blade (刃) 🌠 yingxing (应星) (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
unreachableside) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
kaisou2025-01-28 08:15 pm
unreachableside) wrote in kaisou2025-01-28 08:15 pm
Entry tags:
action | burn it all down
WHO: Blade and the Dungeon Crew (Dan Heng, Jing Yuan, Ash, Ragna, Lapis, March, Varian) and the Backup Crew if they feel like it (Rose, Jun, Scintilla, and Venti).
WHERE: Hyrule and then the Dungeon Below
WHEN: Late January
WHAT: Blade discovered a dungeon underneath his forge, but he's been very patient and uncharacteristically cautious (read: held back by his friends/loved ones) until he could get a group together to explore.
WARNINGS: combat, language, disgusting swamp monsters without faces
argreion, the argent knight.
meeting up.
It's a cool, crisp morning in Hyrule.
Blade's forge in Hyrule has been made slightly more comfy for visitors, given what's going on today. It consists of two noteworthy buildings for those unfamiliar: the forge proper, which is essentially a couple of specialty stoves underneath a chimney and a big roof to deny the rain; and a sort of small warehouse resembling an outdoor garage currently housing all his supplies and some finished projects, as well as propping up the ridiculously-oversized lance he looted from the giant mech they fought last August. The tables underneath the forge roof have been cleared of most unimportant things and there are outdoor chairs, first aid supplies, and a little camping stove and kettle if anyone wants to make tea.
As cozy as this looks for a meeting place, it's impossible to miss the giant gaping hole just a few steps from the outbuilding. Carved stone steps lead downward into the darkness, terminating in some kind of magical stone elevator begging for someone to explore.
Blade waits for what he feels is everyone who means to show up, and then he clears his throat.
"All right, everyone. Thanks for coming. Jing Yuan, Dan Heng and I have done a bit of scouting ahead just to see what this place is like. It has multiple floors, though we haven't figured out how to access them yet. The first floor is infested with monsters none of us were familiar with. Just in case we get separated, I want us to form two groups with strength and support on both sides. Let's not underestimate what might be waiting for us at the end of the maze.
"If you like, you can stay up here and call for help if no one comes back by sundown. We probably have enough people, so backup would be ideal.
"Any questions?"
With everything sorted, he gives the signal for the two groups who are going to file down into the abyss. The scent of cold earth and musty stone assaults your nostrils as you start down the stairs, down, down, down into the unknown...
the first room.
Surprisingly, the stone elevator at the end of the stairs is generously wide. Wide enough for several cars, not that something that large would need this elevator. After everyone is on, Blade hits the button and it grinds to life. The sunlight dwindles and disappears behind the stones as the lift sinks down, accompanied by the creaks and groans of ancient gears.
At last the elevator comes to a stop. As your eyes adjust, you find the place is lit by flickering magical torches. More unreadable symbols have been etched into glowing stone situated all around the room, which is at least the size of a football field... Almost like an arena. Despite your nerves, however, there isn't much here to greet you: just two heavy metallic doors leading in opposite directions, and whatever regrets you might have about not eating breakfast.
"We'll keep this simple. Group one, you're with me. We'll head west. Group two, you head east. Good luck." Brandishing his sword, Blade leads the first group through the door on the left.
Adventure awaits!
group one.
As soon as you step over the threshold of the door, it closes violently behind you and locks. No going back the way you came, apparently. Unlike the other chamber, this one is poorly lit with only flickering old lamps that do little to highlight the corners of the room. The path is long and winding, and the scent of musty stone is strong; distantly, water drips behind broken bricks. Perhaps there is an underground river?
While navigating this darkness, you hear the occasional skittering of something just beyond the light. Anyone exploring the dark areas of the room is bound to trigger an ambush. Armed with sharp claws and venom that slows people, large orb-shaped monsters pounce on the unprepared. As you press on, shadows coalesce into massive slug things known as Dromes in Zemuria, because the only thing worse than a mad mollusk is a mollusk that can cast Blind on you or even knock you out instantly. Interesting enough, it seems to be similar to the spells you can cast with an ARCUS.
