A Mashed Potato Story - Dungeon Crawl 2

[Hannah Green]

A Dire Threat In the Woods

Dec 1, 2011
There had been reports of strange creatures in the woods. Perhaps the size of three apples stacked on top of each other, and in the shape of little men and women...and made out of mashed potatoes? Those who had been around during the Hallows Eve festivities would recognize them for what they were: the creatures created for a night of fun and games...but these were different. Smarter, faster, and unaffected by those cute little magic wands like their brothers and sisters, these also seemed out for blood. They had blow darts tipped with some kind of noxious agent that caused one to itch persistantly at the wound. What would come of this strange tribe of potato people in the jungles of Nasmara?
---
Dec 22, 2011
Among the complaints from shopkeepers and homeowners that their imported potato stores seem to be disappearing, odd rumors about lewd squelching noises in the night are circulating.

Also recently; more and more chickens have been showing up in town, almost driven out of the jungle by something lurking within.

Who will be the first to begin connecting these happenings?
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Dec 24, 2011
At Haku's urging, Delrick is working on a trap, attempting to catch one of the mashed potato people.
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Feb 18, 2012
Recently, one of the mashed potato men, heavily damaged, was captured by the Trade Minister, along with more samples of the blow darts being used as weapons.

Witnesses to the encounter report that the creatures are now in possession of some sort of magic, which the majordomo Tathar Maksa is unable to immediately identify. It currently manifests as a glow at night, and seems to add staying power to the irritant coating the blow darts.

The half-formed but still 'mobile' specimen is currently held in safety at the Trade Minister's home for further study.
---
Feb 21, 2012
Just yesterday the Mashed Potato Chieftain was captured and placed in a jar with his injured potato man tribesman! Unfortunately, in a fit of rage the jar was thrown into the fireplace of Trade Minister Loa's Office!

Later than night, a slightly crispy, glass covered creature, now nearly six apples tall, crept out the window and into the night, lewd squelching sounds of his movement changed into a faint tinkling and crackling. He had much to report.
---
Feb 22, 2012
Ikarus has recaptured the chieftan! Though he suffered many battle wounds to bring home his prisoner. After seeing to his care, Narsuun examined the Mashed Potato Chieftan and has determined that Fairy Magic is involved somehow! A report has yet to be made with Vensyn or Lord Spellcarver, and Lord Narsuun was last seen running off to gather as many books from his tower on the subject of fairies as he can.
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Feb 23, 2012
Vensyn has found the Potato People Village. They were occupied with a ritual, and he was able to rescue a certain fairy knight from a glittering hut (And demolish the hut.. and stomp on a few others as he left) He has now returned to the village, with Ricardo, who apparently is in need of some care.
---
Feb 24, 2012
Incensed by further accusations of laziness from the Manor, such as those the Loa/Bondsmiller house had suffered, the Captain of the guard organized a small militia party to wreak havoc upon the potato tribe, capturing a small percentage of their number and largely destroying their village. Of particular treasure, the pot that they had been forming more of themselves in was confiscated and is now under guard.

docs.google.com/document/d/1lj1gxszBeA9FgsFSPYukAwgEIQXow4PFaJ4BZrW8-xo/edit

[Hannah Green]

The Rip

Feb 5, 2012
Over the stage one might notice a glowing orb that one may see through. Inside is what appears to be a black dot. Its completely flat, no matter what side you view it from, it always seems to be viewed from the front. The object, termed a "Rip", has many odd properties. As soon as one is NOT viewing it, they forget that its there. Remembering anything about it is impossible (For example, remembering that its a black dot, that's circular, etc, is impossible.) Writing things down about it while viewing it will yield only blank paper once one walks away from the Rip. However, there are some things one can do to hold on to memory of it. If one were to focus on remembering what it IS NOT, it helps (E.G.: Its not a square. Its not on the ground. It doesn't move.) So if one were armed in this fashion, once they walk away, and they remembered what it was not, it would give them the memory that something there "Isn't right." But nothing else. Once one re-enters its field of view, they remember everything previously forgotten about it.


Occasionally it lets out a warbleing, disgustingly watery sound, which is noxious to hear. Magic users who can sense magic at a distance can remember its properties so long as it is in range of their senses, however actively sensing it is very disturbing. Looking at it with a magical sense is like looking at a bucket of squirming, stinking maggots.

Anything involving skill near the Rip suffers a penalty. Dancing, playing an instrument, sword practice etc, people doing these things will notice they have an unusual amount of bad luck in all tasks.
---
Feb 9, 2012
Following the deployment of the Black Court in force, a large delegation of two races appeared, each bearing a coffin. One race were tall, more than eight feet, and impossibly thin. They had elongated fingers and heads, as well as no faces, rather a reflective patch that occasionally emitted lights of varying color. The other were short elves of light green colored skin. These delegations were seen to go to the Manor, though many of their number often wandered the village, and at least one from each race was by the Rip at all times. ((RP with the creatures is possible, though they have to be NPC'd.))
---
Feb 13, 2012
Delrick has taken to his room. The last anyone saw him he was complaining of headaches. Usually with magic the gnome can map out the pain, and although he can't sense magic directly, he can generally deal with the pain it causes him by mapping it out. The Rip doesn't behave this way, since it's impossible for him to map what the pain is. Instead he's been forced to rely on his old fallback, chewing on pieces of willow bark. He's quickly running low, and has taken to his room to avoid contact.

He's arranged to have meals delivered, and the usual weekly shipment of clocks and watches that would either go the to trade minister's office, or directly to the docks to be placed aboard ship, he's instead simply placing outside his door.

(OOC Sorry I've been away. Things are busy, and something had to give)

[Hannah Green]

Retrieving the Cage - Google Docs Link

Balls of Witchlight streamed down from the manor, illuminating every corner of the square, casting ghostly light on anyone who was nearby. The sound of drums could be heard in the distance, and the elite combat escorts of the delegates were fileing into the square....along with those stone coffins. There were three of them now, rather than two, one of black stone, the other which seemed to crawl when looked at, and the last of glass, showing one of those pale green skinned elves inside, in a state of repose. They were placed in a loose circle near to the Rip. Something was going on.

Ålov was about to join Saurn when everything started happening. Eyes shifted upwards, then to the procession as she stepped backwards a little, eyes turning towards Vensyn as he spoke. "Vhat is going on?" She hadn't liked the look of the things that were lingering and she certainly didn't like the look of this. Eyes glanced towards the area Faaide had started off in, making sure he was inside.

Kahakuloa blinked at the odd formation, and frowned, as he looked to the area, and then slowly headed down, glancing careulfly at the others who apparently were coming on out to see what the commotion was about. Haku fell silent as he watched, feeling that unease from earlier. He didn't like the drums sounding.. reminded him of tribal wars.

(22:46:00) Kahakuloa: [ NPC, ven, esh, kahtei, amber, alov, Haku, ..... ---->remember to keep posts short for time reasons]

Delrick reached into his pocket for a strip of willow bark to ward off the oncoming magical headache (his only connection to any kind of magic was that it hurt like all get out), only to find none there. He winced, and wished desperately for his old pair of mage-proof goggles.. He couldn't help but stare at the most eye-twisting of the delegates, and could feel himself becoming clumsier and duller with the widening of the rip and each pound of the drums. He'd move to be closer to Haku if he could manage. "

[Hannah Green]

Vensyn didnt see Faaide or Halona.. which was a good thing. He was somewhat relieved to see Amber at least. He'd been so busy he had barely spoken to her since she came back. "I don't know whats going on.. Amber make sure people stay back out of the way.." Alov, Kahtei, over here behind me."

Kahakuloa: NPC, ven, esh, kahtei, amber, alov, Haku, Delrick]

The whole Awakening Ceremony had been trussed up by the different delegates, but it was all rather....lackluster, really. But when you think about it, there's only so many ways to open a coffin, isn't there? The elves approved the glass one, and lifted its lid. The creature inside, said to be a sort of living God, awoke without warning, and slowly stepped from his confines. Above him hung a shimmering outline of an armored knight. The next was the new coffin, which was opened by the demons that served the Archmage. From it stepped....another of the grey skinned elves, only its right hand was black and skeletal, and it sported a covered eye: It was Spellcarver? It looked a bit like him, only shorter...greener...and with pointed ears. Finally, the two elves turned to look curiously at the last coffin.

