Slide Into The Void - Part 1 - RPLOG
From Flexible Survival
Participants
Date
14/5/2022
Log
(Symaro) There is a rustling of paper as the kobold simply changes the page of his paper, a concerned look cast to one side once he sees exactly whom it was he'd have to put through their paces today. He folds the paper in two and swallows deeply, reaching up to tug at the collar of his shirt. "I was very much hoping you'd not be here Yejian. You have... too severe a significance. Alas, I... have my hands tied, don't I?" The small lizard mumbles quietly and pats the scarf wrapped around his neck. Seems like the four willing souls are here. The small lizard's piercing gaze wanders among all of them, his nostrils flaring and a soft hum parting him. His muzzle pulls into a small smirk for but a moment. "How apropos. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining me today. I hope you are all ready for what you are about to experience. No doubt you have questions, alas I can offer very few answers, and I will divulge onto you the little you need to know right now. Today you will be entering a different realm of reality. One not of sight and sound, but of mind. Worry yourselves not with goals. Your sole purpose is to venture forth. Keep moving, overcome whatever obstacles the elsewhere throws at you... and keep your wits about you. Where you are going, your perceptions are only as strong as your will." The kobold reaches out and retrieves the staff previously leaned against the nearby wall, then ventures to the gaping back leading into the ruined gas station. "Consider this a trial as much as a mission. Those of you who show exceptional aptitude will be compensated accordingly. As for your goal? Well... you will know it when you see it." The lizard reaches for the door and closes it, what was once a ruined interior of tiled flooring and shattered glass, disappearing behind the portal. He keeps his hand on the doorhandle for a few seconds, before swinging it open once more, revealing something entirely different behind it. One long and narrow stairwell, wooden walls and ceiling lit by candlelight leading into an unknown abyss. Turning, Symaro simply leans against the doorframe. "Afraid we've no time for pleasantries. Sixty seconds is what you have to start your mission." His head bobs towards the open entryway. "After which, well... you may as not have even come."
(Yejian) Yejian turns her eyes to Symaro for a moment, then looks away again, suddenly seeming... Annoyed. Not at him though. Followed by a reddening tint in her ears. "... I kept going to visit but I didn't recognize you so I kept turning back." She sighs again and flicks her tail. "Why wouldn't I be here? I did tell you I'd help you, you know. And the people of the land besides." Pushing herself up, she follows after, listening and absorbing. "You know, this doesn't sound quite like what was advertised... Not that I'm going to turn away now." She gets her sword and shield at the ready, despite the mental nature of this voyage. Or perhaps specifically because of that. "Ready and waiting, then."
(Fenris) "I have never been more excited to hear the intro to the twilight zone," Fenris says with a grin. The tanuki hesitates only a moment, frowning in concentration as he shrinks a bit to better fit the narrow stairway, then he bounds forward enthusiastically to mount the stairs. "ADVENTURE!"
(Junes) after hearing the kobold explain they see the lioness and admires their spirit for a second then remembered the time crunch and simply asks the kobold "how do we get back?" after hearing the answer they rush to follow the others
(Ankh) Listening to Symaro's speech, the gnoll nods and reaches to turn the brake on the motor saw's clutch, then squeezes down on the lever to rev the frightening engine into motion. The saws whirr to life for a moment before he calms them again. "Ready as I'll ever be. Only hope I can compare to the rest of you when the time comes.", he rumbles deeply, stepping toward the strange gateway into another world. Hearing someone else ask the question he had on his mind, he keeps his mouth shut and weapon readied. A final check of his pack, along with the weapons still slung to it, and braces himself for whatever awaits on the other side, descending into the abyss with eyes glowing in anticipation.
(Symaro) "We have much to discuss. Just please make it back." The blue-scaled kobold answers, the look on his face riddled with guilt as he peers back into Yejian's eyes. Fenris' sudden proclamation however wipes that grim look off of Symaro's face. Unfortunately the tanuki was spot-on invoking that reference. Funny how things worked, isn't it? One can't fault the fella for his enthusiasm however. Junes however asks a very good question, earning a dip of Symaro's head in response. "The same way you came in. You'll know the exit when you see it. Stay focused, stay alert, and you will be fine. But whatever you do, DON'T-*SLAM* The door swings widely and seals them right in, should anyone try to open it, they'd see naught but a brick wall behind it immediately after. Looks like they'd have to do without Symaro's words of advice. The group would find themselves with a narrow stairwell leading down into a vacant room with a single table at its center. There is a door on the opposite side, simple wooden make with a doorhandle anyone could use.
