The halfling takes a few moments to catch his breath before saying, "Yes, Jeffery, who is this new friend?"
With the introductions made they acknowledge each other and seem to be sizing each other up.
Round 1
*Nagakin 17, 10/24, 23/23, 25/25
*Jellena 15
*Orik 12
*Aien 6
*Thallina 5
Garret ?
The Nagakin hiss in Aien's general direction as one of them takes the bullet in the chest leaving a bloody wound. Orik moves forward leaving room between himself and the monsters, spinning his chain waiting for their approach.
Round 2
*Nagakin 17, -1/24, 11/23Oriks, 25/25
Jellena 15
*Orik 12
Aien 6
*Thallina 5
Garret ?
The three Nagakin charge forward. One gets hit hard by Orik and it turns its fangs on him, leaving nasty holed wounds in his shoulder. The other two make their way to Aien and Thallia. Thallina takes a step back before shooting again at the wounded creature hitting again and taking it down in a clump off flesh. Aien dodges the bite attack just like Thallina.
Flynn cooks a breakfast for Mordriac and Baris.
He'll look around the Cave Hunting Lodge for any clothing better suited for woodcraft / stealth, any strong spices or combination of food that Hounds would get distracted by, any books, any maps, or other flavor text descriptions (such as portraits), and any fishing poles.
How is the Cave Hunting Lodge outfitted? Is it by by Mordriac and his Adepts, the Winter Court, Whoever comes across it? Has it not been officially claimed during this Awakening of this Reality?
The Cave Hunting Lodge is spartan. Basic furniture of woodcraft and furs are about in sparse quantities. Checking one of the closets you can find bedding, in another you find some dusters and some spare leather boots, the last closet you find spare shirts and breeches. In the kitchen you find a few spices but nothing very strong. There are a few books but the flowing script you do not recognize. There is one large map on one of the walls, on it are other maps pinned with notes in the same strange language that you do not recognize. You do find two fishing poles and a small kit with fishing trimmings within. There is a plumage of feathers around a rack of elk antlers, which you think shows this place as Mordriac's or the Winter Courts, you are not sure.
Flynn decides that he won't take the clothing as that could get him branded as a thief. Studying the map, he pulls up his map from his menu, updating the areas that he hasn't personally been. He locates the pool that he'll have to bathe to be scented to become prey. He mentally plots a course from away from there, where he can use the wind keep his scent from the would be Hunters. I could use the fishing line as a trip wire or connected between trees at neck level.
Aien, reacting, not thinking, slams his musket butt onto the Nagakin.
Round 3
on Aien
on Orik
Aien takes two claw hits and drops from the pain and wounds. Orik gets hit twice as well but is faring better. Orik steps back and slices into the monstrr with his chain and blade, trading blows as blood runs from both. Thallina shoots and hits the one near Aien.
*Nagakin 17, -1/24, 4/23Oriks, 17/25
Jellena 15
*Orik 12
Aien 6
*Thallina 5
Garret ?
Round 3
A figure in reflective black full plate armor emerges from the shadows and throws a javelin at the Nagakin threatening Aien. He also charges forward drawing a guisarme from his back. He will be able to engage in melee next round.
Round 4
on Aien
on Orik
Aien once again gets mauled, even with Jellena's healing he can't hold on to stay in the battle. Darkness envelopes him. Orik gets hit twice but is barely any damage compared to him slicing off his foe's head. Thallina shoots and hits the one near Aien again. The new mysterious figure comes charging in with clanking armor, he connects solidly with the flesh of the Nagakin and his guisarme with blood flying in coursing strands.
*Nagakin 17, -1/24, -8/23Oriks, -4/25
*Jellena 15
*Orik 12
*Aien 6
*Thallina 5
Garret ?
Outside you hear angry voices, "Who is within the lodge? No one should be there?! But the hunt, we have dealt with the summer Fae, let us continue. No, I will make sure that this ends here with that Fae!"
