Scene #6978: Thy Dungeonman

Owner	Pose
Pazkar	There is a massive cave system in the Four Caves, a dungeon known as The Deep. It's full of monsters, treasure, and traps, according to the guidebooks, but many who enter die horrible deaths. Outside the Deep's entrance, a towering mountain, a tall man in golden armor with red orbs built into it stands there, holding a sign. It reads, simply, 'WILL GUIDE YOU TO TREASURE SAFELY - YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL'. People have reported this as a dangerous scam that adventurers are likely to take up, and asked for it to be dealt with. He looks like a tough knight, after all. Therefore, the question is: will you enter the Deep? Or will you confront the golden knight?
Sumiko	Mikoto reads the sign. Oh, this has got to be a trap. Laughing a little to herself, she considers...well, if it's a trap, then she can easily handle her way out. It's not like anyone not allied with one of the groups would do something this mustache-twirling, and anyone on their own is easy pickings. So go in, wait for them to spring the trap...and then kick their asses and leave them for the monsters. If she is lucky, she can even score some loot out of it. As it often is, Mikoto's greed is bigger than her sense of self-preservation. So dressed up as a usual school girl self, she arrives to speak to the large giant. "So treasure hunting?"
William Pauwel	Recent events have made it painfully clear that Will needs to prepare for the worst kind of spelunking thinkable. The kind that ends with a climactic final battle against a foe that is all but certainly far beyond his capability to fight, but what needs to be destroyed nevertheless. They'll need all the strength they can muster and more, and that means trying to avoid being worn down by the journey to their destination. In other words, Will thinks he's /really/ out of practice when it comes to slumming it through a cave system. Hence why he's here! And dressed for the part. He's equipped with all manner of climbing equipment. A mattock is slung over his shoulder, a pack full of ropes and pitons and hammers and high-calorie snacks is secured to his back, he's got his gun... And. Uh. Apparently, some kind of guide? "Hhhheeeeeyyyy pardner," Will says to the strange man in the strange armor with the EXTREMELY SUSPICIOUS SIGN. "Y'all taking us for a trip down into the depths of the hungry earth, are you? Well!" Will beams! And extends a hand in greeting! It's a mechanical hand. A robotic hand. "Good t' meet you! Name's Will. That's some fancy armor you've got there. Make it yourself?"
John Rizzo	There is someone here who is certainly not dressed like an adventurer. Worn loafers tread over rocky terrain, undergrowth, and, in general, pretty much everything but what they were likely made to traverse. Outcroppings and errant limbs of flora swat at pressed slacks and a worn trench coat alike. A dress shirt and tie hang loosely off of a thin frame, untarnished by sweat despite the exertion of getting to this point. When he arrives, John Rizzo seems placid. He observes the sign, though unlike Mikoto, he doesn't express any humor. The first thing he does, before any greetings or pleasantries, is make use of his supernatural talent. Rizzo peers through the golden giant. His eyes seem to look past the imposing figure. In truth, he's peering at Pazkar's aura. Rizzo attempts to gather what manner of being the Gear Knight is, as well as his emotional state--if possible. Whatever he sees--if he sees anything at all--he doesn't visibly react. Instead, he nods along with Will. If Pazkar shakes Will's hand, he also extends his. "John Rizzo."
Tomoe	Tomoe knows scams like this, scams that killed quite a few people early on in the death game. She was not in the best of moods due to this. It didn't help that Amon of the Alagan Empire had hit like a truck and she was showing some signs of being roughed up there's the odd distortion on her body and face which flicker in and out from time to time. She took note of Mikoto for a moment nodding to her. "Hey." Then comes someone she's not seen in a very long time, Willam "The Gunslinger" Pauwel. "Hello William." She is suspicious about this already as she walks up to the man in golden armour. "Name's Tomoe." Sometimes the best way to deal with a trap is to spring it after all. Then another soul she'd not rin i8nto in even longer than William has turned up. "Mr. Rizzo." She turns back to the golden knight. "So what's the deal here?"
Staren	A man in bulky white armor walks up to the one in golden armor. Staren's of average height, maybe a little under, but the armor adds a few inches of height and a fair bit of bulk; he almost looks like a miniature Space Marine crossed with Boba Fett. Staren's gone with the bulky armor because it's increased toughness and strength may be useful if he has to deal with a cave in. "Okay, I have to ask: Why? If you can reach the treasure, why not take it yourself? If you need help to reach it, why don't you want a share?" The voice is definitely Staren's, if 'guy in futuristic armor with cat ears and a tail' didn't give it away.
Shyra	The Holy Healer is also here! She is kind of scuffling back and forth trying to be unobtrusive as she peeks out from behind the science cat. Pazkar... She says, the textbox appearing as she watches his actions. Are you really hoping to get a party so much? She doesn't seem to expect an answer, bring more rhetorical about it than anything else. For the moment, she seems content to wallflower just like a good healer does.
Pazkar	As people approach the knight in golden armor, and move to shake his hand, he watches briefly, before figuring out what he needs to do, removing one gauntlet from the sign and shaking hands. I am the unbreakable Pazkar. The text box appears in front of their field of vision, with only the sound of a brief 'blip', no other noise. As they ask Pazkar questions, he twirls the sign briefly and then speaks. The sign answers all questions. I am searching for the worthy to gather treasure from this dungeon, so that I may reward them for their worthiness. Rizzo peers into what Pazkar is. He's human, but there's something wrong. Something odd, like he is extremely, brokenly healthy in the physical sense, and this leads to his aura being /messed up/ due to whatever caused it. His emotional state is 'excited', especially as people approach. And then, Pazkar remembers to answer Will's question. Yes. My Sphere is Gearknight. I built it myself. I have no need for treasure. Is all he says in response to Staren. And then Shyra appears! Hello, Shyra. I already deemed you worthy.
Sumiko	"Oh well, that's less exciting than I expected. Oh well..." Mikoto says, shrugging her shoulders in a dismissive way. "Well, nice to meet you Pazkar, I am Mikoto Shimizu, Magical Girl of Envy." She says, with a slight bow. She is at least going to properly greet the man before they go into a cavern full of danger. "No need for treasure? Then what do you get out of this? You can't be doing this out of the goodness of your heart, because that'd be adorable, but also stupid. So what's the grift?"