(Yejian) "This place feels... Oddly nostalgic," Yejian observes. "An inherited memory perhaps...?" She shakes it off for now, and presses on, quite thoroughly on her guard. Her gaze lingers on the table as she makes for the door, but she herself does not open it. Instead, she turns a curious look to the enthusiastic Fenris. He would open it, no doubt.
(Fenris) Fenris hops lightly down the stairs and gives the table a cursory glance, then meanders his way to the door before throwing it open. He does not stand in the doorway, sliding to one side and glancing outside.
(Junes) following a bit after fenris, junes shouts "wait! keep the door open once its closed things get cut of-" they stop and feel a creeping sensation "eugh feels like somethings watching us" they shiver a bit and in the moment they focus on grabbing the flashlight and flashing light around to search for this mysterious gaze
(Ankh) Shaking off the ominous feeling running down his spine, especially after that abrupt cutoff, Ankh growls to himself, entering the simple room with his saw-axe at the ready. "Seems we got one way forward. Just 'keep moving' right?", he offers with a grin despite himself. Eagerness to fight, or to avoid nervousness setting in. A roll of his shoulders sets his plated armor clanking, watching Fenris nonchalantly throw open the next door with widening eyes and preparing himself for the worst.
(Symaro) Fenris FLINGs the door open... and everything goes completely silent. Darkness shrouds the previous room as a biting cold grips those within it by the throats. The tanuki's actions had angered the entity controlling this place, the all-consuming void materializing and engulfing the room all had started in, physically shoving any and all whom lingered through the door. The passage behind them swings, its impact unheard and its handle now missing. The only way to move was forward. All seemed to have survived the first ordeal, though Ankh would start feeling something unusual. T'was akin to a crawling sensation upon his skin, along his legs and wrists... an itch not dissimilar from having his fur invaded by insects that simply weren't there. His vision goes from blurry to clear over the course of a few seconds, and he'd have his wits about him once more. At least, the majority of them. Silence rules within this chamber. Sound is nonexistent, words unheard, gunshots mute, so intense and thick that one can't even hear their own beating heart...
(Symaro) Fenris FLINGs the door open... and everything goes completely silent. Darkness shrouds the previous room as a biting cold grips those within it by the throats. The tanuki's actions had angered the entity controlling this place, the all-consuming void materializing and engulfing the room all had started in, physically shoving any and all whom lingered through the door. The passage behind them swings, its impact unheard and its handle now missing. The only way to move was forward. All seemed to have survived the first ordeal, though Ankh would start feeling something unusual. T'was akin to a crawling sensation upon his skin, along his legs and wrists... an itch not dissimilar from having his fur invaded by insects that simply weren't there. His vision goes from blurry to clear over the course of a few seconds, and he'd have his wits about him once more. At least, the majority of them. Silence rules within this chamber. Sound is nonexistent, words unheard, gunshots mute, so intense and thick that one can't even hear their own beating heart...
(Yejian) "Probably because something IS watching us," Yejian murmurs. She doesn't look too intently at the scenery here, but moves on straight. "I wonder if they're here," she says touching a hand to her neck subconsciously. "Anyway... Continue on, yes," she affirms, "Look for... The brambles. This place isn't impossible to navigate." Just try to retrace the steps she'd never walked. Like a peculiar ancestral recollection.
(Fenris) Fenris blinks in surprise at the sudden change of space and the sensation of being dragged along. He shakes it off and looks around. He reaches up and retrieves a torch from the wall, producing a small tinder box to light the torch before starting to explore, looking for a way forward or other things of interest.
(Junes) almost akin to a drunk being kicked out Junes is forced out the room mysteriously and after coughing a bit from dust and yells out in concern "never slam the doors!" and after the outburst they calm down and mention "by the way it felt like hands were forcing me out and well, this feeling like eyes are on us? I feel like the place has a mind of its own" and after regrabbing the flashlight they luminate the way and wonders if its better or worse for the group that only we are a source of noise and tries to catch up with the rest of the team
(Ankh) The unceremonious shunting into a new room was... shocking, for one. At least he was unharmed, if on slightly unsteady feet until he finds his footing again. But then the crawling sensation began... Part of him knew that this was a trick of the mind. A small, distant part that acted rationally, but not when one was already wound up from the unfamiliar place and unknown threats. The sensation of crawling in his fur prompting his breath to catch, and moments later a small gout of flame leaves with in a sigh, body heating considerably to try and banish the phantom critters. The distinct silence clawing at his throat, and ears discontentedly flicking to and fro to try and catch noise, he raises his free hand fire springing to life from it as he steps toward one of the sconces, looking about for the group and crooking his head down toward the splitting archway.