Baris looks at you and then the corpse, "You figure out what is needed to be done, I will handle those outside. You heard him, GO!" With that the halfling exits out of the lodge closing the door after him. You hear the start of a scuffle outside.
....Where am I?...... A person?
Aien wanders over to the person.
You sound good. Who are you, though?
He is truly dead. Ashed like a vampire.
Flynn takes the five arrows, the sword and scabbard, robe and breastplate.
His fingers shift through the ash looking for a map or anything else that could be useful. The he stands looking at the map on the wall. He looks for a place to use the sword on the map.
To Baris, so he can hear. Vellcrax, you cunning bastard. You highjacked the Hunt Portal ritual with your own magic. The portal of getting Prey has become a Portal of spawning Predator Nagakin.
Does the sword touching the map allow Flynn to see through the illusion of the Summer Fae Illusionist's writing?
Are there any level up gems in the Summer Fae Illusionist's ashes?
Are the arrows gaudy like a Winter Court Noble or one of Mordriac's Adepts. Flynn will stick one of the arrows in a crack between the wood planks of the table setting a book over it. Proof that this arrow was indeed here.
Did the spare clothes match either Summer Fae's or Mordriac's style?
Flynn thinks that since Mordriac is using what Flynn is starting to believe is the Summer Fae's Hunting Lodge, which should have been hidden by illusions or mind influencing magic, means that Mordriac is up to something. Best case: he is a Summer Fae sympathizer. Middle case: would be Kingmaker. Worst case: Fall guy (Fall Fae?) for Vellcrax.
Once things are gathered, swordbelt on, sword scabbarded. Breastplate, one of the prose books, and bloody white robe in a pack, and spear strapped to back, Flynn will peek out the door.
to get the count of Winter Fae and how Baris is holding up.
At a point where there are less combatants, maybe an archer and swordsman battling Baris, Flynn will step out. His deflect arrows will be ready.
Stand down Warriors of the Winter Court... I am Flynn. I seek a contract with you. You would make an excellent escort through these woods. You spoke of the Hunt. You should not deny your King a Bather in the Pool of Prey. Besides, I have left over food. You all must be hungry.
Yes, thank you.
[i]Guard the innocent.....it'll give me a second chance..... will I fail again?[/b] Aien takes a deep breath. I'll do it.
Your knowledge of Vellcrax is vague, you know of him in legend but that is about it. A bad creature.
Looking closely at the map you can see where the lodge is on the map and a slit is in the paper and wall behind. Once the blade is inserted the wall separates from where the blade was inserted. Behind you can see a glowing white spear with flowing script upon it that is unrecognizable to you. Also there is a shield with a lion made out of metal on it.
The spare clothes match Mordriac's adepts' style of clothing, simple and practical for use in the woods.
The sword that was used as a key has no blade now. Though the hilt now has strange red script flowing on it.
Two Fae still stand against Baris, who appears bloodied but not worse for wear. The three of them are focused on each other, there is no indicator that they notice you. At the notice of your announcement one of the Fae steps away from the fight as the other shouts a curse in fey at it. Now with only the one immediate threat Baris goes on the offensive and drives the still fighting Fae back until pressed against the wall where he disables the Fae with a flurry of blows after dropping his guisarme.
"I am a soldier of the Winter Court, what contract do you propose?" The Fae that stopped fighting asks.
Aien begins to come back to the living and sees the black armored figure above him with Jellena at his side. The collosus has its hand over you just inches from your chest. Garrett stands nearby with Thallia watching for new threats.
Flynn smiles recognizing the voice. The one speaking of contracts was the one who earlier spoke "But the hunt, we have dealt with the summer Fae, let us continue."
I formally greet you and offer hospitality. Attend to your wounded. Bring him inside, it is more comfortable, food is at the table. Leave your weapons just inside the door... We'll discuss the contract over food.
Flynn will negotiate escort and retainer duty. While they eat, Flynn will put on the boots and spare shirt. And maybe a duster. He'll keep his jeans though.
Let's head to the Pool for the Hunt.
