Ray Heart (Completed/Finished)

@The_Queer_Alien @Skyhunter
Well...Kaz wasn't intent on fighting these things, which meant he had a self-preservation streak. Good. Which alternately meant these rats could eat them for breakfast, which was terrible. He sheathed his knife, just to make sure while running he didn't stab himself by accident, before starting to move. It took a few seconds to readjust to moving in water, but picked it up again with ease. The water was his home. Maybe not this water, but most water was his people's domain.

Kyrian had to do something to aid the others in getting out. Sure, he could probably debase himself by dunking himself fully in the water and gliding away using his superior swimming capabilities, but he wasn't about to ditch Kieran and Kaz- which meant a more magical solution was needed. He activated his magic, centering it on himself, Kaz, and Kieran- a spell to enhance their running so they would be faster, and the water less of a hindrance to their movement. Now, he could have tried to use a walk-on-water spell, but there were three of them, and that would cost a lot of magic-they weren't 100% out of options yet.

Kaz took his arm, throwing him and Kieran in front of him the moment Kyrian finished his spell, where Kyrian swiftly took on the job of getting Kieran and himself out while Kaz covered their assess. He himself took Kieran's arm before swiftly moving through the water, doing his best to keep the both of them on track. Even though the water was full of gunk and shit, his feet could still find purchase in the water in ways that the other humanoids would have difficulty doing. The water was his people's home "I'll get us through the water. Look for an exit!" Kyrian hollered to Kieran before concentrating deeply on forging a path for Kieran and Kaz- taking care of Kieran long enough so Kaz could catch up.
 
Last edited:
\/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\/
Thorne Glowbrew
/\~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/\

Thorne’s whole demeanor seemed to change as he heard bones’ words. The somewhat relaxed tone and posture he had became more rigid and hollow. Thorne put his hands on the desk and leaned towards bones, questioning him. “What are you talking about? Is there some type of curse attached to this or does it have a tracker or something in it?” Thorne asked. It was pretty obvious that he wouldn’t be able to put the object back or that it wasn’t for the taking considering he had stolen it, but the way Bones said it put him on edge. Thorne topped it off by mentioning, “-and don’t give me any type of vague prophecy shit.”
 
@Wiggin @ShiroKiyoshi @slifer @Elvario @Ur Degaton @Skyhunter @TheEccentric @The_Queer_Alien

(and here we are. not sure what happened to alien and shiro still hasn't posted. Assume their character died or got separated until otherwise posted. )

As lightning and flames erupted from Kaz's hands, the brief flashes allowed the group to more clearly see their rat pursuers. Waterlogged as they were, the rats proved to be particularly resistant to the flames that erupted in the tunnel. Only the rat that was blasted square in the face met his end. Over the smell of foul waste, scorched hair and charred flesh would permeate the air. Despite fleeing in the opposite direction, the party could taste it in the polluted air. They were also glad to be moving. The flames in the confined space quickly consumed the oxygen, making the already unbreathable air less useful. Kaz would figure if he got desperate enough to risk shocking the party, he could probably get several of the rats with a wide area electrical attack. His attempts to ignite the air and build a flesh wall of charred rat was met with minimal success as rats simply moved around the few that became too injured to keep up.

Kaz was not the only one struggling. Kyrian had his hands full babysitting Kieran as they ran towards the sound of rushing water. Trying to cast the speed buff as they went, his focus was too split and the buff was equally dispersed. While they moved faster through the sewer's slop, it merely made them on par with the giant rats that were naturally faster. Time was not on their side. However, an opportunity soon appeared although they likely saw little of it as they ran in the dark with only the brief flashes of Kaz's flame to light their way.

The rushing water sound had become a thunderous downpour as their path ended at the edge of a large cistern. The only saving grace from their speed not being as accelerated as it could have been was they were able to see the end of the tunnel before they rushed right off the edge or were cut in the swifter waters cascading down to the pool. The drop was only about twenty feet, but it was not uncommon for people to drown in the sewer whirlpools. Currents so strong a normal man had no chance and waters so dark and filthy that determining direction once submerged was nearly impossible. Besides the waterfall to a potentially watery end, there were narrow, wet ledges that ran around both walls adjoining the tunnel's exit. Precise timing, some strength, and a decent measure of balance may make exiting the tunnel that way possible. With a swarm of rats behind and drowning machine ahead, they needed to decide quickly.

3ba8b3c1c3b30f1529363b99f68d5c83.jpg


Around the same time,

The guards seemed content to keep manning their posts as Verity started questioning them. Solomon's taunts and Gattas's presence gave them pause, however. Looking at one another indifferently, they shrugged before breaking stiff posture for a more leisurely one.

"Listen here. We didn't do nothing wrong. We were merely bribed to keep up our watch and not to act on anything we saw tonight. Who would turn down good coin just to stand around. The museum could learn a thing or two about good wages. "

One of the men replied, matter of factly. The other man was a bit more apologetic,

"We didn't know anyone would get hurt, honest. We just had this sack of gold coins handed to us and we were told not to ask questions. That it would be 'safer' for us and our loved ones that way."

The first man just rolled his eyes,

"Dont' be like that. Like I said, we didn't do nothin wrong. We aint knights. We can be as bribed as we want. We won't even lose our jobs over it so long as no one snitches. You eldritch folks look a bit too busy with yourselves to be snitches right?"

He seemed pretty confident, but the second man grew more visibly worried.

