Viltalta shouted in fear as Draven fell, bleeding. Before she could do anything, Ralir reared up and slammed his front hooves into the beast’s other arm. It shattered! Viltalta wrenched herself free from its grip, her wings hanging limp and bloody at her sides.
With a cry of anger she reared upright, her eyes flashing as violently as the storm she created. Another bolt of lightning shot from the ceiling. Blinding light flashed through the cavern. An explosion erupted.
When the light dimmed, the beast was no more, shattered into splinters of crystal burst across the cavern.
Viltalta collapsed.
Those whose powers were taken from them feel the energy return to their bodies. Their abilities are accessible once more.
Isra stepped forward, head ducked low and worried. “We need to find Wanderlust. They can heal Viltalta and your companion,” he nodded his head at Draven. If they went to the lake, they should be down the opposite tunnel.”
He turned and hurriedly trotted out of the cavern. “We should hurry!”
Blue chunks of crystal lay everywhere around the cavern, loose for the picking. Someone could harvest a crystal or two, if they wished…
Quote:
You may follow Isra and/or take a crystal.
No rolling required for this one!
CRYSTAL BEAST: DEFEATED!
THE RIGHT PATH
Through the collective efforts of Tempest, Ysalone, Adahy, and Wanderlust’s party, the front wall of the cage shatters! The earth shakes once again, more chasms ripping open in the ground below, filled with a strange blue light.
Wanderlust steps into the water, looking frazzled and skinny. They blink in wonder at their rescuers, then burst into a wild grin, prancing forward to greet them. “You saved us!”
Behind them, five more noulicorns exit the cage, two bucks and three does. Once of which is a black doe wearing a white cape.
This rattie will be added to the party raffle! Feel free to edit her into your raffle preferences~
“We should leave this place quickly,” said Wanderlust. “There are creatures here that don’t take kindly to noulicorns sniffing about.” They glanced at the cavern entrance, ears perked, listening. “That’s how we were trapped here under the lake. They attacked us and stuffed us in that crystal box. I think they’ve been studying us, but I can’t be certain.”
The dire rat swam to the shore and scrubbed water droplets from her whiskers. “They were doing something to us, all right!”
The dire rat can speak?!
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2020 5:25 pm
It took Ralir a while before he was able to speak. He'd never even seen anything like this before, let alone fought against one - and it had taken a toll out of all of them, even Viltalta.
He looked over at Isra. "The...the rest of our party went that way," he said. "Viltalta, Draven, we'll be back soon."
He wasn't sure how much Viltalta could hear, and the buck looked like he was in bad condition. It was a pity Ralir himself couldn't do much. He turned to follow Isra, though he carefully scooped a crystal into his bags before doing so. These really needed to be studied. Surely there was some sort of antidote?
"What...what was that thing?" Ralir asked as they moved. He wasn't sure that he expected anyone to know the answer, though, not even Isra. There was a lot of stuff the buck had been leaving out about this place even after being asked directly, but surely he wouldn't have sent Wanderlust here knowing this sort of beast was in the vicinity.
They did it. They freed the trapped noulicorns. Tempest watched as Wanderlust and their party stepped free of the cage. She nodded as they told them that they needed to leave due to the residents not being friendly.
“Are they lizard like with three horns? We’ve seen pictures of something like that. I also felt something happening in another tunnel here….could one have been in there? Did it get the rest of our party?!” Tempest looked a bit worried about the idea.
“They might need our help.” Tempest remarked. She then noticed a dire rat swimming in the pool. It had emerged from the cage and then spoke. “Oh….” Tempest’s eyes widened.
WC: 113 Total: 5,278
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2020 6:06 pm
As the ground shook and the the cage gave way, all the Wanderlust emerged. "Buck it is good to find you all." He say glad to be almost done even though the journey was really only halfway over. The lead buck suggested they leave quickly and Adahy did not need to be told twice.
Running at full force, Adahy raced up the right path he had only just come down. He truly hoped to see the rest of the group doing the same and meeting in the middle. The dangers are far greater then any of them could have dreamed up. But now was the time to focus and make sure they did not run from one danger into another, so Adahy slowed down a little so he could make sure not to make more problems for this journey. His horn still glowed so the tunnel was still lite which made the trip back easy enough. But Adahy still had no idea what might be at the top of the tunnel.
