A dark doorway led, after the hall filled with riches had been plundered, to a darker space. The ruined stone brick theme continued, but the "ruined" was more emphasized in the strange corridor ahead. Strange, because it was... long. Immensely long, stretching as far as the eye could see, and narrowing near the far end just to complete the effect. It was dark, too, with fewer crumbled pinholes high above to let thin beams of light break up those shadows. And whole sections of the floor had crumbled, leaving pits--some shallow, some not.

The way looked claustrophobic, with no visible exits bar a door (which seemed very small, right now, at this distance) at the far end. Yes, they would all fit, but it was just so far. And so... ominous.

And to top it off, there were vines all over, growing through the floor and twisting up toward the light, ready to trip the unwitting who weren't watching (or illuminating) their step.

Click for Loot Results!

Flower would find, almost at once, a weapon that seemed relatively suited. It was a Scythe, like something a gardener or farmer would use: shining wood with a silver crescent blade atop it. But what was interesting was the stormy aura it gave off: it was Enchanted with Dust Devil, capable of casting a directed burst of wind any time it was swung. Flower would also find 14 Coins.

Relic, as she spoke, would feel a very strange and ominous prickling across her spine. This was completely unrelated to the loot she found moments later: a leering helmet, one of blackened steel, with a hole that was actually for a horn but would amazingly fit a... pumpkin stem. The gaps for the eyes were deep, so that the glow of Relic's eyes would be enhanced by the dark metal. Jagged teeth jutted down over her real ones; the helm had no lower jaw protection, but hung low enough to cover most of it anyway. To top it off, the helm was Enchanted with Failed Timeline; it would redirect some damage intended for Relic to itself, even if she were hit elsewhere on her body, but would need upkeep by an experienced blacksmith to repair the damage. Relic also found a single brilliant, gleaming Gemcoin.

Plover procures... a weapon. One could call it "blunt" in the sense that it would absolutely smash through armor, but it would do so with the double-headed blades: titanium, sharpened to a razor edge, all fitted atop a massive haft of mahogany, the pommel fit with silver. While far too large for the child to really wield, as an adult, it would fit xem perfectly. It could be enchanted down the road, but it wasn't now and its sheer destructive force if wielded by someone strong and skilled enough almost meant it didn't need to be. Plover would also find 8 Coins.

Hunter had plenty of gemstones to choose from, but only so much space to carry: and the ones that were already faceted and cut were unlikely to be 'alive.' He would wind up with a large, almost rough chunk of Spessartine, gleaming like living fire. If life were given to this gem later on, it would succeed. Hunter also finds 4 Coins.

Khavur finds an interlinked pair of large bracelets, or maybe cuffs: decorative, golden, and absolutely beautiful in craftsmanship. They look like chain, but the jewelry sort, woven and interlinking--but for each individual link having ornate carvings on it. Interspersed with the chain are tiny fragments of bone that have been carved to resemble skulls in miniature. The work is superb, and to top it off, the bracelets are Enchanted with Mind Reader and linked; were another Gembound to take one, and Khavur the other, he would be able to communicate with them mind-to-mind up to a full cave away. Khavur also finds 7 Coins.

Howler indeed finds a cloak, but it's a strange sort. It appears almost to be living, woven of slender vines, with leaves even sprouting here and there; the clasp, which would be at the throat, is golden filigree, a hook, with an emerald-carved and -polished leaf with a second hook at the back to clasp it. The cloak is also Enchanted with Weave. This causes a very strange effect: the Weave enchant causes worn armor to automatically grow to slightly close any wounds near where it's worn on its own wearer, but given that this is a loose, flowing cloak, it means the cloak itself must be pressed to a wound and will then stick there as it binds it shut. It must later be cut away, and the aid of Plant magic enlisted to regrow it as it depletes itself. Howler also finds 16 Coins.