The 'normal' looking one turned to the one with the blackened hand, "You ever seen him physically?"

To which the other elf shook his head, the image of a skeletal figure towered in the air above him, rather like the armored phantasm over the other elf. "No. Never. Sort of curious, really."

The Elder Beings pulled back the coffin's lid, and out stepped....nothing. There wasn't anything in the coffin. The two elves looked extremely worried, at least until one of the Elder Beings produced some kind of dust, which it threw over the air in front of the coffin, making evident an invisible figure who evidently had some substance.

"Oh....well that's disappointing. I was hoping for something a bit more visually impressive." Stated the elf with the blackened hand a bit dryly.

The other chuckled and murmured, "Hush, brother, I know he can hear you."

The invisible creature flashed a few different colors from its body before speaking, "I can hear, and see. I'm sorry to disappoint, Darkhand, I was expecting you to be a little taller...and less elfy."

[Please do not have OOC in the window tonight. Keep your posting time beneath ten minutes, or you will be skipped, and please keep to the posting order! It will be for the rest of the night: NPC, Vensyn, Esh, Kahtei, Amber, Alov, Haku, Delrick, unless someone drops out. <3 Send a request to A:Dungeon:Crawl now, so you are summoned at the appropriate moment.]

Kahtei continued to look about curiously until Vensyn's voice cut through everything and she would nod. "Yes Captain Vensyn." She knew not what was happening, but she would sure as hell listen and comply with the guard captain. Kah moved over to behind Vensyn now, stepping next to Alov. The halfling crossed her arms under her chest "whats going............on" She blinked and went quiet as the two elves appeared out of the coffins with all sorts of other things, then the voice of the shimmering thing spoke. Yep, things went from odd, to just plain strange.

Ålov still stood relatively near the stage, brows furrowed. She didn't look upset, really, just curious. Hand waved some to Vensyn as he called out to her. Honestly, she either didn't entirely hear him, or she simply didn't understand. Were those things real? She almost thought the elves and coffins were figments of her imagination -- from being out in the heat too long that day.

Kahakuloa frowned and then looked to Delrick, and gave him a bit of a nod, and then looked to the scene. haku... shifted uncomfortably as the coffin was opened, and Haku looked around to everyone. He was expecting freakouts. Haku... had a much better understanding, after a rather unusual conversation with the archmage a few weeks ago. it was still unnerving to witness whatever it was that was going on. He said not a word to anyone, but kept them all in his sight, especially the coffin creatures. "I don't mean to be... rude, but this procession practically has the town on edge. May I ask for everyone... what is going on?" He tried not to sound... pushy, like he usually did. He could feel the unease now.

Amberline Bequin nodded to Vensyn as he gave her orders. Bequin would step only slightly closer to the stage to wave people back. "Come on everyone give them some room". The guardswoman said as she made a back up motion with her hands. Suddenly there was activity on the stage an an odd buch of creatures, including the unsettling spectre. A look of worry went across her face before she resumed her duties.

Delrick boggled. Although this wasn't by far the strangest thing he'd ever seen, it sure was up there. "Yup, deeply unsettling," he said, "The occasional such goings-on is part of the charm of this place." He reached again for his missing strip of willow bark (diminished mental capacity in the presence of the rip), and swore slightly when he remembered there wasn't any. He bumped into Haku clumsily.

[Hannah Green]

Spell turned to the questions being raised, holding his hands up for silence, until he noticed the blackened, skeletal hand, which he promptly stuck behind his back. "My people, everything is fine. I realize I look a little strange, but one eye, dashing good looks and all, it is I, your Lord. My...associates are here to close the Rip which has caused us all a bit of worry. Then, much to my relief, they can kindly get the hell off our island and we can get back to business as usual. This..." he gestured to the other elf, 'Is my younger brother, Arolighe Damscus, though somewhat less...well....medicated than usual, he is the Fate of Balance."

The elf sighed and rubbed at his forehead, "Thank you, brother, for that charming introduction."

Spell grinned and then gestured to the invisible being, "This grumpy lout is the Fate of Knowlege, who, being the Fate of Knowlege, is about to impart to us how we may close the rip. I am, as some of you know, and others have speculated, the The Fate of Destruction, called The Eater of Worlds. That's not nearly as distressing as it sounds, questions will be answered later but FIRST!...." He rubbed his hands together, which looked creepy considering the state of one of the hands in question. "Oh Knowlegey knowlege person....why is there a Rip on my island?"

The invisible creature flashed a few more colors before responding in a snappy, angry tone, "Because of your idiocy, Eater."

Spell blinked and looked offended, "I would very much like to know how I caused a rip, not even my Master can do that easily."

The invisible being was seen lifting an appendage to wipe at its face, "I've been trying to alert you to this problem from my resting place, you idiot. I had thought, at the very least, you would listen to your own Keepers." It actually gestured to Haku at this point. "The problems are those ridiculous potato people you created! That's what caused the Rip!"

Spell was silent for a full minute before he said in a stunned voice, "Fuck right off that's not the reason!"

The invisible creature was heard to sigh, "Of course its the problem. You stole the lifegiving seed to create that monstrosity that used to serve you, because you were jealous of your brothers power to create life. That monstrosity inhabited this island, along with that "Accommodation spell" you invented which....I have to admit was rather clever, but those two things caused this problem! The island mistook the potato people as an act of loneliness, and when it saw how happy it made you and your people to have that little game, it used its powers of accommodation to give them sustaining life! You created a race of enduring ....potatoes, that's basic Imbalance!"

Vensyn felt a brief twinge of worry when the third seemed to be empty... Had something somehow stole the body? Nope, apparently not. When Alov kept near the stage, he eased forward and took her arm. "Move back, it's not safe to be that close." He said quietly, close to her ear. If she complied, he would lead her back a good half dozen paces at least. He gave a slight eyeroll when Haku spoke. As Spellcarver spoke.. Vensyn found himself wondering.. What Rip? He knew there was something 'bad' on the stage.. that wasn't a square, but.. Oh. He nearly facepalmed as he remembered yet again. Then.. That thing called Spell an idiot, and there was a muffled -snerk- But when he heard what it had to say about the potato people.. "The ..fuck?" Yep, this was getting weirder. He made a slight hand raise motion "So.. How do we .. get rid of them.. Erm." not sure what sort of title he should give the Fate.

Esh Redleaf backs up at the request of what he thinks are authority figures, though he stays at the ready just in case. With the introduction he now knows that this is the big cheese of the island. Rip? Rips are never good. Potato people? He's not a potato or a people! Esh is a furre! This place is even more strange than Cross... Either way it sounds serious, if not silly, but serious.

Kahtei grimiced slightly at the talk of rips, life magics, and various other things. She could do magic herself, in the healing lines, but magic and so she understood a bit of what was said. She would remain quiet though so she could listen to them all speak and learn more about this rip that was opened. Kah had to bite her lower lip though as Spell was called an idiot and responded in his way. She then looked to Haku as he asked the question she was wanting to ask, and probably what others were as well.

Amberline Bequin would have turned her back to the crowd with her arms to her side to attempt bar an one from crossing this would be perimeter, being held by the two guards. Amber would then follow the conversation, raising a brow at what had caused these series of events to transpire, thos little potato people, that seemed to be stiring up trouble right before she left. Amber was surprised to see anyone, or in this case, anything, insult the lord of the island, but she knew that people above her paygrade were handling things.

Ålov's head snapped back to Vensyn for a moment, brows furrowing as she put her finger to her lips. Honestly she wanted to get a better look and let's face it, the woman was new to the island and interested in everything happening on it. She let Vensyn pull her back probably half as much as he wanted, before stopping. Didn't speak though, which was probably for the best.

Kahakuloa arched a brow as he heard the unease mumbling through everyone, and he smirked a bit. AH, yes spellcarver. His brows shot up when he heard familiar names though. Arolighe? He studied those on the stage, before he crossed his arms, and listened. The look of paled surprise was clearly seen on his face when HE was pointed out! Keepers? Haku knew when to shut his mouth.. NOw was a good time to keep silent as he lifted his chin. So.. Spell caused the rip, and the mashed potato men were the result. Haku swallowed and then looked around to the others as he looked back to spell. "we know how it happened then. Thank you for that. Now the other question is what do we have to do to solve it, like Ven is asking." He looked down, trying not to seem overbearing, which was like him alot of the time.