Quote:
+1 for using glow. Wc tot:6266
OneWintersNite Crew
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Kesmi
Shapeshifter
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Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2020 6:20 pm
The black doe shook herself as she finally exited the water. How long had they been trapped in that crystal bubble? Where those lizard like creatures still around? There were many questions in her head, but there was also a lot of fog. Shaking her head again she glanced towards the vibrantly purple colored Noul that had helped her and her companions from their prison.
"The guardian's den is down that other tunnel." she said concerned, "If your friends went down that path, they may very well be in danger. We much go as fast as we can."
She looked at Wanderlust and the rest of her group. The group that had saved her from the savageness of the barrens and kept her company in that crystal prison. Something else was drawing her to want to fly down that other tunnel. Some invisible string tugged, one she had to answer. Was that final piece to her puzzle here?
Heavenly Snow
Draven had heard Viltalta's shout that came in his direction. He could manage to lift his head enough to look back towards the darker blue doe. He watched as one of the younger bucks managed to do what he could not. The world lapsed back into darkness with the roar of the beast chasing him into said darkness. It seemed that the danger was over.
Bluebell popped up from where she had been hiding out, she saw that Draven was downed. The smell of blood was thick even from where she was sitting. Ears flicking slightly, she yanked the pack open and rummaged around. Pulling out the bandages, she dashed forward.
"You idiot." she scolded his unconscious body. "Did you have to go head first into these things? I have no idea whom this 'one' you are searching for is, but I am sure she would not be pleased either."
Not as if Draven could snap back at the Jack Hop, she pressed the bandages as hard as she could on his wound, though did stop a moment to gather up a crystal shard or two before resuming what she was doing. If anything, they would have that to remember this adventure by and a new scar...
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2020 6:48 pm
Everything was chaos. Moon Mist registered landing a hit on the crystal beast, and then having the pay the price in return. Yet she was much better off that some of her companions ... Taking a deep breath and trying to steel herself, suddenly it was all over. Draven looked to be in rough shape, and Viltalta was down.
Eyes wide, she listened carefully to Isra. Breathing heavily, she prepared to follow him, hoping the rest of the party could help. Or maybe Wanderlust's party could heal the fallen ... Hopefully. Before she followed, she noted a crystal shard from the beast. She hurriedly plucked it from the ground. Perhaps one day it would be of use to her. At least it would prove to others she'd been here ... Provided they got out, that is. She took off after Isra, hoping it wasn't too late to find help.
wc: 146 twc: 2011 [quote-]1 until healed, taking a crystal, following Isra.
Tsarine hadn't know exactly what happened the second time he charged at the beast. All he knew was his eyes opened to a shattered husk of crystals lying about. Staggering with a shake of his head he looked around grabbing another crystal to add with the one he held safely held in a pouch. Pippin definitely seemed alright as he was squirming with angry squeaks perhaps due to all that noise. Blinking he gave another shake of his head feeling that power resonating within. Once again that light had sapped him of his magic but, he'd overcome it. Draven was badly injured along with Vitalia who wasn't any better off after that creature had pinned her down. So much transpired over a small course of time even Tsarine couldn't recollect.
Ayala also seemed okay though her mouth still grabbed tightly on that hank of mane between her mouth. Continuously gripping into his back he was pretty sure the wind might of knocked her out as well.
Thinking back on that crystal he pondered what their actual use was other then messing with magic. Sometime he'd definitely look into some truth about it but for now he needed to follow Isra.
Quote:
Taking a crystal then following Isra
Tsarine & Ayala WC: 200
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2020 10:37 pm
“I don’t know,” Isra replied, worry coating his voice. “It wasn’t here when I came to the caves. Maybe I… did something to wake it up. I don’t know. I never would have sent Wanderlust here if I thought there was any danger.”
He led the party down the corridor and then the winding path, until it opened up at the lake, revealing Wanderlust and the other noulicorns.
“Wanderlust!” Isra cried, racing toward the ascended.
Wanderlust spread their wings and enveloped Isra in them, cooing something cheerful in his ear. They parted quickly.
“We need to hurry out of here,” piped the dire rat. She propped herself up on her haunches and scanned the dark chasms in the walls, whiskers twitching. “It’s not safe.”
“There are others injured down the far corridor,” said Isra. “I don’t think they can make it out of here without help.”
As the words left Isra’s mouth, blue light flooded the room from the cracks in the cavern wall. A sound like tinkling glass began to draw nearer. More beasts were on their way.
“Run!”
