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Post by Arashi Tento on Jan 10, 2023 13:47:29 GMT -5
Not long after getting out of the island, Arashi heard of an earthquake unearthing ancient ruins, in the Zeinav desert. thinking it a good opportunity to learn more about the mainland, how it operates, and its secrets, he decided to enlist as an explorer of these ruins. Heading towards the desert, he encountered almost no problems on his way, the biggest one being actually the climate and terrain as he had to traverse the Marshlands before even setting foot in the scorching desert. The murky water making a mess of his Hakama and his feet always being cold in regards to him wearing just sandals.
King's Valley wasn't really a problem thankfully, it allowed him to rest a bit and prepare better, as the valleys were an easy terrain to travel trough he found a caravan that was going to the same place as him so they traveled together Which helped avoid most dangers of the area.
Then came the desert, he had never seen so much sand before... Granted he's seen the ocean and been at a beach more than once, but this was different... it was just sand as far as the eye could see, that coupled with unbearable heat made him thankful he was actually not traveling by himself anymore.
Either way once he arrived at the camp he met with a scholar who was arranging findings and documents about the exploration, he was also in charge of managing the teams. Arashi proceeded to present himself "Greetings, I am an adventurer from the crescent Isles. I came here for the exploration."
The scholar looked up from his desk "Ah, perfect, we were just looking for more people willing to go spelunking for a while! Just wait here while we find someone else to go with you. we don't really know what's down there or how stable the cave is, it might collapse for all we know! So it's better to go in teams of at least two." The scholar looked chipper as he said that he was apparently so excited abut the discovery that he didn't even realize how dangerous a cave in might be... Either that or he really didn't care... Arashi just nodded and waited for a bit.
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Post by Fenrear on Jan 10, 2023 14:17:33 GMT -5
Fenrear looked out over the sand and got misty eyed. He had not been home in a long time and the blowing sands suddenly made him home sick. He had no idea where his tribe was now but he knew they were out there, just out of reach. But that didn’t matter now. He was here to make some money. Being on his own, he took as many adventurer requests as he could that could help supplement his search for redemption.
Bwak bak bak! Kyle, the undead chicken clucked at him about the nature of the quest. Yes Kyle, we are back home for now. Apparently an ancient city has been recently unearthed and they need some capable adventurers to go scope the place out. Ba baaak bak bak. Yes. Very likely a city of the dead. Right up our alley.
The two soon made it to the camp. Several people looked nervously at the Gnoll and his undead companion. Fenrear didn’t mind. He was just here for the job. He soon sees a man with a clip board standing by another with a large sword. Come Kyle, let us get our instructions. Who knows what we can find down there? Nothing we can’t handle. Baaak bak. I appreciate the vote of confidence.
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Post by Arashi Tento on Jan 10, 2023 15:12:25 GMT -5
Arashi didn't wait long before a Gnoll showed up in the camp he only knew what he was thanks to stories and the fact the appearance matched the description for the most part... although the oddest thing, aside from the undead chicken companion, was the fact that he wasn't in a pack or attacking anyone, as well as approaching so confidently. So something told him this either wasn't a normal Gnoll, or wasn't one at all...
Arashi watched the Gnoll as he get closer, suddenly the Scholar came out of the tent and approached the Gnoll. "I trust you're here to help with the expedition! Right?" Arashi was admittedly a bit taken aback by how nonchalantly the scholar greeted the Gnoll, He either knew something or had some other reason to be so confident. Either way he wouldn't interfere since he was relatively new around here he didn't want to jump to conclusions, that had given him enough problems back at home, so for now he would just watch
"Well I think we just got you a partner for the exploration!" the scholar said looking at Arashi "Let's hope you two get along now!" He turned around chipperly while motioning for the both of them to follow him towards the entrance to the tunnel that lead to the buried city. As Arashi walked closer he did a small bow of acknowledgment with his head to the Gnoll "My name's Arashi, yours?"
