Hyrule Adventures 2

Victor's search (15+6[Roll+Int]>15 PASS) uncovers a small, rusted key. The ancient piece of metal fits easily in the bard's hands, but the jagged bits of crumbling rust dig into his hand, making this an object that is not desirable, even when held in the gloved hands of Victor or Derix. The key looks simple enough to fit into the most basic of locks, but there are no doors in sight that it could be used on.

Finding nothing in the wide variety of corpses strewn about on the tavern floor (8+6[Roll+Int]<15 FAIL), Derix returns to the counter to see if Victor has had any luck. He glances at the strange key, wondering how it could be used.

I guess we'll just have to take it with us. You never now when it could be useful. Anyway, this place is empty. We'd best head out.

The grunt steps cautiously over the corpses as he finds his way to the tavern entrance. Looking back at Victor, he steps out of the ancient, odorous building and into the streets of the Hospitality District.

Annoyed by the prickliness of the key, Victor slipped it into one of his pockets after showing Derix. At least there it wouldn't dig into his hands. Taking one quick look back at the Tavern's gloomy interior, the Bard followed Derix out into the open once more, still thinking about the mysterious key.

"I wonder if the others found anything..."

As Derix and Victor emerge from the ancient Tavern and step into the quiet of the Hospitality District, they find the other four party members huddled over a pile of junk and trash, although some of the objects appear to be potentially useful.

Of their searches, each has found two items, save for Thespin. Kessler holds a map of the area, but the parchment is worn and hardly legible. The colors of buildings on the map are entirely different from what they are in this era; while one building is bright, red and unique, its corresponding building is a greyed heap of decayed wood and stone. Although it is not the beautiful and truthful specimen is was years ago, the map will still be useful for navigating further areas of the District. In his other hand, the ranger holds a green and purple cloud shaped trinket. It has the same texture and feel as the item that Mizer had given to Victor before Alpha arrives.

Eyra has found a weapon. In her hand she holds an undamaged staff, intricately carved to resemble a lion. Although she can not use the weapon, it will make an excellent addition to the armoury of the castle. Slung over her back is a sack of letters, each addressed to the same person, someone named Meridel. The letters are worn out and appear to be centuries old. It is amazing that the paper did not disintegrate after all this time.

Thespin did not manage to find anything interesting, but has instead brought with him a box of strange fruit. How something like this can grow under the surface of Hyrule is indeed amazing. The bard empties the contents of the package on the ground.

Take some if you want. Some of you guys look a bit tired.

Lastly, Jett shows the group a book that he found in the arms of a dead civilian while investigating the cafe. It is entitled with an odd language, one that none in the group have ever heard of nor seen. Mystery flowing from the volume, the mage drops it in the pile with the rest of the spoils. He also drops a vial of an odd liquid beside the pile. It appears to be the blood of a Cursed One.

So what did you guys find?

OOC: DON'T GO ANYWHERE!!! I'll post when I get back in a few minutes...

EDIT:: Or perhaps an hour...

IC: Smiling, Victor eyed the pile of treasure with an excited expression on his face. Just think what the leaders would think! But, noticing the imporance of the items, the Bard suddenly frowned and pulled out the rusty key. Holding it up, he showed it to the others.

"I found this key over at the bar..."

He then lifted his blood-soaked hand.

"And I got Skulltula gook all over my hand."

It was then that Victor remembered something. A puzzled look crossed his features, and he examined the pile once again.

"Nobody found any stones of curse?"

Eyra shakes her head, disappointed. Even with the interesting grouping of treasures piled in front of them, the group is snapped back to the actual objective of their mission. The mention of the Stone of Curse causes the superiority of the items to fade to nothing, and the party remembers what they are truly after.

No, we haven't. I guess we'll just have to head to the next sector of the District. There are five altogether. In the second sector, we'll have to split up again and head to one of the last three. Anyway, we'll have to search there first, so don't worry about that just yet. Shall we?

The Kokiri girl turns, hauling the sack over her back and carrying the staff by her side. She disappears into the second sector of the District, as the others follow suit.

As the party advances to the second sector of the District, Thespin catches up to Victor and nudges him jokingly, eyeing the black blood stained to his hand and dagger.

