Field Quest: Travel To The Misty Ruins

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    Field Quest: The Beginning

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    Rumors have hit the streets. Different adventurers have found about the Misty Ruins. The place that appears in the early morning, when the fog is heavy, and by the ocean sides. The trouble is, it's very hard to pin down /where/ the portal will show up or even for how long.

With those rumors have also come world of unique treasures. Perhaps even dark magical forces, but those who have been there already know the truth and those Adventurers who have been there before have been summoned by the very place.

How you come to this location, be it rumor, friend, or summoning, what you find is a large open field where the fog is thick, the air is unnaturally cold, and the closer you get to the swirling vortex-- the darker the grass becomes.

It was like the grass was dying the closer it was to the portal, till the very grass itself was becoming black. The soil, which was supposed to be brown, even has become black.

    Inside the swirling vortex of a portal, a ghostly woman could be seen. Curled up on the ground, as if sleeping there. Seven statues can be seen, with dark tendrils that have twisted around their figure like dark thorny vines. What look like once ivory structures of buildings, are slowly becoming twisted by whatever this dark force is. Stealing away the once beauty of the structures.

While there was no NPC in sight, a voice does speak on the sudden breeze that moves by. Neither male nor female, but rather both at the same time. It haunting; Perhaps even dangerous, "Darkness falls upon this land. Forgotten souls never found. Enter here if you dare, but beware the crown. For his folly and pride, doomed us all." Then the wind is gone, leaving only your choice....

    Do you dare to enter the portal or turn away?

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There's treasure? Well that's nice. A cool bonus for the people it attracts, if that's what they're looking for.

Shiruba isn't going to pass up treasure, but as an explorer she's more interested in the Ruins as a whole. Places that can only be accessed in certain locations at very specific time intervals and weather conditions are something that deserves to be investigated! Maybe there's some interesting lore behind the ruins being the way they are, all misty and mysterious.

Wolf ears perk upright at the eerie voice that speaks through the fog, making her tail twitch a few times anxiously. "Well, that's ominous." Shiruba pulls her bow and arrow from inventory, just to be prepared. " 'Beware the crown. His folly and pride doomed us all.' totally sounds like some kind of curse."

Well, it was silly to travel all of this way and not enter the portal.  It was weird that an item would call them back.  Was this a result of a quest...?  Were these people more than just Landers, and thus had more qualities to them than the blank people and faces they see with anyone but other adventurers?  At the very least, it would be a very good story to tell at the tavern to make some spare scratch.

Through the mist, U.L.P. walks, until finally, he finds the portal itself.  There is a dark story here, but despite it (or in fact because of it) he wants to know more.  What sorts of things did this land have, behind the curtains?  Stepping through the door, even as he commits the warning to memory.  

On the other side, he kneels over and places a hand on the sleeping princess.  "While it's normally a kiss that awakens a princess, I think we should pass that and work on the curse first," he says, a slight joke and humor on his words.  

"It is some sort of curse," U.L.P. says towards Shiruba, not bothered by others being here.  Of course, it would attract others.

BEFORE

Slumped over a table in the Isekai Ryokan, Shaskur snores peacefully. The light of the day can just start to be seen on the horizon when a glowing purple light starts to pulse from her bag, also on the table and used as a pillow. Blinking awake in surprise Shaskur quickly looks around at the few other adventurers still in the Isekai Ryokan, most of them asleep, before looking down at her own bag with a raised eyebrow. Opening it up she pulls out the Orb from the Misty Ruins. The mists inside which normally are always present were disappearing. When the mist cleared the old ruins could be seen through the orb and then a voice called out "We have need of you... come... come back to the ruins brave souls... come back... to us..." before the mists appears again and the orb returns to normal.

"Well that was weird." Shaskur exclaims as she blearily blinks down at the orb and follows it up with a large yawn. "Still.." she mutters as she stuffs the orb back into her bag and rises. "might as well check out what is going on."

NOW

Sneaking to the edge of the nearest forest Shaskur gazes down towards the coast. As the mists in the distance clear she spots a vortex, and what appear to be a couple scattered adventurers moving to gather in front of it. Raising an eyebrow Shaskur makes her way to the gathering, crossing her arms for warmth under her cloak as a chill breeze passes by.

When Shaskur approaches she spots some familiar faces and her eyes twinkle slightly as she raises her hand in greeting, "Shiruba, yo! Always nice to see a guildmate." Then she nods to ULP, "Did you get the message to return as well?" and then the voice echos out from the vortex and both of her eyebrows raise at the warning.

Kita had been among those who had wandered into the land of Mists once before. Having held on to the strange orb they found there, it had come as a surprise to have the strange object beconing back to the same location.

Of course, that meant being up at an ungodly hour of morning again. Luckily, the Imp doesn't seem to bothered by this. She is, however, drinking something out of a flask, likely some kind of tea in order to give her some sort of pep this early in the morning.

"It's probably talking about the King. At least that would be my guess." Her voice adds to the general conversation as she approaches, dressed in her usual witchy clothing, a black dress and pointed hat. "The place seemed pretty messed up last time we were there, so I imagine whatever darkness was spreading there, has gotten worse." The blackened grass seems to confirm that much, anyways.

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    Field Quest: Continued...

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    U.L.P's voice does stir the Princess. Her features are ghostly and has not changed since he last saw her. The long hair that flows like it's in water, the lithe, feminine figure. The round face, with ghostly blue eyes that look at his.

Her clothing that was once a nice dress, but seems tattered now. "... You... you came back?" She says softly as her eyes go wide and she goes to reach out to hug U.L.P., but only finds her arms fading through him, as if a reminder even to herself that she is a ghost; A spirit. Her eyes fall on the others, even though they have not all entered yet. "You shouldn't have come back and you should not have brought someone /new/ along."

The ghostly princess stands up on her feet. "Things have only become worse. The taint continues to grow and my father is slipping. While he may grant you safe return once you complete the challenges, I can not guarantee a third time will be so." She looks at ULP, "You should go back, while you can! Before it is too late!" At her words statement, the ground rumbles slightly as crimson lightning streaks through the sky in this strange world.

