It had been a couple days since Conleth had woken up, and he was sort of getting back in the swing of things. But it was.. different. It wasn't like he'd never been alone before, but this was a more awful, permanent kind of alone. Still, he was sure that Star wouldn't want him to be sad, so he tried to keep an optimistic outlook on things.

And these dungeon challenges seemed like the perfect chance to meet some new gembound! After he'd double and triple confirmed that these really were just harmless training challenges, he'd (literally) jumped at the chance to participate.

"Hi! Hello! It's nice to meet you all!" He'd chirp to the group, hop-fluttering around in an attempt to get a better look at the gembound who were much, MUCH bigger than him. He'd eventually settle down on a top of a large pile of rubble, using it as a vantage point. He was of course looking for danger, but even more than that he was listening out for the sound of anything lurking in the dark with his big ol' ears.

Hunter was here, too. And the thing was, he had to make a good impression for his newly adopted baby brother.

There was no telling what would be lurking in the dungeon, and part of him worried that Plover would disappear into the underbrush after some mouse or something and end up falling into a pit trap or something equally traumatizing.

He had an idea, however, that didn't involve a tying a leash around the toddler (which had been considered, but they would probably both end up injured at that rate--)

The banana formed in the palm of Hunter's hand, and he whistled to get Plover's attention. "Hey, Plover, I got you something," he winked, offering the banana to the chunkster.

This would have the benefit of making Plover glow and sparkle, just in case he ran off... So he'd be easier to find later.

@Plover

The first thing Renasci feels is curiosity. Then excitement! Then dread as the greenery presses close, too close for their comfort. Then… deep, deep confusion seeing everyone. Including someone … with thumbs.

A few blinks as they look at Attikias for what may be a bit longer than polite, before shaking themslsves out.

“Hello. I… am coming with.” A few moments, and they squint around the lush greenery with a frown. “Does anyone else have blades…? We may be able to clear a path.”

Those who were proceeding with caution, perceptive and prepared, would see the movement of the leaves right before it happened. And those with light, with heartbeat-senses, would be forewarned in an instant.

Eyes might spot that which the lights lit up: tangles of dead foliage, arranged oddly... roundly. Deeper in the middle, and--oh. Eggs. Blue-spotted red eggs. Nests... NESTS, their senses would scream, a split second before half a dozen angry parent Skrunglers came tearing from the bushes, screeching.


Image by Gortys

Those who reacted in time would avoid the attacks; the rest faced a nasty little bite, one with a venom that would leave them with hallucinations lasting the rest of the dungeon. Hallucinations of huge, lurking creatures, their shadows visible beyond the walls, towering. Hallucinations of the vines turning into snakes, and floods of water suddenly sweeping everything away.

The Skrunglers tried to flee, then, back the way the Gembounds had come--abandoning their nests, the poor beasts. Further in, adventure awaited, beyond another rusted iron gate.

---

Gembounds should post to react to the sudden Skrungler attack, and then proceed to the gate leading to the next room.

Gembounds who succeeded (barely+) their rolls can avoid danger, and may help one other Gembound who failed, allowing them to avoid being bitten.

Gembounds who failed their rolls and are not helped by others will be bitten, and have strange hallucinations of ominous passing threats for the rest of the dungeon.

(Those who did not roll, like Attikias and Rosary, or rolled something unrelated, like Hunter, count as Critically Failed rolls. These cannot be aided by others.)

This quest is now closed to new entrants. The next post will take place in four days, on June 11th, afternoon/evening GMT.

@Howler @Flower @Rosary @Relic @Sergei @Naskarra @Plover @Khavur @Conleth @Hunter @Renasci

Sergei turned his blocking shield against the Skrunglers with a choked roar of alarm, flinching. He stepped to guard the only creature that looked like they were in real threat, along with being close to him: Khavur.

Which was stupid. And silly. Khavur was... huge. HUGE. With wings! And two heads! But Sergei did it anyway, reflexively, braced back against the tiny bouncing bodies. And when they'd come and gone he looked around, wary.

"Is that... it?" he asked, uncertain. Maybe a couple people had gotten nipped, but that was it-?

Regardless of whether Khavur had stepped out and been bitten (Sergei hoped not), he turned and plodded forward, warily advancing toward the rusted door ahead.

There's at least a something in the brush, rustling and snuffling. It smells like dust, and dust has meant bird-feathers before, and bird was tasty when it wasn't also full of teeth like a Hellswan. Plover hunches over to pounce blindly into the bushes when xir AWESOME older brother distracts xem with a comically glowing (and appetizing) fruit that xe would fall for further than "THANKS!" had what-was-in-the-bushes not become what-was-out with all of the other ruckus.

One of the beasts descends upon Hunter, and Plover lurches forward to pursue the thing with hungered revenge in mind.

And in that blind (because it's dark, not because xe is that red with rage) revenge, a rather fleeting situation turns for the terrible: Shark-like teeth punch into fur, not feathers like xe expects; and the bird-thing turns its second wind for wrath onto xem, terrible teeth and claws tearing at xir face and the forearm xe lifts to defend xemself with.

Both leave xem splattered with blood of two kinds— one red, and one shiny lime-green— and xe can't get off of Hunter quick enough to hover over him and apologize in an incoherent whimper-whine of pain and guilt. His fur's stuck between xir teeth, and xe can't help but sputter as xe tries to get it off with xir tongue.

