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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Feb 14, 2023 21:11:50 GMT -5
Shaa has never smelled something so terrible. Considering his long history with seedy bars and the perpetually unwashed, that was certainly saying something. Where ever he was, the depth and degree of the foul putrescence was something singular and hopefully never repeated again. Now that he was awake, he only had one goal and that was to get out of here and back to the fresh air. Where ever here even was. Shaa tried retrace the steps that got him here….
2 Days Ago
Shaa’s long time friend and fishing buddy Saltrine had invited him on a fish trolling expedition off of the Crescent Coast. Word had come back that some unusually warm water had started to bring some strange fish up from the bottom of the ocean. He had not seen his friend in awhile so it was a good chance to catch up and see some of these rare fish that may never be spotted again. Who knows, maybe weird fish tasted amazing.
Hey Saltrine you monkey barnacle. How is your wife and how has she not died of fright looking at your ugly mug every day? Saltrine was used to Shaa’s kind of special humor so he just laughed at the jabs and clapped him on the arm. She’s fine, just fine…until she heard you were coming. Now we have to hide the mirrors before your face can break them. The two friends gave each other a big embrace. Come on now, she’s waiting for us. Got some nice warm soup on. Good for your bones.
The two walked down the pier and took the turn into the small town. The town itself was not well populated with no real name to call it’s own. It would be a long road towards the towns road to prosperity It didn’t take long to reach a modest house with a brown thatch door. As they push the door open, the prevailing scent of fish is immediately overwhelmed by onion, potatoes and herbs. Now you too rapscallions get out of my kitchen, rolls are still baking. Saltrine takes a big sniff in the air. Your the best love! Yeah yeah flatterer. Don’t get mud on my nice carpet. You neither Mr. Rhunn. Candy was the only person Shaa knew who called him by his last name. It was one of the reasons that Shaa would straight up murder anyone who ever harmed a hair on that woman’s head. She was just good people.
After dinner, they discussed the plans for fishing the next morning. Getting to bed early , still full of stew and homemade rolls, Shaa curled up on the floor of the spare bedroom, dreaming of the fish fry that was surly coming. The next morning, they got up, were handed lunches made by Candy the night before and headed out to the dock. They would be taking Saltrine’s new fishing boat “ The Burning Arrow” out on its maiden voyage. Two other men had signed up as crew and they had already started prepping the boat. It wasn’t long before they were underway, a nice easterly breeze pushing at their backs.
About 4 hours out, the wind died down and the boat was set to drift. It was time to cast lines and see what was out there. One of the men grabbed a bucket of bloody fish parts and started luffing them of the bow. Hey, are you sure you should be doing that? The crewmen just shrugged and kep shoveling. That was the last thing Shaa remembered.
The Present
After some time, Shaa remembered being on the boat but it seemed like it was a long time ago. He started to walk but for some reason, the ground seemed weirdly soft. Hello? Is anybody there. Saltrine? Anyone? As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he could see a silhouette in the corner…
Night Vision Eyes
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Feb 14, 2023 22:06:25 GMT -5
> 36 Hours ago:
Crescent Isle had been one of many places Socket wished to visit, and had spent a luxurious amount of time making their way from the Marsh Flats. Not much had happened during the journey, though the construct still appreciated the natural splendor and urban sprawl of Charon. Along the way, they diligently practiced both magical and martial skills. Each set of tools able to support the other in an electrifying display of magic, speed and precision.
Reaching the coast, Socket checked into an inn and stowed their belongings. This would be an endurance challenge, as well as a bit of research. They'd heard stories on the docks, and in town about strange currents and stranger creatures chasing them. Sand strained to find any and all gaps in the various plates and joints of their body, though not having much luck. A brisk wind brought with it long waves whose crests spanned the shoreline.
Steadying themselves, the automaton gathered their focus, building the needed chain of events in a sequence their engram could handle. Another gust, spraying sand and salty water across the beach for a brief moment before dying back down. Socket took three great strides, accelerating as they activated Step of the Wind. The currents of air became a garden of pathways for the construct to stride. Picking a particularly strong, warm thread and following it led to a bizarre sight.