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Shiruba lets the others that have been through the Mistworld or whatever it's going to be called before take the lead, but she is right behind them like a... well... curious dog. As much as I hate using dog comparisons to a wolf girl it is the best way to describe it. Curiousity is what drives her to adventures like this so it is accurate.

She paces a circle around the pair a few times while they discuss, though her attention is mainly on examining the ghostly Princess. "This is the first time I've seen a fully formed apparition that isn't a summon or a monster boss," she notes, mainly to herself. She's often out on her own exploring so it's not that much of a surprise she sometimes talks to herself out loud.

Then the ground rumbles, and she reflexively spreads her footing and upward curls her tail to keep stability, her attention past the Princess as unnatural lightning crackles overhead.

Then leans back a bit closer to the Princess ghost once it passes and murmurs "You do realize telling a bunch of Adventurers to turn back from danger is just going to entice them to continue on, right?"

"Yeah, I did," U.L.P. says towards Shaskur.  "Not something expected, I'll admit.  There is something more here, perhaps it is an extended chain...or something created by the world we are now in from bits of where we came from.  Regardless, we're here now...for whatever reason or another!"

Kita gets a respectful nod, "Seems like it.  To both items.  I suppose we will need more information on what is happening in order to fix this place...if it is savable at all," Despite his harsh words, there is a remorseful tone to them.

He gives the princess a smile, sad when she tries to hug him and fails to even touch him.  "Well, they came of their own accord, if they want to leave they can do that themselves.  If they don't I trust you can fill them in?  Anyway..."

He sighs, "No can do, Princess.  You went through all of the trouble to call us here, it would be madness to abandon you now.  Also, waste of a good morning," He says, with a bit of bravado in his voice.  "Don't be too hard on her," she says towards Shiruba, "Though they are right, Princess." he says rising.

"We're here, and either we're not going back at all, or we're leaving with this place's curse lifted..." he says, with a reassuring smile, "That's a promise."

Shaskur quizzically looks around after passing through the vortex. Then looks over to the princess as she tries to cling to ULP. "Eh, I came all the way here. I'm not just going to run now." And then she looks towards where they had gone last time, "I kind of doubt we will be able to just take the same path we did last time."

Turning to Shiruba she explains further, "ULP, Kita, and I were here before along with Xander doing some scouting. Last time there were a series of challenges before we came to the corrupted king who almost went boss mode on us. We pretty much grabbed some chests and evaced. Overall, the place is cursed, as Kita was mentioning, and seems to be getting worse."

"Most NPCs don't seem to realize that telling an Adventurer to turn back, usually translates to: 'Go forward there are shiny things'." Kita muses, offering a smile to Shiruba as she steps in closer to the others, following U.L.P. towards the princess. "Such is game logic."

Her eyes are drawn to the statues, "These look ominous." Leaving talking to the princess to the others, she seems to walk in a slow circle, taking in their surroundings. "Like the gargoyle we saw last time. The dark vines seem to be choking the life out of everything."

The idea of having to face challenges yet again has her rolling her eyes, but she doesn't comment on it outloud. Instead, she just nips at part of her lower lip, then looks back at the others, "Seems like what we really need is information. When did this start? Where did it start from?" The Imp rattles off questions.

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    Field Quest: Challenge - Groundfall

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    Soon as everyone enters, the portal closes behind them with an electrical discharge that dances across the cobbled stone ground.

The ground rumbles once more as the Princess goes to say something else, maybe in protest to U.L.P. perhaps something to Shiruba, or maybe even to Kita's questions but she pauses. Her eyes look around as she goes to take a step back. The ground below the adventurer's starts to crack, split apart. ".. oh no. No no no!!"

The Princess' eyes go wide as she watches the ground start to give way, "JUMP!" She yells out to them, for it seems where she stands between two statues is maybe the only safe place left!

<><>NOTCE: Those who fail will need to do the next challenge
<> Jump Check: +roll Physical (with card) vs 5
<> Use Air Magic: +roll Air (with card) vs 5
<> Player Choice: Idea Not Listed Here? OOC your idea.

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As the ground starts to crack apart and the ghost panics Shaskur immediately leaps towards one of the statues, rolling as she lands and pulls out a loop of rope with a small grapple on it. Quickly starting to spin the grapple in preparation to anchor herself to the nearby statue.

Before she releases the grappling hook she glances around to get a better sense of the situation.

As she had tensed as soon as the ground started rumbling threatening Shiruba is ready to move even before the Princess shouts her warning. Legs kick off the ground as she bolts from her spot, a brief whistling of wind heard in her wake.

"Cliff to cliff, peak to peak; Northern Winds guide my feet!" The burst of wind magic hurtles her forward as she leaps off the crumbling terrain, giving her the forward momentum to leap from piece to piece of crumbling landsape and hopefully find a more stable position.

Well, things are going south very fast!

Before he could even actually mentally think of anything, U.L.P. leaps for the safe pixel, glad that his body had reflexes that he did not have when he was not a computer...or on another world.  Really not sure what is going on here, but one thing at a time.  

"Princess.  I hate to say it but this place isn't going to last much longer at this...we need to know everything...but perhaps we can find a place that is safe to get that information?"

"That or maybe we can force a safe place while we hear what we need to know."

The portal closing behind them is no surprise. It had done the same before, trapping them inside this strange land. "Only one way out now." And that is forward.

The rumbling is what Kita feels first, the feeling moving up through her feet and causing her to look around, searching for the source of the sudden change. Like the others, she is relatively quick to react to the ground splitting. She jumps, having to roll slightly as she lands to absorb some of the impact. It isn't exactly graceful, but mages aren't really known for having the best physical prowess.

"Good idea. Somewhere that we don't have to worry about falling to our demise would be smart." Not having expected things to become dangerous quite so soon, Kita flicks her fingers on her menu, equipping her spell book, just incase.

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    Field Quest: GroundFall #

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        SUCCESS

    The ground gives way under everyone, but they all make it across successfully in time. Where they were standing is now a massive hold in the ground. Down below is a swirling vortex of dark liquor, where the ground has become black as satin, and dark tendrils slowly crawl out of the ground, moving from one location to the other, almost creating a deadly, thorny web.

