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Post by Mubashir on Jan 18, 2023 19:10:10 GMT -5
It was later in the evening, a warm Zeinavan breeze blew through Mubashirs pointed beard. Observing from across the street, the guards surrounding the Sun Spire Keep had all just been recalled inside to deal with a situation of some sort. Perfect. He waved his hand to Sumaita and the fellow he had met in the street during the festivities. Gerald? Something like that... Regardless, he fast walked towards the gate of the Nobilities Ball, only to make a sharp left turn and descend down the sandstone stairway directly beside it.
"Thiss will be ssuper worth it Gerland, trusst me." Mubashir hissed, his shoes echoing around the cramped corridor that wound around the base of the Spire and downwards. They walked several hundred steps before arriving at a large opening, a pit with no bottom located directly beneath the spire. Ancient stairwells crisscrossed the expanse flowing ever downward, and a cool breeze could be felt emenating from its center. Several torches lit the bridges and gates littered almost randomly around, though they were only lit to about one hundred feet below them, before the darkness swallowed all that remained to be seen. "Ssee! What did I tell you, I ssaw thiss onsce when I wass younger, though there sseem to be many ssignificant changess... I tell you, The Ssultanss love to hide thingss down here that they wissh hidden from the world...Letss go dig them up!"
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Post by Ser Gerhart Stanislav on Jan 18, 2023 21:18:06 GMT -5
"Gerhart, but close enough." He smiled and laughed, very clearly not offended by the mistake. He kept pace with the man he'd agreed to work with for the day. Gerhart had heard about the work being done for the Mage's Guild and figured it would be good to offer his help. Build some bridges between the guilds, maybe cut down on incidents like the assault on the academy. Would be a lot cooler if that stuff didn't happen.
He looked over the pit, letting out a low and impressed whistle. "That's quite the descent there, huh? Better not fall, I'd hate to have to go diving after ya." Another goofy and lopsided grin flashed out from the young knight, his endless energy on display.
Admittedly, he was not excited about diving back down underneath the sands and exploring ancient ruins. He still had a little bit of PTSD from his last trip, but this was for the better of the guild and making new friends. A gauntleted thumb fidgets with a ring before it gives off a soft dull light before heading down the stairs.
"I'll lead the way for ya, been through this before so I know what to look out for."
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Post by Mubashir on Jan 18, 2023 22:52:37 GMT -5
His excitement could be barely contained as Gerhart led his way down the carved sandstone steps. Each step echoed across the chamber in an eerie reverberation throughout that filled the empty expanses of the pit below. Sumaita peered over the edge as Mubashir replied
"I could only imagine ssuch a prescipitouss fall, though I musst admit the prosspect is quite exsciting. Though I musst wonder if it would sspeed our journey sslightly, what we sseek iss truly anscient, pressumably much further down" What they actually did seek was a wonderous bit of history by itself. The Mages Guild found information about a piece of the Mystical Archive, a sort of magical abacus that could divine which entities appeared in which order, instead of the seemingly arbitrary form at which the archive seemed to sort things at present. Such an artifact could be incredibly useful, though in the wrong hands could certainly have the potential to quite dangerous as well. Mubashir's hands were of course, the right hands. The Guild has trusted him with this mission after all, who would trust such and important task to a ne'er-do-well?
His ruminations had distracted him long enough for the trio to reach the first bridge that spanned the expanse, a single torch alight in the center, and a dark door at the opposite end.
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Post by Ser Gerhart Stanislav on Jan 19, 2023 16:02:22 GMT -5
"I would imagine the prospect of not splatting against the bottom would be much more exciting." Another little laugh and shrug. He'd learned by now that many with more magical affinity than him tended to be on the more eccentric side. He also know many of them would probably think he is eccentric as well.
Gerhart wasn't briefed too much on what they were after which probably was a mistake, he was simply told the Mages Guild would appreciate someone with the guild help out this search. To the young knight, that meant they likely expected to fight something, though he was always happy to be wrong.
Emerald colored eyes squint across the gap to try and see across, but it's too dark to get any details. The lit torch is strange, but this whole place is. With a little sigh he looks to Mubashir, "I can head across first if you like, make sure its safe and everything....doesn't look too bad."
If agreeable, Gerhart tests out the first few steps to make sure its stable. Confident in its construction he starts to head across, light held out a bit to give him sight going forward. "All good if you two wanna follow!"
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Post by Mubashir on Jan 20, 2023 18:40:58 GMT -5
As hard to kill as he was, Mubashir was still very happy to let others step into danger first. "Pleasse, after you!" He states, motioning his hands in a push forward. The trio stepped out unto the bridge, the breeze palpable across the quite slim handguards. The feeling of unknowable expanses stretched out beneath him was quite the feeling, and Sumaita reached back to tug him along as Mubashir was relishing the feeling of danger and excitement. Gerhart crossed the threshold of the center torch, and all seemed well. For the moment. The next found everything quite upended, as a powerful wind cut through the party, throwing Sumaita and Mubashir off the edge of the parapet. Mid-air, he could see the several walkways and staircases strung out across the chasm below him, one of which they seemed to be on a trajectory to hit. Sumaita's grip on his arm remained strong, but out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of what had thrown the pair off the ledge.
