File: 1355974331570.jpg (1.28 MB, 2000x1271, APTOPIX-Chile-Volcano.jpg)
GloomQuest: The Last Thread MoronSonOfBoron No.262311[Last 50 Posts]
The mercenary heroes have vanquished Filchfire, dooming him to an eternal torment in the unfathomable bowels of the infinite blackness that is the Smooze. As the Smooze's mechanized army continues its assault on the city, its many eyes turned toward the world beyond, the party must tear down the foundries and bury the ancient horror once more.
Game on at 21:00 PST since a member or two will be late.
Game on at 21:00 PST since a member or two will be late.
This will be put on hiatus until January so players can enjoy the new year celebrations. I'll run it sooner if everyone can confirm an available day.
Character sheets:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CLFSe2aQwUqpI885P7mnAIyCheL7uKFFXs1ntQ-L6do/edit
The core of Filchfire's operations are falling apart around you, but the macabre constructs continueu to assault you from all sides. It seems that the factories are going into full gear, spewing out flying monstrosities despite the fact you've eliminated Filchfire and his means of controlling the Smooze… And when put like that, it seems the Smooze is now completely in charge of his machinations. The black sludge that fills the crater begins to bubble and churn beneath you, thin wispy tendrils reaching up to claim the walkways and superstructure like rising smoke.
And here you are at the very bottom of the thing, mere feet away from being swallowed whole.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CLFSe2aQwUqpI885P7mnAIyCheL7uKFFXs1ntQ-L6do/edit
The core of Filchfire's operations are falling apart around you, but the macabre constructs continueu to assault you from all sides. It seems that the factories are going into full gear, spewing out flying monstrosities despite the fact you've eliminated Filchfire and his means of controlling the Smooze… And when put like that, it seems the Smooze is now completely in charge of his machinations. The black sludge that fills the crater begins to bubble and churn beneath you, thin wispy tendrils reaching up to claim the walkways and superstructure like rising smoke.
And here you are at the very bottom of the thing, mere feet away from being swallowed whole.
Tsvetkov [M DD Warlock] No.297384
>>297380
"What, we're just going to leave it? Just abandoning this place won't kill the Smooze! It has to be contained, remember? And besides, there's so much knowledge that would otherwise be lost. We can still stop this! We can seize control, like with the other constructs. Give me the opportunity. I'll take the reins."
"What, we're just going to leave it? Just abandoning this place won't kill the Smooze! It has to be contained, remember? And besides, there's so much knowledge that would otherwise be lost. We can still stop this! We can seize control, like with the other constructs. Give me the opportunity. I'll take the reins."
Gaeton [Gryphon Knight] No.297390
>>297384
Gaeton looks at Tsvetkov for a moment. "…I've never seen you show this much emotion. Has the Smooze taken your mind like it did Filchfire's?"
I grab his shoulders with my claws, and stare him eagle-eye to dog. "Think about this, hard. Do you want to stay here, and meet the same fate, or destroy it and rid the world of this monstrosity?"
Gaeton looks at Tsvetkov for a moment. "…I've never seen you show this much emotion. Has the Smooze taken your mind like it did Filchfire's?"
I grab his shoulders with my claws, and stare him eagle-eye to dog. "Think about this, hard. Do you want to stay here, and meet the same fate, or destroy it and rid the world of this monstrosity?"
Tsvetkov [M DD Warlock] No.297392
>>297388
>>297390
"The Smooze is just a thing. It is to be controlled. You don't leave a powerful magical weapon unattended! What would it do, left unchecked? I could take it to my Homeland. I could win the war, single-handedly. What happens if we get out of this crater and find out the beast is still raging down below? How can we stop it then?"
>>297390
"The Smooze is just a thing. It is to be controlled. You don't leave a powerful magical weapon unattended! What would it do, left unchecked? I could take it to my Homeland. I could win the war, single-handedly. What happens if we get out of this crater and find out the beast is still raging down below? How can we stop it then?"
Tsvetkov [M DD Warlock] No.297407
>>297397
"You can't serve every problem by burning it! If it were so easy, why don't you just kill it now?"
>>297402
"They're dead, Buffalo! It's just a monster now, no different from any siege weapon. Would you condemn Gaeton for taking those enchanted weapons back to his country, to fight for his people? If you truly care for the sacrifice the people of this land have made, you won't throw away what has been wrought by their deaths so easily. If we lose that necromantic knowledge, it ALL BECOMES MEANINGLESS! We can't condemn knowledge just because Evil found it first!"
"You can't serve every problem by burning it! If it were so easy, why don't you just kill it now?"
>>297402
"They're dead, Buffalo! It's just a monster now, no different from any siege weapon. Would you condemn Gaeton for taking those enchanted weapons back to his country, to fight for his people? If you truly care for the sacrifice the people of this land have made, you won't throw away what has been wrought by their deaths so easily. If we lose that necromantic knowledge, it ALL BECOMES MEANINGLESS! We can't condemn knowledge just because Evil found it first!"
Gaeton [Gryphon Knight] No.297413
>>297407
"I have no country, Tsvetkov, and my weapons are for my own protection alone. And this is no mere siege weapon; you saw what it did! Destroyed an entire city in a matter of hours, slaughtering hundreds if not thousands of innocents to power its engines. This thing warped Filchfire's mind, and it's doing the same to you. You would take it meaning to do good, but through your knowledge and abilities it would wield unimaginable power for evil."
"I have no country, Tsvetkov, and my weapons are for my own protection alone. And this is no mere siege weapon; you saw what it did! Destroyed an entire city in a matter of hours, slaughtering hundreds if not thousands of innocents to power its engines. This thing warped Filchfire's mind, and it's doing the same to you. You would take it meaning to do good, but through your knowledge and abilities it would wield unimaginable power for evil."
Bethany [buffalo lifebinder] No.297418
>>297407
"We haven't killed it because.. You're the one with the power of explosions. And you're wrong. I've spoken to these souls, they aren't completely lost, they are aware of what's happening.. unable to stop it.. and they are suffering. If you try to take control of this beast. With that goal, you are condemned. I will have to destroy you." I stare at you hard.
"We haven't killed it because.. You're the one with the power of explosions. And you're wrong. I've spoken to these souls, they aren't completely lost, they are aware of what's happening.. unable to stop it.. and they are suffering. If you try to take control of this beast. With that goal, you are condemned. I will have to destroy you." I stare at you hard.
Gaeton [Gryphon Knight] No.297438
>>297435
…Actually, I think Bethany can handle it, I'm going to carry Porin out instead.
Roll #0 7 = 7
…Actually, I think Bethany can handle it, I'm going to carry Porin out instead.
Roll #0 7 = 7
The factories are spinning and churning at ungodly speeds now, possessed by some unfathomable will that moves them. The corpses are being reassembled, torn apart and sewn back together into vaguely dolphin-like shapes, fitted with haphazardly glued-together cannon and fired off into the air like giant undead hornets, filling the crater with an awful whistling sound.
You will need to move carefully to avoid beingraped caught by dolphin patrols.
>>297438
Porin is marvelously light, and you have no trouble carrying her through the air between the many rings and columns of the superstructure.
>>297443
>>297446
>>297447
>>297448
>>297449
>>297450
Everyone sees Tsvetkov pause at the edge of the walkway, but don't see him do what he just did by a margin of a half-second. Tsvetkov has his sample and could for all intents and purposes be examining the structure for his explosives plan, though in all this stress, is it really wise to stop and shout down anyone?
You all make it to the second level safely, the Smooze below beginning to form bony eyes and rib-toothed mouths as it swells and consumes the factories.
You will need to move carefully to avoid being
>>297438
Porin is marvelously light, and you have no trouble carrying her through the air between the many rings and columns of the superstructure.
>>297443
>>297446
>>297447
>>297448
>>297449
>>297450
Everyone sees Tsvetkov pause at the edge of the walkway, but don't see him do what he just did by a margin of a half-second. Tsvetkov has his sample and could for all intents and purposes be examining the structure for his explosives plan, though in all this stress, is it really wise to stop and shout down anyone?
You all make it to the second level safely, the Smooze below beginning to form bony eyes and rib-toothed mouths as it swells and consumes the factories.
Tsvetkov [M DD Warlock] No.297460
>>297459
As I sprint up the side of the ramp, I set off the first chain of detonations at the lowest levels.
"KEEP MOVING BLAST COMING!"
Roll #0 9 = 9
As I sprint up the side of the ramp, I set off the first chain of detonations at the lowest levels.
"KEEP MOVING BLAST COMING!"
Roll #0 9 = 9
Bethany's necromantic intuition gives her a greater sense for how the undead constructs are moving, and she leads the party between cover without getting caught by the patrolling fliers. Still, they know there's a band of meddlesome adventurers in here somewhere, and they're buzzing like mad about the crater.
Tsvetkov pinpoints a corpse passing through a weak point in the assembly lines, and sets off a blast that ignites everything around it. A huge section of stone, steel and bone falls into the Smooze, crippling its production abilities but not slowing its ascent.
As the other factories disappear into the black muck, you see sickly pimples forming in the surface; the factories continue to produce beneath the Smooze's black membranes, spitting out gooey bundles of constructs and beasties.
At a fork in the walkways, you all notice a gigantic tongue of Smooze rising up from below, aiming for the path ahead, your shortest escape route. You could take the turn left into the upper factories or right into the central spire, or race ahead to try and beat it…
Tsvetkov pinpoints a corpse passing through a weak point in the assembly lines, and sets off a blast that ignites everything around it. A huge section of stone, steel and bone falls into the Smooze, crippling its production abilities but not slowing its ascent.
As the other factories disappear into the black muck, you see sickly pimples forming in the surface; the factories continue to produce beneath the Smooze's black membranes, spitting out gooey bundles of constructs and beasties.
At a fork in the walkways, you all notice a gigantic tongue of Smooze rising up from below, aiming for the path ahead, your shortest escape route. You could take the turn left into the upper factories or right into the central spire, or race ahead to try and beat it…
As everyone moves for the shortest path, Chester buys just a little bit of time for everyone to make it across. His mace becomes a bright blue morning star in the darkness, eating through the massive tendril like it were cotton candy. But still, the unfathomable mass moves upward, beginning to curl around the structure as the group passes through it.
At the last moment, Tsvetkov sets off another explosion far beneath, attempting to break the tentacle with the structures below. The party is thrown to the floor as the walkway buckles underneath them, and the Smooze loses its composure, breaking apart into a multitude of strings and lashing whips as it snags the walkway and begins to pull it down.
Everyone has made it across except Tsvetkov, who is hanging onto the edge of the walkway, tentacles pulling at his hindlegs.
'1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
At the last moment, Tsvetkov sets off another explosion far beneath, attempting to break the tentacle with the structures below. The party is thrown to the floor as the walkway buckles underneath them, and the Smooze loses its composure, breaking apart into a multitude of strings and lashing whips as it snags the walkway and begins to pull it down.
Everyone has made it across except Tsvetkov, who is hanging onto the edge of the walkway, tentacles pulling at his hindlegs.
'1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
Bethany [buffalo lifebinder] No.297519
>>297508
See as he's safe from the other team members helping him I'll cast heal on Tsetkov to revitalize him "You're doing well mate, you've just got to keep it up for a while longer."
Roll #0 5 = 5
See as he's safe from the other team members helping him I'll cast heal on Tsetkov to revitalize him "You're doing well mate, you've just got to keep it up for a while longer."
Roll #0 5 = 5
The entire party comes together in a heroic effort to rescue Tsvetkov from a fate worse than death. The group stands by a doorway to the outer rings, one step closer to relative safety. The central spire is distant to you, the upper factories sinking into the rising Smooze.
You can travel clockwise or counter- along the ring, or stay here in the caldera's upper walkways. You still need to find a weak point (or several) to collapse the rim of the caldera if not the entire base, and seeing as you're not in the central spire that may be difficult to do.
'1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
You can travel clockwise or counter- along the ring, or stay here in the caldera's upper walkways. You still need to find a weak point (or several) to collapse the rim of the caldera if not the entire base, and seeing as you're not in the central spire that may be difficult to do.
'1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
For all intents and purposes the entire base is still coming apart around you as the Smooze ascends and assimilates Filchfire's creations, especially since it's actively looking for your group and has no concern for architecture.
You must make your escape and/or find a way to stop the Smooze.
You must make your escape and/or find a way to stop the Smooze.
Chester [M. Uni. Vigilant of Luna] No.297569
>>297558
"Well, perhaps… " >>297562 "Yes, that might be the best way to go about it. But you have to be careful. It's looking for us."
After thinking for a moment, I'll continue.
"Tsetkov, you'll need a volunteer to fly you to at least the central spire. The rest of us can secure the exit, and you can either fly out of the caldera, or to us once you've succeeded."
>>297566
Before he goes too far, I'll renew the Moonfire aura around them.
'1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
"Well, perhaps… " >>297562 "Yes, that might be the best way to go about it. But you have to be careful. It's looking for us."
After thinking for a moment, I'll continue.
"Tsetkov, you'll need a volunteer to fly you to at least the central spire. The rest of us can secure the exit, and you can either fly out of the caldera, or to us once you've succeeded."
>>297566
Before he goes too far, I'll renew the Moonfire aura around them.
'1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>297574
"What are you going to do, sir?" Porin is fighting back tears. She's seen a lot today.
>>297572
Gaeton must roll to fly out of the ring safely… and there's still the rest of the mountainside.
The rest of the party will need to figure out a way off, too.
>>297566
>>297575
Klandin weaves between ruined superstructures to keep out of sight of the patrols, but everything seems to be in ruin already as the Smooze consumes the factories. The central spire itself is the only thing that could possibly contain something germaine to its progress and how Filchfire sealed it.
The two of you find an open port in the side of the spire and find yourself in a grand chamber of gears and arcane machinery. You can see the edge of the city from here, and the works far below you are slowly being consumed by roiling black masses.
"What are you going to do, sir?" Porin is fighting back tears. She's seen a lot today.
>>297572
Gaeton must roll to fly out of the ring safely… and there's still the rest of the mountainside.
The rest of the party will need to figure out a way off, too.
>>297566
>>297575
Klandin weaves between ruined superstructures to keep out of sight of the patrols, but everything seems to be in ruin already as the Smooze consumes the factories. The central spire itself is the only thing that could possibly contain something germaine to its progress and how Filchfire sealed it.
The two of you find an open port in the side of the spire and find yourself in a grand chamber of gears and arcane machinery. You can see the edge of the city from here, and the works far below you are slowly being consumed by roiling black masses.
Gaeton [Gryphon Knight] No.297586
>>297583
>Gaeton must roll to fly out of the ring safely… and there's still the rest of the mountainside.
>roll
Wonderful…
Roll #0 4 = 4
>Gaeton must roll to fly out of the ring safely… and there's still the rest of the mountainside.
>roll
Wonderful…
Roll #0 4 = 4
>>297586
Gaeton disappears over the top of the ring of the caldera with Porin in tow, but almost immediately runs into a patrol of cetaceans and dolphins. He dodges quickly, swooping low over the skyline, with Porin firing bolts of ice at their pursuers, but multiple bony bolts tear through his armor and it's not too long until he's grounded in the converted city on the mountainside, far from the moving wall.
The ground here is ossified, like thick bony plating and malformed marrow, the buildings around you are massive blocks of salt and quartz and mineral, featureless and glistening in the volcanic daylight. As you dust yourself off after that nasty emergency crash landing, you don't see Porin anywhere.
Thankfully the aerial patrols far above have forgotten you, and you don't spot any constructs on the ground… yet.
>>297593
>>297595
You could try heading back to the open hole you entered through, but you don't know how far it is from where you are now. You're certain it's clockwise to your position, though.
Alternately you could try scaling the ring's outside and going down the side of the mountain from there, but you'd be exposed to air patrols.
>>297598
>>297607
It actually appears that there are a number of Lunar seals placed at regular intervals in the spire. Comparing the Smooze below with the Smooze outside, you realize that the eldritch being isn't ascending the spire as quickly, possibly held back by the divine force. It's like an arrow pointed straight at the heart of darkness.
If you don't move fast enough, however, your way out could be barred by the Smooze outside.
Gaeton disappears over the top of the ring of the caldera with Porin in tow, but almost immediately runs into a patrol of cetaceans and dolphins. He dodges quickly, swooping low over the skyline, with Porin firing bolts of ice at their pursuers, but multiple bony bolts tear through his armor and it's not too long until he's grounded in the converted city on the mountainside, far from the moving wall.
The ground here is ossified, like thick bony plating and malformed marrow, the buildings around you are massive blocks of salt and quartz and mineral, featureless and glistening in the volcanic daylight. As you dust yourself off after that nasty emergency crash landing, you don't see Porin anywhere.
Thankfully the aerial patrols far above have forgotten you, and you don't spot any constructs on the ground… yet.
>>297593
>>297595
You could try heading back to the open hole you entered through, but you don't know how far it is from where you are now. You're certain it's clockwise to your position, though.
Alternately you could try scaling the ring's outside and going down the side of the mountain from there, but you'd be exposed to air patrols.
>>297598
>>297607
It actually appears that there are a number of Lunar seals placed at regular intervals in the spire. Comparing the Smooze below with the Smooze outside, you realize that the eldritch being isn't ascending the spire as quickly, possibly held back by the divine force. It's like an arrow pointed straight at the heart of darkness.
If you don't move fast enough, however, your way out could be barred by the Smooze outside.
Gaeton [Gryphon Knight] No.297618
>>297611
Great. Just fucking great. I'll roll to find her, and hope my eyeballs don't explode.
Note to self: NEVER take on any responsibility.
Roll #0 3 = 3
Great. Just fucking great. I'll roll to find her, and hope my eyeballs don't explode.
Note to self: NEVER take on any responsibility.
Roll #0 3 = 3
Bethany [buffalo lifebinder] No.297620
>>297611
I'll continue up clockwise. But keep checking.. is there something I can float or slide on?
Roll #0 5 = 5
I'll continue up clockwise. But keep checking.. is there something I can float or slide on?
Roll #0 5 = 5
Tsvetkov [M DD Warlock] No.297626
>>297611
>>297623
"I'll.. do what I can."
I sigh and focus my magic. I'm a necromancer… this looks like a job for Chester. I subvocalize in my head, saying a quick prayer.
Luna… I have never prayed to you, or any of your pantheon. I am not a pony, not one of your flock. But your flock is in danger, and there are none but me that can intercede. Grant me your blessing this day… I don't know what I have left to bargain, but surely there's something you could want out of me, if only the safety of your people.
Attempt to supercharge the seals with magic, applying my shared necromantic knowledge to reseal the beast. Hopefully Luna will guide me through the Lunar part of the seal.
Roll #0 10 = 10
>>297623
"I'll.. do what I can."
I sigh and focus my magic. I'm a necromancer… this looks like a job for Chester. I subvocalize in my head, saying a quick prayer.