None of the monsters are overly strong, but could prove to be trouble to those who are unaccustomed to combat.
At the end of the path lies some kind of torch puzzle. Lighting one torch causes two to go out. Lighting one of those causes one to light up. Lighting the third causes a different one to light up, and lighting the last one causes all torches to go out. It's classic and frustrating, but surely with a little fire magic and some critical thinking you can solve it and go on.
The heavy grate winds up and allows you entrance into this... guarded chamber, where it awaits you:
An even bigger slug. No, seriously. This one is at least fifteen feet tall. It's immune to knockbacks and heals itself by attacking with a wide swipe, and most troubling of all, it can occasionally silence enemies with a cutting wind spell. Still, it's nothing compared to the previous fights that this crew has weathered. It's just... slimy. And gross.
After the Giant Drome is handled, the door at the other end of the chamber opens into the final chamber.
group two.
The eastern path is winding, too, and just as musty. However, instead of the sound of distant water underground, you hear wind whistling through the cracks in the stones. The breeze doesn't smell fresh, but at least air is moving. With it, it brings the sound of other things squeaking and eating down in the darkness. The light is just barely enough to walk by, and it certainly won't help during combat.
As you tread deeper, the sound of your footsteps becomes deafening. And then out of the darkness of the ceiling, a swarm of monstrous bats descends upon the group. These bats are way heavier than they have any right to be, like wrecking balls wearing fur. Despite their fluffy appearance they intend to physically assault and then eat you, so maybe fighting back is a good idea!
After the bats are dealt with, you find yourself in another large room. This one smells dank and not in a good way. Shining a light, you can see that some of the room has collapsed and eroded into stagnant cave water. Movement flickers beneath the surface, the only warning you get before abominations made of dead monsters drag themselves up from the depths and charge those present. They have the ability to heal themselves as well as a vile sticky spray attack.
While frightening to behold, these still aren't very strong monsters... It's almost like this is a beginner dungeon or something.
After the swamp room, there is some kind of basic light puzzle consisting of a magical beam that bounces back onto itself. Mirrors line each side of the room, and can be dragged and rotated to correct the light's trajectory. Shine the bright beam from the south end of the room onto the sparkly wall-mounted gem on the north side, and the door will open.
On the other side of the door, you find—
A big angry lobster. Called the Fate Spinner in some monster manual in Zemuria, its nature is that of a venomous, blighted bog boss. It attacks with its sharp claws in a broad, powerful arc, but it can be staggered! On the other hand, its vomit can both Burn and Confuse enemies, so watch out for its breath.
Once it's dealt with, the door unlocks, and the second group can finally proceed.
reuniting at the final room.
Both groups find each other again after their respective boss fights as the paths converge into a final, massive chamber. It looks to be ceremonial in nature but currently inactive. A motionless statue stands at the front of the room, at least thirty feet tall, having the silhouette of a suit of armor.
As Blade steps forward to investigate, sigils etched into the stone floor spring to life until they encircle the statue. Once illuminated, it becomes clear: that's no statue at all.
This is Argreion, the Argent Knight, who had been Arianrhod's companion and weapon in her fight against the rebels.
Before Blade can find what to say, the blue lights on Argreion's armor flicker to life. In a feminine voice that only Blade can hear, she calls to him.
"Awakener..."
And then, in full sight of everyone, the armored suit bows down on one knee. The entire wall behind the mech slides open to reveal that this chamber connects to the very first one, so everyone is now able to get on the elevator and leave the dungeon! ... Including the mech, which is juuuuuust small enough to fit on the lift.
These are clearly not Hylian ruins despite being in Hyrule, and there is still a massive hole next to the forge, but that's a problem for a different day. For now—revel in your hard-won victory against the dark things in the Forge Hole.
You've earned it.
WHERE: Hyrule and then the Dungeon Below
WHEN: Late January
WHAT: Blade discovered a dungeon underneath his forge, but he's been very patient and uncharacteristically cautious (read: held back by his friends/loved ones) until he could get a group together to explore.
WARNINGS: combat, language, disgusting swamp monsters without faces
argreion, the argent knight.
meeting up.It's a cool, crisp morning in Hyrule.
