(Jade shadow awarded 2.5 xp for running this plot)

 

 For whatever reason, you find yourself in Nexus, the main and largest district of the city of Nexus. It is about mid-afternoon, and the city is in full swing. Both Big Market, and it's neighbor, Little Market, are doing a roaring trade, and the arena is packed for another gladitorial bout. Alone or together, you are approached by a small man in a black, hooded robe. You can't make out any of his features.

 "Greetings." He speaks in Low Realm, switching to Riverspeak if you don't understand him. His voice is very nasal, and he whistles his s's. "My name is Crigae. I was told to approach you by my master. He has recently found an entrance to the fabled city of Hollow, the First Age metropolis that Nexus is built on. He is interested in acquiring a specific item that he heard was buried there, but, alas, is unable to go down there himself. He requests your assistance, and will compensate you handsomely for your time. Please follow the instructions on this card." He reaches a hand into his robes, and pulls out a small, brown card. It is blank except for the following inscription, in flowing black ink:

 

Dragon's Tooth Tavern. Sundown. Tell the bartender you're "from Kyoshi".

 

 

 

The Dragon's Tooth Tavern is a busy establishment just this side of Firewander, self proclaimed "The last bastion of civilization." It is a large, sprawling, one story building with a cheery glow from it's large windows, which is somewhat dampened by the opaque layer of grime covering them.

 The door swings open at your touch, the noise of it's hinges lost in the sudden blast of sound that emanates from within. Inside, the room is large, with a long bar running the length of the left wall, and a roaring fireplace centered on the right. Running the length of the room are two long trestle tables, with plenty of bench space on both sides. There are booths all around the outer walls, where more privacy can be had. Most of the seats are taken up by an ecclectic mix of citizens from almost all districts, dockworkers rubbing shoulders with mercenaries, merchants, surrounded by bodyguards, and, the ever-present drunks, a group of whom are singing a bawdy rendition of "Sailor Girl". Above the fireplace is what gives the place it's name, a large, sharply curved fang, almost three feet in length.

 Behind the bar is a very large man, shirtsleeves rolled up past his elbows, baring blacksmith's arms, apron tied around his huge frame. Behind him is a door to the kitchens, from which appetizing scents waft continually.

 As you approach the bar, he looks up and asks, jovially, "Wat'r yiu haven?" When you relay the message, he points you toward the tavern's back room.

The back room is a storage area, with boxes and crates piled up around the walls. The center has been cleared, and a table is here. There is a man sitting behind it, rich clothes and haughty demeanor marking him as an upper class man. Behind him is Crigae.

 

 

        Strolling toward the back of the bar with Orashi, Kari claps him on the shoulder, "Ey, they be singin' about me," she comments idly throwing a nod toward the no-doubt fantastic singers. "I dunnae about you, but this better be worth a slight more than a site-seeing trip if you ask me."

 

Tsangun made sure that her things: the ebony and jade box, and her handcrafted spear, were kept in a safe place before heading to the meeting. Not that she wasn't armed, the Djala made sure to hide a knife or two in her clothing in case things turned sour like she normally does. Once prepared, she made her way to the tavern and then to the backroom, her short stature used to keep her in an opportune place for hiding or running, out of the way of the taller folk. The only greeting she gives the rich man is a polite bow and nod of her head.

 

Gilded Rose steps into the Dragon's Tooth Tavern. The woman tries to ignore the cat-calls, whistles and general roudiness caused by her apperance from those who are drunk or otherwise incoherent.She steps up to the bar to give her reply to the Bartender who admits her too the back. She offers a low head bow to the man and those gathered. "So what's this about hunting?"

 

Keys of May grumbles as he secretly curses the defenseless feeling of his mortal form. He looks about the room and shrugs as he speaks, "Nice place."

 

Subeta Kyuui walks into the room with a pleasant smile on his face. He looks at the various people and nods to each of them, his long kimono covering most of his body. He looks to the man at the tables and says, "Hello there good sirs. I believe you said something about helping you retrieve an item. How can I be of service?"

 

Orashi swaggers into the room and says "Are you sure they're singing about you? The girl's s'posed to be pretty!" he looks around for a moment before climbing up on a box to have a seat.

 

 

The man looks you all over. As he does, his jowls wobble and you realize that he is far heavier than he appears, his excellent tailoring doing a very good job of hiding his paunch. "I believe you're all assembled now. Good." His voice is very throaty, but strangely non-resonant. "My name is Kerrek Deset. I am an engineer for the Council, and I have a proposition for you." He gazes at each of you in turn, levelly, but earnestly. "Some weeks ago, I stumbled upon an unknown entrance to the Undercity, and since then, I have had workers digging out a stable path. They finally broke through the rubble, but then, things started happening. The men all got scared and refused to work, saying that the place was cursed and they would be punished for their trespasses. Though I tried to quell such talk, it spread to all of the workers, and now they refuse to go down there. It is very important that I get down there, for I believe that area to have once been a temple complex, which means that there is an item that I need. Since I am not an adventurer, I decided to hire the group of you to go down there and retreive it. I sent out some more invitations, but the others apparently decided not to come.

 "If you decide to accept this mission, I will pay each of you 500 dinars, plus you will be allowed to keep anything you find besides the specific item I am looking for. Before I go any further, I would like to know whether or not you're in."

 

 

Orashi scratches his head and says "Well, what the men be say'n?"

 

"Yeah, what do they be sayin' is down there?" Kari asks sounding just mildly concerned. "I'm not one to go backin' out of some good fun for some spooky ghost stories, just curious is all."

 

Tsangun hmmmms softly as she leans back on her heels. "Depends on what this item is."

 

Gilded Rose pauses. "So what is down there? And what else is in it for us? Besides the dinars and anything we find? What if we trudge down there and there isn't anything?

 

Keys of May shrugs at the man and grunts, "I suppose I can do this since you are not tough enough to do it yourself." He looks at the various people around him and shakes his head. "At least I better get some good fun down there, or this will have been a waste of time."

 

Subeta Kyuui just smiles, nods, and waits patiently, as his questions parrallel the concerns of his associates. He takes the time to observe the people he will be working with and deciding who will need more protecting should something be threatening and who is likely to hold their own.

 

Ichaerus sits up from a nearby chair and approaches Rose. "Don't worry so much. Remember what I told you earlier?" His voice is a bit dampened by the silver veil he has strung across his face, replacing his usual Headband. "This sounds like we'll have alot to do in Nexus for quite some time." He adjusts his Gi, and reaches into his satchel. Upon pulling out a crumpled scroll, and unfolds it on the table. "Were do we begin?"

 

Kerrek Deset is slightly taken aback by your responses, possibly because he was sure that the "huge" sum of money would be enough by itself. "Um, well..." He clears his throat. "*ahem*. The item in question is a fist sized censer, made out of brass. It is, according to my records, stored in a temple to the Earth Dragon somewhere down there. Somewhere near it is a package of incense, which I consider part of the deal. As for what they say is down there, there is supposedly a curse, placed by the last of the Anathema before they were driven out of the city, that is said to make those who are exposed to it go power-mad like them. But, this is merely the scared talk of superstitious peasants. The great monks of the Immaculate Order blessed the entirety of the area long ago, and eradicated any trace of whatever might have lurked there before. Any more questions?"

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ -1- 2 2 2 2 4 5 9 ]

        Resulting in 1 successes.

 

Kari shrugs, "Eh, good enough for me," she says offhandedly. "Even if it were still haunted, power-mad ain't such a bad thing. 'least it gets you off yer arse."

 

Tsangun blinks a few times and looks at the man with a strange, curious expression. The Djala is quiet for a few moments before bowing politely. "Tempting and enjoyable though it is to venture into ruins for such a high rate of pay I think I'll be passing this offer," she says apologeticly.

 

Keys of May snickers at the Djala and looks to them, "Well, the offer is good enough for me. You can count me in." He looks to the others with his ever hungry eyes, "I hope we can bring back a good haul."

