Dungeon of Solomon

[Damien Kriez]

Bartholomew was never a child who shook his head in the presence of fun. Unfortunately, deep within the child necromancer's demented albeit innocent little mind, fun was always synonymous to danger. Even before little Bart and Blackberry had galloped their way into these damned halls, the child new somewhat of the dangers that crept within. The trials of the Dungeon of Solomon was a common topic that he and his father discussed over the dinner table, gnawing heartily on whatever they had. Browning, this little boy's father and his forceful mentor of the dark arts, dreamt of achieving victory and earning the dungeon's vast unseen riches. Before his passing, father had given rise to Blackberry for all eternity, so as to keep Bartholomew company. Little Bart himself could only wake the dead up for mere minutes and make bones float - he was too pathetically weak to be in this dungeon. It was quite fortunate then, that Lanziver had been found by him.

What was most unfortunate then was the gnome's efforts to lead the boy back. Upon hearing the little fellow's words, little Bart shook his head violently - a child throwing a tantrum. He crossed his arms as Blackberry huffed in response to her master's displeasure. "No, no, no! I don't want to go back!" Bart said, his tone of unacceptance and reluctance very much evident. The child kicked Blackberry's bosom, making the rotting horse gallop further and faster. "Come hairy boy let's just play!" He exclaimed, motioning his hand as if inviting the gnome to catch him, much like in a game of tag. It was also apparent, that little Bart thought Lanziver was his age, due to the gnome's height. He kicked his horse's sides yet again, and in the next moment, Blackberry's somewhat faster trotting became a full on gallop. If the gnome truly had the intention of saving this boy's damnation, then it would be a mission whose objectives can never be completed.

It mattered not, however, if the red-haired gnome had chased after little Bartholomew, for he, Blackberry, and his four skeletons stopped before the corner that led to the next hall. Coincidentally, it was the exact moment when Helka, the scar-striped blonde, had just evaded the jet of poison. The jet itself hit one of Bartholomew's skeletons and melted his unnamed friend on the spot. From four skeleton friends to three, Bartholomew gave a little sigh. He cared not for the danger that was right before his very eyes, he was just intent on making new friends. With a smile, he talked swiftly yet again. "Hello silver girl, hello armored girl! My name is Bartholomew, and this is my pet horse Blackberry! What's your pet spider's name?" He asked, believing that the spider was indeed the two women's pet. Instinctively, the three remaining skeletons stood before Bartholomew and Blackberry, raising their arms up to defend their young master. Indeed, his father taught the boy well - he did not need to tell every single command for his bone friends to do what they must - defend Bartholomew at all costs. ​

 

[LunarLavendula]

"Mia! Helka! Me name is Lanziver and I am a gnome. Do not be startled, bu' I am approachin' ye now." came a voice from down the hallway as the pair of girls made their way foreward into the dungeon. Mia paused for a moment, waiting for footsteps to approach, but the next time she heard the voice it was fading away.

"Come on, boy. We're taking yeh home. This place is not a place fer children, not even adults should be here..." Mia had turned to look behind them when a force hit her in the back and threw her sideways to the ground and back into this realm, Helka's voice ringing in her ears.

"Get back!" Mia peered up at her, dazed, watching as the girl nimbly darted foreward and expertly cast a gash through the creature's leg that caught the beast off guard for a moment. Her bright eyes grew wide - the human girl had saved her from this savage creature!

Mia pushed herself to her feet and was about to slip out of phase to join her in battle. The world shifted around her, as familliar to her as stepping through the threshhold to home, when something cold and dark hit the air out of her and curled around her spirit like a gnarled cage. This feeling, too, was all too familliar, but distant and lost to a life long before.

Her eyes darted this way and that as she spun on her feet, teetering between two realities, trying to superimpose what she was seeing from one reality on top of the other and not being able to bring the two together. This boy... this innocent little creature? A necromancer of such potential?

Was she going mad? But the animate bones around him told of some power, at least. In that other realm, as Mia stared in awe at his spirit, something sinister that had lay sleeping in her began to stir at the dark recesses of her mind. Finally...

Mia snapped to attention and recoiled from the other world, slamming back into reality and scattered any strange thoughts that had clouded her. Before her was a little boy, nothing more, and behind her Helka was battling the arachnid monstrosity, and everything was perfectly normal and things would continue for Mia as they had been for many years. She dismissed what she had seen and let it go.