That's quite the war wound, Victor. If it doesn't go away, you might want to see Hobbe about it. He's our best cleric. Actually, he's our only cleric, besides Maverick. But he's a better cleric than even Solstrem, so see him instead. He'll fix you right up.

The group continues to walk. As they enter the square shaped sector, there is little sense of security in the barren area. Where once there were houses and other such buildings, there are now short piles of old rubble, perhaps no taller than a foot off the ground. Despite the debris, most of the sector consists of a flat, stony surface. It is unlikely that the District was always like this, but there is not enough demented building fragments laying about to suggest there were more than a few buildings when the city was whole.

A thunderous voice beats out at the adventurers as they reach the sector, its tone implying a feeling of anger and hatred towards the trespassers.

So, you believe that this city is your own terrain, for you to walk about on as you please. But it is not to be. This is a sacred land. A burial ground for one of the darkest events in the history of the world. You do not belong. Why must you attempt to ruin our eager strive to regain humanity and the revival of a community of class and esteem? Die!

As the voice disappears, eight horrible monsters appear. Five are familiar, three Oblivion Re-Deads and two Oblivion Skulltulas, but the others are of a different type. Tall and thin, the creatures continuously weave in and out, perhaps cursed to forever wander in this condition. What would normally be a face and head are the tattered remnants of these. Every movement emits a crushing sound, one of bone sinking into rotted flesh. A steady pool of black liquid drains from pores dotting the spine of the creature.

Cursed One - Oblivion Re-Dead Stats
Hp: 45
Spl: 0
Str: 3
Def: 5
Agi: 5
Int: 0
Spi: 5

Cursed One - Oblivion Skulltula Stats
Hp: 20
Spl: 45
Str: 10
Def: 10
Agi: 8
Int: 0
Spi: 3

Cursed One - Blood Vine Stats
Hp: 35
Spl: 20
Str: 10
Def: 15
Agi: 8
Int: 0
Spi: 8

Battle Order: Victor, Jett, Kessler, Derix, Eyra, Thespin

Looking at his blood-soaked hand, Victor chuckled.

"If this was a war wound, I think I'd need a cleric right away..."

Still chuckling, he followed the group into the next sector. It truly was a pitiful sight, with its crumbled abodes and other buildings, reduced to rubble by whatever catastrophe sent the city into the cavern; not to mention years of misuse. Temporarily distracted by the sights of the sector, the Bard was startled at the sudden sound of an unknown voice. He didn't have much time for fear, however, since it was then that the enemies appeared.

The ReDeads alone were still enough to frighten Victor, but the new addition of the Blood Vines were another experience entirely. Trying to ignore the hideous features of the new monsters, the Bard prepared to attack, when he remembered something. Smacking his forehead, he mumbled angrily to himself. He had forgotten to take a fruit from the pile from before, and therefore had not healed since the last fight. Sighing heavily, he did the only thing he could do; Victor's palms suddenly glowed with a soft white light, and he lifted them up as he exclaimed:

"Favor of the Goddesses!"

As the incredible white light fades away, Victor's health is rejuvenated from 11 to 32. The bard is now in a condition capable of keeping him alive, unless every attack is directed at him. These monsters are not as clever as Orias, however, so Victor will not be the target of constant assault.

His turn taken after the usage of his spell, Victor must stand idly by while the others begin to attack. Jett is the first to break the standoff. Standing at a distance, he conjures a beautiful Elemental Explosion. Just from the red and orange wisps flying in every direction, the element is easily perceived as Fire. The young mage sends his spell towards the hideous assortment of Cursed Ones, knowing that the colossal explosion will damage each and every one of them. The first Re-Dead is unable to escape the terrifying attack (12+5[Roll+Spi]), and is consumed along with both of its brethren, who each fail to avoid the magic (6+5[Roll+Spi]; 12+5[Roll+Spi]). They all receive a terrifying 19 point loss.(10+3+6[Lvl+Base+Int+L3])

The Skulltulas, having a lower SPI rating, are quick to take damage. Their rolls are 1 and 12, respectively, and their addition of 3 Spi does not save them from the onslaught of flame. They are reduced to the brink of death before even being able to attack. 1 Health Point lingers for each.

