is a spider lurking in a corner...

MONSTER ♟ Heer Spinnekop
Weak against Water	Strong against Earth, Wind	Immune to Lightning
“I must say, that was very rude of you. No one has ever turned down an invitation to my tea parties.” A calm and chipper tea-sipping, monocle-wearing SPIDER too big to fit through the front door. The wealthy Lord Spinnekop studied in Gammon for a time and the accent has stuck with him ever since. Despite his manners, he isn’t too pleased to have his snack stolen from under its nose. What’s he going to dunk in his tea cup now? So he’ll try to trap the Heroes once more with his SILK THREADS, please and thank you. His threads will wrap around you in patterns that bind and appeal to the senses. “Ooh, could you do that again? It makes my spinneret tingle!” For some reason, LIGHTNING MAGIC doesn’t work against the monstrous spider. But continue to refuse him and he’ll splash piping hot Gammonian Breakfast tea at your face… or shirt. Let’s hope you didn’t wear something thin and white. As the battle goes on, he’ll crawl from corner to corner, and soon, you’ll notice a method to his madness: he’s been weaving a HUGE, STICKY WEB for you all! “No, no, you’ve got it all wrong. I’ll wash you down—after I chew and swallow!” Heroes he likes, he’ll trap in his web and eat. Heroes he doesn’t? He’ll toss them in a giant KETTLE of water he’s been boiling in the kitchen! How does Heroic tea sound? However, chatting with the spider (and boy, does he love to chat) will reveal that despite growing up in the lowlands of Petrosian and living in rainy Gammon, he detests water. WATER MAGIC might just wash the spider out! DROPS: Fancy Tea Set, Top Hat, Monocle, Gentleman’s Gloves, Silk Threads

You’ve had it with this @#$%ing spider in this @#%$ing haunted house! Goodbye and good riddance. The doors upstairs seem to lead to nowhere so you’ll have to climb through the open hatch in the ceiling to exit. On the roof, you can finally survey the entire dungeon, but don’t linger for too long. Otherwise, you’ll be compelled to jump off the roof!

Hope you’re not afraid of heights, because the only way to advance to the tunnel of love is by jumping from roof to roof.


FOUR ♙
Finally, the infamous tunnel of love rests before you in all its glittery, pink glory. Rose petals coat the sign and flower chains hang from the tunnel ceiling. Echoes of sensual moans can be heard from the outside, but there’s no turning back. Once you’ve secured yourself a swan boat, you’re in for quite the joyride. The dulcet tones of a romantic serenade give you something else to focus on other than the disturbingly intimate shadows on the walls, but even the music stops every now and then to amplify the voices further in.

Then all of a sudden, the water of the tunnel starts flowing in the other direction. Due to the shape of the boat, Heroes get doused in cold water, and that’s the least of your problems. More Steuns will come out of the woodwork and take potshots at the Heroes with their guns. Talk about wet and wild! The tunnel’s heart-shaped props might also come to life and attempt to drown Heroes. Why not? It’s not like couples ever want to leave.

After several merry minutes, the water will be drained out completely. Who doesn’t enjoy being stranded in the middle of enemy territory? As you walk down the tunnel, there’s a point that diverges into several paths. Following the path that smells like roses will appear to put you on the right track, but leads to a dead end. Looking around, you’ll find a raised, heart-shaped platform with graffiti that says, NOW DO IT! ❤

That’s awfully specific. Considering where you are, you probably meet the riddle with mild surprise. Maybe if you try to kiss someone, you’ll be able to advance! But actually, if you wait long enough, a simple hug might yet suffice.

Once the riddle has been satisfied, the wall opens to reveal the inside of a circus tent. Vacant bleachers surround the stage, and though they are empty, deafening cheers seem to come from people filling the seats. Without warning, all the lights go out, save for a single spotlight...