"Hello silver girl, hello armored girl! My name is Bartholomew, and this is my pet horse Blackberry! What's your pet spider's name?"

Mia smiled affectionately at the boy. "This spider is no friend of ours. Stay safe little one!" and then she was darting towards the beast and took out the opposite leg to Helka's target, causing the creature to buckle forward a little as liquid oozed out of it's joints.

 

[Majem]

Lanziver "The Cave Dweller" Hisworth

It didn't come as a surprise to Lanziver that the child would not understand the danger he found himself in and would refused to cooperate. The gnome backed away from the skeletons when Bart protested just in case they'd see his frustration as a sign to attack him. Children are unpredictable, so Lanziver had to be careful, but the boy didn't seem intent on harming him, physically at least. The kid didn't seem to understand that height was not a measurement for age, mistaking the old gnome for a child which did hurt him slightly, but he couldn't be angry at a child for not understanding that.

Being rather carefree himself, Lanziver wouldn't bother Bart with trying to get him out of here anymore. It was the parents' fault for not taking better care if their son would perish here. Plus, his powers could very well help him towards the goal, but that didn't mean the child should go running off on his own. "Hey! Wait!" The gnome yelled to no avail as his stumpy legs began running after the galloping horse.
However, the gnome didn't have to run very far as the horse and skeletons came to a halt not too far from where he had been. With silver and armoured girl, Lanziver concluded the child meant Mia and Helka, though he didn't know anything about a pet spider. With one of Bart's skeleton servants melting into a puddle, Lanziver's question was answered. It was time to fight.

Lanziver raised his staff, for a second considering to hurl a fireball at the spider though that might recoil and hurt his allies. Instead, the wizard aimed his staff at Helka. The armoured girl would find her sword starting to glow and suddenly catch on fire, though the girl would not feel a difference in heat. The sword, too, seemed unaffected by the heat of fire. "Don't worry, girl. Magical fire don't quite work like natural fire. Now get the beasty!" He told her reassuringly, eager to find out how skilled a swordswoman she was.

 

[Assallya]

Slipping carefully over past the giant dead planet, Assallya noted something of wonder. The giant creature had apparently been planted over something, probably as some means of protection. Reaching down she hefted hard at one of the roots, shifting it slightly to reveal a spiral staircase leading downwards.

Gesturing to her thief companion and those still about she moved back towards the entrance to the underground garden and lifted one of the torches from its sconce. It was heavy for her small frame and she quickly decided to heft it with two hands. Moving back to the aperture she she stepped gently into the stone cylinder. Moving carefully, keeping an eye out for any sort of trap she descended step by step into the darkness, using the foraged torch to light her way.

Finally she realized that it was nothing more than a small room. All it seemed to possess was a heavy stone disc of a door. Before her was something that looked like an altar. Altars made her nervous. She was just the sort of person that was likely to be thrust upon one in some sort of bizarre sacrificial ritual. Thankfully, on closer inspection, it proved not to be an altar at all but some sort of device.

There atop a number of small levers and sigils depicting various objects and symbols was a quick explanation of just what was going on here:

"Lucky you adventurer be,
for before you is a shortcut you see,
answer this small riddle I plea
and find yourself down in level three!"​

Oh! The elven courtesan recognized what was going on here. It was a locked door leading to a shortcut that would skip an entire level of dangers and evils, taking them closer to their prize. This was excellent! She and those with her would be well ahead of the other adventurers in the race. All they needed to do was solve the riddle- and pray that they answered correctly. She didn't relish the idea of what would happen should they answer it wrong.

Looking further down she read the riddle:

"Coming out only in the dark
I grow shorter as I age.
I weep as I diminish
Though garbed in many colours
I always bear an orange hat."
​

Considering the answer Assallya looked over the many symbols, hoping one would spark her imagination, provide some inspiration. What could it be?​

 

[Crono]

Seeing the secret entrance Mali held up one finger for a second, then strode over to the exit of the plant room. She came out pulling Malcan by his ear and down the stairs they went. She examined the riddle. "Huh, that's a hard one... Wait, how do we answer?" She asked the stripper.

Malcan looked at the riddle for a very long time. Finally he took out a piece of charcoal and wrote on the side of the altar: "Kan I hav a hent?" He stood up and stared intensely at the stone slab.