"Please, don't say anything to our employer. We are being forth coming, honest. The money we got isn't enough to live long on either. I still need this job."

Elsewhere in town,

Bones sat behind his desk, boney fingers clawing at the orb's smooth surface. The material of the orb was not quite clear, but the contact sound was distinct.

"This item doesn't have anymore traps on it. The trap is the item itself. This thing is the genuine article: a life orb. These spheres were few in number and very powerful relics from the prior age. Generally, you only see fakes now-a-days, most of the real ones being destroyed or lost to time. I assure you the pay day you are getting for this ball does not come close to equaling its actual worth."

Bones put the orb down on the desk and rolled it back to Thorne before pulling out a long pipe and lighting some smoke in the cup at the end. Without lips or lungs, he took long drags before releasing rings of clouds to the ceiling. The small shop quickly became a hazy purple.

"I warn you, boy. Kingdom's have slaughtered each other for lesser treasures. It's possible your employer may wish to silence anyone that knows who has it. Wouldn't be surprised if they sent individuals of a rougher nature to collect the ball and your life with it."

Shadows passed a dim street lamp in the narrow misty alley by the shop.
 
Kieran Crestwood
19
He/They
download20210302224910.png
(Sorry I'm late every time I tried to write it would get deleted every time I reloaded the page)

@slifer @Skyhunter

As Kieran kept crawling the tunnel kept getting tighter which wasn't a problem for him, considering his size.

They turned around to look at their comrades "we should be there any minute nowwwwwwwwwww". Before he was able to finish he slipped down the tunnel and went sliding down before reaching a sewer. Luckily he was able to land on their hands and knees. He heard Kaz screaming on his way down and he quickly moved away.

Kieran looked down at their shirt relieved it didn't get wet at the chest.

Kieran winced as he looked at his hands and saw scrapes on them. Rubbed his hands, scrapes would've been nothing to worry about if his hands weren't dirty with sewer water that could cause them an infection.

Suddenly rats started to attack them and Kaz was left fighting the rats, as Kieran was left to run along with Kyrian. Though he wanted to contribute and not just be some kid to watch over the half-elf knew there was nothing they could do to help, being bad at magic and not knowing how to fight might be an effect. All he could was stay attentive to his surroundings lucky for the group Kieran's half-elf genes gave them a pretty useful night vision. Wasn't perfect but they can see.

Eventually, Kieran noticed an opening, from what he could tell it lead to a waterfall that would lead to the tunnel's exit. "Hey! Over there!" He said as he pointed to the opening he ran near it a quickly inspected it. "It may be our only way out if we work together, keep our balance, and time our jump correctly we might make it," they said had already made their decision. Kieran grabs Kyrian's hand with one hand and then he grabs Kaz's hand with the other. "On the count of three! One!" He starts the count waiting for the right time to continue.
 
@The_Queer_Alien @Skyhunter

Kyrian could see up ahead with the bursts from Kaz's electricity and flames- the drop that could possibly kill the other two. Now he could survive the drop, but the diseased water would enter his brain, which would lead to organ failure and death-not to mention the likelihood of getting out of the pit ever again was slim to none. Thankfully, at this point he didn't need to drag Kieran along, as the boy was moving on his own. Soon, they were at the edge, and the jump looked more dangerous than previously thought before. Maybe by himself, and with more space to run backwards he could....but with the horde behind them....it was too risky. Kieran linked their hands together, and for a moment Kyrian thought they would all be jumping over the edge...until he remembered Kaz's powerful abilities.

His abilities couldn't get them to the other side on their own....but combined with Kaz's, then just maybe... This was the time where he had to gamble with his magic. So he dropped the speed buff on the three of them so he could focus his magic on Kaz. "I trust you to get us out of here. May Kasm protect you, as he has protected me." Kyrian said to Kaz before magic spilled into the man- one of his strongest blessings cast upon Kaz to aid in whatever magical plan he had. The bright gold of Kyrian's aura would be strong and harsh- making Kaz almost look like a mythic figure who could get them out of there- magic with the added bonus of the placebo effect- which would hopefully also help convince Kaz that he could get them out of there. Now, it was all up to Kaz to get them out of there- as Kasm himself would put a hand in helping them out of this situation in the way he did best- enhancing the skill Kaz already had- demanding more from Kaz and his power than ever thought possible.
 
Verity

Interactions: Gattas @TheEccentric | Solomon @Ur Degaton |

Verity was a bit surprised when her colleague 'hired' the goblin, for as far as it was considered to be a hiring, but she didn't mind it. Regardless of how compact its form, having some extra muscle was a good thing. She did wonder if she understood him well when he casually admitted to killing various people over a loin cover, yet decided to write it off as joke or misunderstanding of his strong accent. She wasn't that knowledgable in goblin culture either and didn't desire to learn about it. She also wanted to avoid having to read his mind for various personal reasons. Besides, she feared learning more about this would only show that the stereotypes were there for a reason.

She was also surprised when Solomon started to claim deception wouldn't work on him, as she was pretty sure that she was still the Eldritch Knight best known for using mind magic, to read minds and share memories, which was her entire 'thing' for as long as she'd been in service. The only reason for her not to use it on these guys, was the fact that they weren't directly related to the case, other than a vague lead that they might know a bit more. That problem solved itself quite quickly. Why in the world the guy outright admitted to being bribed was beyond her, yet it meant she could take a lot more liberties with using her magic.