An elongated serpent, with sand scales and a speed to match no other, lunged off a wall to intercept the pair. It's gaping maw caught Mubashir's thrall by the torso, ripping her away with incredible force as the creature crashed into the wall opposite it's launch point. Curling around a walkway to regain it's hold, it became apparent how easily it had evaded detection at the start. This creature had been placed down here for the sole purpose of warding off intruders, it's speed, ferocity, and camouflage making it a perfect Castellan for whatever lay below.
Mubashir's precipitous fall came to an abrupt end as he crashed into a walkway about 20 feet below, and 30 feet away from his starting point. He came to a rolling halt, before catching himself against the far rail, almost falling once again. "Ah...H-hey Gerhart! Need some help!"Spire Viper enter's the scene, in the Spire
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Post by Ser Gerhart Stanislav on Jan 20, 2023 19:25:37 GMT -5
Oh great, snakes, why did it have to be snakes? Gerhart draws his sword, making a swing through the air as he did. A burst of wind would ripple through the air and cut into the back of the spire viper.[1]
"Eyes up here you dry noodle!" Gerhart called down to the snake, the serpent quickly turning its head to meet his challenge.[2] It slithers back up to the walkway Gerhart is still on, fangs bared and body coiled.
"I have it's attention! You all right down there?" For now, the young knight can parry away the snake as he seems to be able to match its speed. He swipes it away as it tries to bite down, taking a diagonal swipe with his Duelist's Longsword. The odd movement of the blade[3] would confuse the snake, letting him get a good gash down its body.
The snake was enraged and let its displeasure be known, echoing around the chamber they were in and shaking everyone's ear drums. It coiled back and burst forward with incredible speed attempting to just knock the man off the ledge, but the sound of snake hitting metal soon replaces the echo of its fury.[4] Gerhart stood firm, holding it back as it tried to push him.
1. Wind Cutter 2. Challenging Mark 3. Blurred Enchantment 4. Immovable Bastion
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Post by Mubashir on Jan 20, 2023 19:42:27 GMT -5
A drop of sweat dripped down his nose, a close brush with the abyss certainly brought its reality to the forefront. Gerhart called out from behind him, awakening him from a moment of stupor. "Ah! Yess, we are fine! I will attempt to assisst! Sumaita, quickly, while it iss disstracted!" He shouted out to his recovering thrall. She got to her feet, nodding, and began running. She lept, landing a foot on the curving walls of the spire pit, and running across the chasm before leaping once more to land behind the large viper. She could do little, but she did begin punching it's tail in an attempt to distract it that seemed to have no effect.
Mubashir lifted his arms to focusing on a point directly above the Viper. With a twist and an utterance of summoning magics, he tore open a shadowy portal about thirty feet above the serpent. A moment later, a huge hulk of a man fell through the portal, his bulging arms and massive torso impacting the snake from above. Mubashir could see the cracks begin to form in the bottom of the walkway, dust and pebbles falling below into the infinite abyss. The Duke stood, unsteady atop the rapidly coiling Viper who still did not seem to notice anything but the warrior before it. He raised his meaty arms, plunging them into it's head repeatedly like an angry gorilla.
"Smaaash! Smaash snaaake!"Summon|Undead Hulk 50s| The Duke: A massive undead creature made of bones and corpses will rise from the ground. This creature will loom over everyone, being extremely tall and large. This creature will remain for three post and will attempt to defend you or attack your enemies. This creature will be summoned with a massive weapon, be it a blade or axe, and can cast the raise undead spell once.
Bloodlust (Undying Frenzy): You may call upon your undead servant, filling it with rage and anger, causing it to go into a frenzy. As long as your servant is frenzied it loses its passive status, allowing it to now be used for offensive purposes, like attacking and dealing damage. While it is frenzied you will now count against your summon limit, preventing you from summoning another being for the duration of their frenzy. The servant will remain frenzied for two post, and can not go back into a frenzy for the following three post. This feature can only be used on your Undead servant.
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Post by Ser Gerhart Stanislav on Jan 21, 2023 0:08:05 GMT -5
Admittedly Gerhart is a little worried when the undead hulk appears, both because of the ferocity with which it bashes into the snake and the shifting weight on the bridge. He could hear the cracks forming thanks to his increased sense. No time to worry about that.
Gerhart watched the snake's head get bounced a few times, sitting back on his haunches and coiling up for a strike of his own. Right when the hulking creature reached hit the serpent off the ground, Gerhart rushed in as its neck was exposed. Both swords slashed into the throat of the snake and Gerhart would end up standing just a bit past that point, letting the undead hulk pound it until it stopped moving.