Delrick frowned. "It's never anything simple, is it?" he asked, rhetorically. "The only reason I know there's a rip at all is because I'm almost half as clever and a third as agile around the dasted thing. I'm afraid I'll have to sit this one out. I live entirely by my wits, with no great strength or physical skill I'll be of no use here.". Delrick would move to back away from the square as to not take part in whatever was to follow.

[Hannah Green]

The invisible being turned to Haku, "No, you got that backwards. He caused the potato people, the island gave them sustained life in an effort to please unspoken wishes, and that caused the rip. That's a mistake anyone could make in The Eater's position, honestly, that's not why he's an idiot, he's an idiot because he didn't realize that was the answer until now." The invisible being turned back towards Spell and flashed more colors at him, "You should know by now that coincidence is the product of ignorance, nothing happens just to happen, I guided you to the answer from my tomb, but you didn't listen! Now we have...." It craned its neck to peer towards the Rip before continuing, "About three days to close it before it gets too large, and this world is forfeit!"

Spell looked angry at that, "You're not pinning that on me! Your dusty old ass has been stuck in that tomb so long that you assume everyone knows as much as you do! I can't see the future, at least not often, and I don't have the benefit of your ability to witness any event outside of time! Now, if you're finished accusing me of purposefully trying to destroy everything I hold dear, what is the solution?"

The other elf had....instinctively grabbed Spell's shoulders to restrain him from violence.

The invisible being flickered with light before answering. "The solution is simple, and aids two goals at once, since I am that good. There is an object, the Cage of Stolen Life, it contains what you need to end the threat. Once the potato people are returned to a more natural state, our combined power can then close the Rip quite easily. You, however, are aware of the rules. Until completion of the Rip's closing, or its detonation, you are chained to your earthly bounds, which focuses the power we need to close the Rip....but such power is forbidden on this world, especially outside of this designated place. You can't retrieve it, and neither can your brother or myself go. You'll have to to depend on your Keepers."

Spell frowned, snarling at the other Fate, and for that moment of rage on his face a blackened skull seemed to be visible rather than the green toned skin. "Very well." He shrugged off his brother's restraining hands and looked towards the others in the square. "I need five citizens who would retrieve the Cage so that we can save our way of life. Speak now if you would go."

Vensyn at least got Alov back far enough that she wasnt almost standing ON the stage, and settled for that. He let go of her arm. He felt a spike of irritation at Spellcarver more or less telling him the Potato people were HIS problem. Eyebrows went up when he heard 'this world is forfeit' Holy fucking shit.. "Thought I was done getting caught up in this whole lets go save the world business.." He muttered lowly. So.. just how were they... He blinked. Should he go? He had no magic, but he was an experinced fighter.. and this certainly wouldn't be his first time getting caught up in events of such dire importance. "I'll do it." He said, stepping forward.

Esh Redleaf stands there, with his staff, understanding very little of what is being discussed. His magical understanding stops at, 'Oooh it's sparkley!' At least it looks like he's concentrating and trying to understand instead of a blank look. When they start asking for volunteers he pipes up, "I am not a citizen, but I will help if I am allowed!" A little dangerous adventure never hurt anybeing. Killed yes, hurt, much less often.

Kahtei listened to everything that was said and her frown only grew. Great, so if things were not fixed then this world was destroyed......and she was just starting to like it here! She glanced about though once the creatures on stage told how to fix things and Spell asked for volenteers and so Kah raised her hand. "Not much in a fight but I know basic defense, and I am a healer so I will go just incase there is trouble and one is needed or one of my size is needed." She wouldn't be able to offer more then that! Cept maybe her size in going places others may not.

Amberline Bequin would frown at the conversation and the aspect of the world apparently being destroyed. Amber would drop her hands to her side and take a step forward towards the stage. Raising her right hand as if taking an oath, her left over her heart. "I, Amberline Bequin, pledge to go, my lord." Amber said as she dropped to a knee. Amber took her volunteering seriously.

Ålov wasn't a citizen either, but she'd wrench her arm free of Vensyn's grip, if he still had it, "Vill be going." Even if she wasn't a citizen, this island was where she worked and where she lived, for now. She didn't have any weapons on her or any magical abilities, but damn if the burly woman wasn't resourceful and just good to have around. She could make a weapon out of a rock, if she had to.

Kahakuloa physically took a step back, looking slightly fearful as.. there was a voice directed at him, though he couldn't really see it. He could still feel the sensation of being watched! "... I..apologise.." he mumbled. However that fear turned to irritation rather quickly when there was arguing. "Stop it. Look. Three days isn't enough time. Tell us what we need to do to get rid of the spudmen. We tried once before and failed." He suddenly fell silent and then looked over his shoulder to feel someone else watching. Haku had.. specifically told Landi that he was working tonight, no ifs ands or buts. Haku snapped back to attention when something was mentioned.. about a cage. Haku ran a hand through his hair. Without much of a hesitation, haku stepped forward. "I'll go." wow, the whole town was eager to save this island!

Delrick looked at his feet, and counted the volunteers. Was that five? His head hurt. "I shant be going this time," he said, "I'm a liability under these conditions. I feel awful." He was going to be physically ill about not volunteering.

Hardtack wasn't sure what he'd walked into, but there was something of a smell in the air which got the great beast a bit rialed up. It wasn't beyond his understanding that people were stepping forward for something, and from the look on his human's face, and the dark human's as well, it seemed like battle of some kind. The griff would come to stand beside his guard, looking tall and ready. He would go too! Even if... he couldn't verbally volunteer, he'd at least attempt to put his bit in!

Kahakuloa: NPC, ven, esh, kahtei, amber, alov, Haku, Delrick, hardtack]

[Hannah Green]

Spell looked on the volunteers before turning to the invisible being with a sneer, "Am I allowed Tokens, oh mighty Fate of Knowlege?" he said in a nasty tone.

The invisible being flickered with light for a few moments before it responded, "Tokens are acceptable."

Spell instructed the six he chose, rather than five, to line up. They were: Vensyn, Esh, Kahtei, Amberline, Alov, Haku. Once each were in a line he smiled faintly, "Kneel, and recieve my favor." (Going to skip posting that round to get this moving.) He turned to each kneeling champion, the flesh peeling from his body, revealing a much taller black skeletal figure which burned with a green fire about the head like a crown.

"Do not fear. I won't send you alone into the dark. Captain Vensyn...." There was a flash of light between his skeletal fingers, before he held out an orb of black metal. "This is my Armor. Speak its name, BARAAD, and it will protect you, but only for a limited amount of time. Use it wisely."

He moved next to Esh, "Put aside that staff..." There was a flash of light again, and this time he held an ironshod staff, which he held out to the squirrel. "This is my Will, the Staff of Chains. With it you may bind or lash two beings, use it wisely." (Two uses only.)

Next, he moved to Kahtei, and again there was light between his hands, before he held out a dagger, "This is my rage, The Fallowblade, with it you may wither a single enemy, or take the withering of another to yourself. Use it wisely, it will work only once."

Next he moved to Amberline, and again there was a flash of light, to which he held out a sword, "This is my Calling. The Blade of Stolen Breath, with it, you may call on the aid of the Breathstealer Clan once. Use it wisely."

Finally he moved down to Alov, "And you...." The light returned, and he held out a spear, its end tipped with a sharpened kind of crystal, "This is my Sorrow. The Staff of Temperance, with it, you may force an enemy to be your ally, but only once. Use it wisely."

Finally he moved down to Haku, and the light again shimmered, and he held out a crown affixed with a gem. "This is my Eye. The Ordrope Diadem. With it, you may paralyze one being who's gaze you can hold. The process is taxing, and you must not use it on something greater than yourself, or you will be the one held. It will work only once, use it wisely."

