As Vulcadreaus scoffs at him, Arashi is sent tumbling backwards through the air, He focuses on his recovery for a second and manages to stop himself right above the wall where the other's were, where he started his ascent. As he recovers Arashi notices the 5 mephits coming for him as well as the elementals and other mephits going for the other adventurers. "Damn coward sending others to do his dirty work..." He mutters almost to himself, disappointed in the Giant Dragon's careful and systematic approach... it either recognizes them as a threat large enough to summon backup... or it feels the group beneath him... Either option being quite dissatisfying, Arashi lets out a sigh. As the dragon uses it's talons to open up the earth, and toxic fumes begin to spread, He notices Keyke nearby, who just so happens is the best Marksman he knows.

"Hey! Keyke!" He waves his hand summoning his Ray Bow¹ "here you can have this! you're a better shot than me and I can't use all my weapons at once" with a small chuckle and a wink he throws it down towards her. "Now I need to take care of at least one of these things" he begins focusing Lightning magic on his left hand, as it crackles around, he stretches his arm towards the incoming mephits who are getting quite close, he aims at the one in the middle, but right before shooting he changes his target to the one next to it. Hopefully this way they don't see it coming and cant dodge it. the lightning bolt fires² And reaches the intended mark in an instant, the speed of the bolt and the short distance it had to travel, should make it almost impossible to avoid, even more so having changed targets... Still even if one that was enough to get rid of one, there are still 4 Mephits left. "Focus on me!" He yells at the Mephits, hopefully they would keep to their order and the taunt and leave the others alone

 

Arashi draws his sword and begins to fly to the left, trying to get out of the toxic area below him, smoke tends to rise after all... If The Mephits follow him it should all go according to plan.

---

Summary: Arashi recovers midair behind the wall, he summons his Ray bow and throws it to Keyke, then attacks the Mephits with a lightning bolt and Flies left to get out of the area where the smoke is.

Actions:

1) Summon possession: Ray bow

2) Lightning bolt to one of the Mephits attacking him

Moving towards Vulcadreaus' Right Flank

In all the chaos, Astrid didn’t even notice that Gwen is standing right near Blue Raspberry. But it’s a bit hard to offer her a hello in these trying times. As expected, flames spew forth and destroy the protective barriers everyone worked together to put up and reinforce. The rock melts and shards of glass mix in with the liquefied ooze, making the area a bit dangerous to stand in. Astrid takes cover behind Buttfellow after finally getting her wits about her again and rummages into her bag to pull out a communication device – the other half sits at home on the counter so she can keep in contact with Cantio. He should probably know about this situation.

“Erm, hey, da? Ya there? Ya know how I came ta Darkveil fer a barbecue?” her voice comes through the other half, sounding a bit panicked or exhilarated or something caught in between.

On the other end of the line, Cantio jumps a little; he hadn't expected to hear from Astrid so soon after she'd left. "Yes, I'm here!" There's a distant voice followed by the clanging of pots, maybe pans, on the other end while Cantio scurries over and balances the other end between his ear and shoulder with an armful of dishware.

He can feel Astrid's excitement— maybe exhilaration— but he's also a bit distracted at the moment. "Yes! You made it safe? Are you having a good —" There's a small pause, "Is everything alright? What's all that noise in the back?"

Astrid ducks behind Buttfellow again as a wave of hot wind rushes across the battlefield again. “Um, well, about the barbecue–” The appearance of the Mephits catches her off guard, and she shuffles around Buttfellow to keep the conversation up, even if only briefly. Spicy Pawsage lets out a vicious bark and growl then charges forward to take down one of the Mephits with his tusks. A sense of worry then pride washes over Cantio through their earrings. “Good boy! Ah, uh, anyway, the barbecue’s canceled. A big—”

There’s a pause when Astrid barely catches the sound of Gwen’s voice calling Blue “dear,” and her childish instinct to giggle cannot be stifled. "Wait a sec—"

Cantio winces slightly when he hears Spicy Pawsage barking and growling, "Astrid?" he prompts worriedly; he awkwardly fumbles the dishes onto the counter to avoid dropping them. He can hear his daughter murmuring, or talking to someone else on the other side; he feels a wave of anxiety, but waits patiently for her to return.

She's thoroughly distracted by Gwen and Blue. “So yer dinner date went well, huh?” she says through a muffled grin, turning the communicator away while she asks. There’s too much chaos to be in these kinds of good spirits. “When’s the weddin’?” She asks this entirely as a joke and probably is not ready for whatever answer Gwen might give her.

Gwen looks over to Astrid with a bit of a furrow on her brow. "It was more of a rehearsal. Did Wolfe not tell you? I'll send the invite after the whole dragon thing," she says whilst actively blasting Mephits.

Astrid blinks in stunned silence. Huh??? This joke might have gone way too far. Does Gwen even know–

_"Astrid?" Cantio finally prompts again, a little quieter this time. _{"What happened to the barbecue?"}

Mephits, dragon, lava, toxic gas, right! There’s danger afoot! Astrid quickly barks into the communicator again, this time with more urgency, “Sorry da, a big dragon god showed up, an’ it seems like we’re on the menu.” Looking up at Vulcadreas where the volcano once stood, Astrid’s expression becomes determined and resolve washes through Cantio across their connection. “I’m gonna go smack ‘im in the face with me hammer. Also, I think Blue’s gettin’ married ta Gwen. Talk more later! Love ya! Bye!”

When Astrid returns, Cantio feels relieved; and then immediately is struck by a pang of panic. "Huh? Wait, what!? Astrid!!" Although he feels the determination and resolve through their connection; a cocktail of anxiety, worry, and concern pushes through on his end. "H- what!? Blue's getting married!? No, wait— Astrid, be careful—-!"

Beep.

Cantio stands awkwardly at the kitchen counter, holding the communicator in both hands for a moment. Although he is not a religious man, he prays to the dead gods for his daughter's safety in whatever fight she's gotten herself caught up in.

Although she feels Cantio’s worry through their connection, there’s no time to focus on it. Gwen and Blue are climbing on the cloudy bird, and there’s still a handful of Mephits hanging around. “Oi, B- Wolfe, can ya take Spicy with ya an’ keep him outta trouble??” she calls, whistling for the hound and motioning toward the cloud. Being that Spicy is familiar with Blue, the hound happily rushes toward the knight and bounds up onto the cloudy bird before it takes off. “Thanks! Be safe!”

As they leave, Astrid pats Buttfellow and shouts, “Sparky time! Knock out the rest of the Mephits, I’m gonna go punt a dragon! Keep folks ya see safe!” She scoops Blupee up while Buttfellow smashes its makeshift fists made of only loose clumps of banged-up scrap metal together, and lightning sparks between them then dances up its arms until covering its body. A garbled, guttural bellow of sorts escapes the Blixto^TM head of the once felled Buffalo model, and Buttfellow charges into the remaining and doused Mephits to shock them with the lightning sparking off its form.

Gripping her war hammer in her hand, the icy surface misting in the heat and sparking with her magic, Astrid raises the hammer to the sky. Thunder rumbles above, and a bolt of lightning crashes down on her, completely enveloping the half-dwarf before she gathers the magic and rockets into the sky, flying over the battlefield in a bright blue streak. While overhead, she gets a better view of everything going around, including a glimpse of all the familiar and unfamiliar figures and faces fighting the impending threat.

That’s when she makes out Kamille casting a spell. Her eyes follow the line of magic to see the meteor crashing through the clouds, which strikes Vulcadreas in an explosion of rock debris and water. That’s the spot she’ll hit! Redirecting her lightning strike, Astrid gathers her hammer and fires herself at the cooled, cracked spot of rock armor on Vulcadreas’ head. She puts all of her strength into the strike, bolstered by Leandros’ words of encouragement and the speed at which her lightning carries her. Astrid’s hammer crashes into Mayhem’s watery impact site, mighty like a crack of thunder. Lightning explodes out from her in all directions, and the ice of her hammer fights the heat coming off of the dragon’s body with a blast of steam. Electricity from her hammer finds its way into the tiny cracks in Vulcadreas’ hardened magma scales.

"THIS IS AWESOME!!" Astrid screeches with no small amount of joy, exhilarated from the massive scale of the battle.

It doesn’t take long for gravity to pull her down. Standing on the dragon will probably be an uncomfortable experience if she doesn’t do something to avoid that. Hopefully, the wind swirling around her will help, otherwise, she tries to get her feet on her hammer to avoid the heat.