GROSS— BAD BAD BAD. I DID BAD...

Until Hunter moves from the spot or their dad urges them to, xe isn't planning to.

@Hunter (For visibility!)

Others more were coming through, and Attikias was focused on them rather than his surroundings; two steps in and a group this big able to alert him wouldn't be too dangerous, would it? He was in the throng of them, tail flicking this way and that as he took in the group. Would there even be enough to explore..?

Maybe his attention was too divided between the group and his kids, maybe he was too lost thinking about other things, but it didn't matter when the lesser burst out from the undergrowth and aimed right towards his body. He barely caught the motion in time and barely swiped his arm up to protect his face, yelping with a clipped shout as needle teeth scratched his skin.

It was just a nip (and one he reeled back from while throwing the Skrungler off), but it still stung. Hissing through his teeth, Attikias held his arm close and wrapped his hand around the would, his tail thrashing in annoyance. "Ow." Nasty thing. Melody's frantic chirpings didn't help, and he groaned as her panic heightened his, forcing himself to breathe long and slow to counteract it.

The whump! of teeth nearby drew him out of those thoughts, with him wheeling around to face Plover's bite— "Plover!" Attikias stamped his foot towards xem like xe was a dog. It wouldn't be the first time he'd dealt with siblings biting each other. "Let go of him!" His sigh was one of utter fatherly disappointment. Not the first time, and Attikias just huffs and half-turns to continue on.

"Say sorry and let's go." He didn't want to be around here if the Skrunglers decided for a second round.

Howler watches Rosary approach along with him. He'd been happy to allow her to follow him wherever she wanted to go, after all two is better than one. Howler would happily let anyone tag along, especially if they seem to need something... more like the horse. Howler still hasn't figured out Rosary, but doesn't think its too much of a big deal.

"It's a dungeon." Howler's still a little bit confused at the prospect, but really wants to reap the rewards. "I heard we might get some rewards if we go through it."

If Rosary doesn't want to participate, he's fine with that too. Perhaps they could meet up after its over? And he could bring back some stuff for the two of them. He adjusts his spectacles again. Before Howler can mention it, another approaches the two of them - a cat and... Something else.

"Hello to you as well." Howler's not sure why Flower would talk to them, but he's not opposed to making new friends. "I am Howler, and this is Rosary." It feels good to use her new name, like the Valkhound has accomplished something big. He does not attempt to force her into view, allowing her to take her time.

As the little group walks together, they don't get much time to talk before shapes come running from the bushes. Screeching - preparing to protect nests Howler'd only noticed right as they appeared. Thankfully Howler was able to move in time, some of the others.... Not so much. Howler can only hope the other two with him are okay as they step through the door, wisp in his hand.


@Rosary @Flower

Speaking of deja vu, Relic swore she'd seen that eye-straining hide in Fornax before. The rest of the group was unfamiliar, which was... Awkward, considering everyone seemed to have someone to hang out with. Though Sergei peaked her interest (He looked like a warrior, someone who could teach her the ways of armor and wielding pointy objects), it was Conleth that she ended up slowly moving to walk alongside.

Not that they had to talk, or even be friends. Relic would take what she was offered.

Her brain lit up like a Christmas tree suddenly, the spell actually working this time - revealing the beating of many small hearts in the bushes ahead, ready to pounce. Her instinct was to flee, but instead she'd stand her ground, lowering herself so that the sudden explosion of Skrunglers would only find the metal of her armor to snap at. And yeah, it felt awesome.

Further back she heard the commotion of the unlucky ones of the group, but she found that the scuffle was over as quickly as it had begun, and Relic could no longer offer her help. She would look back in general concern - just checking in. They'd be fine, right?

The group moved onward, past another gate. Maybe Skrunglers were the worst this dungeon would throw at them.

One could hope.

She glanced over at the shy, though odd looking creature that came up, a warm smile gracing her lips. She show no hint of hatred or annoyance at the creature, not treating them any different than anyone else she would meet. Hello there. No need to hide, I won't hurt you. She spoke to the valkhound, cocking her head to the side curiously, a warm smile on her lips. However she didn't push the topic, giving the creature time to come out on her own should they want to, but she at least let them know it was okay to do so. She turned to the other creature, now knowing them as Howler, and smiled with a warm dip of her head. It's wonderful to meet you both, maybe we can stay together throughout the dungeon and help each other out. She offered, just happy to be here and happy to make friends.

As they walked, she remained beside Howler and Rosary, enjoying their company and not finding any issues with either of them. They still deserved friends and to feel like someone wanted to be around them, especially the very shy creature. She wanted nothing more than to give them a hug and make them feel better, but she refrained for now, not wanting to freak them out.

She gasped softly when she saw the insidious creatures running at them and she quickly placed a hand on Fernie's back to keep them from falling before she lunged to the side, panting softly as she turned to see the rest of the situation behind her. She had backed up with Howler, her eyes wide as she panted a little from the sudden shock. She glanced up at Howler for a moment. You alright? She asked before flicking her gaze back over to Rosary. Rosary?! She called out, hoping that her other new friend was okay, her eyes flicking across the group to search for the shy creature.

@Howler @Rosary