Blade's forge in Hyrule has been made slightly more comfy for visitors, given what's going on today. It consists of two noteworthy buildings for those unfamiliar: the forge proper, which is essentially a couple of specialty stoves underneath a chimney and a big roof to deny the rain; and a sort of small warehouse resembling an outdoor garage currently housing all his supplies and some finished projects, as well as propping up the ridiculously-oversized lance he looted from the giant mech they fought last August. The tables underneath the forge roof have been cleared of most unimportant things and there are outdoor chairs, first aid supplies, and a little camping stove and kettle if anyone wants to make tea.
As cozy as this looks for a meeting place, it's impossible to miss the giant gaping hole just a few steps from the outbuilding. Carved stone steps lead downward into the darkness, terminating in some kind of magical stone elevator begging for someone to explore.
Blade waits for what he feels is everyone who means to show up, and then he clears his throat.
"All right, everyone. Thanks for coming. Jing Yuan, Dan Heng and I have done a bit of scouting ahead just to see what this place is like. It has multiple floors, though we haven't figured out how to access them yet. The first floor is infested with monsters none of us were familiar with. Just in case we get separated, I want us to form two groups with strength and support on both sides. Let's not underestimate what might be waiting for us at the end of the maze.
"If you like, you can stay up here and call for help if no one comes back by sundown. We probably have enough people, so backup would be ideal.
"Any questions?"
With everything sorted, he gives the signal for the two groups who are going to file down into the abyss. The scent of cold earth and musty stone assaults your nostrils as you start down the stairs, down, down, down into the unknown...
the first room.Surprisingly, the stone elevator at the end of the stairs is generously wide. Wide enough for several cars, not that something that large would need this elevator. After everyone is on, Blade hits the button and it grinds to life. The sunlight dwindles and disappears behind the stones as the lift sinks down, accompanied by the creaks and groans of ancient gears.
At last the elevator comes to a stop. As your eyes adjust, you find the place is lit by flickering magical torches. More unreadable symbols have been etched into glowing stone situated all around the room, which is at least the size of a football field... Almost like an arena. Despite your nerves, however, there isn't much here to greet you: just two heavy metallic doors leading in opposite directions, and whatever regrets you might have about not eating breakfast.
"We'll keep this simple. Group one, you're with me. We'll head west. Group two, you head east. Good luck." Brandishing his sword, Blade leads the first group through the door on the left.
Adventure awaits!
group one.As soon as you step over the threshold of the door, it closes violently behind you and locks. No going back the way you came, apparently. Unlike the other chamber, this one is poorly lit with only flickering old lamps that do little to highlight the corners of the room. The path is long and winding, and the scent of musty stone is strong; distantly, water drips behind broken bricks. Perhaps there is an underground river?
While navigating this darkness, you hear the occasional skittering of something just beyond the light. Anyone exploring the dark areas of the room is bound to trigger an ambush. Armed with sharp claws and venom that slows people, large orb-shaped monsters pounce on the unprepared. As you press on, shadows coalesce into massive slug things known as Dromes in Zemuria, because the only thing worse than a mad mollusk is a mollusk that can cast Blind on you or even knock you out instantly. Interesting enough, it seems to be similar to the spells you can cast with an ARCUS.
None of the monsters are overly strong, but could prove to be trouble to those who are unaccustomed to combat.
At the end of the path lies some kind of torch puzzle. Lighting one torch causes two to go out. Lighting one of those causes one to light up. Lighting the third causes a different one to light up, and lighting the last one causes all torches to go out. It's classic and frustrating, but surely with a little fire magic and some critical thinking you can solve it and go on.
The heavy grate winds up and allows you entrance into this... guarded chamber, where it awaits you:
An even bigger slug. No, seriously. This one is at least fifteen feet tall. It's immune to knockbacks and heals itself by attacking with a wide swipe, and most troubling of all, it can occasionally silence enemies with a cutting wind spell. Still, it's nothing compared to the previous fights that this crew has weathered. It's just... slimy. And gross.