Vensyn frowned as Alov offered. "No.. you should stay here." She had not been a part of the town long.. but that was not the main issue.. It was not just that she was a woman, but she wasn't a warrior, and she did not speak common well.. She probably didnt know what she was getting into. Not to mention, with her difficulty in understanding, she could be a liability. Still, he had to give the woman some credit for being bold enough to offer. When Hardtack came up beside him, he turned and crouched down a bit. "Biscuit. Stay here. You can't come with me this time... If I don't come back, look after Mel okay? He said in a low voice, and scritched the top of the gryphon's head. He turned to Spellcarver, approched, and with only a brief hesitation, knelt smoothly. When he recieved the orb, he felt a twinge of worry. No magical item, even ones meant to be used by non magic users, ever worked when he tried to activate it himself...

Esh Redleaf is serious throughout the ritual, not looking quite certain about all this magic stuff, yet firmly for saving the world. All the being here have been so nice to him, he couldn't live with himself if they died (assuming he survived the doom). He leaves his staff there, figuring that if Spell can summon all these neat things surely his beloved lamp staff with lots of sentimental value will be safe with him. Besides he might want the near bindy stick back later. He nods to Spell and stays silent.

Kahtei moved up to the stage and kneeled down next to Amberline. She held out her hands and would recive the dagger with a awwed look. She nodded in understanding of its effects and would only use it if she absolutly had no choice. She hoped it wouldn't have to be used, as she hoped no one would get some withering wound that couldn't be cured or helped except with the blade and her taking it. As for the battle part, she would be sticking close to those who could fight well, and she would do what she could to help them out. When everyone else got there items she glanced up. "So uhh where do we go now?" She was keen to get this whole thing underway and compleate before that orb blew up.

Amberline Bequin had moved in line with the others, kneeling at their lord's request. Bequin noted the items and the abilities they imparted. Her own token seemed quite impressive in its ability. Bequin took the weapon firml in her hands before she attatched it to her belt over her right hip. The woman would nod her understanding to her lord, not feeling like there was a reason to say anything since time was of the essence, and since she felt as though her acceptance to the call may have upstaged Ven's.

Ålov turned to look at Vensyn with a stern expression on her face. Stony expression lingered as she followed the rest to kneel. She might have been a liability, yes, but when the spear was bestowed upon her, she tried her hardest to understand what was being said. If anything, the woman was good with a spear. She wasn't a warrior, no, Vensyn had that right, but she knew when to hold back and when to attack when defending something she cared about. Fingers gripped the spear, almost like it was an old friend. Something else that reminded the woman of home.

Kahakuloa licked his lips as he listened, and then.. hesitated before he gave a nod.. and for the first time, ever, Haku knelt before Spell, albeit begrudgingly. he didn't seem too unnerved about the actual form of the archmage, as he had been told about it in advance. When the archmage started handing out items to the others, However.. haku felt his heart sink. Was spell coming with them? Probably not. He swallowed and then silently accepted that which was given to him, and he stared at the crown. He recognized it.. from the last time there was an issue. Spell had disappeared that time. He nodded once. "Thank you." Haku kept the crown in his hands. He rose, and took a step back as he studied the others. "Ok, we have all these things, do we go out and just hunt this cage down? More importantly, WHERE, is this cage?" They knew about it, so they would know where it was right? "will we be led to it?"

[Hannah Green]

The Fate of Knowlege spoke up at that point, "And that, my dear human, is where my favor comes in. I have located the Cage....and I believe you have one other favor left." It gestured towords Arolighe, who nodded and smiled, "My friends, recieve my Favor."

He held his arms open, as if to embrace them, and their vision would begin to fade, as did their forms. Spell called out to them, "Trust your instincts, an item that powerful wants to be found, it will call to you! Haku leads, Vensyn in times of combat, do not fight amongst yourselves, retrieve the Cage and return!"

Spellcarver: [Alright, dream is uploaded, we'll get everyone in asap]

Hardtack would look to his human with great worry at 'stay' and 'can't' with that tone. This was surely battle of some kind, and he was not being invited! In fact, if anything, it sounded like he was being deliberately left behind. Still, the beast would take a step back as Vensyn was honored by the strange being. Black eyes were undeniably saddened, and Biscuit would push his head against his human's side, trying if nothing else to convey his worry. A look to the dark human, too. But, otherwise, Biscuit would drop back to sit on haunches, and watch. Surely he'd find his human's woman shortly to try and do his requested job.

The sun blasted down on them, a palpable force. The place was a wasteland, and one that obviously didn't welcome visitors. There were bones scattered here and there amongst the sand...and not all of them were the bones of simple animals.

Kahakuloa: [NPC, ven esh, kahtei, amber, alov haku]
Baraad: [You guys can post reactions now, consider the entrytext the NPC's post this round]

The three beings, perhaps gods, perhaps chained elementals....or just crotchety old men, if you listened to them, actually wandered off. Spell and Arolighe went towords the Manor, the invisible being shook off the dust on it, and there was no telling where it went.

Vensyn was suddenly yanked out of Nasmara as his vision faded out.. He felt the blast of heat before he was able to see.. of all things.. bright sunlight.. daylight and a stretch of sand. "Fucking hell.. why does it have to be some place even hotter?" He growled. He'd tucked the orb carefully into a leather pouch so he had a hand free and wouldnt risk dropping it. Squinting a bit at the sudden brightness his eyes hadn't quite adjusted to, he took in his surroundings.

Esh Redleaf whips his head around, fluffy raccoon tail fluffed behind him in surprise. Turning all the way around he takes a minute to gat a feel for things, and does the same for the staff before stepping over to the group. "I am ready. Where are we?" He doesn't sound like he's tooo concerned with the question, and is more concerned with the unspoken one of, 'How do we get back?'

Kahtei grunts as her vision faded and she felt herself being pulled away. She would land in the sand and grunts again. "Well, from tropics to sand....this will play hell on my skin." She tried to give a joke to liven the mood a bit. She looked about slowly while she sheathed the dagger in her belt for safe keeping, and so she wouldn't accidently knick herself with it in her satchel of goods. "Yeah, what Id like to know to, where are we?" she echoed Esh's question.

Amberline Bequin would have been teleported, a strange sensation, especially since she was greeted with a glaring, angry sun, and what seemed to be an endless expanse of sand. Bequin squinted and put her hand over her eyes, to shield them as her eyes adjusted. Bequin soon sees her compatriots and moves to join them, dropping her hand as her eyes adjust. "Black is a fine color for the guard force." Amber humored as she pulled her tabard off and left herself in the grey under tunic for but a momment before she turns from the group to remove her shirt and slip the tabard back over it, tying the shirt around her waiste as a make shift belt. "Fates, its hot." Amber murmered, not used to the climate before turning back. "We can worry about were we are and how to get back after we save the world." Amber joked.

Ålov seemed a little stunned as she appeared somewhere... even dryer and hotter that Nasmara. "Oh fuck zhis." She wanted to go back already. Picking incessantly until she got the seam of her sleeve undone, it'd be ripped off. "Someone be giving me a knife so I can be cutting off some of zees dress." She also wanted to know how they were going to get back. Face was already sunburned from her day spent on the beach. No doubt it would be moreso when they got back. Spear was grippin in one hand, before being hoisted up and over one shoulder. As much as Kahtei hoped she didn't need to use her weapon, Alov, on the other hand, hoped that there was something she'd be able to impale before they returned.

Kahakuloa frowned as there was more? "wait, don't we.." and that was all he got to ask.. no armor.. no weapons save what was given to them.. nothing. Haku gasped at the sudden PULL from where he stood, to the immense desert heat he now stood in and already started sweating. He blinked squinting as he frantically looked around, to make sure that oh gods yes the others were there. "where..." but that was already asked. The answer was obvious. "we aren't in Nasmara.. we aren't on the island.." He frowned as he looked around some more, and then oddly enough.. turned in a distinct particular direction. "Illi.." He trailed off as he closed his eyes, to gather his own pounding panicked pulse together. This wasn't the time to panick, they had a mission. "I think we should stick together. maybe there is something in the sand. ANyone see anything besides?" Besides sand, and sparce plants. "And no,. keep any clothing you have. I know it's hot, but this clothing is the ONLY armor we have .."

