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Post by Shitakibo on Aug 26, 2023 7:55:07 GMT -5
Taki awoke to the dry heat of Zeinav, taking a long swig from her canteen before swinging from her hammock tent and beginning to pack camp. Once complete, she whipped up a simple breakfast of tea and a dried nutrient bar she crafted from her garden. Together with Zak, the pair set out in the early hours of the day across the sands northwest of the city in search of oases. Spotted amidst the dunes and sand by the tall, hearty trees that took root close to water sources. The first stop was a small spring popping out of the dirt from a barely fist sized hole, though it still drew life of all kinds to drink from it's cool and clear waters. She took a scoop with one hand and sampled the flowing liquid, both to quench her thirst and check for any kind of poison. "The water's clean here and safe to drink, be sure to fill your skin before we leave and cool down. How are you so far Zak? Is there anything you might like to ask or talk about?" Inquired the shaman as they filled the carved bamboo cylinder that served as their canteen.
After clearing the spring and refilling their canteens, they set out across the sands again. There were still several marked locations between here and the next settlements to check, and Taki wasn't keen to stay out in the dusty heat any longer than needed. She would occasionally check on Shuna and Zak, as well as his companion. Zeinav disappeared beyond the horizon about an hour after the first watering hole, as the sun rose high into the sky.
"Shall we look for a place to wait out the heat of the day and continue this evening?" She inquired.
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Post by Zak on Sept 13, 2023 15:32:34 GMT -5
Zak and Taki spoke little as they made their way away from the city, stopping once to fill their water skins and canteens at what turned out to be a fresh and disease-free water hole. Zak had conflicting feelings when the water turned out to be safe. He supposed it would have been too easy if the source of the problem were to be found so close to the city.
Once refreshed, they continued their journey into the desert. Zak pulled up the fabric of his shemagh to cover his mouth as they walked. The white sands stretched out in all directions and the midday sun beat down upon their heads. Noticing a few scrub trees a few meters beyond, Zak agreed with Taki’s suggestion to rest until dark. “Sounds good to me. Let’s rest up in the limited shade up ahead.”
When they reached the copse of scrawny desert bushes, Zak dropped his pack and took a long swig from his water skin. “The next oasis should only be a few miles away. As soon as the sun sets, we can investigate.” Zak took another sip of water, and sat down on the ground, resting his back against a boulder. “So how did you get mixed up with the Mage’s Guild? I joined a while ago, but I’ve spent the last few months away so haven’t had the chance to meet any of the newer members.”
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Post by Shitakibo on Sept 13, 2023 15:44:53 GMT -5
"I joined the guild to further my research into the world, it's plants, animals and how we fit in to the grander cosmos... Together with a rather passionate individual, we wrote a compilation of notes about our companions which are being added to the archives to update information. Other than that, I've been interesting in learning more about the Formulae Arcanum and how that influences all forms of magic. How about yourself? What inspired you to join?" Asked the shaman as they were resting in the mid-day heat. She made sure to care for her companions and watch their condition carefully, even though they were accustomed to warm temperatures. Zeinav was very different from the Isles, and keeping hydrated was a challenge.
That was a big part of Taki's concern with this fungal infestation... if it choked off the supplies of water for travelers through the desert... Zeinav would be in a dire situation. She knew she had to be patient and wait out the scorching afternoon sun for a while, but the part of her that wanted to keep people safe wasn't as patient or sensible at times. She sat in the sparse shade of the small oasis, petting Shuna as she and Zak conversed, awaiting the setting sun.
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Post by Zak on Sept 13, 2023 16:57:33 GMT -5
Zak studied the mage in front of him as Taki spoke of her interest in researching nature, the cosmos, and the intricacies of magic. He grew up believing that his ability to connect with magical elemental powers emanated from the gods, assuming that the chaos of the cosmos was dictated by the gods’ whims. Given recent events in Charon, Zak found himself having to rethink everything. Taki’s studies perked Zak’s interest. Perhaps more understanding into the workings of the cosmos would relieve the bitterness and confusion caused by the fact his strong religious beliefs had been proven not only false but corrupt. Zak chuckled as he compared Taki’s reasons for joining the Guild with his introduction to the group. “I sort of fell accidentally into the Guild. Had no intention of ever setting foot into the Arcane Academy. But a friend enlisted me on a quest to retrieve an ancient artifact. Couldn’t turn her down. Nearly killed us both and our companion.” His gaze met Taki’s as memories flooded his mind. “You probably know her. Most do. The Witch of Moonglade, Kamille.” Zak turned to gaze out into the desert, and added, “It feels like a lifetime ago.”