(Symaro) Moving along the corridor, the party would find themselves being encircled by an ever-growing darkness. T'was less that Fenris' torch was dimming, rather that the gloom of the room was pressing back against the party's intrusive presence. Whatever sentience governed this room had been disturbed, not only by the light but by the attempted utterance of sound. Fenris's efforts soon yield a result, the exit within view after a brief trek through these unholy halls. As the party advances however, they'd start to feel themselves being dragged down, grasped by something unlikely, something uncanny. Every step becomes an ever-increasing effort the nearer they drew to the door. Yejian, Fenris and Junes would be able to notice that their shadows were being grasped, yanked and tugged by the surrounding void, impacting and hampering their movement. Ankh remains unawares of this, and simply feels the effects...
(Yejian) Yejian has a path to tread, a goal to reach, she was going to reach it. The rabbit turned lion sets her jaw and presses on ahead against the grasping against her shadow. Burdens were no stranger to her, and what was the weight on her shadow compared to that which she herself bore on her shoulders. As she approaches the door, filled with an ever increasing determination and drive she reaches out. Gently, she opens the door. No slamming or flinging, but as one might in their own home.
(Symaro) Yejian pushes the door open. The entity in this accursed place seems unperturbed by her reach, and she merely opens the pathway leading down towards a forking tunnel with two identical doors bearing no clues as to what resides behind them.
(Fenris) Fenris takes note of those grasping shadows and frowns. Taking his torch in hand and starting into a spinning, complex dance, keeping the light between himself and the grasping darkness until he makes his way to the door!
(Junes) Junes feels a strange pull at their leg and looking back there is nothing but their shadow and OH that same thing they saw grabbing it and before more can grasp they tug hard and rush for the door along with fenris but slows considerably when close to the door and gingerly opens it more so the last one can make it
(Ankh) Ankh sets his jaw, torch raised with determination even as his steps appear leaden, slowing behind the rest of the group. It only forces him to clench his teeth and make each step forward count. This place was not going to take him without a fight, tooth and claw if he had to. No matter of trickery to attempt to slow him would do. And so he follows the rest, mindful of the silence yet surrounding them.
(Symaro) The party ventures forth, taking the northern hallway into an expansive chamber. Yejian takes front, though the moment her hand turns the handle leading deeper into the dungeon, she seems to pause for a few moments before swinging the entryway open. The air here is still, and sound resonates through these hallowed halls once more. This chamber seems to stretch on for infinity above you... let's hope it doesn't do so horizontally as well...
(Yejian) Yejian grimaces as she steps through the door, and touches a hand to her brow. "This is not at all like how mom described her trip here," she mutters. "Maybe because she was invited while we sort of just barged in." She closes her eyes for a moment, steadying herself. "Alright, I don't think what we're looking for is here I guess, so one of you take the lead on the next door. I need a moment."
(Fenris) Fenris sighs as his ears pop and sound once more fills his ears. The burly tanuki looks around with interest at the stacks around the group. He tells himself it is interest, anyway. And it has nothing to do with the unnerving flickers of movement in the corners or the inexplicable panick that seems to be gnawing at his thoughts. The burly tanuki takes a deep breath, trying to center himself, then he nods at Yejian and takes the lead, plucking a scroll from a nearby shelf as he walks straight ahead in the seemingly endless room.
(Symaro) Fenris unfurls the scroll. It is lined with strange inscriptions and an uncanny language, though thankfully nothing else. It may as well be discarded...