Attikias finds a beautiful silver-wrought pendant: silver interlocking chain, thick but jewelry rather than restrictive. A purple labradorite, set in silver claws, hangs from it; from this comes the soft blue-purple glow of a Black Light enchantment. Attikias also finds 10 Coins.

Rosary finds a strange but beautiful object: a comb, one that like the cloak, sits apart from some of the rest. The comb gives off an aura of shadow, being Enchanted with Summon Void; it is made of black metal, and is extremely ornate, and large. Emeralds gleam, cut with delicate facets, in the eye sockets of a draconic head that curls over the top of the comb; the teeth are widely-spaced, strong, and almost sharp. Rosary also finds 5 Coins.

Naskarra finds a very rare item: a shining piece of armor that will fit her body. It's a broad, downward- (or rather, backward-) pointed breastplate that will fit across her chest, snugly curling around her forelimbs, held by padded leather straps across her back. It is strange in its design: ornate steel, but carefully molded or carved with a Skrungler etched hissing and or squeaking across the front. It's been painted, too, and looks almost lifelike: almost like a coat of arms, but very realistic. The armor is fittingly Enchanted with Hallucinate, hence the motif: anyone striking it in combat will see and here things in addition to what is really present. Naskarra also finds 4 Coins.

Sergei finds a new weapon: unenchanted but powerful nonetheless, a heavy and spike-bodied Flail. This consists of a rich wooden handle, very thick and sturdy and rather long, with wrought steel at the base and end. A long, strong chain leads from the end to a heavy ball of steel, one with pyramidal spikes arranged around its entirety. It is meant to be swung, the chain adding momentum to the strike. Sergei also finds 8 Coins.


Players may add the Coins found to their characters' accounts. Those who found Enchanted loot may optionally post in Update Me to have simple icons added to their Enchanted Items profile field. (Please link to the loot post in your request!)

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Gembounds should roll to safely traverse the ruined passage ahead. They may use any form of Perception or self-defense roll they desire. Characters who did not post last round should double-post to catch up.

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The next post will take place on June 29th in the evening GMT.

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

A small sigh of relief when the little rats run out - alive - and they follow the group into the room revealed. The wood boxes give them pause, and then fully ignite their curiosity as they pick around… and through. They gather some coins, of course, the clicking noises pleasing to their ears, and a small chest to keep them and… perhaps a wearable they’ll take with them. Something sturdy, given they have a spear and a shield… and a beed for a way to carry them other than their twisted cordage. Perhaps their luck with coincide with their curiosity today.

Leaving with… whatever they do or don’t find when pawing through things, they follow the group as they continue to move forward.

The vines once again feel like they’re reaching for their wings, it’s all in their head really, but they frill their feathers in a small gesture as an attempt to keep their balance. Slow and steady, eyes on the floor, wings open to catch the ledge of any holes they’ll stumble into… not that full liftoff will be possible in these vines, will it….

A scythe? That was pretty cool, she couldn't deny that, along with some coins? That was a good haul already. She was smiling as she gathered her new things, taking a deep breath before giving Fernie a quick pat on the head and starting to head further in. She kept her eyes and ears open, cautious as she held her walking stick alongside her new scythe, glancing around as she took note of the others cave dwellers before glancing back at the darkness that lay in front of them.

As Howler digs around, he spots an odd cloth. When he picks it up it happens to not be a cloth at all! Resembling tree branches, but Howler doesn't mind. He slips the cloak on, taking a moment to appreciate the feeling of it even with what it's made of. Better than expected, even with the few leaves poking out. It seems he might need to figure out how to learn some plant spells to keep it maintained.

Howler hums and moves to continue on. Keeping an eye out just in case.