She turned towards Solomon. “It sounds like the museum really got what they paid for, doesn't it?” Whether or not the joke landed, she'd turn back to the guards next, specifically the more worried looking one. “Well, considering you're so forth coming, I'm willing to forget reporting this incident to your superiors, but I'll need to take a quick peak into your memories to see who paid you off. Surely that won't be an issue.” She'd step closer to the guy and stretched out her hand. “Your hand, if you will.” Upon establishing physical contact with the man, were he to agree to take her hand (or forced to do so by her colleagues) she'd be able to start reading his mind and memories, which she started doing after bringing up the most important question. “Now, if you'd kindly think back about who paid you off, how much you got paid, when this happened, where this happened...”

When reading his mind and memories, she'd specifically focus on any identifying factors of the one paying these guards off. She'd also try to double-check the when, where and how much, hoping to use this information to figure out how much preparation and investment had gone into this whole affair. All in all, she just wanted to know how deep this rabbit hole went, as the amount of money and preparation was a likely a good indicator of how well-organized and planned this attack had been, regardless of its seemingly sloppy execution.
 
Kaz was busy shooting smaller fireballs behind him at the rats, allowing both Kyrian and Keiran to move ahead of him. Kaz could feel his body grow light, he turned to run ahead, feeling that he was moving faster through the water, just ever so slightly than the rats as he was able to get away before they could catch up, the many red eyes grew ever so distant, well not really, he was still so close to death... It was exilerating. Kaz hissed a little holding his head as he grew a slight headache and there was a ringing in his ears. It soon died off as he turned his head, looking ahead seeing both Kyrian and Keiran had stopped ahead where there was a light, he turned to see the merfolk cast some sort of spell at Kaz.

Hearing say that he was entrusted on getting them and Kasm protect him. Kaz felt rejuvenated, he felt powerful! More powerful than when he first ripped off that damn Cheiftain's jaw! There was a bright glow surrounding him he noticed, was this the power he has been seeking all along? Maybe this man was what he seeked all along, Kaz' orange eye glowed brightly above the already gold light that surrounded him, Kaz kept charging head on towards the two other strangers. Kaz, using his thinking, could see that there was a large hole in front of the two which was why they stopped. Kaz had a idea, it worked for him to get around the large mountains back home. It could work here, using this power he got, he could use it to save them. He needed this person to live. Whoever gave him this power.

Kaz jumped turning around to face the rats, he conjured a large fireball between his combined hands. Kaz having a wide smile on his face as he then blasted the powered up ball of inferno, which blasted pass the rats in a constant wave of heat, while in the air. It launched Kaz backwards towards the two who turned to face them, the glowing figure had both arms stretched out, wrapping around the two as they flew over the abyss of water, landing on the other side. Kaz landed on his feet, skidding through the sewer water and stopping himself, both Kyrian and Keiran weren't so lucky, Kaz didn't have a strong grip on them and they were launched farther ahead. " Shit. " He mumbled as the buff then dissipated, Kaz sighed and fell to his knees, landing in the sewer water, his eye stopped glowing, he turned to look back at the other side to see if the rats were burned from that ferocious wave of inferno he unleashed. Ah. He didn't care, they got away from the rats which was more important, he got to his feet, feeling wobbly and weak. He almost fell but caught himself, standing widely, breathing a bit heavily he was able to calm himself. After a few moments he sighed and stood up straight smiling " Ooh boy, that was fun! " Kaz laughed a little, staring at both fallen strangers.
 
@Elvario @TheEccentric

Solomon blinked once, twice, then three times as he listened to the guards blatantly admit to bribery. Why they would admit such a thing confused him? Why the more aggressive one would think it’s ok astounded him. He wasn’t a complete expert on the laws of this city, but he was pretty sure that a guard accepting bribery is indeed an illegal act, unless he was missing something. Who knew, maybe the guards work for a third party security agency that allowed bribery within its ranks. He didn’t agree with Verity cutting them loose, but even he knew that sometimes you need to let a few of the smaller fish off the hook if you want to catch the big one.

Solomon looked to Gattas as he let Verity do her work. “So tell me, are goblins as savage, greedy, and barbaric as the broader human society believes, or is it a mere stereotype concocted by those that don’t have your species’ interest in best mind. I ask out of curiosity because I’ve never seen a goblin before. My only exposure to your kind is through stories and tales of valor. In which most of the time goblins are a minor inconvenience for the hero on his quest.”
 
\/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\/
Thorne Glowbrew
/\~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/\


Well this was a predicament. It honestly made sense that his employer would want to have him killed to tie up loose ends. Thorne found it odd that this type of thing wasn’t more secure from stealing if it had this kind of value, perhaps it was because funds were issued elsewhere. It didn’t matter all that much now, this thing was a danger now. Even if he got rid of the orb, he would still need to lay low for a while or kill his previous employer. “So what do these ‘life orbs’ do that make them so powerful? Do they bring people back from the dead without the use of necromancy or something? Why would someone want this type of thing?” Thorne asked, trying to gather more info as he leaned over on the counter.
 
The goblin raised a brow at the guard spouting so much too easily, a twinge of doubt forming within him. Though he's met all types of folks, and the craven do not number in the few, especially those that remain steadfast after threats are given. That didn't reduce the budding concern he had though, because he initially believed the reason for the hooligans gaining entry is because they walloped the guards, and these were the replacement for the injured. Although bribing guards isn't that impressive, what caused his worry is the possibility that the guards were given only a petty amount of incentives, but that gave enough assurance for the hooligans to attack a noblewoman. He worried that they're either inexperienced, or unstrung from responsibility and fear; the recklessness of the latter could lead to more dangerous situations in the near future. He hid these concerns for now though while he watched the Lady do her fancy mind magicks again.