(Junes) finally in the room and altogether junes starts "ok now that we have a minute maybe we could introduce ourselves? im junes nice to meet you guys and even if this place is nuts ive got faith in us" taking a breather they finally take in the scenery and after seeing fenris touch a scroll just fine they decide to pocket a blank scroll as a sort of souvenir
(Ankh) Recalling his training with Diya, Ankh focuses on more than just the sighs that are actively playing their cruel tricks on him. Much as his blood boils, and grip on his weapon tightens, he forces himself to take a long, deep breath. Focus on what's real. The scents of his compatriots. Yes. There were only them. Gradually, his heart slows again. There would be a time to unleash the fire, but for now... for now he would enforce tranquility on his stirring thoughts. As best he could anyhow. "Wow...", he finally says, looking around. A few more steps, finding himself unburdened once more, and he places a hand over his sconce to extinguish it, before laying it on the ground. At Junes' voice, he nods. "Name's Ankh. If anything means us harm here, I am prepared to tear it limb from limb."
(Symaro) The party finds themselves in a moderately welcoming chamber. Though the paranoia from their past encounters persists, there is a warmth in the air here. Like any library, there are doubtlessly rules to follow, however the air is warm and there are no discernible immediate threats. The dim illumination permits you all to advance to the next chamber, however before you leave, you feel a fraction of your lost sanity re-coalesce, strengthening your resolve.
(Yejian) "I'm Yejian," replies the lion knight. "I would say that I'm here to protect and defend, but I feel like most of what we will encounter is something we must each contend with on our own... Regardless, I am here to help if I can." She shifts her grip on the shield and starts moving on, though she'll leave the doors to someone else for now.
(Fenris) Fenris sighs in relief as the crawling sensation abates. He looks around with a little smile. "I have always liked libraries," Fenris says, "But I am not going to give anyone my name as long as we are here. I guess you can call me Leaf for now." The tanuki leads the way to the next door and considers it for a moment. "Be kind," he says quietly, sensing that this place is more alive than not, then he nods to Yejian and opens the door.
(Junes) enjoying the moment of respite they listen and give a nod to yejian "nice to meet you" and looking to the tanuki junes adds "and nice to meet you mr leaf" they give a wink but then hearing him say (be kind) they remember the nature of this place and facepalm both because IT knows their name but also because of course looting would make it mad and with a sad look they grab the scroll and put it back and gives a small "sorry about that just wanted a reminder" and rejoins the group near the door and giving a small armstretch and adds "by the way if we need to fight how do you guys wanna go about it? a plan or just wing it?"
(Ankh) Ankh sighs, taking a moment to take his helmet off in the relative safety of the library. A clawed, armored hand rakes through his reddish mohawk, shaking his head. "Would've much preferred beasties to cut apart to these mental tricks and figments...", he grumbles, slipping the helmet back on when he notes 'Leaf' moving toward another door. "Right.", the large gnoll nods, raising his weapon again. "If this place is truly alive... let us hope for safe passage. Lead the way, but let the armor and shield up front of something looks dangerous."
(Symaro) The party ventures forth to the North, Fenris opening the door for the others, then meeting with a terrible circumstance. For all others whom were away and given the momentary notice to steel themselves, their nostrils are assaulted with the most horrid stench imaginable. Fortunately, the only one immediately afflicted is Fenris. The door seals shut behind everyone, and the tanuki doesn't look well... were he not furred, he'd be turning paler by the second spent in this accursed chamber.
(Fenris) Fenris doubles over as a geyser of poisonous swamp invades his sinuses and slaps his heightened senses. The burly tanuki hurls his guts into the foul muck at his feet, but it is not enough. He hacks and coughs, trying to stay on his feet. Head spinning, he throws himself forward, desperate to escape the noxious area. He leaps and crashes with wild abandon, trying to find any relief at all.
(Yejian) "Oh, it is very much alive," Yejian says with a nod. "This place is called... Er, 'Father' I think. Or at least that is what the denizens called it. I wonder if 'Friend' is still here." Though as soon as they're all pulled into another room she shuts her mouth. The less she breaths in here the better. Which means the sooner they can get out, all the better. She almost wished she was a gator today...
(Junes) seeing (leaf) like this junes rushes over "woah there i got you buddy" and proceeds to put his arm over theirs for support "we gotta get you out of here"
(Ankh) Ankh groans at the putrid stench, shaking his head and using the long pole of his weapon as a walking aid through the mire. His other hand moves in front of his nose, blocking the stench as best her can while moving forward to try and keep up with the panicking 'Leaf'. "Don't just rush forward!", he calls after him, but to no avail, making sure the rest of the pack stays together before moving forward again.