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Post by Fenrear on Jan 10, 2023 19:08:32 GMT -5
Arashi is your name, yes? Fenrear scrunched his face as if he was thinking very hard to commit the name to memory. He steps a bit closer to him and takes a deep sniff, closing his eyes as he takes in the sent. Not from here. Far traveler. Fenrear looks him up and down. Yes…far way. Straightening himself up, he looks at him without blinking. I am Fenrear. This is my minion Kyle. Bwak bak bak. Yes Kyle, this is …Arashi. He is our group now yes? We must watch out for each other…down there….in the dark.
Fenrear tries to give a friendly smile with limited success. He walks over to the scholar for further instruction.
Ok I trust you two have gotten to know each other. Fantastic. Let me give you the break down. As you know, the discovery of an underground city is big news. People..Fenrear clears his throat loudly err umm “ adventurers”.. Fenrear gives an approving nod from all over Charon have come to help map and explore. We may be researchers but several groups have run into..shall we say difficulties. We would like you two to go in, map out a section for study and clear it of…difficulties. Pretty cut and dry really.
Fenrear walks up the the researcher and sniffs him as well. Is good money, yes? He asks raising an eyebrow. Oh yes, we will pay for the work and danger for sure. We appreciate the effort. Fenrear squints at him carefully. He then takes a look back at Arashi. Ready to go now, yes?
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Post by Arashi Tento on Jan 11, 2023 15:32:36 GMT -5
As the other approached him suddenly, Arashi Tensed up a little, not being used to anyone who wasn't a close relative getting that close much less to smell him... Still he let it happen, not without a little flare up of anxiety, but could've been worse. As Fenrear identified hi as a traveler from far away Arashi just nodded in affirmation "Fenrear and Kyle, Pleased to make your acquaintance." He bowed slightly as a sort of informal for him, maybe too formal for others, greeting.
As the scholar briefed them on their task, Arashi nodded, "I'm ready." And so they both began their Descent into the ruined underground city, not long after entering the tunnel unearthed by the earthquake, they came across an impressive gate, made out of gold bars, the gate led to a huge cavern, where several buildings and ruins could be seen, as well as a lot of debris, many roads and buildings were collapsed so it would be a bit tricky to navigate through the place.
nevertheless they would have to be careful not only from possible collapses or cave-ins but also for traps or creatures that could still be hanging around. "Let's go then." Arashi said as he stepped through the golden gates.
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Post by Fenrear on Jan 11, 2023 20:21:01 GMT -5
As the two passed the golden gate, the way grew darker as they descended deeper and deeper into the cavern. Fortunately, previous parties had illuminated the way with various torches and enchantments so they were not wholly plunged into darkness. It would take a bit of time to get to the unexplored section so Fenrear thought this would be a good opportunity to get to know his new traveling companion. There didn’t seem to be anything ominous about him so that was a good start.
I have traveled far across Charon but you still smell…unfamiliar. Why did you come to the desert? As he waited for the reply, they heard a low rumble coming from the tunnel. Need to be very careful yes? Lots of dangerous things, old things, down here. I can smell the old…and how it moves.
He couldn’t tell if it was just his imagination running wild but Fenrear thought that he could see the walls moving. How was that even possible? In the end, this commission may be a lot more trouble than it was worth but it was too late to back out now. As he approached one of the walls and extended his clawed hand, the walls seemed to settle. He looked over at Arashi and raised an eye brow. Not boring yes? Bak bak bagah! Yes Kyle, strange, very strange indeed. But we keep moving. Something large is up ahead.
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Post by Arashi Tento on Jan 12, 2023 18:46:57 GMT -5
Torches and magical lights marked the way through the Cavern, As they walked Fenrear Decided to make conversation, Arashi while not one to start conversations himself was glad to follow along regardless, "I'm, from the Crescent Isles, Starlight city to be precise, and as for what brought me here..." The low rumble made him trail off, He nodded at The Gnoll's first affirmation about the cave being inhabited by dangerous things, He also noticed the slight movement of the walls That Fenrear went to investigate "Definitely odd... let's be careful."