The Fae tends to his wounded, he is astounded that none of them are dead. Broken bones or merely out cold from the onslaught of the halfling. He brings them all in, leaving the weapons inside next to the door. He eats just a little then realizing the taste eats to his satisfaction.
The Fae agrees to escort Jeffery to the pool, "Though my kin will have to stay here, they are not in any shape to move, let alone defend themselves. Also what may I gain out of this escort and retainer duty?"
Aien clasps the collosus's hand and stands up.
Thank you. He whispers
Moving on. As a Soldier of the Winter Court, you and your cadre of associates guarded the border of your King's lands trying to achieve a Quest that you didn't understand how you came to volunteer for it. You came across the Summer Fae, which ash that you avoided stepping in while you hauled your wounded comrades in. You fought the geas by questioning the wisdom in killing the Summer Fae. You fought the geas by breaking off the attack when I said to stand down. I am not upset by you defending your borders so there is no revenge in my heart regarding this night. It is clear to me that you want to do things because you have decided to do so rather than listen and be compelled by an uncertain, unreliable inner voice. An inner voice that is not your own. So what I propose is a contract, subject to time to time re-negotiation. At first it will be material, such as four enchanted pieces of gold and a blue potion labelled with a c, for escort duty. The next contract is more abstract. This will take you some time to think over and ponder. I want you to behave in a manner where I can give you my loyalty. There is a pause as Flynn eats absently some bacon...
This is not to be confused with fealty. Loyalty is providing you with means for economic gain, stability, and basic needs. For instance, I intend to offer to be Prey and Bathe in the Pool for the Hunt. You may be thinking of betting with someone at the Pool regarding the odds of someone volunteering. You could make some cons. Do not make such a bet. It is not a sure thing as I believe circumstances may complicate things before I can commit.
Flynn pulls off each page of the map, stacking them, before packing them away. Do you accept? Full disclosure on my part. I have accepted a contract with a dying Summer Fae to rid a threat to both the Winter Court and the Summer Court. He asked me to hurry. Very urgent were his words. GO! was mentioned at least once. I figure with a proper escort through these woods I could get there quicker than getting lost while avoiding pursuers.
I wonder if the Soldier's flavor text was different from the others? Maybe reused for this Quest. Maybe recycled from an abandoned quest. Is that why he is more sensitive than the other soldiers? Apparently the back story didn't include a name. If the Quest was for him to die so quickly, patrolling so far away from everyone, will anyone have memories of him? Would anyone have mourned him? How awful... Programmed with the expectation to die from adventurers, no other backstories are tied back to him. He may think that he has a family back in Loarim, but they won't know him, or worse, they were never coded into being.
Hey Tristan, be sure to get your weapons from the door before we leave.Your backstory is about to be rewritten.
The collosus nods and then says, "We are ready for more, but first archers to the trees. We three will stay below and keep them at bay."
Thallina nods at the logic and begins to climb the tall oak in the center of their glade.
Yes, to the Pool of Prey.
Rather quickly you make it to the Pool of Prey. The water ripples as if there is movement below though you see nothing in the crystal clear waters, only rocks and a bit of vegetation. The portal is only about 100 feet wide with ice surrounding it. Then a nagakin emerges from the water with a splash and it swims onto the shore and moves in land either ignoring you entirely or not caring.
Baris points out a purple glowing snake at the far end of the water where the water meets the ice.
The illusions were, and are, very masterful, by the way.Flynn rubs a stone he holds in his hand with his thumb before putting the stone in his front pocket of his jeans, in that rarely used watch pocket.
The "Illusionist" is still alive because its an illusion with no level up gems. The gear seems real. The map is real. That means that Mordriac was researching something here. The Cheshire Cat knows secrets. The "Illusionist" slammed open the door and "died" here - that could be faked. The question is Vellcrax: is that true or fake?
On a hunch, Flynn checks the arrow heads within the quivers by the door, for a match to the ones he paid Tristan.