 

Orashi thinks real hard for a minute and says "Well.. I'm not in favor of ransacking temples buuuut... An temple with now followers ain't really a temple ain't it? I'm in."

 

Ichaerus grins wickedly at the man seeing the fevor and the hatred for Anathema in his eye. "Well, since your so kind to share your ideal about the destruction of Anathema, I'd be more than happy to help retrieve your trinket and apothecary suppliments for a chance to take a look at so old stonework." He thinks for a moment at Keys statment. Catching his eye he replies: "Yes I think we will infact get an excellent haul." His tone hit hard on the "WE", and he can't help but to crack a grin as he looks at Keys.

 

Subeta Kyuui continues to nod, and then smiles and says, "I too will accept your offer. I could always use the money and I would be happy to help you out." The man seems slightly oblivious that the people are not likely the 'nice' crowd.

 

The man smiles, obiviously relieved at your acceptance. "Great! Well, lets get started, then. Crigae here will show you to the entrance. I will be waiting here for you to return, and will give you your money when I have the censer and the incense. Good hunting, people!." He smiles widely, almost fervently.

 Crigae bows and then says, "Follow me, please." He moves to the back of the room, and opens a door in the wall, revealing an alley. He steps out, then turns and beckons to you. "This way." He turns and walks down the alley, headed towards Firewander.

 You notice that full night has fallen.

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ 2 3 3 4 5 6 9 9 ]

        Resulting in 2 successes.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Conviction: [ 4 4 4 7 ]

        Resulting in 1 successes.

 

Kari nods, "Well, let's go then, I've got some drinking to do and it can't wait all day."

 

Keys of May shudders a bit at the sight of the fullmoon, but keeps his cool and continues following the man. He is careful to not allow any of his skin to show, knowing that it might reveal his secret.

 

Subeta Kyuui follows behind the group, noting that he seems the one of the few who are more restrained. He sighs and looks at the various sights, waiting for them to arrive.

 

Orashi adjusts the the barrel on his back and sets off after the others with an occaisional stumble in the dark

 

Ichaerus faces the Djala and quips, "Oh, You'll be seeing us again soon. And I'm sure you are looking forward to it as much as we are to share with you all the experiences we had on our trip." As he goes out the door he adjusts his veil, giving an excuse to stay back as he is wary of the alley. Not wanting to be mugged Ichaerus decides to hang back slightly and assess the situation from there.

 

Crigae leads you into the Firewander district, winding through stinking back alleys for several minutes. The path chosen takes you through a ruined, abandoned neighborhood dangerously close to Firewander's perilous heart, dodging occupied buildings and staying away from what passes for main streets in this district. At last, you come to a dilapidated tunnel entrance in the shadow of a bridge that had long since collapsed. $r Boards and rubble obscure the entrance, and some childish vandal has scrawled, "Fall away, ashes, fall away, skin," onto it in several places with a piece of chalk.

 Crigae stops a few feet away, and gestures into the darkness. "Here it is. The first part is slightly tricky, but there are lanterns at the bottom of the stairs. Good luck, and I will be waiting here for your return." He moves off to the side and sits down on a small chair that has been placed in the lee of the bridge.

 

Orashi grins and gives Kari a good push towards the tunnel. He then waits for her to start down

 

Kari looks around, decidedly a little spooked, then feels the push from behind. Turning around, she eyes him narrowly, "Eh, whats the big idea. Ladies first is something like manners, which I can't say you ever heard of....oh all right." With that, she starts down the path.

 

Keys of May chuckles at Kari and starts to go down into the tunnel. He gives one last look at the full moon and heads on in, awaiting whatever will be in there.

 

Subeta Kyuui looks down the tunnel shakily and follows the group. He is nervous, but not overly so, keeping a weary eye out for anything that might attack them at the bottom.

 

Ichaerus slides his parchment and quill into his bag and moves along with the group. Taking his time carefully, not wanting to fall on top of everyone.

 

As you pick your way downward through the rubble, you find the path to be uncomplicated. Debris has been cleared in a zigzagging and coiling way so as to keep any light shining from within from getting out and to confound casual trespassers, but as long as you can see where you are going, following along is no trouble. As long as you don't dislodge any of the stacked rubble or simply panic in the darkness, getting down is going to be easy.

 

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "no one needs to pose here, I'd just like some conviction+valor rolls"

 

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "one each"

 

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "also, a perception+awareness wouldn't hurt"

 

(Judge) Subeta Kyuui rolls Conviction+Valor: [ 2 2 8 ]

        Resulting in 1 successes.

 

(Judge) Karizoku Shinen rolls Conviction+Valor: [ -1- -1- 3 4 6 <10> ]

        Resulting in 2 successes.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Conviction  + Valor: [ 2 4 4 4 7 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 4 successes.

 

(Judge) Karizoku Shinen rolls Perception  + Awareness: [ 4 4 7 8 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 5 successes.

 

(Judge) Ichaerus rolls Conviction  + Valor: [ 5 5 5 6 8 ]

        Resulting in 1 successes.

 

(Judge) Ichaerus rolls Perception  + Awareness: [ 6 8 ]

        Resulting in 1 successes.

 

(Judge) Orashi rolls Perception  + Awareness: [ 4 5 5 8 ]

        Resulting in 1 successes.

 

(Judge) Orashi rolls Conviction  + Valor: [ 2 7 8 ]

        Resulting in 2 successes.

 

(Judge) Subeta Kyuui rolls Perception  + Awareness: [ -1- -1- 3 4 7 8 <10> ]

        Resulting in 4 successes.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Perception  + Awareness: [ 4 5 5 6 8 <10> ]

        Resulting in 3 successes.

 

 

After several minutes of careful descent, you find what appears to be the bottom of the stairs. The rubble here has been cleared into something of an alcove, and you find a rack of hooks, on which hang glass oil lanterns.

 Outside the antechamber alcove, you find yourselves at the threshold of a buried thoroughfage between tumbled-down and debris-congested buildings. All around you, abandoned Second Age facades and the bones of even older subterranean buildings rise into the darkness, seeming to tower hundreds of feet into black infinity. You have a momentary disorientation as the sensation that you are a fish exploring some sunken tomb full of bonthonic predators washes over you.

 

Stepping roughly on the debris Orashi grabs a lantern and sets to lighting it. Once lit he starts lighting the others from it and passing them around.

 

Keys of May shrugs off the strange feeling, reminding himself that he is the true predator here. Still, he keeps a hand on his extremely large sword, incase he needs to draw it out and the other on a lantern that he lights up.

 

         Kari hits the bottom of the stairs and stops just after stepping one step off to the side. "Well I'll be...if this just ain't about the creepiest place I ever been." She lights a lantern mechanically, but just takes a minute...or five, to take in the surroundings. If this life has taught her anything, creepy places usually have a reason for making your hair stand up.

 

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "per+awareness"

 

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "I'll tell you what you see after everyone poses"

 

Subeta Kyuui suddenly regrets coming along with the others, but reminds himself that he has taken the job and should go through with it. He does not grab a lantern, however, and continues on, keeping a close watch on Ichaerus, whom seems to be keeping to the back.

 

(Judge) Orashi rolls Perception  + Awareness: [ 4 4 7 7 ]

        Resulting in 2 successes.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Perception  + Awareness: [ 3 3 4 5 5 9 ]

        Resulting in 1 successes.

 

(Judge) Subeta Kyuui rolls Perception  + Awareness: [ 2 2 6 6 6 7 9 ]

        Resulting in 2 successes.

 

(Judge) Karizoku Shinen rolls Perception  + Awareness: [ -1- 2 6 7 8 9 ]

        Resulting in 3 successes.

