thebastion | day 117 :: Core Event

Entry tags:

day 117 :: Core Event

Who: Everyone who wants to participate
Open: Open
When: Day 117
Where: Prosper Bluff --> Jawson's Bog
What: The PCs go hunting for a core, and get caught up in a dangerous situation
Format: log, action, etc.
Warnings: Some threads will contain triggering material. Those threads will be labeled as such in the headers.

[Some time has passed, and more people have arrived. It seems as though things have been turning around since the last hunt for a core. So when Nathaniel comes to tell everyone that another core has been located, and that they'll need to go get it, his somber attitude might seem a bit strange.]

Alright everyone, I'm getting an energy spike in the general area of Prosper Bluff, so I'm pretty sure a core is there. Unfortunately, I can't get an exact location on it, just a general area, so you're going to have to go down there and root it out yourself. It should be somewhere on the bluff, which will make for an easy recovery, since most monsters stay away from that area.

However, there is a chance that the core might be a bit further East, in Jawson's Bog. If it is, just leave it there. It is not worth risking your lives to go in there to get it.

[Everyone is free to talk to Nathaniel before leaving, if they want, or they can just be on their way. Either way, the NPCs will be waiting for them to return.]

Threadtracking:

Preparation thread
Prosper Bluff
Jawson's Bog
Jawson't Bog part 2
special group goes here

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Though everyone has been careful in their exploration of the bog, eventually things start to fall apart. Those pincushions aren't watching where they fire their needles, after all, and soon enough one of the needles ends up hitting one of the strange purple plants. The plant- one of the many Lungblossoms in the area- erupts, spewing out a large cloud of green gas.

Seimei's ofudas are actually very useful here, and they end up protecting most of the people from this gas. However, Alucard, Crona, Ippo, and Seimei are not able to avoid the gas for various reasons, and they will fall to the ground, paralyzed and unconscious.

Everyone else is fine, and the gas eventually dissipates. But there are now four unconscious people within the swamp, and more trouble is on the way. See, the Core was actually inside the lungblossom that has just exploded, and now that it is exposed, monsters are going to start flocking to the area to get it.

Everyone who is not currently unconscious has but a few minutes to decide what to do and prepare for the incoming rush of dangerous beasties.]

[Landing is going to be a tad... difficult for Paarthurnax. The bog is just too thick and full of trees. Not impossible, mind you, if he decided to put his full weight behind it, but that's not what he has in store. Instead, he keeps up in the air over them all. It's a pretty good view- perfect, in fact, for helping him spot all the beasts off in the distance. He calls down to those still on the ground.]

Beasts are approaching, quickly- we must leave.

[In theory, he could try and eat everything, but he doesn't want to risk Aoi's safety. Besides, he already understands that the Core is their priority. Now that it is in sight, the only thing stopping them is the four unconscious individuals.]

[Regardless of the choices anyone makes, Paarthurnax speaks again-]

Su Grah Dun!

[-with his Thu'um, the words getting right into the very being of those still conscious. They'll feel lighter, somehow, like they're the very wind themselves, and quicker especially when it comes to attacking. Not Sonic's level of speed, mind you, but something to make more than enough of a difference.]

Edited 2013-10-12 16:27 (UTC)

[ Busy incinerating one of the many dangerous plants Seimei had been distracted with, Taisan turned too late to warn about the erupting Lungblossom. He watched impassively as the four collapsed, eyes narrowing. He glided down, knowing full well Seimei was alive - else he would have been released from control - and checked them all for consciousness, keeping a second eye on the glittering core nearby.

Knowing there was nothing he could do immediately for the unconscious party, the shikigami followed through with one of Seimei's standing orders - get the core.

It took a moment for the flaming bird to clutch the object solidly enough to take off, but when he did he went streaking wildly between the trees, weaving in and out of the original path for convenience, staying just below the canopy to avoid any low wandering creatures.

Ultimately, he went to warn the second team, screeching furiously as he approached, core clutched tightly by massive-taloned feet. ]

[the waiting is always the worst. Kaoru had been pacing and panicking at the bog entrance for some time and, despite previously advocating planning and patience, he had almost been ready to rush in. Seimei and Tama-chan were both in there. He wasn't going to just leave them.]

[He catches sight of Taisan flying towards them with the core, but his relief is short-lived when he realises he is flying alone]

Taisan! What happened, where's... where are the others?

... I'm going to guess that the sudden arrival of a flaming bat out of hell clutching our quarry WITHOUT our friends is a bad thing.

[Have a sigh, everyone.]

So, little one, I don't suppose you can talk?