(Symaro) Seems like fate was out to get them this time around. This festering chamber was positively putrid, and though solely one of the party was feeling the yank on their fortitude, it seems like the festering underbelly of reality itself sought to do these adventurers in. Hear that? Everyone does... the slime off of the walls, slithering its way ahead of where they walked. From these putrid liquids, a monster coalesces, gelatinous in form, down on all fours, cobbled together by swept-away bones visible through its translucent murky surface. Two vicious tendrils emerge from its back where as a dog skull congeals in place to form its head. Two glowing green eyes lock onto the party, the monster having sniffed out its next meal, before lunging directly at all four of them!
(Yejian) This was a tangible threat. This was something Yejian could deal with. When it comes charging she meets it half way, raising her shield to bash those aggressive inclinations out of its noggin.
(Fenris) Fenris is drawn up short in his wild charge by the formation of the monster, and he hunches over, dry heaving again over the stench of the swamp. The tanuki is grateful for the attempt at help, but it just isn't enough. He reaches into his coat and produces a gourd marked with the kanji for sake. He tears the cork out with his teeth, then drains the gourd. The tanuki takes the now empty gourd from his lips with a satisfied gasp as he suddenly begins to grow! He grunts and draws his spear, following after Yejian with a swipe of his spear.
(Symaro) *SPLOTCH* the repulsive monster is firmly impacted by Yejian's shield. Its internal skeletal structure shifts out of place, forcing it to lose its footing and topple over before it can deliver an attack. It will need a turn to stand back up.
(Junes) seeing this threat junes decided to treat fenris right away "try to hold on" shifting a bit they grab a medkit from their pack and search fervently for medicine and upon finding it they hand it over to leaf to drink "here try to take it slow with this" and they close it up and prop him back up
(Ankh) Now THIS was something Ankh was more used to. Swapping his axe for a folded monster of metal hanging from his pack, the gnoll unfolds it with a thrust, and pulls the arming lever located near the cruel blade of what appears to be a strange, homemade gun-spear. Weapon ready, he rushes forward and sinks the blade into the monster's skull, then pulls the trigger on the spear. With a muffled THUNK, the hammer hits home, and a ballistic knife with an attached grenade is sent into the being.
(Symaro) Junes' medkit has just the thing to help Fenris battle off the consuming poison. Activated charcoal is just the thing to draw that horrid nonsense out of his blood and away from any vital organs. Meanwhile... Ankh pulls some grade-a badassery with an utter WILDCARD of a weapon. Who'd have thought that the ballistic knife harbored an explosive? Brace yourselves... *BANG* the monster's insides shake and quake, its bones shatter and goo sprays everywhere! The toxic sludge impacts Yejian, Ankh and Junes, disgusting globs of it seeping into their fur and causing them to feel... well a little bit off. Ever the stoic beast, Ankh is able to just shake the slime right off without being affected. Yejian seems wholly unbothered as well, however Junes immediately feels dizzy even once the slime had been cleansed off of him. Poor lad now endures minor poisoning much the same Fenris did. Speaking of the Tanuki, he'd danced right around the splash of goo and remained completely untouched by the surge of sickly liquids. The monster was slain... but its tiny little goolets begin to crawl back together into an ever-growing congealing mass. It would be fully reassembled in a matter of minutes, were the party so foolish as to linger here in the poisonous sludge.
(Yejian) "Nice work, but that is yet another reason we cannot remain here. Let's go," Yejian says, moving hastily on for one of the doors. "We can assess any lingering troubles if the next room proves to be safer." She keeps her sword and shield at the ready, in case there are any other lurking creeps to dispatch.
(Fenris) Fenris staggers back to his feet after a serendipitous moss sent him sliding in the much out of range of the noxious explosion. The plus sized tanuki chugs another gourd of sake, roars his approval, then turns tail to run, plowing through the brackish swamp for the next door and pausing only long enough to throw it open.
(Junes) though lightheaded junes rushes past the smaller globs and looking back to check there should be enough time for all of us to leave hopefully and upon reaching the door like other times comes to a halt and gently opens it farther for the last one to make it inside
(Ankh) Cackling in the way only a hyena truly can, triumphant that the blow struck true, he clanks forward to rush into the next room with the others, re-folding the gun-spear and sliding it back to its home to the side of his backpack. Blood pumping pleasantly quick with adrenaline as he watches the scattered and broken slime try to slowly pull itself back together again.
(Yejian) "I wonder how much longer til we find this nebulous goal." Yejian shifts her grip on her sword, freeing up her hand long enough to push her hair back out of her face. "Nothing for it but to press on. Ever forward, ever upward, right?" What even is a movie theater? She'd never seen one. What a weird room. On she goes, down the sloping floors in pursuit of the next door.