 

As the group descends down the tunnel, and Ichaerus plants his feet on the floor and goes over to grab a lantern. "Well for wanting to spend so much on this excavation they certainly were lack in their sup--" He is interrupted as he falls to the ground, veil being cast aside as he shudders on the floor. He rises to stand, an eerie glow surrounds him and his body. Burnt scars emblazoned across his body in old realm blaze across his body alight with a ghostly glow. He stands proud, and magnificent with eyes and runes on his body shining with the mystic light. and in a deep booming almost inhuman voice he exclaims "What attendants wait with the death of rats? Only Time, long buried and forgotten, knows for sure." With that the glow fades from around him, and he collapses on the ground like a sack of stones, sprawled out at odd angles. He's breathing rather heavily, but still clearly alive.

 

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "he has unbidden oracle"

 

         After staring with his mouth open for a moment Orashi slings the barrel from over his shoulder and takes a long pull from it. After wiping his mouth off he passes it to Kari.

 

Subeta Kyuui jumps at the sight of the spectacle. After it is over, he runs over to Ichaerus and checks the man over and tries to wake him.

 

Keys of May just ignores the strange collapsed man. Those close can hear him mutter, but the only discernible word is, "freak."

 

As you stand there, you notice that a wan light is shining in the ruins ahead of you and that you can hear the sound of many figures moving around.

 

Ichaerus stirs as Kyuui tries to wake him. Groggily as he moves to his feet. "Thank, you but, my health isn't a concern. I lost control again." Squeezing his hand into a ball he pounds it on the nearby wall out of frustration. "I can't keep losing control like that." In escalating tones. "I'm not going to be controlled by You."

 

Subeta Kyuui backs away from the frustrated Ichaerus after seeing his is alright. He sees the light in the corner of his eye and says, "Hey, what is that?"

 

Keys of May notices the light and noises and smiles underneath the veil. Maybe now he will get to fight something again. "Heh, it looks like we may have some fun here after all."

 

Well, now there's a damn sight you don't see everyday, Kari thinks to herself. But then what's more interesting, the crazy guy or the figures off in the distance clanking around. "By my reckonin', anything down here should be either about a bajillion years old or dead, and dead ain't much in the business of moving," she comments warily.

 

After carefully corking and putting down the barrel Orashi stands tall and readies his hammer. "Aye, les' hope they dun wanna make us dead"

After waiting a couple moment Orashi puts the barrel on his back, the lantern on his belt, and starts forward

 

Subeta Kyuui puts his hand on his katana and moves a bit forward, trying to see if he can get a look at whatever is making the noise up ahead, but trying to keep close to the group.

 

Keys of May smiles, but does not yet draw his weapon as it might make the others curious as to his nature. Instead, he walks forward with a firm hand on the sheathed sword, stalking the noise like a hungry predator.

 

Looking around at all the others Kari speaks in a low tone, "Well now, we sure are a friendly looking bunch ain't we?" Shrugging, "Well, I guess I ain't gotten in a good ass-whoppin' in a while." She too puts a hand on her blade and moves forward slowly.

 

Ichaerus breathes deeply and calms his nerves. "So, what now?" He look at the light wearilly. It seems a bit odd, they wouldn't mention signs of life here before. "We might want to have a runner check the entrance lest we've been shut in."

 

         Snorting Orashi responds "if we've been trapped, the only way be forward. If'n its still open, we can run like dogs with out tail between our legs. I suppose we best know which way the wind blows."

 

 

As you come closer to the source and the light grows stronger, you realize that the path you're been walking on is marred by ruts as far apart as the tracks of a wagon. They are fairly fresh, and whatever had made them had apparently swept awway isolated pockets of debris from the path. The way ahead is clear and straight now, leading right into the middle of the activity you can hear in the distance.

 

Keys of May chuckles a bit and sighs, "I can't believe I got excited over a wagon." He relaxes a bit and keeps moving forward, slightly disappointed inside that their isn't any obvious enemies to descimate.

 

Orashi says "Dun be so quick to relax ya dawg. We may not be the first thieves here."

 

Kari glances back over to her as yet unnamed companion, agreeing with Orashi "Any 'n all sorts of 'orrible things can fit in a wagon, like Orashi here, " she says gesturing to the man. "'cept, some is actually as dangerous as they is ugly."

 

Subeta Kyuui continues along the path, not really letting his guard down just yet. Not because he is cautious, but that he is spooked still and kinda jumpy.

 

Ichaerus muses. "Although it is entirely possible they are just other workers down here, but I don't remember our friend saying anything of that nature." He bustles over to Kyuui. "Thank you again." Extending a hand to him. "Professor Ichaerus at your service. And you are?" He offers a smile, while keeping a ear to the front listening for hints of what might lie ahead.

 

Subeta Kyuui smiles at Ichaerus, shaking his hand and replying, "Oh, it was no problem at all. My name is Subeta Kyuui sir." He seems to ease up a bit at the warm greeting.

 

The area in front of you is not as it had been designed in the First Age, and it bears many hallmarks of Second Age practicality. Oil lanterns hang on stout wooden poles, casting the area in a yellowish light. The poles stand at the corners of roughly three and a half square blocks of paved streets from which old rubble has been swept aside into neat piles. A few sturdy buildings stand between these streets, and as far as you can tell, they had once been temples. The doors of the one nearest you have carved on them an image of a living tree pouring water into the mouths of a family of foxes. The lintel above the door of the next nearest one sports an ageless emblem of the Elemental Dragon of Earth. It might have been a temple, but it could just as easily have once been the mansion of a Dragon-Blood. Each door has an ornate seal made of black jade in the center.

 What makes this place a striking point of interest is that every building that lays exposed before you has long since fallen into ruin and is now a hive of bizarre ghosts.

 These atavisms wear the rough shapes of men and women, but their clothes are centuries old and their skin is mottled and discolored yellowish-green. They throng the cleared streets and climb up into the rubble, snapping at each other or otherwise going about their insane business. The scene is like that of a colony of ants whose hill has just been kicked over, except for the lingering throwback behavior of what had obviously been once-rational souls. Some of the ghosts are singing, others are laughing uncontrolably, and still others shriek and tear at their corpora for no evident reason.

 Set into the tumbled stones as if a landslide or earthquake had once buried it is the grim facade of a large mausoleum. Although huge boulders had fallen on this stately construct an Age ago and have sat there ever since, it has never crumbled. Now, the stones that had presumably sealed off the front door once have been cleared away, and the enormous marble doors hang askew just enough to permit passage.

 A large wagon filled with debris lies abandoned off to one side of the doors of the tomb.

 

Ichaerus pages: may I Int+Lore to see if I can congnize them as wearing first age style clothing?

You paged Ichaerus with 'go for it'.

 

(Judge) Ichaerus rolls Intelligence  + Lore: [ -1- -1- 2 4 5 7 7 7 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 6 successes.

 

Keys of May smiles a bit and says to Orashi, "Huh, I guess you were right. Although, I am still not very worried about a bunch of ghosts." Keys shrugs and continues.

 

You paged Ichaerus with 'Late Shogunate Era'.

 

Ichaerus pages: so... like right before the Great Contagion?

 

You paged Ichaerus with 'precisely'.

 

Orashi says, "I hate being right"

 

Making a quick blessing of some air spirit...as if that might do any good, Kari gets a slightly greater greater grasp on her sword, as if that too might somehow matter. "I knew there were somethin' I din't like about this place."

 

Ichaerus looks around at the phantasms. "I have a bad feeling about this. These Spectres are wearing clothing stylized in the Late Shogunate Era, almost precisely before The Great Contagion hit." He squints his eyes as he thinks hard on this matter. "I'd be careful about opening anything immediatly, as well as what you touch. We don't want to re-cause an epidemic."

 

Subeta Kyuui says a small prayer for the dead as he moves, at near tears at the spectacle of those of the dead that look to be in pain. He looks around and says, "Good idea then. So, do we enter the temple then? Or the mausoleum?"

 

Orashi tries to engage one of the ghosts in conversation "Scuse me Ma'am, seen anyone go the temple o'er there?"