---

Direct mentions: Lady Kamille Verlithax  Blue Raspberry  Gwendolyn Mystwud

Positioning: Astrid is at the FRONT near Vulcadreas’ head. Spicy Pawsage is with Gwen and Blue on the cloud bird in the FRONT in the air. Buttfellow is in the FRONT on the ground near the remnants of the wall.

Actions:

• Free Action: Call dad.
• Offensive Action: Astrid casts Astrid’s Valkyrie Strike (adds 3 Electrical Surge Charges).
• Offensive Action: Astrid hits Vulcadreas with Guillotine Drop (1/topic) in the same spot Mayhem (Kamille’s summon) struck Vulcadreas. This is as part of the fall with Valkyrie Strike using her war hammer _{(pale ice, heavy enchantments, electrified from Spell Blade bond which ignores resistance/immunity to lightning, exalted blunt damage, Bull's Strength and Baloth Muscle in her arm, x2 physical damage due to Leandros' Battle cry)} to make use of the water from Mayhem's initial strike against Vulcadreas (hoping to use water + ice + electricity to amplify). 
• Persistent effect: Howling Gale (Defensive)
  
  SPOILER: Click to show
  Your mastery has become so pervasive that you are like a maelstrom, able to create a tornado like effect that encircles you beginning at ten feet from your body and going out another five feet from there. The harsh winds buffet and slice at any you deem an enemy while being completely harmless to yourself and allies. You can see through the effect but others cannot, and it automatically blocks any sky domain or ranged weapon attacks that are used against you, while speeding up those same spells and attacks that you and your allies use.
• Buffed from Leandros’ Round 1 Battle Cry - x2 physical damage
• Electrical damage on war hammer ignores lightning immunity/resistance due to Spell Blade’s Arcane Soul.

Minion/Pet Actions:

• Offensive Action: Spicy Pawsage gores a Mephit with his tusks like a good boy.
• Offensive Action: Buttfellow casts Lightning Armor (post 1/3) and charges into the group of Mephits that were attacking Blue Raspberry and Gwen to shock any of them that it touches, combining with Blue’s Bouncing Bubble as a bit of a conduit.

Tracking:

• Armor/shield hit preventions: 8 (+ activated items for more preventions)
• Minor wounds: 0
• Major wounds: 0
• Gold Coin: 1
• Silver Coin: 1
• Arcane Activation: 1 use remaining, Post 2/4
• Buttfellow's Lightning Armor: post 1/3
  
• Electrical Surge charges: 3
• Howling Gale (no duration listed)

Active Passives:

SPOILER: Click to show

• Sun Sparked Goggles - immunity to blinding effects
• Diplopia Armor - creates afterimages that makes it hard to target the wearer
• Greaves - Lightning-grounded enchantment
• Raider’s Loincloth - Prevents movement from being slowed or restricted
• Arcane Proxy - can be the source of spells if within 100ft of user
• Bull’s Strength tattoo - double strength
• Night Vision - see in the dark (except magical darkness)
• Touch of Divinity - I don’t fuckin’ know, but I'm listing it
• Baloth Muscles - right arm, smash through structures
• Arcane Soul - Lightning damage on bonded weapon (war hammer) ignores resistance/immunity
• Arcane Focus - Bonded weapon is spell focus, can cast spells through it
• Always There - Cannot be disarmed from bonded weapon. Can summon bonded weapon.
• Stalwart armor - Ignores effects that bypass armor
• Master Combattant - Can wield two-handed weapons in one hand
• Immovable Bastion - Cannot be forcibly moved or knocked down by spells or effects
• Light as a Feather - ignore armor weight
• Electrical Surge - Gain charges for casting lightning spells
• War hammer - bonded weapon (lightning damage), Pale Ice, Heavy
• Battle hammer - silvered, ice rune, weapon tether

    Flint could feel the intense heat all around him as the hellfire blasted into and over the many defenses of the group. Once the onslaught of fire had ceased he looked over the boulder he had been using as a shield, only to see that none of their initial efforts to hurt this thing had worked in the slightest. All the powerful spells and attacks seemed to to just make this thing annoyed or at worse even more pissed at them, then the cracking of the earth indicated that it was getting ready for something else. As the beast spread it's heavy wings Flint could see small figures skittering their way off of it and taking flight to counteract the adventurer that were in the air, If he only had some type of flight he could help those up there. His attention was quickly pulled away as gaseous fumes were coughed up from the fissures further in-front of him. To make matters even worse the rocks to either sides of started to rise. It was just one thing after the next this was all too much for him, he had wondered if Javal had done this kind of thing before and how he was faring during all of this.

    He quickly eyed the people scattering around him to get away and he took that as a cue to do the same, yet the sound of his boulder shield coming to life stopped him. This single moment of hesitation allowed the newly formed elemental to wrap an arm around Flints waist and prevent him from moving. "Shit! a little help over here!" Flint shouted to anyone who would listen as he tried to break free of its hot embrace. As the fumes rushed closer to him he realized he needed out now! ¹his right first glowed a sharp purple light that extends to about the length of a dagger. As the elemental attempted to squeeze tighter Flint plunged the light dagger into what assumed was the face of this thing, which caused it to recoil and loosen its grip around his waist. He then kicked off of its molten chest, freeing him in the process. He grinned as he spotted a familiar purple figure making his way towards him, "Well look who it is, we gotta stop running into each other like this friend. But it seems like you're up". He clapped his hand against Javal's to tag himself out as the fumes around them dispersed for a small moment. As he stood next to Javal his ²right fist lit up again but with a radiant purple fire to prepare himself for any attack he would have to make going forward, he felt somewhat better know that he was once again fighting along side him.

   The fumes around them dispersed even more as a dragon landed near by. The first thought that came to Flint's mind when he saw the black haired rider of this dragon was that she was his guardian angel, she even called him handsome which made him chuckle to himself. "well would you look at that, an angel in black comin' to my rescue. Just my lucky day" He smirked as he took the woman's hand and mounted onto the back of the dragon, careful not to set anything ablaze with his burning hand. He held on for dear life with his not burning hand as the two soared into the air away from the fumes. "hey darlin' if you can get me close to something I can take some swings at them, oh and by the way the name's Flint"
    

    

---

Summary: Flint stabs the elemental the elemental trying to grapple him with purity bolt, which allows him to escape it's grasp. he then tags out with javal to have him deal with it as Kamille on Kalaf swoops him out of the fumes riding back to where they were attacking the elementals on the RIGHT.

1: Offensive Action - Purity bolt into the Elementals eye, allowing Flint to escape it's grasp
2. Casting action: casting burning smite on his right fist to prepare for any upcoming attack

Passive: Bulls strength 

With hesitation, the fellblood watched as the adventurers responded quickly to the new situation. They took a moment, observing everyone's choices on the matter as a majority took to dealing with the mephits and elementals near the front and right of the collected group, others taking the fight straight to the molten fury of a lizard. With a drawn out breath, they placed a hand on their summoned monster, her charred skin and singed skin making it even more unsettling looking.
"Salamat na. Lets move." The half-bodied woman nodded, letting out an unholy screech as she immediately rushed to the left-faced opponents. Ube followed after, a little glad they didn't bring Cebu to this burning mess.

¹The manananggal took action first, attempting to grapple one of the obsidian creatures by its arms as it gets right in their face. She opens her mouth in what, at first, looks to be trying to bite the elemental before purple sparks begin to form inside. ²It fires out, a chaos bolt striking point blank. 

Meanwhile, Ube has dashed for the other. When it came to magic, they didn't have much to offer. Though, what they lacked in one of Charon's specialties, they brought out the simple art of breaking stuff. Leaping off the ground until they were taller than the living rock, the fellblood raised a high foot over them. ³With a hopeful smile, they brought down their foot with all their might over the head of the creation. 

---

Moving to LEFT FLANK

Offensive Actions
2. Dark Elemental fires chaos bolt to the face of Earth Elemental
3. Falling axe kick to the head of Earth Elemental.

Debuff Actions
1. Dark Elemental attempts to hold Earth Elemental in place

Flames licked harmlessly at him as they passed through his incorporeal form. One threat taken care of, but as wildfire was wont to do, it was already beginning to spread. The very earth shook with the might of the dragon’s mirth, a swarm of pestilence flying from his mouth. Insects to deal with insects. The air rippled with simmering heat, and choked with primordial energy that Vulcadreus twisted to suit his needs. Earthen golems ambled from the cracks in the ground, black as tar and with a height that towered over Cyran. He did not break stride, could not allow himself to stop now as he broke away from Del, the two in sync as they knew what needed to be done.