Luna… I have never prayed to you, or any of your pantheon. I am not a pony, not one of your flock. But your flock is in danger, and there are none but me that can intercede. Grant me your blessing this day… I don't know what I have left to bargain, but surely there's something you could want out of me, if only the safety of your people.
Attempt to supercharge the seals with magic, applying my shared necromantic knowledge to reseal the beast. Hopefully Luna will guide me through the Lunar part of the seal.
Roll #0 10 = 10
Auvergne [Pegasus Arcane Blade] No.297636
>>297620
I can't fully fly, especially with a buffalo in tow, but can I get an eye out and get something for Bethany to use?
Roll #0 6 = 6
I can't fully fly, especially with a buffalo in tow, but can I get an eye out and get something for Bethany to use?
Roll #0 6 = 6
>>297618
You don't see her in the "neighborhood". You note that the structures around you are like macabre, bone-white plazas, squares and stairways plucked from a metropolis. In the distance you can see a half dozen spindly spiderlike constructs spinning over the edges, leaping across gaps and between railings with pinpoint precision and acrobatic energy, all coming towards you with faceless intentions.
There is a whisper in your head, audible as though it were next to you. The burden of holding a life in one's claws is so much heavier than the weapons you thought were your only friends, isn't it? It takes far more than mere brute strength to carry such weight.
Chester, you hear the same, mocking and imperious voice in your head.
That godless bird has her now. What sort of guardian are you? Do you honestly think she would be safe in the midst of an advancing army? Could you not commend her to the care of a higher power…?
>>297620
>>297636
Unless you intend on breaking off a piece of wreckage or rock (and getting really lucky at that) there's no real sledge or mode of transport… apart from trying to hijack a docked Cetacean, anyway.
>>297623
>>297626
If truly you do seek our aid, thou must give up the fruitless labor of tarrying with Pure Evil. Abandon that which you have taken, or let yourself burn with it.
You don't see her in the "neighborhood". You note that the structures around you are like macabre, bone-white plazas, squares and stairways plucked from a metropolis. In the distance you can see a half dozen spindly spiderlike constructs spinning over the edges, leaping across gaps and between railings with pinpoint precision and acrobatic energy, all coming towards you with faceless intentions.
There is a whisper in your head, audible as though it were next to you. The burden of holding a life in one's claws is so much heavier than the weapons you thought were your only friends, isn't it? It takes far more than mere brute strength to carry such weight.
Chester, you hear the same, mocking and imperious voice in your head.
That godless bird has her now. What sort of guardian are you? Do you honestly think she would be safe in the midst of an advancing army? Could you not commend her to the care of a higher power…?
>>297620
>>297636
Unless you intend on breaking off a piece of wreckage or rock (and getting really lucky at that) there's no real sledge or mode of transport… apart from trying to hijack a docked Cetacean, anyway.
>>297623
>>297626
If truly you do seek our aid, thou must give up the fruitless labor of tarrying with Pure Evil. Abandon that which you have taken, or let yourself burn with it.
Tsvetkov [M DD Warlock] No.297655
>>297650
I grimace. "Such is the cost of bargains with the omniscient. Klandin, I wasn't being honest with you."
I pull out my sewing kit, and chuck it as far as I can into the crater, casting Corpse Explosion on it as it goes.
Roll #0 6 = 6
I grimace. "Such is the cost of bargains with the omniscient. Klandin, I wasn't being honest with you."
I pull out my sewing kit, and chuck it as far as I can into the crater, casting Corpse Explosion on it as it goes.
Roll #0 6 = 6
Bethany [buffalo lifebinder] No.297656
>>297650
Well that was my plan. Use that buffalo strength to break off something big enough so everyone can stand on it.
Roll #0 9 = 9
Well that was my plan. Use that buffalo strength to break off something big enough so everyone can stand on it.
Roll #0 9 = 9
Chester [M. Uni. Vigilant of Luna] No.297657
>>297650
[s]I'm the sort of guardian who trusts his friend. Further, she walks with the Watching over her. I have faith in her abilities, and Luna's guidance, to keep her safe. Dangerous though you are, you are as nothing to Her power.[s]
Still, I'll hasten my steps. The sooner we meet with the others, the more at ease I'll be.
[s]I'm the sort of guardian who trusts his friend. Further, she walks with the Watching over her. I have faith in her abilities, and Luna's guidance, to keep her safe. Dangerous though you are, you are as nothing to Her power.[s]
Still, I'll hasten my steps. The sooner we meet with the others, the more at ease I'll be.
Gaeton [Gryphon Knight] No.297658
>>297650
I take a deep breath, calming myself. "If you seek worship, you'd be better off looking elsewhere."
Speaking of looking… I call out to Porin, looking['1d10'] and listening['r2 1d10'] for any sort of reply. I hold my sword at the ready, knowing that if I can't find her before the constructs arrive then I'll have to kill them to continue my search.
Roll #1 4 = 4 / Roll #2 3 = 3
I take a deep breath, calming myself. "If you seek worship, you'd be better off looking elsewhere."
Speaking of looking… I call out to Porin, looking['1d10'] and listening['r2 1d10'] for any sort of reply. I hold my sword at the ready, knowing that if I can't find her before the constructs arrive then I'll have to kill them to continue my search.
Roll #1 4 = 4 / Roll #2 3 = 3
Gaeton [Gryphon Knight] No.297661
File: 1357888724989.jpg (14.88 KB, 271x311, AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!.jpg)
Auvergne [Pegasus Arcane Blade] No.297664
>>297656
I really don't know what to do to be useful, since I have a sea of darkness nipping at our hooves. I'll use my magic to try and get a piece of debris that we can use.
Roll #0 1 = 1
I really don't know what to do to be useful, since I have a sea of darkness nipping at our hooves. I'll use my magic to try and get a piece of debris that we can use.
Roll #0 1 = 1
>>297654
>>297655
As Tsvetkov casts away the Smoozeling, it tears through his bag and pierces your ears with its unearthly screams. It explodes in a great blast of blue fire as it passes near a Lunar seal. Satisfied by this confluence of energy and action, magical moonlight begins to emanate from the seals and lines etched into the spire.
The entire assembly starts to sink, and you feel the ground beneath you lurch as it feels as though the entire tower has fallen into the caldera, driving into the depths of the Smooze. The black sludge beneath you begins to rise at an alarming rate, as the spire is lowered into the abyss. Your only way out now is up.
>>297657
Do you trust your weak mortal friends? Creatures who cannot see in the darkness, much less fathom its true power and intentions? Promise your soul to me, and we shall see to it that hers is not claimed by the Smooze.
>>297656
>>297664
Your best bet is to find a ruined piece of wall—naturally, where you first entered. It's easy enough to rip out a large chunk. Auvergne gets a little over-eager, however, and nearly slips on the open wreckage, sending a piece of flooring skittering out down the mountainside.
That seems to have attracted the attention of some flying squadrons far above. They don't see you yet, and you have a platform large enough for the three of you to stand on. It's a haphazard piece of work, and you don't know if you'll make it down the mountainside safely or if you can make it through the Bone City to the wall and back to Gloom…
>>297658
You get no answer. The Bone City is like a graveyard, devoid of all other life.
You must run, or the spiders will be upon you.
>>297655
As Tsvetkov casts away the Smoozeling, it tears through his bag and pierces your ears with its unearthly screams. It explodes in a great blast of blue fire as it passes near a Lunar seal. Satisfied by this confluence of energy and action, magical moonlight begins to emanate from the seals and lines etched into the spire.
The entire assembly starts to sink, and you feel the ground beneath you lurch as it feels as though the entire tower has fallen into the caldera, driving into the depths of the Smooze. The black sludge beneath you begins to rise at an alarming rate, as the spire is lowered into the abyss. Your only way out now is up.
>>297657
Do you trust your weak mortal friends? Creatures who cannot see in the darkness, much less fathom its true power and intentions? Promise your soul to me, and we shall see to it that hers is not claimed by the Smooze.
>>297656
>>297664
Your best bet is to find a ruined piece of wall—naturally, where you first entered. It's easy enough to rip out a large chunk. Auvergne gets a little over-eager, however, and nearly slips on the open wreckage, sending a piece of flooring skittering out down the mountainside.
That seems to have attracted the attention of some flying squadrons far above. They don't see you yet, and you have a platform large enough for the three of you to stand on. It's a haphazard piece of work, and you don't know if you'll make it down the mountainside safely or if you can make it through the Bone City to the wall and back to Gloom…
>>297658
You get no answer. The Bone City is like a graveyard, devoid of all other life.
You must run, or the spiders will be upon you.
Chester [M. Uni. Vigilant of Luna] No.297676
>>297670
I trust them. And I trust in her as well. I will never offer myself to you, but know that if you touch so much as a single strand of hair on her, I will hunt down every last speck of you and burn you from the world drop by drop.
I'll hop on the wall piece and check our trajectory. Do I see anything along the mountainside? '1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
I trust them. And I trust in her as well. I will never offer myself to you, but know that if you touch so much as a single strand of hair on her, I will hunt down every last speck of you and burn you from the world drop by drop.
I'll hop on the wall piece and check our trajectory. Do I see anything along the mountainside? '1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
Tsvetkov [M DD Warlock] No.297677
>>297674
For the second time in aerial trouble, I dully remark.
"What an unbecoming way to die after coming so far."
Raise dead. Try to tear the skeleton of a flier out of the Smooze as it retreats.
Roll #0 4 = 4
For the second time in aerial trouble, I dully remark.
"What an unbecoming way to die after coming so far."
Raise dead. Try to tear the skeleton of a flier out of the Smooze as it retreats.
Roll #0 4 = 4
Gaeton [Gryphon Knight] No.297678
>>297670
I fly a ways into the air, sword at the ready, still keeping eyes and ears open for any sign of Porin. '1d10'
If nothing else, I can distract them while she makes an escape…
Since I get the first action no matter what, I'll hit the first spider to reach me with a double Power Attack. 'r2 2d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6 / Roll #2 3, 5 = 8
I fly a ways into the air, sword at the ready, still keeping eyes and ears open for any sign of Porin. '1d10'
If nothing else, I can distract them while she makes an escape…
Since I get the first action no matter what, I'll hit the first spider to reach me with a double Power Attack. 'r2 2d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6 / Roll #2 3, 5 = 8
Auvergne [Pegasus Arcane Blade] No.297679
File: 1357889482263.jpg (59.39 KB, 700x468, HovercraftHovPodCraftTogether3…)
Bethany [buffalo lifebinder] No.297681
>>297670
It will work. The Sun will guide my hooves. "Auvergne, be ready to use your wings to help us steer down the mountain. Its all up to Tsvetkov now.." have the bones climb on my back to save space and give the things a push start before jumping on.
Roll #0 4 = 4
It will work. The Sun will guide my hooves. "Auvergne, be ready to use your wings to help us steer down the mountain. Its all up to Tsvetkov now.." have the bones climb on my back to save space and give the things a push start before jumping on.
Roll #0 4 = 4
>>297674
>>297677
The whole of the Spire echoes and rings with a million stolen voices screaming in agony as the Smooze tries to fight back against the Lunar magic piercing its essence. Klandin is immediately struck by the resonating might and can barely lift himself off the floor, racked with unimaginable pain. Tsvetkov is similarly disabled, struggling to get a spark of magic working, only to have the death throes of the Smooze overcome his senses.
The two of you might be able to try again, or make peace with each other, as you watch yourselves plunge into the darkness of the earth.
Everyone else outside of the caldera can hear a great resounding roar and an unholy clash of metal and earth as the Spire breaks off and falls into the Smooze.
>>297676
>>297679
>>297681
Chester, you notice that there are a lot of scary and sharp looking rocks waiting to gouge you through the ribcage. You can only trust there's a safe way through them.
Fear is such a powerful feeling, isn't it? Do you know how afraid she is down there, all alone?
Bethany and Auvergne start up their makeshift sledge, and Auvergne's wingpower is more than enough to shoot them past the first ridges, slaloming steadily between outcroppings and hazardous spines. He's amazingly able to steer it rather well despite all the additional weight.
Now if only this thing had brakes… roll to make your crash landing in the Bone City.
>>297678
You think you hear a magical blast in the direction opposite the oncoming spiders. You would have to travel down that street to make sure.
Your stance is true and you easily deflect the first spider, knocking it away but doing no damage to it. Another one spins past you and cuts a deep gouge into your wing as it flips across a pedestal.
>>297677
The whole of the Spire echoes and rings with a million stolen voices screaming in agony as the Smooze tries to fight back against the Lunar magic piercing its essence. Klandin is immediately struck by the resonating might and can barely lift himself off the floor, racked with unimaginable pain. Tsvetkov is similarly disabled, struggling to get a spark of magic working, only to have the death throes of the Smooze overcome his senses.
The two of you might be able to try again, or make peace with each other, as you watch yourselves plunge into the darkness of the earth.
Everyone else outside of the caldera can hear a great resounding roar and an unholy clash of metal and earth as the Spire breaks off and falls into the Smooze.
>>297676
>>297679
>>297681
Chester, you notice that there are a lot of scary and sharp looking rocks waiting to gouge you through the ribcage. You can only trust there's a safe way through them.
Fear is such a powerful feeling, isn't it? Do you know how afraid she is down there, all alone?
Bethany and Auvergne start up their makeshift sledge, and Auvergne's wingpower is more than enough to shoot them past the first ridges, slaloming steadily between outcroppings and hazardous spines. He's amazingly able to steer it rather well despite all the additional weight.
Now if only this thing had brakes… roll to make your crash landing in the Bone City.
>>297678
You think you hear a magical blast in the direction opposite the oncoming spiders. You would have to travel down that street to make sure.
Your stance is true and you easily deflect the first spider, knocking it away but doing no damage to it. Another one spins past you and cuts a deep gouge into your wing as it flips across a pedestal.
>>297706
>>297710
Klandin uses sheer willpower to grab a hold of Tsvetkov. His cry to his own deity does not go ignored, as a great shaft of sunlight pierces the spire from the opening far above, giving his wings a solar glow about them, lifting them from the floor and towards the heavens above.
Even with this great and sudden ascension, you will need to roll to dodge the machinery and architecture. You're moving at an unnaturally fast speed, faster than your wings could have ever carried you.
Down below you can hear Tsvetkov's new familiar being tugged along, nearly falling apart.
>>297707
As you turn the corner, you see Porin freezing spider mechs of her own as hobbles past obstacles. She looks injured.
Deaf, where's that Cheerilee cap? I'm serious, there are lives hanging in the balance!
>>297708
>>297712
>>297714
Your sledge hits a ditch and the three of you go flying over the ground. Chester and Bethany land gracefully on their hooves and mitigate muich of the impact with a roll, while Auvergne tumbles a bit further down the street. Tsvetkov's skeleton climbs out of the ditch, no worse for the wear.
The Bone City is an eerily quiet place with none of the noise and chaos of the war going on above the skyscrapers or beyond the distant wall that creeps down onto the city.
>>297710
Klandin uses sheer willpower to grab a hold of Tsvetkov. His cry to his own deity does not go ignored, as a great shaft of sunlight pierces the spire from the opening far above, giving his wings a solar glow about them, lifting them from the floor and towards the heavens above.
Even with this great and sudden ascension, you will need to roll to dodge the machinery and architecture. You're moving at an unnaturally fast speed, faster than your wings could have ever carried you.
Down below you can hear Tsvetkov's new familiar being tugged along, nearly falling apart.
>>297707
As you turn the corner, you see Porin freezing spider mechs of her own as hobbles past obstacles. She looks injured.
Deaf, where's that Cheerilee cap? I'm serious, there are lives hanging in the balance!
>>297708
>>297712
>>297714
Your sledge hits a ditch and the three of you go flying over the ground. Chester and Bethany land gracefully on their hooves and mitigate muich of the impact with a roll, while Auvergne tumbles a bit further down the street. Tsvetkov's skeleton climbs out of the ditch, no worse for the wear.
The Bone City is an eerily quiet place with none of the noise and chaos of the war going on above the skyscrapers or beyond the distant wall that creeps down onto the city.
Bethany [buffalo lifebinder] No.297767
>>297761
"Oh, you made here. Where is everyone else? Has the church fled?" Do I see any signs of the inquisition?
Roll #0 2 = 2
"Oh, you made here. Where is everyone else? Has the church fled?" Do I see any signs of the inquisition?
Roll #0 2 = 2
>>297759
>>297775
You are now experiencing g-force in your face!
You burst forth from the top of the Spire in an explosion of light and fire, and the sunlight guiding you before is now gone. You can see that despite all this you aren't very far from the caldera's level; the Spire has nearly disappeared into the Smooze entirely, and you can see blue light burning hot enough that it can be seen in the depths of that black lagoon. The fire has started to eat away at the Smooze from within, and it will be only a matter of time.
The skeletal griffon latches onto Tsvetkov's dangling legs, its wings long since plucked of feathers.
>>297761
>>297764
>>297767
You're not in the city of Gloom proper… this is the Bone City, the realm behind the creeping fortress wall that crushed Gloom as it advanced. In its wake are only tall, white crystalline towers and geometric plazas of unknown design and intention, twisting with stairways, ramps, and walkways for beings and citizens that don't exist… You see no doors or signs of life.
>>297783
Oh, okay then, don't worry about it.
There are still spiders behind you, as well as the spiders surrounding her.
'1d10+2' Porin tries to buy a little more time for the both of you with a flurry of ice bolts.
Roll #1 4 + 2 = 6
>>297775
You are now experiencing g-force in your face!
You burst forth from the top of the Spire in an explosion of light and fire, and the sunlight guiding you before is now gone. You can see that despite all this you aren't very far from the caldera's level; the Spire has nearly disappeared into the Smooze entirely, and you can see blue light burning hot enough that it can be seen in the depths of that black lagoon. The fire has started to eat away at the Smooze from within, and it will be only a matter of time.
The skeletal griffon latches onto Tsvetkov's dangling legs, its wings long since plucked of feathers.
>>297761
>>297764
>>297767
You're not in the city of Gloom proper… this is the Bone City, the realm behind the creeping fortress wall that crushed Gloom as it advanced. In its wake are only tall, white crystalline towers and geometric plazas of unknown design and intention, twisting with stairways, ramps, and walkways for beings and citizens that don't exist… You see no doors or signs of life.
>>297783
Oh, okay then, don't worry about it.
There are still spiders behind you, as well as the spiders surrounding her.
'1d10+2' Porin tries to buy a little more time for the both of you with a flurry of ice bolts.
Roll #1 4 + 2 = 6
Tsvetkov [M DD Warlock] No.297806
>>297803
Mount my skeletal gryphon, then search for anyone I can find to group up with.
"We have to find Chester's group. Gaeton will be fine, he's got good wings on him."
Roll #0 6 = 6
Mount my skeletal gryphon, then search for anyone I can find to group up with.
"We have to find Chester's group. Gaeton will be fine, he's got good wings on him."