 

Keys of May becomes impatient and just walks towards the temple, pulling out his enormous moonsilver grand daiklave. He turns his head slightly and says to the group, "Hurry up. Lets just get this over with so I can get paid."

 

Ichaerus goes over to the between the doors marked with the seal of the Elemental Dragon of Earth. He holds his lantern high above his head, looking into what he might be able to see. Ichaerus is careful not to cross the threshold and peers at the Temple from just outside the doors. "Hmmmmmmmmmmm, I wonder what the baby-killers were hiding in here?"

 

Kari lets everyone go about the business of talking to and intimidating ghosts. If'n she can't stab it, she doesn't much want to go near it.

 

Subeta Kyuui stares at the man who is now wielding the huge sword of moonsilver and keeps his hands on his own katana even stronger now. He keeps up with Ichaerus and looks around for signs of life.

 

Keys of May calmly walks up to the temple doors and raises an eyebrow. He pulls his grand daiklave back and swings it as hard as he can at the door, mere centimeters from Ich's head when it makes contact.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls 14: [ -1- 2 3 5 5 7 7 7 8 9 <10> <10> <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 13 successes.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls 21: [ -1- -1- -1- 2 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 ]

        Resulting in 7 successes.

 

The mighty blow echos around the square, reverberating off of the walls as the mighty blade comes down on the seal, impacting with all of the considerable strength of it's wielder. There is a great echoing boom, and the door seems to jump in it's frame. When the blade is lifted away, a piece of the seal, about 1/6 of the entire thing, is cracked. The seal is still perfectly whole, though.

 

(Judge) Ichaerus rolls Intelligence  + Occult: [ -1- -1- -1- 3 4 6 7 <10> <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 7 successes.

 

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "This is a ward designed to keep the plague /in/, not out. If someone can successfully attune to it, they might be able to dispel its magic."

 

Looking around a the dramatic echo, Kari first checks to see that nothing has noticed and is now swooping down to destroy them. Satisfied that that is not the case, sha calls out, "Oy there bud, ye gotta put some' umph into it. Ain't gonna impress the ladies like that."

 

Orashi leans over and says to Kari, quietly and with a snicker, "With a swing like I'd guess he's more interested in impressin' the boys."

 

Subeta Kyuui jumps at the loud sound and nearly screams. He looks at the door in shock that the whole building didn't rip apart with the noise it made.

 

(Judge) Ichaerus rolls Willpower: [ -1- 2 3 5 6 6 8 <10> ]

        Resulting in 3 successes.

 

Ichaerus stares hard at the runes adorning the seal. "I've seen these in a referance book in my library. The seal itself is designed to keep The Great Contagion in. However, if I can properly attune to it, i could potentially dispel the magics." He remarks to the man waith the giant weapon. "Do you mind if I try Sir?"

 

Keys of May merely grunts at Ichaerus, obviously disatisfied that the seal was not utterly destroyed. "Fine, but hurry or I will merely hack it into bits." He casts Kari and Orashi a glare, but the veil prevents anyone from seeing what type of look he was giving them.

 

Ichaerus nods to Key. "I should be about 5 minutes Sir. " Ichaerus concentrates heavily into the seal, pushing and intertwining his essence into the seal to access it's magics.

 

"Pardon your pleasure most gracious of traveling companions," Kari says, meandering a few steps toward the temple, "but did you say RELEASE the Great Contagion? Now...I ain't the most scholarly gal, but ain't no one ever not known what hell that spread. Certainly more costly than the tune of....3,000 dinar or so. Nevermind me own death, which I'm certainly not too fond of."

 

Orashi says, "2000 Dinars Kari"

 

Subeta Kyuui nods, "I agree with her as well. The contagion was devastating! I don't think we can afford to open that door!"

 

As Ichaerus starts concentrating, a pulse seems to emanate from the seal. It travels up his arm, and spreads to his body. After a moment, he begins to feel essence getting sucked out of his body, seemingly powering the thing. The runes light up, the lines spreading from his outstreched palm.

 

Orashi says, "Why wouldn't the contagion be dead in there as well? Come on lads, buck up!"

 

 

They slowly spread to cover the whole surface of the ward, hesitating slightly at the damage done by the daiklave, then, pulling a bigger amount of essence out of Ichaerus, quickly spread over the damage, healing it as if it never was.

When the lines reach the edges of the ward, they seem to stop for a moment, and the essence drain tapers off.

 

Then, in a blinding flash of light and a deafening thunderclap, the light /slams/ back towards Ichaerus's hand, and the area is filled with bright, white light.

 

 

The light seems to pulse, and the three of you closest to it feel the essence wash over you. Ichaerus feels a searing heat on his palm, as his hand seems to get burned onto the seal, and Subeta Kyuui is almost knocked down as the leading edge of the light slams into him, burrowing deep into his body like living needles. Only Keys of May seems unaffected, and just barely, as he feels his skin get dangerously warm. Karizoku Shinen and Orashi see the light expanding quickly, but it doesn't come anywhere near them.

 

Subeta Kyuui gets up from the ground, rubbing the bruises and feeling slightly wounded. "Ouch, are you alright, Ichaerus?"

 

Ichaerus winces a bit. "Yeah, I'm fine, just stuck right now, make sure everyone else is ok." He looks around accessing the situation.

 

 After taking a step back Orashi says "Damn, not often ya see a door get the better of someone like _that_"

 

As the light clears, you see Ichaerus standing there, the seal dangling from his hand. He isn't holding it, though, it's actually attached to his palm.

 

Raising a hand to cover her eyes from the blast, Kari blinks a few times to re-adjust to the darkness. "Aye, that there be somethin' ya don't see every day. 'least everyone's still standin'"

 

Keys of May shrugs off the measly attempt at harming him and looks at the two injured with a look of superiority. He looks back at Orashi and Kari and says, "What are you two doing all the way back there? Afraid?"

 

You paged Ichaerus with 'you can use it to seal a door by uncommitting the essence, and spending at least five more, plus a number of willpower points equal to the amount of damage you want to do to whoever tries to open it. If you expend permanent willpower, and an xp/wp, the damage becomes agg. The seal lasts for a number of decades equal to 5x the successes you get on an essence+wp roll, done before you spend willpower.'.

 

Subeta Kyuui looks at Ichaerus' hand, "Ummm.. Ichaerus, why is the seal attatched to your palm?"

 

Orashi responds to Keys, "hardly, just lucky."

 

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "oh, and until you uncommit the essence, it's stuck to your hand"

 

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "if you ever uncommit the essence without sealing it, it shatters into dust immediately"

 

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "the seal, and whatever portal it's guarding, has a soak/hardness of +15B/+15L/+15A, and requires 40 health levels of damage to destroy"

 

Ichaerus holds up his hand. "This is a side effect of the seal. I'll be fine. Don't worry, a minor burn at best." Turning to his companions. "Shall we?"

 

Kari points a finger at Keys of May then, seemingly remembering the daiklaive incident from earlier, drops it, opting for something less abrasive. "The burnt hair spell don't mesh with me, thanks the same," she adds.

 

Now that the seal is off, Keys of May decides to attempt to open the door to the temple. As he does so, he yells back, "Well, lets see what is inside our mysterious, sealed wonder, aye?"

Subeta Kyuui sees that the others are alright, but takes a step back as Keys goes to open the door.

 

Orashi says, "Of course! But I wanna check out the other areas later"

 

The walls of the temple disappear into the rubble that serves still as Nexus' foundation, hinting at just how large the building buried here was.

 The doors swing open easily. Beyond them lies an enormous, dimly lit antechamber decorated in faded frescos and bas-relief sculptures of figures now lost to time. A set of modern-looking wood and brass double doors lead into the main sanctuary chamber. On either end of this room, two darkened portals give way to stone steps that lead up on one side and down on the other.