[ Taisan flew in, circled twice and dropped the core into the middle of the group, flapping massive flaming wings and brushing a warm breeze over all present as he landed on Kaoru's shoulders, one leg on each. Blue eyes deep set in a flaming orange face turned on the man speaking to him. ]

Small he says. I'll show him small! [ The bird rumbled, voice like thunder - purely for effect. Small he was not, larger than a Harpy Eagle, at least big enough to carry of a child. But then being as it was Taisan, he might not have even been talking about body size. ]

Blast...I don't have time for this! I'll show you sooner or later...

The others are fallen. Crippled by the toxins from the plants and unconscious. Boss Fox-face gave me standing orders - get the core, keep Kaoru safe. [ He punctuated his point pressing talons painfully against the red-head's shoulders before bursting into curling steam. Taisan the man stood behind the boy then, blue eyes narrowing in irritation, hands resting where taloned feet once had. ]

Well? You lot gonna just stand around gawking or go in there and save those idiots? I don't know about you, but we two have personal investments floating in a poisonous swamp. No idea what to do, though. I can tell you where they are and what we came across, but there's nothin' doin' about the damned plants. Unless you don't have to breathe. which this little one does, even if I don't.

[gives a little hiss as Taisan clasps his shoulders. Mind those talons, yeesh. He's pretty sure that when Seimei said safe he also meant un-punctured.]

All right, so last time around the creatures started closing in on the core. We need to get it back to the Bastion, preferably with someone who can outrun or outfight the monsters. It's doable.

[glancing behind at Taisan] ...are you saying the charms were completely useless? Or just partially? [Time to think, Kaoru. Think.]This little one can hold his breath, and I can defend myself if necessary [albeit in thirty second bursts] If they're not too far in, we might have some time to grab them and bring them back.

But I'm not waiting around much longer for a decision to be made on this. [because now he is this close to just running in, caution be damned]

Angry critters, toxic gas, and a shape-shifting firebird with anger issues?

It's ALMOST enough to make me think I'm back home.

[Okay, Colin's just growing to draw his blade and look around at everyone else]

If... Taisan, that's your name? If you can lead us there, we can get them out of there. I might be able to do something about the plants if I can find a patch of solid ground, but... it's not a guarantee. It's not a skill I'm particularly good at, especially in a swamp.

[Whatever everyone wants to do, they're going to have to decide quick. The monsters are already in the bog, and while some have stopped to try to kill the unconscious people, others are heading right towards the core.

If actions aren't taken soon, Bad Things will happen.]

I'm afraid I can't. My orders were specific. The Core and Kaoru. Foxface doesn't care about himself.

[ The shikigami's jaw clenches, muscles flexing as he looks to Kaoru, resting a hand on the boy's head. That was reassuring, right? ]

The core has to go to the Bastion. Besides...if we run with it, monsters are sure to be attracted away from the others. In that we can at least be helpful and try to assist. But Kaoru I am sorry. I cannot let you go in there. We need to go.

Now.

[ Those unearthly blue eyes narrowed, chest rising and falling in a sigh. ]

You can either run with me, or hold on while I carry you. As soon as we make it to the Bastion, I'll take flight and return here. If nothing else, I promise to bring Tama-chan home.

He may not, but I do.

[his hands curled into fists at his sides, eyes darting toward the bog and back. It was all he could do not to bolt the moment Taisan made it clear he wouldn't be heading back. He couldn't just leave them in there. He couldn't. But Taisan was hardly going to give him the choice - and every second waited was a second wasted.]

Fine. [it was a struggle just keeping his voice under control. God, he felt sick] Fine. All right. I'll go back with you. But the moment we make it back - the moment, you understand?

[Colin looks at Kaoru, then at Taisan, and he sighs]

Time's up, you two. Get your asses in gear! I'll see what I can do to slow down any pursuit, but without help, I can't make any promises. Especially if you don't get moving!

[Colin turns and looks into the bog, backing up until he's on nice, solid, dry land. He kicks his feet to loosen up and narrows his eyes. This dance isn't his favorite, and typically, he's only done it in concert with his sister. Now, the heat's on, and he's gotta turn the bog against the encroach of an angry horde. Sure, no pressure.]

All right, you vile little beasts... let's dance.

[He starts into a slow, sweeping dance, keeping his blade in hand the whole while. He's plenty confident in himself, but the Forest Suite is one of his least-performed dances in a skill he already barely keeps up on. It'll take a little while for him to find the rhythm... But once he does, he'll be able to direct the plants to attack the angry hordes. IF he can...]