Ok, the big mystery with no urgency about it is: Who trapped us here and why? The game was happening in beta testing so the coding to switch us here was being done concurrently. Everything that is happening is a distraction from focusing on this mystery. So let's think about it a little bit.
Would the exceptional NPCs like Oracles, Witches, Gods, and Mordriac have awakened earlier because they are sensitive to manipulations of the code - could they have gotten clues, images, ideas about what was going to happen before the Awakening?
The witch made teleportation bags which should not be impossible because no teleportation is happening.
Mordriac did avoid the timing of when he felt and seen the changes. I figured it all happened at once, when the gamers were trapped. He also strives at being jovial, like he is consciously switching it on. I like him though. Just need time to get through the Hunt to compare notes with everyone.
From evidence in the lodge, Mordriac knew this was happening, he or an associate drew up a leyline magic system for his woods, hence the wall and his magic scrolls for each location. He worked with the Fae mages for the Hunt of Nagakin, so he could include Vellcrax in the mix.
An aside to Baris, as they travel not letting Tristan the soldier over-hear. The Invisible Cheshire can listen in if he likes - afterall, how do you prevent Cheshire from doing anything? Be wary of Mordriac. With the door slamming performance, my thoughts are questioning the motives of the Hunt Master. Evidence in the lodge indicate there was a stored weapon to defeat Vellcrax, which I can see as an agent to assassinate the Kings of the Winter Court. Mordriac asked about Gods to visit the Winter Court. After hunting a King, next would be a God. Is it possible for him to steal your Godhood? He was very casual about accepting the challenge of hunting the Programmer, which would be the next step. I need a friendly Winter Court with Sanctuary - whether it be ruled by Mordriac or the current Evil King who may stick a sword in me because of a whim - as it would protect the innocents of Sanctuary, the Winter Court, and Summer Court from the four armies...
Tell them, "A Ballad Lord has fallen. The Ballad must be complete. Sir Orik Vancasterkin must take the place of the Ballad Lord. Sir Orik needs to take this raiment. Use the spear to slay the Ballad Lord's nemesis, the purple spirit Naga, Vellcrax, before it leaves the Pool of Prey waters or the portal will never close. They should head to the Pool of Prey with their trophies for another fight."
I will keep the hilt, Mordriac probably sent someone with it to retrieve the weaponry once we left for the Pool of Prey. The hilt has a strange red script flowing on it. I don't want to trade it. The hilt probably is not part of the Ballad Lord's gear since it has a different color theme.
I estimate that you will find them during the Hunt, so be careful.Flynn offers his hand in friendship to Baris.
[spoiler=GM]
Aien whispers back.
Bears Endurance, please.
[i]The longer I can stay alive, the more I can fulfill my mission.[/b]
Tristan had grabbed what you asked for.
Now in front of the Portal of Prey, Tristan keeps his bow taunt ready for an attacker from any direction. Then he asks, "What now Jeffery?" As you talk to Baris about taking it to Aien and Orik he looks as if bespelled then shakes his head, whispering, "Is that the spear of Ardilius? It is said it only appears when the time it is most needed. A dire omen from the words of Fae power upon it. If I am right, then it would be best used in a Ballad Lord's hands but any Fae will do. Let me weild it until your Baris can get your Ballad Lord here."
Thallina and Garret secured up in the tree the group waits for Aien to get up with his musket. "Hurry up, once we are done with this fight you can start your training, the black armored figure says through his mask." Jellena stands with scythe in hand ready to slice something. Orik keeps walking around the tree with his chain whizzing in the air.
Aien steps up, coughing.
I'm here.
He reloads his musket.
Tristan, you put on the armor, then provide cover fire. Circle the pool. Don't let the creature from get out. If you are good at melee, then the shield may go to you..
Baris, would you be able to wield your glaive one handed? If so, use the shield.
I'll put on the robe and wield the spear. Depending on use, I may wield the shield otherwise. I will strike with the spear at an appropriate time. I'll position myself so if I fall in combat, then Baris can pick up the spear. While Baris knows how to fight extremely well with a polearm. I have a couple of ideas how to use the spear, but I won't be active for the first couple rounds as I will be moving into position, hopefully invisible.