“So you’re a scholar, eh?” Zak said as his attention turned back to his companion. “Impressive. Nature has always been an inspiration and muse for me; a source for my connection to elemental forces.” Zak shook his head with a wry grin. “Never really thought about how or why, beyond my belief that it was all a reflection of the gods.” Zak chuckled. “Couldn’t have been more wrong, eh?” Growing more serious, Zak continued, “Your studies are extremely important now with the way primordial forces are causing chaos and all. I would think we’ll find that one of these anomalies has caused this fungal plague.”
Zak’s gaze moved to the horizon where the sun was finally dipping low in the sky. “Speaking of… We’ll be able to set out soon.”
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Post by Shitakibo on Sept 13, 2023 19:30:39 GMT -5
"Scholar... not quite... but I do enjoy learning all I can and sharing that knowledge with those who are intersted or curious. I suppose you're right, the sun should be low enough for us to travel." Concluded the shaman, who gathered her gear and woke Shuna from a nap in a tree branch. The group set out across the desert once again, sun slowly fading from the sky to give way to a galaxy of stars above. While the trek to the next oasis wasn't to be a long one, Taki still tried to enjoy the sight. The air at night here was much clearer than in the Isles, the lack of humidity keeping even hazy clouds at bay.
They reached the next oasis about an hour after dark, this one far larger than the previous, with obvious signs of use and travel. While the starry night was beautiful, it wasn't very well lit for trying to discover the source of an infestation. Taki made a simple gesture with one hand and a bright light appeared on the branch of one of the taller trees surrounding the oasis. The area brightened considerably, which gave the shaman pause and had her stop her companions as well... While there was a good deal of greenery and growing plants, much of this area was covered in a sickly purple fungus.
"Tread carefully... I think we might have found our source." Taki warned Zak, her senses sharpened as they approached the area.
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Post by Zak on Sept 20, 2023 14:14:17 GMT -5
Zak stopped in his tracks as the light Taki produced filled the area, illuminating the oasis before them. Large bunches of nasty purple fungus were evident growing among or beside the normal greenery of the oasis. What on Charon were they dealing with? Hesitant to act rashly, Zak tried to discern if there was any pattern to the growth. Were they emanating from one spot? Or were they dispersed randomly? As he studied the plants around them, he noticed that some of the corrupted growth were larger than the others. It might make the most sense to begin by destroying them. “My first instinct is to blast the larger fungi with fire. What do you…” he said, his voice trailing off as he noticed movement to his right. “Watch out,” he called, motioning with his arm towards several of the purple plants that had begun to straighten up and expand, obviously reacting to their presence. Zak moved his hand in a circle and whispered, “Protect!”(1), bringing forth a small bubble of static energy that quickly spread and surrounded his body. Whatever these plants had in store for them, he was determined to avoid being afflicted by this crazy plague. Zak's arm rose as he gathered his mana to attack.
(1) Static Field
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Post by Shitakibo on Sept 20, 2023 22:18:14 GMT -5
With the grace of a feline1, Taki hopped away from Zak. She signaled Shuna away from the area, worried the Cat would get afflicted by the spores. His warning had been well timed, as the fungal growths burst in a slimy spray of caustic liquid2. It sizzled and withered other plants in the area, fizzling away into a cloud of steam and smoke as it collided with Zak's electrical barrier.
"Well that was unpleasant... Careful of it firing again, I'm going to try searing away the ones that have not fired, try to hit those that just did." Taki responded as another growth began to expand. With a flourish, she summoned her Spirit Guardians3 to her side and drew upon the magic within. As her spell completed, a pillar of flame4 descended from the sky and covered a wide area across the oasis. Steam poured up from the oasis as intense heat radiated from the beam of fire. It set the purple mushrooms alight with a wild display of colors, likely caused by the chemicals stored inside to create the acid spray. The smaller growths all burned away fairly rapidly, but the larger growths changed once more... this time folding in on themselves until they were cocooned inside layers of fleshy material. While they still were burning away, the compact layering slowed that process immensely.
With a smirk, she noted that one of the growths she wanted to hit was outside the flaming pillar's effect. She slipped a Static Slug into her sling5, twirling it with practiced ease before snapping her arm forward. A moment later, a bright flash of electricity surged across the surface of the fruiting body as the slug battered it's way inside. It burst open, spraying chunks of squishy, slimy material for several feet. Taki backed away from the water's edge, watching cautiously for any and all response.