Tomoe	Tomoe looks to Pazkar for a moment sizing him up. She pauses at the mention of worthiness, there's a brief look of concern on her face. It fades she seems confident enough to take care of herself. "I'd like to ask that as well. Just that well off or no desire for loot?" Tomoe asks. She's curious, clearly trying to get a read on the Gear Knight. "Also what makes you consider someone worthy, if I might be so bold?"
John Rizzo	Rizzo is haggard. He is thin--his clothes hang off of him. His face looks flushed, his green eyes tired. He looks like a man who shouldn't be able to stand up straight, but he is. And he's tall, almost tall enough to make one forget about his frail appearance. Five o'clock shadow highlights his lantern jaw, and those tired eyes peer out from beneath a short but unkempt mane of fiery red hair. "...my Sphere is Private Detective," says Rizzo with clarity that belies his tired appearance. However haggard he may seem, his strength seems to be his mind. "We find things for people, see? When you're behind the eight ball but the cops can't help, you give one of us the buzz. Some people have got it in their heads that you're out here running a con." Rizzo's expression is neutral, but he looks towards Mikoto briefly when he makes his next remark. "Me, I think it's possible there's good people left in the world." After that, he returns his gaze to Pazkar. "Mind if I stick around, make sure nobody takes advantage of you?"
Amelris Belthrone	Amelris Belthrone is a Warrior of Light. More specifically, he's an adventurer. He'd be crazy to NOT come to some suspicious scam that might be an adventure all by itself. Foolish, even. If riches are not in there, then at least some EXCITEMENT is likely to be around. Besides, nosing your, uh, nose into other's affairs is just what he likes doing. "Good Afternoon!" The Miqo'te exclaims, wearing a very fancy orange and red hat, where his normal red mage hat is currently missing, instead the very fancy and feathered, touched-up hat of Amon now lies on his head, between his two feline ears. "I have heard from the graplines that there is /AN ADVENTURER/ seraching for a party for parts unknown into the rough depths of Titan's bowles!" He pushes his hat back, eyes bright and a wide grin on his lips, teeth painfully bright white. Also sharp. Very sharp. "I take it I've arrived at the correct space?" Beside him, a glowing green, quadruped little ear-floppy creature with a gem at the center of it's forhead, vaguely fox-like, bounces and prances next to his feet.
Staren	If Shyra hadn't spoken up, Staren might've been surprised by the text box. As it is, Staren gets into a long discussion about dreams and goals on the radio. Then he remembers to introduce himself. He extends a large gauntlet towatds Pazkar to shake. "I am Staren Wiremu, Hand of the Concord. I'm not sure what to call my sphere... 'Researcher of Problems' doesn't have much of a ring to it and most of the time I end up shooting things." After that introduction, he comments to the others, "Remember, underground pockets of poisonous or unbreathable gasses can collect. If we run into any of these, I have spare air supplies you can use." He turns back to Pazkar. "Shall we move on then?"
William Pauwel	"Well!" Will says with an utterly invincible grin, "Nice t' meet you, mister Pazkar!" And /then/ he hears that Pazkar built his own damn armor, and Will's handshake suddenly becomes the hyperactive golden retriever of handshakes. "Well, how about that! I'm a bit of an inventor-slash-adventurer my own self. Iff'n we get the chance after we're done here, how's about we talk shop? I think you and I'll get along just fine. Juuuust fine." Even if he isn't apparently, a Player. "Hi Tomoe! Long time no adventure. How're things doing? Looks like we've got another trip into the dark on our hands." Will shrugs and gestures into the yawning cave mouth. "After you, o' great n' immortal mister Wiremu. I wager you're probably a sight more durable than the rest of us in that tin can, so how's about you take point? I'll bring up the--" There's a beat. Will's eyes lock onto Amelris' adorable little familiar. He emits a sound that is somewhere close to inaudible to human ears. "Oh my gosh, what is that thing? It's... It's adorable...! Mind iff'n I give it a pet? It looks like it wants a pet. You wouldn't break a poor creature's heart by denyin' it a pet, would you?" Will Amelris right in the eye. YOU WOULDN'T, WOULD YOU!?
Shyra	Shyra blushes intensely as she is addressed. I don't feel worthy... She says, eyes downcast. She continues to flit behind and around the others, working to explain Pazkar as best she can over the radio. She continues to hover behind Staren, fidgeting there anxiously. As something ELSE happens on the radio, her eyes widen, and she begins breathing more quickly, trembling, even as she all but hides directly behind Staren.
Tomoe	Tomoe looks over to Amelris as he arrives she was happy to see the Red Mage, he'd already proven to be a pretty solid ally in a fight so far. She seems to be thinking of Pazkar's words about dreams and what he thinks of dreams of the others who have gathered here. She leaves it at that seemingly concerned for Shyra. She will move over to the healer right up by Staren. She'll try to put a hand on the healer's shoulder. "You all right?"
Pazkar	As people talk to Pazkar over the radio, he says the method by which he is tracking the worthy. What is your dream? Mikoto asks Pazkar his intentions. There is no grift. My sign says all. I see. Thank you, Mr. Rizzo, for believing in me. You may certainly stick around, however, in this, I am only actively protecting the worthy. Others may come as well, but to the worthy I want to go the spoils. As Mikoto seems to get angry at Pazkar and Staren asks to venture inside, Pazkar places the sign down, and moves to activate a flashlight. Pazkar ventures inwards into the Deep. He gestures Shyra, and specifically only Shyra, to step behind him. The cave lights up, and FLOOR ONE is entered. Inside, toxic slimes ooze around, as short dog-men step around, holding spears. At the first sign of the party, they rush in to attack, either with slow speed or fast speed, respectively. There's little indents in the floor, as well, places you can step, to reach the next tunnel downwards. Pazkar does not attempt to dodge the spears at all. As they start striking at everyone, one moves straight for Shyra, and he intercepts it, moving to allow it to plunge straight into his armor, where it scratches, stabs, and only does a small amount of damage. A visible health bar appears over his head - it's barely scratched. He seems positively okay with this. Nobody else is defended, as a massive wrench is removed from his armor and moved to club into the kobold that tried to hurt Shyra, knocking it out.
Staren	As the kobolds(?) attack, Staren opines, "Really? You just wordlessly attack us? More videogame nonsense..." And then he remembers Mothra's children, shot dead by his own hand because he mistook them for the attackers when they were defending their home... "Or perhaps we're intruding in your homes? We just want to pass through, you needn't be harmed. Maybe we can even pay a toll..." He doesn't just stand there though, he tries to parry the spears with his armor and uses its shock function and an old federation phaser to try and knock the creatures out, rather than kill them.