Here is a cure light wound potion each. I hope they are. Let's do this.
Echoing from his helmet you can hear the man speak to Aien, "Aien will you be climbing the tree or supporting us from the ground? We will wait on you to draw more attention, your shot will let the rest of us to be ready or attack."
They each take a potion from you before getting ready.
"We let the Nagakin come forth and put their first waves to test the animals of the forest. There were many dire animals in these woods before. The Fae are spread out and funneling the strays towards the Heartwood. Only the Heroes of the Wintercourt get to sate their blood thirst by fighting the swarm head on." Tristan relays.
Tristan picks up the armor then drops it as the armor glows where his hands were then he spits before saying, "Summercourt curses. I will not put it on." He then backs up 30 feet from the water bow in hand keeping Baris and Jeffery between him and the water.
The spear appears to be able to be wielded one handed.
Baris shrugs and then gets near the water ready for anything that might popup, guisarme in hand ready.
A few more nagakin pop up and get slain by a few arrows and a few strikes of Baris' blade. Then the purple worm on the far side begins to move towards the land. It glows brighter as it gets closer. It seems to be a serpent that swims on the top of the water. With Jeffery invisible the other two brace for the attack from this creature. Baris moves into the water bracing his weapon. Tristan shoots arrows at the thing as much as it charges in, some making it to the target but not appearing to slow it down.
Now it is much closer and goes to bite Baris. With its yellowed, venom-dripping fangs it strikes out to bite Baris missing as he back steps and lets his guisarme slam into its neck. It screams in pain the sinister serpentine monstrosity writhes. It backs up and coils breaking Baris' weapon as it prepares again. By now Jeffery has circled around in the water and poises to strike. Baris waits to bar its path to the land ready to slam it back just as hard as it will likely push.
Flynn will strap on the armor and robe seeing that the Summer Court is greedy with their enchantments. He'll probably need some help from Baris with the breastplate. He'll use the shield as well, if the combination of robe, spear, shield, and breastplate seem feasible. Flynn reasons that if the "Illusionist" was wearing the breastplate, either he had the training or the breastplate had certain abilities... If not, it may deflect a blow from Vellcrax that may hit an unarmored Flynn. Flynn figures he'll have two swings of the spear before he falls. The one while invisible and the one while using the trickery illusion, where Vellcrax strikes at a duplicate image. Using most of the tricks Flynn deliberately did not say in his plans to Mordriac. Is this Vellcrax a creature normal for the Hunt?
I still have the disguise self from Trickery Domain to use, but may need that if a Winter Court Fae approaches immediately after the combat... Seems inappropriate to disguise myself into seeming like I used a different weapon just to attempt to fool . Fae watching through scrying should see that Vellcrax is hit with the Ardilius spear.
Flynn attacks the Vellcrax, the Serpent Creature, with the glowing Spear, Ardilius.
Luck Domain
non-proficiency, finesse (seems light in the hand), strength, flank
Success!
Climb a tree, probably.
Never climbed a tree before.
Round 2 if needed.
Luck
non-proficiency, finesse (seems light in the hand), strength, flank
Aien continues to work at climbing the tree, with the help of the others you have a hassle with it but eventually get up and secured. With Aiens shot the others prepare to shoot anything that comes their way as the others below the tree prepare themselves for an onslaught.
Baris can help you get into the armor but has nearly no knowledge about armor. The armor is bulky and you have troubles moving in it, The combination of having them all in hand and equipped makes you feel protected and know how to use them in tandem.
As the purple large serpentine monster strikes out towards Baris the spear becomes visible and then Jeffery. The spear lands into the side of its head and devours flesh before it. With one strike the creature rattles in its death throes before collapsing in the water. Baris jumps back to not be squished by the bulk of the moving body. A few arrows hit the body of the monster but appear to do very little damage as Tristan does what he knows.