Floating scattered about above a large pocket of warm water was the remains of a ship, splintered and strewn across the waves. Socket moved closer, curious as to what had broken the vessel apart and drawn to the odd pattern it presented. Their first impression was running aground somehow during a tidal low... but that seemed contrary to what fisherman and merchants were discussing in town. Next on the list of examined ideas was evidence of piracy, a battle, some indication that other ships had come along...
None were found, just a somewhat rancid slick of chum, and a ship that had been battered to the bottom of the sea in what appeared to be one mighty stroke. Lost in thought, the sparking blue electricity emanating from Socket's body was bright like a beacon, hovering just a few feet above the waves. The water churned below, visibly darkened, then heaved forth as a great maw plucked the automaton from it's thoughtful perch. Tossed about after being slammed into the hard, bony plates of this creature's mouth, Socket powered down, several parts had been damaged and the core's Engram was in emergency repair mode.
> Present Day:
A voice in the darkness, and a slimy, gooey texture were all Socket's senses were able to distinguish. "Hello? Is anybody there? Saltrine? Anyone?" it called out in the deep, putrid gloom. Several parts registered surface damage due to mild chemical agents, but they were intact otherwise. Straining slightly, the mechanical whirring of their body could be heard amongst the ominous, slow drumming of this creatures circulation. As they gained their footing, the soft electric glow sparked and sputtered to life, outlining their feline form and shedding a bit of light in the gloom, though it didn't travel far, it was bright enough for others to see.
"Someone is indeed here, though I suspect it is not someone you were expecting. I am at a loss aside from what this bit of glow shows me, I am able to touch and hear... No need to fret, I mean no harm as long as no harm is meant."
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Feb 15, 2023 9:24:53 GMT -5
Shaa move towards the voice in the darkness. It was definitely not Saltrine but maybe it was someone who could explain what was happening. It was times like this that he was grateful for his night vision and time spent in caves. This place, it was absolutely stifling. Between that and the smell, not many would last very long here. But that was the problem. This felt like a cave but it wasn’t. It was almost as if, the cave was breathing.
He stopped short when he saw the form that the voice was coming from. Whatever it was, Shaa didn’t recognize it and he had been all over the place. Maybe it was some sort of species that lived in squishy caves? It said it could touch and hear which cer fit cave dwellers. He had seen weirder things in caves before. Things that liked to hide away from the light, remain the unseen. At least it seemed friendly enough and could speak. But it didn’t all fit. It’s possible he was in the same jam as Shaa. He could work with that.
Hey there…guy… I’m not here to hurt you. Actually, I don’t even know where here is. My name is Shaa. How about you. What’s your name? Have you seen anyone else down here?
Shaa looked around. There was no sign of the boat other than some random debris. There was also no sign of anyone else. Well, two heads were better than one. Maybe random cave guy had some insight.
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Feb 15, 2023 9:56:01 GMT -5
"My name is Kosoku, most of my friends just call me Socket though. If my recollection serves me, and my circuitry isn't scrambled to bits, I would venture to say that whatever swallowed your crew and destroyed your boat is what we're currently stuck in... some sort of unnaturally large deep sea organism, come to the surface to feast on the odd deep ocean currents. Which means... if it's even a small portion the size of what this area seems to indicate... this thing, this creature... it's potentially city sized, perhaps larger... which also would mean there is a good chance there are other creatures living within..."
As Socket replied to the voice in the gloom, a salty spray and the clattering of debris rumbled off in the distance. Whatever this was likely had a means to separate the 'food' items from the seawater itself, and this was part of that mechanism. A fresh stench followed the clattering sound, like a fishmonger's hut just after they've finished gutting and hanging the day's catch. A silent, arcane gesture and the automaton activated Step of the Wind once more. Hovering a few inches above the slimy surface, they felt some relief not being in contact with this creature's inner tissues. They remained still, unable to notice much else in the deep, dismal gloom. The space was surprisingly cavernous based on the way sound seemed to interact with it, how large a creature was this?