The ground below his feet burned like hot coals, licking at his boots. Cyran pressed on, ignoring the sensation of heat that threatened to grip his body but could not quite touch. In either hand, Spell Slicer and Cold Steel, ready to launch their attack against anything that might stand in his way. Before he could even reach the elementals, though, ozone crackled in the air and a drake soared overhead. Cyran had never met her in person, but he knew of her reputation. The Witch of Moonglade. And behind her, at the same time, Shaa. The two were clearing a path through the elementals, just enough madness to allow the Specter to slip by, unnoticed. There was no time to spare for gratuities. He would have to offer them his thanks later.

Now was not the time for gratuities. Now was the time to ascend.

He did not care about the simmering heat. Cyran found that he cared about little right now save the task in front of him. Numb, almost. A feeling that permeated from the tips of his fingers to his toes, cold in his chest. His own body nothing but a vessel to deliver death, as the fates so dictated that was all he would ever be good for. If that was what they wanted, he would oblige, the grip of his knives in his hands so natural that he could almost forget that they were there. Such a magnanimous target would be difficult to fell, but not impossible. Strike fast and hard at weak points in the chinks in its armor, perhaps even the holes permeating its body if they could get around the molten rock. But none of that would be possible if they couldn’t ground it.

We need to stop him from taking to the air.

Cyran let out a breath, sweat dripping down his brow from the sheer intensity of the heat. Over on the left flank he could see Del climbing, feel the surge of adrenaline through their bond. Though apart, their minds one. The fallen star and the Crucible born from the earth defying gravity to bring down another dragon. He wouldn’t allow himself to be left behind this climb. Perhaps if he could manage happiness right now, his mouth would have twisted into a smile. Cyran took a running leap, over the pool of lava in an attempt to reach just one of the beast’s legs. A gnat scaling a giant. His nails dug into the hot scales, the warmth near-unbearable even to him. Cyran shuddered and pulled himself upright on the dragon’s hide, shrugging off his jacket and allowing it to fall into the lava. His own pain and discomfort, secondary to this. Cyran did not matter. He had to be the Specter right now, even if it killed him.

His boots allowed him to stand horizontal to the ground on such a large surface, perpendicular to Vulcadreus’s leg. He didn’t hesitate for a second to sprint upwards, matching Del’s speed. The bubbling lava and near-luminescent nature of the dragon’s being made his shadows recoil in disgust, retreating away from the harsh, acrid air, his own shadow cast in front of him from the lava pool below beginning to wane. As if it were evaporating into thin air.

Shit. At this rate he’d have nothing to work with. Cyran raised out a hand, willing the darkness to respond to his fury, the maelstrom of anguish and grief and self-loathing and love and fear, emotions tinged by the ever-present void in the center of his core, that tainted absence of light, that fundamentally broken part that he’d done his damnedest not to acknowledge, packed and coiled so tight that it ached. Please…!

And his waning shadow responded, growing in size until it no longer resembled the Specter, but almost a creature taken flight, expanding and swallowing everything in its reach.^[1] Cyran’s arm trembled, the exertion setting in - but he couldn’t stop there. Had to keep moving. He’d do so until he could move no longer, his use exhausted. Below him, war waged, faces familiar and unfamiliar clashing with obsidian foes, all fighting for their lives. And through it all, he could see specks flying closer - the little spark, Astrid, hurtling fearlessly through the air. The armored noble of Frostgale, Gwen. All warriors much stronger than him, all banded together by circumstance once more. The strings of fate woven among them, inexplicably intertwined by the very gods that they would eventually slay for their own survival.

And where the light shone brightest, the shadows had to loom darker in response. If it meant helping them, Cyran would willingly plunge himself further and further into that unknowable deep.

He needed more.

Cyran cast his hand out to the yawning shadow he’d created, a lord commanding those under his rule.

“Iorwe!” He commanded, a harsh bite, each syllable punctuated by the bitter frost in his chest. Move! With as much strength as he could muster, the Specter twisted and yanked, wresting the shadows under his control. It doesn’t matter if you can’t thrive here! You are needed for a job! Cyran clenched his hand in a fist, muttering a prayer in elvish, the words leaving his mouth of their own accord, desperate. He leveled his fist at Vulcadreus’s right wing looming above him, releasing his hand, forcing the shadows to dance.^[2]

“Don’t allow him to find solace in the sky!” Cyran commanded, the shadows coalescing into a shackle. Such a large creature. But in this game of death and rebirth, a vicious cycle doomed to repeat over and over and over, Vulcadreus was the one being brought back every time. It implied he could die. It implied he could be killed. It did not matter that he was perhaps too large for Cyran to fully bind - by the dead gods he had to try. He just needed to pour every ounce of himself into this, a little more, a little more…

---

ROUND SUMMARY

Cyran moves to the RIGHT FLANK, slipping past the elementals and darting through the fiery debris hoping that his coldness and natural agility will protect him. He starts running up Vulcadreus’s right side using his boots of spider climb. He manipulates his shadow, calling the darkness to his aid to bind Vulcadreus’s RIGHT wing.

1. Support Action - Mass Shadow Control, making his own shadow bigger for him and Del to bind Vulcadreus with

SPOILER: Click to show

Your ability to manipulate shadows has moved beyond your own, allowing you to affect any shadow, regardless of who or what it belongs to. You can change the shape, size, motion and other features of any shadow in the area, regardless of it being yours or not. This can even be used to detach shadows from their source, moving them around and controlling them. Shadows can also now make noise, mimicking sound and voices. These however will sound a bit distorted, muffled or altered.

2. Debuff Action - Shadow Binding on Vulcadreus’s right wing to pin him down and restrict his movement

SPOILER: Click to show

As long as you are within a shadow, you can cause that shadow to rise up and attempt to restrain anyone who is also standing within that shadow. If someone shares a shadow with you or enters the shadow you are in can be effected by this. This shadow wraps around their feet and legs and attempts to bind them, rooting them in place and preventing them from moving for the next post. For the duration of that post their movement will be reduced to 0 however they can still move their arms and hands, attempting to defend themselves.

Passives

Frozen Solid

SPOILER: Click to show

A very unique gland that is frozen and iced over, installed in the body, causing the user to feel very cold to the touch. This graft will allow the user to not be bothered by non magical warmth or heat, and will constantly give off a small aura of cold around their body. This cold is not enough to deal damage, but can be uncomfortable if exposed to for an extended amount of time.

Spider Silk Boots

SPOILER: Click to show

A pair of black leather boots with silver spider web designs printed across the surface. While wearing these boots you gain the ability to walk up vertical surfaces as if it was flat ground. This lets you walk up walls or across ceilings like a spider, however does not let you cross non solid surfaces.

Expanded Mind (Astral Soul I)

SPOILER: Click to show

The moment a spell is cast in your surrounding area you immediately become aware of it. Not only do you know the spell is being cast, but you know everything about it, the domain its from, its element, its effect and any additional bonuses that are applied to the spell from its owners abilities.

Insight Rune

SPOILER: Click to show

A small abstract rune tattooed somewhere on your face or head (above the collarbone) This tattoo prevents anyone from lying to you, normal or magic. They can still tell the lie to you or in your presence, but you will immediately be aware of the lie. This effect can not be removed from you or ignored.

All Eye

SPOILER: Click to show

A pure white eye ball that replaces one of your two primary eyes. This eye works like a normal eye, however has the added effect of being able to see through vision impairing effects, such as mist, smoke or dirt. This eye is also immune to blinding effects from things like flashes and magic.

Cat’s Grace

SPOILER: Click to show

Your reflexes and basic body movement become extremely agile and nimble, allowing you to move around without the fear of falling or tripping over something. As long as you are moving you can not be knocked over or knocked off of something. If you do fall you will take no damage, landing safely on your feet as long as you have fallen less than two hundred feet. (falling off a mountain does not help you)

Vail proceeds calmly forward through the shadows as the dragon begins its attack. A feeling of relief passes over him as he observes the various adventurers successfully evading the beast's wrath. The feeling is new to him, at least in his current state, causing a momentary pause before he continues forward. It was best to not dwell on it, it was simply a drop of empathy in an ocean of anger and pain. The sounds of the beast’s laugh drew him back to his back to his furious furious temperament.