There was a sudden rumble from above. Mali placed her hand on the stripper's mouth and looked up to see a vast dark shape move over the entrance to the secret room. "Where have they gone? Cursed annoyances. They are unaware that by entering my domain they have sealed their fates." A horrible female voice spoke from above. It sounded like the owner's throat was full of broken glass.

 

[Assallya]

The slave girl was about to answer, ready to indicate the selection of pictographs on the pedestal. There were pictures of all sorts of things, like what appeared to be ocean waves, trees, clouds and all manner of odd ideograms. She heard the sound above only a fraction of a second after the female mercenary and didn't offer the slightest bit of protest to having the hand clamped over her mouth. Thankfully, it was only a hand on her mouth and Mali didn't feel the need to pin her arms.

Breaking free from the others she quickly padded across the floor and grasped the torch she'd brought down to light the darkened room. Upending it she ground it against the stone tile, plunging the entire room into darkness. She didn't feel comfortable with doing so but the orange flickering inside the spiral staircase would be quite obvious to anyone walking by. She would just have to depend on the orc's vision. Orcs could scarcely see in the brilliant light of day but they had eyes that worked in absolute darkness.

Unfortunately though, she didn't dare risk returning to the pedestal. While she was fairly certain where it was she could risk tripping, falling, bumping into Mali or otherwise making any sort of noise. So she remained where she was out in the open, pointed elven ears straining, hoping that whatever it was didn't come down the stairs or was just as unable to see in the dark as elves and humans were.

 

[Damien Kriez]

Mia's voice was angelic amidst the darkness of this place. Her visage and body too, was that of an angel's - peaceful, ever shining in the presence of shadow, silver and hopeful. It was a presence so dear and close to Bartholomew's heart, and at once, the little boy flushed red. He liked this girl - she was nice, caring, thoughtful, and motherly. Bartholomew wished to impress her, but he knew not how.

Upon seeing Helka's blade set ablaze by Lanziver's power, little Bartholomew scowled in abhorrent jealousy, wishing he'd done something better to make the silver girl smile. As the gnome had said, the flame burned unlike normale flames, but, upon observing the phenomena that had been shown before the little one's eyes so innocent, the child necromancer had deduced that it burned whatever Lanziver wanted to burn. After slight pondering, the boy finally got a great idea to make Mia smile. It was, after all, akin to a child having a pathetically obvious crush on someone far older. "Oh," Bart uttered upon seeing Helka's sword become one of fire and magic at the seems. "Hey hair boy," the boy said, patting his gnomish compatriot on the head to get his attention and pointing to the warrior's burning blade in response. "That's nice, your daddy must've taught you well," He stated simply, upon smiling innocently and uttering, with complete disregard for the danger that was literally before them, "... but look at this!"

Motioning his two arms upward, Bartholomew telekinetically disconnected the bones from the three skeletons and, like a pencil in a sharpener, spun the linear-shaped bones such as those found in the arms, legs, and the ribs. In mere moments, the bones turned into skeletal arrows of sorts, thick enough to pierce armor. Blackberry's eyes in response gleamed an ethereal, ill-omened hue of red as an aura of negativity had exuded out of its rotting undead pores. If the halls wherein they fought the spider were dank and ominous already, the energy that emerged from the horse made it far worse to bear. Sharp and deadly, the bone arrows were shot at the spider with great speed and deadly force, and it was all done at a flick of little Bart's little wrist. With the Spider greatly weakened, he had waited for Helka the warrior woman to finish it off. Bartholomew, however, had exhausted himself, and fell sheepishly on the floor. With no more skeletal servants to catch him, Bartholomew felt the cold stone slabs of the floor after a painful thud. "Was that," he struggled to get the words off his mouth, "... cool?"​

 

[Rion]

Rion "Tiger" Redmond
And his fluffy companion Lily!
Human Mage & Nimbat Familiar

Introduction:​

Battle Wizard, Paladin, Artifact Hunter. Tiger had many titles. But he had devoted his life to one thing alone; The pursuit of eternal life. Growing up among knights as a boy with talent for sorcery had eventually forced him away from his family and friends. He didn't leave unprepared though. By mastered the use of the grand family sword, Tiger would create a name for himself. Forged with the rare metal Endorium, the large two handed sword could amplify Tiger's magic power. It was on his travels across the lands that the young Battle Wizard stumbled across Lily. They ended up saving each other's life and in turn became master and familiar. The only two foot tall creature would become a valuable assist in both good and bad. For now begins the hunt of a Artifact that may grant its wielder eternal life...
​

Dungeon of Solomon:​

The "game" had been on for a while now, but so far they the two had not yet met any other players. They had however, killed a gang of goblins and was now moving on. Lily was sitting on Tiger's shoulder, a tad drained after the battle. The Nimbat could use magic too, but at a much lower level than Tiger. From the air, she could create a transparent shield in front of him, but would in turn leave herself vulnerable. If the situation demanded it, she could also throw fireballs or create a ball of light that could blind enemies.