Vensyn was right behind Amber in pulled his tabard and tunic off. The tunic was tied around his waist, and the tabard, was fed through his belt and left to hang there, doubled and a bit bunched. He had no problem loaning Alov a knife, pulling a decent sized utlitly knife from a sheath at his belt, and handing it to her. "Says the man that is normally walking around half naked. And its not going to do me any good if I pass out from the damned heat before we get wherever we are going.." He swore under his breath, and scanned the area.. Why a fucking desert? Snow would have been better than this.

[Hannah Green]

There was a gathering of dust before the party, to the south, which blew out to expose a pinpoint of light.

"My favor doesn't end with transportation, friends." The voice of Arolighe was calming, soothing, and the ball of light exploded into a beam of projected light, directing them to the south. "It gives no mind to up or down, but it will point the direction of the Cage. Be wary, and remember that my brother's Favors, if in the form of weapons, may be used as a mundane weapon as well as a magical Token. And those Tokens which summon aid can be summoned for council as well as combat. This is the last I may speak to you. The rest is up to you."

Esh Redleaf is fortunately too busy with his staff and since he doesn't sweat can't tell the fur-less ones that they should keep their clothing on to prevent burns and exposure from the heat. Once he's got a good handle on it's balance and weight he turns to the group and then turns again to look around as Haku suggested. He is beginning to pant a bit, which is his species reaction to heat. Then direction and instructions are given. He looks around and tries to answer the voice, "We will do our best!" Shrugging after that he starts walking south poking the sand with his staff in case there's a loose patch or anything.

Kahtei ran the back of her hand across her forhead and sighed. "Times like this im glad I wear white, and times like this why I hate having long, thick hair......gods its hot here." she looked up into the desert skys then blinked as she heard the voice speak to them. OH so she would have two daggers to wield in combat! That was both good and bad in a sense. She then looked to the direction of light. "Uhhh I don't see anything but sand." Kah then looked down frowning and opened her satchel. "Oh good, nothing broke while we were brought here. Seems the stuff for that dragoness will come in good use here to." Lucky and unlucky, lucky because she had a few potions, bandages, and salves, unlucky because she didn't have enough for the size of the group with vials, bandages could be made from shirts and stuff, and if to many got hurt to badly she would have to rely on her magic. She closed the satchel and then would follow the others in the direction of the light when they decided to head off.

Amberline Bequin wasn't normally one to disobey orders, but in this case she knew that wool in this heat was murder, especially since they had no water and they also didn't know when they may get it or how long they were going to be here. Ven pretty much expressed her concerns on the issue. Amber's darker complextion would serve her well in this climate, but probably not as well as Haku's. "Alright, I am ready. Maybe there will be shade near the cage." Amber humored, in an effort to keep spirits up.

Baraad: [We need to move, folks. In 15 minutes daddy's going to want his chicken nuggets :-P]
Baraad: [Woah]
Wait for the whole post round before moving foofs!
Baraad: [Alov and then Haku, then Move <3]

Ålov glanced to Haku only briefly, sharing Vensyn's sentiments. The knife he offered to her was taken to hack off the dress in a sort of uneven, definitely un-fancy manner up to about her knees. Knife was handed back as she'd tie the fabric around her waist, safe-keeping for later. "Vell? Vhat are ve doing?" She'd glance upward, then towards the South, "Is saying ve should go." Obviously the woman wasn't planning on dicking playing desert princess all day.

Kahakuloa shot ven a look. "Stop it. we need to work together, and we need to find this ... cage. I have no idea where to go." He crouched then as he studied the sand, and then a ... light appeared as well as the voice. Haku slowly stood up and then frowned. well that was an easy solution there. He ignored his own sweating, refusing to take off the ONLY form of armor he had on, which were his clothes. He had his reasons why. Haku was used to near desert climates, hence his skin tone. He clutched the crown in his hand and nodded. "ok.. we're following that light.. south.." He took a deep breath and slowly started walking, hoping that the group stayed together. haku kept his ears and eyes alert, trying to find anything odd or suspicious, and being that he was.. TALLER than everyone else.. probably would spot something.. hopefully. haku oddly enough kept looking.. west every now and then.

[Hannah Green]

The beam of light lead them further into the desert. Thankfully not too much further...but then it stopped. The object should be right here, unless it was beneath the sand, or in the sky. Either one of those options would be hard to accomplish. There was a rumbling, before They appeared. They were tall, powerful, and obviously draconic in nature. Some odd breed of half feral, half humanoid dragon, like a centaur only less fruity. They appeared from below, from a place forgotten by time. They appeared from beneath the sand itself.

Vensyn was unfortunaly not very familiar with sunburn, and had never really gotten it before. It didnt really occur to him how quickly one could end up rather red and almost blistered from such exposure. He started in the direction the beam directed, heading south. "Difference between working together and doing something just because Haku says so." The tunic was suffocatingly hot at times as it was in Nasmara, and at times he'd wished the uniform had been a lightweight cotton, and shortsleeved at that. Here, where it was hotter and there was no shade, it was dangerously hot to keep such a garment on. He walked through the sand, keeping towards the head of the group.. looking for something, that was different other than the sand and the occasional scraggly dead looking tree.. When he saw the creatures.. His hand went to his blade. "The fuck.. are those.." He tensed, ready to fight.

Esh Redleaf pokes along through the desert, panting as he goes, not complaining at all. Once the beasts appear he moves to take a spot between the ones on the right and the rest of the group. He speaks calmly to them while looking ready to defend, "Peace?" He'd prefer not to fight, passing by would be nice.

Kahtei followed the others through the desert looking about now and then. Sand, sand as far as the eye could see! Bleh she could not wait to get back now and take that bath she was so coveting this night. As she walked the ground rumbled and suddenly creatures appeared. Kah could only just stare as the creatures as she knew she was outclassed if it was coming to a fight. She would be useless here but she placed her hands on the two knives her hands steady as eyes were wide and glanced about "Uhhh Vensyn?" Voice called out steady, though with the fear that underlined it quite hearable.

Amberline Bequin would have been wondering about, scanning her immediate area, until suddenly. Dragon-taurs unborrowed themselves from the sand. Amber put her right hand to her basalard, looking at the creatures. Maybe they were friendly, probably not. Amber thought, but wouldn't be the one to initiate hostility outside of showing her alarm at the new arrivals. Amber, like the halfling was waiting for orders, unless circumstances made it to where she had to act of her own intiative. For now she stood poised, looking to the creaturs, fortunate enough to be in a position to watch both flanks rather easily.

Ålov was glad she was wearing a dress. Honestly, she felt bad for anyone wearing pants. Even though it was hot, any sort of breeze was nice. Unfortunately, Alov had experienced sunburn just today. She would likely be lobster red by the time they got back. Following the others, eyes peered upwards and she sighed softly. The heat was smothering, but not as much as one of those giant things that showed up. Spear grasped in one hand, she'd plant her feet firmly in the sand, weapon grasped in both hands across her front, if only for security. Chin lifted a little as gaze turned to look at each of the monsters, then settled on Vensyn.

Kahakuloa was silent as they walked, which was seemingly in the southern area. Suddenly someone was.. or many someones were around. Haku stopped dead in his tracks as he thought he felt his heart stop as well. He glanced to the others, and then swallowed. There were too many to just pass.. and they had seemed to appear from.. no where. Haku shot Esh a gaurded look. "get.. back." he nodded back toward the group as he looked to Ven and others who apparently looked to be doing the opposite of what Esh wanted. "We come for a cage." Haku wasn't dicking around. "where is the cage?" he slowly moved up beside Vensyn, if Ven was in the front of the group. "No fights.. no bloodshed. Just want the cage." His hand tightened on the crown in his hands...Here's hoping they could understand them!

Baraad: [OOC NOTE: The is one of only two combat situations in this Crawl, get balls to the wall if you want, also, position your avatar BESIDE (like so) the creature you are fighting, never between the white one and the blue one, or I will stab you all. I love you, good luck. I now leave you in the hands of Narsuun, may something have mercy on your soul, because he won't <3]

[Hannah Green]

The beasts snarl at the travellers, smoke billowing from their nostrils and flames curling about their maws. The four flanking the group lower wicked-looking lances and chek the longswords sheathed at their waists.