Amusement? You find this funny? All of this distress you cause? All this power, yet you remain ever so childish. If I was more naive, I would guess that it was due to your fresh rebirth, but I know better than that. You’re sadistic, taking pleasure in the power you wield over them, just like your followers or the Fathers of that city.

The elemental arose, eager to serve their primordial master, yet another new feeling arose within him. He covers his mouth, stifling the laughter welling up inside him. This supposed god really was as petty as the beings they lord over. Creating beings that pay respects to it upon birth, as if beings without free will have any respects to give. Just like the Fathers, it needs subservience to fuel its sense of superiority.

Vail continues to move forward, despite the impeding elementals. Judging by their movements, they don’t appear to notice him with the shadow, giving him ample opportunity for him to walk by without the need for conflict. The other adventurers nearby have different plans however, and an armor-clad knight rushes forward to engage the elementals. He strikes at the drones with an elongated pole arm. Hurting one and causing the other to stagger into Vail's path.

Vail's arms dip inside of his jacket, emerging clad in pitch black gauntlets. In an instant he dashes forward, striking the elemental in each of its limbs^[1]. The strikes give off the briefest flashes of light, the only hint of his presence to those who couldn't detect him within the shadows. He continues his march forward, leaving the pawn injured at the very least.

The battle continues to rage as the beast walks forward. All manner of warriors face off against the colossus and its minions, but one catches Vail's eye. He pauses momentarily as look upon a familiar presence, soaring through the air with a pair of shadowy bat-like wings. This hesitation was also a new sensation, one born from conflicting thoughts and feelings. Had he been wrong about her? Was the darkness inside the moon elf more than just a being of malice?

The thoughts only serve to further frustrate him as he reaches the base of the dragon's foot. He glances between the beast’s obsidian scales and his gauntlets, seeing an outlet for his anger, as well as holding a curiosity as to how effective his efforts will be. He slams his fist against it multiple times^[2], testing whether the beast will acknowledge his presence.

---

Summary: Vail is on the left flank, equips Gauntlets of Ginma and attacks the Earth Elemental that wasn't Leandros's direct target. He then moves to the base of Vulcadreas foot where he gives it a punch (x4)

Free actions:
Equipping Gauntlets of Ginma.
Moving to the base of Vulcadreaus

Offensive actions:

[1] Attacking Earth Elemental with Gauntlets of Ginma equipped. 4 hits, one to each of the elemental's limbs (Bare - Double Strike + Two-piece (Brawler Level 2))

[2] Attacking Vulcadreas's foot with Gauntlets of Ginma equipped. 4 hits again.

Active effect: Resist the Elements [1/2]

Active passives:
Controlled Immunity - poison/toxic reduction

Ravager's Mark (Bulls Strength Tattoo) - double strength
Two Piece - Punch them again.
Double Strike Enchantment (Bare hands) - And again and again.
Dashing Enchantment (Bare hands) - Can dash towards the dragon (still don't know how this works)
Holy Enchantment (Bare hands) - The elemental (and Vulcadreas?) is afraid and everyone respects that particular blob of shadow that only some of them can see.

One with the Shadows - Taking advantage of allies shadow effects
Shadow Sight - Can see in the shadows
Pass without a trace - Sneaking up to the Elemental

   With the wall practically useless, I clap my hands and restructure my plans. The gas was possibly deadly, so there was no chance worth taking there. I quickly zipped out of the area, being so happy I have my favorite add-ons to my shoes. With an easy glide to the left, I noticed the two mephits heading my way. That's when I heard a familiar voice call out to me. "Hey! Keyke!" I look up to see a bow in his hands. "Here, you can have this! you're a better shot than me, and I can't use all my weapons at once." With a smile, I make a quick leap into the air and catch the bow. As I turn back around, the mephits heading in our direction had been taken care of by Vail and two others. I give a smile as I see him being surrounded by more friends. With how long it's been since we last talked, I can only think we need to get together again. I keep moving forward before making up my mind. I hold the bow up and aim it high in the air. I could quickly tell of the plan Arashi had in mind, based on his movements, so I let him be for the moment. Instead, I aimed once more at the huge dragon. I aimed at every eye as I shot two arrows back to back. Never once did I stop, after all, movement is needed if one wants to dodge.

   Nit and Rosemary quickly ran out of the created poison gases. As he stepped out of the front area, he let his magic shift the earth to create footholds cool enough to give him leverage in this area. At first, he couldn't decide on a side, but he ran the same way when he saw me moving. Rosemary followed him to be of some help. Her natural curiosity is being held back from surviving the battle. They looked at each other when the mephits were quickly taken down by three others, one of which h remembers being jealous of. That was an embarrassing story. With a shake of his head, he kept moving forward, adjusting his movements till finally getting to a safe rock.

   Fin and Carminda, on the other hand, had to handle the situation differently. Neither really had magic or protection against the fire and rocks. What Fin did have was a lot of battle experience on uneven ground from the marshes and being raised around Keyke. Carminda had empathy and awareness of the things he can hear around him. When the air started to burst out, he made an air sound to Fin, who quickly shifted away from the wall before damage could be done. With a common understanding of the other, they quickly got back to avoid the poison air and quickly convene with the person Keyke has spoken about, Taki.

---

NPCs:
Nitin Ashwood- Earth domain Apprentice
Finhad Ashwood- Warlord: Blade Novice
Rosemary- Water pixie (Does not count to NPC Cap)

Pets:
Carminda-songbird griffon (Does Not Count against Pet Cap)

---

Offensive Action: Shooting Dragon in left eye with Ray Bow.
Offensive Action: Shooting Dragin in right eye with Ray Bow.

NPC Actions:
Nit- Support: Uses Mold earth to shift the earth to a manageable temp to walk on to get away from the poison air.
Rosemary- Defensive action: follows nit away from the gas.
Fin- Defensive action: Backing away and retreating back to meet up with Taki.

Pet Actions:
Carminda- Defensive action: backing up with Fin to Taki.

---

Passives:
Bulls Strength Tattoo

SPOILER: Click to show

This tattoo increases your normal strength, making you twice as strong as you normally would. This is a latent tattoo that is always in effect, making you permanently strong. This tattoo does not stack with itself or other strength buffing items.

Veiled Sunhat

SPOILER: Click to show

A sunhat popularized in the deserts of Zeinav; this hat is veiled by translucent sheer fabric around its rim which falls down to the wearer's shoulders. The veil blocks both sand and sun from hitting the wearer's face. While wearing this hat, your sight is unaffected by particles such as snow, sand, or silt.

Necklace of Animal Speech

SPOILER: Click to show

A brown piece of cord or leather with silver designs of animals and vegetation etched into it. While worn this necklace allows its wearer to speak to animals as if they could speak common. This could be birds, cats, bears, any natural animal. This does not let you speak to summoned creatures by magical means, and speaking to an animal owned by someone else will not grant you any special features from them.

Mask of Memories

SPOILER: Click to show

A wooden mask etched with images of moons and stars, painted to look like the night. For as long as you are wearing this mask, you can not be made to forget anything, or have your mind cleared, wiped or erased. Your memories can not be read, altered or affected in anyway.

Dark Lantern

SPOILER: Click to show

A lantern developed for use by sentries in the Dark lands so that they could observe their surroundings without being betrayed by a light source. This lantern has been enchanted so that it will only provide light to the person that holds it; to everyone else it will simply appear dark and useless.

Space Pocket

SPOILER: Click to show

This is a passive spell that is always active after purchase. You now have access to a small pocket of space in which you can store any and all of your items. This pocket exist in its our domain and can only be accessed by you. You can access this pocket by simply reaching into space, pulling out anything that is stored in that pocket. The pocket can hold any amount of items but can not hold anything larger than your own person. Living creatures can not be stored in this pocket.

Ice Skates

SPOILER: Click to show

A unique metal attachment that can be fitted to any kind of shoe or boot. Two thin, metal blades are built into the shoe, able to be popped out or popped back in by clicking the sides of the shoes together. When summoned, these thin blades will be coated in a very thin veil of ice, allowing the user to skate across solid surfaces such as earth and stone. The blades can also be used as weapons when kicking.

Javal is proud to see that his glacial wall on the right flank was able to shield his team; it was turned into a vapor after getting melted by Vulcadreu’s breath attack.



Javal smiles in relief and turns to face his team ready to designate orders, “Nadia here catch”, he says handing her his flying rug from his coat pocket, “Get on that and get a better view for your ray bow aim directly for his eyes”.