Socket could ponder that later, for now, they needed the means to sense the surrounding area without optics. Opting to give up some of their more advanced and military issued technologies before traveling through dimension suddenly felt like a poor decision. Patience, either this other being would work with them towards getting out of this, or Socket was well and truly in a tough spot. Hopefully they could solve their dilemma before the creature dove down for deep waters and escape becomes futile... but that problem would come later... everything would have to come later.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Feb 16, 2023 13:34:24 GMT -5
Shaa watched as the strange being started to float in the air. Maybe it was some sort of air elemental. Shaa had never seen one that could actually talk however so it seemed unlikely. Hoping it wasn’t too rude, he decided to broach the subject. It’s nice to meet you Socket. I’m sorry if this a bit too personal but um… what are you exactly. It could be the place or head trauma but I don’t think I have ever seen anything quite like you. Shaa tried hard not to stare as there were much more pressing issues at hand. And um excuse me but did you say “swallowed my crew”?
Shaa wasn’t quite sure what was more troubling. The fact that he could very likely be inside a giant fish monster, which was not great. Or the fact that his new companion didn’t seem very upset about it. It’s not that he wanted a panicked travel buddy but the fact that he was so seemingly casual about it was a bit unsettling.
Well Socket, if your right, maybe someone or something here can give us a bit more insight into the situation. At the very least, I need to see if my friend is down here. I know a very grumpy lady back in the village who will be extremely put out if I came back without him. Ughh. He hadn’t even paid off that boat yet.
Shaa sloshes his way down a nearby tunnel where some of the noises are coming from. Ummm why don’t we stick together for now? I can see in the dark and am pretty good with directions. Granted I’ve never navigated a giant fish monster before but, how hard could it be? Worst case scenario is we break into his lower intestines and ride some poop up to the surface, right? Shaa starts laughing to check for a sense of humor. He was just kidding about the poop escape and seriously hoped that it never came to that. Waving him on, he says Let’s head this way. I can see some sort of light up ahead.
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Feb 16, 2023 14:27:08 GMT -5
Socket nodded, moving just far enough away from Shaa to shake themselves free of the bits of goop before following after. They couldn't tell much about their surroundings and was glad someone could.
"I am a nanomagical construct, known as a Guardian, from a cosmos far outside Charon. After my purpose in that world was complete, I was given leave to pursue my own existence to it's own ends so long as I left that realm. A bit of temporal shenanigans, and a jaunt through unknown folds in reality, and I popped out here in Charon, in the Marsh Flats."
They paused a second, the rhythmic sounds of breathing had stopped and the dull pounding of circulation slowed.
"I'd suggest finding something to brace yourself with.... I think it's going to dive again..." Socket adjusted their position with Step of the Wind, trying to move out away from the slowly tilting surfaces before they tossed the fairly light construct deeper into the unknown. Fairly sure their position was secure, they continued to answer.
"Yes, some time ago, though I've got only a vague clue about how long... I was out off the coast practicing my magical skills and testing the limits of my own growth. I came upon a strange current, one that locals had been whispering and gossiping about. Strewn across one part of it was the blasted remnants of a moderate fishing vessel, with no crew to be found and seemingly no cause for the wreckage... I think we're inside the cause, and the crew hopefully are all in here with us."
A loud series of pops could be heard outside of the creature, which was followed by an unsettling groaning reverberation. The 'floor' of the cavern was steadily becoming more angled, and the pathway constricted as the pressure outside the creature began to increase. It was indeed diving deeper, and Socket moved to keep Shaa in sight.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Feb 17, 2023 22:53:25 GMT -5
Shaa listened to Sockets explanation as they moved carefully down the tunnel. He was by no means a stupid person but, even after the clear and careful description, he felt totally lost. He thought back many years to his first formal education with the Centaurs who raised him. Those many nights around campfires where they discussed maps, languages, philosophy and magic. He was pretty sure something like this never came up. But his mentor Darius had always said, nothing was complicated when you broke it down to its simplest parts.