Roll #0 6 = 6
Auvergne [Pegasus Arcane Blade] No.297812
>>297809
"Thanks. For now, I'd vote on anything involving going up. We get a better lay of the land, and get some distance from that goo."
Roll #0 7 = 7
"Thanks. For now, I'd vote on anything involving going up. We get a better lay of the land, and get some distance from that goo."
Roll #0 7 = 7
>>297801
If you fly, you'll expose yourself to the aerial patrols. If you want a signal you might ask Porin for something, but who knows if that'll work?
>>297802
>>297805
>>297809
There are tall buildings all around you, but they are all tall scrapers that would obscure the streets around them. And even then there's a veritable storm of flying constructs above the skyline.
The streets here weren't made for the living. There's absolutely no decor, no directions or signs. You can hear your words echo off the sheer walls quite clearly, though, and maybe the distant sounds of battle aren't so distant after all, who knows?
>>297806
>>297808
The two of you see that the aerial squads are gathered around one side of the mountain, scouring it for signs of something, like a trail leading down to the edge of the Bone City. That's likely where they went, and apparently they haven't been caught yet.
If you fly, you'll expose yourself to the aerial patrols. If you want a signal you might ask Porin for something, but who knows if that'll work?
>>297802
>>297805
>>297809
There are tall buildings all around you, but they are all tall scrapers that would obscure the streets around them. And even then there's a veritable storm of flying constructs above the skyline.
The streets here weren't made for the living. There's absolutely no decor, no directions or signs. You can hear your words echo off the sheer walls quite clearly, though, and maybe the distant sounds of battle aren't so distant after all, who knows?
>>297806
>>297808
The two of you see that the aerial squads are gathered around one side of the mountain, scouring it for signs of something, like a trail leading down to the edge of the Bone City. That's likely where they went, and apparently they haven't been caught yet.
>>297813
"Follow me, Tsvetkov!"
I fly towards the aerial patrols and charge a spear with sunlight before throwing it at one off them.
Blast.
Roll #0 7 + 2 = 9
"Follow me, Tsvetkov!"
I fly towards the aerial patrols and charge a spear with sunlight before throwing it at one off them.
Blast.
Roll #0 7 + 2 = 9
Tsvetkov [M DD Warlock] No.297830
>>297818
I charge off behind him and attempt to make contact, burning through one with a Touch of Death.
Roll #0 5 + 2 = 7
I charge off behind him and attempt to make contact, burning through one with a Touch of Death.
Roll #0 5 + 2 = 7
>>297818
>>297830
The two of you make a daring leap from the ring and down over the mountainside, eliminating a flier each and grabbing the ire of many more…
It will be a race for you to get to the Bone City before too many of the patrols descend upon you. Their mouths split open into tripartite cannons, firing diamond-like teeth and black fire at you.
>>297819
You take a bad hit but don't go down just yet. Porin, however, is knocked down to the ground by another spider. They're all closing in on you, making hit-and-run strikes but not moving in to really take the life from you yet. They seem to be circling, waiting.
>>297821
>>297822
>>297828
No time to pray, Chester, your friends are leaving without you!
Although Bethany can hardly make heads nor tails of this alien landscape, Auvergne trusts his instincts and turns a block or two to discover Gaeton and Porin in the middle of a long avenue. They are being swarmed by small spider mechs.
>>297830
The two of you make a daring leap from the ring and down over the mountainside, eliminating a flier each and grabbing the ire of many more…
It will be a race for you to get to the Bone City before too many of the patrols descend upon you. Their mouths split open into tripartite cannons, firing diamond-like teeth and black fire at you.
>>297819
You take a bad hit but don't go down just yet. Porin, however, is knocked down to the ground by another spider. They're all closing in on you, making hit-and-run strikes but not moving in to really take the life from you yet. They seem to be circling, waiting.
>>297821
>>297822
>>297828
No time to pray, Chester, your friends are leaving without you!
Although Bethany can hardly make heads nor tails of this alien landscape, Auvergne trusts his instincts and turns a block or two to discover Gaeton and Porin in the middle of a long avenue. They are being swarmed by small spider mechs.
Tsvetkov [M DD Warlock] No.297868
>>297855
Keep heading down to the city! Take out any more in the path with the Touch!
Roll #0 10 + 2 = 12
Keep heading down to the city! Take out any more in the path with the Touch!
Roll #0 10 + 2 = 12
Auvergne [Pegasus Arcane Blade] No.297872
>>297855
How does the Arcane Blade's ability work, do I have to roll for stealth magic first, or do I get to attack and stay concealed?
Time for concealed blasting.
Roll #0 6 = 6
How does the Arcane Blade's ability work, do I have to roll for stealth magic first, or do I get to attack and stay concealed?
Time for concealed blasting.
Roll #0 6 = 6
>>297868
>>297873
While Tsvetkov barrels through another construct with his touch, crashing through it at full speed as it decays around him in a flash of black smoke, Klandin weaves through the rocks to find a safe route to the city.
You both pass over a ruined makeshift sledge. The others probably passed this way into the city. The fliers don't seem to be following you between the skyscrapers.
>>297861
You charge into the mess, burning with blue fire, though the spider mechs are swift and begin to tear at you as well.
>>297872
You need to gain Stealth first, then when you make rolls for spellcasting, successful spells won't break Stealth. Usually actions of any sort can automatically reveal your position. That said, you are now hidden, moving between low points of cover in the street.
>>297874
Bethany is spotted, however, and she immediately gets mauled by spiders. SPIDERS EVERYWHERE.
>>297881
Porin is looking extremely tired and you can see she's bleeding from somewhere under her cloak. "That… shouldn't be too hard…"
'1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>297873
While Tsvetkov barrels through another construct with his touch, crashing through it at full speed as it decays around him in a flash of black smoke, Klandin weaves through the rocks to find a safe route to the city.
You both pass over a ruined makeshift sledge. The others probably passed this way into the city. The fliers don't seem to be following you between the skyscrapers.
>>297861
You charge into the mess, burning with blue fire, though the spider mechs are swift and begin to tear at you as well.
>>297872
You need to gain Stealth first, then when you make rolls for spellcasting, successful spells won't break Stealth. Usually actions of any sort can automatically reveal your position. That said, you are now hidden, moving between low points of cover in the street.
>>297874
Bethany is spotted, however, and she immediately gets mauled by spiders. SPIDERS EVERYWHERE.
>>297881
Porin is looking extremely tired and you can see she's bleeding from somewhere under her cloak. "That… shouldn't be too hard…"
'1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
Bethany [buffalo lifebinder] No.297896
>>297890
"Spiders.. It had to be spiders.." SMASH THEM WITH MY MACE BEFORE THEY CAN TOUCH ME!
Roll #0 4 = 4
"Spiders.. It had to be spiders.." SMASH THEM WITH MY MACE BEFORE THEY CAN TOUCH ME!
Roll #0 4 = 4
Auvergne [Pegasus Arcane Blade] No.297903
>>297890
>All these spiders
"Note to self, stay out of sight."
Energy Orb to protect Gae/ton and Porrin, since the are surrounded. Attacking the enemy closest to them.
Roll #0 5 - 1 = 4
>All these spiders
"Note to self, stay out of sight."
Energy Orb to protect Gae/ton and Porrin, since the are surrounded. Attacking the enemy closest to them.
Roll #0 5 - 1 = 4
>>297890
I go attack the things attacking the others.
I've got no idea where I am in relation to everyone else.
Roll #0 6 = 6
I go attack the things attacking the others.
I've got no idea where I am in relation to everyone else.
Roll #0 6 = 6
>>297895
You are a fucking Jedi Master and flatten several spiders agains the walls. A few stop moving altogether.
>>297896
The things are small, skittering about your large form with frightening speed.
>>297900
>>297904
You can't seem to get a bead on them, either, though your griffon does a mighty sweep of its wing bones to clock one right through its center.
>>297903
You succeed in literally blowing your cover, sending chunks of marble and quartz everywhere.
>>297905
You spin in place, cutting through the spiders with your first swing and deflecting a hit aimed at Porin.
>>297911
You and Tsvetkov arrived just behind Bethany and Auvergne. Chester is in the thick of it with Porin and Gaeton.
You cover Bethany and Tsvetkov, who are struggling with the spiders.
…
A great shadow looms over you all, covering the street and the corners surrounding in darkness. High above you, crawling between the towers, is a giant Centipede construct, clutching the buildings on either side with giant bony claws and dripping with Smooze animating its innards and limbs. Its head encases a pulsating black mass writhing with malformed eyes and mouths.
To be continued.
Looks like we'll have to wrap this up late Friday. All good?
You are a fucking Jedi Master and flatten several spiders agains the walls. A few stop moving altogether.
>>297896
The things are small, skittering about your large form with frightening speed.
>>297900
>>297904
You can't seem to get a bead on them, either, though your griffon does a mighty sweep of its wing bones to clock one right through its center.
>>297903
You succeed in literally blowing your cover, sending chunks of marble and quartz everywhere.
>>297905
You spin in place, cutting through the spiders with your first swing and deflecting a hit aimed at Porin.
>>297911
You and Tsvetkov arrived just behind Bethany and Auvergne. Chester is in the thick of it with Porin and Gaeton.
You cover Bethany and Tsvetkov, who are struggling with the spiders.
…
A great shadow looms over you all, covering the street and the corners surrounding in darkness. High above you, crawling between the towers, is a giant Centipede construct, clutching the buildings on either side with giant bony claws and dripping with Smooze animating its innards and limbs. Its head encases a pulsating black mass writhing with malformed eyes and mouths.
To be continued.
Looks like we'll have to wrap this up late Friday. All good?
Gaeton [Gryphon Knight] No.297929
>>297918
>literally blowing your cover
So glad I'm alone right now, or people would be awake.
I should be able to make friday easily enough; if I'm not there, check MLPG, and if I'm not THERE, I'm sure at least one of you can join (or is already part of) the MLPG steam group and remind me through steam.
>literally blowing your cover
So glad I'm alone right now, or people would be awake.
I should be able to make friday easily enough; if I'm not there, check MLPG, and if I'm not THERE, I'm sure at least one of you can join (or is already part of) the MLPG steam group and remind me through steam.
The party stares down a monstrous centipede big enough to level a city block, Smooze dripping from its every orifice, joint and seam. It's as though someone dug up ancient fossils and put them back together wrong using the blackest tar and paste available.
The spiders are dispersing in its ghastly presence, leaving Porin wounded on the ground and the party to fend for themselves.
I should note here that Tsvetkov and Klandin are more or less confident that the Lunar Spire should finish off the Smooze eventually, as they saw it burning from the inside out when they exited the caldera.
'1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
The spiders are dispersing in its ghastly presence, leaving Porin wounded on the ground and the party to fend for themselves.
I should note here that Tsvetkov and Klandin are more or less confident that the Lunar Spire should finish off the Smooze eventually, as they saw it burning from the inside out when they exited the caldera.
'1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
Chester [M. Uni. Vigilant of Luna] No.301082
>>301072
"I'm… I'm sorry, I was just worried…"
A slight blush will cross my face.
>>301074
>>301079
Turning to Tsetkov, I'll respond.
"I was thinking more of burning it from the inside out. The Moonfire should cleanse it from innards to outsides, though it will likely take more than one shot."
Shaking my head, I'll continue.
"But… if it goes wrong…"
"I'm… I'm sorry, I was just worried…"
A slight blush will cross my face.
>>301074
>>301079
Turning to Tsetkov, I'll respond.
"I was thinking more of burning it from the inside out. The Moonfire should cleanse it from innards to outsides, though it will likely take more than one shot."
Shaking my head, I'll continue.
"But… if it goes wrong…"
Tsvetkov [M DD Warlock] No.301092
>>301086
"The beast was created as a fusion of the powers of Night and Undeath, something I learned in the Spire. Move!"
Roll #0 1 = 1
"The beast was created as a fusion of the powers of Night and Undeath, something I learned in the Spire. Move!"
Roll #0 1 = 1
Everyone except Tsvetkov and Bethany are thrown down the street amidst a shower of stone and silica shards. The two necromancers are swallowed up immediately in the black sludge inside the creature's gaping maw and disappear from sight.
Tsvetkov and Bethany: The two of you can't see or hear very much, and all around you is blackness. The Smooze is cold, yet burning to your flesh as it seeps through your equipment and begins to slowly eat away at your bodies. You sense you are very close to each other, though, and can converse without fear of breathing in any of the stuff… for now.
Tsvetkov and Bethany: The two of you can't see or hear very much, and all around you is blackness. The Smooze is cold, yet burning to your flesh as it seeps through your equipment and begins to slowly eat away at your bodies. You sense you are very close to each other, though, and can converse without fear of breathing in any of the stuff… for now.
Bethany [f. Buffalo lifebinder] No.301124
>>301118
"Turns out Kladin was right. Its nothing but smooze." Fight my way out of here.
Roll #0 1 = 1
"Turns out Kladin was right. Its nothing but smooze." Fight my way out of here.
Roll #0 1 = 1
>>301118
"FOR CELESTIA!"
I overcharge one of my blessed spears with sunlight and throw it at the creature's maw.
Blast.
Roll #0 9 + 2 = 11
"FOR CELESTIA!"
I overcharge one of my blessed spears with sunlight and throw it at the creature's maw.
Blast.
Roll #0 9 + 2 = 11
>>301124
>>301131
The two of you tear aimlessly at the Smooze all around you, but even though your enchanted weapons burn through it easily, you can feel yourself still sinking further into the muck. The cries of tormented souls and corpses trapped before you begins to fill your little bubble. You feel a slight repercussion somewhere from beyond the Smooze.
'1d10'
>>301125
Your spear lands square in the soft parts of the centipede, but the Smooze is incredibly thick; the Blast of your sun-blessed weapon tears out a goodly chunk but does not penetrate the complete blackness, though it does shatter many bones and teeth.
>>301126
Porin is doing much better now, but she still looks sickly. 'r2 1d10'
>>301128
You only barely manage to scramble back to your hooves yourself, stumbling over a loose feather or two.
>>301137
Even though the centipede is wide enough to occupy the street by itself you stand guard. 'r3 1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10 / Roll #2 10 = 10 / Roll #3 7 = 7
>>301131
The two of you tear aimlessly at the Smooze all around you, but even though your enchanted weapons burn through it easily, you can feel yourself still sinking further into the muck. The cries of tormented souls and corpses trapped before you begins to fill your little bubble. You feel a slight repercussion somewhere from beyond the Smooze.
'1d10'
>>301125
Your spear lands square in the soft parts of the centipede, but the Smooze is incredibly thick; the Blast of your sun-blessed weapon tears out a goodly chunk but does not penetrate the complete blackness, though it does shatter many bones and teeth.
>>301126
Porin is doing much better now, but she still looks sickly. 'r2 1d10'
>>301128
You only barely manage to scramble back to your hooves yourself, stumbling over a loose feather or two.
>>301137
Even though the centipede is wide enough to occupy the street by itself you stand guard. 'r3 1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10 / Roll #2 10 = 10 / Roll #3 7 = 7
>>301142
Tsvetkov and Bethany know which direction the explosion came from and surmise it must be towards the closest opening: the mouth.
Porin gets back up by herself and grabs Chester's face for a '1d10'/10 kiss.
The Centipede's attack knocks Gaeton back to the ground, though his Protect stance deflects the teeth and the head offside and away from the group. This thing is huge!
Roll #1 4 = 4
Tsvetkov and Bethany know which direction the explosion came from and surmise it must be towards the closest opening: the mouth.
Porin gets back up by herself and grabs Chester's face for a '1d10'/10 kiss.
The Centipede's attack knocks Gaeton back to the ground, though his Protect stance deflects the teeth and the head offside and away from the group. This thing is huge!
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>301151
>>301152
The two of you cut confidently towards escape, but the Smooze seems to be gaining on you and sucking you in. Tsvetkov's skeletons seem to have been consumed by the black jelly when suddenly a small, narrow tunnel opens before you. The bony minions have become like stents in an artery, opening up a very small passageway for the two of you to try and crawl between their ribs. One can only wonder how long Tsvetkov's control over them will hold against the Smooze.
>>301153
>>301158
Chester has little time to place a healing spell on Auvergne before he flies away. Auvergne gains some distance, and is now free of blackheads (not that anyone knows that).
>>301164
'2d10'
Roll #1 8, 7 = 15
>>301152
The two of you cut confidently towards escape, but the Smooze seems to be gaining on you and sucking you in. Tsvetkov's skeletons seem to have been consumed by the black jelly when suddenly a small, narrow tunnel opens before you. The bony minions have become like stents in an artery, opening up a very small passageway for the two of you to try and crawl between their ribs. One can only wonder how long Tsvetkov's control over them will hold against the Smooze.
>>301153
>>301158
Chester has little time to place a healing spell on Auvergne before he flies away. Auvergne gains some distance, and is now free of blackheads (not that anyone knows that).
>>301164
'2d10'
Roll #1 8, 7 = 15
>>301175
The Centipede seems distracted by something in its mouth, making a large jerking motion as if to cough and vomit something up, though Auvergne and Gaeton are unaffected by its thrashing.
>>301181
The only eyes you can see are the malformed bulbs and oculi that bubble up in the surface of the smooze, like millions of warts and pimples forming and bursting in the course of minutes.
The Centipede seems distracted by something in its mouth, making a large jerking motion as if to cough and vomit something up, though Auvergne and Gaeton are unaffected by its thrashing.
>>301181
The only eyes you can see are the malformed bulbs and oculi that bubble up in the surface of the smooze, like millions of warts and pimples forming and bursting in the course of minutes.
Bethany [f. Buffalo lifebinder] No.301189
>>301175
Perhaps I can transfix the smooze to let us out.. or at least to stay still while we exit.
Roll #0 2 = 2
Perhaps I can transfix the smooze to let us out.. or at least to stay still while we exit.
Roll #0 2 = 2
`>>301175
I throw another spear at one of it's leg joints.
Roll #0 1 = 1
I throw another spear at one of it's leg joints.
Roll #0 1 = 1
>>301189
The Mind of the Smooze is a terrifying abyss to peer into, and your mortal body instinctively thrashes to shake you from your reverie as well as free yourself of the absorbent muck that threatens to eat your limbs off. You've already forgotten what you saw in the past second, and some dark corner of your mind hopes it won't return in nightmares.
>>301190
The sunlight coming off your weapon cuts deep into the Smooze, though you seem to make little progress. You think you can make out two bodies past a maze of bones. Before you can gain a foothold, the Centipede begins thrashing again, threatening to catch you in its jaws. '1d10'
>>301193
You squeeze through the first skeleton with barely enough space to look behind at Bethany. You can feel the minions beginning to give way, the tunnel tightening around you.
>>301195
The darkness inside is so complete you can hardly make out anything inside it at this range. The Centipede's thrashing throws you off-balance, some of its teeth catching you by the leg and sweeping you into the side of a building.