“Yes my liege” she responds as she boards the flying rug and zooms a couple of feet in the air gauging a good vantage point she then aims her light arrow towards Vulcadreu’s right eye and fires hoping it’ll at least distract him even for a second.



Javal turns to face the team’s new addition a magic academy apprentice, “Caspian I know you’re new and expect to learn in a small environment but this will be a good opportunity for you to learn in real-time”, he then points at the fire mephits attacking Arashi and says, “Stand here and send out an ice spike just like I did before at one of them to get them off of my friend Arashi”.



Caspian nods nervously and says, “Okay Sir I’ll try my best”, he then gathers cold magic into his hands and shapes it into an ice lance, and throws it at one of the fire mephits circling Arashi.



Javal then says, “Shimmer and Asleipmir move to the back in case anybody needs a quick exit or movement”, the two pets neigh and buzz in agreement respectively and leave.



He says, “Meryl and Myrra you’re with me we have an elemental to crush”, he says staring at the elemental attempting to grapple Flint.



He then raises his hands into the sky and says let’s try to change the air here and suddenly it begins to rain around the area.



He sprints towards Flint then claps his hand with his own with a wide grin, “I’m here my friend let me handle this fellow: I’ll take you on", and jumps into the air slashing the elemental in the chest with his sword Theseus then another slash across his head.



As he finishes his attack the split second it is fired Meryl charges forth and hits the elemental’s leg with her Ignis staff.

---

Javal Zarrias: 
Offensive Action: Katana Slash at earth elemental (Double Strike, Water Rune, Angelic Light)
Passive Action: Use Drizzle to make rain in the area.
Passives: 8 hit preventions, thorn cloak, bull's strength
Nadia Sadrine: 
Offensive Action: Fire Ray bow at Vulc's right eye.
Passive: Lightning Rune
Meryl Greine: 
Offensive Acton: Ignis Staff blow at Elemental's leg.
Passive Lightning Rune
Caspian: 
Offensive Action: Ice spike at one of the fire mephits attacking Arashi.
Asleipmir and Shimmer: 
Run to the back

Summary: javal makes it rain sprints to fight elemental attacking flint  with double sword slashe. Nadia on flying rug solar bow at dragons eye, Meryl hitting earth elemental with ignis staff, caspian ice spike at fire mephit on arashi, Asleipmir and shimmer go to back to wait

Seeing Leandros Aurthurian rush forward, astride his noble steed and resplendent in his regalia, Del can't help but smile, as the shadows around her start to move again towards the dragon. Smaller creatures, enemies now, were teeming from the fissure in the earth, as the ground itself began to flood with magma. She gives him a nod of appreciation. "Thank you, old friend." With that, she takes to the dragon, scaling up the oversized ankle of the thing as she quickly gains ground, strong muscles pulling her along, pausing only for a moment as Astrid streaks past, shouting with absolute joy as she rockets around the battlefield, a bolt from the blue. Trying not to laugh so she can keep her breath, she climbs onwards, up and up.

Something crossing through their bond prickles the corners of her eyes with tears. The fierce determination she was so proud of in him, an unwavering resoluteness to achieve this, at the risk of life and limb. He could not spare that time to care about himself, not when so many stood to suffer. A sentiment she shared, usually.

Del cared.

Del cared so much that it brought her to anger, her scars faintly glimmering with gold that started to swell.

Perhaps it was being attached to someone for the first time in her memory, having something concrete to fight for that included herself, but the idea that Cyran or Leandros or Fish or Javal or Astrid or any of her loved ones, any of the strangers answering the call to action, could lose themselves in this battle to save their home, was one she fully, wholly rejected. By sheer force of will, she would not let that happen. She was Delaela fucking Asiliari and she was through with watching those she cared about suffer and die. Burning with a resolve, a determination that no one would die, not if she could help it, she presses her thumb into the cool ring on her finger, feeling the energy and magic of her fiance flow through her, as she grasps a spell she had only recently become acquainted with.

With that resolve burning in her mind, despite the insurmountable task before them, Del ascends, hand over hand, climbing away from the toxic smoke, the clamoring hands of the elementals and the mephits, fingers digging into the metallic scales of the great mountain-god before them. She notes that, as she climbs; this thing was made of metal.

Privately, she allows herself a small smile. What a time to be a blacksmith.

Del to get about as high as the dragon's hip, before she saw the swelling of shadows, felt the power radiating through her bond, as Cyran's shadow touches the edges of her awareness. A comforting cool sensation she can sense but not quite see, part of her innate ability to sense the shadows around her; his especially were very familiar to her.

She anchors herself to Vulcadreus with one hand as she reaches out for Cyran's shadows as they surround her, lifting them skyward with her own smokey magic filtering from her hair. They had to stop this thing as much as they could. Get control of at least one of this god's countless weapons, its defenses. There was no guarantee it would work, but if it gave them a second, a moment to allow the others around them to take up the charge, then even the attempt would be worth it.

She can feel the strain through her body as the shadows at her command lash against the massive membrane of the dragons wing. "Not going anywhere," she seethes, digging her hand in once more as she continues her ascent up the god of Rebirth and Destruction.

---

Summary: Del ascends Vulcadreus on the LEFT FLANK to climb in unison with Cyran to get to high ground so they can try to limit the Dragon god's mobility. Feeling Cyran's determination to see this through at any cost through their connection, she uses the power of the Eternity Ring to cast Resist the Elements on him to bolster him physically. Del uses Shadow Binding on Vulcadreus' LEFT WING, and remains there, gripping the side of Vulcadreus to prevent herself from being thrown.


Action Type

1. Buff Action Action: Cyran's Eternity Ring - Resist the Elements - Used to give Cyran Fenastra-Asiliari immunity to the element of fire for the next two posts, cast through the Eternity Ring.

SPOILER: Click to show

For the next two post the effected target will become immune to that single damage type, taking no damage from spells or effects of that damage type. (Fire).

2. Debuff Action: Shadow Binding - Simultaneous to Cyran's manuvere, Del uses Cyran's extended shadows to cast Shadow Binding on Vulcadreus' Left Wing in an attempt to impede their ability to use the wings and move.

SPOILER: Click to show

As long as you are within a shadow, you can cause that shadow to rise up and attempt to restrain anyone who is also standing within that shadow. If someone shares a shadow with you or enters the shadow you are in can be effected by this. This shadow wraps around their feet and legs and attempts to bind them, rooting them in place and preventing them from moving for the next post. For the duration of that post their movement will be reduced to 0 however they can still move their arms and hands, attempting to defend themselves.

Active Items
    - Gauntlets of Ginma - Strength, 1/1 Hit Prevention.

SPOILER: Click to show

These gauntlets provide one hit prevention, and allow the wearer to smash through stone as if it were glass, and lift natural boulders more than twice their weight. The abilities of these gauntlets will last as long as they have a hit prevention left.

Active Passives
    - Bare Hands
        - Enchantment: Deflective Rune

SPOILER: Click to show

Can be used to catch ranged or thrown physical attacks, such as arrows or spears. If caught the ranged item can be thrown back and used for its own offense.

        - Enchantment: Magic Blocker

SPOILER: Click to show

If this weapon strikes bare flesh (by cutting through fabric or armor) that target can not summon their magical energy for their next post. Active effects will continue to persist, however they can not use new spells.

    - Baloth Muscles x4

SPOILER: Click to show

It is now extremely easy for the bearer to use said limb to rip through doors, knock down walls, or break holes in structures such as created walls or blocked door ways. Applied to all four of Del's Limbs

    - Bull's Strength Tattoo

SPOILER: Click to show

This tattoo increases your normal strength, making you twice as strong as you normally would. This is a latent tattoo that is always in effect, making you permanently strong. Since Baloth Muscles are a graft, not an item, this stacks with the Baloth Muscles.

    - Heat Gland

SPOILER: Click to show

A Warm gland causes you to be be incredibly warm to the touch, giving off a small aura of heat and allowing you to ignore non magical cold.

    - Cat's Grace

SPOILER: Click to show

As long as you are moving you can not be knocked over or knocked off of something. If you do fall you will take no damage, landing safely on your feet as long as you have fallen less than two hundred feet.

    - Surface Scaling

SPOILER: Click to show

you have gained the unnatural ability to hang onto walls or solid surfaces and climb up vertical surfaces that normal people could not. You have expert knowledge of hand holds and vertical movement, letting you reach higher places than normal.