Arriving deeper into the cave, the lights and torches seemed to be running out apparently they were getting close to the unexplored area already, Arashi pulled out a parchment with the incomplete map of the ruins, and a charcoal pencil to draw rough outlines, pathways and dangerous parts of the ruin, he also had some torches to place every once in a while so that the next party had something to guide them. "Hey, so... mind taking care of placing the torches?" Arashi asked Fenrear "I need both hands to draw, so it'd be faster that way." While he waited for the response another rumble was heard... This one seemed closer, and was followed by a few crash sounds, as if something big and sturdy had fallen on the ground.
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Post by Fenrear on Jan 12, 2023 21:21:18 GMT -5
Fenrear considered the request for a minute and smiled. I think we can do better than that. Fenrear closed his eyes in thought. After a moment, he picks a spot and starts weaving hand signs over the ground. Soon enough, the ground erupts and a gigantic skeletal beast warrior emerges from the ground. Raaaarrrrrr! The warrior, carrying a large axe, looks at Fenrear waiting for instructions. Fenrear hands the warrior a torch. Come minion, follow us with the torch and keep us safe.
He walks back over to Arashi. There we go, I didn’t spend all that time bringing people back from the dead to haul stuff. Fenrear starts a kind of coughing laugh. Anyway, off we go again. Suddenly a loud sound can be heard in the distance. Fenrear perks up his large furry ears. Kyle, go find out what that was. Bak bak. Kyle flits out towards the sound in the darkness. He is gone sport several minutes as the pair wait for his report in the dark. Then suddenly, his undead chicken voice cuts through the dark. Bakkk bagbak. Baka. He looks over at Arashi. Kyle says there are buildings up ahead. It appears that some sort of pillar fell down. He also said he needs to show us something. With the undead hulk following behind, Fenrear follows Kyles clucking until he comes to the fallen pillar.
As he gets closer, Kyle is perched on the pillar pecking at something. Fenrear takes a closer look and hums thoughtfully. It’s just a pillar. A pillar with….giant claw marks….
Summon undead hulk
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Post by Arashi Tento on Jan 13, 2023 9:37:12 GMT -5
As Fenrear Smiled, Arashi thought that maybe he knew a light spell or had another way of illuminating the area, As the Gnoll began casting a spell Arashi was a bit confused at how complicated it looked, suddenly that was explained as an undead hulk came out of the ground. Surprised Arashi grinned and shook his head a little, it was a bit overkill for carrying torches but he guessed that maybe the Gnoll was a bit of a show-off. "Well, that works"
As Fenrear sent his chicken to investigate, Arashi was a bit worried, he didn't want any harm to befall Kyle, but thinking it over a bit Kyle was already dead so... Maybe he could just be revived again were something to happen to him? Either way his worries were proved to be unnecessary as Kyle clucked calling them to the area. "Lead the way then" As the group arrived at the fallen pillar Kyle was vigorously pecking. While Fenrear Examined it, Arashi Drew the place on his map, it was a crossing, a place between a few collapsed buildings, the pillars were likely once support for the balconies of these buildings, and one of them had just fallen, or after looking at the claw-marks more likely been knocked down "Those are... definitely big... Any idea what could've made them?" Arashi asked, since he didn't even know what sort of creatures inhabited this lands, much less which ones living underground could be responsible for knocking down a pillar after using it as a scratching post...
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Post by Fenrear on Jan 16, 2023 19:35:09 GMT -5
Fenrear looked at the claw marks and shrugged. This is ancient underground city…who knows. He ran his claws up and down the marks thoughtfully. Whatever it is, it’s big, yes. Let’s move quickly and quietly. No point in making, whatever, upset yes?