After the Giant Drome is handled, the door at the other end of the chamber opens into the final chamber.
group two.The eastern path is winding, too, and just as musty. However, instead of the sound of distant water underground, you hear wind whistling through the cracks in the stones. The breeze doesn't smell fresh, but at least air is moving. With it, it brings the sound of other things squeaking and eating down in the darkness. The light is just barely enough to walk by, and it certainly won't help during combat.
As you tread deeper, the sound of your footsteps becomes deafening. And then out of the darkness of the ceiling, a swarm of monstrous bats descends upon the group. These bats are way heavier than they have any right to be, like wrecking balls wearing fur. Despite their fluffy appearance they intend to physically assault and then eat you, so maybe fighting back is a good idea!
After the bats are dealt with, you find yourself in another large room. This one smells dank and not in a good way. Shining a light, you can see that some of the room has collapsed and eroded into stagnant cave water. Movement flickers beneath the surface, the only warning you get before abominations made of dead monsters drag themselves up from the depths and charge those present. They have the ability to heal themselves as well as a vile sticky spray attack.
While frightening to behold, these still aren't very strong monsters... It's almost like this is a beginner dungeon or something.
After the swamp room, there is some kind of basic light puzzle consisting of a magical beam that bounces back onto itself. Mirrors line each side of the room, and can be dragged and rotated to correct the light's trajectory. Shine the bright beam from the south end of the room onto the sparkly wall-mounted gem on the north side, and the door will open.
On the other side of the door, you find—
A big angry lobster. Called the Fate Spinner in some monster manual in Zemuria, its nature is that of a venomous, blighted bog boss. It attacks with its sharp claws in a broad, powerful arc, but it can be staggered! On the other hand, its vomit can both Burn and Confuse enemies, so watch out for its breath.
Once it's dealt with, the door unlocks, and the second group can finally proceed.
reuniting at the final room.Both groups find each other again after their respective boss fights as the paths converge into a final, massive chamber. It looks to be ceremonial in nature but currently inactive. A motionless statue stands at the front of the room, at least thirty feet tall, having the silhouette of a suit of armor.
As Blade steps forward to investigate, sigils etched into the stone floor spring to life until they encircle the statue. Once illuminated, it becomes clear: that's no statue at all.
This is Argreion, the Argent Knight, who had been Arianrhod's companion and weapon in her fight against the rebels.
Before Blade can find what to say, the blue lights on Argreion's armor flicker to life. In a feminine voice that only Blade can hear, she calls to him.
"Awakener..."
And then, in full sight of everyone, the armored suit bows down on one knee. The entire wall behind the mech slides open to reveal that this chamber connects to the very first one, so everyone is now able to get on the elevator and leave the dungeon! ... Including the mech, which is juuuuuust small enough to fit on the lift.
These are clearly not Hylian ruins despite being in Hyrule, and there is still a massive hole next to the forge, but that's a problem for a different day. For now—revel in your hard-won victory against the dark things in the Forge Hole.
You've earned it.
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[Blade picks up a small stone and tosses it down the stairs into the hole, where it skips down a few steps and then clatters off into the darkness.]
Even if we close up this dungeon, it's still too close to the foundation...
[He sighs heavily, a sound that matches the hue of the bags under his eyes.]
I need to pack up and move my shop.
[ii. group one]
[Those weird ball shaped things with chicken legs are ugly as sin.]
Where is its face?
[He can't even tell what's flying at him, except that it is. Growling, he unsheathes his sword in a swift strike that covers him in hissing blood.]
Disgusting.
[iii. the final room]
[Blade stares, staaaaaaaaaaares up at Argreion for a long moment... and then lifts his hand and points at himself.]
—Me? Are you sure?
[He's not sure if he's asking the mech or not. After all, he helped bring an end to Arianrhod's life. He still leaves flowers on her memorial sometimes while passing through the area.
He's not used to being the center of attention in a crowd of people, at least not in a positive way, and for a moment the blunt confidence falters. Then he clears his throat.]