Sumiko	Mikoto is more than a little mad at this Pazkar. If not for the promise of treasure, she would have just turned around and fucked off. However, greed overcomes her inability to deal with someone. When they enter, and the sights before them. Well, there was only one answer. There was a flash, as the transformation sequence takes her over. Shielded by green light, her dress, and an assortment of jewels come to life. Being made of jade at first, before bursting into fabric. As the transformation finishes, a large spike of jade appears out of the ground, and when gripped in her hand becomes a jade long sword. She charges ahead, aiming to get into battle. Why? Who can say, perhaps her self worth has been challenged. A spear aims for her, and she moves to block it with the sword, aiming to send it wide before she aims to kick the kobold into one of the toxic slimes. She notices Pazkar only protects the person from his world. That gets a roll of her eyes, and instead of walking on dangerous terrain, she activates her powers taken from Nanoha, and takes flight, aiming to put her out of the danger of falling, and keeps fighting to get through.
John Rizzo	"No skin off my back," says Rizzo to Pazkar with no real concern evident on his face. Evidently, he is fine--both without Pazkar's protection, and without the treasure. Pazkar and Rizzo fight with one noticeable similarity. Just like the Gearknight, Rizo fights with little regard for his own safety. Compared to Pazkar, his manner of resisting damage is quite different. He takes several spears from the get go, and they pierce his dress clothes easily. Blood darkens his white shirt and stains his black tie. The spears pierce his back and tear through his beaten long coat. They have absolutely wounded him, and more grievously than the Gearknight, but he doesn't seem worried at all. "Okay, gang..." "Behind me if you can't handle getting shish-kebab'd." Rizzo tears the spears out of him with brute strength, gathers them into a bundle, and snaps the heads off of them with his foot. Blows rain down upon him, but his wounds seal themselves up almost as quickly as they're inflicted. He doesn't fight back--not physically. Instead, he stares down his attackers, attempting to overwhelm their minds. In particular, he attempts to flood the minds of the dog-men with shame, in an effort to get them to lay down their arms.
Amelris Belthrone	The Carbuncle looks up at will with wide, glowing, adorable eyes, long floppy ears wriggling and, uh, flopping as it bounces on it's feet. The ears are ready to be petted and scritched, as it should be. "Well!" Amelris exclaims, rubbing his gloved hands together as they step into the cave, grinning from ear to ear. "I am more than eager to explore this cave with you all! Now!" A flick of the wrist, his rapier materialize into his hand and a floating gem into his other, outstretched palm aimed upward behind him, taking a fencer's attack stance. Fortunately, with some LARGER PEOPLE around there, figuratively, the Red Mage takes in a deep breath, pooling both weapons and casting up a spell. Dark energies gathers are his combined Rapier Rod, then thrusted out into the shape of an explosive, octogonal-shaped blast. Then, with a flourish, aimed at another area, a large fireball aimed at a slime.
William Pauwel	LOOK AT ITS EARS. They're so /floppy/ and /floopy/ and soft! "Oh gosh ain't you the cutest thing? What's yer name, little feller? I'm Will! It's so good to meet'chuuuu~" Will has been granted permission to PET THE CARBUNCLE. He does exactly that, and then promptly unlimbers his backpack and goes fishing around inside for... That scent, it's unmistakable. Maple and porkfat, as good lukewarm as it is mouth-scalding. It's that beloved, irresistable scent of B A C O N. Will pulls a strip out of his foil-wrapped stash and holds it out for the shiny critter to consume. Because holy butts, this thing is cute. Will is unable to resist its cuteness. It gets /copious/ pats, scritches, and all manner of other things. It isn't until Mikoto's union-mandated magical girl transformation that Will turns back around and realizes that they're KIND OF under attack! "Agh!" Will aghs, "Slimes!" He shoves one more strip of bacon into his own mouth as his other hand moves quick as lightning to his hip. A blue-white glow ignites, the scent of cooked meat is abruptly cut through by the distinctive aroma of ozone. Will brings his weapon to bear, a blaster-pistol whose barrel is glowing with blue-white sunfire. "Eat plasma, slime!" Will fires. He makes the slime eat plasma. It's not the only thing that does. He fires again and again, picking and choosing targets with the practiced ease of a veteran gunslinger. "Uhhhh Johhhn," Will calls over the ZZT-ZZT-ZZT of plasma-bolts sizzling through the air, "You gonna be okay over there, pardner?"
Tomoe	Tomoe is also a tank and that's a good thing too, as the spears are coming she'll act on reflex moving to shield someone else in the party. She blocks several attacks with the mourning wall. She blocks several attacks nad looks as Staren tries to talk them down and John attempts to be doing something himself. She's still concerned for Shyra but right now she has someone in front of her and there's the attacker to worry about. While the dog-men are not getting much in the way of hostilie action from her. The slimes on the other hand? Are getting hacked at. She gets how honestly terrifying a slime can be when you think about it and those things tend to be rather mindless in her experience. She also really, really doesn't like slimes. Maybe Will's offering dog-men food might actually work too? "I'm good for cover if anyone needs it."
Shyra	Tomoe moves to comfort Shyra. The hand clasps her shoulder, and Tomoe can feel her shiver there, as if she was under intense cold... Or fear. But she feels warm. She feels real... Or as real as one might expect, perhaps. Is she real? That is a question for another time, perhaps. Shyra looks up and forces herself to stop shaking, her wide, nearly tearing up eyes looking to Tomoe as she forces a smile. Everything is fine. She says. But then they are suddenly sweeping into the cave. Shyra moves in after them instinctively, only to see Pazkar move to defend her and her specifically. It's okay, Pazkar! You can protect the others too! Make some friends! As the group enters, Shyra seems to be quick to raise her silver staff, the fear vanishing from her as she falls into the familiar role of healer. Green sparkles quickly wash out, undoing any minor wounds the others might take from the threats here, including Pazkar, as little as they seem to be doing.