He made sure to respond to the inquiring Solomon though, because being courteous and responsive is a must! Eyes still staring intently at the guard that's about to be enchanted, perhaps invaded is the better word, he replied with, "
Ya's right an' wrong there, sonny. Back at me tribe, we thoughts gobbos and kobos tha' ain't faithful be the barbarians. Me and me kins have faith in ink, an' ink be where we found power. Them tales only applyin' ta weak brighties, is what we calls them surface gobbos with flashy greens.", he then pointed at his much darker skin tones with a small smile.

"
Deeps below, we's one of them on tops of the food chains, as y'all call it. Me wifey dearest learned that we gobbos be... built wrong, which is why's most be weak. But if we's to grow in proper environments, we naturally fix thems wrongs, an' the caves is an amazin' place. Believe me or nah, I coulds likely kills y'all even with me one hand. Thinkin' is simple an' slow for me, but fightin' is what ah breathe. Yer peace 'ere on the surface, in yer cities... Makes it rare for folks like me to be appearin' less there be war an' massacre.", a smug chuckle broke through his smile as he stared at Solomon's eyes, impressing the wildness behind his yellow orbs. But, this wildness flees as quick as it appears, replaced by joy and mirth.

"
But that don't means bein' good at fightin' is everythin'. Ah learned that peace be more healthy, and me guts be the proof. Wish ah coulds bring all this below, but me tribe would call me weak, and traitor ain't gonna be any slower. Don't care much bout' that now tho, made me own tribe here, and we's gonna be strong in our own ways.", patting his pronounced gut, Gattas gave Solomon a very appreciating nod. Most Eldritch Knights are just simple people working for a salary and fame, that he believes, but he knows that Solomon and Verity are special compared to the others. He appreciated their air of professionality and the crackle of their personality, reminding him the heated passion of his old adventuring mates. Now those are good and happy thoughts.
 
@Wiggin @ShiroKiyoshi @slifer @Elvario @Ur Degaton @Skyhunter @TheEccentric @The_Queer_Alien

(let me know if there are certain descriptions and narrations you need more detail or abundance of. )

In the gloomy sewer, a brilliance suddenly shown around Kyrian. The light enveloped the sewer tunnel, reaching and invigorating Kaz as he caught up. The rats were nearly upon them when the heat of Kaz's scorching flames exploded. Fire and smoke billowed forth from the mouth of the sewer tunnel into the large, whirlpool chamber. Debris with glowing hot embers shot forth, one such case being the three Kaz, Kyrian, and Kieran as they rocketed to the other side leaving a trail of dark smoke. Their bodies still smoking from the explosion that rocketed their bodies forward, they would feel burns as well as a bit abused from the forces that were applied to their bodies. (-2 health to all 3) The whole spectacle left a soft orange glow that warmed the dark chamber now echoing with the sounds of destruction and rushing water. Shadows of what remained of the rats could be seen scurrying around on the other side. Merely deterred, the rats did not seem as though they were finished yet.

Just then another explosion went off followed by another. This chamber which congregated the waste of several different sewer avenues was likely primed with a higher concentration of magical energies and explosive gases. The party would quickly feel the renewed heat and rush of air as the flames igniting the air streaked toward them. They had few options save to retreat up the tunnel they landed in or fling themselves into the whirlpool below. The growing flames were accompanied by additional light, fortunately, which revealed a set of steps in stone that led up to the manhole covering. The manhole would be heavy. Kaz's main arm used for his flames would feel particularly sore at this time and would inhibit him to some degree if used in their ongoing escape from danger.

3ba8b3c1c3b30f1529363b99f68d5c83.jpg


Around the same time,

While the more chatty guard merely stood around indifferent to the eldritch knights with his assumed protections from legal wrong doing, the more nervous guard was quick to comply. Although well equipped, there was leagues of difference between the capabilities and expectations of guards and the eldritch knights. These men were likely little more than big/strong men hired off the street while the knights were the crème of the crop with sworn loyalty to the city, the council, and the protection of the people and city interests. Such things were similarly relayed to Verity as she probed the man's surface thoughts of a transaction that took place the previous evening....

Verity would open her already open eyes in a tavern. You would recall it is called the Cringin Cockatrice, but whether it was an actual memory of Verity's or not, it was not clear. She felt weary from a day of physical and mental activity working for the museum. Sitting at a wooden round table with a coworker and new friend Caine, Verity would believe her name was Abel for the duration of this memory. The details of the scene would be blurry and nondescript. The rest of the scene beyond the table was mostly filled with blurry shapes lacking details for the most part. Every once in a while, a waitress or female patron would appear in the background that would show up in much clearer detail than the rest of the scene, but only in specific areas. Verity would generally perceive the more noteworthy ones as attractive. Aside from Caine and the occasional woman, there was another man sitting at their table which appeared with some clarity. Dressed in a dark cloak with a hood up which covered the hair and shadowed the eyes, the man's most recognizable and visible part was his mouth and jaw line. There was a distinctive vertical scar at the edge of the mouth through the lips. The man was clean shaven and the chin was more pointed than squared. His cheeks were lean, showing off the edges of his jaw clearly.