... Well, I can't just leave her here. [He reaches out and... hesitantly pats the giant mech's foot. In a quiet voice, he says:] Thank you for putting your trust in me.
group one
He attaches pulls out one of his glow-sticks, shaking it to start it glowing, before attaching it to his quarterstaff, following Blade through the tunnels. The ball-leg thing is pretty gross, but at least Blade makes quick work of it. ]
Ugh, that was weird. [He pauses as more scuttling can be heard in the dark, his grip tightens on his staff a little. ] Sounds like there's more of them, though.
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I need to rig one of my daylight lamps in here, [he says, flicking the acidic blood off his sword.] Forty thousand lumens should do the trick.
[He considers, and then reaches out towards the end of his blade. FWFFFF. It begins to burn with an odd blue flame thanks to his fire manipulation he's been working on. Blade your sword is not an improvised torch. Blade. BLADE.] Oh. The blood's flammable.
Don't worry about the vermin. Stay close to me, and we'll clear them out.
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Varian hums in assent, raising his staff a little higher to look around. ]
I think that'd do it, yeah. And I-
[ Oh wow, okay that blood is definitely on fire. Varian doesn't seem to be bothered by Blade using the sword as an improvised torch. Instead, he is pulling a test tube and taking a quick sample of the blood. Into his backpack it goes for future testing!!! ]
We can look into that for a later date. That can be useful.
[ Guys, please. ]
Okay, I'll take your lead on this. I've got my ARCUS if things get really hairy. It can heal really well if it comes down to it.
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ground zero
Would this be a good moment to mention that Gilgamesh send me a considerable amount of money for that very thing. [ it is said casually, as though he is merely commenting on the weather. as though he isn't admitting to being sent a shit load of money from the very man who is funding POKEGO. not the mention the man financing this venture amongst other things. ] We can upgrade some of your facilities if we relocate the forge.
[ :3c ]
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You're kidding. [He's not kidding.] I told him I'd contact him only if it was an emergency. But you are telling me that he sent the money anyway?
[He feels suddenly very tired. He takes a deep breath, then shuffles closer to Jing Yuan and... leans his head on his shoulder.]
I don't know where to go. I'd have to file city permits, find a place that would allow a forge... double check the city code... All of that is why I built the forge out here, and commissioned Varian to help me lay a primitive gas line.
[...]
... You smell nice.
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The Final Room
He approaches his partner and puts a gentle hand on his shoulder. He's high-key aware of everyone else around them, but Blade might not care.]
Why not you? By all accounts, you'd be more than worthy to pilot her. After all, you've kept her weapon in peak condition, and you did best her in combat. You've earned her respect.
[The High Elder lowers his voice.]
You've also earned your rest. Once we've gotten her to a secure location, you need to sleep.
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That's probably true, but... I don't even know where to start. I don't know anything about her world or where she comes from. How can I take care of her if I don't know?
[Is this a mech or a child, Blade???]
Still... I have to try.
[At Dan Heng's suggestion, Blade looks just a little more tired, his shoulders slumping slightly.]
I'm so tired, tiánxīn. Would I fail them if I slept in tomorrow?
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march 7th | honkai star rail
[She might've found the outfit in a bargain bin in Goodwill somewhere, but the swords hanging from her belt are very obviously of fine make. Not quite up to Blade's level, but the Luofu craftsmanship standard is still quite high. Her bow is slung over back, and as she peers down at the hole she scrunches up her nose.]
Huh, that's a long way down.
[There's a beat. She taps the Electro Vision on her hip.]
Stay close to me and I'll shield you, 'kay?
[two: basic problems demand dnd player solutions]
Hey, guys, before we start moving mirrors—
[And March points a sword at the wall-mounted gem.]
—how stuck to the wall do you think that is? If we pull it out we can just put it in the middle of the light beam. Puzzle solved! Aren't I smart?
[She puts her hands on her hips, inordinately pleased with herself.]
two
Absolutely the hell not. What is wrong with you, we have cryptids and who the fuck knows what else running an' you wanna start breaking shit?!
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[Her logic is totally flawless! At least she thinks so. But she sheathes her swords.]
That's where it's going, isn't it? So really we just have to yank it out and put it here.
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one
Probably not great as the guy she attacked on the Event Horizon stood next to her as she peered down The Hole. One of the worst fucking experiences he's ever had in this goddamn city.