If they had fallen in, they may have had trouble getting out, as more ground that was still standing gives way to the swirling pool of darkness.

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    Field Quest: The Choice Of Duty #

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    The ghostly princess stands there, her hands close to her chest. Eyes closed as she lets out of a soft sigh in relief. "I'm glad you all made it safely. That is the way it has been all over." She explains. "The taint is slowly devouring everything! Soon... There will be nothing." Her head lowers.

"But... My father is aware of your presence now. I can sense him watching us. I did not mean to place your lives in danger, but, I won't to help." The Princess looks at each of them. "Please let me come with you! I might be able to stay his hand or... Perhaps even alter the outcome of events, so that no danger will come to you!"

She looks at each of them, though her eyes fall on U.L.P. last of all, "Please?"

    Though there questions do come. "Yes. I can show you a path, just different than before. We have to go through a maze and get past the guard that wonders there.." She says softly, however her arms cross. "But that is why I /should/ come along! He is an honorable knight! If he catches you, he will listen to me!"

<> Refuse The Princess Coming Along
<> Take The Princess Along.

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With a sigh, U.L.P. nods towards the Princess.  "Of course.  You have just as much right to fight for your home as we do.  Well, more so...I would find it awful to deny you this chance...but..." he says, looking at her, "You do realize this might very well end with your father's demise?  I'm sorry to be blunt, but if you want to come...and I will not stop you, you must accept that consequence.  If there is another way, we can chance it, but..." he looks to the abyss below them.  

"If we do not act now, what will be left but this..?" Looking back up at her, she lays down the terms.  He will let her, but only if she can accept the potential inevitability.

Seeing that she had escaped far enough away from danger Shaskur once again coils the rope and secures it under her cloak at her hip. Rising to her feet she glances at the others while the princess is pleading with them and then she shrugs, "Whatever you guys want I guess."

While the others discuss she carefully approaches the hole and gazes into the dark tendrils, "If the whole place is getting like this, then I can't imagine it will last long." Shaking her head to herself she backs up and returns to the group. "Is getting to the king really the solution to this? How can we break this curse for good?"

Oh, a maze, those are always fun. No, Shiruba is not being sarcastic with that thought. Mazes are the kind of challenge she enjoys. Sometimes there's interesting things hidden in the nooks and crannies besides the exit, too.

She glances over at where the Princess still stands. Was she just an NPC placed there to guide people into the dungeon, or was she something more? The state of affairs with the ruins, and the 'game' as a whole made it really hard to tell. Important Landers had started acting less... automated, if you dealt with them enough times. Maybe the Princess was similar?

"We really shouldn't leave someone behind," the wolfgirl turns back to the rest of the group, "Especially if she knows things that could be useful to succeeding." Or just surviving in general, but saying it that way sounds more depressing. ULP already covered the other depressing part.

Peeking over the edge, Kita looks that darkness in the eye for a moment before stepping back. Whatever was happening here, the developers certainly had done a good idea of making it look downright terrifying. "Yep, that looks like a whole lot of nope right there." Quick to move away from where the tendrils are crawling, she makes sure to have one hand near her dress. Why? Because this has the sneaking feeling that the devs might have been living out some ecchi perversion in this storyline.

"You helped us last time. If you can help us again, then it's worth it." The fact that the princess is already a ghost means that at least... she can't die, right? "Besides, I don't think leaving anyone here would be a good idea."

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    Field Quest: Rest Before The Maze

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    "I still have hope my father can be saved. Some part of him is still fighting. I know he is." The Princess says softly to U.L.P. "Please have hope in that as well..."

It seems everyone agrees and the Princess clasps her hands together, "Wonderful! I should probably get to know all of your names.. as... I feel like I never did ask before... or maybe I did... my memory is..." The Princess sighs. "The taint keeps stealing them from me. My memories... I don't even remember my name." She lowers her head gently. "... Or even how this all came to be... My father might know! ... But I am not sure he will share."

    The Princess inhales deeply, "Right!" She then does a little skip to her floating steps, "Come! Follow me!" The path she leads them on has a row of hedges, untouched for now. The flowers glow with blue and purple light. Little wisps of light gently string down like dew beads that glow.

Building structures are seen from beyond the short hedges, sometimes the road allows one to walk toward them, as if they were once houses. The structures were perhaps once a marvel of beauty and culture. White ivory stone, with gold trim and emeralds.

"It isn't much further," The Princess says leading the way as she twirls around to look at them all. "The maze isn't to hard either! Just don't go where the Knight goes!"

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U.L.P. just gives a nod to the Princess, "Always try for the top, even when it looks like it's impossible.  Just remember to also temper yourself, but if that's your answer then I just have to make sure it happens!" He says, sort of getting into this role.  It was a nice change of pace, and he was always a sucker for these stories.  

"Well, Princess...you can call me U.L.P." he says, bowing again as they move.  He looks towards Kita, "I don't think we're getting our Q and A session...but I have an idea." he says, and then ducks into the maze.  

He will use his hunting skill to try and search out the knight's path first, before coming back to mark it.

Raising an eyebrow at the princess Shaskur simply points at herself and says, "Shaskur." Then looking up at one of the corrupted statues she equips a single dagger, opting to leave her other hand free to quickly use tools if needed.

As the party begins to follow the princess Shaskur stays to the rear of the group, keeping an eye backwards to make sure no new threats sneak up on them. She does also take a quick moment to admire the flowers in the garden, just like last time she recognizes the old beauty in the place and her eyes soften in sadness as she considers it, "I really hope we can lift this curse. This the beauty can still be seen even with the corruption." She mutters to no one in particular.

Shiruba watchs Princess make her way across the void with steps literally lighter than air. "We all hope, Princess. But..." The wolfgirl turns to continue once the ghost has joined them. "... Let's continue before we lose any more ground. Literally."

She doesn't feel the need to voice the rest of that thought, as the group in general seems to be on the page of what might have to be dealt with. We will see when the time comes, so for now, it doesn't hurt to be optimistic. "However the curse needs to be broken, we will find it." She nods in agreement with Shaskur. "My name is Shiruba, by the way."