The Blood Vines croak and hiss as the Re-Deads and Skulltulas are ignited and consumed. The fiery maelstrom reaches the new creatures last, but is still as potent an attack as it was on the previous victims. The first is engrossed by the flames, unable to escape its fate (7+8[Roll+Spi]), as well as the second (1+8[Roll+Spi]). The first two Blood Vines are deducted 19 points as well. The third, however, escapes the fiery wrath completely (17+8[Roll+Spi]) and takes no damage.

His spell finally ending, and the flames finally dieing, Jett steps back and relaxes. It is now Kessler's chance to attack, and he does so by unsheathing a rustic antique dagger. It looks incredibly old, but powerful all the while. While not looking as eloquent as the daggers that Mizer and Helena possess, it has the same perfect sheen to it. The ranger takes a good look at each of his adversaries, and steps into a quick run. He appears behind the only enemy to have not been affected by Jett's magic: The third Blood Vine. It screeches awkwardly as the knife shears through it threadlike back (7+8[Roll+Agi]) and delivers nine points of damage.

Derix had been clever enough to save one of the fruits, and had devoured it before the battle, bringing his health back up. Relaxed, the grunt charges one of the Skulltulas, knowing that its attacks could steadily decay at the party's stamina, killing them all. His rapier thrust (5+6[Roll+Agi]) passes through the spider's rotted frame and destroys it. The first Cursed One of the battle explodes into a fine purple haze and is lost.

Eyra, glad that her turn has finally arrived, draws her simpleton dagger and charges. The weapon is not a complex artifact or antiquated collector's item like the other vagabonds in the organization, but is still just as powerful. The plain, undecorated blade narrowly misses a Blood Vine's torso (2+8[Roll+Agi]), and the Kokiri girl dashes straight past the beast, almost tripping as she follows through with her dagger.

Thespin stands the farthest from the battle. He had spent the entirety of Jett's blazing explosion searching for a decent vantage point for sniping enemies, but had found nothing in the shaken debris of the District. Working with what he has been given, the bard knocks an arrow to his fine bow and pulls back on the string, letting the fearsome barbed shaft fly towards its target, one of the Oblivion Re-Deads. The creature's defense is easily bypassed by the accelerating arrow, and Thespin's barrage (14+6[Roll+Agi]) pierces the horrible flesh and brings its target's health down by another 12 points.

One of the Re-Deads sets its sights upon Jett, the young mage responsible for the massive portion of damage thus far. Slinking towards the man, the monster strikes out with its sharp claws, aiming at Jett's face. Jett yells out and holds his hands to his face as his own blood splatters on the ground in front of him, the Re-Dead's attack (19+5[Roll+Agi]) taking 13 points from the mage's stamina. The beast squeals with delight as it saunters away from the bleeding human.

The remaining Oblivion Skulltula immediately ejects its lethal poison gas from its many pores, infecting each member of the party save for Kessler, who smiles joyfully before realizing that his comrades are in agony. The steady decay begins, for the second time in one day for Victor and Derix. The grunt curses and stabs his rapier into the ground in anger, coughing all the while.

Finally, the second Blood Vine sinks into the ground, disappearing from sight. It emerges directly beneath Eyra, and shoots five deadly arrowheads at the unsuspecting Kokiri. Eyra shouts, surprised and aggrieved, as the darts dig into her cloak and pierce her skin (16+8[Roll+Agi]). The total damage from the sharp projectiles is fifteen.

Oblivion Re-Dead A Hp: 26
Oblivion Re-Dead B Hp: 14
Oblivion Re-Dead C Hp: 26
Oblivion Skulltula A Hp: 1
Oblivion Skulltula B Hp: 0 [Eliminated]
Blood Vine A Hp: 16
Blood Vine B Hp: 16
Blood Vine C Hp: 28

Victor Hp: 27
Victor Spl: 9
Jett Hp: 17
Jett Spl: 32
Kessler Hp: 45
Derix Hp: 40
Eyra Hp: 50
Thespin Hp: 55

OOC: Longest. Post. Ever. Anyways, sorry it took so long. <Insert Excuse Here>

IC: A little annoyed at the fact that all he could do was sit back and watch the others fight, Victor cursed himself for ignoring the fruit from before. He is awed at Jett's magnificent display of magical power, not to mention the damage the spell caused. Kessler's weapon makes the Bard all the more aware of his own simple dagger, and so he can't help but feel happy when he sees that Eyra carries one that is just as simple. He cheered when Derix eliminated one of the skulltulas, and watched eagerly as Thespin's famous arrow streaked through the cavern air, smiling as he saw it hit its mark...