Fenrear gestures to Kyle and the undead Hulk to move in front of them and continue on. Whatever would think twice about attacking with Fenrear’s giant minion in the lead. Sure enough, as they continued into the dark, they started moving into areas that were no longer listed on the map. Checking it carefully, there were two clear ish paths that they could take. One was to the left that lead to some known but unmapped buildings that they could dig into. On the right, was a tunnel that took a sharp turn downward. This was the most unexplored part of the project. He was sure that their employer would appreciate some truly brand new insight. That being said, it was the riskier prospect of the two. It was also the more likely place a big, clawed whatever was.. It was a tough question. He turned to Arashi.
We can go left or right. Is fine with me, either or. Right is more risky but we might learn more. Which way you want? He waited for his companions answer.
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Post by Arashi Tento on Jan 19, 2023 23:25:02 GMT -5
Arashi nodded at Fenrear's as he agreed on being careful, as they continued on following the footsteps of Kyle and the giant undead, they found the path split in two according to the Incomplete map, the safest option was the left and that became a bit clear as they looked at both roads... To the left seemed relatively normal, while the right was a bit of a wreck, more houses were destroyed, there were some huge claw-marks on the floor and a few more pillars were down... So it seems that's the way to wherever this big monster was nesting. although while the left road seemed mostly undisturbed it was further explored and as such there were some extra markings on the map, apparently there were several active traps that way...
"Well, While I don't particularly want to face whatever left those claw-marks, I think I rather find it over it finding us... Although it seems it rarely goes that way, if the destruction on the path is to be believed... Either way I don't think we're getting out of here without finding it, and if we manage to get rid of one of the dangers of this place that'd be better. So I guess let's look for trouble and go right."
Arashi began walking towards danger hoping to map a bit more of the place out before encountering the creature, regardless he would stay alert in case the monster decided to show up sooner than expected
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Post by Fenrear on Jan 22, 2023 15:31:43 GMT -5
Right it is. Fenrear looked at the darkened tunnel, rubbed his chin a bit, taking a deep breath. This was probably the right choice but his life had been replete with bad decisions so he couldn’t help but be concerned. Sending the undead hulk in first with the torch, he followed closely behind, listening for any signs of life.
They had been walking down the tunnel for close to a hour. The trek had gone slowly as they were extra careful where they were stepping. Fenrear’s clawed feet made tiny clacking noises on the rocky pathway as they pushed further and further down. It wasn’t super obvious, but he felt that it was actually getting a bit warmer the deeper they went in.
Bak bagah bak bak. No Kyle, that’s the point. No one has been down here for…hundreds maybe thousands of years yes? The city is a city, but it is underground. No way of knowing what we will find here. The tunnel suddenly took a sharp turn to the right and flattened out. After making some quick notes, they follow the new branch until it opens up into a large cavern. The sounds of sliding rocks and dirt can be heard in the background. As the Hulk holds the torch aloft, the cavern flickers to life as light and shadow play off the collapsed walls and decaying streets of a once busy city street. Some of the buildings are so well preserved that Fenrear have expected someone to come walking out at any minute.
Kyle heads off to one of the more solid looking buildings to investigate.
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Post by Arashi Tento on Jan 26, 2023 11:04:52 GMT -5
As they walked down the tunnel Arashi kept drawing on the parchment adding new paths to the map as well as, marking any points of interest with some symbols already used on the map, this whole expedition made him slightly glad for his upbringing, as he was taught Calligraphy among many other things, while he was never specifically taught cartography he at least knew he wouldn't embarrass himself with his additions to the map and that he probably wouldn't lead people astray by them not understanding what he meant on it.
As they arrived on another cavern, they found a lot of well preserved buildings. Arashi put the place on his map marking it with a symbol that meant settlement or huddle, basically that there were several buildings around which might be worthwhile to explore. Soon after he noticed Fenrear's companion Kyle go to explore some buildings, "Will he be alright?" Arashi asked, slightly worried about the Chicken's safety, and their own... after all if Kyle panicked he could end up bringing something to them too, although that was preferred to letting the chicken die alone... for a second time...
The sliding sounds were beginning to concern Arashi after all he still hadn't seen exactly what was making them, and at this point it could really be anything, Hopefully it was something like a creature or a trap tat they were getting closer to, he didn't really want to take his chances trying to escape a cave in...