With a relieved breath, he jogged forward to a more secure spot off the center of the bridge. He leaned over the side to see if he could spot Mubashir. "You all right down there? I take it this guy's a friend of yours. Need me to come down there? Or ya get scared and wanna head back up?" He grins lightly teasing the other man as he sheathes his swords for the time being. Let's hope that was the only monster they found.
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Post by Mubashir on Jan 21, 2023 11:22:09 GMT -5
"Har Har. Friend iss sstretching it a bit, but yess, the big man iss with me. Come now, we sshould be almosst there!" He shouted up and across the chasm. This mercenary is impressive, Mubashir will have many great things to say about these fighters guild representatives once he finds his place in the mages guild. "Awww....Mub no frieeend." Duke laments, before leaping with Sumaita over to the walkway that Mubashir is on. The last of the lit pathways stood below them, with a couple of unlit ones now visible further down. Grabbing onto the goliath of a man, he looks back up, shouting once more. "Are you able to keep up? Dont be long, wouldn't want to run into another ssnake without you!" Duke lept, one foot landing on the last lit bridge below before jumping into the abyss. A massive outstretched hand caught the rail of the unlit walkway below, pulling them up and onto the bridge. Barely hanging on, Mubashir pulled himself up Duke's arm before unlatching and landing on his feet. Ambient light from above gave enough to see the path with, but with a gesture of his hands, he cast a spell to ensure he would miss nothing like before. The surroundings lit up as his eye's magically adjusted to the dim light, with a full iron door across the path to the far wall.Night Sight SS: For a brief duration you gain the ability to see in the dark. This allows your eyes to see normally in the darkness as if it was day time. This spell only works in natural darkness and does not apply to magical darkness created by a spell or effect.
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Post by Ser Gerhart Stanislav on Jan 21, 2023 12:13:35 GMT -5
That's certainly one way to the bottom...Gerhart could help but give a laugh seeing Mubashir and company hop onto the back of the undead hulk. Gerhart takes a step off the edge of the bridge to start falling. As Mubashir descends, above him he would here a strange sizzle across the air and a snap of thunder as Gerhart revealed draconic wings sprouting from the back of his cuirass.
As the young knight reaches the bottom, the mage could see it was coming from the armor itself and not the man confirming he is not some secret dragonkin creature, just a man with a few special items. The Sun Heart ring's soft glow gives just enough light for Gerhart to see as he holds his hand up like a torch.
"Big doors huh? I bet there's some kind of magic lock to it.....that or a deadly trap if you don't open it just right. What do you think?" He looks to the others to see how they assess the current situation.
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Post by Mubashir on Jan 25, 2023 3:06:53 GMT -5
Mubashir inspected the heavy iron entrance. Several thick rivets lined the edges of the frame, with an intricate runic pattern covering it's face. Ancient Zeinavan script that was almost inscrutable to all except those who carved it, definitely a magical trap of some sort. Not only that, but emblazoned in the center of the door was an inlaid keyhole with four grooves for teeth, which upon further inspection by peering in had several sharp implements within to dissuade any attempts to pick into it.
"Hmm..Iss very interessting how well prot-" He was interrupted by the incredibly loud bang of a massive fist impacting the frame. Duke's hand exploded in a cavalcade of light and mystic effects both freezing and burning his hand and arm all at once. With a grunt he brought his hand back and with the other one punched it once more, breaking through what remained of it's intrinsic barrier and directly impacting the iron. Two massive beartraps with viscious teeth revealed themselves and latched onto his forearm, basically attaching the man to the iron. He placed a stubby leg on the wall to it's left, and pulled with tremendous might. With a crack, several rivets erupted from the frame and large chunks of wall came loose as the door was ripped from it's hinges, the Duke stumbling backwards several metres.
"Oowwww..." Was all that he said as he looked at his new door laden appendage. "You uh....you alllright bhuddy?""Buddyyyy!" he exclaimed, a huge toothy smile worn on his hideous face.
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Post by Ser Gerhart Stanislav on Jan 25, 2023 15:58:52 GMT -5
Well...that was one way to get the door open. Gerhart half expected a cavalcade of magical and mundane traps to explode forth, but he will settle for simple bear traps and not being the one with whom the bear traps have found purchase.
Behind the door is a strangely shallow alcove, making this look more like a long forgotten broom closet than the home of some ancient information. Gerhart stepped past Mubashir and the Duke to look over everything inside, clearing aside the dirt and rubble caused by opening the door. Amidst the detritus is a toppled over pedestal made of a thick black iron and a book splayed out beside.
The young knight understood none of the scribbles inside, but he figured this was what they were after. Well then, save for the viper this seemed to be relatively simple.
"Here you..." As Gerhart offers the book to Mubashir a large raven swoops down, ripping it from his hands.
KWEH! It gives a harsh croak to the group before flying off. From a distance it looked like a normal raven, but up close it held a distinct third eye in its forehead. This was no random avian thief, this was targeted. "Damn it. Let's go!"
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