"There's a fine line between hope and foolishness." Kita mumrurs under her breath. If it came down to her life or that of the King? Well, she knows very well what her answer would be.

She follows the group as they head towads the maze, glad to have distance between herself and the pit that had formed behind them. Her eyes meet U.L.P.'s and she nods, agreeing with his sentiment. "It seems that way. We might just have to try to figure some of that out, ourselves."

She does hazard one more question, though. "Princess? Do you know if there is any place where the darkness seems to be stronger than elsewhere?" That might give them some idea of a source, if she knows. As she asks for introductions, though, Kita tips her head, "Kita Blackthorne. Just Kita is fine, though."

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    Field Quest: Continued...

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    The Princess looks over to U.L.P. "U.L.P.?" She says back slowly, before she giggles a little. "That is a strange name you have. Are you sure it isn't made up, Adventurer?" Then she looks to Shaskur, "Shaskur? That is also an interesting name!"

When the imp brings up the beauty, the ghost tilts her head gently, "I hope so too. It would be nice to have..." Then she pauses in thought, "... Did I ever have friends?" It seems to cause her a moment to think on this, where she almost doesn't keep up. So she fails a little and goes to quickly catch up with the group once more.

This leads her to come by Shiruba's side. "Shiruba?" She also seems to have trouble with her name, saying it slowly as well. "Shiruba! That is fun to say!" She says it a few times in a sing-song way, as if trying to keep spirits high.

    Then when Kita asks her question, the Princess comes to her side, giving her a question a puzzled look. "... Stronger?" Though when the Princess say's her name, "Kita! That is a fairly simple name. Strange as well," She giggles. "You all have strange names!" Then hrms. "... I wonder if my name was strange too..."

The Princess then 'ohs'! "Your question! Right!" She nods to Kita, "The Guardian would know! She was trying to keep it away. I-- I think she said it was near or... in the castle? Around the castle?" The Princess sighs softly, "The Guardian is the only one who remembered everything... Outside of my father, but with the taint clouding his judgement..."

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    Field Quest: Maze Of Rememberance

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    The hedges start to become taller and taller. To the point seeing your way over them is now impossible. Above people can see vines that grow above, acting like a cieling with those gorgeous flowers dripping down that beautiful light.

However, the taint can be seen yet again. Slowly infecting the bottom of the hedge wall. Turning those gorgeous green leaves, to a sick, black color. What were beautiful flowers, are now black and dripping ooze from their decaying petals.

Heavy steps could be heard in the twisting and turning of the Maze. Heavy steps of a heavily armored being. Though it echos from time to time. Making it difficult to pin point which way this Knight might be or where he is going; Just that he around somewhere.

    The Princess looks at the group, waiting to see what they do, as she says in a whispered voice. "I-- I don't remember the path from here, but if we can make it across. We will be at the Guardian."

<><> NOTICE: Only One Needs to Succeed
<> Spot the Knight's footsteps: +roll Tracking (with card) vs 6
<> Find the proper path: +roll Searching (with card) vs 8
<> Find the knight and lead away from: +roll Sneaking (with card) vs 8
<> Player Choice: Idea Not Listed Here? OOC your idea.

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"In a way, aren't all names made up?  But yes, it is not my /real/ name, but rather something I go by.  I warn you, I am mysterious with it, so it might take some effort to both find out what the name stands for...and what my true name is!" he says with a sort of playful attitude.  Something to lighten the way, as the path is dark.

When the Princess says she doesn't know the way any farther, he nods.  "Looks like I'm up..." he says, with a nod.  His harp comes to hand, as he strums a tune...drawing on the magic in the air...and lightning strikes where he was.  

Using his newfound speed, he uses it and his hunting prowess to plot out a path, avoiding the path of the knight so they can get through without issue.  He leaves marks along the way, making sure it is easy to follow for the others, before heading back.

And then leading them through.  "Mmm...well Princesses tend to have uncommon names compared to normal people!  Princess Aurora comes to mind from a series I know.."

As they continue onward Shaskur gazes up at the canopy of vines and the lights that hang down from the flowers. "The flowers almost look like little stars." She continues to admire them for a time before she then glares with narrowed eyes at the rot caused by the creeping infection.

As they approach the maze, ULP is quick to act - literally - as he darts ahead. Following along with the rest of the party Shaskur remains near the rear, keeping an eye and ear out for anything suspicious. The way appears to be clearly marked at each intersection.

"It may be strange, but it's mine." Kita replies, her smirk revealing a single fanged tooth on one side. "Though in the realm of strange names, I think U.L.P. has me beat. Daring man of mystery." She waggles her fingers at him, amused by his level of secrecy over the name's real meaning.

"I brought a flower back, last time we were here." She looks to Shaskur, then shakes her head, "Whatever is wrong here, it followed it back. It started to turn black just like everything else here."

Standing at the edge of the maze, the witch doesn't immediately leap in to explore. Instead, she trades out her spellbook for her sketchbook, grabbing a pencil from one of the bags at her waist. "I've got paper and pencil. We should be able to try and map our path just incase we need to come back through. Though, I could probably use a hand with that. It's hard to draw and pay attention at the same time."

Shiruba was thinking the same thing as Kita was, so when the latter offers supplies and additional skill in producing the map she nods. "That's a good idea." She practically grabs Kita by the arm to pull after her.. though after a moment seems to realize that holding the girl's arm will make it hard to write and lets go, giggling slightly embarassed. "Okay, you draw and I'll guide." In otherwords narrate the path they're taking through the maze, pointing out various small details that can be used to help denote location and direction.

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    Field Quest: Maze Of Rememberance

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        SUCCESS

    "Aurora?" The Princess asks and smiles, "Sure! You can call me that then." She says placing a hand to her chest with a warm smile.

'Aurora' goes to follow the group, as Kita draws out her map, Shiruba follows U.L.P's directions, and checks on Shaskur from time to time. Though the comment about the flowers looking like stars...