And to think remembering Jin... Ragna the Bloodedge's Jin rather, was only halfway up the reason why. But despite that happening, he knew it wasn't this girl's fault.
So even though he's being Himself in his comment, he's not shying away.]
Shield's not gonna help anyone if you fall down there and bust your ass, keep away from the edge.
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She's just awkwardly keeping a bit of a distance from Ragna, unsure whether she can be as bubbly as she normally is around him or not. Instead, she just fiddles with the hems of her gloves.]
I'm away from the edge, don't worry, I know better than to fall down there. Seems like you'd be really hurt if you fell all that way.
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SHROUD | BACKUP CREW
However with the number of people here, it became apparent that the team could manage without immediately resorting to Shroud's power. And so, he volunteered to stay outside, standing by in case something went wrong and they needed someone to get to them fast.
And so, quietly Shroud stands outside the dungeon, his arms crossed as he leans against a wall, not really initiating any conversation. Knowing his boyfriend and younger brother were on the teams reminded him of the days he'd monitor Kou and the XRC as they traversed the Eclipse - but he's trying not to let himself dwell on that.
The only time he moves from his post is when he senses monsters from Hyrule, namely Bokoblin and Lizalfos, start wandering near - attracted by the human activity. When that happens, he'll walk over until they are in his range of vision, conjure a long bow made of light and start taking shots at them with light arrows.
Sure, it'd probably be quicker if he just teleported and slayed them with his sword - but he has an archery competition to practice for.]
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The bard does step away for a few minutes to pay his respects to Joan's grave. He lays a bouquet of cecilias and lilies before it, and seems to regard it with quiet contemplation. Maybe she'll give them her blessing, but he's content to let her enjoy her final rest for as long as she pleases. More likely, Venti will have a great story to tell her when they're done.
He rejoins the group and manifests Elegy when he sees some monsters out in the distance. Venti could let Jun handle them all by himself, but he also plans to join the archery competition with one of his students!]
Hey, Jun! [He's grinning brightly as he sends his own arrows at the monsters. Curiously, Venti's not using the wind this time.] Challenging ourselves today, are we?
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And that time seems to be now, while picking off a few of the monsters. He'll eye his grandmother, noticing that he's not using the wind today]
Baa-chan. [He says in acknowledgement] Something like that... though it seems I'm not the only one.
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[They get down to the first room and in the dead silence is one very loud swear.]
For fuck's sake, why the fuck is this shit in Hyrule?! [Wait, it was under Blade's forge.] You guys are not gonna fuckin' believe this shit, but I think I know what's going on.
[The vibes here are pure "Divine Knight and Zemurian Ore", but Ash isn't sure which.]
Group Two
[As the only person present who has any idea about what the hell this place is, Ash volunteered to go with the second group while Blade took the first. Every time one of the bats show up, Ash can be heard swearing as he swings his switchaxe.]
Y'know, I thought the shit in my weird flashback nightmares would stay there. I hate this. I hate this so fuckin' much...better than the goddamn slimes but I hate these fucking bats!
[He swoops in to stop one of the bats from squishing you without so much as a warning.]
Reunion
[Ash just sort of stares at the Divine Knight as it kneels in front of Blade.
Just because he had an idea this is what was going on doesn't mean he was prepared. And for it to be Blade.]
Not gonna lie, was expecting the ore over the Divine Knight.
reunion
Back when we fought Arianrhod and her mech, we didn't exactly have time to go over the details. What can you tell me about Argreion?
[He glances up at the mech for a second, and then back to Ash.]
She spoke to me, but only a little.
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Gilgamesh | Team Bankroll
[ somewhere, someone who's pedantic about the usage of language would have some not so polite things to say to Blade about the usage of hole to describe the halfway-to-a-chasm that's cozying up on his forge.
