Duty Session 487: No Game Gnoll Life
The Gnolls of the Isle of Beginnings have become increasingly hostile since the Apocalypse. At last, through the investigations of intrepid Adventurers, the source of this change in the monstrous creatures has been discovered. The Gnolls appear to be trying to summon a demon entity known as Yeenagi. The Adventurers must face off against the strongest of the Gnoll Generals to secure the place of the summoning and stop the Gnolls from unleashing this terror upon the world.
Difficulty: High
Rec. Party: 5+
Notes: Failing this +duty has non-death character consequences.
Rewards: 3
World Rewards: Gain items needed to unlock the final boss battle against Yeenagi the Demon Gnoll.
Baroness Wake
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Wake doesn't often employ stealth these days, but she has been.. up to something. Planning to try something. When she's restless, she makes rather abrupt decisions. Which is why she's come to deal with the gnolls.
She checks her gear, looking ahead warily. "Time to see what The Beautiful One has to say about this problem."
SpritesHero
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
SpritesHero is also here. Perhaps Wake knows. Perhaps not. But, garbed in dark clothing, his arms remain folded across his chest, his lower lip sucked in. He stands some eight to ten feet behind her, at the edge of the clearing leading to the cave.
It must be said that his expression is not a particularly enthusiastic one. Indeed, it carries distinct hints of a severe 'just you wait until <fill in necessary co ndition>, young lady'. But for now he remains silent.
It must be said that his expression is not a particularly enthusiastic one. Indeed, it carries distinct hints of a severe 'just you wait until <fill in necessary co ndition>, young lady'. But for now he remains silent.
Baroness Wake
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
"No need to lurk, dear," calls Elly over her shoulder. She leads the way. It doesn't move smoothly for long, though. The first trap is obvious. Especially as they were expecting it.
"We'll have to be cautious.."
SpritesHero
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Indeed, the trap was an obvious one. Robert should have been anticipating it. Was anticipating it. Was just about to hop over it when he got blindsided by some random bat that appeared out of nowhere. There's a sudden shriek. Could be that it's a smidge too high in pitch. His footing falters, and rather than clearing the trap's string he manages to run straight through it. Brilliantly done, Robert. Brilliant.
Baroness Wake
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Fortunately, Elly has better luck. She is able to pick them a way through the remaining traps. And avoid issue with the damned bats, too. She nearly steps into one, but draws her foot back at the last moment, changing direction abruptly.
What she cannot do very well, though, is deal with what's coming next. The archer is a nightmare. And her attempts to retaliate are largely futile. As many shuriken and knives as she casts, she does little to no damage.
SpritesHero
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
For his part, Robert deals with the archer much better than Elly does. This is not to say that he's particularly -competent-. Although they get past the archer, his hp bar has definitely taken a bit of a beating. As has the durability of his clothing. One sleeve has been so swiss-cheesed that he is forced to rip half of it off. But he presses on nonetheless, grimly.
Baroness Wake
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Fortunately they get out of range of that archer problem and move ahead. And find (shocking!) a bunch of gnolls. And some kinda green goo. Against all wisdom, the gnolls drink it greedily and in moments, they transform into big, bulky, gnolls.
"So we are up against Hans and Franz, but the gnoll variety?" asks Elly.
She can /deal/ with this kinda thing. She wades into the battle with a surprising amount of zeal. The priestess has some pent-up energy! And she positively clobbers the nearest gnolls with open palm blows and elbow smashes.
SpritesHero
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
"I'm not familiar with the reference," Robert answers. But his sword is out in a flash. It's not a quick battle. The battle is hard-won indeed, and it is many moments before the rabid gnolls finally fall, leaving Robert winded.
It is at this moment that the two elemental gnolls close in, surrounded by tongues of flame and win respectively. Robert? Nopes out of there real quick like. "Move," he states. Or suggests, whichever is more palatable. He sprints for the exit--well, deeper into the labyrinth, really, preparing to block off the escape tunnel to their rear.
It is at this moment that the two elemental gnolls close in, surrounded by tongues of flame and win respectively. Robert? Nopes out of there real quick like. "Move," he states. Or suggests, whichever is more palatable. He sprints for the exit--well, deeper into the labyrinth, really, preparing to block off the escape tunnel to their rear.
Baroness Wake
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
When Robert says move, Elly knows that she should listen. She reaches out to throw some light behind them, but it's just a distraction. This is not a place for her to do more than distract the enemy!
She runs ahead into the next encounter. "Oh my god it's a gnoll version of Haru!"
SpritesHero
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
It would appear that Robert does not particularly like Haru. Or at least he doesn't like gnoll-Harus. There is a reflexive gushing of water that...surges in the general direction of the gnoll-Haru. It misses. What it does do, however, is get gnoll-Haru's notes all wet.
Baroness Wake
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Elly also dislikes the gnoll version of Haru. The normal version she has maintained quite amicable relations with. This one, however, stabs her several times and burdens with bleed effects.
"I want to break that stupid monocle!"
But she doesn't. Instead she just soaks the whole area even more with a blast of water. And yet.. somehow, in the end, they get out.
SpritesHero
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
The chamber gets very damp. The notes dissolve. The gnoll screams and goes berserk. Robert tries to stab it, ends up tripping over something metal, long, and precariously balanced. A steaming, bubbling liquid ends up pouring all over gnoll-Haru. And the desk. And Robert's foot. Hopping on his remaining un-affected boot, he rips off the rapidly dissolving article, throws in in gnoll-Haru's direction, and watches as the boss bursts into pixels. Mysteriously.
Robert doesn't know. Doesn't want to know. Just sort of stands there, puzzled, then turns around to walk out.
Robert doesn't know. Doesn't want to know. Just sort of stands there, puzzled, then turns around to walk out.
Baroness Wake
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Elly scoops up the reward, looking puzzled.
"I know. This was a very stupid idea."
She looks at the prize they've gained, shaking her head. If he isn't mad at her, she will take hold of Robert's arm and lean against him.
"The problem is this particularly stupid idea.. worked? Yet I have no interest in taking such a fool risk ever again."
SpritesHero
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
SpritesHero eyes Wake askance. But at least he relents and reaches up--way up--to pat her on the head. "I dunno," he answers at length, helplessly. "I just dunno." His gaze roams over the devastation. He scratches at his head, grimaces, then draws his weapons and makes his way towards the exit. One boot on, one boot off. It's a distinctly lopsided gait.
Baroness Wake
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Yamato - -2 - 2 - 0
Elly makes a mental note that she has to listen to Robert next time. And never tell Tae about this. Cause while Robert may forgive her for being recklessly stupid and getting away with it, Tae probably will not. If only she knew..
"I think when we get back we should just rest for a few days," she murmurs.