When the man spoke, Verity would see little of his mouth actually moving and just know in her mind what it was he was saying, a common happening in memories. Sounding like a traditionally masculine voice, the words explained how the guards could earn some extra coin by merely turning away their eyes at anything odd occurring the following night. The other guard, Caine, spoke up, the meaning of his words similarly appearing in Verity's mind,

"Hey, what's going to happen? Who are you? What's this all about?"

A pouch of coins clinks onto the table. A couple gold coins tumble out. Caine shuts up as a greedy expression touches his eyes. The cloaked man informs them,

"Don't ask any questions. It's safer for you and yours this way."

Verity immediately felt a sense of concern as well as some solace at the mentioning of loved ones potentially being at risk and being safer for her own ignorance.

Back in the present, Verity was much more aware of her attempt to read the guard Abel's mind. Guard Caine's story about them being beyond reproach was flawed but accurate to some degree. They seemed to not know anything about what took place that evening other than that something might happen that evening. Additionally, they did not seem to be aware of the identity of the man that approached them the other evening. Verity would also note Gattas was present in the memory, socializing and carrying on in the background with the blurry patrons.

Gattas and Solomons conversation would be interrupted by the sudden appearance of the Eldritch Knights exiting the museum with the thug in tow. They eyed Solomon dismissively before moving out without a word, their metallic footsteps echoing in the paved, empty streets. It was getting late.

Elsewhere in town,

Bones pauses for a moment, holding a long drag in, before sighing wearily and filling their hazy air with more purple smoke.

"The Life orbs were relics used to bring 'life' to areas with little. This city and others were possible thanks to such artifacts of the former age. The real issue with them is..."

Suddenly, the lights in the street and shop went out and candles/torches were blown out by a stiff breeze that suddenly came through. The shop's door banged violently against the merchandise in the way and several smaller trinkets on tables and shelves rolled off to crash on the floor or clink with other trinkets noisily. The only light left in the place is the soft green glow of the orb in Thorne's possession. The darkness was palpable.

Further in the store Thorne could hear a door slam shut. Bones was no longer present. But it seemed like others filled the void. The only thing tipping off Thorne to the approaching danger was the glint of steel in the pale green light from the ceiling above him and the wall to his right. Behind him was Bone's vacated desk and the back of the store behind that. Before him was the littered aisle and the front door hanging open to an equally dark street.
 
Kaz' body was smoldering from the excessive amount of power he used to project that powerful inferno. Kaz took a couple of deep breaths and took a step forward only to buckle down onto his knees, his body felt heavy for a moment and his legs numb. He could feel burns on his body from the heat he produced, taking another deep breath he pushed himself onto his feet taking a wide stance, his burnt arm that he had been scarred for years was very sore. He rubbed his arm to try and sooth the soreness and pain. He couldn't really feel the touch since the nerves in his arm were mostly dead but he could still feel the soreness somewhat and it was uncomfortable. His shoulder was feeling it too, Kaz rubbed it too hissing a little in pain. Looking up at the two he was about to talk when he heard a explosion behind him, turning slightly to see some of the rats still scurring around. Then another explosion could be heard.

" Oooh that can't be good. " Kaz mumbled then he let out a chuckle, hopefully that wouldn't affect much of the surface, he'd rather not have the city blow up because of him. Kaz knew they would have to move quickly, each explosion sounded like it was getting closer. Kaz looked on ahead only seeing more tunnel, luckily some light revealed steps close by to them that could lead to the surface and out of this damnable tomb. Hopefully Kaz would never have to come down here again, he found something else he hated rather than his own people and religion, tight dark spaces. " Alright you two! I know you hurt but we need to keep moving. It never ends as they say! " Kaz told the two just as hurt fellows. Kaz stomped the ground to make sure he could move, seeing that his body was able to move again, Kaz moved forward towards the healer and the inexperienced fighter. Kaz only heard the explosions getting closer " " Hurry! Up these stairs. " Kaz told her as he moved towards the steps, being the closest to it since the other two were thrown from his grip once they landed on the other side from the force of momentum. Kaz stumbled into the wall to hold himself up, his body grew heavy again as he moved up to the steps seeing a large lid up thr steps, this looked like it lead to the surface, he moved up thr steps and began to try and push on it. His arm still hurt and he couldn't use his full strength to open it. He would need the other two's help to get it open, Kaz winced and was able to barely open it before it closed, being too heavy for him, even if he was at full strength he probably wouldn't be able to open it by himself.
 
\/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\/
Thorne Glowbrew
/\~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/\

After bones blew the purple vapor into the surrounding air, Thorne quickly tried to sway it out of his face with a hand wave. He didn’t want to be found out just because he smelled of magical smoke, if it even had a smell. Bones then continued his explanation, but was soon cut off along with any light sources in the area other than the eerie glow of the ancient artifact. “Dammit Bones where-” Thorne began to whisper, but cut himself off at the sound of a door slamming. There were new arrivals within the shop. They likely were not friendly by how dramatic their arrival was. A hand crossbow materialized in Thorne’s left hand, and he unsheathed one of the swords from his back with his right. He would usually disappear into his pocket dimension in this situation, but it was likely these people were lackeys of his employer, which probably knew that would happen and told the hirlings that he would appear in the same spot if he escaped into his pocket dimension for a time. Thorne slowly approached the door with his crossbow first, ready to shoot it at the first sign of a threat. He kept the sword up and ready for a defensive maneuver.
 