Pazkar	The kobolds ignore Staren's questions. They're JRPG monsters! Instead, as Staren comes in with the phaser and shock armor, several of them are tazed and knocked out. Rizzo tries to shame them, and this works far better, as several drop their spears and run off to crawl into holes and disappear. Fireballs explode around slimes, destroying them as does plasma blasts, as they're relatively weak monsters. When the kobold hits the slime from the kick, it's a little interesting, as he immediately takes the TOXIC status. Well, not that anyone has an interface to know that, but basically, he gets really poisoned. Directly skin-to-slime contact is bad news. Tomoe's sword is actually effective-ish on the slimes. Slicing is hard, but it works, as they're defeated as well. When all the monsters are slain, on the floor is... Money. Gold coins, to be exact. Not much, but they can scoop them up. The second floor is more dangerous. There's more kobolds, but their armor is gold, and they're riding moles. Several of them have crossbows, which they fire as they run around the battlefield, while others use spears on their moles to try and impale the party. Let us improve your dreams. How did you come to gain them? What will it take to achieve them? Be solid. Cohesive. A crossbow bolt hits Pazkar in the head as he says this. He just takes more damage to his healthbar and continues walking as before, as a miniature autobow pops out of his armor, moving to snipe any enemies that go for Shyra. And specifically Shyra. I apologize, Shyra, but I do not have time to protect the non-players. If you get killed, it would be most unfortunate.
Amelris Belthrone	The Carbunckle, which remains helpfully STRAIGHT out of the combat, making a low rumbling chirping-like noise at being petted and left to it's own devices as it starts nomming down on the bacon on the ground. It takes sniffles-sniffles, nibbles and bites and just adorably eat the whole thing slowly. It follows along behind Amelris, staying out of the fight and sauntering around the battlefield to start picking up the coins and other things it manages to scoop up. What a wonderful, cute little helper! "Have no worries, Ms. Shyra," Amelris exclaims as they step on the second floor, the Red Mage taking in a more active shot at fighting this time, leaping straight above the tank to dive in straight into the melee, his sword glowing with a bright inner light. "We will be able to handle ourselves! You can help us with your healing and protective spells as you wish!" The Red Mage dances around the battlefield, his swrod (yes, swrod) making firm slashes, wide arcs and repeated pointes, ending in a wide Z-Shaped swing before he backflips, wide and tall, right out of melee back behind the line of adventurers. "Focus on targets, especially against these tougher targets! Keep the aggro up so they get off Shyra's case!"
Sumiko	Mikoto takes what gold she can from the ground. Not too proud to take money off the ground. It wasn't enough, but there seemed to be more as there was a way down. As moles come to try and charge down the party, Mikoto turns around and slams her sword into the ground. As she does so a magical symbol on the ground appears. A phantasmal Rhino rises from the ground and charges those who are charging the party, aiming to use it's thicker skin to turn aside the spears and charge through, aiming to not stop until it had barreled through the ones in the back. When Pazkar attempts to get more out of them, she swings her sword into the wall close to his body. There is a glint of anger and pain in her eyes as she speaks very slowly. "Do not dare to try and tell me my dreams are not worthy of anyone." "Do not even /THINK/ about it. They are mine, they are what has kept me from turning into a witch all these years, even when I lost everything again. It allows me to still open myself to others when all I want to do is collapse in on myself and not even get out of bed." "I will live. I will break this goddamn curse I am forced to live or make it work for me. I do not know how because it's never been done before. So I will do anything to get what I want. If you are looking for others to find your dreams, do not dare insult the dreams of others. So what if they are small? So what if they are aloof? They are /their/ dreams." "Take your friend and leave if her life is so much more valuable than ours. We do not need you nor your validation. Nor will I suffer you to insult the dreams of people here. Especially not mine, nor my friend Staren's. I don't know the other's dreams, but I am sure they are worth more than your miserable opinion."
William Pauwel	Carbuncles are adorable. If Will gets nothing else out of this excursion (other than a bit of pocket change), then at least learning how adorable carbuncles are makes it all worth while. In short order, the slimes are dispatched! The kobolds are scattered! Will kind of feels bad for the ones that John shamed into retreating. He wonders, briefly, what would bring shame to a kobold. (The answer is 'most things.' Kobolds are, after all, kobolds.) "I mean, 'findin' out that there's a thing that's gonna eat the world' is a quick n' dirty answer to that question," Will answers the Gearknight as they are set upon by YET MORE KOBOLDS. He seems content for now to allow the designated tanks to continue pulling aggro, though a few crossbow bolts come dangerously close to running him through before being disintegrated by white-hot plasma shots. "'Cause that's what happened. I found out there was a thing that was going to eat the world. To save it, we're going to have to find the core and burn it out, and that means certain things that I don't exactly feel comfortable talkin' about in public!" "Though I guess on second thought, this sort of thing is more of an immediate goal than a 'dream.' Hmmmm," Will puzzles over this line of thought as he turns his attention to blasting mole-mounts out from under their riders.
John Rizzo	"Don't worry, cowboy," says John to Will. "I'm having a gas over here." He gestures to the kobolds as they scamper away, smiling cryptically. When the money appears, he doesn't take it. His wounds seal up after the fight ends, thanks to his own healing process and Shyra's magic. "Let me and Tomoe worry about protecting the 'non-players,'" says John to Shyra and Pazkar both. He does so--when he feels it necessary, he intervenes, putting himself in harm's way. He doesn't attack, unless he can do so quickly and without much harm. Occasionally, he'll use his strength to knock out a foe with a gentle flick to the temple. Mostly, his attention is on Pazkar. "I saw an end," he says. "My end. Then I saw the script, like you guys call it. It's hard to explain... hard to do it as clearly as you and Shyra do. But... I found my dream, after I saw the script." "To achieve my dream, I have to destroy evil by nurturing good. To do that, I have to be the good I want to see--I have to live by the five Virtues of Christ. I have to be willing to take the pain of others, to let them into my heart even if they seek to do me harm. To live without deception, arrogance or coldness, until my eventual and inevitable death." "Normally people like me live indefinitely, long as no one chills them off. But me, I've seen /my/ end. The Final Death." He stops, to gently swat the blow of an enemy aside. It brusies and bloodies his knuckles, but he bears it. "I'm not afraid of death--far from it. But I know my time is limited. If I spend what time I have wisely, I can let my actions show my friends that there is a kinder, warmer way to do what we do. That's my dream. A kinder, warmer world."