"Are you sure this is the right way?" Lily asked while clinging onto Tiger's neck. The two had been together for years now, but she still wasn't used to dark places. Much against her will had Tiger refused to use a light spell after the goblin encounter. "Aren't you the cat here? I can barely make out the walls of this corridor" Tiger mumbled in response. Unlike his cute counterpart Tiger was on guard. He realized his large sword wasn't much use in tight spaces like this, and Lily could not move around much either. "I'm not a cat, you dolt! I'm a Nimbat" Lily scolded him. Tiger just rolled his eyes and kept walking until they came to what looked like a exist. True enough, soon they were in the middle of a forest.​

 

[Crono]

Mali, slowly and silently pulled out her bow and readied an arrow, then it was all black. She couldn't blame the elf, whatever this thing was would probably notice the torchlight. She soundlessly sneaked over to Malcan and whispered in his ear, "what is it?" She prayed to Umuthi that he had the brain power to whisper back.

Malcan stared up at the monster for a long time, feeling something he had not felt in a long time, fear. Whatever it was, it was terrifying. "C-creepy." He studdered back.

Gallows The Spider Queen
Mother of Monsters, Master of the Jungle Zone

Scary Bitch

​

The monster standing above the secret exit craned her neck at Tiger and Lily. "What now? A human and... Oooh a nimbat! It's been far too long since I've dined on nimbat. Such a exotic dish, sweet and savory and scrumptious." A crooked smile formed on her mouth, which was caked with blood. The monster moved over to face them, drooling purple poison that burned on the floor like acid. "State your names adventurers," she ordered.

Mali stared up as the dark shape spoke and moved. It seemed like they had some time before it killed them and ate their organs. She pulled a little gem out of her pocket and gripped it tight. A faint green glow emanated from it, illuminating only a small area around it. She waved over to the elf, pointed to it, then to the altar, and tossed it to her. If they could solve this stupid riddle before the monster was done with whoever she was dealing with they would be able to escape.

 

[Assallya]

The blonde elven girl caught the glowing orb in one slender hand and gazed at it, momentarily horrified as she stole a glance up towards the entrance. Swiftly she clapped another hand over it and then clutched it in a manner where it cupped the glow in one particular direction. Using the crystal as a shuttered lantern she carefully stepped over the torch she'd just ground out and towards the dais.

At least there was some unfortunate fool above. His or her death would give them some time to escape through the great stone portal and down into- level three? That had the ring of a game to her. Were they all the pawns of various gods in some whimsical gambling event? Where they betting on her now? Of the dozens of adventurers

Moving swiftly, her bare feet making not a whisper across the stone floor, she came before the dais and carefully scanned the riddle again and then began looking over the various symbols. There were far too many and she didn't dare simply choose one at random. Something that gets smaller as it's life went on. Something that was nocturnal. Going over the ideograms one at a time, applying the riddle to them she hoped one of them would just jump out at her as being the perfect fit.

"You have time," she whispered to herself, "relax and take this one clue at a time."

 

[Rion]

Rion "Tiger" Redmond & Lily
Surprising enough, it was Lily who first felt the presence of the spider Queen as they walked out the exit. Perhaps it was due to some kind of natural instinct, because all of sudden the small creature crawled all over Tiger's face in panic. Tiger was of course caught off-guard by his own companion, "Get off my face furball!" with an effective grip on Lily's neck, Tiger forced the Nimbat off his head. Just to be greeted by the large spider Queen. He was quick to scan the area for other enemies, but it appeared that they were alone. "We have no business with you creep" He replied back just as harshly, while he grabbed for his sword on his back. Blue sparks began to flow from his sword arm and into the large blade. Tiger loosened his grip on Lily's neck, but the Nimbat just moved to the safety of his back, too scared to face the enemy. It was the first time he had seen her act this way, but there was little he could do. "KILL IT! KILL IT WITH FIRE" She screamed in her small voice.