 

"Aye, he said we keep what we find, and who says we get to be coming back anytime soon?" Kari adds with a heaping handful of greed.

 

Keys of May nods to Kari as he opens the door. "Alright, but first and foremost, we check the temple. I want to see what kind of treasure is sealed in here, if any at all." He looks at the steps and raises an eyebrow, "So, what way do you guys wish to go?"

 

Eyeing up the frescos Orashi nudges Kari and asks "Do you remember how that guy got the fresco off the wall of that noble? I tried to watch, but i haven't a clue how he did it. I'm sure we can find someone who'll buy'm though"

 

Ichaerus eyes the room. "Let's not forget about those statues here as well. Howabout the left? I'd rather not split up in this place. Wouldn't want anyone getting lost.

 

Subeta Kyuui smiles and says, "I agree, splitting up could be bad. Who knows what traps are in here."

 

 

Keys of May begins up the steps on the left, not even looking to see whether they are following him or not. Under his breath he mutters some unintelligible, although you guess it is some cursing.

 

Kari steps in behind Keys, making sure Orashi is is well. "Naw, I didn't much care to watch but I 'magine we'll figger somethin' out should it come up." She walks with a relaxed swagger, but is clearly alert and ready.

 

Ichaerus follows Keys as me goes towards the left door. "Your pretty good with that thing fellow. Got a name?" Ichaerus reaches up to stroke his hair out of habit, but unfortunatly forgot about the seal. "Dagnabbit!" And chuckles to himself. "Hey guys, I think this will help me with my panomime routine!" He proceeds to pretend there is an invisible wall in front of him with his seal-troddened hand.

 

Orashi follow as well, starting off with slight stumble then continuing more smoothly.

 

Subeta Kyuui chuckles at Ichaerus' panomiming and follows next to him. "Try to keep some alertness, Ichaerus." He says that, but it is obvious his own guard is lacking as well with the laughter.

 

 

After a few minutes of traveling, you come to an interior balcony in the sanctuary. The chamber is circular in design, with a raised dias in the center and rings of benches radiating back to the walls. Halfway up the iner wall hangs a circular balcony with a short stone rail carved in the shape of a vine-wrapped lattice. Four doors, with accompanying stairways, lead into the sanctuary--one from each of the cardinal directions. The ceiling is a dizzying mosaic of either colored glass or precious gems.

 There is an object in the center of the dias that is either a water fountain or some kind of stone brazier.

 

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "per+aware, everyone"

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Perception  + Awareness: [ -1- 2 4 5 7 <10> ]

        Resulting in 3 successes.

 

(Judge) Karizoku Shinen rolls Perception  + Awareness: [ 3 7 7 9 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 6 successes.

 

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "ich and subeta are at -1"

 

(Judge) Ichaerus rolls Perception  + Awareness - 1: [ 6 7 ]

        Resulting in 1 successes.

 

(Judge) Subeta Kyuui rolls Perception  + Awareness - 1: [ 4 4 5 5 8 8 ]

        Resulting in 2 successes.

 

(Judge) Orashi rolls Perception  + Awareness: [ 8 8 8 8 ]

        Resulting in 4 successes.

 

You notice that there are piles of dust at regular intervals around the tiers of benches, as if a great many people died here so long ago that their bodies have turned to dust.

You also notice the complete absense of any kind of ghost whatsoever.

 

Keys of May grumbles at the others, "Keep your wits about you. I don't like this place." He walks into the room, his moonsilver daiklave resting on his shoulder as he searches about.

 

Kari looks around to everyone then speaks, deadly serious, "Now don't any of you be goin' off and sneezing now, we might'n piss off some ancient ancestors be still lurkin' around here." There is a mirth behind her eyes but she draws her shortened daiklaive at anyways, no sense not being prepared.

 

Orashi leans over the railing and looks at the benches "I wonder if they starved or the Contagion got them anyway"

 

Ichaerus notices the dust and remarks. "But what happened to their clothes? Unless those Cynis's were throwing another orgy and they all caught the great contagion at the same time. . . and partied through it to the end." He chuckles to himself. "Well might as well continue on." And he proceeds down towards the sanctuary.

 

Keys of May grunts and walks towards the closest wall near the balcony. At first, you think he is moving to jump off, but he actually steps onto the wall and begins walking down towards the bottom as if the wall had some gravity pulling him on it.

 

Subeta Kyuui watches Keys walk and raises an eyebrow. "That isn't something you see everyday." He then follows behind Ichaerus.

 

"Now that's a curious feller," Kari comments to Orashi with no particular subtlety.

 

"You think he can do that on a mast at sea?" Orashi muses back as he takes the stair down to the center area.

 

Keys of May merely looks back and says, "Yes, I can. I can also cleave people who talk about me behind my back in half." He gets to the bottom and begins moving through the sanctuary, searching about to see if anything of value might be around.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Perception: [ -1- 4 5 8 ]

        Resulting in 1 successes.

 

Orashi calls out so he can be clearly heard by all "Aye mighty hard *not* to talk to a fellow's back when he's scampering down a wall"

 

Your search doesn't come up with anything, but, out of the corner of your eye, you see a glimmer of something peeking out of a pile in the first row. Going over to it, you find a golden ring, ornately carved to resemble a tree, and bearing the symbol of the Elemental Dragon of Earth.

 

upon reaching the bottom Orashi begins examining the 'fountain' more closely.

 

Subeta Kyuui continues down and and winces when Orashi yells, hoping that their obviously short tempered companion isn't prone to attackign his allies. He continues down, though a bit cautiously.

 

Ichaerus works his way down to the bottom and takes a look around. Remarking to Kyuui. "Let's see if they left us anything good in here." Ichaerus uses his free hand to pull a magnifying glass out of his satchel, and gets to work. "Come on Kyuui. Let's find us some treasure."

 

Knowing you can never being too cautious in situations such as these, Keys of May flicks the ring into his hands with the tip of his sword and catching it in thin air. He looks over the small trinket and puts it into his pocket.

 

You paged Keys of May with 'you could probably use that ring to forge dynastic documents'.

You paged Keys of May with '+2 successes on any pertinant forgery rolls'.

 

About 35' down the stairs Kari takes a quick hop over the railing to drop the last few feet. Dusting off her hands she begins to sift through some piles of dust, negating the dusting she just performed. "This just don't feel quite right...but what can ye do I s'pose," she comments idly, clearly valuing non-traditional methods here.

 

There's nothing special about the fountain, as far as you can tell.

 

Subeta Kyuui has a sort of smile on his face that gives away that he is slightly creeped out. "Ummm... I think I will just keep look out, Ichaerus. I will make sure nothing sneaks up on us while you search, aheheh..."

 

(Judge) Ichaerus rolls Perception  + Investigation: [ -1- 2 8 8 ]

        Resulting in 2 successes.

 

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "you find 10 obols"

 

As the Scholar rummages through the dust, he finds a few round jade obols. "Hey, Subeta, this should take care of your services for awhile." And tosses him all but one of the obols. "Now lets see if we can't find something more substantial than coin around here. He proceeds over towards where the brazzier/fountain lays.

 

Subeta Kyuui catches the money and smiles, "Thanks very much Ichaerus! Although, you know that my services are always free."

 

Orashi looks around with a dissappointed look. "Well that about covers this room," and heads back up the steps

 

Kari kicks at one of the piles showing a bit of obvious disappointment and then follows Orashi back up.

 

(Judge) Ichaerus rolls Intelligence  + Lore: [ 2 3 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 8 ]

        Resulting in 3 successes.

 

You paged Ichaerus with 'alright, all you can tell is that, whatever this is, it doesn't belong here, being of different construction than that of the rest of the temple. It is bare of carvings or adornments that might hint at its use'.

You paged Ichaerus with 'there's nothing else you can get from it'.

 

Ichaerus calls out. "Hey guys, This fountain thing, is of different construction. Almost like it was placed here afterwards. I'd keep an eye out for anything usual." He turns and heads back up the stairs towards the man with the barrel and the ugly pirate.