The leader steps forward, heaving his massive weapon from over his shoulder - a large metal pole, each end chained to a nasty spiked flail. He points at the group, laughing as flames billow from his mouth. "Peace! Amusing! We feast on the bones of the unworthy. It is fortunate you arrived, we have not been visited for a time, and are growing hungry! Prove your strength or your succulence, you will never find the cage as long as we live!"

The leader stamps his front feet and the other four begin to charge toward the front of the group, lances and trampling legs aiming to disrupt the formation and break the defenses at the head of the party.

Vensyn would have smacked the monk if he'd been closer. He drew his sword smoothly, and sunk himself into the Elsewhere, calming his mind and sharpening his focus. "I could use a new pair of boots, motherfucker." He growled in reply. "Now might be a good time to bring out those toys!" He called to the others behind him, he withdrew the orb, and was a half heartbeat behind lunging forward as the dragons charged. One step, two, on the third he raised the orb. "BARAAD!" He yelled, some part of him thinking 'this had better fucking work' not breaking stride, he moved to meet the one who had spoken.. the leader, go for the leader first.

Esh Redleaf wasn't going to leave the flanks of the others open. He stands his ground and keeps the staff between them, and the draco-thingies. Well, if they're not going to be civilized, then it's time to KO a few beasties. Since their weapons are longer the monk attempts to quickly swing at the rear-most foe's lance, and spin in to try and get his new staff in to bind the draco-taur. He's got two charges, so time to test the thing out. While a scribe he does practice forms and keeps himself in shape with manual labor.

Kahtei watched the dragon things, then eyes went wide as the dragon-taurs were going to attack. The flail alone made her gulp and she knew things were going to be bad and that maybe her healing would be needed. Unlike the others who seemed to be charging, she would use her size to her advantage and wait. She watched as Vensyn charged one of them, watched as Esh attacked another. She would then move in Vensyns shadow and wait for the creature to be distracted enough that she could give a strike now and then at its legs and help Vensyn out.

Amberline Bequin would see the chargin taur lizards and draw her weapon and raise it above her head as she now moved to counter charge the drakes. Amber didn't feel like calling up the breathestealers would be too prudent right of the bat, there could have been something nastier. Or the drakes should prove to much, then she would call them, but now was too soon to commit their reserves in her mind. Amber charged an unengaged taur at an angle in order to negate its mommentum, comming at it from its left diagnally, going low hoping to cut at its leading par of legs as she tried to pass the beast on its left side to avoid being trampled. As Amber charged she would yell at the top of her lounges with quite the angry and contorted features, her war face.

Ålov's most uncivil side would probably come out when Vensyn led the attack on the leader. Ideally, that's who she would have used the spear's magic on, but thought, perhaps, it would be better for later. Roar that came from the woman was quite animalistic as she'd get the cue and charge to an unoccupied beast. Spear taken low towards the ground, she'd thrust upwards towards its belly, where she was attempting to go, were it tall enough. If she could get under, she'd continue stabbing upwards,"Jeg vil kutte magen og lage en lue fra tarmene!"

Kahakuloa narrowed his eyes as he realized that they.. weren't looking for peace either. here the group was, with NO weapons save what was given to them, NO armor save the clothing they had on (or taken off, which Haku had STRONGLY cautioned not to) and they might not have been outnumbered, but haku was sure that there were probably others, maybe they were the guardians. Haku slowly crouched through the talking (more like threatening) to the group.. and discreetly grabbed a handful of sand. Those weapons were meant to go through VERY thick armor. Instant kill. Suddenly everyone seemed to move at once.. including the taurs, and with a growled shout, haku flung the handful of sand right at the closest one charging, hoping to blind at least ONE of them, as he put on the crown(to get his hands free) as he tried to make a grab for that lunging spear, to throw it off course!

Baraad appeared as Vensyn called. The black metal orb turned to liquid, and rippled up his arm, and then the rest of his body, until he was covered in black fluid that puffed out into a suit of armor that was entirely too big for him. He was inside that thing somewhere, but he wasn't Vensyn at this point. He was a melded being with this nameless machine of rage and hate. From his own lungs split the warcry of an ancient clan of battlemages: "For death, bloodshed and destruction!" So much for "For glory." Eh? Vensyn would be forced to stab his blade into the sand, before simply putting his black gauntleted hands out and planting his feet firmly. The leader slammed into Vensyn.....and stopped dead. Vensyn was, for that moment, stronger even than the dragon, he didn't need a sword, he could tear this damn thing apart with his bare hands! [Vensyn in control of Baraad now, three round limit.] As soon as ESH willed the beast he was attacking to be chained, literal bands of wavering light split out from the staff, and wrapped about the beast, binding it so fully and so quickly that it would likely tumble into the sand, it wasn't going anywhere. [Staff of Chains: Chains of Force, 5 round duration.]

[Hannah Green]

Grinning at the challenge, the leader of the dragon-taurs grunts and huffs at Vensyn, posturing as the man approaches. He doesn't waste much more time, charging and then... Stopping dead. For a moment he looks bewildered, but enraged, begins to attack. One of those flails comes hurtling toward him. And soon after, the momentum carries the second flail into a strike, the staff spinning about in the beast's claws. The strikes seem to cause quite some damage to the now stationary armour, but none of the damage gets through to Vensyn from the vicious beating. The beast caught by Esh tumbles and crashes into the sand, skidding for a few feet before stopping with a grunt. The caught creature flails, roars, and opens his maw wide to send a spout of flame right at Esh in anger. One of it's legs looks to be at an unhealthy angle. Amber's charge meets with some success, knicking the taur's legs and causing it to stumble. But now in so close, she is at risk of being hit by flailing legs as its speed is reduced dramatically. The creature drops its lance and unsheathes its sword, striking in a low arch, but the sudden interrupted charge makes the swing wild and inaccurate. Alov makes perhaps the most progress, her spear finding its mark and sinking into the creature's belly. It roars with rage and continues forward, however, not stopping even with the repeated strikes. As it becomes panicked it stamps and kicks its feet, putting her at serious risk of being trampled or knocked over. Haku's trick seems to work, the taur closes its eyes and loses its target, though when Haku grabs the lance he will find that the beast does not stop or slow down. He charges blindly right through, looking to cause as much disruption as possible. While he diverts the strike of the lance, the two are likely to have a messy collision.

Vensyn with only maybe half of their number being fighters, and only two of them, himself and Amber, used to fighting in such senerios, Vensyn had figured it was time for a bit of backup. He had intended to aim for the beast's inner upper thigh. If its anatomy, placement of arteries and veins was even remotely similar to a human's then there was a major artery right there that circulated blood through the leg.. but suddenly, he was covered in black... stuff.. Vensyn was attached to his sword, very much so, bonded to it in a way, and was vaugely surprised as he suddenly put it down.. like he was himself, but not.. the heat of rage in battle, unlike his usual calm deadly emptiness. It was a dangerous and desperate situation however, so he did not fight it.. somewhat lost in the powerful being, he was more a passenger than in control, watching through it's eyes as it reached out to seize the dragon by the throat with one hand, and wrench it's arm with the other. From under the seething blanket of rage and hate, Vensyn mused that one of these bastards would make for some snazy armor.

Esh Redleaf squeeks and ducks low, bringing his new staff through the flames (it's magical, so hope it survives) aimed down at the Draco-taur's head. The force he's applying is hopefully gauged for a KO and not skull-crushing though fear might add a few more pounds of damage. Not knowing how long the binding will last he wants to add a little insurance before he looks for the next draco-thingie to help with. This staff is pretty sweet especially with the no-kill enchantment on it. If it wasn't for the Vow of Poverty he's taken maybe he would have nice things like this.

Kahtei was aiming to strike at the leader's legs, but it only took a near trampling of her little form when the creature started to attack Ven to make her relize she was to close and so she leaped back out of the way since Vensyn was obviously able to take care of this one. The halfling looked about to surmize what all was happening and she would move off to help another in need, moving off to help Amber since she was the closest. Kah raised her steel knife, not the one she got from Spell because she was saving that one and its enchantment for later, but her own knife and threw it with all her might at the creatures neck aiming for arteries there and its windpipe to cut off its breathing as Amber fought it, and hopefully her sneak attack would work. Kah was doing what she thought was best, and stay alive herself.