"They are beautiful are they not? I-- think all the flowers use to be like these. Or-- maybe not?" The ghost sighs. "... I hope when you all can lift this curse I can gain back my memories..."

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    Field Quest: Castle Door

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    Thankfully they clear the maze which leads them into a heavy, cold fog. It is hard to see where to go from here, but soon they will find themselves on a cobblestone path, walking under several arches.

The taint vines creep along the arches twisting them and before them is a daunting, massive castle. The clouds behind it twirl in a purple like vortex as crimson lightning flashes behind and around it, with roaring thunder that follows with each lightning flash.

    Above the door is a feminine gargoyle, her clawed hands reaching for her head in pain. The thorns carved into her body, nearly covering every inch of the statue. Pieces of her form have broken off.

When the Princess sees this her eyes go wide, "Oh no! Guardian!" And quickly floats up to her. "... guardian.." she says softly trying to touch the statue with no prevail. "... without her, the door will need to be pushed on." The ghost says, but a determination crosses her face.

    'Aurora' looks at the others. "I will have a word with my father! Push as hard as you can, the door will give!" Then she goes before anyone can stop her through the door that lies before them.

It is massive in size. Black wood, with aged gold. It will take some muscle work to probably push it open.

<><> NOTICE: Multiple Attempts Can Be Made
<> Push the door open: +roll Physical (with card) vs 8
<> Player Choice: Idea Not Listed Here? OOC your idea.

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Turning to Kita there is some sadness in Shaskur's eyes, "Then we cannot even take some to replant elsewhere if that is the case, and I haven't seen flowers like this anywhere else so far." Shaking her head slightly, "If we can even gather enough information to narrow down what is required to lift the curse that would be progress. The Guardian sounds like a possibility. But it seems like time is limited for this place, we may not get another chance to come back."

As they move out of the maze into the fog the princess confirms that the gargoyle is in fact the Guardian previously mentioned, but it appears to be unresponsive. Looking over the architecture Shaskur mentions, "I think I can bypass the door." And moves to carefully scale the wall, being sure not to touch any of the dark tendrils. Upon reaching one of the windows Shaskur briefly inspects it before pulling out a hooked wire and using it to flip a latch that opens it. Then securely attaching her grapple she throws down a rope just in case any others want to come in this way as well.

U.L.P. laughs at the adoption of the name Aurora, anything to make this little corner of hell a little brighter, given their situation.  The idea to map the safe way across is a great one, U.L.P. nods towards the pair.  "Well, in case we need a way out, that's a good idea," he says, to the pair before they cross the path of the guardian.

"What can I say, I am a mysterious man.  Nothing with a bit of mystery to liven things up.  After all, the truth is usually so dull..."

"Well...that's...I see he's trying to stop us by any means neci-Aurora no!" Too late, she's gone.  Damn, this isn't going to end well at all for her.  Time is of the essence...and well, let's see if they can gain more allies.  He starts with a song, trying to force the curse back with the power of ROCK.  

With the vines crawling over the statue in response, the curse focusing on the Guardian...U.L.P.'s eyes narrow.  It seems that there is only so much bullshit he can handle.  This king is binding everyone down, and to him...especially to him this is an affront.  He's /angry/ now...and it shows.

"Well, time to show this king the specialty of Plant Duck," he says, with a bit of a smirk on his face.  He drags an arrow across the ground, before firing it right into the cracks of the opening.  Using his own vines to try and just breakthrough.  Enough for...someone let's say a mage, to light them on fire and detonate the Thorn Bind Hostage.

"Not the way things are right now, anyways." She confirms to Shaskur. "I would have liked to bring some back, myself, but..." Kita trails off.

Nope. No surprise there that the castle would be the source of whatever darkness has taken hold of this place. Though, Kita had not expected the 'Guardian' to have literally been a gargoyle. They had passed such a creature the last time, but is it the same one or different? It is hard to tell with all the damage. "Well, so much for getting an answer from the Guardian."

The dark clouds and strange lightning seem to make her fingertips prickle, calling to her own dark magic. Certainly it's something different that infects this place, but for a black mage, the thrill of that power is something she has to resist.

Pushing the door seems like a fool's errand, especially as brute strength isn't her forte. Instead, she looks brieffly towards U.L.P., following his lead. She begins to trace runes in the air, delicate fingers creating formations that ignite with fire. After a moment, an arcane circle forms around them, which condenses into a fireball. Drawing her arm back, Kita gives a shout as she launches it forward, aiming towards the center of the Thorn Bind Hostage, intent delivering both her blast, and igniting the other spell.

See, mazes can be a fun challenge even in dire times! The combination of efforts gets them through the maze without a problem, and a map in case they have to go back that way again. Or as a reminder of the adventure if they don't.

Shiruba stops, squinting as the fog gets thicker outside the exit of the maze. Presumably they're getting closer to the source of the corruption, which a look around at the tangles climbing up the walls confirm. Then Princess Aurora panics a little and floats up to one of the statues... that is apparently not suppose to be a statue. Followed by the ghost bolting inside before anyone can stop her.

Shiruba curses under her breath. "I don't think we've got time left to deal nicely with doors." Shaskur goes looking for an alternate route while ULP and Kita work on just blowing in the doorway. When Shaskur throws down a rope Shiruba takes a few darting steps forward, jumps to plant her feet on the wall, and take a few more quick steps up the surface before grabbing onto the rope and using it to scale the rest of the way up to the window.

"Sounds like they're knocking down there. Probably draw some attention." The wolfgirl nods to Shaskur. "Let's see what else we can find out."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

    Field Quest: Wake up Guardian

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    U.L.P. Decides to wake up the Guardian by the means of fire, since the power of rock n' roll isn't working. The flames do indeed burn the vines off the guardian. He, like Kita, and Shaskur would recognize her soon as she speaks.

She was, after all, the one Kita sassed.

"You..?!" The statues eyes glow with life, though she does not move. "Why are you here? Why did you return? Who is the /new/ face. Augh. You adventurers are such troubling creatures." Then the guardian releases what sounds light a cough.

    The vines are slowly trying to creep back.