Quote:
Flee the cavern!
Wanderlust must make it to Draven and Viltalta to heal them. You can accompany Wanderlust and attempt to protect them.
Or flee to the exit and make sure the path is clear!
thypope
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One mysterious blue crystal each!
Bugghnrahk
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MoonRazor Crew
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Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2020 10:04 am
Ysalone didn't have time to marvel at the talking dire rat. The ominous blue glow began to envelop the cavern, and any desire she had had before to find out more about the reptiles vanished.
"We should keep the path clear and keep the beasts away from the injured," she suggesting, looking to the party with questioning eyes. Far be it for her to decide what to do for the entire group. Ysalone was hardly an experienced adventurer.
But somehow, the prospect of having a fight near the ones who already needed healing seemed unsafe. And the closer they were to the entrance as a group, the faster they'd be able to get out once they... defeated whatever danger lay ahead.
Quote:
Action: Heading to the exit +1 for Glow
Banked: +1 to a single future roll of choice
Items: -
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2020 10:11 am
Tempest swallowed a lump in her throat. If that was true, then what she heard and felt earlier may have well been the rest of the their group fighting for their lives. Isra suddenly appeared from the tunnel and Tempest watched the joyful reunion between him and Wanderlust. She couldn’t help but smile. The dire rat and Isra both mentioned getting out there right away just as the cavern lit up from the cracks, rumbling from below vibrated the floor and Tempest felt her heart in her throat.
“Wanderlust! Some of our group is missing! They must have gotten hurt in the other tunnel. Please, we need to help them. I’ll go with you,” Tempest said and then looked to the others. “Anyone else want to help me get Wanderlust safely to the next cavern and rescue the rest of our group?”
The rumbling and tinkling sound of glass was growing louder and with the others, Tempest rushed from the cavern and back into the tunnels. She covered the rear of the group knowing she had speed on her side at least to get away. Some of them broke off, heading for the entrance to make sure the rest of them had a clear path out.
Entering the second cavern, she raced towards Vitalta and Draven who were collapsed on the floor amongst shattered crystals. Was this all that remained of the tri horned lizard creature? Viltalta and Draven were both knocked out, Draven was bleeding pretty bad. Wanderlust would heal them up in no time, but it looked pretty bad. Tempest stepped out of Wanderlust’s way and kept an eye out for any signs of another lizard creature.
“Bluebell!” Tempest caught sight of the jack hop. “Bluebell, what happened here?”
Moon Mist took a moment to marvel at the underground lake ... and the talking dire rat??? But the moment was quickly interrupted as the ominous blue glow returned. The call of 'run' was well timed indeed. Despite being exhausted, and covered with little cuts from the beast she tried to stick close to Wanderlust and Isra. You didn't abandon someone just because things got hard.
"I hope you're a quick healer ... Or a very good fighter. I don't think we have the strength to face one of those things again. Especially with Viltalta down." She addressed the back of Wanderlust's head, in a very ineffective way. Her breath was starting to get ragged
wc: 113 twc: 2124
Quote:
-1 until healed, taking a crystal, following Isra.
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2020 10:37 am
Tsarine followed Isra not asking any questions. This whole ordeal definitely had him miffed why he was genuinely being effected by glowing blue light. His own power resonated within but he opted to let it heal fully before using it again. Now, his focus lied on the fact more of those things were coming. As Isra was greeted by Wanderlust that crackling noise awakened Tsarine's fear quickly. Knowing Draven and Vitalia were incapacitated from fleeing he made a decision.
"They are down the left path where the first beast was shattered" he quickly spoke with no hesitation. Time was of the essence right now to get both parties to safety even if he were to loose his powers again.
"Hurry!" he shouted starting to run toward the mouth of the right cave, "They are this way!"
Whatever happened past this point Tsarine didn't know. Once again fate was entwining him along with both parties being thrown into the fray. All Tsarine knew was the creatures were in multiples and they were emerging quickly.
As he entered the left cave his pace increased, "Vitalta, Draven.... I've brought help to get you out of here!"
Tsarine honestly didn't know if he'd make the battle should there be one but, he knew deep within that his good deed hopefully saved two lives.
Quote:
Leading Wanderlust back to Draven and Vitalta Inventory: 2 crystals
Long ears twitched as it seemed that help was coming to help those that had been downed. Turning her head, Bluebell looked towards the Doe she had spoken to earlier in this journey. Nose twitching slightly she shifted a little so that she could face the Doe.