>>301197
Your spear blasts the joint apart, sending reams of black Smooze in every direction, but the limb is much larger and heavier than you anticipated. Like a giant tree, it falls on you and pins you to the marbled ground, and you feel the stone crack beneath your body.
>>301201
Your Energy Orb blows off chunks of bone, though it doesn't seem to do anything more than superficial damage to the Centipede. You can see black sludge seeping through the seams of bone you just cracked through.
Roll #1 5 = 5
The Mind of the Smooze is a terrifying abyss to peer into, and your mortal body instinctively thrashes to shake you from your reverie as well as free yourself of the absorbent muck that threatens to eat your limbs off. You've already forgotten what you saw in the past second, and some dark corner of your mind hopes it won't return in nightmares.
>>301190
The sunlight coming off your weapon cuts deep into the Smooze, though you seem to make little progress. You think you can make out two bodies past a maze of bones. Before you can gain a foothold, the Centipede begins thrashing again, threatening to catch you in its jaws. '1d10'
>>301193
You squeeze through the first skeleton with barely enough space to look behind at Bethany. You can feel the minions beginning to give way, the tunnel tightening around you.
>>301195
The darkness inside is so complete you can hardly make out anything inside it at this range. The Centipede's thrashing throws you off-balance, some of its teeth catching you by the leg and sweeping you into the side of a building.
>>301197
Your spear blasts the joint apart, sending reams of black Smooze in every direction, but the limb is much larger and heavier than you anticipated. Like a giant tree, it falls on you and pins you to the marbled ground, and you feel the stone crack beneath your body.
>>301201
Your Energy Orb blows off chunks of bone, though it doesn't seem to do anything more than superficial damage to the Centipede. You can see black sludge seeping through the seams of bone you just cracked through.
Roll #1 5 = 5
>>301218
Your torso is poking through the opening at the end, and the others can see your head amidst the mess that is the Centipede's mouth. You feel the lesser bone minion get pulverized behind you, but the skeletal griffon expands and reconfigures itself slightly to keep the way open for Bethany.
>>301220
Bethany, you are halfway through a Smooze canal getting a faceful of Diamond Dog feet. Considering the alternative, there are worse fates the Sun could have chosen for you…
>>301223
>>301224
A little extra tug from Chester doesn't hurt, and Klandin is barely able to squeeze himself through. His armor is prominently dented from the impact.
Porin starts throwing ice bolts here and there, trying to open up the mouth and free your trapped allies. '1d10'
>>301225
As you blast the Centipede's head once more, a giant spindly leg with surprising reach hooks you and pulls you in closer at astonishing speed, and you go rolling along its "skull", disoriented but otherwise unharmed. There's a mess of Smooze all across this bony surface, and its stuck to you.
>>301228
You barely manage to wedge your sword into the center of the Centipede's maw right over Tsvetkov, splitting open the hole he's trying to escape through. The toothed mandible that has a hold of you, however, pulls you into the gunk as well. Now you're really stuck.
Roll #1 10 = 10
Your torso is poking through the opening at the end, and the others can see your head amidst the mess that is the Centipede's mouth. You feel the lesser bone minion get pulverized behind you, but the skeletal griffon expands and reconfigures itself slightly to keep the way open for Bethany.
>>301220
Bethany, you are halfway through a Smooze canal getting a faceful of Diamond Dog feet. Considering the alternative, there are worse fates the Sun could have chosen for you…
>>301223
>>301224
A little extra tug from Chester doesn't hurt, and Klandin is barely able to squeeze himself through. His armor is prominently dented from the impact.
Porin starts throwing ice bolts here and there, trying to open up the mouth and free your trapped allies. '1d10'
>>301225
As you blast the Centipede's head once more, a giant spindly leg with surprising reach hooks you and pulls you in closer at astonishing speed, and you go rolling along its "skull", disoriented but otherwise unharmed. There's a mess of Smooze all across this bony surface, and its stuck to you.
>>301228
You barely manage to wedge your sword into the center of the Centipede's maw right over Tsvetkov, splitting open the hole he's trying to escape through. The toothed mandible that has a hold of you, however, pulls you into the gunk as well. Now you're really stuck.
Roll #1 10 = 10
Bethany [f. Buffalo lifebinder] No.301251
>>301238
"This is nothing I can't handle. The souls of this prison shall be freed." I slash as much of the smooze as I can and try to give tsvetkov a push forward so we can become free as well.
Roll #0 6 = 6
"This is nothing I can't handle. The souls of this prison shall be freed." I slash as much of the smooze as I can and try to give tsvetkov a push forward so we can become free as well.
Roll #0 6 = 6
Gaeton [Gryphon Knight] No.301255
>>301238
"Come on, mutt, I'll pull you out!" I extend a claw towards him. If he grabs, roll to pull him all the way out; if not, the roll is for my own attempt to escape.
Roll #0 5 = 5
"Come on, mutt, I'll pull you out!" I extend a claw towards him. If he grabs, roll to pull him all the way out; if not, the roll is for my own attempt to escape.
Roll #0 5 = 5
>>301247
>>301250
In the rush of things, Chester barely has time to get a proper prayer out as Klandin pulls him to and fro between the swinging legs and mandibles.
>>301251
>>301257
>>301255
Bethany and the griffon skeleton are all that's keeping the three of you from getting swallowed up again.
>>301252
You're free of the Smooze for now, though plenty more is seeping through the cracks and threatening to recapture you. The bones beneath you shift and crack apart like loose ice floes, threatening to pull you down into the Smooze.
…
'1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>301250
In the rush of things, Chester barely has time to get a proper prayer out as Klandin pulls him to and fro between the swinging legs and mandibles.
>>301251
>>301257
>>301255
Bethany and the griffon skeleton are all that's keeping the three of you from getting swallowed up again.
>>301252
You're free of the Smooze for now, though plenty more is seeping through the cracks and threatening to recapture you. The bones beneath you shift and crack apart like loose ice floes, threatening to pull you down into the Smooze.
…
'1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>301289
I drop Chester on it's back then fly down and blast the underside of the monster's mouth to try and free the others.
Roll #0 4 + 2 = 6
I drop Chester on it's back then fly down and blast the underside of the monster's mouth to try and free the others.
Roll #0 4 + 2 = 6
Bethany [f. Buffalo lifebinder] No.301298
>>301289
The sun will guide me through. I can feel it. Press onward pushing that dog with my head as I go.
Roll #0 6 = 6
The sun will guide me through. I can feel it. Press onward pushing that dog with my head as I go.
Roll #0 6 = 6
>>301297
>>301298
>>301303
>>301306
Klandin's attacks loosen up the jaws and blow out further chunks of Smooze. Loosened up a bit, Tsvetkov and Bethany are pulled free, but Gaeton had his hindlegs stuck deep in the Smooze to gain that foothold. He is sucked deep into the black ooze, with only the skeleton barely keeping him from being swallowed completely, and even it is starting to give way.
>>301302
Your frenzied attack gives up your footing, and by the time you remember to fly your hoof is already caught in the Smooze once more, a sickly and diseased force pulling you downward like hungry quicksand.
>>301304
You can see Auvergne a short distance away from you, and you notice the bones have separated themselves beneath him to swallow him up. You realize the same is happening to the bone carapace beneath you. Soon your hooves are trapped in the Smooze, slowly sinking.
With a final push, you ignite the Moonfire around your form, and the Smooze begins to scream and retch in your presence, boiling and thrashing a thousand tendrils about your form. It doesn't free you any as you continue to descend, but the Smooze won't take you without some serious injury to itself.
…
'1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>301298
>>301303
>>301306
Klandin's attacks loosen up the jaws and blow out further chunks of Smooze. Loosened up a bit, Tsvetkov and Bethany are pulled free, but Gaeton had his hindlegs stuck deep in the Smooze to gain that foothold. He is sucked deep into the black ooze, with only the skeleton barely keeping him from being swallowed completely, and even it is starting to give way.
>>301302
Your frenzied attack gives up your footing, and by the time you remember to fly your hoof is already caught in the Smooze once more, a sickly and diseased force pulling you downward like hungry quicksand.
>>301304
You can see Auvergne a short distance away from you, and you notice the bones have separated themselves beneath him to swallow him up. You realize the same is happening to the bone carapace beneath you. Soon your hooves are trapped in the Smooze, slowly sinking.
With a final push, you ignite the Moonfire around your form, and the Smooze begins to scream and retch in your presence, boiling and thrashing a thousand tendrils about your form. It doesn't free you any as you continue to descend, but the Smooze won't take you without some serious injury to itself.
…
'1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>301317
The top of the caldera begins to glow an unearthly blue as fire and lava the color of a pure blue sky begins to erupt from the depths. Hollow screams echo through the smoke plumes and volcanic lightning, audibly rattling the structures forming the Bone City around you.
The Lunar Spire has sunk to the depths of the Smooze and is burning away at its heart.
>>301321
Sure.
The top of the caldera begins to glow an unearthly blue as fire and lava the color of a pure blue sky begins to erupt from the depths. Hollow screams echo through the smoke plumes and volcanic lightning, audibly rattling the structures forming the Bone City around you.
The Lunar Spire has sunk to the depths of the Smooze and is burning away at its heart.
>>301321
Sure.
Bethany [f. Buffalo lifebinder] No.301335
>>301317
With myself freed I'll try to steel my mind and attempt to transfix the smooze once again. If it will listen to me.. tell it to rest, be still, let the fire cleanse you.
Roll #0 1 = 1
With myself freed I'll try to steel my mind and attempt to transfix the smooze once again. If it will listen to me.. tell it to rest, be still, let the fire cleanse you.
Roll #0 1 = 1
>>301321
>>301344
Auvergne breaks free of the Smooze. You might want to help Chester out.
>>301326
With the Smooze melting way under you, you have sunken much faster. As you approach the center, the ooze reforms above you, starting to shut out the daylight and the air. You are surrounded by unblinking eyes, shifting forms and faceless expressions that embody the complete darkness that is Smooze.