 

Keys of May nods to Orashi and begins walking up the wall again to the balcony above, keeping an eye on the fountain as he goes.

Keys of May begins walking up towards the ceiling to investigate whether they are indeed gems, or just glass.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Perception  + Lore: [ -1- 3 4 4 5 7 ]

        Resulting in 1 successes.

 

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "you're pretty sure the ceiling is covered in gems, but you'd need to bring them to a competent jeweler to know for sure"

 

Keys of May starts ripping what looks like gems out of the ceiling and putting them into his pouches. He continues until he has sufficiently filled most of them and then comes back down to the rest of the group.

 

"Handy trait, that," Kari offers idly.

 

The gems are securely attached, having been put up multiple centuries ago and never fallen, but you manage to rip them out with a minimum of difficulty. Each gem ranges in size from smaller than your pinkie nail to about as big as your fist, with the vast majority being on the small side. Despite that, your pouches fill quite quickly.

 

"We can certainly manage to carry those all up," Orashi says and he hands Keys of May an empty bag

 

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "alright, you each get Resources 1"

 

After filling everyone's bags, Keys says, "Alright, that should take care of your greed for now. Lets go check the rest of this place out."

 

Tying the bag to her belt Kari nods, "Thanks muchly big feller."

 

Subeta Kyuui bows to Keys, "I thank you for your kindness, sir."

 

Keys of May follows just behind Ichaerus down the stairs, weapon in hand.

 

Subeta Kyuui nods to Ichaerus and also follows.

 

Kari chuckles, "Boy, you don't know the half of that," she says heading down the stairs behind Orashi.

 

The south door opens, unsurprisingly enough, into the antechamber you were in earlier.

The Eastern and Northern doors open into rubble filled passegeways, their ceilings having collapsed long ago.

 

Ichaerus pulls a piece of chalk out of his bag and puts a giant X on the floor and the residing areas of collapsed rubble are marked with a circle and squiggly lines. "Well, let's go check the last door to the West, and see if that isn't caved in by rubble as well."

 

Orashi boldly opens the Western door too find.....

 

The Western passageway is cleared for about 10 feet, as if someone spent some effort doing so. There is a doorway on the right, leading into what was a sleeping room at one point. Sturdy brass bunkbed stands circle the room, their mattresses having rotted long ago. There is nothing of value in here.

 

Keys of May eventually leads the group down to the stairs back in the antechamber. "Alright, lets see if this holds anything worth taking too."

 

Ichaerus heads to the Antechamber, with Gusto! Move with fluid grace and practice, as if he's been walking all of his life, his silver hair bouncing jollily against his back as he swings his sealed hand over enthusiastically. "Tra la, la la la la."

 

Orashi looks around for Gusto. He sailed with him and it was a great time!

 

Subeta Kyuui follows behind Ichaerus, holding back his laughter at the man once again. He looks at the bag of gems he has and smiles as he imagines all the good he can do with it.

 

"We're running out of places to find our goods, let's hope we find sumthin, eh?" Kari comments as she strolls down the way.

 

You descend the stairs, convinced that you are near the end of your quest. At the bottom is a circular room the size of the sanctuary above, but with no visible exits except the stair you came down. Standing in the middle of the room is a figure in a jet-black breastplate and greaves, decorated with silver glyphs for honor and authority. Surrounding him are approximately 15 zombies. All of the creatures in the room look as if they have been expecting you for some time, probably due to the amount of noise you've been making.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Wits  + Awareness: [ 3 3 4 5 <10> ]

        Resulting in 2 successes.

 

(Judge) Karizoku Shinen rolls Wits  + Awareness: [ 2 4 5 5 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 3 successes.

 

(Judge) Orashi rolls Wits  + Awareness: [ 5 5 <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 4 successes.

 

-= OOC =- Subeta Kyuui says, "I spend motes to activate Breath and Essence Control (sets join battle to 5, w/o roll)"

 

(Judge) Ichaerus rolls Wits  + Awareness: [ 4 9 ]

        Resulting in 1 successes.

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 7: [ -1- 3 4 5 6 8 9 ]

        Resulting in 2 successes.

 

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "that was for the guy"

 

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "and I'm rolling all the zombies together"

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 4: [ 6 7 8 8 ]

        Resulting in 3 successes.

 

Subeta Kyuui pulls out his long, black jade reaper daiklave and bolts forward, swinging three times at one of the horrid walking dead, small snowflakes are left in his wake as he expends essence to empower the attacks.

 

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "oh, and this area counts as a shadowland. No essence regaining until you leave."

 

You all feel cut off from the source of essence, as if there is some force in the way.

 

 

(Judge) Subeta Kyuui rolls Dexterity + Melee + 4: [ 2 2 3 3 5 5 5 6 6 7 9 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 5 successes.

 

(Judge) Subeta Kyuui rolls Dexterity + Melee + 3: [ 2 3 3 4 7 7 9 9 9 9 <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 10 successes.

 

(Judge) Subeta Kyuui rolls Dexterity + Melee + 2: [ -1- 2 3 3 6 7 7 8 8 8 <10> ]

        Resulting in 7 successes.

 

(Judge) Subeta Kyuui rolls 10: [ -1- 2 3 4 4 6 7 8 8 <10> ]

        Resulting in 5 successes.

 

(Judge) Subeta Kyuui rolls 16: [ 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 7 successes.

 

(Judge) Subeta Kyuui rolls 13: [ -1- -1- 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 7 7 8 ]

        Resulting in 3 successes.

 

The blows crash into the undead flesh, easily cutting through muscle and bone. The second swipe cleaves the body in half, while the third coming so quickly that the corpse hasn't even started to fall when it is obliterated, chunks of wet, dead flesh flying in all directions.

 

Orashi jumps down the last few steps and swing around full circle to bring his Gore Maul crashing into two zombies.

 

(Judge) Orashi rolls Dexterity  + Melee + 1 - 2: [ -1- 4 5 6 7 7 <10> ]

        Resulting in 4 successes.

 

(Judge) Orashi rolls Dexterity  + Melee + 1 - 3: [ 3 5 5 5 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 3 successes.

 

(Judge) Orashi rolls Strength + 21 + 3 - 3: [ -1- -1- -1- -1- 2 3 3 4 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 9 9 <10> <10> <10> <10> <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 19 successes.

 

(Judge) Orashi rolls Strength + 21 + 2 - 3: [ -1- -1- -1- -1- -1- 2 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 14 successes.

 

The goremaul comes around in a glittering arc, barely slowed by the explosion of gore that was the first zombie, and only slowed slightly more by the explosion of the second one, spinning you nearly all the way around.

 

Kari skips down the steps light of foot, now fully comitted to whopping some zombie ass though desperately trying to understand why she's going near something that COMMANDS undead. No matter, kill or be killed here I suppose.

 

(Judge) Karizoku Shinen rolls Dexterity  + Melee  + Melee/Daiklaive + 3 - 2: [ 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 5 6 6 8 9 ]

        Resulting in 2 successes.

 

(Judge) Karizoku Shinen rolls Dexterity  + Melee  + Melee/Daiklaive + 3 - 3: [ -1- -1- 2 3 3 5 5 6 6 9 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 4 successes.

 

(Judge) Karizoku Shinen rolls 12: [ -1- -1- 2 2 4 4 5 6 8 9 <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 6 successes.

 

(Judge) Karizoku Shinen rolls 14: [ -1- -1- 2 2 3 4 6 6 6 6 7 8 8 <10> ]

        Resulting in 5 successes.

 

With a strange sort of finesse, Karizoku hacks at two zombies until their heads fall off.

 

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ 3 5 6 7 7 8 <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 7 successes.

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ 5 5 5 9 9 <10> <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 8 successes.

 

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "the first two hit subeta"

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ -1- 3 4 4 7 9 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 5 successes.