Verity

Interactions: Gattas @TheEccentric | Solomon @Ur Degaton |


Verity's colleague and the gobbo faded to the background as she was capturing the mind of the guard. It was clear these men weren't of any considerably importance, yet the transaction showed her a fair bit. For one, that this man had a rather 'typical' focus in his memories. At least he had good taste. More importantly, however, was the man she saw in her mind, and the interaction these guards had with him. She gave a deep sigh after she finished reading the man's mind, but then spoke up. “You should be more careful with who you trust. For all you know, this is the type that'll come back the next day to murder you in order to hide the evidence that you've been in contact and to get his money back. I've had multiple cases reach a dead end by such means.” She shook her head, then continued. “You two are lucky the baroness didn't get harmed. Otherwise you'd have been held accountable for aiding in the murder attempt. Right now, I'm willing to forgo holding you accountable for corruption and aiding the attempted murder, under the condition that you'll inform me if this person ever contacts either of you again.”

She then turned towards Solomon. “Unless you wish to resolve this in a different manner?” She gave her colleague some time to make his say, then continued to the meat of what she learned. “Anyhow, from what I've gathered, they were paid off to keep silent with a fair amount of money and some threats. Considering the amount of planning, it seems more likely that the ruffians were hired or tricked by the same person, rather than the ones paying these guards off. They didn't look like the type with the money or mental capacity to arrange this kind of thing.”

She then turned towards Gattas. “As for who could have arranged this, I believe that you could be of great use to us, mister Goblin.” She wasn't sure if he'd ever given her a name, and if he had, she hadn't captured it. “Is the place you run or work in called the Cringing Cockatrice, by any chance? I think this deal might've taken place in your establishment. Do you happen to know of a patron showing up in a dark cloak, with a distinct vertical scar at the edge of his mouth going through his lips, cleanly shaven at the time, pointed chin, clear jawline and masculine voice?”

She debated whether or not to test the goblin with some mind-reading, but he wasn't a suspect himself a of yet. And she really didn't want to touch that. She figured it'd be best to see if he'd cooperate well enough without magic, like he had done so far.
 
Solomon nods in acknowledgement as he listened to Gattas explain his species’ culture. The sorcerer had heard of ink being employed in magical rituals in many small indigenous cultures around the world. But he had never thought that goblins employ such arcane methods. He was under the impression that goblins were not very versed in magic, but it would seem he was grossly wrong.

He looked over to Verity and then to the two guards. As much as he wanted to take the pair to jail, he didn’t want to do any paperwork, and plus he knew that the salaries that guards get are terrible so he couldn’t be too judgemental of their actions.

“Let them go, we have more pressing matters to attend to than wasting time escorting these cowards to jail.” He said while crossing his arms. He could already tell guy things were going to get complicated. Everything, from the attack, to the baroness being present, to the guards conveniently being paid off, it all screamed conspiracy. Perhaps a noble didn’t like the baroness and thus hired a contingent of mercenaries to assassinate her. Or perhaps the baroness stuck her nose where it shouldn’t be and is now facing the consequences. Regardless of the reason it doesn’t change the fact that someone was almost killed today without any sort of known warning or reason. He didn’t particularly like his job as a knight, but he’d be damned if he allowed such crimes to get away unpunished. And now that he has someone who actually has investigative skills, he could get uncover the conspiracy and bring those responsible to justice.
 
Kyrian hit the ground with an audible thud, his skin singed pink and red from the proximity to Kaz's flames, causing blisters to pop up on his skin. He had just enough training to take the fall, rolling just enough so he didn't snap his spine like a toothpick. They were only second degree burns, but they still hurt a lot, as the nerve endings hadn't been taken out. With a groan, he went system by system, quickly checking himself over to make sure he wasn't too severely injured. He determined the pain was a mixture of the burns on his arms and the ache of being violently shot across a wide chasm, only to land on a rocky stone surface- a guaranteed bruise that would appear later. At least Kaz had the experience and power not to just impale Kieran and himself into the wall. Of course the tunnel wasn't just disease-ridden, but also had to be a methane cesspit as well- evidenced by the explosions that seemed to have been started by Kaz's supercharged use of energy. The three of them were in danger if they stayed for too long- his magic probably wouldn't save him from an explosion that aggressive.

He slowly pulled himself up off the ground with a groan, his magic coming to his aid unbidden, travelling in golden sparks around his body to those singed sites, soothing the blisters and reddened skin at an accelerated rate- enough so he could function properly. This was one of the strengths of his magic- softening the blow of an injury, enough to get a person to a safer place. His skin was reddened as if from a sunburn, but days of healing had been shortened to only a few seconds. He would be extremely hungry later, but he did know a restaurant where he could get free food from. The healing-related favors were stored away for later, and pragmatism forced him to note who would actually help him and who wouldn't- like a Mafia boss with money he's loaned out. He could take a rest and lick his wounds later- he would have to later, as all magic use eventually tired himself out, but he had been rationing it pretty well so far- though he was sure after he tended to Kaz and Kieran he would feel the exhaustion from his magic use creep in. Either way, he didn't bother to answer Kaz, turning to focus on his other fallen companion, who wasn't as hardy as himself or Kaz.