Staren	...Coins? Ah. That does seem to explain why the kobolds don't talk. Staren sucks nearby coins into the matter manipulator. Round two: Mole riders! This feels like something out of Corona's world. He uses a quick one-two shot from his beam cannons to take out a rider and its mole "Oh no you don't...", but then reflexively activates his forcefield as the crossbow bolts rain down. They seem to damage his forcefield disproportionately heavily for what they are, huge cracks spiderwebbing across the field. "I'm fine, thanks. Obsessing over a certain vision is how someone like me loses his way. That's every story about mad scientists -- dude wants to bring back a dead loved one, finds a way that doesn't QUITE work, then gets so obsessed with the method he's found instead of ditching it and finding one that actually works, that he turns his love's corpse into a mindless abomination and if heroes don't kill him, his creation will." As Staren speaks, he keeps shooting monsters whenever his weapon cools down. "Same here. If I say my vision is to give everyone immortality and that's all that matters, tyrants will use it to make others into eternal slaves and use the technology to torture people. If I say my vision is to create a deathless virtual world that people can emigrate to and that's all that matters, they'll find a way to turn it into hell and curse my name." "I want to HELP people, and I'm going to find the best way to do that. If that's not good enough for you, then just stay out of my way!"
Shyra	Shyra continues to lavish the heals on the others, working to make sure they have everything they need to keep going. Buffs come out too, as well as magical barriers to block incoming damage with useful, albeit primitive arcs of bright energy. Everything Shyra does seems to be completely focused on supporting the rest of the party, even to the point that she seems to not pay quite enough attention to what's happening around her. This probably makes Pazkar's tanking focus important, but every time the Gearknight swoops in, Shyra gets a guilty look on her face, blushing more and more in clear embarassment. Still, Amelris' encouragement helps keep her on task, and she nods. Right! She exclaims, and gasps in awe at the high-flying acrobatics of the Red Mage. So amazing.... Mikoto's aggression, however, causes her to wilt a bit. Please, Mikoto, he doesn't mean it like that. I think you're important too... We can work this out later, all right? Tone is hard, however, in text, but Shyra certainly looks sad right now. She nods to Staren. I've been told that you are a Hero. You can do it, I'm sure of it! She seems quite intent on the science cat for some reason... Though perhaps the reason might not be a mystery. John cause Shyra to gasp in awe. That sounds amazing! I'm sure you can do it, John! No one should have to experience a.... Final Death. That sounds so terrible! As it stands now, Shyra seems to be a mobile core of green sparkles constantly going out to keep everyone intact.
Tomoe	Tomoe is still concerned for Shyra, as she fights but Shyra is functioning at least. Still, Tomoe has seen people have problems. Lord knows she's likely got a subscription due to the death game. There are other matters to worry about namely hostiles. The conversation goes on on the radio as they fight. Pazkar talks about dreams som more. Shyra expresses faith in her she and she'll with some effort drop the last of the slimes she's dealing with. "Learn how to track down CARDINAL for one given my world's changing into something more akin to the sort of world I suspect you and Shyra are from. I know someone I'll have to talk to who may be able to help." Hopefully I4 will be easy enough to find and that gets put aside are now there's more kobolds, mounted ones. This time she starts chanting a spell and letting bolts of light fire at the various attacking monsters. "You're a better person than I John." Though John does get Tomoe thinking on some of the people she's known who have died and she wonders about his words in relation to them.
Pazkar	As Mikoto swings her sword into the wall near Pazkar, he does not flinch. I understand you are angry at me. However, you do not understand my intentions. I only want to nurture the best in everyone. I want you to become Players. That is why I am still here with you. He then promptly ignores Mikoto to focus on Staren and John. Staren gets a response first. You are worrying too much. Just create a grand, cohesive dream, and follow it. Listen to me and believe in yourself. I am the trusty Pazkar. John gets the second response. You are a Player, John Rizzo. I will help you in any way I can, to achieve that dream of yours. And then Pazkar continues to question. He doesn't look at Mikoto as he asks this one. She's made up her mind, clearly. What are you willing to do to accomplish your dreams? They clear out mole-riders with various attacks, rapid and skilled slashes, rhinos, blasters, pure strength flicks, and beam cannons. Tomoe and Will don't get responses like John did. It's likely that he doesn't think they're much different from before. The rest of the tunnel exploration leads to more floors of different types of kobolds, but eventually, after several more floors of this and answering questions, they reach the bottom. There is a large pile of gold coins and jewels. It's not enough to break the bank, but split between the group, it's certainly helpful. There is a black dragon sleeping atop it. When the party enters, he opens his eyes, stares at them, and then lets loose a mighty plume of fire. Pazkar dashes into it, though he won't be able to completely spare Shyra of it, and he positions himself so some of the force is brought off of John, too. The fire swallows him whole, and then, moves to swallow everyone else. But as it fades... He's still there, in his armor. He's mostly fine, a few burn marks. And that health bar above his head... is fuller than it was a few moments ago. Shyra wasn't just healing him, either. What the hell is going on?
Sumiko	"What you are is no better than Lillian. Some high and mighty, arrogant, and judgemental bastard. This isn't kindness, this is you trying to pass judgment and 'help' people be just like you want them to," She spits out, pulling her sword out and just moving on to the next fight. "Well congratulations," She says, towards John, "You're considered by the high and mighty Pazkar to be worthy of personhood," she says, with all of the sarcasm she can muster. She levels a look towards Shyra, "Save your excuses for someone who isn't a non-person. I certainly wouldn't understand." She's angry, she's angry, and has no outlet to release it at, except for the monsters that get in her way. Her technique starts getting sloppier, as she starts shifting from a slightly aggressive stance to an outright berserker one. There is just a hint of shadow that covers her eyes, as she starts tearing through things. Then the Dragon awakens. She dives at it almost immediately, aiming to try and drive her blade right across its eyes.
John Rizzo	"Thanks, Shyra," says John. The encouragement seems to positively impact him--or at least, it encourages him to throw himself into harm's way with more zeal. Tomoe, however, he seems to disagree with, even though she likely only meant the comment as a platitude. He doesn't elaborate past a shake of his head. "And thank you, Pazkar. There is something I wanna ask you, though. You said that you wanna help other people accomplish their dreams. Now..." He takes a quick look around, checking for signs of danger. He spots the dragon and freezes, like a deer in headlights. He isn't from a world like this--but he knows what this is. He knows what it can do. And he knows the effect it will have. There is a brief moment in which he locks eyes with the dragon. 'Please don't,' he sends. It isn't the phrase, but the emotion, which is send to the dragon's mind. The fire licks over him. The smoke lingers... the tense air is burst by the enraged howl of an animal. A man with the crazed eyes of a beast bursts through the smoke, flying through the air at the dragon. It's Rizzo. His arms are extended, and handing in his mouth are two razor-sharp fangs. At the end of each finger there is not a nail, but a claw, deadly and obvious. The vampire charges the dragon with unnatural speed as soon as he lands, aiming to climb atop it. His claws dig into its scales as he scrabbles for purchase. He ascends until he is thrown off, or until he reaches the beast's neck--at which point he attempts to pierce and drink from the creature.