The ice that was already starting to converge on your spot begins to accelerate even more at covering up the water. The trident is lodged in the body of the monster, the handle begins to flicker with light. Soon the light fades from the spear handle.
Excellent, the armor fits well once everything in the set is worn together. If an Illusionist could wear this, then the armor may have helped him move around. Usually wizardly type folks don't learn martial aspects.
Flynn moves forward with deathly precision, his luck with him as he stabs the trident forward, the tip sliding effortlessly into Vellcrax's skull. Flesh eaten away as what Flynn sees is the bright light of the trident purifying and cleansing the magical evil of Vellcrax. Flynn lets go of the Trident at the shock of taking a life rushing to his thoughts. Up until now, I always thought I could get away with talking my way out of situations.
Flynn straightens, smiles broadly towards Baris, pushig any regrets from his mind of lost innocence. He waves Tristan over to include him in the celebration of shouts and laughter. Flynn will divide the level-up crystals three ways if there are any.
Flynn moves to avoid being in the Pool of Prey as it becomes an icy monument to Vellcrax's death. The trident seemingly singing a triumphant song in his mind, the bright light flashes once more before the song and light ends. The hum of the trident in his mind beckoning as it awaits to brighten once again at his touch.
Come, let us secure our corpses of the Hunt. No bathing in the Pool of Prey for me, this hunt... Flynn ruefully smiles as his body instinctively positions the shield to his back, as if the armor was helping him move as it has for countless re-tellings of this ballad. Flynn slightly frowns... He searches his map for icons of his friends, pointing the way to Baris and Tristan The King, the Master of the Hunt, and those Heroes of the Winter Court will converge upon the Pool. We will need our trophies of Nagakin to become citizens of the Winter Court. Either we saved the day with killing Vellcrax or ruined the King's blood sport by killing Vellcrax before he had a chance to or we ruined someone's perfectly good plan. Either way, the portal won't produce many more Nagakin for the Hunt.
When asked about the trident. Leave it for the moment. It carries the same spells that the armor shown when Tristan tried to put the armor on, so the trident is safe. It is basking for my attention, and I promised it a Sword in the Stone moment. I have mentally told it that there is a bigger threat to all Fae coming that it needs to prepare for. Either it accepts the excitement of the Cardinal North Army marching through the Heartwoods towards Sanctuary or it will have to be content to await the next telling of the Ballad of the Slaying of Vellcrax. Which may never happen if the Fae were to fall to the Northern Army.
Tristan, how many hours until dawn? Is there a "ritual looking" horn to be used around here to call an end of the Hunt?... Any other signs of Fae in the area? I had the impression the Pool of Prey had a ritual area for bathers while Mordriacs Adepts oversaw preparations, maybe some decadent picnics as sadistic Nobles watched and bet on Prey. Have they been overwhelmed by numbers of Nagakin?
Tristan sticks to the back as Baris takes the lead entering into the forest looking for more Nagakin. Killing a few more that were in wait your total of 6 red gems collected from the bodies as well with a scale from each one.
Tristan looks at Jeffery a bit confused then realizing what you are asking for he says, [b]"The Master of the Hunt will sound his hunting horn once most of the nagakin are dead or at least not streaming to the Heartwood anymore. Not many signs of other Fae. No ritual area that I know of. The nobles that chose to not participate are likely through the Looking Glass over on that hill, they watch through the Spheres of Illumination. We might start seeing Fae now that the portal is closed.
Warning! If you remain idle for too long, you will be kicked from the game.
Alice, awake.
Warning! If you remain idle for too long, you will be forcefully logged out.
More will be for you, remain. Remain, Alice.
Warning! Please move or type in the chatbox to signify that you are not AFK.
I, you are not. You move, you are. Awake, please.
Alice was standing perfectly still near the Looking Glass doorway, the portal shimmering and rotating above the ground. Like a statue, the femme held a spear with a blunt end, a new player's weapon. She wore no armor, instead she wore a sorceress's dress with a large rip that left one of her knees exposed. Her skin was pale and her hair was long and black.