However, a frown appeared on Victor's face as one of the Re-Deads attacked Derix, and the corners of his mouth could only droop lower as the Skulltula released its poisionous gas. Coughing violently, the Bard could hardly open his eyes to see the Blood Vine attack Eyra, marking his turn to fight.

Still hacking away, he raised his dagger and decided on his target: the weaker Re-Dead. Charging as best he could, he swung the blade towards the monster's chest, where it's heart is- or at least, would be. He's no specialist on Re-Dead anatomy, after all...

OOC: Here's another long one for ya

The weakest of the Re-Deads groans in agony as Victor's dagger gouges into its chest (9+6[Roll+Agi]). It hisses angrily at the bard, spurting its cursed blood on the ground and gagging as it staggers back in pain. Its stamina is reduced to 4 by the Hylian's efforts.

Not wasting any time to savour the moment, Jett prepares another spell. The earth around him lifts from its place and floats dangerously in midair, spinning wildly. The vicious hurricane of Earth flies at all enemies, while a powerful earthquake attacks from below. The Oblivion Re-Deads are all struck, but only the second and third receive full damage (11+5[Roll+Spi]; 15+5[Roll+Spi]). The first creature receives half damage (17+5[Roll+Spi]). The Explosion causes 9, 19 and 19 points of damage to each Re-Dead, respectively. The second is destroyed, while the first and second linger with 7 HP remaining each.

The remaining Skulltula manages to escape with half damage as well (19+3[Roll+Spi]), but with only one health point keeping it alive it is instantly obliterated. The limp spider is buried under an onslaught of stone and soil.

The Blood Vines are alone in the battle now, save for a duo of weakened Re-Deads. The awkward monsters do not even have a moment to escape before the earthquake reaches them. The first and third are unable to escape and are torn apart by the falling materials and ravaging quake beneath them (1+8[Roll+Spi]; 2+8[Roll+Spi]), and are dealt 19 points of damage each. The third manages to survive, but the first is mangled to an extremity. The second Blood Vine is able to completely resist the Elemental Explosion (19+8[Roll+Spi]) by sinking into the ground, far enough under to evade the quake. It reappears, unscathed by the mage's spell.

Knowing that the horrible creature is still a threat, Kessler rushes towards the Blood Vine and sweeps his antique hunter's knife in a horizontal arc towards the Cursed One's neck. The slash (17+8[Roll+Agi]) neatly cleaves the jugular of the creature. Any mortal would have been instantly killed, but the Blood Vine retains 7 health points. It mocks the ranger as he darts away from it.

Derix, thoroughly outraged from the second poison attack in the course of one day, charges at the same Blood Vine, it being the weakest creature of its kind at the moment. He swings his rapier with great force when reaching a close range to the monster (11+6[Roll+Agi]) and strikes hard, finishing the taunting creature off.

Eyra uses the haze sent off from the dead Blood Vine as a signal to leap at the remaining Cursed One of that type. Her ordinary dagger seems to hum as it arcs through the air at its target's torso (13+8[Roll+Agi]), finding the thin wiry stomach and cleaving the beast in half horizontally. It gives a pitiful croak and explodes.

It is now Thespin's chance to attack. Not bothering to shoot at one of the remaining Re-Deads, he draws a thin, curved dagger from his cloak. Like Victor's and Eyra's, it is nothing special, but there is a music note and a treble clef etched into the lustrous iron blade. A melodious chime rings out as the weapon makes contact with the monster (7+6[Roll+Agi]), finishing the beats off with an impressive 10 damage points.

All that remains now is a single Oblivion Re-Dead. In its weakened state, its eyes dart back and forth between the powerful cloaked individuals before it. It selects Victor to be the at the receiving end his last movement. It slinks menacingly towards the bard, wrapping it claws around the Hylian's face and sinking its teeth into Victor's neck (13+5[Roll+Agi]). It tears viciously, jumping off of the bard when it finishes and proceeding to dash away, having taken 13 points from Victor's health.