    "The King... The king is not well. He wanted to protect his people, but he only brought about misfortune. He desired good, but in seeking it the way he did, he brought about the taint."

The Gargoyle explains, her voice waning; She was losing the battle. "He loves his daughter. He wanted to save her life. He just wanted to save that baby girl..." She coughs again, the statue starting to break apart. "The source... the source-- augh!"

The doors creak open. "I... I am sorry...that our first meeting... was not under better circumstances.. now please... try to.." But he voice fades as she crumbles apart before them. The door though---

    Is now open.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

    Field Quest: Sneaky Imp

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    Shaskur finds a sneaky way in, she goes through the window. The room seems to be a study of some kind, but there are cobwebs and petrified skeleton remains everywhere.

So far, things are quiet. Very quiet and it also extremely dark. She can only see a few feet in front of her, including anyone else who might join the imp.

    Though Shaskur and Shiruba both might hear the Princess, "Father! Don't! Please!" Then there was once more silence.

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It wasn't enough...and one more body on the pile that was this man's hubris.  With a breath, all U.L.P. could do was watch.  "Don't worry, we will.  You should rest now Guardian, and don't worry over trivial things.  First impressions can always be redone," He says, though as he walks through you can just feel that hint of shadow over his eyes.  

"We should finish this, Kita," He says in perhaps the coldest tone he has since they met.  He walks towards the throne room, dead set in his path.  "This is where desperation and hopelessness get you.  Instead of accepting the deeds or the price to do what you have to do, and instead, make others pay."

"To eat your cake and have it too," is he talking to Kita?  Is he talking to himself?  Right now he's perhaps either too into this, or this is synching something hard to something in his own life.

"Being trouble is kind of what we do." Kita confirms, tipping her head towards the Guardian. It does answer that one question - this had been the same creature they encountered before. "We also can't leave well enough alone, most of the time."

However, it seems line the dark vines are not done. Despite their best efforts, they are already moving again, trying to seize the creature. She is quiet sa the creature explains that little bit of Lore behind this place, and sighs.

"That's what I figured. Someone messing with something beyond their understanding or control." It's an old trope, but one that happens time and time again in storytelling. Even so, the sight of the gargoyle crumbling has a brief shadow of sadness pass over the Imp's eyes. "Rest well. Leave the rest to us."

She gives a firm nod to U.L.P., and then follows him forward towards the throne room, keeping in step behind him, re-equipping her spellbook, and preparing for battle.

As Shiruba climbs up and in through the window Shaskur pulls back up the rope and coils it when she sees the others are not interested in following. With a nod to Shiruba, "Yeah, lets sneak in to see if what is going on. We should have free movement with the others causing a ruc-"

Ansi#-1 INVALID ARGUMENT

Fire washes past the window and cuts Shaskur off. "-kus." Shaskur finishes her thought after the noise passes. Looking around she realizes she cannot see anything, her night vision now lost after the light of the explosion. Muttering a few words under her breath dark energies gather around her eyes, and soon her sight can pierce the darkness in varied shades of grey.

Looking around again she realizes they are in a study. A skeleton still seated at a desk with an opened book looks to be in a state of decomposition. Turning to Shiruba she raises a finger to her lips in front of her facemask, not realizing that Shiruba may not be able to see the gesture, before stealthily moving forward through the now opened doorway. Carefully looking for any traps.

As Shiruba climbs up and in through the window Shaskur pulls back up the rope and coils it when she sees the others are not interested in following. With a nod to Shiruba, "Yeah, lets sneak in to see if what is going on. We should have free movement with the others causing a ruc-"

KABOOOOM!

Fire washes past the window and cuts Shaskur off. "-kus." Shaskur finishes her thought after the noise passes. Looking around she realizes she cannot see anything, her night vision now lost after the light of the explosion. Muttering a few words under her breath dark energies gather around her eyes, and soon her sight can pierce the darkness in varied shades of grey.

Looking around again she realizes they are in a study. A skeleton still seated at a desk with an opened book looks to be in a state of decomposition. Turning to Shiruba she raises a finger to her lips in front of her facemask, not realizing that Shiruba may not be able to see the gesture, before stealthily moving forward through the now opened doorway. Carefully looking for any traps.

Thankfully Shiruba was already not looking back outside when the explosion goes off. The duo find themselves in a study, once Saskur makes it a bit easier for them to actually see the room. Usually a good room to explore for secrets!... when things don't crumble at the slightest touch. "This was probably the court wizard's room or somethin--"

Wolf ears flare erect at the scream from Princess Aurora. Then swivel a few times like furry radar dishes to hon in on the direction it came from despite how brief it was. "Come on, this way. Sounds like we don't have much time left." Fortunately the door is open now! She's making a hasty pace, but not so careless as to not keep an eye out for possible traps despite hurrying. That would be sloppy and unprofessional.

Also fortunate that it looks like the others are heading in the same direction over all.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

    Field Quest: Meeting The King

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    Eventually the group will meet up once more, heading to a massive chamber of dark, black marble. Tainted gold at the base of the pillars and blue flames that light this place from dragon claw cauldrons and torches along the wall.

Leading to the throne is a red carpet, with gold trim that has seen better days. Kita, Shaskur, and U.L.P. would remember how ghosts use to dance here, but none do now. There is no dancing or magic here.

    The king sits there, on his throne. Dark armor over his seven foot body. Flaming, red orbs for eyes peer out of the eye slit of his helm. While one, clawed armored hand rests on the throne, the other hand rests on the hilt of a sword.

A sword with blood red runes of unknown markings and dark shadows the wisp around it. There is also a necklace around his neck, with a crystal. One would have to look closely to see what is inside the crystal.

When they arrive, his head slowly rises to look at them. "Hail once more, Adventurers." His voice rumbles and the air almost quivers as he speaks. "Time is short for you... and I..."