    - Resist the Elements (Granted by Cyran Fenastra-Asiliari ;A;) [Immune to Fire] 1/2 posts remain.

SPOILER: Click to show

For the next two post the effected target will become immune to that single damage type, taking no damage from spells or effects of that damage type. (Fire)

Shadow Dancer Prestige:
    - One With the Shadows

SPOILER: Click to show

You are always aware of any form of shadow or body of darkness in the immediate area, able to passively sense where these shadows are and what is creating the shadow. In addition you can manipulate your own shadow, changing its size, shape and even removing it altogether. While within a shadow you have the effects of the spell Shadow hiding active at all times, but can now move and interact with objects without breaking the effect.

    - Shadow Sight

SPOILER: Click to show

While inside of a shadow created by you or another object, you can see perfectly, your vision not hindered by the darkness. You can also see others who would attempt to conceal themselves in the shadows or darkness. You can see the outline of others who are within the shadow or darkness as if you could see them in the daylight however this does not apply to magical means from spells or abilities.

Brawler Prestige:
    - Hands are Weapons

SPOILER: Click to show

The skin of your fist have become tougher, ignoring minor damage such as cuts or bruises. You can now use your fist like they were made of metal, able to grab sharp edges without being cut, or blocking a blunt weapon without feeling the impact.

    - Iron Grip

SPOILER: Click to show

Their grip is so tight now that they can no longer have things ripped from their grasping, preventing things from knocking or pulling objects out of their hand, regardless of how hard it was hit or how strong the force was. This also makes them excellent grapplers, able to hold onto an enemy without easily being pushed off.

    - Fighters' Sense

SPOILER: Click to show

A brawler can feel any enemy or creature within their immediate area, up to 10 feet from their person, gaining a sense of their location. They are able to react to close range melee attacks.

Charging Actions:
    - Heart Stopper : 2/3

SPOILER: Click to show

Requiring precise timing and knowledge of your opponent, after three posts of observing your opponent you come to understand the rhythm of their breathing. Once you are primed with that information, a strike specifically aimed at the heart will cause it to momentarily pause its beating if the blow lands, sending the victim into an unconscious state for their next post. Can only be used once per topic.

Recharge Tracking

    - Shadow Walk 1/2 Recharge.

Minions

    - Thistle (Earth Pixie)

SPOILER: Click to show

Once per topic this Pixie can coat its owner in earth magic, which turns all damage the owner would do into earth damage, regardless of the damage type it was before. For the next two post, any source of damage from the owner will be only earth damage, going back to their normal damage types after the duration.

There was a rumbling at first; a gentle shaking that city of Darkveil was no stranger to. It's people hadn't really batted an eye at the earth gently shaking beneath their feet.

Ulrich's cousins, the two brothers, Ted and Jed, nonchalantly told Ulrich not to worry about the quakes. It must be normal for this place, he figures. He was enjoying a quick visit with them as he found himself in Darkveil; the two brothers enjoying their cousin and his two little ones' company on their day off.

But then there came another rumble. The earth quaked violently; it's intensity knocking over vases, causing furniture to fall over within the brothers' home, and the windows shattering in all the buildings. The brothers and Ulrich yell for Lil Frijole and Aella to find cover underneath the table. Then he felt it; his eyes dart around the room as the panicked cries can be heard from the outside...

The rumbling of the mountain erupting it's fiery destruction upon the earth, but there was something else that shook the man to his core. The tingling sensation in the back of his neck traveled down his spine turning into a shiver he hasn't felt since...

"Take care of the little ones!" He shouts to his cousins as he sprints out the door.

Lil Frijole and Aella attempt to follow Ulrich, but their uncles keep them from following him into danger like he asked.

Ulrich flies up into the air to get a better look at the mountain unobstructed from all the buildings around him. A gasp escapes him and his eyes grow wide. A massive being had erupted from the mountain; raining down fire and ash across the land before it.

This wasn't just any creature of massive size... It was a dragon.

Ulrich could feel the faint traces of magic being thrown at the beast in retaliation. His breaths slowly became pants for air as panic tried to overtake, but he shakes the feeling away. He looks down at his family through the broken window of the home; they look up at him in concern as they know what he's about to do. He gives them a reassuring nod before turning his attention upon the mountain again, and he disappears in the blink of an eye; a howling burst of wind left in his wake.

As he makes his closer to the mountain and the tremendous beast towering together with it, he begins to see that there are others already there fighting against the dragon. It is complete chaos as there are some in the air, some climbing onto the dragon, and some on the ground; everyone dealing with their own problems. From high above, he spots a fissure in the ground in front of the dragon; toxic clouds spewing forth into the air and beginning to coat the immediate area. There are people still on the ground close to it!

He has to do something, and he will.

Ulrich then begins to descend down; forming his body into a diving position to speed up his descent into the battlefield. As he draws closer he brakes his speed; the crackling of static electricity rings out as he focuses magic into his fingers. Then, as like a swordsman drawing his blade, Ulrich quickly draws his hand from its position and points towards the dragon, a streak of lightning erupting forth and streaking across the air at the dragon's face.

"I hope this doesn't do more harm than good!"

Ulrich pulls his scarf over his nose and mouth; his momentum coming to a stop before he hits the ground. He's engulfed by the toxic clouds around him; he crosses his arms together, the toxic gasses beginning to swirl around him. He pushes his arms outward, and the toxic gasses begin to swirl upward as a howling tornado begins to form and push outward from him. It begins to swirl upwards dragging the toxic clouds that were already present up into the air above.

Ulrich bursts through the tornado back and away from the dangerous area. He'd only been in there for mere seconds, and he could already feel charring on his clothes, and he coughs a bit as even his scarf was not efficient enough to protect him from the gasses!

"Damn! That's only a temporary solution!"

He begins to look around at the others battling the dragon alongside him, and there are quite a few familiar faces present! This fills him with a burst of energy, and he uses this to fuel the fire within to fight until they win or until they can't anymore.

---

SUMMARY:

Ulrich dropped out of the sky and casts Lightning Bolt at Vulcadreaus' face. (I leave it up to GM to decide wherever that lands.)
He casted Howling Gale from within the toxic cloud and the tornado swirls upward dragging the gasses up with the current.
Ulrich then escapes from the area feeling the effects of the cloud despite having only been engulfed by it for seconds.

OFFENSIVE ACTION: Casted Lightning Bolt at dragon's face.

SUPPORT ACTION: Casted Howling Gale to draw the toxic cloud away from the immediate area so that someone can potentially figure out something about the holes.

Placeholder don’t hate me

---

Actions:

1) Offensive Action - Cast Sheer Cold (Blizzard Chocolate Consumed as Free action) In the Face of Vulcadreus.

SPOILER: Click to show

A small piece of chocolate with a cold, blue filling. When consumed, the eater will be able to cast Sheer Cold once during a topic without needing to know the spell. You can cast the spell anytime during the topic but lose the ability to do so if you consume a new Chocolate before the spell is used.

2) Support Action - Mind Parasite - Used to Talk "Mad Shit" at Vulcadreus mentally, and to get an idea of what the Dragon's next move will be.

SPOILER: Click to show

Not only has the Astral Soul become one with the universe, but they can now become one with other beings, choosing to pair their minds together. You can link your mind with that of an ally, or even an enemy if you desire. While linked you can speak to that person mentally, without having to actually vocalize anything. You can also see what they see, hear what they hear and feel what they feel. Your enter mind feels as if it is sharing a body with your linked target, allowing you to continue to cast spells or activate features while linked.

(placeholder again my brain is dead)

---

Summary: Askr approaches the left flank to take care of the Earth Elementals, recognizing he won't be able to do much against the Fire Mephits or Vulcadreus himself, and he strikes against one of them with his longsword (with Telekinesis) and Dancing Dagger.

1. Strikes one of the leftmost Earth Elementals with Yggdrasil. (Offensive Action)

2. Strikes the same Earth Elemental with Glasir (Dancing Dagger). (Offensive Action)

Aagha took in a deep breath to the scenes ahead unfolding. One thing for sure was that the dragon was immune to physical attacks. This meant that Aagha wouldn't be able to do a thing to it no matter how many arrows he fired off. "Change of plans boys! Cane, Ignis, run to assist where you can on the battle field and be ready for just about anything! Boromir lets go. Get us closer to the giant dragon and into the center of the fray. The least I can do is try to do something!" That was the best he could hope for now and so they began. Cane and Ignis made their way rushing toward the field at this point awaiting to attack should something else come popping into view with the dragon's next action. While on Borormir's back, Aagha was being carried up toward the center of the field where the gas was hopefully lifting successfully.