(Fenris) Fenris shudders, his now hulking form sprawled on the floor. The massive tanuki is pumped, a little buzzed, and incredibly aware of the danger they are all in. "There is something bad here," he wheezes, trembling as he heaves himself to his feet, "They are coming for us, I know it!" He tries his best not to look at the big, silvery screen, but his eyes are drawn inexhorably toward it.
(Junes) whether adrenaline or simply a weaker poison junes feels well healthier "whew" and after dusting their jeans a bit they add casually "by the way i think those things are gonna stay friendly as long as we dont provoke them" and squinting they add "iif you guys can sorta see them too if not then maybe me and leaf are going mad" and adds a casual shrug and goes to check everyones condition
(Ankh) Thankful for his armor to hide his raised hackles, the phantom noises leave his ears twitching and turning to them, head whipping around towards the source a few times, before he remembers to take solace in the scents. He can smell each of his compatriots. The stale, dusty theatre, the faint buttery smell of popcorn, and nothing else. With clenching fists, he forces himself to still, though his ears continue to twist and twitch. A frustrated growl leaves him, the assault on his patience and focus leading him to bear his fangs a moment, before getting temporary grip on himself.
(Symaro) No mercy for the restless it seems... the moment the party reaches somewhere around the center of the theater, the curtains open! Lo and behold a projector lights up from the back of the room and illuminates the screen! Anyone unlucky enough to be caught looking at it is subject to something... spectacular. Unfortunately it seems that all but Yejian and Junes are able to rip their eyes away from the screen. All others go still, then stiff... forcibly waltzed to the nearest pair of seats with their gaze fixated on the flickering silver screen. To Yejian and Junes it would be bank as freshly fallen snow. To Ankh and Fenris however...
(Yejian) "Hey. Hey, snap out of it." Yejian says, scowling. "I don't see anything, which means you definitely shouldn't be seeing anything either." She waves her shield around, trying to block their view of the screen. "We can't stop here. Not now. Just a little further, hold it together."
(Fenris) Fenris stares at the flickering light on the screen. His jaw is slack as he sinks into a nearby chair, strangely sized to fit his oversized bulk. Yejian's presence does not seem to be registering to him at all. Then suddenly, he jerks alert, grabbing at his chest and gasping. He scrabbles at his chest, tearing open his shirt and sending buttons flying in a way that even his transformation did not. He stares, uncomprehending, at his revealed, furry chest, then grabs at Yejian, obviously confused. "Who was it?" he growls in a raspy, low voice, "Was it Agdon? Raseed? Who!?" He looks around wildly, and then considers his huge paws like he has never seen them before. Then the enormous tanuki shudders and looks with fear at the movie screen. "We gotta get out of here," he wheezes, sounding more like himself, but still shaken.
(Junes) seeing the reaction in leaf after being shielded by yei, junes decides to do the same to help this guy out though still havent caught their name and proceeds to cover the view with their body and opens and closes their eyelids "hey pal wake up! this place is still dangerous and if you stick around well im sure its dangerous so we gotta go!" and then puts their arms down if they seem to notice a change
(Ankh) Eyes dimmed behind the ballistic visor of his helmet, his body seems odly calm for a long moment, nary a twitch and breathing frighteningly calm. But then there is a twitch in his eye, tears beginning to flow freely down his cheeks as his breath catches. As life slowly returns to his eyes, his chest heaving as if struggling for air. A breadth of sensations watching over him in a cruel wave of misery, claws clenching into his hands tightly enough to pierce his hide and draw droplets of blood. Jaw clenched he tries, and fails, to hold back a thunderous wail as he is sent to his knees, supporting himself on his hands. Though it doesn't last. Heat pouring from his body as, in the blink of an eye, he bites down with his full force onto his own hand, red pouring in a steady stream to pool beneath him before there is a cruel, meaty sizzle and a roar. Steam rises from where the gnoll bit down, powerful fangs piercing through the flat of his hand. When he releases himself, there is a lingering, horrid glow of heat from his fangs, blood stemmed in a most extreme measure. "FUCK!" With a final, double-fisted slam full force onto the ground beneath him, screaming a single word before he wrenches himself to his feet, fire burning in his eyes as he regards Junes with a mix of horror and dejection.