"I told at least /three/ of you to not come here again, and yet here you are. Once more before me and placing my daughter's life in danger." The sword's runes glow brightly, but as his hand grips the hilt tightly, they dim, and so does his hand loosen. "So you bring a new face. I suspect if I let you leave... You will simply come again...." Then his voice almost changes; Darkens, "... and again for my--"

    The King cuts himself off, as if fighting for control, with an unseen force. He whispers something, but only those keen of hearing might pick up what he said. "So, very well. I give you each a challenge. Pass it and I will send you on the way with treasure in trove-- Then hopefully this will be the /last/ time your presence graces this place."

Though as he says this, several knights walk out from the darkness; Shiruba and Shaskur see them before the others. They seemed ready for battle, and as the king stands. The knights make sure they stand before him to not allow any of the Adventurers get any closer. "I was also told of your anger," He looks to U.L.P. "So, please forgive my... measures of-- interference of any plans you might have."

<><>NOTICE: You can do these to pick up hints
<>What is that necklace?: +roll Searching (with card) vs 8
<>What did he say?: +roll Telecommunication (with card) vs 4

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U.L.P. enters, undeterred by the king, or his guards.  His eyes roam for the Princess, and then back towards him.  Even as he speaks softly to himself, he uses a trick of the wind to boost his hearing.  However, passed that he speaks firmly.

"Where is she?"

Hearing the urgency and then following silence Shiruba moves forward and takes the lead. Following along behind they move along until they once again meet up with the rest of the group. Returning to the rear of the group Shaskur hangs close to one of the sides.

Once in the hall the king speaks and she notices the necklaces and inspects it closely, something was suspicious about it. Then the knights move out positioning themselves in front of the king. Equipping her second dagger, Shaskur prepared for a conflict.

"We don't listen very well." Kita confirms, looking intently at the King as he sits there on his dark throne. "Where is the princess?" She echos U.L.P.'s question, her fingers flexing on her spellbook.

Even as he speaks, her own dark energy is giving the black mage an aura around her, perhaps strong enough to be able to pick up on that bit of whispered words. It is strange - dark magic used to protect - but not all dark magic is bad. Whatever this is, is a far cry from the sort of thing that Kita calls to fight.

"Fuck your challenges." Kita curses, "Fuck your treasure. Can't you see what you're doing? Open your eyes and look around you." She motions a hand, encompassing nothing and everything at the same time.

Thus the brave adventurers find themselves in the throne room before the king once more. Except for Shiruba, who's here for the first time. And the King notices this after reconizing the others. Again a bit of behavoir beyond that of a standard NPC, but that's to be expected of someone as importat as a ruler.

.. And the Princess isn't here. That can't be right, Shiruba KNOWS she heard the scream coming from here. She frowns, ears twitching seemingly erratically though in reality they still trying to pick any clues, even as she's muttering under her breath to prepare to defend herself. Though in doing so she catchs a hint of the whispering.

Maybe Aurora was right about the real king still struggling in there. Has the corruption has gone far enough he can't stop himself?

"We're not here to take things. We're trying to find out to -save- the place." As the knights emerge in the throne room she draws an arrow and activates its enchantment... but pauses as she notices the magic light from the arrow glinting off the necklace. Instead she holds it out at arms length, squinting one eye to look through the enchantment with the other as the light shimmers. "... dammit..."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

    Field Quest: Continued...

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    The king hears them, but he does not move. His hand holds the blade, both hands coming to rest on the hilt as the sword's edges touches the ground. One hand tightens on the butt of the sword, but he forces it to relax. "She is safe. No harm can ever come to her again." He says lowly.

"And to battle me now-- would place her life /also/ in danger." The King's eyes dim. "It is, as you may say... a cowardly move... but the only choice I had." For the moment, his words almost sound... Human.

"Now, do you accept the challenges or should I force you to leave to wince you came?" He asks with a commanding tone to his voice. "... Though I would suggest," He rumbles lowly, his hand tightening as if fighting something. ".. You accept the challenges... for your... gifts." Seeming to choose to ignore Kita's words.

    Was he trying to hint at something with his words? With his actions?

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"You are worse than a coward...you have put the very thing you value most at risk?  And for what?  Did you /not/ do all of this to save her?  And now you use her as a shield?  /You craven/," he says, U.L.P. was full of indignation.  

"Or is this all for you to get out of the deal you made to save her?" he grits his teeth, it seems there is no...choice in the matter.  Especially with what he overheard.  "Fine.  However, I will be back.  The next time I come I will end this."

He is gritting his teeth, obviously wanting to put an end to the life of the man putting his own daughter in harm's way.  

As Shaskur intently inspects the amulet, perhaps it is her vision buff, but it appears the face of the princess is inside it and looking around distraught. Eyes widening in surprise Shaskur exclaims "It that the princess? Inside your necklace? Have you imprisoned your own daughter?" and her eyebrows then knit together in anger.

Then the king explains how he believes she is safe, but also that fighting him would place both their lives in danger. Shaskur's eyes flick between the sword and the necklace, wondering if she could remove the necklace from the king in a quick maneuver.

Then she glances over at ULP and realizes that the rest of the party may be backing down to comply. Shaskur shakes here head, daggers still ready, but waiting to see what direction things go.

Kita's eyes narrow, driven by the fact that the King was using his daughter as a shield against whatever fate might await him. In another time, another place, she would have been powerless against someone like this. Yet, here she is, not a frail human, but an Imp mage. There is something to be said for the power that comes with becoming someone else inside a game.

"Fine." She nearly spits the word. "The next time, this ends." Her own anger shows in the tight grip of her fingers on her spellbook

Shiruba lowers the arrow as the enchanted glow fades and stuffs it back in her quiver. "He's not bluffing," she confirms what Shaskur saw. "It's a dirty move... but likely has it's reasons," she mutters, after what she heard under the King's breath as well.

Then lowers her voice so only the three around her can presumably hear. "I can't shoot the necklace off him." Nods her head towards the knights. "Don't have the time to line up that kind of shot in a way that won't potentially harm her." Don't even know if she'd survive it being taken off him at this point.

That settled she sighs, grimacing a bit, but readies her bow all the same. Looks like they have no choice but to play things the King's way. This time. "Fine. Bring on the Challenge." Since it almost feels like he's trying to push them towards it in a way that it might provide something to help end this next time...