Gilgamesh had said he'd help if things got dire, and while things feel wonderfully dire, he's also aware that he's feeling all of his feelings on maximum overdrive, so if he's respecting Blade's right as a forgemaster by not imposing himself into the dungeon crew but asserting himself as the person paying for the whole mess by showing up anyway, people can tolerate it.
besides. there might be people who want to check in and prove that they deserve to be paid for the venture, or who might need to invoice supplies or. something. anything. (anything's better than sitting at home and gathering rocks and thinking of new and exciting ways to torture Varian for existing, so he'll loosely set up a camp near where the Shroud is making the local monsters regret that's got a red cooler full of snacks and a few big-ass jugs of coffee.)
(it's Sampo's idea. Beef jerky was an important part of one's daily adventuring vitamins, or something. he'd giggled and Gil hadn't laughed and they'd bought enough pretzels to make the gas station clerk look at them twice.)
either way, if you want a snack or need something administrative, Gil's sitting on the cooler with his legs crossed and two phones carefully balanced on his thigh. ]
two. the masculine urge to grill
[ sitting still is doing Gil no favors, and chucking the occasional sword (or Swordle set to ARROW) at the monsters that manage to dodge the Shroud's hunting practice only entertains for so long, so Gilgamesh gives in to the innate masculinity of building a fire and cooking stuff on it. he buys smart ovens for show and pays for chefs to cook on them, but you don't become famous for your Long Walks to Places without being pretty handy around a campfire.
he likes Hyrule, so he's even got one of the local cooking setups to help him with grilling what appears to be deer meat and a nice little collection of fruits and vegetables. would you like a kebab in this trying time? ]
one
... Thanks for coming. [They both suck at feelings so he goes on:] How much for caffeine? [Monster is banned from the house fridge. Mostly because it's all he used to drink. He's hoping he can get coffee or an energy drink or something without someone tattling on him.]
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It's odd, being thanked for showing up when he wasn't invited. He almost wants to laugh, but instead he speaks in a conversational deadpan of his own. ] Only your eternal fealty or something like it. [ He gathers the phones in one hand and stands up, opening the cooler between his legs to reveal an array of Forbbiden Energy Drinks alongside the usual, sweeter suspects. ] We've got coffee, enough energy drinks to wind a horse, and some sort of awful concoction Sampo called 'Mountain Dew'. He assures me it's supposed to taste like that for hours after you drink it.
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[Aides du Meropide or not, Ragna was gonna help Blade out with this Sequel To The Hyrule Hole. He won't admit aloud they're friends but they're friends. The man's like a brother.
Ragna wasn't worried about what laid below. Just what screamed inside of his head, constantly asking "Is this dangerous to the city? Is this dangerous to us?!" When Christ on a bike, this can't be worse than the Krusnik bases they've destroyed, shut it.
It's getting worse again... but still... still workable. Maybe. Who knows. Either way as they split, he just advised whoever was around. He's not good at working with others but fine.]
I'm better at smashing shit up than supporting. [Said with an arm leaning against the hilt of the huge sword on his back, and the shine of an Electro Vision on his belt.]
ii. group two
[If you go in with low expectations, you'll never be disappointed. And Ragna was sure right about this goddamn place being infested with something. Sure, it was better than ghosts but bats that made an audible, echoing sound just when being hit with his sword was only better by half a goddamn step.
And if one of those bats tries to crash into someone in the group, Ragna will teleport behind them using his Vision and grab the thing with his Shadowy claws.]
Watch your back, dammit!
iii. final room
[Ragna was not a huge participant in the rebellion. Ironic given who he was. But he needed to stay behind or risk his possessor fucking everyone up, Unyielding or otherwise.
So Argreion is completely unfamiliar to him. There's clearly a massive amount of power with this thing. Probably ancient as hell considering this place looks like it'd been underground for ages.
... But at the same time.]
Is that a goddamn mech?
final room
Yes... and no. [He glances back at Ragna.] Her name is Argreion. She's... alive, I think. She said something earlier—you didn't hear it?
[Blade is out here just flat out hallucinating shit from lack of sleep apparently]
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Sort of to himself, thinking aloud:]
Did Ars Magus make it to this world somehow? [This thing is absolutely a mech, but there's something magic about it he can sense from it. The only thing he could equate it to was Ars Magus... either way he waved his hand to dismiss that thought.]
No, I didn't hear anything. [...] Are you good?
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