Nanomagical. Nano nano nano. Nano meant small? No..tiny. Like so tiny you couldn’t see it. Nanomagical. Tiny Magic. K. Construct. Someone made it. Someone using tiny magic made him. Was he like a Blixbot? Those guys were made out of metal though, not tiny magic. And they didn’t really think on their own, they took orders. This guy seemed to be really independent. And the blixbots were not magical. No..that didn’t quite describe this thing. Who made living things via magic? Necromancers made dead things alive using magic. And the minions could work independently to a certain degree. But they aren’t real constructs. They more just hijacked souls, shoved into meat suits to do their masters bidding. Nope, this guy wasn’t an undead thrall. A being build by magic, down to the smallest bit.
Something came to him. He did know of mostly pure magical beings that were constructed and worked independently for the most part once they were given a purpose. What if this thing was some sort of…golem? A golem that came from…space? Shaa would have been completely baffled by this had he not very recently fought a god in space. If a god was out there, why couldn’t other beings? Beings that could make space golems. And come to visit Charon to be eaten by Leviathans and hang out with Minotaurs in their gizzards. Yup, this has definitely never come up around the ole campfire. Crap this had been such a weird year.
Well space golem or no, Socket was probably right about the change in depth. Pretty much nothing could knock Shaa over if he didn’t want to but all of this shifting was throwing him for a loop. It was a good thing he had three stomachs. Hopefully at least one of them could stay steady and hold on to his breakfast. "I'd suggest finding something to brace yourself with. Hurk! Hmmm that was too close.
Ok, the philosophical meanderings were fun and all but that drop put the situation into crystal clarity. They had 0 control in this scenario and this giant fish monster could decide to go home at any time. If it did, there wasn’t a thing in Charon…or apparently outside of it…that either of them would be able to do to stop it. They needed some sort of exit strategy soon before this hulking beast became their tomb. Just as he was feeling desperate, Shaa heard some noises from further down the tunnel. Noises, that he was almost positive, were voices in the dark.
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Feb 17, 2023 23:24:08 GMT -5
Beneath their feet, the creature leveled out, finding a comfortable depth to cruise. It's pulse echoed through the large chambers like someone drumming on the walls of a building all at once. The beat was slow, ponderous, using as little of it's precious resources as possible. Socket was happy to stay upright and not see them both slip into the gloom. Their ears pivoted about, making quiet electrical noises as the small servos moved about to position each one.
There were indeed sounds of life, faint whispers bouncing off the fleshy walls that could be heard between the long, deep thuds of the creature's pulse. Sparks flew as Socket followed Shaa's thankfully sturdy form, their leg scraping against something metallic. Without missing a beat, and unable to really tell what it might be, the automaton scooped the object up. It felt like the mooring tie of a ship, sleek and horn shaped with a flat plate on the bottom that crews would secure ships to a dock with. At least this was most likely some iron, and with a bit of luck, some carbon as well. They pressed the metal object to their 'stomach', which molded around the very base of it and began breaking the materials down. These spread across the outer plates, repairing damage as the nanites rebuilt, and reconfigured mass.
Socket froze in place, reaching an arm to catch Shaa's very large shoulder in an effort to have the warrior halt as well. The swiveling motors of their 'ears' went quiet, picking up a faint sound nearby. Years of hunting and running messages through the fast but often dangerous wilds of the Marsh Flats had taught Socket to respect this instinct, as it had saved not only their own existence, but the lives of many hunters and merchants.
Giving two gentle taps on the shoulder, Socket pointed to the source of the sound, moving aside so they might be able to flank whatever lie between them and the rest of Shaa's crew. Hopefully they wouldn't be terribly offended by the automaton's use of a piece of the ship, but there was an ever increasing chance it wouldn't matter much. Something this big surely had it's own kinds of symbiotic and parasitic creatures, a living defense system of sorts to help keep things orderly.
Having a clever idea, Socket looked to Shaa, doing their best to quietly beckon him a bit further away into the shadows. Preparing themselves for the next step, the construct built a few plans of action. Shaa couldn't be seen, but they hoped the attempts at communicating quietly with someone they'd just met would make some sense. The soft, electric blue glow grew into a bright beacon, arcs of electrical current leaping across the surface of their body with ever increasing intensity. Socket meant spring a trap of their own on this line of defenses.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Feb 18, 2023 11:08:31 GMT -5
When Socket tapped him and stopped talking, he knew that the construct had heard the noises as well and was cautious. It was probably right to be. Who knew what kinds of creatures lived in a giant fish. It could be more of the marooned like them or they could also be permanent residents that would not be super excited about house guests. Yes, it was better to be on the sneaky side until they knew more. The trouble was, if they were hiding from true residents of the big fish thing, they were probably well equipped for work in the dark. Here goes nothing.