"Kieran, come on. Get up. I'll heal you both when we're in a safe place." Kyrian said to Kieran, doing a quick once-over to check if the boy was still breathing. He was, which meant he could leave the boy for now- to go help Kaz. Dragging Kieran with them and opening the door would be impossible on his own. With a sigh, he made the hard decision, choosing to leave Kieran to pick himself up. He fast-walked towards the doorway, seeing why Kaz needed his help. With one hand on the wall, he made his way up the stairs carefully, not about to take himself out by slipping on sewage and falling down a whole flight of stairs. Kaz clearly looked hurt, and seemed to be struggling to open the door himself. "I'll heal you both later." Kyrian said as he walked up to Kaz, now looking (and feeling) somewhat better than both Kaz and Kieran Kyrian stood next to Kaz, positioned himself, and pushed with all his might- hoping that their combined strength was enough to break open the doorway so they could escape and be free from the disgusting sewers.
 
Kaz felt light headed, hearing the explosions grow closer, his body felt like falling and for a moment he almost gave out and stumbled down the steps behind him. But he steeled himself and kept pushing, even as hopeless as it seemed, he heard a few steps behind him and turned his head seeing Kyrian, the guy who made him stronger momentarily, Kaz would say something annoying or witty but he was too busy trying to open this door. His body hurt, the burns hurt, his head hurt. But he would be fine, he just needed some fresh air, which was on the other side of this door. Kaz gritted his teeth as Kyrian began to help him push on the giant metal doors with both arms, as much as his burned and scarred arm hurt. Who would even put these here, now that Kaz thought about it?

With their combined strength, luckily because Kyrian wasnt as exhausted, they were able to slightly open the doors just a little bit, Kaz was growling in pain as he was to push himself just a little more. The explosions were getting closer behind him, Kaz felt like his eyes were going to pop out of his head, the headaches were coming back again. " Open you stupid fucking doors... " Kaz muttered angrily, the screeching of the doors were louder than him talking. Kaz could feel the wind on the other side which only motivated him even further. Together both Kaz and Kyrian were able to get the doors open, swinging both open to the side, causing Kaz to stumbled forward and fall onto his hands and knees, his body still smoldering from him using his power. Feeling solid ground again

Kaz took a couple deep breaths, not even noticing that his jacket and shirt he wore had been turned to tatters, exposing most of his upper body, but his left arm was the most exposed, how burned his arm was, Crimson from hand to shoulder. Although this was a old wound, it was hurting from the excessive power he wrought forth on those rats. Kaz pushed himself back onto his knees and stared up into the sky taking a couple more deep breaths smiling, he smelled horrible. A mixture of sewage, ash, flesh and hair. Almost like drake frog soup back home. Mm... Delicious.
 
Kyrian stepped out after Kaz, keeping his steps smaller and less hurried- conserving his energy as he walked until he was next to Kaz. It wouldn't do to loose his energy on silly things like running when there was no real threat. He turned to look back back, hoping Kieran would soon show up. He wasn't quite in any shape to drag Kieran up the stairs, and hoped the boy could climb his own way out- before the explosions got to him. Kaz had gotten them out, and it was his turn to pay that back by doing what he was best at- healing.
"I'll get you and Kieran cleaned up when we find a safe spot. For now, I can take away some of the pain, heal you a bit. Then I can get you both cleaned up and bandaged. I have some salve I can put on those burns, but not when we're filthy and covered in toxic waste." Kyrian informed Kaz, not wanting to startle the other man by just touching him out of nowhere. It made his magic work a lot less hard when he could physically touch the patient. Kyrian reached out, lightly touching the shoulder opposite of Kaz's burned arm- as close as he could get to the wound without actually touching it- and released the warm, golden magic to do the job it was commanded to do.

The soft, warm rush of energy would envelop Kyrian, numbing the worst of the pain. It would feel like a mother's embrace- or whatever Kaz associated his best, most comforting and most treasured memories with- the ones that kept a person sane during their darkest moments.
Kasm had given him a gift on top of his healing- that those who would need healing would actually like getting healed- something that had benefitted him so far on his journey as a healer. Kyrian had a sneaking suspicion that Kasm wasn't as much of a jerk as he pretended to be- not that he would mention that to his patron unless forced to- the archfey would do something that would piss him off in retaliation. Either way- Kaz's injuries would be lightened- the headache less throbbing, the bruises he had gotten from the fall less severe, but more importantly, his arm would lighten from the crimson red, turning a more manageable pink-red- as if at least a week of healing had already occured. The pain would be lessened- not fully taken away, but more manageable. "Not only do I heal, I officiate marriages. If you know anyone whose interested. It's actually quite nice." Kyrian said, stepping back from Kaz when he was done. Yup- there it was, that little drop in his energy levels- the warning before he actually felt his magic bottom out.
 
Watching the two knights chat briefly, Gattas nodded his head when Verity turned towards him, a cheeky grin responding to her words. "Tolds ya, high chances them jackanapes made 'em pacts in me ownerships, best place ta be if ya've places ta be.", a ponderous expression flashed on his face though at the notion of such dark deeds beginning where he usually slept in peace. It left an icky sensation in the back of his mind, but he knew more digging too deep and barring folks from entry isn't going to help his business. A tavern is a place of liberty and openness after all, he'd be stabbing himself in the knee if he enacted any form of gatekeeping at the tavern.