Tomoe	The heath bars, damage numbers, the text boxes and Shyra speaking about the end? Some things have come into focus here. Pazkar's health bar though makes her think of what Heathcliff pulled so long ago and she's squirting at that a lot. The dragon, on the other hand, has it. "You want to know what I Want to find Cardnian I want to know why it is changing my world. Why it altered me, my party and so many others. I want to know for what reason this was done." She sees the Dragon and will move in to fight it she'll continue int a bit though when Mikoto brings up Lillian? That is another point that are raised, she will drive at the dragon hacking slashing and ready to use her shield to block when she needs to. She also wonders though about Pazkar a bit more. She'll bring it up once the snarling angry dragon has been handled.
Staren	"I stuck with the Union even when some of them hated me, because they gave me opportunities to help people. When they fell I joined the Concord even though it means being called a villain and associating with people who revel in the title, because they'll support my quest. I'll think the thoughts others wouldn't dream of, so that my plans aren't blindsided by truths too terrible for others to concieve. I'll wade through blood and ichor. I'll take power even from sources that appear unheroic, as long as it's not hurting innocents." "In short, I'll do what needs to be done, as long as the ends justify the means. But unlike some movie villain, I actually mean it; I don't get to pick out all the bad ends and say they don't count." So, now there's a dragon. Staren prepares to missile the head, but... Mikoto's already going for it and he can't risk hitting her. She also looks... dark? "Mikoto! Don't let him get to you! Focus on happy thoughts, like how you'll spend this money with Rean and Sarracenia!" Staren waits for the dragon to rear up or something. If he can get a shot at its exposed underbelly, he'll take it -- six miniature anti-tank missiles try to pierce that scaly hide and poke holes through vital organs! His arsenal is in general probably less effective against something (probably) immune to heat, so hopefully he can get a chance.
William Pauwel	"Seems like forever n' a day now," Will says, ever so slightly wistful and nostalgic about it all. While blasting kobold mounts. This is a thing he can do on autopilot, apparently. "When I started out in this business, all I wanted to do was t' find my da and make a name for m'self. Then I found out and everything started goin' topsy turvy, n' I guess I got so caught up in it all that I didn't really think about what I wanted to do. Huh." Introspection feels weird. Especially when it happens in the middle of a monster-infested cave full of living loot pinatas. "I guess I'd have t' give it a think t' figure out what I really want at the end of it all. I mean, other than havin' a world to live in, n' all that." There's a beat as a dragon appears. Will, having caught up in his own reverie, doesn't quite register that it's even /there/ until it's far too late. "Wh--" Fire washes over him. It doesn't burn as much as it should-- there's someone in the way. Someone who's taking the brunt of it for him. But that's not what Will's looking at. Something's gone wrong. Terribly, awfully wrong. "John!" They might not know each other well, but the sight of that... That rage. That fury. There was a man there, once, but now there's just an animal. Will bites back the pain as he dives and rolls through the flames, coming up around on the dragon's flank while peppering its hide with simple shots. But killing it stopped being his goal around five seconds ago. Terminal Judgement flashes. Its light blueshifts toward ultraviolet as arcs of lightning begin twining out of its barrel. He takes aim at the dragon's head, firing a blast of electrical madness at its cerebral cortex. John's vulnerable, crazy, frenzied. The dragon needs to stop moving before it gets a lethal hit in. "Watch your shots," he calls to the others, "Take down the dragon, then we'll worry about gettin' John back under control!"
Shyra	The procession moves towards the end of the dungeon. There is, of course, going to be some kind of boss enemy, and the dungeon does not disappoint. The dragon causes Shyra to gasp, A Black Dragon! Be careful, everyone! The party moves to engage, and Pazkar moves to block... But not completely. White numbers flash up over Shyra as she cries out in pain, the flames licking at her... But she survives. Immediately, she begins casting more healing magics, each one filling up her health and the others. When John Rizzo turns feral, however, she gasps. He's gone berserk! Oh no! PURIFY! Shyra sends out a wave of cleansing magic that would probably have purged John of his state... were it not integral to his nature. At least he wouldn't be on fire if he was. Mikoto's harsh words, however, seem to rock Shyra to the core, making her almost shrink in on herself. I'm sorry, Mikoto. That's not what he meant! We can work things out. I'm sorry! Please... The look practically makes her wither on the spot... But it doesn't keep her from desperately trying to keep Mikoto healed through her berserker rage.
Amelris Belthrone	"Well, if we ARE talking about dreams...!" Amelris steps up next to Shyra even as the Tank, the Gearknight, moves up to take on all the damage of the firebreath. The... health bar means nothing to him. That's a bar. What the hell is he supposed to think about that? The Miqo'te gives the Holy Healer a confident smile, rapier out and the Red Mage moving in a confident swagger. With a flourish, gem and rapier are combined into one. The edges of his clothing and cape are singed, but covering for the healer who is being covered by the Tank do mean he tanks some burning damage. A bloody dragon. How this thing is living down there is a question for another day but he kinda pity the thing. "I want to see the world and travel! More importantly..." The Vampire going berserk is something of a worry. He didn't think a fire would cause so much problem for one but, hey, here we are. That'll be something to deal with when there is NOT a dragon to deal with. He focus his casting on the dragon proper, dark energies pooling at his gem as he thrust out a dark red and purple of energy at the dragon's mouth. "I wish to meet people! Hear of them! Leave an area in a better shape than the state I arrived in." The Miqo'te face turns a little sour, his expression darkens. His ears flattens and his tail droop behind him, in just a brief instant, the flamboyance and brightness is gone. "And stop hiding in my cave to see the world in a better light, to embrace it for what it is and be better." Without any other word, Amelris takes a stomp forward and thrust out a blast of Lightning at the dragon.