Shaa crouched down and took his position in order to flank the voices that were getting louder and louder in the tunnels. He didn’t know what his new space companion was capable of so he would have to watch him carefully during this little maneuver.
No! No Mano! We finds lots of new parts here now. Much better parts than the normal fishy bits. We take back quickly before the fishy likes them better.
You a slag head Tano. Fishy bits are the best bits. Metal and wood go rusted and rotten in the big fishy. Big fishy no care if we borrow his bits. He has so many, just make more all the times.
We take too manys fishy bits! We need to keep the big fishy healthy. He going to like new stuff yes. Happy fishy.
What in the world. As Shaa looks at the creatures attached to the voices and listens to the inanity of their conversation, there is only one creature they could be. Goblins. But Shaa had never seen goblins like these. These goblins had scales and gills! Could they be a completely different species that grew to live inside a fish? Nooos! Get your foot out me face! Fishy no like the rotten. The second goblin Mano picks up a piece of drift wood and smacks Tano in the head causing them both to fall down and start wrestling on the ground. Yup, definitely goblins. And Shaa knew how to handle goblins, inter-fish goblins or not.
Shaa steps out and yells at the pair. HEY! Idiots! Knock it off, we have questions. The two fish goblins stop wrestling and look up at the giant Minotaur. Their giant yellow eyes apparently have no problem seeing him. Agh! More alive things! Poor fishy is infested. You be good invader and die. Make good food for the big fishy. Yes yes, die please for the fishy.
We are NOT invaiders, your big fish ate my boat and now we are stuck in here…wait what did you mean about “ more alive things” The two fish goblins looked at each other. You slow land walker. Fishy eats everything. Sometimes dead, sometimes alive. But almost always end up dead for fishy eventuality. We sees lots of things alive not dead today. Busy day of killing for the fishy. More alive was good but busy killing didn’t sound great. Have you seen any humans today? Maybe a human with a hairy face? No way. Me sees little fishies and big whale and smelly pink thing…. What smelly pink thing? Could it have been a human? What is human smelly brown thing? Shaa was definitely picking up a certain vibe from these guys. You know, humans. They also hunt fishies, come with the wood and metal….. Smelly pink thing did come with wood and metal. Is loud too. Where is the smelly pink thing now? With everything. Take back to village for processing.he said thoughtfully. Can you take us there?
The two goblins looked at each other again. We super busy. Big boss gets mad we come back with more smelly things. Tano walks over to Socket and pokes it. You alive or dead? You not smell. Shaa grabs Tano by the neck, hauling him into the air. I want to see this big boss of yours. Heyyy! No get angry smelly brown thing. We take you to boss man and be dead soon enough. No rush. It better you walk anyway so me no have drag you back. Shaa tosses Tano down roughly. Fantastic, let’s get going. Shaa nods at Socket.
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Feb 18, 2023 12:49:54 GMT -5
As the goblinoid poked at their metallic skin, a jolt of lightning made the creature's hair stand on end, their hand spasming for a brief moment as Shaa ragdolled the poor creature aside. Aquatic goblins, that was a new one.
"It would be a wise decision to not go around prodding others without permission in the future." Socket said coldly, their voice taking on a hollow reverberation and projected to seem like it came from above, and to the sides of where they stood. The effect, as they'd been told by others, was unsettling to people, as if the machine was a puppet built by some monstrous spirit that liked to devour souls and trap them inside.
Nodding their understanding back, Socket followed the group, positioning to keep the goblins ahead and Shaa to the side in case there was an ambush waiting for them. Step of the Wind was one of Socket's favorite spells, and proved to be invaluable on every adventure to date since learning it's secrets. Now, floating above the innards of the gigantic creature, Socket's stock in the spell rose again.