>>301327
>>301347
Gaeton and Klandin make a triumphant escape from the maw seconds before the skeleton is completely pulverized from the Smooze, and soon the hole is completely sealed up once more.
>>301337
Your paw burns death and ash in its wake, like a hot knife through butter, leaving a gaping scar of crumbling bone and diseased globs falling away from the Centipede's head. Unlike other portions of the massive construct, this one does not seal itself back up, so deathly and final was your magic.
>>301344
Auvergne breaks free of the Smooze. You might want to help Chester out.
>>301326
With the Smooze melting way under you, you have sunken much faster. As you approach the center, the ooze reforms above you, starting to shut out the daylight and the air. You are surrounded by unblinking eyes, shifting forms and faceless expressions that embody the complete darkness that is Smooze.
>>301327
>>301347
Gaeton and Klandin make a triumphant escape from the maw seconds before the skeleton is completely pulverized from the Smooze, and soon the hole is completely sealed up once more.
>>301337
Your paw burns death and ash in its wake, like a hot knife through butter, leaving a gaping scar of crumbling bone and diseased globs falling away from the Centipede's head. Unlike other portions of the massive construct, this one does not seal itself back up, so deathly and final was your magic.
>̘̻̥̳̿ͫ̌>̣̜̮̣ͦ̃̅3͔̟͖͎ͧͅ0͈͕̗͚̼̐̏͆̓͐́͗1̣̠͈̘̗̜̠͊̊33͖̩̀̀ͤ̅̊̿̂5̪̠
̆E̫̜̳v͚͉͎ͩ̋̃e̙͎͇̪̬̓ͅn͍̝ ̞̫̾̾̋ͣ̊͋F̠̝̠͈ͤ͆͋͑̈̇e̪̪͙̲̼̫͍l̜̝̩ͭ̀͋͋ͅf̮̈̏̆i̫ͪ̒r̹͚̫̍̇̂͗ͮ̾̂ȇ͚́͗ͧ̂ ̜ͩ̚c̰͚ͬ̆͌̿̆̓̇ô̗̚u̞̥̠͓̅l̪͓͈̜̣͉̔̓ͦd̳̝̘̠̮ͣͥn̮̎͌̏ͧ͌̑͆'̠̦̲̼͉̫ͫ̀t͖̰̘̬̦̑͗ ͕͍̼̯͔̘̏̈́ͅc͕͕ͨ̀ͬ̈o̬̼̺̻̞ͨͯ͊ͤ͌́͌n̳̰̟̹͙ͮ̄̒̍͗ͬ̅t̰͉̽ã̦͎̤̍ͪ͊̓ͬ̊ǐ͎̀n͉̙̬̮̭̓͂ͅ ̩̗̐̌͋̀͐͐t̝̭̾̓h̖͕̝͔̹̯̯̅̇ͨ͌ͯ͆̚i̪̟̖ͪ͛s̘̞̮ͪͤ̐ͦͨ̓ ̰̝̠͚̰̮͒ͯ̃ͣ̓̈́̆tͥ̐̀ͅẖ̯̦͈͔͕̏ͩ͆i͈̯͔̤ͅǹ̹͚̤̗̼g̩͑͗́̇ͥͪ.̺̖͙̜ͭ ͑̐͂ͭͥW̦̓̉ͮh̆ͪͧ͛͛͛́a̱ͤͥ͊t̫͈̮̞͕ͧ̾̏̿͌̃ ̖̬ͣ̾͐́ͣ̇m̥̘ͬ́̐a̰̦͈̋̊̓̉ͥd͉̮̰͕̥e̳̭͓̫̊͋͆̾ ́̌y̗̗̫͍̑̔ͯo͎u̾͌ͬ́̐ ̟̹ͪt̙̹̋̇̾hi̱̊͐̉̿ͮ̎ṋ̠̥̫̦̝͋ͮ̉k̤̺̪̇ͪ͊̽ͣ̌̂ ̗̳͕̯̋ͧ̎͋̃͋̅ṭ̥̘ͅh͈͂̌̆̍ͤͯ̚a̻͓̟̺͕̰ͯ̾ͯ̀̓̈ͮt̗̰̩̰̹͆ͮͤͦ̓̄ͅ ͎̯̘͖̰͇ͅw͔̫̮̰͕̭͚̾͌͊̿̈a̩͚͍̭̩̳̒͌̈́ͅs̮̮ͧ̃̏ͨ͛ͪ͌ ̝͔͚̣̹̖͓̽̚̚a͕͈̜̞͎̳̖ͭ͑ ̮̪̿͐͊g̜͇̜͕̰ͮo͛ͦoͭ͒ͦ̂̆ͥḋ̳͚̝̳̟͇ͥ̈́͑̇̒ ̹̩̪̠̑ͧ̐̏͆ͧ́ǐ̝͉͔̱̅̏d̜͙͙̠̰͓ͦͮͤ͋͒͌̚e̙͕̱̘͇a͙?̙̜̗͛̔
͛̅̆͐̿ͥ́Tͤͨ̋o̲͌̆͂̏̆͋ ̠̹͂̅͑i͙̪̤̠͉͈̊͗̾ͣ͗͗̚n͇͕̭̦̯͒v͎̹̥͓ͮ͊̅̋o͌̅͐͋ͣ͒k̘ͭe̖̽ ̞̪͕͋̂̌͌͑ͥt͈̮̮͎͍̊h͔͍̜̖̯̑ͧ͋ͫ̔̽e̟̯̻̘̘͚ͤ̾ͫ̾̇ ̦̪̗̻͓̗̀̇ͣ̈͂͗h̟̦̺͔̋̄̍ͨï͓ͥv̫̰̊͒e-̣̪̞̥͊ͥ̂ͫ̋̆̋m͕̬͔̠̋̅͒ḯn̳͉͕̪̬̓̍̇͛̅̏d̅͋ͩ̈̋̚ ͕̍̑͊̂̔̀r͎̻̒ͭ̓ͪ̒̃e̫̯ͪͭ͐̿̃̐ͨp̫ͫ̅̾̍ͫ̽r͇̳̔͗̚ē̦̩̋͆̅s͙̫̤̩̻̗̠͒ͩ̓̊̏̎e͈ͭ̓ͫͯͨ̉n͍̮̝̳ͣͣͫͩ̓͋ͅt͕̙ͯ̎i̅ͧ̇n͕͇̠̔ͮ̂ͦͣ͗g̝̰̒ͫͮ͗ ̺̗͉̀̀̌ͮ̿̍̚ċ̻̫͙͙̞͆̋̉ͪ̒͐h͙͖͔͎͍ͬͦa͉͖͇͕ͬ͒͑̆͋́o̥͚̱̤ͤ̒ͣ͋̆̚ͅs͓̍ͨ͊̔.͒̂ͬ̀
̪́͛̀I͎̮͋n̝̗̱̪̞͔̹̏̎͗ͭͭv̒͗o̖̬̩̟̲̺̎́ͯ̇͌̚k͚͎̣͎̒͊ͧ̚i̯̲͇͖̜̟̊̏̀͒̚n̥̩ͪ̏ͫͦ͊͗̚g̻̾̊ ͐̑́̇̅t͓̜̿ͭ͊ͥͯh͙̣̹̹͉͛ě̲ͮ͂͌ͥ ̮͕̳͔͙͈̩̄͋̒ͪ̎̋f̫̪̜̦̟̔̏̿ͅͅë͇̳͉̫́̅̾ͨ̔̍̚e͕̩̬̳͎̦̳͊͑ͧ͊̈́l̲i͗n̗͙̤̞̩̄̊ͦͤ̓̏g̭̺͈̦̫͎̗͂͌̃ͪ ͔̩ͯ͊̓ͥͩo͙͍̣̫ͧ̂ͥ͋̐̄ͭͅfͪ̽͗ ̫̹̞̙̓ͬ͂c͇͓̣̺̗̫̒ͩ̈̅̎͐̏h̳͖̦ͮͬͩ̐͐ͦa̤̻ͪo̮̖̤̓̈̐ͮ͊͗͗s͓͉͖̪͔͕͚.̥̰̪ͮ̾̒
ͯ͒̅̚W͗í͙̮t͚̙͇̘͆͆͋̀̃ͯh̲̓͌ͮ ͈̯̘̞͖̱̖ͤͦͤ̎͒őͫ̎̊̚ͅu̫̘͖͌͊͛t̯̬̝̙̥̦͔̆ͬ́ ̱̲̼͂̄ͧȏ̯r͙̩̙̰͔d̘̝̦̩̮̮͕̿ͬ̓̑ͧ͒͂ȇ͗ͣ̓̈́̎r̝̠̖ͪ̚̚.͇̭̋̎͑͊̈ͣ̈
͇̒̓͑̚T͍̣͖͎ͭ̒̔́̀͐̊hͥë̞̪͇̭̹͗ͤ̆̃̂ ̹͋̍̒̀̔̑̅N͇̞̞͙̰̙ͭ̔̉̌e͖̳̺͋ͯ͋ͫ̿͗̔z̭̫̣̰͚͛̆ͮ̉ͪͅp̞̮͓̙̹̮̝͒̓͑e͙̭̜̬ͯ̽̄̓ͫr̘̤ͧ̈͐ͫͨd̂ͮ̂ͮ̌̓ͩi̋̂a̔̑ͧͧn̻̾͌ͯ̾ ̥̺̗̻̙̤͊̾̃͆ͩ̋ͬhͤ͌ͩ̀̋̚ǐ̥̩̪͓ͯ̊̊̾vͥè̱ͪ̈́̾̎̆͌-͎͓̪̒ͮͥͬ̑̒͒mͫ̓͂ͨ͗ḯ̫̭͖̫͕̩̈͂̅̐ͨn͈̰̗͙̦̮̥d͖͖̪͇͍̙ ̖͔̺͖ͬ̏̈͌̏o̠̬̓͑́͆́ͅf̜͚̬̱̦̖ͮͣ͋͐̚ͅ ̰̪̝́̌̉ͦc̰͚ͮ̄h̠̥͆ͪ̌ạ͈̥̙̹̳̫ͭͥ̉̍o̮̲͇̹̳͎̙ͦ̽̾s̭̒͑̓ͣͤ̃.͍͙̳͉͓̜̫́͂̑̎̄ͫ̚
̯̗͚̻̙̦͆͗ͪͫH͎ͥẹͦ͗ͅ ̟̝̞͚͖̤̰ͩ͒͋w̠͇̦͙̑̇h̖͍̝̗̺̹̖̔ȏ̩͚̬̫̬̓ͣ͒̀̈ ͤ̀̇ͬW͉̝̠̿̃̋̿ͅa̜̝͖̞ͩỉ̻̼̦̩̬͆ͩ̑t̬sͥ ̞͈̪̼̗͈̆̄B̬̟̲͖͉̂ͪ̏e̘̜̙̱h̯̑̑ͪḭ͇̤̌̂̅͒ͧ͒͒nͫ̈ͩ͌͊̑d̖̯͕̖̻͒̐ͬ̋͊̃ͪ ̹̥͍ͬT̝̤̜͗̓ͩ̇̃̑̏h̭͙͇̪ͪ͋͋̓̒̋e ̫͖̖͚̍̂̏̊͆̄W̄̈́̃ả̱͚̪͌͂ͧ̀ͪͅl̥̏͑̌ͣ́̃l̞͖̣͎͂.̣͍͂̿
̆E̫̜̳v͚͉͎ͩ̋̃e̙͎͇̪̬̓ͅn͍̝ ̞̫̾̾̋ͣ̊͋F̠̝̠͈ͤ͆͋͑̈̇e̪̪͙̲̼̫͍l̜̝̩ͭ̀͋͋ͅf̮̈̏̆i̫ͪ̒r̹͚̫̍̇̂͗ͮ̾̂ȇ͚́͗ͧ̂ ̜ͩ̚c̰͚ͬ̆͌̿̆̓̇ô̗̚u̞̥̠͓̅l̪͓͈̜̣͉̔̓ͦd̳̝̘̠̮ͣͥn̮̎͌̏ͧ͌̑͆'̠̦̲̼͉̫ͫ̀t͖̰̘̬̦̑͗ ͕͍̼̯͔̘̏̈́ͅc͕͕ͨ̀ͬ̈o̬̼̺̻̞ͨͯ͊ͤ͌́͌n̳̰̟̹͙ͮ̄̒̍͗ͬ̅t̰͉̽ã̦͎̤̍ͪ͊̓ͬ̊ǐ͎̀n͉̙̬̮̭̓͂ͅ ̩̗̐̌͋̀͐͐t̝̭̾̓h̖͕̝͔̹̯̯̅̇ͨ͌ͯ͆̚i̪̟̖ͪ͛s̘̞̮ͪͤ̐ͦͨ̓ ̰̝̠͚̰̮͒ͯ̃ͣ̓̈́̆tͥ̐̀ͅẖ̯̦͈͔͕̏ͩ͆i͈̯͔̤ͅǹ̹͚̤̗̼g̩͑͗́̇ͥͪ.̺̖͙̜ͭ ͑̐͂ͭͥW̦̓̉ͮh̆ͪͧ͛͛͛́a̱ͤͥ͊t̫͈̮̞͕ͧ̾̏̿͌̃ ̖̬ͣ̾͐́ͣ̇m̥̘ͬ́̐a̰̦͈̋̊̓̉ͥd͉̮̰͕̥e̳̭͓̫̊͋͆̾ ́̌y̗̗̫͍̑̔ͯo͎u̾͌ͬ́̐ ̟̹ͪt̙̹̋̇̾hi̱̊͐̉̿ͮ̎ṋ̠̥̫̦̝͋ͮ̉k̤̺̪̇ͪ͊̽ͣ̌̂ ̗̳͕̯̋ͧ̎͋̃͋̅ṭ̥̘ͅh͈͂̌̆̍ͤͯ̚a̻͓̟̺͕̰ͯ̾ͯ̀̓̈ͮt̗̰̩̰̹͆ͮͤͦ̓̄ͅ ͎̯̘͖̰͇ͅw͔̫̮̰͕̭͚̾͌͊̿̈a̩͚͍̭̩̳̒͌̈́ͅs̮̮ͧ̃̏ͨ͛ͪ͌ ̝͔͚̣̹̖͓̽̚̚a͕͈̜̞͎̳̖ͭ͑ ̮̪̿͐͊g̜͇̜͕̰ͮo͛ͦoͭ͒ͦ̂̆ͥḋ̳͚̝̳̟͇ͥ̈́͑̇̒ ̹̩̪̠̑ͧ̐̏͆ͧ́ǐ̝͉͔̱̅̏d̜͙͙̠̰͓ͦͮͤ͋͒͌̚e̙͕̱̘͇a͙?̙̜̗͛̔
͛̅̆͐̿ͥ́Tͤͨ̋o̲͌̆͂̏̆͋ ̠̹͂̅͑i͙̪̤̠͉͈̊͗̾ͣ͗͗̚n͇͕̭̦̯͒v͎̹̥͓ͮ͊̅̋o͌̅͐͋ͣ͒k̘ͭe̖̽ ̞̪͕͋̂̌͌͑ͥt͈̮̮͎͍̊h͔͍̜̖̯̑ͧ͋ͫ̔̽e̟̯̻̘̘͚ͤ̾ͫ̾̇ ̦̪̗̻͓̗̀̇ͣ̈͂͗h̟̦̺͔̋̄̍ͨï͓ͥv̫̰̊͒e-̣̪̞̥͊ͥ̂ͫ̋̆̋m͕̬͔̠̋̅͒ḯn̳͉͕̪̬̓̍̇͛̅̏d̅͋ͩ̈̋̚ ͕̍̑͊̂̔̀r͎̻̒ͭ̓ͪ̒̃e̫̯ͪͭ͐̿̃̐ͨp̫ͫ̅̾̍ͫ̽r͇̳̔͗̚ē̦̩̋͆̅s͙̫̤̩̻̗̠͒ͩ̓̊̏̎e͈ͭ̓ͫͯͨ̉n͍̮̝̳ͣͣͫͩ̓͋ͅt͕̙ͯ̎i̅ͧ̇n͕͇̠̔ͮ̂ͦͣ͗g̝̰̒ͫͮ͗ ̺̗͉̀̀̌ͮ̿̍̚ċ̻̫͙͙̞͆̋̉ͪ̒͐h͙͖͔͎͍ͬͦa͉͖͇͕ͬ͒͑̆͋́o̥͚̱̤ͤ̒ͣ͋̆̚ͅs͓̍ͨ͊̔.͒̂ͬ̀
̪́͛̀I͎̮͋n̝̗̱̪̞͔̹̏̎͗ͭͭv̒͗o̖̬̩̟̲̺̎́ͯ̇͌̚k͚͎̣͎̒͊ͧ̚i̯̲͇͖̜̟̊̏̀͒̚n̥̩ͪ̏ͫͦ͊͗̚g̻̾̊ ͐̑́̇̅t͓̜̿ͭ͊ͥͯh͙̣̹̹͉͛ě̲ͮ͂͌ͥ ̮͕̳͔͙͈̩̄͋̒ͪ̎̋f̫̪̜̦̟̔̏̿ͅͅë͇̳͉̫́̅̾ͨ̔̍̚e͕̩̬̳͎̦̳͊͑ͧ͊̈́l̲i͗n̗͙̤̞̩̄̊ͦͤ̓̏g̭̺͈̦̫͎̗͂͌̃ͪ ͔̩ͯ͊̓ͥͩo͙͍̣̫ͧ̂ͥ͋̐̄ͭͅfͪ̽͗ ̫̹̞̙̓ͬ͂c͇͓̣̺̗̫̒ͩ̈̅̎͐̏h̳͖̦ͮͬͩ̐͐ͦa̤̻ͪo̮̖̤̓̈̐ͮ͊͗͗s͓͉͖̪͔͕͚.̥̰̪ͮ̾̒
ͯ͒̅̚W͗í͙̮t͚̙͇̘͆͆͋̀̃ͯh̲̓͌ͮ ͈̯̘̞͖̱̖ͤͦͤ̎͒őͫ̎̊̚ͅu̫̘͖͌͊͛t̯̬̝̙̥̦͔̆ͬ́ ̱̲̼͂̄ͧȏ̯r͙̩̙̰͔d̘̝̦̩̮̮͕̿ͬ̓̑ͧ͒͂ȇ͗ͣ̓̈́̎r̝̠̖ͪ̚̚.͇̭̋̎͑͊̈ͣ̈
͇̒̓͑̚T͍̣͖͎ͭ̒̔́̀͐̊hͥë̞̪͇̭̹͗ͤ̆̃̂ ̹͋̍̒̀̔̑̅N͇̞̞͙̰̙ͭ̔̉̌e͖̳̺͋ͯ͋ͫ̿͗̔z̭̫̣̰͚͛̆ͮ̉ͪͅp̞̮͓̙̹̮̝͒̓͑e͙̭̜̬ͯ̽̄̓ͫr̘̤ͧ̈͐ͫͨd̂ͮ̂ͮ̌̓ͩi̋̂a̔̑ͧͧn̻̾͌ͯ̾ ̥̺̗̻̙̤͊̾̃͆ͩ̋ͬhͤ͌ͩ̀̋̚ǐ̥̩̪͓ͯ̊̊̾vͥè̱ͪ̈́̾̎̆͌-͎͓̪̒ͮͥͬ̑̒͒mͫ̓͂ͨ͗ḯ̫̭͖̫͕̩̈͂̅̐ͨn͈̰̗͙̦̮̥d͖͖̪͇͍̙ ̖͔̺͖ͬ̏̈͌̏o̠̬̓͑́͆́ͅf̜͚̬̱̦̖ͮͣ͋͐̚ͅ ̰̪̝́̌̉ͦc̰͚ͮ̄h̠̥͆ͪ̌ạ͈̥̙̹̳̫ͭͥ̉̍o̮̲͇̹̳͎̙ͦ̽̾s̭̒͑̓ͣͤ̃.͍͙̳͉͓̜̫́͂̑̎̄ͫ̚
̯̗͚̻̙̦͆͗ͪͫH͎ͥẹͦ͗ͅ ̟̝̞͚͖̤̰ͩ͒͋w̠͇̦͙̑̇h̖͍̝̗̺̹̖̔ȏ̩͚̬̫̬̓ͣ͒̀̈ ͤ̀̇ͬW͉̝̠̿̃̋̿ͅa̜̝͖̞ͩỉ̻̼̦̩̬͆ͩ̑t̬sͥ ̞͈̪̼̗͈̆̄B̬̟̲͖͉̂ͪ̏e̘̜̙̱h̯̑̑ͪḭ͇̤̌̂̅͒ͧ͒͒nͫ̈ͩ͌͊̑d̖̯͕̖̻͒̐ͬ̋͊̃ͪ ̹̥͍ͬT̝̤̜͗̓ͩ̇̃̑̏h̭͙͇̪ͪ͋͋̓̒̋e ̫͖̖͚̍̂̏̊͆̄W̄̈́̃ả̱͚̪͌͂ͧ̀ͪͅl̥̏͑̌ͣ́̃l̞͖̣͎͂.̣͍͂̿
>>301355
I pat him on the back.
"Come on, we have to save Chester!"
I fly back to where Chester was and start hacking at its carapace with my sword.
What is Porin doing?
Roll #0 6 = 6
I pat him on the back.
"Come on, we have to save Chester!"
I fly back to where Chester was and start hacking at its carapace with my sword.
What is Porin doing?
Roll #0 6 = 6
Tsvetkov [M DD Warlock] No.301374
>>301355
"That thing is a walking graveyard!"
I sprint along, trying to keep ahead of the monster, and try to raise a second minion from the ooze in the mouth. They will save that misguided lifebinder. '1d10'
The skeleton I've got for sure, work on freeing Bethany! 'r2 1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4 / Roll #2 4 = 4
"That thing is a walking graveyard!"
I sprint along, trying to keep ahead of the monster, and try to raise a second minion from the ooze in the mouth. They will save that misguided lifebinder. '1d10'
The skeleton I've got for sure, work on freeing Bethany! 'r2 1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4 / Roll #2 4 = 4
>>301370
T̕h͝e͜r̡e ̷is v͝ery̧ li͠t̢tl̷e̡ ͟hope ̛o͢f͠ ҉des̴c͝r͢ib̵in̕g҉ ͜th̨e ma͡ḑn͜e̶ss tha̶t s̢w̡al̷l҉o͠w͜e͢d͜ yơu
͞b̴ut ́i͡n̸ t҉h̛e mi̢dst ͞o͞f t̨h̕e utte͡r̸ v͘o͡i͜d y͜ou͘ fou̕n̨d̴ ̷a p̶oi̴ǹt͟ ͟o̸f ͘l̡i͠gh̕t
͢an͢d ̀f̨oll̨ow͏èd ̴it ̛ou͟t̢ ̶o̵f̢ ̢t҉he ̶c̶hurn͟ing darkneşs
̧y͟o͜u͏ ̶ar̷e glad̡ ̵t͢o rèmai͘ń i͟n ̷t̵h̨e m̴o̕r̴t͏al͜ ҉ŗe̡alm
even͡ ͝k̀now҉ing̛ a p͏iece ͡o͡f̴ ͞yo҉u͜ ͢is͞ ̨f̛orȩver̸ Ta҉i͢n҉t̵e͏d,͝ ̴a̴n͠d̸ ͞y̡our̶ ̶sha̧d͢o͝w ̡is no͝t yo̡ur ̡own
You awaken on the ground, sucking in a deep breath as you return to consciousness… no, life. The battle rages on, and you hope to never remember the Outer Darkness even the Game Master was loathe to describe in the barest of detail.
T̕h͝e͜r̡e ̷is v͝ery̧ li͠t̢tl̷e̡ ͟hope ̛o͢f͠ ҉des̴c͝r͢ib̵in̕g҉ ͜th̨e ma͡ḑn͜e̶ss tha̶t s̢w̡al̷l҉o͠w͜e͢d͜ yơu
͞b̴ut ́i͡n̸ t҉h̛e mi̢dst ͞o͞f t̨h̕e utte͡r̸ v͘o͡i͜d y͜ou͘ fou̕n̨d̴ ̷a p̶oi̴ǹt͟ ͟o̸f ͘l̡i͠gh̕t
͢an͢d ̀f̨oll̨ow͏èd ̴it ̛ou͟t̢ ̶o̵f̢ ̢t҉he ̶c̶hurn͟ing darkneşs
̧y͟o͜u͏ ̶ar̷e glad̡ ̵t͢o rèmai͘ń i͟n ̷t̵h̨e m̴o̕r̴t͏al͜ ҉ŗe̡alm
even͡ ͝k̀now҉ing̛ a p͏iece ͡o͡f̴ ͞yo҉u͜ ͢is͞ ̨f̛orȩver̸ Ta҉i͢n҉t̵e͏d,͝ ̴a̴n͠d̸ ͞y̡our̶ ̶sha̧d͢o͝w ̡is no͝t yo̡ur ̡own
You awaken on the ground, sucking in a deep breath as you return to consciousness… no, life. The battle rages on, and you hope to never remember the Outer Darkness even the Game Master was loathe to describe in the barest of detail.
>>301360
You maintain your Moonfire, directing all your righteous hatred and fury at the Smooze around you, but the darkness continues to choke out your light. You can hear a faint voice in the darkness; is it the Smooze whispering madness at you, Nightmare come to make you another offer, or something else?
>>301365
>>301366
The two of you return to the top where Chester used to be and begin to dig away into the exposed black flesh of the Smooze, chipping off the bone that attempts to reform around where he sank in. You think you can see a blue light in the depths, burning away at the Smooze below.
>>301374
You manage to raise a skeleton but it does not manage to break free of the Smooze's membrane. You see it helplessly thrash agains the translucent skin before being sucked back in, its hands outstretched to parents it never had.
…
'1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
You maintain your Moonfire, directing all your righteous hatred and fury at the Smooze around you, but the darkness continues to choke out your light. You can hear a faint voice in the darkness; is it the Smooze whispering madness at you, Nightmare come to make you another offer, or something else?
>>301365
>>301366
The two of you return to the top where Chester used to be and begin to dig away into the exposed black flesh of the Smooze, chipping off the bone that attempts to reform around where he sank in. You think you can see a blue light in the depths, burning away at the Smooze below.
>>301374
You manage to raise a skeleton but it does not manage to break free of the Smooze's membrane. You see it helplessly thrash agains the translucent skin before being sucked back in, its hands outstretched to parents it never had.
…
'1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
Gaeton [Gryphon Knight] No.301383
>>301366
Assuming that made a hole big enough, I'm going to reach in and grab Chester by whatever comes to claw, and pull with everything I've got.
Roll #0 8 = 8
Assuming that made a hole big enough, I'm going to reach in and grab Chester by whatever comes to claw, and pull with everything I've got.
Roll #0 8 = 8
Bethany [f. Buffalo lifebinder] No.301386
>>301378
"The light has delivered me yet again. Perhaps for a great purpose.. or a small one." is anyone hurt around me? Get back up and see what's going on.
Roll #0 4 = 4
"The light has delivered me yet again. Perhaps for a great purpose.. or a small one." is anyone hurt around me? Get back up and see what's going on.
Roll #0 4 = 4
>>301382
I bury my sword down to the hilt in the Smooze and channel sunlight through it.
Blast.
Roll #0 8 + 2 = 10
I bury my sword down to the hilt in the Smooze and channel sunlight through it.
Blast.
Roll #0 8 + 2 = 10
>>301383
>>301387
>>301398
Gaeton and Auvergne cut deep into the Centipede to find a unicorn completely aflame with blue light. It's almost blinding, but it's cool to your touch as you bravely pull him out. The fire coming off of him pools like napalm, eating away at the Smooze as acid would through flesh. The inside of the Centipede is covered with the stuff, as well, slowly being hollowed out.
>>301391
You're entirely unsure of the state of your minions, but set them off anyway, praying for a good result. You hear a muffled pop and the head of the Centipede bloats slightly before the top of it erupts in a shower of blue flames and gore.