 

Code> You have no dice to roll. Check your spelling?

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ -1- -1- 2 7 8 8 8 8 ]

        Resulting in 5 successes.

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "kari"

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ -1- 3 4 5 8 9 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 5 successes.

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ 2 2 5 5 5 8 8 9 ]

        Resulting in 3 successes.

-= OOC =- Keys of May says, "DV 7"

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "that was for orashi"

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ 2 2 3 3 5 5 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 3 successes.

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ -1- 2 3 4 7 7 8 <10> ]

        Resulting in 5 successes.

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "misses vs you, keys"

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ 2 3 4 5 7 7 8 <10> ]

        Resulting in 5 successes.

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ -1- -1- 2 2 2 4 <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 4 successes.

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "Ichaerus."

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 6: [ 2 5 5 8 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 4 successes.

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ 2 5 5 6 7 9 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 5 successes.

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "7L."

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 7: [ -1- 2 2 5 8 8 <10> ]

        Resulting in 4 successes.

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ -1- 2 2 2 8 9 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 5 successes.

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 9: [ 2 2 3 3 4 6 7 8 9 ]

        Resulting in 3 successes.

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 9: [ -1- 2 4 4 4 6 <10> <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 6 successes.

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "orashi, take 6l"

 

Keys of May looks as pissed as any man can be when he watches people FAIL around him. His body wrenches as he grows to an amazing 9 feet in height, bloodlust filling his being. His cloak is no longer baggy, and his hat falls off as he enters his warform. Pulling his grand daiklave out, he roars in anger and death is sure to follow whatever angers him. Just as it finishes, he swings his weapon out at the armored knight.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Dexterity  + Melee + 2 + 4 + 2: [ 2 3 4 5 5 5 7 7 8 9 9 9 9 9 <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 12 successes.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls 24: [ -1- -1- -1- -1- 2 2 3 3 4 5 5 5 6 8 8 8 8 9 9 <10> <10> <10> <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 16 successes.

 

The man in the armor raises his closed hand, not even bothering to use his poleaxe for defense. The daiklave impacts him between his knuckles, and barely slows as it slices into his hand, splitting his arm, shoulder, head, and body neatly in two before exiting at the ground. The body stays upright for a moment, then, with a sickening squelch, drops in opposite directions. The bright green light goes out of his eyes, and a brief wind seems to whisper past Keys's ear.

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 6: [ -1- -1- 5 7 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 4 successes.

 

The fluid motions of the silver chain wrap and twist in the air as the Zombies reach for Ichaerus. Their sluggish movements are no match for his speed and skill with his chain. He swings the chain trying to wrap around the neck of the zombie infront of him, and with practiced movements, tucks his body and rolls forward towards the space between the legs of the other zombie that decided to try and mess his hair up. As he rolls through the legs he kicks out with his legs from both sides to bring himself to a stop. "I've had it with all of you big bad undead controlling guys showing up ruining my exploring of First Age temples. So just eat dirt for the second time in your life or unlife or whatever it is and fucking LIKE IT!" With that he pushes off his feet using the balls of his feet to twist in the jump and swings the other end of the fighting chain straight at the chest of the other zombie.

 

Orashi staggers heavily under the lacerations from the zombies. He bends over panting for a moment. Some of his wounds seem to run with a clear liquid and you can smell sea brine. Seeing the combat all around Orashi lets out a howl that has the force of a storm behind it. He swings wildly at two zombies while charging for the exit, bowling over any who get in his way.

 

(Judge) Orashi rolls Melee  + Dexterity + 1 - 4: [ -1- 3 5 7 7 ]

        Resulting in 2 successes.

 

As your goremaul hurtles towards the seemingly oblivious zombie, it's head snaps up and it leaps aside, tucking into a roll and coming up with surprizing agility. It stands back up, facing you, and you see a green glow coming from its eyes.

 

(Judge) Orashi rolls Compassion: [ 3 3 8 9 ]

        Resulting in 2 successes.

 

(Judge) Ichaerus rolls 7: [ 3 5 5 6 6 7 9 ]

        Resulting in 2 successes.

 

(Judge) Ichaerus rolls 6: [ -1- 2 2 7 8 8 ]

        Resulting in 3 successes.

 

(Judge) Ichaerus rolls 8: [ -1- -1- 2 4 5 7 7 <10> ]

        Resulting in 4 successes.

 

(Judge) Ichaerus rolls 9: [ -1- 2 4 5 7 7 9 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 6 successes.

 

Some strange force seeming to compel them, the zombies don't take advantage of the two people bleeding to death on the floor, but rather focus on the three who are still up. The two that Ichaerus wounded are joined by two more, and four attack Keys. The zombie that Orashi missed hangs back, not attacking for some reason.

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 6: [ -1- 3 5 6 8 <10> ]

        Resulting in 3 successes.

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ -1- 2 2 3 4 5 7 <10> ]

        Resulting in 3 successes.

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ -1- -1- 4 4 6 9 <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 5 successes.

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "Ich"

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ -1- 2 4 7 8 9 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 6 successes.

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ 2 3 3 5 7 8 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 5 successes.

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ -1- -1- 2 3 4 6 9 9 ]

        Resulting in 2 successes.

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ 2 3 3 3 5 7 7 9 ]

        Resulting in 3 successes.

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "keys"

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 5: [ -1- 3 5 8 9 ]

        Resulting in 2 successes.

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "Take 2L, Ich"

 

Keys of May yells in rage as his fury has not come close to residing yet. He pulls his weapon up and blasts the zombie through the chest in front of him, then with the zombie still attatched, brings his weapon through the torso of another, creating a shishkabob of exploding zombies. He then turns to another one next to him and bites its head off.

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "that's worth 2 stunt dice"

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "for making me laugh"

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Dexterity  + Melee + 2 + 4 + 2 + 2 - 3: [ -1- -1- 2 2 2 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 9 <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 6 successes.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Dexterity  + Melee + 2 + 4 + 2 + 2 - 4: [ -1- -1- -1- 2 2 3 3 4 5 5 7 8 8 <10> ]

        Resulting in 5 successes.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Dexterity  + Melee + 2 + 4 + 2 + 2 - 5: [ -1- 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 6 7 9 9 9 ]

        Resulting in 4 successes.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls + 16 + 1 + 5 - 1: [ 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 10 successes.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Strength + 5 + 1 + 5 - 1: [ -1- 2 2 3 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 8 9 9 ]

        Resulting in 4 successes.

 

The zombie that had hung back now "comes to life", so to speak. It runs across the chamber (yes, runs), and reaches down and scoops up the poleaxe that is laying near the body of the man in the armor. Whirling around, he brings it in a glittering arc right at Keys of May, grinning manically, eyes still glowing that sickly green.

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 6: [ -1- 5 6 6 7 9 ]

        Resulting in 2 successes.

 

Orashi dashes out to grab Kari and grabs her back towards the stairwell

 

Ichaerus looks around the scenes of carnage and dismay. Keys can handle the rest of them, but for me, it's almost too late. In a desperate effort to escape the zombies surrounding him, he yanks hard on the chain, pulling the zombie up in to it's knees. Ichaerus crouchs low to the ground and jumps up releasing the tension in his legs into the torsos of the two zombies on his sides not trying to damage but get footholds. Using the momentum from his jumps and the lightning kicks, he bends his kness so slightly, and lands on the shoulders of the zombie who'm he'd brough to his knees, following through with the motion, he hesitates ever so slightly to spit the face of the zombie between his feet, and slams his ass against the head of the zombie as he croutches and slightly twists the chain, a clicking can be heard as the chain loosens, and he pushes off with his feet with everything he has towards Kyuui.

 

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "Keys, you notice the censor and incense on the far side of the room, on the floor in the remains of a decomposed metal table"

 

(Judge) Ichaerus rolls Dexterity  + Martial arts + 1: [ -1- 3 4 4 4 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 3 successes.