Talking back didn't please the monster. Faster than thought possibly, the disgusting spider moved in for an attack. However, Tiger wasn't slow either and with a powerful swing of his blade pushed the spider Queen back with a wind blow. The Queen must have realized she wasn't up against her everyday sword wielder, for she retreated. Only to send a beam of purple acid towards them. Normally, Lily would now have a shield up to protect Tiger but not this time. Just before it would have hit him however, he quickly smashed the pointy end of his long blade into the dirt. The wall of ice saved him, but he didn't have time to relax. The Queen was already on the move once more and easily destroying the weakened ice wall. "Enough playing around human!" The Queen removed a block of ice to get a clear view, but just as she was about to strike against Tiger, a powerful ball of light blinded anyone near him.

Not Tiger however, for he knew when his familiar was about to cast a spell. The Queen screamed in agony and Tiger was quick to force his blade into her abdomen. The blue sparks turned red, and soon Tiger's blade was set ablaze to further damage the Queen. Tiger dodged one of the Queen's arms, but Lily never saw it coming. Not only did it hit her, she was also sent flying into a nearby tree. "LILY" Tiger shouted out, but lost focus and was the next to be hit. He too was sent flying, but not as far as his companion. The spider Queen tore the long-sword out of her abdomen with a roar and threw it out of the way. "I'll... Take... you with me into the grave" The spider Queen was deadly wounded, but she wasn't about to let her prey go alive. Tiger groaned and took himself to his head. It hurt, but he hadn't broken anything. He felt dizzy as he got up on both feet and turned to face the spider. Purple blood trails was left behind as the Queen crawled closer and closer. "This one is for Lily" He lifted his hand, and with a few words of strong magic a wall of burning fire shot towards the monster.

"Gallows The Spider Queen have been defeated! But it seems like Rion's companion Lily have lost her life as well, haha!"

 

[Justin]

[fieldbox=", lime, solid"]

Bale and Greenie had been running for their lives, for what seemed like hours. They had been faced with a dungeon and different rooms to pick from. Bale had seen many things, things he would never forget. This place was insanity. Right now him and Greenie were running out of one of the rooms. They were being chased by some beast of Hell's own belly.
The beast had scales and fire brimmed from it's gruesome nails. Bale and Greenie were terrified. "Greenie come on! We'll die if we don't get out of here!" Greenie barked in agreement. The beast was running full speed behind them. Bale grabbed up Greenie and shadow jumped through a wall.
Bale took a second to breath. He smirked at Greenie who smirked back. Then a Crash! Bale and Greenie stood in horror as the beast broke through the wall. "By the gods! What is this beast made of?" Bale took out his daggers, he would fight with honor. Even if it was his last battle.
Greenie stood in front of him, Bale looked down at the plant infused dog. "Greenie you will die, let me handle this. You go run." Greenie didn't listen. Bale watched as the beast ran at Greenie. Greenie barked and stomped the ground, causing it to crackle and break. Vines started to encase the beast.
The beast struggled to get free, but to no avail. Bale watched as flowers bloomed from the vines. They gave out a green and white smoke. Bale could see the best slump over and fall to the ground. At first Bale thought it was asleep, but then it started to rot and parish. Bale looked down at Greenie. "Come..come on boy. Good boy!" Bale was really glad he met Greenie.
Bale and Greenie had made it out of the room, they found themselves back in the forest. "Now what?" Greenie shrugged and just looked at him. Bale looked up to see a red and orange light...fire! Magic fire...it killed a spider beast.
Bale jumped on top of a tree, he wanted to see what was up. He hid behind the shadows, Greenie jumped up the tree also. "Wo! Greenie there's a new competitor. A mage. Great another magic user." Bale shook his head...with his keen eyesight, he could see a...doorway? It was behind the dead plant beast.
While not making a noise Bale glided near the secret entrance..."What is this?" Bale could see the orc and the girl, they were in the room. They must have been waiting for the spider to die. Cowards! Bale shadow jumped through the ground, he and Greenie ended up in front of the orc and girl. "What have you two been up to?" Bale stood there with Greenie by his side.
[/fieldbox]

[fieldbox=", black, solid"]

Griebuna
"The Beast Of Nightmares And Fears."
[/fieldbox]​

 

[Justin]

[fieldbox=", magenta, solid"]