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    Field Quest: The King's Challenge

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    The King once more falls silent. He does not respond to U.L.P.'s words, nor to Shaskur's question. Instead he focuses on what needs to be done. The guards though continue to stand at the ready.

With a snap of his metal finger, a challenge appears before each of them. A challenge of their choosing it would seem. "Demonstrate to me your power." His next words are low, dangerous; Dark. "/Impress Me/, noble... Adventurers..." His hands grip tightly on the sword. Waiting to see what they would do.

What fate they will choose for this final task for their reward.

<><> NOTICE: Each Must Pass Their Test.
<> Impress with Fire: +roll Fire (with card) vs 5
<> Impress with Song: +roll Song (with card) vs 5
<> Impress with Magic: +roll Magical (with card) vs 5
<> Impress with Skill: +roll Physical/Melee (with card) vs 5

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Sometimes, the wrath in a person can be expressed healthily.  This is one of those times when the harp comes to his hands.  The power of Hero's Song flows through him...as he starts to sing.

"Welcome home to my reality.
So you taste yourself every time?
This is the swan song I'll sing for you.
I'll cut the words from your mouth.
You'll never speak my name again.
Locked up and sold out
Don't think you won't see me again.

I'll come back three times
One in the name of deceit
Twice for your malice
Three times when I take you away."

He says, and finishes, eyes focused right on the King.  "An oath I make today."

"Really... impress you." Kita mutters under her breath. Oh, it's certain that she is not a fan of the King's attitude, his actions, or really anything in regards to him. But so be it...

She flips open her spellbook, flicking through a few pages before settling on one particular one. There is a black thread marking the page. Her hands begin to trace lines in the air, her voice speaking in words that seem nonsense, except they have that distinct sound that comes with audio-reversed speech. Then, she presses her palm to the runes.

The ground before her ignites with purple flame, an arcane circle there. Form the flames, formed piece by piece, stomps a dinosaur, standing on two legs, with a huge head, small arms, and massive teeth. It roars, sending spittle forward, the motion seemingly commanded by the movements of Kita's hands.  

Seeing the challenges Shaskur begins to mutter a few words under her breath, and the darkness seems to gather around and infuse her. After moment it is like there is a hole in space where she used to be replaced by a deep darkness. Then it suddenly starts to move upwards, jumping between pillars seems to cling near an old chandelier and the light that was previously illuminated from it is obscured leaving the area in deep shadows. Shaskur is still nowhere to be seen, but supposedly is with the darkness.

This happens to be the case, as inside the darkness Shaskur mutters a few more words, instilling another copy of the dark spell on her grapple which she now has in hand and prepares a throw to anchor a position closer to the king from which she would descend from if needed. Just in case, good to have options.

Did the King choose to do this in some contrived gambit... or is this how the event/dungeon is programmed to go? But that is a question for another day, as for right now they don't really have a choice but to play along, because they don't know enough otherwise to just put an end to the corruption. At least in a way that doesn't put Aurora or the realm itself at risk because of unknown circumstances.

Shiruba's chest heaves as she exhales hard and slow to push the frustration out of her system and clear her mind. Then raises her bow as cold air swirls around her, ruffling her ponytail and the fur linings of her gear. Instead of reaching for her quiver she sweeps her other hand through that chilbaine breeze and hooks the fingers around the bowstring. It turns a frosty sheen as she pulls back, forming an arrow out of the very ice and cold from the air around her.

Then leans back a bit and raises her arms to point it in the air and fire.

At the apex the icicle arrow explodes, not in fire and smoke, but in frost and shards that glimmer and gleam as they arc away and tumble back down, until they shimmer-fade back into the ether.

So she essentially made fireworks, but with ice magic. Iceworks? Frostworks?... Cryotechnics?! That last one probably sounds best.

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    Field Quest: The End

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        SUCCESS

    The King listens to U.L.P. play his song. His flaming orbs for eyes glow. Then he watches Kita summon a mighty Dinosaur which she controls like a puppet with her very hands. His eyes glow once more, watching her actions closely.

He observes as Shaskur vanishes in the shadows, this makes his eyes narrow, even as they glow. It was hard to tell just what the king was doing as he observed her unseen movements. Then his attention moving to Shiruba.

Her actions cause the guards to move for the ready, but the King slammed the tip of the blade into the ground. The dark mist spread out slightly, but the guards halted their action, to allow Shiruba to finish her demonstration.

    Once they are all done, the Dark King motions his hand, creating a blue flame, which he sends outward. The blue flames form a chest for each one of them. "There is your reward." Then with a motion of his hand and flexing of his fingers a portal then opens, crackling with red, crimson electricity.

The field they came from can be seen on the other side. "And your means out of here." The king then raises his sword, pointing directly at them. "And should you come here again," His words darken, as if not his own. "I will /kill/ each and every adventurer who crosses the veil to this place."

The king then lowers his blade as his command voice booms once more, shaking the very air. "Now leave, before I /change/ my mind."

    Once they do leave, the portal will close behind them in a roaring, thundering sound. Yet whispers come with the wind, though from who is hard to say, "... end this.... Save us... adventurers..." Before it to fades away.

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As the small chest appears Shaskur quickly snatches it in her arm. Still glaring at the king and the protective knights she considers options. Could she make it to him and still escape? Finally shakes her head, considering it too risky, she starts to reverse her path back down along the pillars until she is near the portal and then dives through, planning a roll on the other side, without another word.

There isn't much to say, those eyes return the king's own.  Staring him down as he collects the prize.  He walks to the exit, but before he leaves he turns.  

"One of us will when I return.  However, I won't spoil whom."

Shiruba grabs her chest, hoping she's right that in some backaround way the King is trying to give them help despite the corruption, and makes for the portal to get out of here. Better to let him believe they've been convinced to leave now so he doesn't do anyhing drastic. They're going to need time to prepare for the third and final visit.

The dinosaur that Kita had summoned steps forward, bends its head down, and /chomps/ onto the treasure chest. Kita glares at the King for a long moment, then turns to head towards the portal, the dinosaur stomping behind her, still carrying the treasure chest.

Oh, she would be back, that much is certain.