Oblivion Re-Dead A Hp: 7
Oblivion Re-Dead B Hp: 0 [Eliminated]
Oblivion Re-Dead C Hp: 0[Eliminated]
Oblivion Skulltula A Hp: 0 [Eliminated]
Oblivion Skulltula B Hp: 0 [Eliminated]
Blood Vine A Hp: 0 [Eliminated]
Blood Vine B Hp: 0 [Eliminated]
Blood Vine C Hp: 0 [Eliminated]

Victor Hp: 9
Victor Spl: 9
Jett Hp: 12
Jett Spl: 18
Kessler Hp: 45
Derix Hp: 35
Eyra Hp: 45
Thespin Hp: 50

Victor's vengeful stab (1+6[Roll+Agi) manages to bypass the fleeing Re-Dead's defense of 5, administering a strong 10 points of damage and effectively ending the battle. With all eight of the horrible cursed monsters defeated, this sector of the Hospitality District falls deathly quiet.

As if from nowhere, a figure in a deep red cloak appears in the District. He speaks with a tone so familiar, it becomes obvious that this man had been the one to summon the Cursed Ones. His face is shielded by the hood of his attire, but the party would be thankful for this if this man's facial features resemble the other Intelligent One, the one who took the Stone of Curse from Victor during the recon mission.

You can keep playing your games. Sooner or later, there is bound to be a winner. But why should evil be the victor of such a game? We have warned you countless times: Get out. This realm is a sacred place. Your presence is unwanted.

Eyra, Kessler, Jett, Thespin and Derix each hold the same bored expression, as if they have been issued such threatening words before. None of them seem to have anything to say to the red-robed Intelligent One. There is a grim silence. The clever Cursed One draws a demonic hammer from the darkness surrounding him, preparing to crack a skull or two. Someone would have to respond to his orders.

OOC: Yes, you

OOC: Pfft! Well, this will have to wait until tomorrow. It's getting late here, after all. Sorry to make you wait, Blank...

EDIT:: Well, it's technically tomorrow... heh.

IC: The appearance of the cloaked Intelligent One put a damper on Victor's initial happiness at ending the battle. He suddenly began his usual trembling, but tried his hardest to stem the fear. Locking his eyes on where he guessed the Intelligent One's eyes would be, he unsheathed his dagger.

(OOC: At this point, I'd like to point out that it took me more than half an hour to decide what to say)

"We could leave, but then again, quitters never win..."

OOC: And yet, it's still not good enough...

OOC: Oh, it was just fine. Just as good as Alpha's pawn comeback
IC:

The Intelligent One can be heard laughing at the bard's retort. He lets the warhammer hang loosely in his hand by his side, letting the cloaked warriors standing before him know that he has less intent to attack.

So, you are Victor. Victor and Alpha, two of the ones who will be decidedly responsible for summoning the Inferno. I have been forbidden to destroy you. But there is no restriction to delivering to you an ultimate eternity of pain. Drop your weapon. I suggest you secure every step you take, my fellow Hylian. It would be most unfortunate to have to damage you too severely.

Also coming from nowhere, a second cloaked man appears at the first Intelligent One's side. Two Intelligent Ones are now together to confront the party. However, the purple-cloaked newcomer turns away from Victor, Eyra and the others to speak to his fellow Cursed One. His words echo throughout the District, allowing the six trespassers to listen in.

Threats are a decent deterrent, but you must not injure the bard, or any of his friends. They are far more important than the rest of these hairbrained idiots. Make an example of the idiocy behind their attempts to get the better of us. Kill one of them. But leave the bard intact.

The Intelligent One disappears, leaving his ally behind. The warhammer seems to bolt to a ready position, and the Intelligent One approaches the group, preparing to do the requested task. He comes within ten feet of the group, then lunges, swinging the hammer madly at Jett. The young mage drops instantly, dead.

You see that you are indeed foolish. Our power far exceeds anything you can ever comprehend. And soon, we will force you out of our realm. One way or another.

As though he was never there at all, the man that would have once been a normal Hylian disappears, leaving the five remaining cloaked trespassers alone on the dark District.