(Symaro) "My my, such delicious dread..." a voice fills the heads of all the adventurers. "Ahh! I know you four. Yeeeees, you're the morsels from that... Fairwhatsit place that's been boring tethers between the here and there! Did your little itty bitty agency send you?" The laughter that follows is nothing short of spine-chilling. "Sweet, vulnerable little souls. You are faaaar off the track if you seek the Tear." The voice goes silent for a few seconds. "You don't knoooooow. Your puny little agency needs to forge weapons to combat us, so they are after a relic sequestered deep within these halls. And there you are. Wee little morsels. I'll tell you what! You've vastly entertained me. Who would have through that such a propensity for evil lurked within these two among you. Have your tear. It's merely a fleck compared to the wonders our halls house!" With that, the projector ceases, the screen going dim and the once solid wall gives way, sliding apart to reveal a stairway up to the upper levels. "Have your exit, I've relocated the Tear for you. Hope to see you again... it's been fun. Seventy five years of fun. Or, if you wish... just keep going in deeper. That would be funny... TOODLES!"
(Yejian) Yejian, likewise, seems a little confused at Fenris' reaction. "Who? Err, no, it doesn't matter. We need to go." Ankh's reaction proves even more alarming and puzzling, prompting her ears to fold back. "It'll pass once we get moving and find the next... Ah?" She trails off when the voice speaks. "Weird. Not entirely what I was expecting here but... No matter. We should get you two out of here, lest things get worse."
(Fenris) Fenris frowns at the sound of the voice, and it is a rather, un-Fenris-like frown. He reaches to his belt for a weapon that is not there. He freezes for a moment, then quietly swears under his breath, then shakes himself all over. The enormous tanuki slowly starts to shrink back to his more normal size. "I-" he starts, then stops, as if surprised by the sound of his own voice. "I don't know if I can leave yet," he says, though he looks with real longing at the door, "I think I beed to go deeper."
(Junes) seeing the gnoll probably snap out of it they sigh and aren't sure what ti make of the steam aside from mutant stuff and upon hearing the voice junes listens and makes a note to remember this voice and then soon after they hear leaf and then responds to him "i agree theres more to this place, im sure of it"
(Ankh) Ankh whirls his head around, trying to discern the source of the bodiless voice, snarling and bearing the still glowing fangs at the air. "I. Am going to wring that /laugh/ out of your /throat/.", he grimly promises the owner of that taunting voice. Chest still heaving with his breaths, he looks to the others, all to eager to lead the charge further into the bloody place and bring its master to task with the business end of his axe. But, something gives him pause. A moment of hesitation, looking down at his seared hand, then looking to Fenris after a long moment staring at his self-inflicted injury. "We need to leave.", he finally growls, clearly displeased about the idea. "We're not ready to go deeper."
(Yejian) Yejian raises a brow. "Of course there's more to it. A lot more. We've not even found the brambles yet, or the graveyard. But are you fit to see it?" She asks, with a frown on her face. "I might be holding up alright, but you seem to be having a rough time of it, Leaf. We can always rest and return another day. Better to stay alive and sane, isn't it?"
(Fenris) Fenris considers the escape route and the taunting voice. "I'm going on," he says in a low voice, more like his own, "If I were to leave now, I would leave both scarred and defeated, and I will not be either, if I can help it." He looks at Yejian, haunted. "My sanity is what I am worried about if I leave now." The tanuki moves forward and lays his hand on the handle for the door leading onward. "Time to get serious," he says.
(Junes) giving a wild grin junes walks right alongside (leaf) and looking to the other two say "yeah this place is too interesting to pass up and if we could find something like the tear hopefully we can get more to learn about this place, and besides i can't leave leaf on his own this place is dangerous enough and im pretty curious anyways though" looking down a bit they look back up seriously at yejian "ive got a favor to ask im not sure if i will make it so just in case i have two things to relay to anybody who asks for me." and they cough a bit before continuing"the dungeon is a dangerous place but theres something alive to it so i had to venture, and the second ask that kobold that sent us how to enter back here and tell anyone who asks for me the dangers but also how to come here"
(Ankh) "Absolutely not. We're not telling random agents how to get down here.", the gnoll responds with a growl. "That's just asking to have blood on your hands." He takes a deep breath, looking from one of his compatriots to the other, finally sighing. "If you insist on pressing on, I will follow. If only for a chance to see that bastard's head mounted over the manor's hearth."