After some time traveling, a string of lights could be seen in the distance. Spaced in what looked to be a chaotic and random pattern, the idea of being able to see more than a few feet in any direction was pleasant after an unknown amount of time spent in the dim, dank world of this beast. Hopefully this group wouldn't be looking for a meal of their own, but the automaton could only speculate at this point.
___
"Boss!! BOSS!! come quick!! Tano and Mano... heh... they're back... not alone, Bull man and a metal demon..." The goblin gasped for breath, having sprinted in a panic from the gate across town to the chieftain's hut. Wide eyed and spooked, they kowtowed before the much larger, muscular mass of a creature that was their boss.
___
Commotion could be heard all across town as the group drew closer. Several other goblins poked their heads, and their weapons, over the makeshift 'fence' that surrounded the cobbled together buildings. Socket watched as best they could, ready to answer any threats but unwilling to start a fight. Things were already troublesome enough, and getting out of this massive cavern of fleshy life was the only real priority in the automaton's mind.
"Well now, this is interesting indeed. Is your clan one to stab something first and talk after, or will someone come out and speak with us?"
"Da boss, da big boss should... we no fight first... we survive here without fighting first." Replied Mano, a hint of fear in their voice.
Socket nodded, but looked to Shaa, trying to convey with their limited expression to be on guard. The construct moved closer to the goblins guiding them, ready to heave the pair into the path of any attacks directed this way if they proved deceitful.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Feb 18, 2023 19:59:41 GMT -5
Shaa watched as the goblin creatures scattered around the chieftains hut. From out of the large door, emerged what could only be described as the ugliest troll that Shaa had ever seen. The beast was massive, with wet hair and a face full of boils. He had several missing teeth but the ones he did have were as a large as a fist. He could tell right away why the goblins were afraid of him.
What do we have here, more guests for the meat house? Meat house? Well that didn’t sound good. The giant troll pulled out a club and slowly shuffled towards them. Wooaahhh there big guy. We aren’t looking for a fight but we aren’t about to gett out in any place called a meat house either. We are just looking for some friends and then we are more than happy to leave you to the giant fish. The troll stopped and considered them a moment. If I wanted you for dinner, there is little you could do to stop me little man. However….. today may be your lucky day. Not being eaten was definitely lucky. Why is that?
The troll put down his club and motioned them to sit down. Your friends? A bearded man and a man with a scar on his face, yes? The troll didn’t call them pink things so that was progress. Perhaps he wasn’t as local as the goblins. It sounds like it. Are you telling me that you have them. The troll smiles a wicked smile. We do have some guests yes. But they won’t be for long..unless… unless what? The troll shifts a bit, pointing to a far tunnel. You see the tunnel there? It leads to a deeper part of the beast. Nasty place. The beast has recently swallowed a creature that is giving it fits. It’s why she surfaced. I sent my minions to get rid of the thing but none have returned. It must be destroyed or who knows what the fish will do to expell it. You see those ribs there? They can contract. If they do, we are all dead. So, here’s the deal. You go take care of the irritation and I will allow you to live..and give you your friends in the bargain. What do you say?
If it’s so bad why don’t you take care of it yourself? The troll snorts derisively. I am much too large for the tunnel sadly. Besides, if I do the work, you are worth nothing to me, just more meat. Last chance, what say you?
Shaa turns to Socket. He whispers quietly. I do not trust this guy. There is a saying back home. Trust a troll with your wallet and you will find a poor man. On the one hand, I don’t think we can force him without getting our friends meat housed. On the other, if there is an irritant and we do get rid of it, what’s to stop the fish from diving again? It’s not a great situation. What do you want to do?
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Feb 18, 2023 22:34:09 GMT -5
Listening intently, Socket pondered the conversation as it wore on. A troll, now there was a tricky opponent unless you had a source of flame. Having hostages and a goon squad added a level of caution to the party. "We split up, one of us stays and watches over the camp, the other goes to investigate. Should there be a trap, the person investigating sends some kind of signal to the other... something loud, flashy... whatever you're able to do to make noise. I'll even volunteer to investigate if we can negotiate for a light source of some kind." Socket quietly reply.