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Post by Fenrear on Jan 26, 2023 13:29:04 GMT -5
As Kyle continued to explore the cavern, checking for anything dangerous, Fenrear rolled his eyes a bit at the question. In all fairness, outside the practiconers of the art of the undead, interacting with beings like Kyle could be a bit unnerving. Of all of the beings in their party, as Fenrear’s minion, they had to worry about Kyles safety thr least. They could, stab, crush and burn him and Fenrear could bring him back good as new. They were very handy tools in that way.
Chicken is fine. He might not look tough but very good in a fight or exploring. Be back soon with reports, yes? As they waited for the chicken to return, Fenrear casually looked over the decaying buildings. Not the most patient of Gnoll, he sees a building that looks pretty stable and decides to do some digging on his own. That building looks ok, yes. Going to take a quick look. He walks towards the building and up some stone steps. At the top of the steps is an intricate wooden door with a metal knob. The knob has an image of a dragon embossed into its face. Trying the knob, Fenrear pushes the door and swings inward with a loud creak from the ancient hinges of the door.
As the door opened, small streams of dust and debris poured form the unseen ceiling above and then stopped. He brushes out the fur on his head and gives himself a rough shake for good measure. He can hear the undead hulk trying to follow him from the outside. No, you stay here and wait for Kyle. He commands. Sure enough, the hulk stops in its tracks and waits quietly outside. As he continues into the building, he finds himself inside a small entryway with a set of stairs going up the back. The entry itself holds some old chairs, candles and some sort of large table in the center. It doesn’t look like anyone or anything has been here in a long time. There are some scattered parchments written in a language he doesn’t recognize.
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Post by Arashi Tento on Feb 6, 2023 2:24:32 GMT -5
Arashi could almost feel Fenrear's eye roll even if it wasn't too exaggerated, He could feel a bit of annoyance in his voice while he answered the question... Arashi didn't think it was that dumb a question but then again he didn't know the first thing about necromancy other than the fact it was about raising the dead... For all he knew You couldn't raise something that was already raised, or maybe raising it again would fundamentally change what or who Kyle was... but it seemed that wasn't the case as Fenrear didn't seem even a bit worried about his chicken companion, so Arashi shrugged guessing it must be fine then.
As the Gnoll went to investigate a building that looked quite preserved Arashi stayed behind to put a few more details and indications in the map as well as writing down some notes on the architecture and state of the buildings. As Fenrear was entering the building Arashi spoke to him "I have to take a few more notes, if you find anything that might be important mind bringing it back? it'd be good to maybe get something that we can bring back so they can study it further."
He noted that the pillars seemed to have been pretty ornate as well as what could be identified as a once road, It seemed this city was an important place, or at least a wealthy one... A lot of golden patterns could be discerned by just rubbing off some of the dust, after all gold doesn't rust and can shine again with just a bit of polishing. It was definitely interesting to think how such a place could've ended underground, after all most natural occurring disasters aren't nearly powerful enough to bury a place this big, and it doesn't seem like it was always underground, but if he had to take a guess it likely happened during the collapse... The war against the gods... maybe this city was from one of the primary forces fighting them and the gods decided to just make an example... some way of divine punishment.
While His birthplace also worshiped the gods especially Solaria, Arashi was never too keen on the idea, For some reason even as a child he didn't understand why they had abandoned us, and then decided to come back and 'set us on the right path' while yes creating us meant we owed them our existence, in his eyes they were owed no more respect than a parent who gets rid of their child at the first opportunity they get, and once the child grows up and can actually be of use to them they try to act like they have any say in what that now grown child does... In other words, worship had never been Arashi's cup of tea. Much less so once he began feeling disposable, and like just one more number in the ranks. So now while he didn't really resent the gods he didn't like them either, and while he could understand why some people worshiped them, he himself was not the type to do so. Much less if they were actually responsible for basically committing genocide towards their creation.
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