Aagha noticed Shikabayo and what appeared to be mephits headed that way. His first arrow would be sent to the mephits in an attempt to at least quell one of them or cause them to scatter should he be lucky enough. Thank the gods this was something they practiced as Aagha was getting better with his bow. What if he couldn't do anything to help through an entire encounter like this? Something he was now contemplating though was that perhaps it would be convenient for him to learn some sort of magic or find himself a magic weapon.

For now, this was the best they could do. He had managed to get a second arrow knocked and ready and should the mephits not be daunted by the first, this second arrow would be launched toward them too.

---

1) Arrow Fired at mephits
2) 2nd Arrow primed to be released if needed

Cane and Ignis headed to the right side of the battle field together to assist with anything they can.

Summary: (FRONT) Caedes remains at the front; he manipulates his own shadow with Mass Shadow Manipulation to create a path closer to Vulcadreus, before using the width and length of the path in an attempt to Shadow Bind Vulcadreus' front legs, in an attempt to restrict its forward momentum and land movement from continuing forwards.

The silence is so much louder than the chaos.

Yet as the shadows fade away, the maelstrom of the Ash Lands bleeds back into his perception of reality; the shouts, the heat, the sharp tang of sulfur. No sooner has Caedes stepped from the shadows does the earth groan; the changeling stumbles, pulling back as the massive beast curls its claws into the earth with one large step.

The earth bends under its will, as if soft and pliable, beneath its claws; and it screams hot, toxic gas into the sky. Ugly anger twists in his chest as the noxious fumes burn at his eyes and skin; but he’s pushed through worse.

It’s fine.

He is not backing out of this, even if it kills him.

The chaos buzzes like a ceaseless racket in the back of his busy mind. He looks to the left, and to the right; he acknowledges the golems, but he leaves them to those left behind.

Caedes tugs at the burnt threads of his cloak, using the cloth to cover his mouth and nose, and sweeps his opposite hand through the air in a smooth gesture; the motion corresponds to the dark shadow beneath his feet; as if guiding it somewhere. ^{(Mass Shadow Control, Movement)} His own shadow stretches like a pathway— a road bleeding across gashes of earth and lava; they grow deeper in color as the light burns into them, and create a path above the trenches.

Still covering his nose and mouth, he sprints across it to close the distance between himself and the draconic. ^{(Shadowsilk Slippers: Passive)}

The toxic fumes rising beneath the earth are abhorrent; the heat from this dragon is nigh unbearable.

The changeling releases his cloak the closer he gets to the heat of Vulcadreus, pulling and flipping his throwing knives between the palms of his hands, he takes a leap and uses them as a support to scale the dragon’s leg. The heat transference bleeds into even the leather hilts of them.

He's dealt with worse.

As he feels the momentum of his weight dragging him down through gravity, Caedes twists around; he places both of his heels into the crevices of Vulcadreus’ burning scales for support. He gestures for the shadows previously at his command. Like snakes, the shadows seize and weave; the path which he’d traversed upon shatters; instead redirecting to twist around Vulcadreus’ front legs in an attempt to bind the dragon god’s land mobility. ^{(Shadow Binding)}

---

Actions:

1) Movement Action: Casts Mass Shadow Control to elongate and manipulate the shadows in the area in his favour for ease of movement, and for the next step.

SPOILER: Click to show

Your ability to manipulate shadows has moved beyond your own, allowing you to affect any shadow, regardless of who or what it belongs to. You can change the shape, size, motion and other features of any shadow in the area, regardless of it being yours or not. This can even be used to detach shadows from their source, moving them around and controlling them. Shadows can also now make noise, mimicking sound and voices. These however will sound a bit distorted, muffled or altered.

2) Debuff Action: Casts Shadow Binding on the dragon's front legs in an attempt to restrict Vulcadreus' forward land momentum.

SPOILER: Click to show

As long as you are within a shadow, you can cause that shadow to rise up and attempt to restrain anyone who is also standing within that shadow. If someone shares a shadow with you or enters the shadow you are in can be effected by this. This shadow wraps around their feet and legs and attempts to bind them, rooting them in place and preventing them from moving for the next post. For the duration of that post their movement will be reduced to 0 however they can still move their arms and hands, attempting to defend themselves.

---

Passive:

Shadowsilk Slippers —

SPOILER: Click to show

These slippers are made out of silk produced by a particular type of spider that only exists at the very bottom of caves and have been enchanted by a cabal of shadow sorcerers to be able to allow the wearer to walk across their own shadow(s) as long as they connect back to the wearer.

Surface Scaling —

SPOILER: Click to show

This technique makes you an expert climber or scaler, giving you the knowledge of how to climb and cling to surfaces. Almost like a spider you have gained the unnatural ability to hang onto walls or solid surfaces and climb up vertical surfaces that normal people could not. You have expert knowledge of hand holds and vertical movement, letting you reach higher places than normal.

Sanguine Bond — STILL DON'T WASTE YOUR HEALING SPELLS

SPOILER: Click to show

Now reliant on drinking blood, your body has become weak without it and is actually unable to heal itself without the blood. You no longer benefit from healing spells from the Light domain (or similar specialty spells) and will actually start to feel weaker if in direct sunlight. Most vampires use this as an excuse to stay inside but this weakness can be navigated by covering up ones skin or diminishing the amount of sunlight you come into contact with. You are also now considered an undead for the sake of abilities and spells.

FRONT

As two large white birds flee the barrier of light, one mephit knicks their wing as they fly by with their claws, while another breathes a small gout of fire on the other. Scratched and lightly singed, the two birds are able to outpace the mephits once they build up momentum. Their diversion did create an opening for some more allies to safely cross into shelter of the dome.

The fire mephits screech, bludgeoned by the hail that has formed out of thin air above them. One is conked on the head and falls onto the surface of the dome of light, sliding down its side before swelling and bursting into a small explosion of sparks and flames. The shield protects those hiding within it from being caught in the tiny blast. The others try to evade, but their efforts are effectively slowed making them easy pickings for others that come to aid. An arrow successfully downs one and another scattering of flames showers the dome.

Meanwhile, those within the barrier, and the two birds returning to the barrier, are free to move as the mephits are no longer a threat. The dome of light holds strong just long enough to ensure their crossing of the burning hot cinders are made without harm while also protecting those within from any noxious fumes.

Not far from this scene, another swarm of mephits descends on some adventurers. A rain of magical bursts of light rain down on the attacking swarm, downing three of them in an instant. The bodies of the mephits hit the ground before swelling and popping with a burst of flames which scatters across the surface of a nearby construct. The other two cannot evade damage but manage to survive the onslaught until a bouncing ball of oozey water ricochets between them, taking down the last one who explodes, but the flames are extinguished by the water and cause no harm. The one remaining mephit is quickly cleaned up by a flaming doggo which bursts the creature on its tusks like a spicy gusher.

The last swarm of mephits gathers about the taunting airborne adventurer. One gets particularly close before being blasted with electricity causing it to explode in a burst of flames, singing the adventurer’s outstretched fingers for his trouble. The others circle around, their focus on him, but more wary given they just witnessed what their foe was capable of, two try to flank the adventurer and take a pair of swings at him with their claws.

One that lingers towards the back is sniped by an ice spell from below and explodes harmlessly in the air. The last remaining mephit not currently attacking the flying adventurer looks down and spots a target skating across the battle field, it flies down a breathes a burst of fire at them.

The earth elemental that one adventurer was using as a shield manages to briefly get a hold of him, but its smaller size makes it a bit more fragile and a spell to its head region causes it to release him. That adventurer flees, while others approach. The adventurer and their accompanying minions deliver a number of slashes to the creature. It retaliates by attempting to slam its stoney fists into the adventurer’s chest.

The cloud of toxic fumes threatens to spread and engulf all those on the ground, only somewhat hampered by a magical rain that falls out of nowhere. Before the toxic cloud spreads further, some guy arrives on the scene having fallen from the sky above. He conjures a tornado that rips the fumes into a whirling cyclone and jetsons it up into the air. A temporary solution, but one that spares all those on the ground the effects of the fumes other than himself.