BOSS ♟ Y. U. Lyon the Spelleider and his Circus
Weak against None	Strong against Fire	Immune to Dark, Status Effects
“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls! Welcome to the best show in the world! I’ve travelled the seven seas, so I should know.” An outstanding and prolific RINGMASTER who recently fell out of the limelight. After some soul searching, Ser Lyon’s back with a bigger and better show that’ll knock everyone’s socks off! Eat your heart out, Cirque du Etoile. As the leader of this circus, he has the fully loyalty of his performers—and pets. With a crack of his whip, he summons large, maned LIONS that growl as they bare their sharp, white fangs. They attack the Heroes on his orders. Don’t let the large felines jump through those flaming hoops, as these will ENGULF THEM IN FIRE, too! Use WATER to put the flames out. ”Such teamwork… Geluk and I were the same. Why am I thinking about him at a time like this? For our next act…!” Should you defeat his precious lions, he will send out his beloved CIRCUS PERFORMERS: acrobats that can kick your butt, contortionists that can bend themselves twice over as they lock you in a CHOKEHOLD, unicycle-riding jugglers waiting for the right moment to toss you a KNIFE or MOLOTOV COCKTAIL, and tightrope walkers ready to DROP DEADLY SPEARS onto unsuspecting Heroes. You might even get tackled by the occasional cannonball man and GET LAUNCHED OUT OF THE TENT with him! Circus performers of all kinds will try to steal the show, and your imagination’s the limit. Unlike the ringmaster, these people are WEAK TO STATUS EFFECTS. ”He told me to meet him during the Festivale de la Ceinturonne, but I had a show that night. I couldn’t abandon my circus! That was years ago… I haven’t heard from him since. I wonder what would have happened… if I had gone to see him… If I had gone to see him…!” Although his stars are gone, the show must go on. As the drum rolls, the lone Ser Lyon reaches inside his mouth to pull out a sharp SWORD with a flourish. How long has that been in there? Not important. Forget about admiring his top-notch swordsmanship, too—he’s here to kill! Even as you keep your distance, you can’t escape him when he strikes you with his WHIP and singes your skin with his FIRE-BREATHING SKILLS. From time to time, he pulls MAGICAL BIRDS out of his coat to distract Heroes. They will disappear the moment you strike them. ”Bravo, bravo. The circus is my life, but… your teamwork has reminded me of something far more important. Still… we put on a good show, didn’t we?” Before his last breath, he pulls a lovespur out of thin air. It was his closest friend’s favorite magic trick. A DUNGEON CORE rises from his chest, and he ends the show with an elegant bow and a smile. DROPS: Ringmaster Staff, Ringmaster Coat, Lion Mane, Juggling Balls, Sword, Hoop, Balance Pole, Torches

Once Y. U. Lyon the Spelleider and his lackeys have been defeated, the phantom cheering cuts off. The bleachers are suddenly occupied by the missing Petrosians, exhausted and confused as to how they ended up here. The dungeon magic appears to have compelled them to act the way they did. Reassure them, help them down from the bleachers and make absolutely sure you leave no one behind.

Soon, the carnival gates open. The show is over and it’s time for everyone to go home.


FIVE ♙
Once you step out of the gates, there’s a flash of light and a final pop of confetti. The next time you blink, you’ll find yourself in a campsite. It seems like Ryder kept his word and set up a rest stop for everyone exiting the dungeon. You’re back in one piece and the area seems to be back to normal as well. Relieved murmurs spring up from the rescued Petrosians who are quick to thank the Heroes profusely before they are whisked away by Blanc’s medics for a check-up.

Verdoni Good work, Heroes. What you do with the dungeon cores is your business alone, but all efforts to assist us in assessing them will be appreciated. That includes providing us with said dungeon cores, of course. I will report our findings as soon as we can. Thank you.

As he leaves, he catches the sight of Ryder and clicks his tongue. That Gammonian is making good use of his human footrest again. Some things never change.

Now that Heroes have left the dungeon, they are free to do whatever they want to. Rest in the tents? Fill your rumbling tummies? Treat injuries? It’s up to them!

Comments

[chronosynthesis]

[The ticket-seller isn't having it. he has a business to run, and money to make. Heroes get no exemption, and he isn't interested in these rumors--

And Syrlya isn't interested in arguing.]

Ah. [He plucks a large, purple leaf right out of his ponytail and leans closer to the ticket-seller to offer it.

He doesn't look the slightest bit impressed with Syrlya's, offering, but...] My people are magical. We heal from any wound and do not age. This comes from me, and if you grind it down even a small sprinkle in your drink will rejuvenate you. Make you more youthful once more.

Does that sound appealing enough?

[interchained]

[Gilbert, who's standing relatively close to both Syrlya and the ticket seller, blinks when his teammate offers his hair, no less. Even though he doesn't mean anything bad by it in particular, his slip of a tongue will have consequences.]

I'd take it if I were you.

[Listen, he may not mean to be rude, but it doesn't change the fact that his words come off as...incredibly impolite, to say the least.]

That should be enough for three tickets, right?

[He's so wrong about this one...]

[retains]

[Is this really happening. Lavi manages to turn his incredulous scoff into a noise like he's clearing his throat, and jerks his thumb at Gilbert.] This guy used to look like a dried up apple, but he used one of those leaves and just look at him now. Magic.

[And if you're going to be a bunch of liars, you might as well go for it completely, so he's just going to go and casually walk past the ticket seller like everything is settled.

Which is why he shortly finds himself blinking up from the ground, flat on his back after having been flipped like a pancake by the ticket seller before he could even react. Just how fast could a confetti monster be, anyway?] Okay, ow...

[He sits up, brushing confetti and dirt out of his hair, and gives the other two a Look.] I don't think it's enough for three tickets.