Little Bo Peep-The Psychopathic Animal Tamer-Witch(Animal Magic) & Fluffers, Her Canine-Rabbit-Beast Pet
[/fieldbox]​

[fieldbox=", magenta, solid"]

Bo had entered the dungeon a little later then everyone else. She was busy with "handling" something important. "Ladies and Gentlemen! The one and only Little Bo Peep. The resident psychopath! Place your bets...will she kill someone with her magic, or will she shove her staff down someone's throat?" Bo smiled at the narrator's voice. "Hey! It's that you Jeremiah? I remember that voice. I resent that. You shouldn't call me a psychopath. I might have to just rip your vocal cords out for that." Bo didn't wait for the narrator...Jeremiah to respond, she skipped her way through a dungeon entrance.
Bo didn't really care which dungeon she had entered, she just wanted to find the orb. She needed it for important business. Fluffers, her ax wielding rabbit beast, hopped behind her. Those two were bound to bring horror to the bunch. As Bo skipped through the dungeon, she found herself facing a morbid skeleton. "Aww, your so cute. Yes you are!" Bo was smiling at the skeleton.
The skeleton came hobbling towards Bo, who just stood there smiling at it. Before it could touch her, Bo threw her arm up. The skeleton was sent flying back, with bats attacking it. Bo watched as her pets ripped the skeleton to dust particles. "Good job, my lovelies. Now go forward and find me that orb." Bo sat on a rock, while her bats flew through the dungeon, going in every direction.
[/fieldbox]​

 

[Crono]

"ANNOYING RAT! I WILL NOT FALL SO EASILY TO YOU!!!" The Spider Queen roared as she spasmed in the fire. Finally she crawled up the ceiling of the room and disappeared into the hole at the top. The Narrator added, "for now!" To his claim.

Mali had watched in awe as the mage dude completely dominated the monster. Well, not completely, somehow she survived to flee. However she did sense a animal near death. When Prince Swampy suddenly appeared again she was running up to help the wounded beast. The ranger simply jumped up and used his head as a step to get up the stairs faster.

Malcan blinked at the Swamp Man. The half-orc chose to tell the full truth and nothing but the truth. He pointed at the dancer, "her idea."

Mali ran over to to the nimbat and cradled her in her arms. She pulled out a healing herb and put it in her mouth. "I know its bitter but it's better then being dead. Just breath." She spoke in a calming voice.



One of Bo's bats was stabbed and killed.

 

[Assallya]

Grimacing, the courtesan was still undecided. She ran her nimble fingers through her hair, tucking the long golden tresses behind one pointed ear. The moon grew smaller as it progressed through the sky and it only came out at night. It was sometimes even a blood moon, having a very orange and red cast. It could well be the moon.

She read over the riddle again:

"Coming out only in the dark
I grow shorter as I age.
I weep as I diminish
Though garbed in many colours
I always bear an orange hat."
​

No, not the moon. Maybe a mushroom. They grew only in the dark, they did shrink as they got older and came in many colours but... an orange hat? They didn't always have an orange hat.

"Oh wait! I know what it is!" Assallya said suddenly, placed her palm on one of the pedestal's ideograms and pushed.

The small stone disc with the picture retreated within the pedestal, then stopped after only a centimeter but Assallya could not pull her hand away. Yanking hard with her shoulder, pushing against the pedestal with her opposite hand she tried to pull away with all her pitiful might but found herself magically affixed. There was the slightest prick, a bit of pain in her palm and she was suddenly freed.

"Ow," she said idly, puzzled.

Taking a step back she stared at her palm, noting a single drop of blood in the middle of the pale flesh. Her hand suddenly felt quite warm. It tingled and that tingling began progressing up her arm. She tried to call out, to scream, but nothing emerged from her black stained lips. She felt dizzy. Took a step forwards and then stumbled, falling across the pedestal. She lay there, draped over the riddle, head and one arm over the top of the pedestal, one foot on the floor, the other with her bare toes only a finger's breadth off the stone. She couldn't feel her body but she could see. She was staring out of her eyes, she could see, she could smell the mildew of the underground. She just couldn't move, couldn't feel her own body.