"
Well, bein' frank Miss Verity, me birds don't really looks out for 'em shady types since they's be like the footsies on 'em megapedes. Ah can find most names an' places of folks that be high on the ladder, but if ya want info on matters o' this nature, then all's can do is introduce y'all. Gotta pay for services of 'em information brokers.", her descriptions, unfortunately, fit too many people in mind. Lots of people with scars, clean and pointy chins, and dark cloaks come about to his place, and he couldn't think of anyone of specific note as he tried to go through the people in his memories.

"
It be gettin' a wee late, perfect time ta visit me Cringin' Cockatrice ta get sloshed an' hammered. Also best time ta talk about 'em shady stuff, but ah don't suggest arrivin' in them... Uh, capacity, aye that's the word. In them capacity as a Knight, mights spooks folks. Ah can head on first an' look for anyone of them descriptions, and y'all can deal with the museum, just visit me place when y'all is finished here. Don't get yer hopes up though.", seeing the darkness of the evening sky, Gattas rubbed his chin with his hand speculatively, looking at the direction of where his tavern is at. Eldritch Knights are absolutely welcome at his place, but Eldritch Knights doing an investigation? Might make him look bad just by proximity, and this made him hesitate to travel alongside them because he didn't want them to turn his tavern upside down while he was with them.

"
All that aside, ah really hafta go now, need ta check them cellars and kegs, fitting taps on 'em ain't easy with a single hand, ya see. This be farewells, but we's will probably see each other again soon. Ya have my well-wishes, and may the evenin' winds guide ya to a safe mornin'.", his excessive yammering finally finished, Gattas warmly gives the two of them a thumbs up before turning around to start walking home. He'll need to find a few birds, the least he can do is prepare the brokers.
 
@Wiggin @ShiroKiyoshi @slifer @Elvario @Ur Degaton @Skyhunter @TheEccentric @The_Queer_Alien

( to recover wounds, bed rest can resolve most to the point where they are not much of an issue. For wounds that actually debilitate or render you bloodied, you'll need magical healing unless we time skip a week or more )

The more cooperative guard shook his head and thanked Verity for her understanding and benevolence. The fearless guard merely shrugged. It was hard to say if he was truly so certain or if he merely had less to lose than his visibly scared colleague. Both guards returned to their posts, more alert this time than they were before. Whatever thoughts or cold that numbed their senses prior was seemingly gone like the wisps of their breath in the breeze.

Separated from the guards and standing in the open plaza in front of the museum, Verity, Solomon, and Gattas would feel the near freezing chill of the evening and early morning as a distant bell struck the midnight hour. The light breeze that tugged at their clothes and hair was similar to Gatta's parting in that it was bidding them to go as well. Then something else joined the evening chorus of the vacant city streets...

*BOOOOOMM!!!*

Down the street from the Cringing Cockatrice and in the general heading of Gattas, there was an explosion. While it was not uncommon for the occasional manhole cover to be sent flying from sewer build up, it would a been a first for most to see a metal door go blasting off its hinges to crash and skid across the paving stones noisily. Dark smoke billowed into the air from the sewer maintenance entrance. Generally locked to prevent unlawful access, the door and portions of the stony frame were now removed at uneven edges. A few charred bodies littered the street as well.

Kaz, Kieran, and Kyrian would rise, clothes and hair smoldering to find they had survived, narrowly. Would have been much easier forcing open a manhole cover than a locked metal door, but they actually were able to budge the thing just barely at the last moment, thus the explosion had somewhere to jettison their charcoaled selves rather than making them burnt paste against the sealed sewer entrance. Despite their injuries, Kyrian was able to move over to Kaz, the most hurt of the group, and provide some aid. Despite the fickleness of Kyrian's power source, it granted this favor.

However, despite Kyrian's healing, everyone was in a pitiful state from being shot out of the sewer like cannonballs. In addition to scorched clothes and flesh, the concussive force that launched them and the brutal collision with door and then stone pavement left bruises if not some fractures. Anyone sent sliding would also have road rash. (Kyrian and Kieran receive 6 points of damage each seriously wounding each and drawing blood. Kaz receives 2 total damage. Can't burn what's already burnt and Kyrian's heal offset the damage that would have caused him to bleed) Right now, adrenaline was pumping through them, but as they start to calm down, their discomfort will grow without some medical attention.

Citizens, some normal and some of a shadier variety, began to gather and spectate the devastation and gawk at the sewage covered, burnt faces that were now moving around in the chilly street. The loud explosion woke up some residences near by and members of the tavern also decided to walk out front to see if they could catch any details of what was happening down the street.

Elsewhere in town,

They came, killers dressed in an unnatural black with painted flesh to further hide them, to take Thorne's life. When Thorne dropped the orb to the ground to draw his weapons, he had even less light to work with as he walked toward the open door, leaving the orb behind. It was in this moment, the attackers struck. Any advantage he had was lost and it was only by his defensive maneuvering that they did not assassinate him out right. The first attacker from the right zoomed past Thorne from one side of the room to the other, leaving a slice in Thorne's equipment rather than Thorne himself thanks to a timely step. (-3 health) The other killer came down from above, directly over Thorne's head. As if on instinct, the thief was able to sidestep the attack and the ninja's blow stabbed deep into the floor boards of the shop. Thorne had weathered the storm. It was time for a counter attack, but he still could not see his enemies and was only aware of the one due to it being right next to him trying to pull its sword out. The fight coupled with the chilling air blowing through the shop was an exhilarating experience as the trinkets continued to clink and chime around the showing room floor. The life orb among them as it wobbled near Bones's desk.

e5b4476bee85b6511da855a5d9cf286b.jpg