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya's squares his shoulders. Nobody can really prove Syr is lying, but he still has to believe it.

So he quickly moves to Lavi's side and offers the leaf again.] You won't have another chance for this. The opportunity to renew your health or sell it for more is worth is at least two tickets, don't you think?

[... The ticket seller takes the leaf, turns it in his hands as he carefully inspects its authenticity.

All right. Two tickets. If anything he'll cheat someone else with it.

Syrlya let's out a sigh of relief.]

[interchained]

Dried up apple?!

[His looks never concerned him, but this is a bit too much. Thankfully, Gil doesn't get to ruin their plan: the moment he's about to continue, the ticket seller knocks Lavi down. It happens in a blink of an eye, so there's not enough time to react. That's why he keeps blinking afterward for a couple of seconds.]

...

[Thanks to Syr's ministrations, they just have to buy one ticket. Now, that's some good news.]

I'll take one, then.

[It seems like it's been a moment the ticket seller's been waiting for. With a wide grin, he informs them that the price of one ticket is 1500 colle as of now.]

What?!

[This single word is more than enough to raise the price by one thousand. Which basically means, 2500 colle for one ticket.]

There's no way I'm—

[He doesn't even get to finish the sentence as he's being pushed away. His next complaint sounds rather...hilarious.]

You have to be kitten me right meow!

[Wait, what. Did he really say it...that's not all, though. Gilbert's not yet aware, but there are whiskers growing out of his cheeks.]

[retains]

[This ticket seller could give lessons on how to be the worst vendor ever, honestly. At least Lavi's managed to get himself up without being any worse for the wear; even his pride isn't damaged by such a rude act.]

You-- [Wait. Waaaait a second. He pauses, hand in mid-air to dust himself off, and stares at Gil.] Did you just... [Okay, yes, those are definitely some whiskers sprouting right out of his face. He looks at both Syrlya and the ticket seller.] Am I the only one seein' this? Hearing this?

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya purses his lips.] Ah--sir. It's a charming jest, but I know you do not want to disrupt your time and sales with us any more than we wish to cause you grief. Let's be fair about this, and we will be on our way...

[He trails off as he glances back to the other two--and does a double take.] Erm--does your face always do that?

[interchained]

Does what, meow?

[At the unpleasant (for him, at least) sound of a cat meowing, he looks around, alarmed. There must be a cat somewhere nearby, he's sure of it. Someone give him a mirror.

Back to the seller (who's is quite amused), though:]

I'll pay, I'll pay...just take your stupid cat away from me.

[He's already looking for the coins and the banknotes.]

[retains]

That! That, exactly what your face is doing! [He waves at his own face, making gestures that vaguely resembling stroking whiskers.]

You are the cat. I think you're... turning into one anyway? You better hurry up before you wind up with a tail. [He pauses.] We'll pay you back if you aren't all, y'know, catty, later.

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya pats his cheek, as though the gesture will make any sense to Gilbert.] Your face, your--[He turns back to the ticket seller, disgruntled.] Will that be removed?

[... Sure. Eventually, if he pays up.]

[interchained]

[They don't have to say anything. Heck, even the ticket seller doesn't have to intervene, as Gilbert hands him down not just two thousand five hundred colle, but a whole three thousand.

Look, he's really desperate.]

Ugh, just undo it right meow! ...I mean, pawlease.

[It's been just a minute or two, but he has had enough. The seller nods and takes the money in exchange for a ticket, smiling brightly in the meanwhile.

The whiskers don't vanish just yet, but they seem to be a bit shorter? Gilbert's too scared to actually touch his own face, so he's counting on you guys...]

[retains]

[The situation is already ridiculous even without having to pay so much, and Gil looks like he's running the risk of going full-on feline or at the very least talking in cat related phrases for a while. He's not going to be any good to anyone if he winds up four-legged and craving tuna.

At least Gil is rich as hell apparently, so it does seem like the effects of the cat curse are already starting to fade.]

I think it's working! [He pushes his palms towards his own cheeks, indicting a shrinkage.] You're good, you're probably going to be fine.

[He eyes the ticket seller.] If you're finally happy, we'll just be gettin' out of your hair...confetti, and actually doing what we came here for in the first place, thanks.

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya grabs for the both of them as soon as the money's left Gil's hands to start pulling them into the carnival--before anything else can go wrong.] Let's go, we won't take any more time here...

[He glances around, taking in the stands and lights around the place--Blanc is proving to be full of one new experience after another.] Where would someone take prisoners in a... what was it, a carnival?

[interchained]

[Truth to be told, Gil is anything but rich, but in this case, the price doesn't matter. He would even get himself in debt just to get rid of these.