Pazkar	Pazkar literally does not reply to Mikoto. He said he wouldn't. Instead, as they attack the dragon, he aims the crossbow bolt for the nose and moves to fire into the snout. Tomoe's sword goes hacking, while Rizzo leaps for its neck, using massive strength to get in a bite. He tastes blood. It tastes so, so sweet. Staren's anti-tank missiles blast through the underbelly, and the dragon starts bleeding. It's not dead yet, but it's very angry, especially as Mikoto blinds it, and Amelris blasts lightning at it, surging through its body, same with the electrical blast from Will, which briefly slows it - but is not enough to completely stop it from attacking, only really helping with damage and positioning. Amelris doesn't get a reply, at the moment. Pazkar is too worked up. Especially as the dragon lashes out, wings beating a massive wind cannon, and tail swiping out, moving to smash into everyone. It lurches its back, trying to throw John Rizzo off. It hits Pazkar. His helmet goes flying off, rolling across the ground, as he takes strong damage. His face is pretty. He looks no older than his early twenties, and he's got fluffy whitish-blonde hair and bright green eyes. When he speaks, his mouth moves like any other, but no sound comes out. Slay the beast with everything you have! Do not allow it to kill our ally!
John Rizzo	PURIFY extinguishes the flames that linger, before they can spread. John would likely thank Shyra, were he in his right mind. He would also thank Will for his concern and careful planning, Pazkar for taking the brunt of the blow. Now, however, animal is all that he is. This is evident, when the dragon slams him against Pazkar. He flies off of the beast, slamming into the ground and landing on his arm. By the sound of it, it's broken. He scrambles to all fours as his bone snaps back into place, muscles reknit themselves and his skin slowly closes up. He takes off again, his face smeared with the dragon's blood, eyes wide with inhuman hunger. His claws leave marks and little handfuls of dragon scales on the floor as he makes another flying leap. His dress shirt is ruined, matted to his body by a grisly mix of his blood and the dragon's. His claws reach out for the blinded beast's skull. If he's able to latch on, he'll use his vampiric might to pummel it, over and over, until he's thrown off. Yes--Amelris was right. Definitely not a Good Thing.
Sumiko	There was a shine from the gold. Mikoto, being thrown back from the dragon's strength and nearly avoiding the tail. Staggering back from the near miss, she drags her sword into the ground as she slides to a stop. Her eyes focus on the glint. Right below the Dragon, a second Mikoto appears, stepping out from the shine much as the MIRROR KNIGHT does. She charges, using herself to distract the Dragon with her charge until her copy thrusts her sword up into the belly of the dragon. Using that to close the distance and slash it across the other side of the belly. The two work in unison, aiming to repeatedly and savagely beat at the dragon as she tries to exhaust herself on it. She does not respond to anyone, not even casting a glare or a word of things to the healer. She just attempts to savagely kill this dragon.
Staren	Staren gets smashed by a dragon tail -- his forcefield-ball goes flying into the wall of the cavern, where it shatters and his armor slams into the wall, hard, and collapses. It takes entire seconds for him to recover enough to get on his knees, seconds that seem like forever in combat. But once he's back, he doesn't fool around. He draws an SMG, ejects the mag, loads a different one, and sprays the dragon's body with a series of bursts, each bullet exploding like the missiles before. These are expensive to make. Hopefully the treasure will cover it. But after that conversation on the radio, he doesn't want to die again.
Tomoe	Pazkar's helmet is knocked off, she sees the knight's face, she catches Pazkar's appearance. She's also forced back, she makes a note to change tactics. At this, her sword and shield vanish into her inventory. What replaces them is a Nagatania with a blade made out a metal that looks like polished silver and seems to be trialling small specs of light about the blade. Tomoe takes it in hand focuses for a moment redies a sword art of her creation. "LUNAR REQUIEM!" Tomoe's weapon now radiates light from the blade even brighter and she launches into a whirlwind of stikes on the Dragon. Some go high, some go low, there are several thrusts and finally, to finish it up she leaps and tries to drive the blade down on the Dragon's head.
Amelris Belthrone	This is definetively not good! Amelris rallies himself quickly enough, staring at the berserking Vampire with a frown. Okay. So. Fire made him go berserk. The flames went out. He's STILL berserk. What could he do at this point? It's focused on the dragon right now which is good... but they need to be ready to do something about him if he decides to unleash ON THEM. There is the possibility that he might recover when the source of the berserk will die and vanish. Is that a bet he's willing to take? Amelris grins, his ears perking up. Risk! Danger! Yes! Of course IT IS! That's what a daring hero would do indeed! Stop that calculating crap, Miqo'te! Like before, Amelris steps out from behind the tank, the tank that took a heavy blow and presenting his rapier at the dragon. With a kick up of dust, he launches himself at the massive reptile(?) with his rapier first to aim into the flanks of it, seeking to hit between two scales... and hammers in a flurry of magically-enhanced thrusts into the soft spot he seeks.
William Pauwel	The revelation that Pazkar is in fact a fluffy-haired person with an actual face rather than a living suit of golden armor is very important! It's an extremely important revelation. It's also not something Will is currently paying attention to. This is because there is a dragon here that is both trying to kill them and also currently host to an angry vampire friend. This is something of a problem. The beast's tail smashes into Will like a sledgehammer. The gunner goes flying into a nearby stalactite and sinks slowly downward, only catching himself to spend a good few seconds coughing up the contents of a mildly perforated lung. "Damn--kkh damnit!" He staggers unsteadily upright, the light of Terminal Judgment flashing erratically. Is it malfunctioning? No... Most of the light it's emitting is simply beyond the visible spectrum. "John, come on. I don't want to have to hit you too-- please, snap out of it!" Will aims. His weapon emits a high-pitched whine that crescendos to a peak a split second before it discharges. He fires not a shockwave or a pulse, but a roiling sphere like a lightning storm compressed into a small, incredibly dense packet of electrical energy. If the orb connects, it will explode, unfurling into a staggering pulse of electrical potential gone absolutely insane. They need to take out the dragon, fine, but he can't use fire to do it. Not with John there. But if the dragon goes, and it dissolves like all the other things in this dungeon, and John is /still/ crazy... What then? What will they have to do to snap him out of it...!?