And after a long moment of the rolling chat box of idle messages, she blinked. Nothing too big and flashy, just once. Then she lurched her chest forward, her eyes filling with a rich, red color. Her left arm twisted back and her right hand snapped its fingers backwards. Bending her back in half, she righted herself suddenly, bringing her hands to her neck to claw wildly there, her spear clattering on the ground.
Only the lightest of abrasions there, before she inhaled quite loudly.
And she calmed, lifting her hands to take a gander at them, and she looked slowly around her. Looking at the other people walking and talking around her, she cautiously lowered and grabbed the spear in the middle, rearming herself.
Then she stared down and to her left, her eyes travelling from left to right, but nothing was there...and she spoke in almost a whisper, "Alice...I, am, Alice."
Absently, as Flynn steps through the Looking Glass Doorway And a very fine Alice you are... If you allow, we extend our Protection to you. I am Jeffrey Flynn. My friends are Baris and Tristan. Alice, I need you to focus. By the rules of the Hunt, you have been somehow been summoned, arriving through a Portal at the Pool of Prey. Technically, you haven't bathed in the Pool, and I wouldn't recommend it unless you have some cold resistance in that small section of icy water. But the Fey may sense you are new to here, making you Prey. You will get a King's Boon if you live through the rest of the night.
Flynn types in a few commands while standing in the Looking Glass Doorway.
Depending on Alice and others, we will resume heading towards Aien and Miss Darkling.
Alice didn't respond at first, letting Jeffrey speak. It may have appeared as some sort of politeness, but her murky eyes were zipping about, reading and watching things appear that weren't there. Her hand lifted and she waved the back of it. On her player's screen, messages popped up rapidly.
Hey girl, wanna troll some noobs? There's this area where you can train some monsters in, little village of medding and crafting, msg me back, k?
Al, I just told a bunch of newbs that they can be my leeches. Get them nice and deep in a dungeon and then stealth out just before the popping begins. You in?
And other such messages appeared so rapidly that they filled the entire screen in an overlapping pattern. The last message was about her meeting up with some friends to do a little bit of dungeon grinding for sweet loot... and to power level and join a Hunt of their own.
Alice closes all of the invisible message boxes with a sweep of her hand, turning her attention to Flynn, "Y-y-you must be who I was waiting for." Her head twisted a such strange angles but finally snapped into place, once she got past the stuttering. "I-I-I will allow this." The pixels that made up her face rippled violently, and settled, as an error popping up on her player's screen in large, red letters: Error! Ineligible to Transfer. UNKNOWN ERROR.
And that error message popped up again and again, until Alice lifted her hand and formed a fist slowly, the error on the screen shattering to small, broken fragments and glitched out letters. The letters froze there and she smiled, her teeth black, "I will gladly accept your protection, F-f-f-lyn. A King's Boon sounds g-g-good. I want one. The errors of her appearance continued for some time as she spoke, until her last sentence, where they stopped.
Alice dipped her head, keeping her eyes on Flynn, and would follow behind him very closely, almost to where she was breathing on his back.
Flynn pauses a moment in his quick typing while in the Looking Glass Doorway, using similiar keystrokes as when he was in the Back Door Portal. The irony of seeing Alice through the Looking Glass amuses Flynn. The moment is surreal to him as he straddles the world of Dungeon Crash and the area of the Looking Glass Doorway. Doubt that Lewis Carroll meant it like this. I really have to introduce her to Cheshire.
With sardonic confidence, Of course I was. Seems everyone is looking for me. The illusionist, now you... pause as more quick typing. I appreciate your allowance. You are quite kind.
King's Boon is only... if you are considered Prey by your arrival here. Only way to guarantee Prey status is to bathe in the cold Pool Water. To also survive, don't offend the King - this is second hand knowledge but the King is known, on a whim, to stab people in the chest. However, I do mean to provide protection. I have a few other friends in the woods. I intend to gather them, then head towards that hill over there.