But soon, he'll forget about what happened (and, hopefully, he won't be able to see his face before the curse is completely undone), or so he hopes.]

Booths are too small, aren't they...

[Oh, look...children with balloons. Instead of minding they own business, they seem to be approaching their group.]

[retains]

You'd need somewhere more spacious, right? Depending on how many people you wanna cram together...

[He's inherently paranoid around most groups of people anyway, and while a group of children at a carnival might seem innocent enough another time, right now they just look suspicious at best.]

Uh-- no thanks, we don't wanna play right now.

[ Please be semi-normal children, please be semi-normal children.]

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya continues to glance around the carnival the deeper they go.] And too obvious... it looks so lively, I wonder if anyone knows.

[He's worried that there may be more innocent people in danger than they thought--what if the point of the carnival was to come and pick them off?

He's the least suspicious when the children approach them, but he has a task he can't abandon. He so leans over just a bit with a smile as they come to a stop and offer their chocolate.] Oh, that's very kind of you. I'm afraid we are in a hurry, but thank you.

[But as he starts to leave they come right back around in front again to stop them. No, they insist.]

[interchained]

[Not only they insist, but they're quite persistent about it. After a while, they even start jumping up, prompting them to open their mouths and trying to put chocolates inside. At that, Gilbert winces and takes a step to the back.]

Haven't you heard him? We don't want any—

[Is this child melting while laughing maniacally? They sure are. And Gil is already pointing his gun right at them.]

You better get away from us!

[Not pulling the trigger just yet, but he's determined to do it if they're going to charge.]

[retains]

[Alright, well, melting children pretty much means that it's open season on all things threatening and strange in Lavi's book. They might not all be melting away into something worse, but there's no sense in waiting for them to get any worse before moving.

He can be judged later if necessary, but in the absence of having any better weapon, and one of the 'children' creeping too close to him too quickly, he automatically snaps his arm out, connecting a fist to a face.

Except it hurts way more than it should, like punching a block of wood. The child simply giggles, waving its box of chocolates around and making a 'tsk tsk' noise at him as it snatches a balloon from another child and takes to the air, features becoming less innocent and more demonic as it does so.]

Bad kids, bad kids, I don't think anybody's gonna like this game.

[chronosynthesis]

... We should go. [Syrlya takes a step back as he watches the melting child raise further into the air...

He reaches for Gil and Lavi's sleeves to pull.] We should go unless you are prepared for a fight!

[interchained]

[Gil takes turns looking at Syrlya's hand and face. Although, he doesn't pull away or try to shake his hand off his sleeve.]

I doubt they're going to leave us alone, you know?

[Remember how persistent they were with the chocolates.]

Let's get rid of them for good.

[retains]

[Lavi is definitely down with the getting rid of them for good plan. He doesn't want to spend any more time trying to fight off a ton of swarming, demonic children than absolutely necessary.]

I agree-- if we run they're just going to chase us down. We gotta do this now.

[So he's shaking free of Syrlya's grasp to put some space between all of them, in case they do get swarmed at once.]

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya sighs as he loses his grip on the both of them, stopping and turning around.] What's the plan? Brute force? Do we know what they are?

[interchained]

[It's a good thing that Syr mentions a plan, because...the bad thing is, Gilbert has none. Brute force, then.]

Some weird magic children with suspicious chocolates, I guess? I mean...if they still can be called children.

[Their features has changed not just a bit, after all. In a minute or two most if not all of them grew themselves some claws, which isn't good news.

As they speak, one of said children presses the balloon against their mouth and lets the helium out, grinning at the heroes before they starts screaming.]

[retains]

[Sometimes a plan comes in handy, sometimes you just have to destroy a lot of demonic not-children by wailing on them. And even if they were children at one point, they're clearly not anymore so there's no reason to pull any punches.

Especially not after that kind of scream. It's not even deafening so much as it is just Too Much at once; Lavi feels like he shouts, but he can't hear himself, and doubles over instead. He's been knocked in the head plenty of times before, and this is certainly reminding him of those times.

At least the screaming doesn't last forever, and he even feels like his head might not explode after a few moments of blinking after he rights himself.]

Whathehell. [He definitely doesn't want a repeat performance, so when he notices another creature trying to do the same thing, he immediately swings his weapon at it, throwing mana into it as much as he can. It's not very much even so, but the acid it produces is enough to eat through the balloon before it can be used.] Ha!

[chronosynthesis]

Ah! [Syrlya quickly covers his ears and staggers back as they start shrieking. He curses under his breath but forces himself to keep staring at the Wichts as he waits out their wailing.] Should have brought a sword!

[But you work with what you have, so when the wicht with the lost balloon starts making a dash for them with those claws instead, he jerks forward and straightens out to kick it backwards as hard as he can.]

I hope that liquid of yours can damage more than balloons.