"Oh well... THAT was a mistake," came the announcer's voice, "Is she alive? Is she dead? The betting starts now! Will they try and save her or just loot her corpse? We'll have to wait and see! Will anybody else try their hand at the riddle or will they abandon the short cut. Isn't this exciting folks?"​

 

[Rion]

Rion "Tiger" Redmond & Lily
The little Nimbat clinged onto Mali the second she took her into her arms. "I'm...I'm dying..." The cute creature said dramatically, making a big fuss out of it with big arm movements. "Its the end of the road for me... Tell Tiger I love him!" Then her mouth was stuffed with something bitter. Meanwhile, Tiger was looking for his sword. Which may have seemed cold of him but he knew better than to fall for Lily's ridiculous tricks. The nimbat made a grimace and then disappeared with a puff like she had never been there. "Always so damn loud" Tiger mumbled to himself, who had heard everything. He only brightened up when he finally found his sword in a bush. "Hey kid" Tiger cleaned his blade with a cloth as he watched the young ranger. "I appreciate the act of kindness, but there is little we can do". Tiger wasn't trying to fool the fellow human, but he wasn't always the best with words. That's what happen when you travel alone for years.

With all the announcements going around, Tiger could only assume that he had defeated the boss. Which meant something important was nearby. However for now, he kept his longsword equipped just in case. He would act on the strangers actions.

 

[Banana-senpai]

​

The sound of a child's voice distracted Helka almost immediately. She caught a glimpse of what seemed to be a mage lad and a few animated skeletons. Necromancy. She recalled from her brother's study. The lad must have said something but Helka didn't hear it quite clearly from the screech of the spider. Mia had severed another of its appendages, making it tumble and grotesquely struggle for balance. Now Helka was confused. Is that kid controlling the spider?

Then she nearly dropped her great-sword, seeing it catch flame. It didn't hurt however, and reminded her of the enchantment her elder brother applied on her armor to keep her warm. She looked to the gnome as he spoke. "Don't worry, girl. Magical fire don't quite work like natural fire. Now get the beasty!"

Helka had no time to thank him, but dashed to the spider, jumping on it. She held her sword in both hands, aimed it downward and stabbed the spider's ugly head with all her might. It made another ear-piercing screech, quivered and dropped heavily, more of its venom squirting at all four of them.

Helka lept off its body, looking at her great-sword, then at her goo-covered arms. Whatever it was, it didn't seem as harmful as the venom that the spider would shoot. "This is a rather awkward start. Thank you for your assistance." She said to the gnome with a grateful smile. "It looked rather complicated to cast." she added, hoping they were off to a better start. "Are you alright?" She asked Mia and the boy, worriedly when she saw them. She was quite bothered of the fact that entering the Dungeon probably had no age limit. But she would not question magic-practitioners. Where she came from, they were quite rare, though her brother was known everywhere as the High Mage of the North. "Why don't we all go together?" she offered. There's a strength in numbers. She glanced at Mia.

The ground underneath them shook dangerously hard, immediately toppling Helka and all her bulky weight. She got up, swinging her great-sword habitually.

 

[Majem]

Lanziver "The Cave Dweller" Hisworth

"Listen, boy. I am 112 years old, I could be yer grandfather's daddy. I am not a child, I am a gnome." Lanziver told Bart, pissed off at his remark though he couldn't be angry at the child for not knowing or not recognizing him as a gnome. However, he was very interested in seeing what the little necromancer was capable of and Bart seemed willing to show off his powers now. Excellent. The gnome wizard gazed intently at Bart's display of power, turning his skeletal servants into an offensive assault and sending it at the spider. It was impressive for a spell, though his collapse to the floor was much less so. "Big output. Little reservoir. Shoulda seen it coming. Ye did good, kid." Lanziver said, more to himself than anyone else really. The gnome cared not to aid the child. Children are quite resilient, Bart would be fine.

The gnome had just enough time to watch Helka thrust her sword into the spider's head and create a barrier to catch whatever fluids were squirted at the other three. Quick and effective work, the swordswoman did great in Lanziver's eyes. "No better way to bond than fightin' side by side. Name's Lanziver." Lanziver responded to Helka's introduction. "Yes, I believe it fer the better to stick together." Good. They weren't killing each other for the orb just yet. Perhaps later he could try to convince them to let him take the orb, first he'd have to know why they were here though.