Shyra	Everyone rushes in, doing their all. Shyra does her best to remain focused while they attack, the Holy Healer layering waves upon waves of healing power on them all. She trembles, sagging as she seems to start reaching the limit of her spirit power. Her eyes are wide, almost unfocused, a mixture of adrenaline, terror, and emotional damage mixing to a kind of automatic trance as she pours what remains of her power into keeping everyone up and stable. I'm... here. I will help! Please... keep going! Despite the enthusiastic text, her expression doesn't match it, almost like she's just going through the motions at this point.
Pazkar	Pazkar fires more bolts, as Rizzo pummels into the skull of the dragon, beating it black and blue. The two Mikotos slice into it, left and right, as Staren fires exploding bullets, and Tomoe gives a magical whirlwind of strikes. Amelris finds a soft spot, and pierces into it with the sword, between two scales, his blows ripping out more and more fresh blood. More crackling electricity roils out from Judgment, blasting into the dragon. As Shyra heals the group, Pazkar reaches for his helmet, and puts it back on. The dragon. finally lurches over, dead. It's on top of the pile of gold, but the gold can be extracted from underneath. Mission accomplished. Pazkar heads up to the money, grabs a large handful, and proceeds to hand it to Shyra if she'll take it. He's literally not keeping a cent for himself. He said as much! He'd give some to John, too, but... You know.
Sumiko	Finally, the dragon is dead, and...on top of the gold. Well, that's annoying! Mikoto, still deathly quiet and well...angry decides to just keep to herself, and pull out the sack she brought here. The two Mikoto's start trying to fill the sack as much as they can. It was frustrating, anger-inducing, and probably not going to be on speaking terms with Rean for a bit. However, there is a treasure to get here. Once filled, Mikoto stands up as the other Mikoto shatters like glass and is dismissed. She only spares a withering glance towards Shyra and Pazkar before turning to leave.
John Rizzo	The dragon is dead. Rizzo's animalistic state is not. He drains the dead beast until he's had his fill. Only then does he stop. The crazed look on his face is, for an instant, the look of some stalking predator enjoying a fresh kill. A moment passes, and it is gone, replaced with lucidity. John startles, scooting away from the dragon with a yelp. He touches his hand to his mouth, looking at the dragon. His eyes widen with very human panic. His vision darts between his allies, checking them for wounds he may have inflicted. He pauses, sniffing something... blood. It's the blood of kine. "Will... Will! No, no... " Rizzo gets to his feet. His body language indicates that, had he need of breathing, he'd be hyperventilating. He follows his senses, tracing the smell of spilt blood over to the outcropping that punctured Will's lung. "Okay. Alright..." He realizes what really happened--which must mean that he was lucid for all of that. Once he's had a chance to calm down, he offers thanks. "Will, Pazkar, Shyra... and... Amelris. Right? Thank you. Pazkar, I got a favor to ask you. I know how you can help me with my dream."
Staren	The dragon is dead. Staren puts his share of gold in the matter manipulator, and then confronts the dragon corpse. He starts trying to cut off a piece, then decides that this is best done by a professional and starts making some calls. The corpse of a for-realsies DRAGON might turn out to be worth more than the horde, why let it go to waste?
Amelris Belthrone	"Man." Amelris says, sheathing his blade and looking at the Vampire, shaking his head. "That was actually kind of spooky! It worked out for us, mind you." The CARBUNCKLE comes pouncing from around a corner now that things are safe, carrying a bag in it's adorable little mouth and starting to take his share. "I'd say this dungeon delving have been taken care of!" He turns around to face the gearknight and the healer, smiling proudly. "So! How about a drink, y'all?" He eyes William Pauwel, frowning. "After we take care of the wounds."
Tomoe	Tomoe makes sure the dragon is down once that is done she'll be glad for Shyra's heals are a fight like that. She'll take a moment and check over the loot take her cut of the loot once she's done here. She'll start to head out, she might try to see if she can help skin the dragon for it's scales. That might be useful to sell, once that's done one way or another she'll be putting any of that in her inventory as well and she'll be departing. "I like that idea Amelris."
William Pauwel	Will doesn't realize it yet, but he is quite lucky to have been far enough away from the frenzying vampire while leaking vital fluids all over the place. That could easily have gone very, very badly! Stacking templates is not something that Will wants to do at this particular juncture. The dragon lies still, and Will watches as the vampire feeds, his expression one of fear and worry in equal measure. Both melt away into general relief as John... Manages to fight his way through the mad haze. "Y-yer alright," Will coughs, it sounds awful. "Good. I'm glad, we didn't have t' fight you or... Anything." There's a beat. Will looks over toward Shyra. His face is looking a bit pale, probably due to the blood loss. "Hey... Hey miss healer-- you mind, uh. Helpin' a guy out?"
Shyra	The Dragon falls. Normally Shyra would celebrate, but Mikoto cuts that right off. Even as Pazkar scoops up money and holds it out to her, she just kind of looks at it, and then over to Mikoto, visibly shrinking in on herself. The bag of money just falls from trembling fingers... And then she turns away, stumbling over to William, who has a major wound... That he had to remind her about. Ugh. Worst healer EVER. I'm coming! I'm sorry... She immediately kneels next to William, pouring healing magics into that nasty wound he's taken. As the green numbers appear, the bleeding stops and the flesh knits back together...
Amelris Belthrone	The Carbunckle continues to saunter on the pile of gold, even giving the magical girl a curious look as she leave, then instead sauntering over to William as Amelris follows up to his little helper, next to the healer. He gives the numbers a look, squinting his eyes at it. Now that's just... strange. Weird. And yet... Amelris tightens a fist, soft, white energy gathering from within as he lays it on William. The Carbunckle saunters up next to him, a bag full of gold in it's mouth. Have an adorable mascot, you two.
John Rizzo	Rizzo sighs. He wipes the blood off as best he can, but he can't do anything about the blood all over his shirt and tie. He folds in on himself. Though there isn't so much of a bead of sweat on him, his face is still flushed. It's as if it were there this whole time. Now, however, he isn't standing up straight. His back is hunched, his arms shoved into his pockets, his eyes tired as before. As before, his clothes hang off of him, but now, it is easier to tell what this man's frailty was caused by. Red patches on the face, eyes upon closer examination are bloodshot. There, on his palms, more red discoloration. Notable weight loss, if his clothes are any indication. The only thing that's missing is the limp. Depending on the nature of when and where they practice the healing arts, the Holy Healer and Red Mage may come to the conclusion that, at least in life, John was an alcoholic. Unless it's brought up, the Malkavian quietly leaves, evidently ashamed to have succumbed to Frenzy.