Stepping out of the Looking Glass Doorway, covertly handing Alice a Scale. Here, have a Nagakin scale. It will show that you are a citizen of the Winter Court. As in Fifth Element, it is your Multi-pass.
This is better than expected. If she isn't part of a Quest, then she is probably a mining bot, probably set up to harvest rare items as they spawn.
Alice stood directly behind Flynn, her eyes watching his typing with an absentminded interest. When he mentioned her, she was eyeing the dress that she was wearing, lifting the ends to investigate the hole. Letting the fabric lie, she looked up, smiling with a twitch of her lips, "You're welcome. I--am kind." She filled her lungs with air, "I am very kind."
As Flynn spoke, Alice turned to glance at the pool, certainly considering it as a viable option, "This King sounds like a kind man, to hand these boons away. I envy him. And when you get to that hill, what will you do?"
When Flynn turned around, Alice slowly settled her spear point to be closer to her side and looked at his hand. Grabbing the scale and sliding it up her sleeve, "And if I am a citizen of the Winter Court, what am I allowed? What is the Fifth Element?" She would stand within inches of him long enough to hear some answers, but the Pool of Prey was calling her attention. She would soon have to move towards it and test its waters with her finger.
Never met the King of the Winter Court. I suspect that he would not want to be considered a man as that denotes being human. He is Fae. As to the kindness, he may view kindness as a weakness rather than a strength. Let us be careful and polite to that one.
First we'll find friends of Baris and myself. They may be in danger because of the Nagakin swarmed these Woods with more numbers than the Fae expected. The Fae did a smart move. The Fae went into hiding to observe this Night's activities. This tactic protects their people, but means that I will have a harder time convincing them of the danger of the Northern Army. The Fae may attempt to sit out the coming conflict. For their and our survival, an alliance needs to form.
Then we will head towards the Hill. I suspect we'll encounter Winter Court representatives before we reach to top.
If you are a citizen of the Winter Court, you have certain rights to be in the Winter Court. What those rights are depends on the mood of the King. If you ask for more specifics, I will have to admit that I do not know. That could be a bad thing to admit, so don't ask further.
The Fifth Element is an awesome movie. Luc Besson is the director. Bruce Willis stars in it. A space cabbie picks up the wrong customer which causes him to meddle with the fate of the galaxy. Between destruction and stability.
Tristan stands 15 feet back watching for threats, not interested at all in the newcomer or your interactions.
Another Nagakin bursts forth from the vegetation, Tristan gets five arrows I need it before I take gets to Baris who shreds it in a flurry of blows. Baris collects the arrows, the scale, and the red shard. He pockets the other two and returns the arrows. He quietly says, "Nice shots Tristan." Tristan responds I need kind, "Nice finishing move."
Identify Loarim: Protective Enclave Inner Fortress
scroll points of interest, confirm location: 3,456 locations found
Set Ownership of Abandoned Building on Corner of Sword Street and Downton Street in Loarim to Jeffrey Flynn: Access denied
Identify Mordriac: Master of the Hunt, 67th, 9th member of the Winter Court, swing vote position, impartial vote.
scroll stat block: Access Denied
scroll backstory: 238 years ago he traveled from the Fae home lands and encountered Loarim. He was a master of the twin Fae blades back then and a bloodlust that likely got him exiled. Here in the wild woods he could hunt to his hearts' content. The 66th Master willingly gave the title over after the ritual duel. Thalkin retired to groom trees in the Heartland. Mordriac has been the Master of the Hunt and performed in his ballads for 78 years to present.
Identify King of Winter Court: Access Denied
, scroll stat block: access Denied
, scroll backstory. Access denied
Identify Vellcrax: Legend, evil, spirit naga
Scroll Backstory, error
mark Vellcrax lair on map: error
. Looking Glass Doorway: present access
, lock doorway upon closure keyed to a stack of pancakes: insufficient rights, access denied
, set spawn location Upper Floor back closet Flynn Building on Corner of Sword Street and Downton Street in Loarim.: insufficient rights, access denied
"I can take you to the pool, perhaps it will help you?"