Just as Lanziver was trying to make conversation, the ground beneath them began to shake violently, toppling even the strong woman from the north. However, with his small frame, Lanziver's center of gravity was so low he was barely affected by this plus the fact he's lived in caves for several decades and he was pretty used to the floor shaking. What he was concerned about was Twinkle's sudden fearful behaviour. He's seen her act like this only one time before and that could mean only one thing, or one person.
The gnome's worries were confirmed when a swarm of bats flew past the group of adventurers. Bats to him were like dogs to humans and he could clearly see there was something wrong with these bats, they weren't acting natural, they were being controlled by someone. "Bo." He whispered under his breath. The psychopathic animal tamer, infamous in certain circles, was here too then? This could be troublesome. If she had her eyes on this orb, too, it would be hard to talk her out of claiming it as her own. He'd just have to get it before she did.
"But first." The wizard said to himself and held his staff to his own bat's head, casting a protection spell on his brain. He wouldn't want Bo to take control of his little Twinkle again.

 

[Huntress]

Her walk seemed like it would be endless. Anna carried on through the swampy marshlands, she hadn't encountered any great foes which made the red head wonder if she was even going the right way? Was there even a right way? Her jaw was tightly clenched as she carried forth, her body always at the ready, reacting to any sound that seemed unnatural.

Eventually her path was blocked by a large stone wall, a thick wooden door reaching all the way up. The berserker had no other option in direction. Planting her palms on the door the woman pushed with all the might she could muster, without going beyond her Limits.

"It seems our ferocious berserker has found a gate to the next level. What might the darkness hold?"

The announcer spoke with excitement in his voice. The doors groaned and we're eventually open wide enough for Anna to fit through. She looked around the darkened room. A single torch hung on the wall. Removing it there was a loud rumbling. Looking over her shoulder Anastasia watched as the doors behind her slid shut, all the light from out there dissipating.

Holding the torch an arms length away irritated green eyes stared down a barely visible stairwell. She didn't like the feeling of any of this. Stepping forward with caution Anna made her way down the steep steps. At the end of the incredibly narrow hall Anna could see a feint white glow. Stepping into the hallway the red head heard an unnerving click. Looking down at her feet she noticed the trigger she had stepped on. She bared her teeth and cursed under an irritated breath. The Red head didn't even know what sort of trap to expect when she moved.

Lifting her foot she heard the trigger release, the ground began to shake, the sound of rock grinding against rock echoed through the hall. Glancing over her should she saw nothing. There wasn't another way our for her, not at this point. Snarling she sprinted forward, the corridor seemed to grow more narrow and smaller as she advanced at full speed. Leaping through the small exit she heard fabric tear and leather snap.

Abruptly landing with a grunt Anastasia looked behind her just in time watch the wall slam shut. The hilt of her sword stuck out from the wall. Approaching it the red head began to yank and pull as hard as she could, with an angry roar she was unable to remove the weapon, but she continued trying.

"Hahaha. I don't think miss Moore will be worrying about her weapon much longer folks. There are certainly more important things she should be worrying about."

Anastasia felt a familiar warmth against her skin. Letting go of the sword for a moment she slowly turned her body around. Looking up towards what seemed like the night sky Anastasia's eyes grew wide as her mouth slowly fell open.

"No..." She whispered so quietly that she herself was barely able to hear her words.

Amongst the stars of the false night sky Anna watched as a dark sphere slowly began to fill with silver light.

"Will she find her way out before the moon gains it's full shape? Haha, stay tuned folks, things could get hairy."

The announcer sounded way too impressed and proud of his puns. Anna didn't need to stick around and listen to him any longer. The red head took off towards a random direction, hoping that she had picked the right path and that she wouldn't loose herself to what stirred with excitement inside her.

 

[Crono]

The Narrator wanted to say something but two knights pointed their spears at his throat and he thought better of it. No one noticed it but him of course.


Mali snapped out of her 'caring for animals' mode then snapped at the man. "Hey you fuck! I'm 27 years old!" She looked him up and down. Damn it, he was taller. "Malcan! Get up here so we can look proper!" She yelled down at the no longer secret exit. She looked at the dancer and sighed. She was pretty sure that becoming a statue was not the answer to the puzzle.

"Ok." Malcan replied in his deep voice. He walked up the stairs, dragging Goldy behind him. Once at the top he walked to Mali's side and looked down at the man. "Your short." The half-orc grumbled.

Alice Small
Young human girl/Wielder of scissors
​

A girl ran, screaming, down the hallway. She hid behind Lanziver as a large bat with glowing red eyes dived at her. This was one of Bo's bats, but it was not under her control. "P-please help me..." She stuttered out, quaking in her blue dress. Clipped to her side was a oversized pair of scissors.