1. Defensive Action: Cat's Grace to avoid 2 2. Enemy Action: Acid Spray (Two Mushroom Growths) 3. Free Action: Summon Spirit Guardians [ 4. Offensive Action: Pillar of Light [Augments: Spirit Shroud, One with Nature(added Earth Damage), Force of Nature, Elemental Master(Fire Damage), Overwhelming Magic] *concentrating* 5. Offensive Action: Returning Sling w/ Static Slug
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Post by Zak on Sept 23, 2023 17:32:51 GMT -5
Zak jumped back as the overgrown purple mushrooms peppered him with thick viscous acid. Luckily his static field held and dissipated the threat. For the moment at least. His protection wouldn’t last much longer. Zak quickly moved further away while keeping an eye on the purple masses. “Hnnh, unpleasant, yeah,” Zak replied absentmindedly, already highly focused on the plants that had just attacked, preparing to return fire. Maneuvering so all three were lined up just right, Zak’s hand rose, and a thin beam of lightning erupted from his finger (1) at the same time Taki’s flames rained down upon the others. Zak’s bolt of lightning struck true, ripping right through the crown of two of the mushrooms, while causing only minimal damage to the third. Sparks sizzled and devoured the closest two, purple fragments breaking into pieces and scattering to the ground. The fungi didn’t go quietly though. Showers of greenish-purple ooze came shooting from the stem. Even with his distance, some of the spray reached Zak, luckily met by the electrical pulses of his protective shield. Once the venom was dissolved, the static shield crackled and faded away. No more protection. Luckily, the third mushroom had balled up for now, protecting itself with some kind of shielding, like the others had in reaction to Taki’s flaming aura. Zak counted at least four more of the larger purple masses. No sooner had he finished his tally, Taki attacked one, obliterating the creature. Down to three. What a mess! No wonder these creatures had brought a plague upon the world. While Zak was gathering his mana to attack again, a massive shadow could be seen moving through the darkness along the shore towards them. “Taki,” Zak alerted. “Something’s coming.”
(1) Lightning Bolt
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Post by Shitakibo on Sept 24, 2023 20:35:44 GMT -5
Concentrating on her spell, Taki looked about the oasis as the purple polyp-shields scorched away. Something slithered closer to shore, though it's movements were strange at first. Taki dismissed her spell, leaving little more than blackened sand and piles of soot behind. Taking a step back, she watched as a mass of writhing vines dredged itself out from beneath the sand. Only a few sparse leaves had been sticking up above the surface for this creature, but it's main body was nearly the size of a bear. Bulky, with thick bark-like skin, the monster slowly pulled itself free of the sand to investigate.
She and her Guardians were already on the move, not wanting to get too close to such a creature. It rumbled and made a strange hollow sound for a moment, before a heavy whip of thorny vines lashed forward. A spray of sand and debris splashed next to the shaman where she had been just a moment ago. Keeping on the move, she did her best to draw it's fire away from Zak and give him the freedom to keep dealing with the purple growths. Not one often keen to just play footsies with her foes, Taki was already formulating a plan for attack as another thorny whip sailed past. It slammed into the stony wall beside her and let off a ghoulish purple slime trail as it fell to the ground.
Interesting... did this creature have some sort of symbiosis? parasitism? Taki would have to look into it more after this, but for now this plant creature would need to be dealt with. A somewhat reckless but powerful plan came to mind. "Zak, I'm going to try something, see if you can find a clear shot further back as this will have a fairly large area." The shaman warned as she knelt against the sand and drew a large sphere of earth around herself. Instead of charging directly towards the creature, she did the opposite, careening away at high speeds before starting to made a wide turn.
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Post by Zak on Sept 25, 2023 22:41:52 GMT -5
Thorny vines whipped out at Taki from the massive plant creature, oozing a purple slime in its wake. Zak’s hand rose instinctively, ready to attack the approaching abomination. Taki’s words scheming their next move stilled his action though. She had situated herself so the larger threat focused on her, he assumed leaving him room to dispatch the overgrown fungi. Zak knew he wasn’t much of a tactician, and even on such a short acquaintance, Zak could tell that Taki was. So… even though it went against his instincts to not direct his attention to helping Taki, he’d leave her to it for now. With a sigh, Zak followed Taki’s directions and quickly moved out of the way, making room for whatever attack she had in mind. Pulling his attention back to the purple growths, he was quick to notice that they were no longer cocooned. Since both he and Taki were several meters from them, hopefully they were out of range of any toxic spray. Now Zak’s instincts took over. There was no more time for thought. Wind began to swirl around his fingertips, spiraling faster and faster and forming into small sharpened needles. Flinging out both hands, the tiny orbs of wind (1) streaked towards one of the purple mushrooms, striking it point blank. Cutting and slicing, the wind needles made quick work of dicing the fungus into bits. A purple slime spread across the ground next to the destroyed growth. In reaction, each of the other two mushrooms shuddered and seemed to grow larger before emitting a shower of toxic liquid. Zak felt the sting before it registered in his mind. Damn. Turns out, he hadn’t been out of range. Thigh burning, Zak grimaced and took a deep breath, digging deep to focus. Pain tamped down, Zak gathered his mana to attack again.