 

(Judge) Ichaerus rolls 4: [ -1- 4 8 9 ]

        Resulting in 2 successes.

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 7: [ 3 3 4 5 7 9 9 ]

        Resulting in 3 successes.

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ 2 2 3 5 6 6 6 7 ]

        Resulting in 1 successes.

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 8: [ -1- -1- 2 4 4 4 6 9 ]

        Resulting in 1 successes.

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "..."

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "all of the zombies miss ichaerus."

 

(Judge) Jade Shadow rolls 6: [ 2 3 9 9 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 5 successes.

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "does that hit your dv-3, keys?"

-= OOC =- Keys of May says, "that is a hit for ping on me"

 

Keys of May dashes forward in a burst of silver light, the iconic image of the great Siaka fully over his body as he seizes the strange zombie bearing the polearm by the shoulder and stabs the monstrosity in the chest while yelling curses so profane and blasphemous that somewhere in malfeas a second circle demon considers suicide from knowing that Keys have surpassed all that he could ever aspire to be in its efforts to become a creature from hell.

        As he stab a second time, the swearing is so horrifying and sacrilegious, that a pattern spider weaving his fate goes crazy, consuming itself while uttering prayers to the Ebon Dragon itself before sucking into the void that his fate has created from such profane language. The zombies pause as they come to terms that he have spoke with such vulgar, that their deathlord masters feel the need to weep tears of blood and making offerings to Luna that such abhorrence may never approach them in the same way.

        Even Luna considers for a moment to tear asunder his shard, for in that instant he is like a creature of darkness, unholy and capable only of destruction of all he sees. As he rips the gargantuan moonsilver daiklave from its chest, Keys of May scream out in such wrath that rivals that of the almighty Kukla, and the zombies nearly succumb to fear despite not having a mind, for he truly is death incarnate to them.

        Grabbing the body of the fallen deathknight, Keys proceeds to beat the living fuck out of the zombie that he previously bit, causing both it and the bodily weapon to become a mere pulp. Even after all of this, his anger and violence is at a level parallel to that of the most disturbed yozi and his allies know they had best run the fuck out of there, or he will likely kill them where they stand. Such is the wrath of a true child of the full moon, the demented bastard known only as Keys of May of the Shikyo. He then throws the remains of the destroyed corpse and moves closer to the censor at the far side of the room, leaving bleached foot prints where he walks.

 

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Dexterity  + Melee + 2 + 4 + 2 + 3 - 3: [ -1- -1- 3 3 4 4 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 9 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 8 successes.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Dexterity  + Melee + 2 + 4 + 2 + 3 - 4: [ -1- 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 8 8 8 ]

        Resulting in 4 successes.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Dexterity  + Melee + 2 + 3 - 5: [ -1- -1- 2 3 5 6 8 9 ]

        Resulting in 2 successes.

 

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Strength + 16 + 6 + 3 - 2: [ -1- 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 <10> <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 12 successes.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Strength + 16 + 6 + 2 - 2: [ 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 9 <10> <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 16 successes.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Strength + 7 + 6 - 1: [ -1- -1- -1- -1- -1- 2 3 7 7 7 7 8 9 <10> <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 12 successes.

 

As the sword enters the body of the first zombie, the green light fades from its eyes rapidly. The second strike hits what is, for all intents and purposes, an empty husk devoid of animation. The battering attack smashes both zombies into unrecognizable goo.

 

 

The zombies moan a bit and shuffle around, seemingly lacking guidance all of a sudden

 

Ichaerus rushes to Kyuui's side, and hoists his body onto his right shoulder, his fighting chain still clenched in his hand ready for attacks. Continuing on towards the door. "Hang in there boy."

 

Keys of May brings his weapon on top of one zombie, and tears the head from its body in a quick slice. He then slams it into another nearby one before moving and picking up the censor.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Dexterity  + Melee + 2 + 4 + 2 - 2: [ -1- 2 2 3 3 4 4 6 6 6 7 7 8 <10> ]

        Resulting in 5 successes.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Dexterity  + Melee + 2 + 4 + 2 - 3: [ 2 3 4 4 5 5 7 7 9 9 <10> <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 10 successes.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Strength + 16 + 5 + 2 - 1: [ -1- -1- -1- 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 6 6 7 7 7 7 8 9 9 9 9 ]

        Resulting in 9 successes.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Strength + 16 + 10 + 2 - 1: [ -1- -1- -1- -1- -1- 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 8 8 8 8 9 <10> <10> <10> <10> ]

        Resulting in 13 successes.

 

Keys of May grunts at the censor and decides to see what the fuss is all about. He lights the thing by carving into a zombie so hard, it creates sparks to light it.

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "that's a stunt, I guess"

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Dexterity  + Melee + 2 + 4 + 2 - 2: [ -1- -1- -1- 2 3 3 3 4 4 6 8 8 8 8 ]

        Resulting in 4 successes.

 

(Judge) Keys of May rolls Strength + 16 + 2 + 4 - 1: [ -1- 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 9 <10> ]

        Resulting in 13 successes.

 

The censer flares immediately, giving off a greenish glow that is completely different than that of the zombie. This energy is wholesome, and fills you with feelings of wellness and content. It begins rhythmically pulsing, each pulse seeming to hit the zombies like a physical blow.

 After only a few pulses, they burst into flame, quickly burning into nothing. The pulses also affect those injured in the fight, but in the opposite way. With each pulse, you find yourself getting healthier, eventually returning to pristine condition.

A weight lifts off of all of your shoulders as the shadowland is banished as if it never existed. With a final pulse, the censer flares once more and goes dark.

Keys of May instinctively knows that this item will only help in times of great need, and no more than once per year, and only then in the presence of overwhelming forces of darkness.

 

Ichaerus turns as the green glow. "Well, that's handy. So, fellar, you don't remember anyone sending us down here right?" He looks over the fallen corpses. Motioning to the fallen items on the ground. "Mind if I salvage any of that for scrapes?"

 

Keys of May nods to Ichaerus, "You can have whatever scraps you wish. I am keeping this item for myself though." Keys looks around and begins to leave them by themselves.

 

Ichaerus jumps up and down a bit to see if the boy will rise awake. "Boy-oh, can you hear me?"

 

Subeta Kyuui slowly opens his eyes, "Ichaerus? what happened? I remember stabbing a zombie and everything went black."

 

(Judge) Ichaerus rolls Intelligence  + Lore: [ 3 4 4 5 5 6 8 8 9 9 ]

        Resulting in 4 successes.

 

Kari walks over to the two by the body, apparently unconcerned now that she's up and active. "We split and share even, eh boys?"

 

Ichaerus smiles, and sets him on the ground. "It's ok. You got hurt. You seem to be ok now." He turns towards Kari. "Only seems fair. From what I can tell, the poleaxe and the breastplate are made of cold iron.""Cold iron ye say?" Kari says looking confused, "whatever the hell for."

 

Keys of May looks at the woman with eyes full of obvious amusement. "You people may have the items the creature left behind, but the censor is mine to keep. Its power is only usable once a year, and only in dire peril anyways."

 

-= OOC =- Keys of May says, "I am going to leave, jump in the nearest canal, and swim away"

-= OOC =- Jade Shadow says, "sure, go ahead"

 

The statues are solid stone or jade, each one nearly 10 feet tall

 

Ichaerus says, "Remember Kyuui, we can't forget about the statues!"

 

Subeta Kyuui nods, "That is right! We cannot forget them."

 

You all make your way back to the surface eventually, having evenly split the spoils of your conquest. As you exit the tunnel, the sun is rising on a new day. As the morning sun hits the black armor and weapon, they crumble to ash almost instantaneously. You look around for Crigae, but he is nowhere to be found.

You make your way back home, a little richer, possibly a little wiser, and with a great story to tell.

Anyone who goes back at a later time finds the tunnel collapsed, rubble filling the hole again as if it were never there.