>>301396
With fortuitous timing, your Blast coincides with Tsvetkov and Chester, ripping through the Smooze with a beam of pure sunlight.
Chester's Moonfire must have reached your detonation points and spread along with the explosions, cleaving the Centipede's head in twain. The hydra-like thing wriggles its massive half heads back and forth, cracking the bases of the buildings on either side of the street an dthreatening to cave in the Bone City on top of your heads.
>>301386
You can see the group tangling with the Centipede, the great eruption of Chester's Moonfire, and Porin cowering behind what looks like it might have been a planter box in another universe.
… '1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>301387
>>301398
Gaeton and Auvergne cut deep into the Centipede to find a unicorn completely aflame with blue light. It's almost blinding, but it's cool to your touch as you bravely pull him out. The fire coming off of him pools like napalm, eating away at the Smooze as acid would through flesh. The inside of the Centipede is covered with the stuff, as well, slowly being hollowed out.
>>301391
You're entirely unsure of the state of your minions, but set them off anyway, praying for a good result. You hear a muffled pop and the head of the Centipede bloats slightly before the top of it erupts in a shower of blue flames and gore.
>>301396
With fortuitous timing, your Blast coincides with Tsvetkov and Chester, ripping through the Smooze with a beam of pure sunlight.
Chester's Moonfire must have reached your detonation points and spread along with the explosions, cleaving the Centipede's head in twain. The hydra-like thing wriggles its massive half heads back and forth, cracking the bases of the buildings on either side of the street an dthreatening to cave in the Bone City on top of your heads.
>>301386
You can see the group tangling with the Centipede, the great eruption of Chester's Moonfire, and Porin cowering behind what looks like it might have been a planter box in another universe.
… '1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>301418
While the volcano burns with blue light, it seems the Smooze is still fighting back to cover up the burning spire that was sent into its core. Masses of flying constructs are piling into the rising pillar of flames, attempting to seal it up with the black ooze that courses through their bodies.
[PAUSE]
Hopefully we can actually finish this sometime this week. Availability?
While the volcano burns with blue light, it seems the Smooze is still fighting back to cover up the burning spire that was sent into its core. Masses of flying constructs are piling into the rising pillar of flames, attempting to seal it up with the black ooze that courses through their bodies.
[PAUSE]
Hopefully we can actually finish this sometime this week. Availability?
Gaeton [Gryphon Knight] No.301463
>>301437
If Capcom has taught me anything, it's that every boss needs at least three forms.
Roll #0 5 = 5
If Capcom has taught me anything, it's that every boss needs at least three forms.
Roll #0 5 = 5
>>312182
How close do you estimate we are to the end, MSOB?
In the past, things worked out because we could roll without a character or two, but needing 100% of the party because of being so close to the end is killing us on sessions.
If we just have some more trash to fight at this point, we could clear that without Andelia, but if we're about to be at the epilogue or going into boss fight form 3 I understand the need for a full group.
How close do you estimate we are to the end, MSOB?
In the past, things worked out because we could roll without a character or two, but needing 100% of the party because of being so close to the end is killing us on sessions.
If we just have some more trash to fight at this point, we could clear that without Andelia, but if we're about to be at the epilogue or going into boss fight form 3 I understand the need for a full group.
Once the Smooze dies (it's slowly burning away thanks to the Lunar seals), everything connected to it will also die. The Bone City will begin to crumble, and while you will have no further hostile encounters, you will need to escape the collapse to reach Gloom proper. After that it's happy conclusions and sunshine.
There is a monstrous keening emanating from the volcano as the legion of mouths in the Smooze's form begin to scream in discord. Fliers begin to meteor from the sky, dropping around you like great black flies, their ruined and hackneyed corpses finally coming apart in a mess of bone and steel, leaving viscous explosions of lifeless black sludge in their wake. The Centipede itself is also losing cohesion, the Smooze holding it together beginning to dribble and flood the streets, its limbs losing hold on the buildings around it.
A pillar of blue flame and calming moonlight shines from the caldera. The Smooze is dying.
As your group recovers from the crumbling bone and metal, you notice the great marble pillars forming the Bone City are beginning to fracture and bend. Whatever foul magic Filchfire and the Smooze had used to form these cyclopean structures must have been undone with the Smooze's demise, and the entire mountainside appears to buckle and ripple like waves of sand.
>>322989
Chester thinks quickly and pulls Gaeton together as the group rallies from the ruins of the Centipede.
>>322994
Bethany's life magic makes Tsvetkov's body whole, if not his spirit.
A pillar of blue flame and calming moonlight shines from the caldera. The Smooze is dying.
As your group recovers from the crumbling bone and metal, you notice the great marble pillars forming the Bone City are beginning to fracture and bend. Whatever foul magic Filchfire and the Smooze had used to form these cyclopean structures must have been undone with the Smooze's demise, and the entire mountainside appears to buckle and ripple like waves of sand.
>>322989
Chester thinks quickly and pulls Gaeton together as the group rallies from the ruins of the Centipede.
>>322994
Bethany's life magic makes Tsvetkov's body whole, if not his spirit.
>>323023
>>323024
Chester rushes his spellcasting in the thick of things. Porin flinches as echoes of black magic sweep over the volcano, but she otherwise seems stable.
'1d10'
Gaeton is only barely able to pick the two ponies up on his own.
The plates are large enough to carry the party, but it's probably not wise to dawdle if you can't immediately form another makeshift sled.
>>323029
>>323042
Tsvetkov is getting a lift from Auvergne, and despite Bethany's proud walk, she finds her hooves padding the air as Klandin heaves her up and away from the ground.
'r2 1d10'
Roll #1 1 = 1 / Roll #2 8 = 8
>>323024
Chester rushes his spellcasting in the thick of things. Porin flinches as echoes of black magic sweep over the volcano, but she otherwise seems stable.
'1d10'
Gaeton is only barely able to pick the two ponies up on his own.
The plates are large enough to carry the party, but it's probably not wise to dawdle if you can't immediately form another makeshift sled.
>>323029
>>323042
Tsvetkov is getting a lift from Auvergne, and despite Bethany's proud walk, she finds her hooves padding the air as Klandin heaves her up and away from the ground.
'r2 1d10'
Roll #1 1 = 1 / Roll #2 8 = 8
>>323048
The buildings immediately around you seem to be coming apart in great shards, falling apart like so much dust and models held together by glue. They do not bar your way for now, though that seems to be quickly changing as the very ground begins to fracture.
There seems to have been a fleet of flying Cetaceans and Dolphins above you, all falling from the sky. You could fly high and dodge between them (2d10 at -1), or stay low and head directly for the wall by weaving between buildings (one roll)
>>323051
Rushing past the crumbling chaos, you can see she's still alive. That's all that matters, right?
The buildings immediately around you seem to be coming apart in great shards, falling apart like so much dust and models held together by glue. They do not bar your way for now, though that seems to be quickly changing as the very ground begins to fracture.
There seems to have been a fleet of flying Cetaceans and Dolphins above you, all falling from the sky. You could fly high and dodge between them (2d10 at -1), or stay low and head directly for the wall by weaving between buildings (one roll)
>>323051
Rushing past the crumbling chaos, you can see she's still alive. That's all that matters, right?
>>323059
You get some in your eye.
>>323061
Clutching your wards and straining against your armor, you beat your griffon wings and tear a hole through the air, winding around the falling constructs and skimming the underside of the black ash clouds coming off the volcano of Gloom.
Gaeton, Chester, and Porin cross the wall and exit the Bone City safely!
>>323062
Klandin takes the low ground, skyscrapers falling against each other over him like swords drawn at a coronation. As the ground splits open beneath Bethany's hooves, the wall before them comes apart in the cataclysm, and they pass through the breach.
Klandin and Bethany have also escaped!
>>323063
Auvergne follows close behind, but is blocked by a falling archway collapsing just before he can pass through. Pulling up at the last moment, he scales the wall, barely escaping the twisted spires and cleaving edges of the falling city behind him.
…
The entire party has escaped the Bone City and can see the resistance forces and citizens setting fire to the corpses of the constructs that once assailed them, others tearing the gormless corpses apart or stringing them up like grand trophies, even amidst the ongoing destruction.
You get some in your eye.
>>323061
Clutching your wards and straining against your armor, you beat your griffon wings and tear a hole through the air, winding around the falling constructs and skimming the underside of the black ash clouds coming off the volcano of Gloom.
Gaeton, Chester, and Porin cross the wall and exit the Bone City safely!
>>323062
Klandin takes the low ground, skyscrapers falling against each other over him like swords drawn at a coronation. As the ground splits open beneath Bethany's hooves, the wall before them comes apart in the cataclysm, and they pass through the breach.
Klandin and Bethany have also escaped!
>>323063
Auvergne follows close behind, but is blocked by a falling archway collapsing just before he can pass through. Pulling up at the last moment, he scales the wall, barely escaping the twisted spires and cleaving edges of the falling city behind him.
…
The entire party has escaped the Bone City and can see the resistance forces and citizens setting fire to the corpses of the constructs that once assailed them, others tearing the gormless corpses apart or stringing them up like grand trophies, even amidst the ongoing destruction.
The entire group is settled on a clear rooftop on a half-blown-to-hell building, the long shadows of the setting sun bathing the volcanic plain in brilliant vivid orange against the cold blue moonfire pouring out of the volcano. There are no more half-dead constructs or black slimes to worry about now, only the wreckage and the survivors.
>>323108
>Klandin
Klandin is a bit roughed up but came out pretty okay despite having been in the heart of the caldera with Tsvetkov for a while longer. He seems awfully warm to the touch, like midday in summer.
>Gaeton
The griffon is tired and still showing scars and light injuries from his scuffles, but after carrying you and Porin to safety he's more than likely in the best shape of his life.
>Bethany
She's still covered in bits of black sludge from her encounter with the Centipede, but it's easy enough to clean these off of her, especially as they don't seem to be moving on their own any more.
>Tsvetkov
The diamond dog seems stoic, though that might just be the exhaustion of victory. That and he's still waiting to speak to you about somethig.
>Auvergne
Stray scraps of bone and rock pepper his wing feathers, requiring expert preening and care to get them out.
>Porin
She's clutching her belly and has a thousand-yard stare at first. When she looks you in the eyes, you realize she already knew what you confirm just now.
"I… wanted… so many…"
Porin breaks down crying.
>>323119
The rubble forms an easy enough ramp for Bethany. It seems the only bodies on the streets are those of the constructs, and a few recently dead fighters and citizens. You realize many more of the corpses may have been harvested before this.
>Klandin
Klandin is a bit roughed up but came out pretty okay despite having been in the heart of the caldera with Tsvetkov for a while longer. He seems awfully warm to the touch, like midday in summer.
>Gaeton
The griffon is tired and still showing scars and light injuries from his scuffles, but after carrying you and Porin to safety he's more than likely in the best shape of his life.
>Bethany
She's still covered in bits of black sludge from her encounter with the Centipede, but it's easy enough to clean these off of her, especially as they don't seem to be moving on their own any more.
>Tsvetkov
The diamond dog seems stoic, though that might just be the exhaustion of victory. That and he's still waiting to speak to you about somethig.
>Auvergne
Stray scraps of bone and rock pepper his wing feathers, requiring expert preening and care to get them out.
>Porin
She's clutching her belly and has a thousand-yard stare at first. When she looks you in the eyes, you realize she already knew what you confirm just now.
"I… wanted… so many…"
Porin breaks down crying.
>>323119
The rubble forms an easy enough ramp for Bethany. It seems the only bodies on the streets are those of the constructs, and a few recently dead fighters and citizens. You realize many more of the corpses may have been harvested before this.
Bethany [lifebinder] No.323136
>>323126
…"The poor souls.. they are finally freed from that torment.." Drag the pony bodies away from the rubble, line them up and start to dig a grave for each of them.
Roll #0 2 = 2
…"The poor souls.. they are finally freed from that torment.." Drag the pony bodies away from the rubble, line them up and start to dig a grave for each of them.
Roll #0 2 = 2
Bethany [lifebinder] No.323155
>>323151
I shake my head. "Then they will just have to be cleansed as we bury them. Its not right to leave them out like this.."
Roll #0 10 = 10
I shake my head. "Then they will just have to be cleansed as we bury them. Its not right to leave them out like this.."
Roll #0 10 = 10
>>323127
You hear the voice of your deity.
I will watch over her. By the light of a full moon, and in the care of a loving and faithful heart, she may yet bring forth many new lights into this world.
>>323136
>>323147
Klandin has a point, as the corpses you do find were also littered amongst recently-fallen constructs that must have been dragging away fresh kills and victims. Carefully bringing them out into the light, you find a few of them weren't fighters, just citizens who had stayed in the city a day too long.
>>323155
Bethany anoints and eulogizes each one with standard Solar rites and rituals, at least preparing them to be sent off if not sending them off directly.
>>323162
And judging by the mass graves you passed upon arriving in the city, there will be plenty more bodies to bury and funerals to preside over.
You hear the voice of your deity.
I will watch over her. By the light of a full moon, and in the care of a loving and faithful heart, she may yet bring forth many new lights into this world.
>>323136
>>323147
Klandin has a point, as the corpses you do find were also littered amongst recently-fallen constructs that must have been dragging away fresh kills and victims. Carefully bringing them out into the light, you find a few of them weren't fighters, just citizens who had stayed in the city a day too long.
>>323155
Bethany anoints and eulogizes each one with standard Solar rites and rituals, at least preparing them to be sent off if not sending them off directly.
>>323162
And judging by the mass graves you passed upon arriving in the city, there will be plenty more bodies to bury and funerals to preside over.
Tsvetkov [M DD Warlock] No.323184
>>323174
Approach. "Impressive work, but there will be time to celebrate later. For now, you need to know what I found in the central spire. We need to have our stories straight before we run into anyone, particularly the Inquisitors. The less who know, the better, so I'd like it in private. It will only be a moment."
And with that, part, and move off to a corner of the building, keeping an eye out for anything approaching, friendly or otherwise.
Approach. "Impressive work, but there will be time to celebrate later. For now, you need to know what I found in the central spire. We need to have our stories straight before we run into anyone, particularly the Inquisitors. The less who know, the better, so I'd like it in private. It will only be a moment."
And with that, part, and move off to a corner of the building, keeping an eye out for anything approaching, friendly or otherwise.
Bethany [lifebinder] No.323185
>>323171
"You may have a point, but I don't see anyone alive here. Perhaps they moved on to the next city?" Take another look around perhaps someone is trapped under debris? "Hello, can you hear me?"
Roll #0 10 = 10
"You may have a point, but I don't see anyone alive here. Perhaps they moved on to the next city?" Take another look around perhaps someone is trapped under debris? "Hello, can you hear me?"
Roll #0 10 = 10
>>323176
>>323183
You spot a bright sunlight beacon of the Inquisitors in the far off distance on the other side of the city. You probably can't reach them immediately.
Other than that you can only hear the stunned quiet of folks coming out of their bunkers and shelters, mingling with the whooping hubbub of victorious resistance fighters mopping up the fallen constructs and black sludge.
>>323185
You confirm that the current building had no survivors. Under a piece of furniture, however, you find a basement hatch. Judging by the dust and the way the room was arranged, this was done on purpose and very recently.
>>323183
You spot a bright sunlight beacon of the Inquisitors in the far off distance on the other side of the city. You probably can't reach them immediately.
Other than that you can only hear the stunned quiet of folks coming out of their bunkers and shelters, mingling with the whooping hubbub of victorious resistance fighters mopping up the fallen constructs and black sludge.
>>323185
You confirm that the current building had no survivors. Under a piece of furniture, however, you find a basement hatch. Judging by the dust and the way the room was arranged, this was done on purpose and very recently.
Tsvetkov [M DD Warlock] No.323203
>>323188
Hesitate, and whisper, "I promise you a full explanation later, if you want it, but I will give you the short version now. My purposes for returning were not altruistic: I was sent to research weapons to help my kind win our war. In the spire I expected to find necrotic bindings, but I was wrong. Even one with my expertise is not trained properly to use what I found. Lunar bindings. He was using the same sort of moonfire as you to keep it in check. In my homeland, it is extremely heretical to worship, pay tribute to, or commune with your pantheon, and I fear I may have done all three in hopes of saving this city. I prayed, asked for her help, and your Goddess, Luna, helped me drive the Smooze back. Moreover, the very fact that I chose to get rid of the Smooze instead of leaving it to be researched will be seen as a crime. The Republic will investigate this site, and they will see that the Lunar bindings were activated. I cannot be tied to this act, regardless of any personal changes of heart. You must take responsibility for saving the city of Gloom. Luna is your Goddess."
Hesitate, and whisper, "I promise you a full explanation later, if you want it, but I will give you the short version now. My purposes for returning were not altruistic: I was sent to research weapons to help my kind win our war. In the spire I expected to find necrotic bindings, but I was wrong. Even one with my expertise is not trained properly to use what I found. Lunar bindings. He was using the same sort of moonfire as you to keep it in check. In my homeland, it is extremely heretical to worship, pay tribute to, or commune with your pantheon, and I fear I may have done all three in hopes of saving this city. I prayed, asked for her help, and your Goddess, Luna, helped me drive the Smooze back. Moreover, the very fact that I chose to get rid of the Smooze instead of leaving it to be researched will be seen as a crime. The Republic will investigate this site, and they will see that the Lunar bindings were activated. I cannot be tied to this act, regardless of any personal changes of heart. You must take responsibility for saving the city of Gloom. Luna is your Goddess."
Chester [M. Uni. Vigilant of Luna] No.323208
>>323203
"I cannot do that, Tsetkov. She chose to act through you, this much is certain, just as she chose to act through me. Would you go back to your home, and live a lie? Return with empty paws and excuses? Why not join us at the Lunar Church? Your knowledge would be invaluable, and the fact Luna has blessed you this way is clearly a sign.
I'll sigh.
"But… if you truly wish to wash your paws of the matter, I must tell you one thing. I'm an awful liar."
"I cannot do that, Tsetkov. She chose to act through you, this much is certain, just as she chose to act through me. Would you go back to your home, and live a lie? Return with empty paws and excuses? Why not join us at the Lunar Church? Your knowledge would be invaluable, and the fact Luna has blessed you this way is clearly a sign.
I'll sigh.
"But… if you truly wish to wash your paws of the matter, I must tell you one thing. I'm an awful liar."
Tsvetkov [M DD Warlock] No.323230
>>323208
I pause a moment, "I don't know… is it even possible for forgiveness? I find myself caught between two futures. In one, I would be made the greatest among my kind, hailed, but damned. In another, condemnation, but perhaps fulfillment. I have no family, but if I take responsibility for saving these people at the cost of my war research, I will never be welcomed back in my homeland."
I pause a moment, "I don't know… is it even possible for forgiveness? I find myself caught between two futures. In one, I would be made the greatest among my kind, hailed, but damned. In another, condemnation, but perhaps fulfillment. I have no family, but if I take responsibility for saving these people at the cost of my war research, I will never be welcomed back in my homeland."