Taking stock of the situation, they came up with an even cheekier idea that would confound the entire situation but it was incredibly risky and put the entire party's lives in jeopardy. A last resort, in case this was a trap of some kind and there were no other options. Mostly, it was to satisfy their own curiosity, learn more about how such a gargantuan creature exists and is structured. Socket was constantly fascinated by the variety of ways life existed, though they understood it's necessity and ugliness as well.
Shaa handled the conversation well, so Socket thought it best to keep quiet, perhaps the group would slip up and think Socket was either some sort of puppet, or some sort of powerful creature beyond their ability. A few of the younger goblinoids were showing signs of panic and inexperience. They took a step in front of Shaa, a quick gesture of the hand casting Static Field. A little spark jumped from their ear down to their helm, then spread across the surface of their body.
A pair of the group were acting strangely, then suddenly shouted guttural war cries and tossed their spears. Striking the surface of the Static Field, each spear was struck down by a bolt of electricity. They quickly recast the spell, in case more panicked and followed suit. Quickly raising their arms after, Socket stared at the Troll. "Is this how you're treating your other guests too, hmm? With spears, panic, and threats... That's no proper way to ask for the help of strangers is it? Oh, and don't think for one second you'd be able to handle tussling with me... that big club of yours, and bulky body, mean that my abilities can't miss."
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Feb 20, 2023 12:57:05 GMT -5
The giant troll just laughs and slaps his meaty hands together with a lid clap. Doing so, all of the little water goblins stop their assault and run to hide in various places. Threatened by little sticks are you? Not as tough as you suggest I think. The troll shifts in place seemly unbothered by the scene. The offer is true. You want out, I want the irritation gone. Simple trade, can you put that in your head? Hahaha. The troll motions to a pair of the goblins who disappear into the dark. Soon enough, they return with a lantern with a strange blue glow. One of the goblins deposits the lantern in front of Socket. There you do little man. That is a special lantern that can be used underwater. Very handy down here. If you want to turn it off, there is a lever on the side. When you need it back, same thing.
Shaa picks up the lantern and tries it out. Using untasted equipment is a good way to die. Adventuring 101. Flipping the ligh on and off again several times, Shaa gives it a spit rest and sees the lantern stays lit. Seems to do what he says it does. Shaa hands the lantern over to Socket.
He turns to the troll. If you really have my friends, I want to see them. Not doing your errands for the fun of it. The troll lifts his massive eyebrow. Hmmmm not the most trusting type are we? Goood. Good for you. I don’t trust anyone myself but certain accommodations must be made in situations like this. I will allow you to see…one if them. As an act of good faith. The troll passes gas and fills the chamber with a rotten stench. Ughhh but why though? Shaa waves his hand in front of his face hoping that Socket can turn off his nose or something. Much more unpleasant things await you, I assure you. The troll snaps his fingers and the two goblins from earlier emerge. You idiots brought him here. Please take “our guest” to see one of companions. Just pick one, I don’t care which. When you are done, bring him back here. Yes chief, come brown thing, we take you to pink thing. Do good job. Shaa looks at Socket. Be careful, meet you back here.
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Mage's Guild
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Feb 20, 2023 18:38:38 GMT -5
Nodding, the automaton pivoted and left without another word. The unease of the entire situation was growing intense and Socket had every intention to finish this task quickly and see the others safe. They walked for quite a while, leaving the lights from town far behind before opening the switch on the proffered lantern. It's beam cut through the thick gloom, revealing pinkish, slimy flesh shot with streaks of blue and a dark deep brown color within it's veins and arteries. A spasm seemed to be running through the beast, a tremor that started as a gentle vibration in the wall worked itself into a fervor before moving on through the musculature.
Once it had passed, they continued forward cautiously. A group of weird, fleshy tubes stuck out of one wall, and when Socket moved the light closer, were retracted inside chitinous growths protruding from the beast's innards. Curious, they tapped the tubes, pulling their hand away just in time to see a pair of razor sharp, scythe like mandibles snap shut. A fraction of a second slower, and the construct would need serious repairs, and serious help.