Amberline Bequin would take a shuffle step backwards as she realized she was too close, almost jumping backwards as the sword was swung, but went wild. Amber would strike out with her sword in her right hand to try and slash at the wild moving hand of the beast to at least disarm it and give it a nasty cut. Amber would then draw with her left hand, the sword she was gifted for the mission, but she had not intention of using it to call up the demons. Instead Amber hoped to pivot on her feet to deliver a stabbing wound to the lizards torso as she drew, but it was a quick movement, that she tried in efforts to wound the creature further rather than kill it out right, not in a position to capitalize on that yet. The woman did not see the halflings knife as it wizzed at the drake-taur.

Ålov grunted as one of the creature's massive feet lifted up and caught her in the side, likely scratching open the woman's ribcage a bit. Knocking her to her knees, she'd turn to look up to it, scampering out of the way in the sand, before standing and thrusting out towards it again. Any entrails that were hanging out were hopefully wrapping in the sword as she'd work to yank them out of the monster, "Jeg vil bruke huden til å lage attraktive undertøy!" Breathing hard, she was getting hot and she was honestly quite dirty, but anyone who looked at the woman would see she was somewhat enjoying herself. Sick sort of grin on her face, paying little heed to the marks across her side as she thrust and slashed with the spear. No need to try and make an ally out of this creature. She was planning on killing it.

Kahakuloa didn't have time to react to anything else or anyone else as Haku was able to grab the spear haft, and then was nearly knocked unconscious from the body that slammed into him. Haku GRIPPED that spear, snarling, ignoring that 'just slammed into a brick wall' pain, more worried about the fact that he could probably be trampled if he let go and fell. Haku held on for dear life, and using as much upper body strength as he could and trying to use that spear as leverage, tried to pull himself up, aiming to get a good aimed kick in for the throat. Haku.. wasn't used to fighting on the offense. He wasn't trained to fight to KILL something. He was trained to deflect, and immobilize, but he also could fight dirty, hence the sand, and that kick. Hopefully, that kick landed, or haku was bound for a nasty fall indeed, and he couldn't afford to be any more injured. "Where is the cage!" he shouted, demanded!

[Hannah Green]

The leader's eyes go wide in surprise when he finds a vicegrip of armour crushing his windpipe. Even more when he feels the grip on his arm tugging at bone and muscle. It doesn't take long for Vensyn to turn the Dracotaur into a bloody mess, ripping off the arm and completely crushing its throat. He tries to roar but no sound comes out, and before long the thing falls over, quite dead in a heap on the floor. Esh's attack strikes true, clonking the beast on the forehead and knocking it out, though not before its flames lick and catch hungrilly to his clothes and flesh, causing painful, but not life threatening burns. Kahtie and Amberline's combined attack yield results. Amberline catches the creature's arm in a spary of blood but he turns to face her, keeping hold of his weapon and bringing it down again. This strike is more truly aimed, but he is distracted at the last moment by a dagger opening up the side of his neck. The scaled armour prevents it from dealing a lethal blow, but it might be just what Amberline needs to continue her offense into kicking hooves and flailing sword. Despite Alov's wound, her first blow was debilitating. And capitalizing upon it has her quickly forcing her beast to the ground. It's not dead, and getting too close is likely to result in another painful kick, but it's ability to fight is reduced dramatically each time the spear thrusts back in to the wound. Haku, with an amazing feat of strength, does manage to bring the taur to a stop, grappling with the weapon. The kick lands true but seems to do little more than piss it off. That is of course until it steps forward and wobbles. There's a split second of awkward balance that Haku can use to take the initiative, if he doesn't want to get trampled.

Vensyn snarled and flung the arm with all his nasty armor rage beast infused strength at the head of the beast Amber and Kahtei were fighting, he charged however, not for that one, but the one Haku was dealing with, which seemed to be the biggest threat at the moment, running full tilt, he sought to slam into it before it could reach Haku, just plowing it, and slamming an armored fist into it's side. Fuck yeah.

Esh Redleaf is quickly pre-occupied with trying to not be on fire. Fortunately there's sand all around. He spends this round rolling around on the ground, because after the robes, and the horsehair vest underneath, his fur isn't really fire-retardant. Once the burning stops he kips up with a wince and a stumble.

Kahtei couldn't help but grin and pump her fist in the air as the dagger struck out and actually hit the creature! With it distracted like that, hopefully Amber would be able to give it a death blow. Kah still had her other knife and she moved foward and around the creature to continue helping amber out how she can, and to get her first knife back which was laying in the sand with blood on it.

Amberline Bequin would lunge forward despite the flailing about of the dragon-thing. The dagger was just what she needed as a distraction and she side stepped the downward blow. Amber would bring both of her weapons up to stab just below the ribcage and push up under it to damage a multitude of internal organs. the woman would then twist her blades the best she could in the scaley skin, knowing she would have to withdraw either by choice or being pelted by the flailing leimbs.

Ålov scrambled backwards as the creature she was battling toppled over in her direction. She breathed heavily, making sure to stay away from its feet this time as she'd climb onto it, gripping horns and so on. Spear pointed at the creature's eyes, she'd lift it upwards in a very promising way, "You are telling us vere cage is being!" And if it didn't, she'd be plunging the spear into that yellow eye and ripping it out to continue seeing how far she could pull out his guts. Her own blood dripped down her dress and her legs, soiling the sand along with what she'd already drawn out of the monster.

Kahakuloa felt his foot land, and of course, if there were scales, that probably had sliced skin. Remember that little bit about being completely unprepared? Ya, haku never wore shoes... Haku snarled as he may or may not have gotten his foot sliced abut when there was a hesitance in movement, haku dropped himself and tried to roll away off to the side, scrambling to his feet (regardless of injury) to get out of the way. "The Cage! we want the cage, tell us where the cage is, give it to us!" He was breathing hard, sweating like a horse at the derby, and PISSED OFF. He Pointed to the presumed leader, now fallen. "Your words were to best you. we did. Our reward is that damned cage, now WHERE IS IT!" Haku suddenly.. cantedhis head as he looked in Alov's direction.. and they appointed HER.. as the barmaid?

[Hannah Green]

Vensyn's charge is unforseen by the taur dealing with Haku. And his attack knocks it off its feet and into the sand. He begins to scramble away, and, narrowing his eyes, watches Haku as he speaks. Amber's strikes hit true, her blades driving up into the vital organs of the beast. As it flails and begins to die, it kicks wildly at her, hate filled eyes glaring down as one hoof actually does connect. It is in vain, however, as this creature too is sent to a sandy grave. Alov's relentless, cruel assault leaves the beast that she's fighting eyeless and quickly dying. The flailing begins to slow, and eventually stops altogether. Only two remain. One is out cold, and the other has been knocked over by Vensyn and confused by Haku. Bowing its head submissively, it growls, and produces a horn. Blowing a long note, the horn is dropped, and the beast waits for his fate to be determined.

Eighteen of the creatures eyes could be seen at this point, poking up from the sand, watching the carnage visited on their own people. Only two fully emerged, however. One approached the dragon that had blown the horn, and calmly removed his head from his body with its axe. The other approached an instrument in the sand, where two other dragons were waiting already. After wordlessly looking on the champions with a strange sort of sadness, it happened. One of the dragons moved over to the instrument, and began to play. [Another post coming after this one.]

Vensyn had just enough time to revel in that unholy might before it slid away from him, the whole ball of black metal gone, as well as Baraad. His Token had been used, and very well, but he would have that aid no longer. His head would clear just as the sands quaked beneath their feet, and a short distance away, stairs of sandstone swept up into the sky. The dragon with the bloodied axe simply pointed to it, before all were seen to dissappear into the sands with a strange fluidity. They were alone, but there was no Cage. Not yet.

Baraad: [WAIT!]
Baraad: [Everyone go upstairs.]
Baraad: [Post there.]
Baraad: [Quick scene set for you, one second.]
Baraad: [Very sorry.]