[ The shikigami paused, eyes narrowing before he offered Colin a small, not entirely respectful bow - but better than most got. ]

I wish you the best of luck and will return immediately after seeing the core and Kaoru safe.

Come on, kiddo.

[ He pushed the boy, not unkindly, towards the Bastion, before sliding a hand down to grip around his wrist as he took off at a run. ]

Don't drop that damned core or its both our asses, you hear me?

[pulled along by Taisan, Kaoru broke into a run, focussed solely on keeping moving, and keeping the core clutched to his chest with his free hand and not looking back.

He couldn't even fire a comment back at Taisan, he didn't dare - for fear that if he tried to speak he might break down completely. He could only hope the shikigami stayed true to his word and for now, just keep his head down and run]

[As Taisan and Kaoru run, the hoard of monsters (mostly Peckers and Squirts, but some Gasfella are mixed in too) run right after them. They will mostly ignore everyone else, unless they get in the way or attack.

As long as Taisan and Kaoru keep running they should be able to avoid most of the monsters, though the Peckers might prove to be a problem.]

[Well, that's certainly a plus... If he's going to go unmolested, he's got plenty of opportunity to get his steps right. His dance stumbles a couple of times, before he starts to find the rhythm. All the same, he's rather glad to NOT have to engage these things with his blade...

He tries to influence the pincushions to start ignoring the Bastion's residents, in favor of opening fire on the Peckers. Will it work? We'll have to see.]

Here's hoping you guys can get by without my help... I can't do much more than this...

Kaoru, you keep running. You run until you can't run anymore, you hear me? And you run for the Bastion. I'll be here with you!

[ Throwing his arms out to either side of himself, Taisan erupts into flames and takes to the air, a bird once more. Peckers wanted to start shit? He'd give them shit, in all his fiery glory, spiraling in the air, dive-boming the birds, spitting gouts of flame and anything he could do to terrorize them. ]

[a tense nod, his now-free hand moving to help hug the core tighter to himself, feet pounding the ground beneath him. He had to trust in Taisan and his own speed now and not panic, not throw up his shields before he really needed them.

Run now. Freak out later.]

[in the bog, Tama-chan had been digging her way to destroy one of the pincushions from beneath, and was able to avoid the worst of the gas. When she gets out she starts running from person to person in confusion, gently nudging them with her horn and trying to get them to move.

She lifts her head to shriek up at Paathurnax. She doesn't understand. Why did everybody fall down? Why aren't they moving anymore? Why won't they wake up?]

[Having followed the path of Paarthurnax, Stein had expected to join with the survivors in this area of the bog.

Unfortunately, things don't appear to be that simple, he realizes instantly upon seeing the downed bodies of his comrades motionless on the ground. They're alive - that much he can sense for certain.

...But they weren't the only ones alive.

A fist clenches at his side, then opens once more. With one hand, he pulls his glasses off and casually slips them into the breast pocket of his lab coat for safekeeping, revealing narrowed, severe green eyes. He's not about to leave anyone behind, no matter who -- or what -- is foolish enough to stand in his way.]

[Fortunately a couple people are there when the monsters arrive, so the four unconscious people aren't immediately overtaken.

Remember those Peckers? The ones that normally avoid Alucard and Crona like the plague? Well now that Alucard and Crona are knocked out, they're trying to take this moment to finish them off. So everybody who's not asleep will need to fight them off.]

[Meanwhile, up in the sky, all Aoi's been able to figure out from her spot on Paarthurnax's neck is that things are just getting worse in the bog below by the second.]

I-I think they need help down there! Can we land? Or, or if you can get us near the trees, I can climb down! [She's talking at a mile a minute, fueled by her worry just as much as that magical burst of speed.]

[Tama-chan makes another screeching noise, nudging at Seimei with a little more fervour. She has seen Peckers before. She can't manage Peckers. She can't reach them, they escape her too quickly... ergo she can't take them on. Taisan and Seimei always helped her out but Taisan's gone with the core and Seimei's not moving.

She runs to Crona, eases her horn under the pink-haired meister's arm and pushes. If she manages to move everyone closer together... that should help, right?]

[Ippo's eyes opened, but his expression was blank and his eyes were dull; almost lifeless. He didn't move, didn't speak, in fact he did nothing at all save for stare blankly at the trees above. His mind had been thoroughly shattered and there was nothing left in him to force any kind of movement; he was lucky to still be breathing at all with how out of it he was...he would likely need much help getting back to the Bastion; or more to say, someone was going to have to carry him back.]

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day 117 :: Core Event

Jawson's Bog part 2: protecting people

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