RIGHT FLANK

A stream of fire and burst of bright lightning rain down on the two newly formed earth elementals. The thunderous crack from the attack rings the ears of all who are in this area, but luckily does not deafen them for more than a few seconds. The creatures are hardy, and take the brunt of both hits before turning their attention to targets well within their reach. Though one does take a potshot and throw a rock at the black drake for its trouble, the rock misses and lands only inches from the towering vaguely person-shaped flame that approaches them.

A fellow elemental? No. An enemy masquerading as one of their cousins. The elementals prepare for whatever this one is thinking of attempting.

Strange magic pulls on their very being, tugging them against their will together and trying to roll them into a ball. They resist, using their own strength, bulk, and significant weight to counteract the magnetic pull of the magic. At the very least, the attempt hinders them from retaliating against other allies who safely race past the left side of the dragon to make their own attacks. After all, who knows how long time would be on their side.

LEFT FLANK

A ring of metal contacting glass-like stone rings out from the left flank as a mounted knight rakes his weapon across one of the risen elementals. It leaves a significant mark on the stone creatures, but they are hardy, and it will take more than a single blow to make them crumble. The elemental pulls up a boulder from the ground and launches it at the knight as he circles back for another pass.

Meanwhile, the other elemental is struck twice with blades that fly through the air. The elemental spots its assailant and charges forward, closing the gap and attempting to knock the odd swordsman off their feet and back toward the edge of the pool of lava.

Before it can, however, an ally arrives having tread across burning cinders to arrive and provide aid with their own summon which engages with the earth elemental. The Earth Elemental locks with the Dark Elemental and gets blasted in what is probably its head. Shards of sharp obsidian glass scatter across the ground as pieces are chipped off from the consecutive hits. The earth elemental still stands, but it is now locked in a grapple with the Dark Elemental. This gives another an opportunity to strike from its blindspot and deliver a barrage of blows that crack and chip away at its form even more. The Earth Elemental cracks and crumbles to the ground, inert.

DRAGON

A meteor magically coated in water slams down on the massive dragon’s head. It draws back a step, not having expected to get pelted with a spell of such magnitude and altered by some strange manipulation of the primordial energies themselves. The thick natural plating of its scaly head provides ample protection…but that doesn’t mean it isn’t rattled when another magically boosted surprise attack from the sky in the form of a literal child slams it in the exact same spot.

While this primordial god slept, kept docile by another’s selfish machinations, those left to their own devices, the various peoples of Charon generation after generation had not been idle. It’s almost impressive. If not futile.

Vulcadreaus shakes off the hits, assuming both were the doings of some incredibly powerful mages and not really noticing the tiny adventurer still perched on its snout after careening into it from the sky. The water splashed across its scales boils into steam, and the little adventurer would notice that the ice on their hammer protects them from its scaling scales. At least, for now.

The massive dragon then looks down at the summoned golem before it. To face a primordial god with a facsimile of its own creations, the sheer gall of these fleshlings is astounding. Vulcadreaus lifts up one of its front legs to crush the golem into the earth, the impact shaking the ground. It lifts its leg for another stomp when tendrils of shadow spread across it and try to restrict its movement. It wouldn’t hold for long, but it bought some time.

A shower of hail rains down over Vulcadreaus’ towering shoulders. Those climbing on the dragon’s body itself, would notice a shift in color of the dragon’s scales. The ice temporarily cools the blazing-hot surface of the dragon, leaving patches that may be safe to traverse or attack more directly without the fear of being burned. It appears, however, that this is only temporary, as the patches slowly return to their original color, heat returning to them from the dragon’s core.

Those bold enough to attack the dragon directly find that its body radiates with a scalding heat that surely would cause burns the like of placing one’s hand on a metal billet pulled fresh from a blazing forge. Magical protections hold, but the heat is still felt intensely the closer one gets to the dragon’s body.

Upon closer inspection, the holes beneath the dragon’s scales which the mephits appeared from do not reveal vulnerable flesh, but instead oozes with boiling magma that glows white hot like the plasma of a star. This dragon does not have the anatomy expected from creatures of similar form, appearing to be more elemental and bound by powerful primordial energies instead of organic tissues.

Back towards the dragon’s head, one adventurer throws another ice spell into its face. It snorts in response before its mind is intruded upon once more.

The cycle shall begin anew.

Images flash through the adventurer’s mind of time passing rapidly, of seeds sprouting, growing, blooming, and dying, of flaming islands rising from the ocean before being covered in green, only to sink back into the briny blue, of cities growing from small farms only to be destroyed by war. Endless cycles of creation and destruction.

This is interrupted as the great dragon’s wings are bound and trussed by shadows that emerge from any crack or cranny they could. Vulcadreaus snorts in annoyance and tests the strength of the shadowy bonds. They stretch, and fray, but for the moment, they hold.

As more projectiles and spells fly toward its eyes in an attempt to blind it, it snorts and closes its scaled eyelids. There’s a tremor that starts to make its way down the length of the dragon causing its scales to rattle. Those climbing or standing on the massive dragon find themselves shaken loose and are thrown into a freefall, rapidly plummeting towards the pool of lava should they not react quickly.

ALL AREAS

The shaking grows more intense as the vibrations reach down to its feet submerged in the pool of lava around it. It’s not long before the scatterings of rubble from its arrival start to clatter and roll down what’s left of Mount Drakolt’s slope, and the rumble rapidly grows into an earthquake that rocks the surroundings in all directions. Loose rocks jump and skip and pelt anyone still near the ground, while the earth beneath their feet cracks and breaks, making it harder to move.

With some obstacle now in place and making evasion more difficult, the great dragon leans its weight back on its hind haunches, rising so its front legs come clear of the pool of lava. It towers over the surroundings like a harbinger of the apocalypse before it allows itself to fall forward. The massive creature plunges its body down into the lava pool, folding its legs under itself until the lava splashes up under its belly. The force of the plunge displaces a wave of superheated liquid rock out over the edge of the crater, sending roiling waves of lava outwards across the ground.

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ROUND SUMMARY
This summary includes the most important information to consider for the next combat round. This includes active threats and information on the boss creature gained as a result of actions taken in the previous round. Use this new information to strategize and coordinate efforts with your fellow players. If you choose to take damage or use hit preventions at any point within your own reply, please include that in your Action Summary.

NOTE: To make things easier to track as people move about the battlefield, please indicate somewhere in your Action Summary if your character is in one of the following positions in relation to the dragon (FRONT, REAR, LEFT FLANK, RIGHT FLANK).

Damage dealt to PCs and NPCs:
@shitakibo : Shuna received 1 minor wound (slashing damage), Yukina received 1 minor wound (fire damage)
Lady Kamille Verlithax : Mayhem received 1 major wound (bludgeoning damage)
Arashi Tento : received minor wound (fire damage)
Lady Astrid Stormstone : Buttfellow received 1 minor wound (fire damage)
Ube Calisto : Ube received 1 minor wound (fire damage), summoned Dark Elemental received 1 minor wound (fire damage)
Ulrich Ambriz  : received 1 minor wound (fire damage), received poisoned condition (cannot cast spells until the condition is removed)
Aagha "Pack-Runner" : Cane received 1 minor wound (fire damage)
Caedes Oleander : received 1 minor wound (fire damage)


Active environmental threats:

ALL AREAS: Vulcadreus has triggered an earthquake and loose rocks bounce around erratically, each character unprotected and near the ground at the end of the next round will take 1 minor wound (earth damage). Additionally, for the next round, characters moving across the ground are slowed, and characters with buffed movement move as normal.

ALL AREAS: Vulcadreaus has created a wave of lava that spreads across the battlefield, each character unable to avoid or protect themselves against the wave will take 1 major wound (fire and earth damage) at the end of the round

FRONT: The toxic cloud has been removed for the next round, but the fissure remains open.


Active minions: See Bestiary for creature details

FRONT
2 fire mephits make two claw attacks at Arashi Tento
1 fire mephit breathes fire at Lady Keyke Runi
3 fire mephits are attacking @shitakibo ‘s light barrier
1 earth elemental punches at Javal Zarrias

LEFT FLANK
1 earth elemental throws a boulder at Leandros Aurthurian

RIGHT FLANK
2 earth elementals remain

Boss abilities discovered:
Immunity to magical and non-magical fire and earth damage
Immunity to non-magical weapon attacks
Gifts Ungiven appears to have no effect
Exterior can be cooled with ice and water damage
Interior appears to be made out magma or plasma
Tremorsense

Action System is Active

The deadline to get your reply in for this round is August 23th, 11:59 pm ET