>>323221
"You better not be one of those monsters!"
The basement hatch opens, pushed up by a longspear held in the shaky hooves of a kid. The basement is lit with several oil lamps, and from the looks of it it must have been some kind of panic room, as you can see empty armory racks all around.
"You better not be one of those monsters!"
The basement hatch opens, pushed up by a longspear held in the shaky hooves of a kid. The basement is lit with several oil lamps, and from the looks of it it must have been some kind of panic room, as you can see empty armory racks all around.
Chester [M. Uni. Vigilant of Luna] No.323240
>>323230
I'll nod.
"And even inside the Lunar Church you may be viewed with suspicion. Necromancers are usually something we root out, not endorse. Oh, I knew, Tsetkov, that you were a Necromancer. You don't quite have the same regard for the dead that Bethany does. Though that seems to have changed, recently. Perhaps this is why Luna worked with and through you? Who can truly say.
I'll put my hoof on his shoulder.
"But there is at least one here who would call you friend, no matter which path you choose."
I'll nod.
"And even inside the Lunar Church you may be viewed with suspicion. Necromancers are usually something we root out, not endorse. Oh, I knew, Tsetkov, that you were a Necromancer. You don't quite have the same regard for the dead that Bethany does. Though that seems to have changed, recently. Perhaps this is why Luna worked with and through you? Who can truly say.
I'll put my hoof on his shoulder.
"But there is at least one here who would call you friend, no matter which path you choose."
Tsvetkov [M DD Warlock] No.323256
>>323240
A few more moments in silence. "My actions weigh heavily on me… I don't know if I could fit in even if I were made prelate to the Syndic himself. Did you know? Before the common tongue, my people had no word for right and wrong. Only lawful and unlawful. Having become what I am, I do not think I can go back. So be it, then. I will come with you, if She will have me."
A few more moments in silence. "My actions weigh heavily on me… I don't know if I could fit in even if I were made prelate to the Syndic himself. Did you know? Before the common tongue, my people had no word for right and wrong. Only lawful and unlawful. Having become what I am, I do not think I can go back. So be it, then. I will come with you, if She will have me."
>>323254
"Maybe she's across the city? Or she went over the wall to stop the evil wizard…" The kid is lying to himself and you know it. "Let's go find the others.
>>323285
"It's not my legs what got broken." Porin manages a crooked smile. "Our work isn't done, is it?"
…
Those on the rooftop can see the citizens beginning to form up alongside resistance fighters to clean up the city and investigate the death of the constructs. After the entire party gathers on the street level where the corpses of the fallen are being collected, you can all decide to follow the sunlight beacon to regroup with the Inquisition, or you can stay in the current district to organize the remaining citizens.
"Maybe she's across the city? Or she went over the wall to stop the evil wizard…" The kid is lying to himself and you know it. "Let's go find the others.
>>323285
"It's not my legs what got broken." Porin manages a crooked smile. "Our work isn't done, is it?"
…
Those on the rooftop can see the citizens beginning to form up alongside resistance fighters to clean up the city and investigate the death of the constructs. After the entire party gathers on the street level where the corpses of the fallen are being collected, you can all decide to follow the sunlight beacon to regroup with the Inquisition, or you can stay in the current district to organize the remaining citizens.
The group, minus Klandin, finds that many of the surviving group have missing or unaccounted-for members. Much of the work to be done here is either collecting and identifying bodies of the citizens, or rounding up dead constructs and mopping up black ooze. More than a few folks are just sitting down and breaking open bottles of liquor to celebrate, leaving the cleanup for another day.
'1d10'
…
Klandin, you pass over roving bands of victorious fighters and stressed-out city volunteers as you head towards the Inquisition camp. You find most of the group organized around their compound, guarding the ways in. The guards aren't participating in the citizen's reclamation but they are certainly surprised and glad to see you. They usher you inside to meet with Alabaster.
"Klandin! You've seen the dead constructs outside? It's like a miracle! What was that light?"
Roll #1 9 = 9
'1d10'
…
Klandin, you pass over roving bands of victorious fighters and stressed-out city volunteers as you head towards the Inquisition camp. You find most of the group organized around their compound, guarding the ways in. The guards aren't participating in the citizen's reclamation but they are certainly surprised and glad to see you. They usher you inside to meet with Alabaster.
"Klandin! You've seen the dead constructs outside? It's like a miracle! What was that light?"
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>323363
"It was several supercharged Lunar wards. Felfire was using them to guard a library, housed in a stone spire in the middle of the caldera. After killing what was left of Felfire I flew Tsvetkov into the spire so he could search for a way to defeat the Smooze. I dod not know how Tsvetkov managed to charge them, but without him the Smooze would not have been stopped."
"It was several supercharged Lunar wards. Felfire was using them to guard a library, housed in a stone spire in the middle of the caldera. After killing what was left of Felfire I flew Tsvetkov into the spire so he could search for a way to defeat the Smooze. I dod not know how Tsvetkov managed to charge them, but without him the Smooze would not have been stopped."
>>323379
"The dog, yes? I would very much like to have him brought here as soon as possible, if he survived. And the others, too. Any of you heroes, really. As Captain of the Inquisition in this realm, I'm eager to give you full support in restoring this city under Celestia's banner. Let us drive out any lingering evil together, in the name of the Sun."
>>323382
>>323385
>>323388
>>323390
The survivors and workers sense something different about each of you, most likely that you are all foreign, and you are bombarded with questions and offers from every direction as you go to work.
"Where did you come from, mercenary?"
"We could use a healer like you in the days to come."
"I don't have much, but my crew could use someone like you. Restoring this city will be tough."
"I'm not from around here, either. We could make some serious coin as the new militia, though."
"The dog, yes? I would very much like to have him brought here as soon as possible, if he survived. And the others, too. Any of you heroes, really. As Captain of the Inquisition in this realm, I'm eager to give you full support in restoring this city under Celestia's banner. Let us drive out any lingering evil together, in the name of the Sun."
>>323382
>>323385
>>323388
>>323390
The survivors and workers sense something different about each of you, most likely that you are all foreign, and you are bombarded with questions and offers from every direction as you go to work.
"Where did you come from, mercenary?"
"We could use a healer like you in the days to come."
"I don't have much, but my crew could use someone like you. Restoring this city will be tough."
"I'm not from around here, either. We could make some serious coin as the new militia, though."
Bethany [lifebinder] No.323404
>>323395
I roll my eyes a bit at the talk of making money. "I'm going to stay and help you, I owe you that much. Your dead should be laid to rest properly as soon as possible, I'll take the liberty of giving as many as I could the rites of the sun."
Roll #0 4 = 4
I roll my eyes a bit at the talk of making money. "I'm going to stay and help you, I owe you that much. Your dead should be laid to rest properly as soon as possible, I'll take the liberty of giving as many as I could the rites of the sun."
Roll #0 4 = 4
Tsvetkov [M DD Warlock] No.323409
>>323395
"I would like to help while I can, but I'm not sure I will be permissed to linger. You understand, surely. The nature of Gloom is that it is full of the sort that can't fit in with the rest of the world. And I do think the world will soon turn its eyes here."
"I would like to help while I can, but I'm not sure I will be permissed to linger. You understand, surely. The nature of Gloom is that it is full of the sort that can't fit in with the rest of the world. And I do think the world will soon turn its eyes here."
>>323400
"I'm interested in establishing order here in Gloom. It was a lawless city that allowed a wizard to play with dark powers. We shall bring the light of order and justice to this realm. With proper government, care of the citizenry will follow. But first bring our champions to us. The people shall look to us—to them as a beacon of hope. You agree with me, of course."
>>323401
"S-sir, I have no idea what you're talking about!"
Porin looks at you straight on, not a hint of a blush.
"No, really, I don't."
>>323403
>>323404
>>323409
"This is going to be a city of possibilities if we can get folks helping with the reconstruction. We need every hoof and paw we can get. If you have friends on the outside, send them to us."
"I'm interested in establishing order here in Gloom. It was a lawless city that allowed a wizard to play with dark powers. We shall bring the light of order and justice to this realm. With proper government, care of the citizenry will follow. But first bring our champions to us. The people shall look to us—to them as a beacon of hope. You agree with me, of course."
>>323401
"S-sir, I have no idea what you're talking about!"
Porin looks at you straight on, not a hint of a blush.
"No, really, I don't."
>>323403
>>323404
>>323409
"This is going to be a city of possibilities if we can get folks helping with the reconstruction. We need every hoof and paw we can get. If you have friends on the outside, send them to us."
Bethany [lifebinder] No.323442
>>323430
"Friend on the out side.." I slowly nod. "Alright, you get things started here and I'll be back by the evening with help." Is the smooze still affecting me in anyway?
Roll #0 3 = 3
"Friend on the out side.." I slowly nod. "Alright, you get things started here and I'll be back by the evening with help." Is the smooze still affecting me in anyway?
Roll #0 3 = 3
Tsvetkov [M DD Warlock] No.323448
>>323430
"The Dogs that will come here… They will want Filchfire's constructs. I have no doubt they will give you incredible riches from the depths in exchange for them. They will not have your interests in mind, but the money may help. I am sure you have no need for his contraptions as it is."
"The Dogs that will come here… They will want Filchfire's constructs. I have no doubt they will give you incredible riches from the depths in exchange for them. They will not have your interests in mind, but the money may help. I am sure you have no need for his contraptions as it is."
>>323436
Porin contemplates your proposal. "Well, adoption isn't really what I was talking about… but that's a grand idea. I can't imagine how many ponies have been bereft of their families in this destruction."
>>323442
You sense that, with the heart of the Smooze burned away, all Smooze outside of the caldera has lost its power and its will. Any black slime you see in the streets leaking out of constructs or painted all over resistance fighters is little more than lifeless muck and filth completely devoid of magic and texture.
>>323438
>>323448
"This city has always run on gold. The more, the merrier."
…
>>323472
The entire party finds a wagon still in working order to cross the city and meet with the Inquisition. Once again you are all brought into the compound, still bunkered in with sandbags and barricades.
Alabaster gives you all seats.
"Tell me what happened, what you saw."
…
It's past midnight here, and I'd like us all to be in proper form, again, for a proper ending, but if that doesn't sound feasible I can work on writing up epilogues throughout the week. What time will we all be available again? Mondays and Wednesdays are right out.
Porin contemplates your proposal. "Well, adoption isn't really what I was talking about… but that's a grand idea. I can't imagine how many ponies have been bereft of their families in this destruction."
>>323442
You sense that, with the heart of the Smooze burned away, all Smooze outside of the caldera has lost its power and its will. Any black slime you see in the streets leaking out of constructs or painted all over resistance fighters is little more than lifeless muck and filth completely devoid of magic and texture.
>>323438
>>323448
"This city has always run on gold. The more, the merrier."
…
>>323472
The entire party finds a wagon still in working order to cross the city and meet with the Inquisition. Once again you are all brought into the compound, still bunkered in with sandbags and barricades.
Alabaster gives you all seats.
"Tell me what happened, what you saw."
…
It's past midnight here, and I'd like us all to be in proper form, again, for a proper ending, but if that doesn't sound feasible I can work on writing up epilogues throughout the week. What time will we all be available again? Mondays and Wednesdays are right out.
Bethany [lifebinder] No.323488
>>323476
I'm good most of this week. Just wondering if that taint from looking into the smooze is still going to be effecting her somehow since it was "possibly forever" or something? Might be an interesting character conflict to have such a peaceful mind dealing with some kind of urge to destroy things and act chaotically.
I'm good most of this week. Just wondering if that taint from looking into the smooze is still going to be effecting her somehow since it was "possibly forever" or something? Might be an interesting character conflict to have such a peaceful mind dealing with some kind of urge to destroy things and act chaotically.
Bethany [lifebinder] No.332014
Phylactery still in progress but I'm here.
Roll #0 3 = 3
Roll #0 3 = 3
File: 1361770984537.jpg (19.89 KB, 648x360, Mh3volcano.jpg)
Inquisitor guards hang about, keeping sentry at the barred doors and windows while other Inquisition members direct recovery and refugees outside, with the threat of the undead Smooze constructs neutralized by the moonfire that struck the very core of the Volcano of Gloom.
The party has been herded into the makeshift stronghold of Celestia's Inquisition, the hungry-eyed Alabaster grilling them on what transpired inside Filchfire's Bone City.
"I sensed a powerful divine presence enter the region. What happened in that fortress?" Alabaster's weapons are laid out on her table next to a battle map of the city, Celestial tokens and sundry markers scattered about colored marks.
The party has been herded into the makeshift stronghold of Celestia's Inquisition, the hungry-eyed Alabaster grilling them on what transpired inside Filchfire's Bone City.
"I sensed a powerful divine presence enter the region. What happened in that fortress?" Alabaster's weapons are laid out on her table next to a battle map of the city, Celestial tokens and sundry markers scattered about colored marks.
Auvergne [Arcane Blade] No.355241
>>355235
"All I can say is that I wish I was more useful in having helped stop the Smooze and Filchire. After destroying him and his machinations, I spent more time trying to get away from the reckless smooze. Without someone in control, it just flailed about and attacked everything."
Is the "smooze" supposed to be capitalized?
"All I can say is that I wish I was more useful in having helped stop the Smooze and Filchire. After destroying him and his machinations, I spent more time trying to get away from the reckless smooze. Without someone in control, it just flailed about and attacked everything."
Is the "smooze" supposed to be capitalized?
"We noticed there was a point where the armies became far less synchronized, almost bestial in behavior. That must have been you struck Filchfire's control center."
"Smooze… what used to be the stuff of legend. Are you certain it is sealed away? Who among you saw to it that it was destroyed?"
"And why is Luna to be credited with this victory?" Alabaster casts a hard glance at Chester and Porin, clearly identifiable as Lunar followers, but her eyes settle ever harsher on Klandin. "I saw a shaft of sunlight at one point. And I've seen that same blue fire belch from the caldera before, during Filchfire's reign of terror. It could have been arcane in nature."
"Smooze… what used to be the stuff of legend. Are you certain it is sealed away? Who among you saw to it that it was destroyed?"
"And why is Luna to be credited with this victory?" Alabaster casts a hard glance at Chester and Porin, clearly identifiable as Lunar followers, but her eyes settle ever harsher on Klandin. "I saw a shaft of sunlight at one point. And I've seen that same blue fire belch from the caldera before, during Filchfire's reign of terror. It could have been arcane in nature."
Chester [M Uni Vigilant of Luna] No.355250
>>355245
"Filchfire had been using Lunar Seals to keep the thing at bay. Contained while he acted as the control center. His heretical studies of the Nightmare, and his perversions of Lunar material, is the least of the horrors he committed."
I'll sigh a bit at hearing >>355248
"Tsetkov was simply a conduit. Luna could not work through a follower of the Sun Princess, so she borrowed him."
"Filchfire had been using Lunar Seals to keep the thing at bay. Contained while he acted as the control center. His heretical studies of the Nightmare, and his perversions of Lunar material, is the least of the horrors he committed."
I'll sigh a bit at hearing >>355248
"Tsetkov was simply a conduit. Luna could not work through a follower of the Sun Princess, so she borrowed him."
Alabaster looks less than pleased.
"Filchfire's perversions of Lunar doctrine? By the looks of the dark magicks I and my troops saw, this could very well have been the work of Nightmare Moon; and who better to corrupt Lunar works than that which spawned them? Filchfire must have been working with Nightmare Moon to wield seals of such power."
"How then, exactly, did 'Luna' come to be here, if this… Lunatic were not present?" Alabaster approaches Tsvetkov and snorts. "You do have the smell of spellcraft about you, not piety. I've known more than a few necromancers who subvert more than the cycle of life. What hand did you have in all this?"
"Filchfire's perversions of Lunar doctrine? By the looks of the dark magicks I and my troops saw, this could very well have been the work of Nightmare Moon; and who better to corrupt Lunar works than that which spawned them? Filchfire must have been working with Nightmare Moon to wield seals of such power."
"How then, exactly, did 'Luna' come to be here, if this… Lunatic were not present?" Alabaster approaches Tsvetkov and snorts. "You do have the smell of spellcraft about you, not piety. I've known more than a few necromancers who subvert more than the cycle of life. What hand did you have in all this?"
Alabaster is caught off guard and tries to harden her expression.
"I am an Inquisitor; for me, the end justifies all means. I'm simply trying to make sense of the potential ramifications. All I want is assurance that any traces of corruption does not remain, be it Smooze or Nightmare, and that Celestia's will shall find no opponents here."
"But Sister Bethany is right. The sun will shine on this city once again. I am making arrangements for restoration and reclamation of the city. The Inquisition can promise the gold and glory of Equestria to those who ally themselves with the Celestials."
"I will have need of… champions, like yourselves, in the coming days. You are most familiar with the evils faced here, and suited for its extermination. With the Inquisition's support, you shall be lauded as heroes and saviors. With Celestia's might, you will be unquestioned and free to lay claim to this city's riches. What say you? Join me in this good crusade?"
"I am an Inquisitor; for me, the end justifies all means. I'm simply trying to make sense of the potential ramifications. All I want is assurance that any traces of corruption does not remain, be it Smooze or Nightmare, and that Celestia's will shall find no opponents here."
"But Sister Bethany is right. The sun will shine on this city once again. I am making arrangements for restoration and reclamation of the city. The Inquisition can promise the gold and glory of Equestria to those who ally themselves with the Celestials."
"I will have need of… champions, like yourselves, in the coming days. You are most familiar with the evils faced here, and suited for its extermination. With the Inquisition's support, you shall be lauded as heroes and saviors. With Celestia's might, you will be unquestioned and free to lay claim to this city's riches. What say you? Join me in this good crusade?"
Chester [M Uni Vigilant of Luna] No.355299
>>355292
I will shake my head.
"My place is with my Church and my brothers and sisters of the cloth. We will build a small temple here, and offer aid to those who need it, and a home for any children left without one during this nightmare. I will not walk the Sun's path, Inquisitor, but nor will I stand against it."
I will shake my head.
"My place is with my Church and my brothers and sisters of the cloth. We will build a small temple here, and offer aid to those who need it, and a home for any children left without one during this nightmare. I will not walk the Sun's path, Inquisitor, but nor will I stand against it."
Auvergne [Arcane Blade] No.355313
>>355292
"I can't say anything for certain. Like a fool, I craved the adventure that I thought awaited me. The prize of a ruined city and populace has left an empty taste in my mouth. My skills as a cook are still useful here, though, so I'll help where I can. I still have to tell one child of her deceased father, least I can do is make her and others like her a warm meal."
"If I decide to leave, I have numerous contacts who could be shown the value in helping Gloom."
"I can't say anything for certain. Like a fool, I craved the adventure that I thought awaited me. The prize of a ruined city and populace has left an empty taste in my mouth. My skills as a cook are still useful here, though, so I'll help where I can. I still have to tell one child of her deceased father, least I can do is make her and others like her a warm meal."