They backed off, sweeping the light down the tunnel. The walls were lined with more tubules and other odd traps made by the organisms that called this place home and it was going to be a long journey. Lucky for Socket, it seemed the source of the disturbance for this gigantic creature also seemed to be on the other side of this minefield of biological traps. Two choices presented themselves at this juncture. They could go through the slow way, taking out each 'trap' one by one until the path was clear, or use a bit of magic to skip over the entire field and save time, but have to deal with the obstacles again on the way back.
Shutting the lamp for a moment, Socket sat still and listened to the sounds ahead. A few of the critters stirred when the light was gone, but not nearly enough to make this an easy task. Opening the light once again, they could only wonder how such a menagerie of life could exist inside of another creature. Various worms and invertebrate creatures scurried about, indicating this was likely the passage into the primary stomach chamber and Socket was looking to the nightmarish landscape that would predigest the larger bits swallowed up.
With Step of the Wind active, they moved towards the center of the passageway, making a decision to do as little harm to the denizens of this great beast as possible. No sense in tempting a worse situation out of the very walls, things were already a mess. Leaning forward, they stood sideways, one arm behind, one in front with the lantern pointed at their destination. A few successive casts of Gust Thrust gave them enough momentum to glide through the center of the path, avoiding the traps and crawling creatures.
Landing on the other side of the bizarre stretch of this creature's gut, they shined the light up and looked at the grotesque, offending spectacle. A mass of what looked to be the remains of several large fish were balled up in a grisly blockage. Their bones had become interlocked, and worked themselves into the walls of the passage as they'd moved through. Many of the creatures they'd seen earlier swarmed the rotting, fetid mass, picking away at the soft and fleshy bits that hadn't begun to turn to a viscous ooze that was accumulating all around. The 'spines' of this mass had dug gouges into the lining of the creature, and a goopy, yellow brown pus oozed from the worst tracts. If this blockage didn't go soon, even vomiting the mass out wouldn't stop the sepsis from infecting the creature's blood. This was a race against time now, to save a great beast from it's own folly so that they too might be able to go home once more...
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Fighter's Guild
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Renown
King’s Valley
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Feb 22, 2023 9:30:05 GMT -5
Mano and Tano each grabbed Shaa by a hand to lead him to the afore mentioned “meat house”, hopefully to find his friend or at least one of the crew. Shaa watches as his strange new companion walks without fear into the dark of the tunnel. He can catch a glimpse of the light of the lantern as it bobs along and slowly vanishes in the distance.
Come come big brown thing! We take. Take to meat house. Ok , but can we address some things here? First off, stop calling me “big brown thing” We are too close to the fishe’s digestive system and I don’t like the implication. My name is Shaa and I am what the land dwellers call a Minotaur. Probably don’t get to many of them out in the deep ocean. Mano and Tano look at each other. Always sort food stuff by color, it easier to remember. Well yes I can imagine but if you could stop thinking of me as fish/ gobo/troll food, that would probably be the best for everyone involved.
Tano snickers a bit. All things is food stuffs in the big fishy. One day, Mano and Tano go to the meat house too. Is all part of the fishy. Thing is, we just hope you go first. Shaa is a bit taken aback by the revelation. Wait wait wait, hang on. You are telling me that you EXPECT to eventually end up in the meat house? Ppsssttt of course, big br…Shaa thing. All gobo have jobs. Do jobs good. Do bad job or can’t do job, meat house. Shaa has job now for the chief so no meat house. But, when no more job…shhhhh you talk too much! So that’s how it was. It was a pretty efficient if not horrifying system. You are born, you live to work until you can’t, then your body is used to feed the fish. This Troll wasn’t looking to help him or his friends in any way. They were just there, like these goblins, to get a job done. No more jobs…and it was to the meat house. Shaa felt an urgency in his stomachs to find his friends and beat it. He had already felt the pressure of being in the fish but it appeared that their time was even shorter than that. He needed to let Socket know but, for now, just needed to play along until he saw a chance to turn the tables.
Come Shaa, it not to much far now.
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