"Huge crystal beast was here pinning our group leader to the ground. Idiot here and the others attacked it, seemed Draven took the brunt of most the attacks. It gave the others a chance to get the beast down, but it took a heavy toll. I have been trying to stop the bleeding, that beastie goo him across the chest and it looks really deep." She told Tempest, before looking to those that had come with her. "Looks like you and the other half the group found Wanderlust and their group, huh?"
Heavenly Snow
The black doe hurried after the rest as it seemed that there were some injured. Chocolate eyes showed great worry as this was not a place to be injured within. Those beasts were many to have ambushed Wanderlust and the rest of them. Coming to the cavern that had housed one of the larger of the beasts, the guardian she had called it. She glanced at the two bodies that laid among the shattered crystal.
They had killed one? Blinking to herself she glanced first to Viltalta then to the lighter grey body. Tilting her head she stepped over to him and looked him over. There was something... A flash of recognition passed though her before she shoved forward, hood to her cloak falling backwards.
"DRAVEN!"
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2020 1:33 pm
With the party leading the way, Wanderlust raced down the corridors, heart hammering in fear and exhilaration. They gasped at the sight of Viltalta, broken on the ground, and the grey stranger slashed to pieces.
“I can fix them both, but it will take a great deal of energy to heal wounds this bad. I’ll need some time.” Wanderlust knelt down between the injured noulicorns, eyes shut as their horn began to glow soft pink. Already, Draven and Viltalta’s injuries began to close… but it was a painfully slow mending.
And blue light was beginning to grow brighter from the tunnel and the cracks in the walls.
Isra turned to the party. “Let’s try to hold them off as long as we can! Attack the cracks to keep them from coming through!”
Quote:
Hold off the crystal beasts to buy Wanderlust some time!
Those who chose to head to the entrance are the first line of defense, and need to keep that tunnel clear for everyone’s escape!
“Oh buck,” Tempest said looking over at Draven and then to the shattered crystal beast. She couldn’t image what it was like fighting it and she only had a vague idea of what it looked like. The faces on the trees and the three horned beasts drawn on the wall and stone. It wasn’t like anything she’d ever seen before, of course she was young and only heard stories from other nouls. The dark doe in the white cloak suddenly pushed forward, shouting Draven’s name. She knew him? Huh. Tempest stayed out of her way and watched Wanderlust and another buck, Tsarine, whom Tempest knew was here for the battle approached. Tempest looked back to Bluebell.
“We did find them, Ysalone, Adahy and I. They were in a weird crystal cage in a pool...under the surface. We had to solve a strange puzzle to lift the cage and then it took all of us to shatter it. Wanderlust and his party was in it, along with this doe and a talking dire rat. That’s the good news.”
Tempest paused for a moment, watching the other nouls. Once Wanderlust healed Viltalta and Draven, they needed to book it. Hopefully everyone would be able to get away. Tempest wasn’t sure how far the lizards would pursue them. Would they also have to go back through the forest? She hoped not, while she wasn’t terribly affected, most of the others lost the use of their magic. She looked to Bluebell once more.
“There’s more crystal lizards here. They know we’re here and they’re coming. We could hear them from under the other cavern. The light lit up the place and it sounded like glass. The dire rat and Wanderlust said they may have been studying Wanderlust and their party.”
A vibration pulsed regularly through the floor of the cavern. Like steps of something much larger than herself. Tempest looked around, keeping her panic down so she would be clear headed. Tempest turned to Wanderlust. “We need to get moving. I don’t think we have much time.”
Tempest trotted away from the group and headed back towards the entrance to the tunnel. She’d keep an eye out to make sure that the creatures didn’t sneak up on them from this point. It was all she could do at this time. Other nouls from the party were making sure the way was clear and she’d once again bring up the rear. She was agile and quick, so once everyone was free they could book it.
The black doe shook herself as she finally exited the water. How long had they been trapped in that crystal bubble? Where those lizard like creatures still around? There were many questions in her head, but there was also a lot of fog. Shaking her head again she glanced towards the vibrantly purple colored Noul that had helped her and her companions from their prison.
Draven had heard Viltalta's shout that came in his direction. He could manage to lift his head enough to look back towards the darker blue doe. He watched as one of the younger bucks managed to do what he could not. The world lapsed back into darkness with the roar of the beast chasing him into said darkness. It seemed that the danger was over. 