"If I decide to leave, I have numerous contacts who could be shown the value in helping Gloom."
Bethany [lifebinder] No.355315
>>355292
I smile a bit "Of course I would join your fight, but I've really always wanted to have my own temple.. When I was just a little buffalo the temple's teachings meant the world to me, and I would find it an honor to spread those teaching of the sun on."
"But, I am certain you will find no more unlife in the smooze's remains."
>>355302
"Well, mate' If you need healing, or a safe place to rest, you can count on my hooves." I touch your shoulder gently. "You've more than earned my trust."
I smile a bit "Of course I would join your fight, but I've really always wanted to have my own temple.. When I was just a little buffalo the temple's teachings meant the world to me, and I would find it an honor to spread those teaching of the sun on."
"But, I am certain you will find no more unlife in the smooze's remains."
>>355302
"Well, mate' If you need healing, or a safe place to rest, you can count on my hooves." I touch your shoulder gently. "You've more than earned my trust."
Seeing that Klandin is the only one who wishes to stay, Alabaster looks downcast. "You're certain you won't stay? Gloom may no longer lie under the shadow of the Smooze, but it has yet to be saved from itself."
"Word of what has happened here has reached the Inquisition and many other organizations. The eyes of the world are turned here, like hungry vultures drawn to a wanderer dying of thirst. It was Gloom's lawlessness that allowed wizards like Filchfire to thrive, and continued lawlessness will see that the city's suffering continues."
"The Inquisition will bring the light of justice to this realm. There will be no more Filchfires to prey upon the innocent, no Talia One Ears to abandon them in the hour of need. With all of you at our disposal, we—you could truly be the saviors of this city."
"Word of what has happened here has reached the Inquisition and many other organizations. The eyes of the world are turned here, like hungry vultures drawn to a wanderer dying of thirst. It was Gloom's lawlessness that allowed wizards like Filchfire to thrive, and continued lawlessness will see that the city's suffering continues."
"The Inquisition will bring the light of justice to this realm. There will be no more Filchfires to prey upon the innocent, no Talia One Ears to abandon them in the hour of need. With all of you at our disposal, we—you could truly be the saviors of this city."
Auvergne [Arcane Blade] No.355344
>>355330
"I'll stay, but only as long as I can help the people, remember that. I have a few contacts who could be 'interested' in the new economic opportunities Gloom could present."
I sullenly look at the ground.
"How am I supposed to tell a child that the last time she saw her father, he was already dead? I don't want to have to repeat that ever again, so I will stay and help make this place safe."
"I'll stay, but only as long as I can help the people, remember that. I have a few contacts who could be 'interested' in the new economic opportunities Gloom could present."
I sullenly look at the ground.
"How am I supposed to tell a child that the last time she saw her father, he was already dead? I don't want to have to repeat that ever again, so I will stay and help make this place safe."
"I'm offering an open hoof to you, friends. A place in the Sun, so to speak."
Alabaster does her best not to look like a hardened soldier.
"The Inquisition can help you with whatever you need here. Authority? Granted. Protection? Provided. Funds? Infinite. I can even lend the aid of our clergy to ensure your Lunar temple is not despoiled by the remnants of Filchfire's works. I can conceal you from any enemies you may have outside these walls. With our resources we can provide succor and shelter to all the refugees you direct to us."
Alabaster does her best not to look like a hardened soldier.
"The Inquisition can help you with whatever you need here. Authority? Granted. Protection? Provided. Funds? Infinite. I can even lend the aid of our clergy to ensure your Lunar temple is not despoiled by the remnants of Filchfire's works. I can conceal you from any enemies you may have outside these walls. With our resources we can provide succor and shelter to all the refugees you direct to us."
Auvergne [Arcane Blade] No.355371
>>355365
"As much as I'd like to keep you around, it might cause everyone more trouble if you stayed. I'm certain there are going to be a lot if groups interested in such a place. With your knowledge of this place and its ponies, I'm certain you'd be sent back anyways."
"As much as I'd like to keep you around, it might cause everyone more trouble if you stayed. I'm certain there are going to be a lot if groups interested in such a place. With your knowledge of this place and its ponies, I'm certain you'd be sent back anyways."
Chester [M Uni Vigilant of Luna] No.355375
>>355368
"All I need, Inquisitor, are the folk who wish to help. My temple will be built with volunteers, and there is still plenty enough good material to be found in the ruins. We shall rebuild, and from the ashes of the old Gloom bring them into the new, with hope. If your fellows would like to offer food, we would graciously accept, but we cannot ask you to build our temples for us. That must be done by our own hooves and spirits."
I'll give a small laugh.
"Even if it takes longer."
"All I need, Inquisitor, are the folk who wish to help. My temple will be built with volunteers, and there is still plenty enough good material to be found in the ruins. We shall rebuild, and from the ashes of the old Gloom bring them into the new, with hope. If your fellows would like to offer food, we would graciously accept, but we cannot ask you to build our temples for us. That must be done by our own hooves and spirits."
I'll give a small laugh.
"Even if it takes longer."
Auvergne [Arcane Blade] No.355383
>>355368
"Infinite funds, you say. Even if I don't stay, my family might have the individuals you need. Of course, knowing them, they'd have me stay to help organize them at the beginning. I still have my own issues here, but you can count on me to at least help for quite a bit of time."
>>355375
"We've walked quite a burdensome road, no? I prefer this talk about building a church for Luna than the last one we had about the greater good. As long as I'm here, I'll help however I can."
"Infinite funds, you say. Even if I don't stay, my family might have the individuals you need. Of course, knowing them, they'd have me stay to help organize them at the beginning. I still have my own issues here, but you can count on me to at least help for quite a bit of time."
>>355375
"We've walked quite a burdensome road, no? I prefer this talk about building a church for Luna than the last one we had about the greater good. As long as I'm here, I'll help however I can."
Chester [M Uni Vigilant of Luna] No.355397
>>355390
I'll shake my head.
"Perhaps in the future there will be another temple built here, a shared one for all the gods who wish for peace and prosperity, but until then, ours will remain apart. Besides," I'll add, tossing him a sidelong glance. "You wouldn't want us scaring off your worshipers, after all."
I'll shake my head.
"Perhaps in the future there will be another temple built here, a shared one for all the gods who wish for peace and prosperity, but until then, ours will remain apart. Besides," I'll add, tossing him a sidelong glance. "You wouldn't want us scaring off your worshipers, after all."
Bethany [lifebinder] No.355398
>>355390
"…a temple to the sun and moon? Can such harmony exist? " pray silently about this topic.
Roll #1 9 = 9
"…a temple to the sun and moon? Can such harmony exist? " pray silently about this topic.
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>355398
The Sun and Moon have always been sisters, but you sense the rift between them and their followers shall persist for centuries yet.
…
"I'm glad you're all so deliberate." Alabaster turns back to her table, readying a pile of contracts and seals. "When you are ready, I have these ready for those who wish to join the Inquisition. I respect your choice if you do not, and when you leave these doors I will not bar your way or begrudge your endeavors, but I cannot guarantee anything beyond that."
Those who wish to join the Inquisition and remain in Gloom in their employ can take a contract and sign it. Otherwise, you are free to leave the stronghold and make your own way, whether it be in the city streets or the wider world.
The Sun and Moon have always been sisters, but you sense the rift between them and their followers shall persist for centuries yet.
…
"I'm glad you're all so deliberate." Alabaster turns back to her table, readying a pile of contracts and seals. "When you are ready, I have these ready for those who wish to join the Inquisition. I respect your choice if you do not, and when you leave these doors I will not bar your way or begrudge your endeavors, but I cannot guarantee anything beyond that."
Those who wish to join the Inquisition and remain in Gloom in their employ can take a contract and sign it. Otherwise, you are free to leave the stronghold and make your own way, whether it be in the city streets or the wider world.
Chester [M Uni Vigilant of Luna] No.355420
>>355410
I'll nod.
"Then, until a later time, Inquisitor. I have work I must do."
And with that, I'll get up and prepare to leave the tent, but stop before I do so.
"Inquisitor, there is one favor I would like to ask, however. I am certain that any postal system is in shambles, so would you be kind enough to send someone to deliver a letter for me to the main Lunar temple?"
I'll nod.
"Then, until a later time, Inquisitor. I have work I must do."
And with that, I'll get up and prepare to leave the tent, but stop before I do so.
"Inquisitor, there is one favor I would like to ask, however. I am certain that any postal system is in shambles, so would you be kind enough to send someone to deliver a letter for me to the main Lunar temple?"
Auvergne [Arcane Blade] No.355430
>>355410
"It's an honor to be offered to join such an 'illustrious' organization, but I'm not good with contracts. It's the reason I'm here in the middle of a magical cataclysm and not back home with the rest of my family and their business."
"I'd be glad to pass on your offer to them, though. I'm sure you, and your superiors, would be pleased to secure such a discount on their services."
"It's an honor to be offered to join such an 'illustrious' organization, but I'm not good with contracts. It's the reason I'm here in the middle of a magical cataclysm and not back home with the rest of my family and their business."
"I'd be glad to pass on your offer to them, though. I'm sure you, and your superiors, would be pleased to secure such a discount on their services."
>>355414
>>355433
"Law and order, brother. We shall lead by example." Alabaster idly picks out a mint stalk and chews on it. "And to be brutally honest, I've served far longer in the Inquisition than you have."
>>355420
"I look forward to seeing your temple's completion." Alabaster seems to smirk. "I'm certain Lunatics from all across the land will flock to it."
"They will when they hear it was Luna's will that purified the Smooze!" Porin confidently chimes in, causing Alabaster to spit out her chewstick.
>>355422
>>355428
"I understand. With or without you, this city will change… you merely need to decide how much of a hoof you had in it."
>>355430
"We'll be watching you."
>>355432
From what you can tell it seems like a slightly modified mercenary contract. You can guess that the Inquisition's hard-nosed ways define much of the terms, but the details of the fine print escape you.
>>355433
"Law and order, brother. We shall lead by example." Alabaster idly picks out a mint stalk and chews on it. "And to be brutally honest, I've served far longer in the Inquisition than you have."
>>355420
"I look forward to seeing your temple's completion." Alabaster seems to smirk. "I'm certain Lunatics from all across the land will flock to it."
"They will when they hear it was Luna's will that purified the Smooze!" Porin confidently chimes in, causing Alabaster to spit out her chewstick.
>>355422
>>355428
"I understand. With or without you, this city will change… you merely need to decide how much of a hoof you had in it."
>>355430
"We'll be watching you."
>>355432
From what you can tell it seems like a slightly modified mercenary contract. You can guess that the Inquisition's hard-nosed ways define much of the terms, but the details of the fine print escape you.
>>355451
Pft, something got lost in the mix.
"Of course! I have a direct contact with Canterlot. Your correspondence shall be sent post-haste, with the utmost confidentiality. I can afford this one favor."
>>355454
As Alabaster implied, while you do hold some sway with the Inquisition, you're still a junior member, and you never got your head around the vast bureaucratic structure of it. Or maybe that's just her division…
>>355461
The lettering is so byzantine that trying to piece together a feasible legal analysis of it on the spot would put even a clerk to tears.
Klandin and Auvergne are both confident it is written with the best of intentions, however.
>>355459
"The Inquisition will be serving as a transitional government for the city. At such a time as the transition period ends, the contract will be terminated if it is still in effect."
Pft, something got lost in the mix.
"Of course! I have a direct contact with Canterlot. Your correspondence shall be sent post-haste, with the utmost confidentiality. I can afford this one favor."
>>355454
As Alabaster implied, while you do hold some sway with the Inquisition, you're still a junior member, and you never got your head around the vast bureaucratic structure of it. Or maybe that's just her division…
>>355461
The lettering is so byzantine that trying to piece together a feasible legal analysis of it on the spot would put even a clerk to tears.
Klandin and Auvergne are both confident it is written with the best of intentions, however.
>>355459
"The Inquisition will be serving as a transitional government for the city. At such a time as the transition period ends, the contract will be terminated if it is still in effect."
>>355468
(See you around!)
>>355471
"I promise that it shall." Alabaster nods, though you can't read her expression this time.
>>355469
Alabaster gladly confirms Klandin's signature and adds her own. "Good. We will have further business to discuss after this meeting. Stay with me."
>>355474
"Who says you won't be? The future is yet unwritten."
(See you around!)
>>355471
"I promise that it shall." Alabaster nods, though you can't read her expression this time.
>>355469
Alabaster gladly confirms Klandin's signature and adds her own. "Good. We will have further business to discuss after this meeting. Stay with me."
>>355474
"Who says you won't be? The future is yet unwritten."
Auvergne [Arcane Blade] No.355501
>>355476
"I must apologize again, but I can't sign. We've just barely finished dealing with the two monsters of Filchire and the Smooze, I promise aid Chester in constructing his temple, and there are still those who I have arrangements to get back to."
"Besides, I'm just some plucky pegasus who is somewhat quick with a plate and a book, I'd probably be kicked out of your Paladin Academy in a jiff. Once again, I thank you for the offer, but your superiors would be happier not even having to deal with a troublemaker like myself, who got himself involved in the battles of gods on a whim."
"I must apologize again, but I can't sign. We've just barely finished dealing with the two monsters of Filchire and the Smooze, I promise aid Chester in constructing his temple, and there are still those who I have arrangements to get back to."
"Besides, I'm just some plucky pegasus who is somewhat quick with a plate and a book, I'd probably be kicked out of your Paladin Academy in a jiff. Once again, I thank you for the offer, but your superiors would be happier not even having to deal with a troublemaker like myself, who got himself involved in the battles of gods on a whim."
I will have to write a proper epilogue later in the week, but this about wraps it up for Gloom.
Klandin and Bethany join their fellow Celestials in the Inquisition.
Chester and Porin seek to establish the Lunar Temple, with Auvergne's aid.
Tsvetkov has Gaeton's steel at his side, and naught but the strings of Fate to guide them.
All in all, the future of Gloom remains very uncertain.
Klandin and Bethany join their fellow Celestials in the Inquisition.
Chester and Porin seek to establish the Lunar Temple, with Auvergne's aid.
Tsvetkov has Gaeton's steel at his side, and naught but the strings of Fate to guide them.
All in all, the future of Gloom remains very uncertain.
Auvergne swore to return to obscurity only to be surprised by the arrival of his relatives in the city of Gloom. Drawn by the promise of riches and power, they had come on the backs of foreign enterprise to stake a claim in the ruins of the city, intending to have him advise their clan leaders. Pressed into service by his own blood, the city he once regarded as another stopover in a long life of adventuring could now become his new home, or his final resting place.
Bethany held the purest of intentions when joining her fellow sun worshippers, but was powerless to stop the growing corruption in Alabaster's Inquisition when she was suddenly struck by a corruption from within. The touch of the Void that lingered deep in Bethany's psyche flared up, filling her head with disembodied voices and thoughts and drawing her into longer and longer fits of unconsciousness. Soon, others around the city suffered the same fate, and she became Patient Zero in the new Equestrian Inquest's collection of these touched individuals in some secret arcane compound, never to be seen again.
Chester was set to become an important figurehead in the local chapter of the Priory of the Moon until the Equestrian Inquest's appearance galvanized Lunar worshippers into a heated political spearhead. Preferring to keep to his humble work maintaining an orphanage alongside his wife, Porin, he was quickly forgotten and left to fend for resources and support on his own as efforts and attention were split between aiding the poor and resisting the new dictatorship.
Bethany held the purest of intentions when joining her fellow sun worshippers, but was powerless to stop the growing corruption in Alabaster's Inquisition when she was suddenly struck by a corruption from within. The touch of the Void that lingered deep in Bethany's psyche flared up, filling her head with disembodied voices and thoughts and drawing her into longer and longer fits of unconsciousness. Soon, others around the city suffered the same fate, and she became Patient Zero in the new Equestrian Inquest's collection of these touched individuals in some secret arcane compound, never to be seen again.
Chester was set to become an important figurehead in the local chapter of the Priory of the Moon until the Equestrian Inquest's appearance galvanized Lunar worshippers into a heated political spearhead. Preferring to keep to his humble work maintaining an orphanage alongside his wife, Porin, he was quickly forgotten and left to fend for resources and support on his own as efforts and attention were split between aiding the poor and resisting the new dictatorship.
>>380389
Gaeton thought himself free of bonds as a mercenary of steel and skill, but the ties he had formed with his fellow heroes bound him to stay in Gloom. Without any professed affiliation, he was free to roam the streets and shadows, keeping the crew in contact with each other across faction lines and scouting new safehouses for his fellow vagabond, Tsvetkov.
Klandin had planned on steering the Inquisition from within, but when Bethany was crippled by some unseen illness, Alabaster was swift to prevent him from exercising any real authority. Forced to stand by, helpless as Alabaster crowned herself Prelate, he now seeks to undo the new Equestrian Inquest, unwilling to see Gloom trade its old shackles for new ones even as they are emblazoned with the symbol of his own faith.
Tsvetkov never got the chance to escape his masters as an expedition from Novdogod quickly descended upon Gloom. Even if he had escaped, Tsvetkov knew his brethren would seek to unearth the Bone City and the horrors within, and he could not allow such vile power and corruption take hold in the world again. As a fugitive and rebel, he was forced to become a fixture in Gloom's shadow world, with his trusted mercenary friend Gaeton as his sword and shield.
Gaeton thought himself free of bonds as a mercenary of steel and skill, but the ties he had formed with his fellow heroes bound him to stay in Gloom. Without any professed affiliation, he was free to roam the streets and shadows, keeping the crew in contact with each other across faction lines and scouting new safehouses for his fellow vagabond, Tsvetkov.
Klandin had planned on steering the Inquisition from within, but when Bethany was crippled by some unseen illness, Alabaster was swift to prevent him from exercising any real authority. Forced to stand by, helpless as Alabaster crowned herself Prelate, he now seeks to undo the new Equestrian Inquest, unwilling to see Gloom trade its old shackles for new ones even as they are emblazoned with the symbol of his own faith.
Tsvetkov never got the chance to escape his masters as an expedition from Novdogod quickly descended upon Gloom. Even if he had escaped, Tsvetkov knew his brethren would seek to unearth the Bone City and the horrors within, and he could not allow such vile power and corruption take hold in the world again. As a fugitive and rebel, he was forced to become a fixture in Gloom's shadow world, with his trusted mercenary friend Gaeton as his sword and shield.
And so the heroes that had saved Gloom from destruction found themselves powerless in its reconstruction. The greed and violence that had been the lifeblood of the city's shadowy existence continued to course through its veins steadily as the lava flows, with new blood and new gold pouring into it from all sides as nations and enterprise swoop in like hungry lions.
Even with the darkness defeated, the city shall always find that its future lies in the Shadows of Gloom.
—END—
Even with the darkness defeated, the city shall always find that its future lies in the Shadows of Gloom.
—END—