As they climbed the stairs, the air would become blissfully cool, and there is a definite difference here than the blasted wasteland below. This must be where the Cage was hidden. There was what appeared to be an alabaster dragon frozen in stone, and shaped as if it were a boat. Its eye glowed, as if it were alive, but it would likely be their only way around....if it would obey them


Vensyn slams the beast to the ground, and then stands, ready rip of its head and spit down it's neck and tear its heart out and all sorts of other good wholesome forms of entertainment... when suddenly, his armored form seemed to shrink, and Vensyn was standing there, covered in black.. stuff again.. and a moment later it was just Vensyn standing there (at least he was still dressed) His head cleared right about the time the horn blower was beheaded. "So.. " He glanced around and blinked a few times. "Well that was fun, shall we?" He moved over to pick up his sword, brushed any clinging sand off of it and sheathed it. Up the stairs he went, relieved when the air turned cool. "This is more like it.." He eyed the dragon.. boat?

Esh Redleaf looks around to see who needs his help the most. Since it looks like the battle is pretty much over he step-limps back to the group as the other Draco-taurs appear. "I really hope we do not have to fight them again on the way out..." The good thing about having a staff is that it's also a walking stick. He uses it as such even though it doesn't appear that he really needs it. Though some weight off of the burned parts is kind of nice. Oh hey, a dragon boat. Looking around he says, "I forgot to bring my paddle. I have a stick though."

Kahtei looked about when the battle was over and her healers mindset quickly came. "If your injured don't move." Esh was burned though not life threaning burns and Amber looked well enough but Kah saw her get kicked. "Are you bad off Amberline?" she asked then looked to Alov as she was the most hurt it looked like, as she could see the blood. "Alov, sit down and raise your arms." She commanded the other woman moving over and then checking out the cut down her ribs. A slight hiss came. "Here take this." She said and pulled out a potion. "it will heal you as we go and make the wound days old instead of new." she then bandaged Alov. Kah then moved to Esh and pulled out a small vial of ointment and began to smeer it on the burns. "Will numb it and help keep infection away for now, but it won't heal you and you will need to see me when we get back." Kah then moved to haku to check him out. If he had wounds she bandaged them, if not she moved to Amber and inspected her, then to Vensyn <C>Kahtei: to check out if he was injured and treated any major wounds she could find. With that done she sighs looking into her satchel at the even more limited supplies she had. Down to one potion, a little more salve and some bandages. She then grabbed her knife and head up into the place with the rest. <e>

Amberline Bequin would have been kicked firmly in the abdomen as she dismounted the dying creature, driving the wind from her lungs. Bequin held onto her weapons and pushed back on the ground away from the beast, but it soon collapsed and died as torrents of blood and viscera poured from the gaping wound. Amber would look to KAh who had helped her, giving her a wave as she layed there amomment before getting to her feet When Kah asked her if she was fine she would nod and craddle her abdomen slightly for a momment before straighening up. Amber would weeze a bit as she fought to get her breathe back, likely bruising a rib, but she would live. She had had worse. Soon she wouldsee the horn blower killed and stairs would appear. "Stair way to the heavens..."

Ålov was relieved when the beast under her finally relented. She'd disregard everything else though and pry its mouth open first to cut out one of the smaller teeth, which, for now, would be slid into her boot for safe keeping. Holding the spear in one hand and lifting it as eyes peered up, she'd look at them threateningly. When the horn was blown and the group headed up the stairs, she lingered for just a moment, hand brushing over the shallow slashes along her side to look at the blood that coated it. She was SO thirsty and really couldn't help herself when she licked the blood off her hand. It was lifted to Kahtei as she frowned, "Be saving it if someone is hurt more, ja?" They would soon come to find out that the woman was reluctant to be healed by magical means. She did let the small woman bandage her though, curling a lip if it was too tight. Her face and shoulders started to redden as they headed up the stairs into cooler air, making her look a little like a lobster. Eyes narrowed on the boat some and she frowned a little, "Is looking like boats from home!"

Kahakuloa stood tall, still breathing hard, still tryingto still his addled brain, as he watched the beast. "Everyone, group back together.." He started and then there was a horn. Haku jumped back and wildly looked around. No.. not another ambush, he hoped. no, instead there were stairs. Haku, sadly indeed had cut his foot, and yes, there was blood to show for it... but that was it. Kahtei wouldn't have a chance to even try and get to haku, as he abruptly moved away from trying to be healed or helped. He had his reasons why. haku wasn't even aware that blood had gotten on his pants leg from it, yet Haku was walking fine. He headed up the stairs after them all, wary, and searching with those amber eyes. "what.. it's not here.." He snarled, and then looked back the way they came, if it was still there. "hm. Maybe the cage in on the dragon. maybe the dragon can take us." Haku moved closer to it.

[Hannah Green]

The dragon's eye lit up bright as it was mentioned and...the voice of what sounded like a child piped up, happy and bright as could be. "Yep yep! Take you to the Cage of Life we certainly will! Scaryscary though, big scary, makes you unhappy with the things and the stuff and the oooooOooooh. That's right! All aboard to the Ruins of Stolen Life!"

Baraad: [Need to get on that thing quick, 2 line post maximum, lets do this.]

Vensyn wasnt exactly eager to get on the damn thing, but he complied, frowning a bit.. not sure if he wanted to believe what it said or not.

Esh Redleaf stammers and freezes when Kah comes to put the salve on. He needs a moment to calm down after and says, "Thank you." before boarding.

Kahtei scowled at Alov but shook her head. "Fine, but least come see me when back to clean it." She shook her head at Haku and climbed on the boat.

Amberline Bequin nodded and followed in line, hoping in the boat.

Ålov followed every one else as well, excited to be on the boat. She loved them, even if they had betrayed her!

Kahakuloa frowned as he looked to the talking thing. "everyone on." Haku would have made sure everyone was on that thing befor ehe hopped aboard and gently patted the creature.. thing. "Take us to the cage." He stated.. and braced himself for a rather possibly speedy ride....

Baraad: [ON THE BOAT <3]

They entered what appeared to be a tomb. One by one, they burst open, and three skeletons rise, clad in rotted robes of obvious former wealth, wearing crowns and clinging to staves: They were mages. At some point.

The one in the middle spoke, its jawbone falling open only once, and its voice like the whisper of wind through old dry bones, "To pass you must know the Secret of the Dead." It hissed. "If you can prove your cunning, we will give it to you. You must answer, if you do not, you will share our tombs, and our curse. Question the First: Give me food, and I will live, give me water and I will die. What am I?" [Keep the posts short <3]


Vensyn hand rested on his sword as the skeletons appeared.. Another fight, okay... no wait. Shit. He glanced back at his companions. Hopefully someone was better at this shit than him.

Esh Redleaf is all ready to smash the skeletons when they start talking. Riddle time? He'll bite. After a moment of thought he says, "You are fire. Food will make you grow, and water will extinguish you." He shrugs and says, "I read many books...."

Kahtei groaned softly as the skeletons came to life and she once more touched the daggers. But wait! It wanted riddles, and riddles she was never good at so she would remain quiet, but Esh seemed to know a answer and hopefully it was right!

Amberline Bequin would raise a brow and go for her sword again, as the skeletons awoke, but would not draw. When posed with the riddle she seemed quite stumped, not expecting to go right into quiz time after fighting dragon creatures, Amber seemed much relieved when Esh spoke up, giving the answer, or at least an answer as good as any she could think of.

Ålov swallowed as she stepped off the boat. The place they walked to was kind of gross-looking and to be honest, she hadn't expected the tombs to burst open. Spear was held up some and out a little as she stood near the back of the group. Brows lifted some at the riddle and she'd nod in agreement, "You are being a fire. Feeding you wood is making you thrive and feeding you water is making you die." She knew that already and she didn't read any books. She did consider, however, simply using that token of hers to just get the cage and get back "home".

Kahakuloa jumped when they were able to get off the boat ride, and then stopped dead and gave a terrified shout to see the skeletons. Haku paled, and whirled around, hoping to make a break for it, but he couldn't. He closed his eyes and crouched, staring at the ground. There was NO WAY OUT. He swallowed as he tried to focus to listen. Haku remained with his back to the beings. He slowly nodded. "I think it's fire, as water puts fire out. Yes. Food.. hm." That one stumped Haku there. "I will go with Mr Redleaf and others, and say fire." he just... couldn't look at the creatures.