(1) Air Bullets
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Post by Shitakibo on Sept 26, 2023 4:46:00 GMT -5
Gathering speed as she went rolling across the desert, the sphere grew in size as she began to turn back towards the battle. She sensed Zak moving away before attacking and being attacked, but could do little to help but keep going. The ground rumbled, kicking up dust and debris as the stone encased shaman came zooming into the oasis once more. Tilting with the built up momentum, Taki launched off the side of a jutting rock, sailing into the air directly overhead of the plant monster. As she fell, she waited until she was only a few feet above the creature before activating the second effect of her ability.
Tumbling free of the earthen construct, it fragmented1 and sprayed the area with sharp chunks of stone. Heavy, wet thuds sounded by the hundred as shards sprayed the area. Taki landed not far from Zak, taking a moment to survey the damage and see if anything still sought to attack. The area was carnage, scorched and blasted by the pair's spells... nothing so much as twitched. Kneeling, she placed a hand on Zak's shoulder as she cast a soothing spell2 to clear up the caustic attack.
"We should collect samples to take back, make notes while it's still fresh in our minds... then I'll perform Last Rites over the area to cleanse it of this infection." She said, taking a steadying breath from the exertion.
1: Rolling Stone [2nd round, 2nd effect, boosted by Overwhelming Magic, Force of Nature] 2: Major Healing [Boosted by Living Aura]
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Post by Zak on Sept 27, 2023 17:25:36 GMT -5
Turns out, Zak didn’t need to attack again. Taki had demolished the giant beast as well as any remaining purple masses with her impressive acrobatic magic. Nothing was left standing. Grimacing to push down the pain, Zak didn’t let down his guard. If anything, his posture became more rigid, his focused gaze moving among the rubble and debris, alert for any signs of life.
Zak stiffened when Taki touched his shoulder, but quickly relaxed as a soothing sensation flooded through his body and the burning pain in his thigh diminished in intensity. Zak took a deep breath, and mumbled with relief, “Bless you. Thank you.”
Taki’s power quite evident in all she did, Zak felt a flash of gratitude to be partnered with her. He could only hope that his comparative minimal talents had contributed even a small amount to their success.
Notes? Samples? Zak repeated to himself, taking a mental inventory of his possessions. He wasn’t equipped for either. Not much of a guild member scholar, was he? No paper, no lead, no pouches for samples…
“Um, uh, …if you have some pouches I can use, I can take samples while you write,” Zak said with a sheepish smile.
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Post by Shitakibo on Sept 28, 2023 11:43:55 GMT -5
Taki set her pack down and unloaded a woven box from inside. Opening the lid, there were several glass vials with stoppers inside, along with many other tools for investigating the natural world. She handed it to Zak, then retrieved a fresh notebook and graphite stick to begin sketching and taking notes.
"You're most welcome, I'm glad that worked. Use as much of that as you like, I'll replenish it when we get back to the guild." Taki replied, walking around noting both her own observations and those of her partner. Once they'd finished taking notes and packing the samples away for the trip back to the city, Taki returned to the edge of the oasis. She said a prayer in Druidic, wishing a speedy recovery to the natural plants before casting Last Rites over the area.
A soft blue light blanketed the area, causing a dazzling display of dancing spirits as the fungi and plant were cleansed from the area. Standing silently for a moment, she bid the spirits of the area fairwell. Turning back to Zak and their companions, she let out a sigh and tightened her pack over her shoulders.
"Hopefully that will be the end of this affliction, thank you for all your help Zak."
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Post by Zak on Sept 28, 2023 16:51:10 GMT -5
Taki’s healing powers proved to be just as impressive as her fighting prowess. Zak’s thigh no longer throbbed. The darkened inflicted skin had flaked away, and Zak could tell that new skin was already beginning to form. Wounds taken care of, Zak frowned as he looked down at his pants. Too bad his gifts didn’t include being able to cast a simple mending spell to fix the ragged hole that the toxic spray caused. Oh well. An insignificant problem at the moment.
Zak helped Taki take samples and added his observations to her notes. On the whole, it had been a rather successful operation with the only casualty besides their targets being his favorite trousers. Hopefully, Taki’s druidic powers cleansed the area enough so any further threat would not be able to find a way to entrench itself again.
“You were amazing, Taki. I know that I could never have handled this without you.” Zak hefted his pack onto his shoulder. “Let’s get out of here. The dry white desert actually looks inviting in comparison to this oasis.”
Zak, Taki and Shuna made their way back to Zeinav City without any other mishaps.
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