"I'm not a mouse!" He'd squeak defensively, hyperaware of the imminent mouse-murder that would be occuring. Besides, he wasn't quite shaped like a mouse. They didn't have the long, jumpy legs that he did. "And I'll wait to feed it the plants! I just need help getting up there." He'd hop onto the gigantic hand with a belated "...thank you." still mildly disgruntled by Khavur's comments. He would hop on top of the statue's head, waiting anxiously for someone to toss a rat in. Connie would then toss his own offering in and then anxiously flutter away, as thought he statue would come alive and try to eat him.

The statue was fed, and he was somewhat relieved to see that the mice got to live. He would eagerly scamper into the loot-room, absolutely not beating the mouse allegations as he rummaged around for an appealingly shiny trinket.

[Catchup post. Connie is searching for something small and shiny- jewelry or some kind of trinket]
@Khavur

She had managed to acquire a mouse-sized backpack that was now nearly overflowing with coins and other loot. It was heavy- REALLY heavy, actually, and Connie was quickly regretting her decision to collect so many coins in the first place. But she just couldn't help it! They were so shiny and pretty! And could theoretically be exchanged for goods and services- not that Connie had any experience with capitalism.

The tunnel was dark, and quite long. The distance seemed all the longer as Conleth shuffled her way forward, ears perked for any sign of danger.

United in snack-yearning brotherhood, Hunter sticks the landing and gets their father reaching for the snack pouch at a beleaguered pace and— Plover frowns. Xe can wait xir turn, but xe is just hungry and SHARING. :(. For however long it takes Hunter to finish eating his share of the goods, there's a pair of beady eyes fixed attentively upon him. As soon as the bag is up for grabs, a mud-stained mitt snatches it with a belated, citrus-stifled, "Thank youuu!"

Nose wrinkling with delight at the sour-sweetness, Plover takes the treats with xem and xir father to their investigation of the loot pile, and grinds xir teeth with excitement at what xe has found: A whacking-stick unlike no other, big enough that xe will definitely need at least three hands to swing it around.

Panting excitedly with a mouth still full of dried citrus, the green thing squirms xir hand loose of Attikias's to drag xir find closer. "Yes, yes, YES!" Xe can't help but to white-knuckle it and wag xir tail hard enough to send coins flying. IT'S PERFECT!!!

All hunger forgotten, Plover foists the snack pack with a quarter of the fruit still left in it upon xir dad and makes carefully sloppy work of slinging the massive battleaxe over xir shoulder. The business end of it settles against xir ear, and the mahogany staff and silvery end scrapes every uneven part of the floor in front of xem like a white cane.

Perhaps great for safely fumbling down the long-ass hallway ahead, father's hand back in xir own after nearly tripping on xir newly-acquired axe once, much less the vines on the floor. Better to get stopped by the haft almost falling into a pit than to fall in the pit xemself! (And despite those stumbles, Plover doesn't stop vibrating with excitement for even a second.)

@Hunter @Attikias (for visibility).

Plover was certainly excited for snacks, which made Attikias happy. He huffed a brief laugh at xir furthered enthusiasm at discovering an axe. Overly careful to not get smacked by a massive weapon, Attikias leaned away and continued his blanket search over anything.

Hm. Something gleamed with his light- a pretty gem that drew his eye, one that he stooped for and held in one hand while the family continued on. Pretty. Pocketing it (and, might as well pocket coins too), Attikias took Plover's hand once more and let xem lead the way into the depths.

"Hey, don't let your axe drag." Doing that would wear down the end. Then where would he be, trying to fix up a ground-down axe? He was slow behind them, hopping over roots as he kept his baubled rope forward, tension rising in his chest from the darkness ahead of them. His mind swum with distance; shaking his head didn't help matters much, but it cleared a little up, helped him focus enough to not stumble any further despite nearly being dragged down by Plover a few times.

He's not going to be the first to tell xem to slow down. Let xem be excited, but... damn, the kid's got a bigger legspan than he does...

Something was wrong here. Something small and ancient inside her was screaming.

The feeling left quick, but its absence did not comfort Relic. Maybe she was imagining it. Maybe it was just the crowd - or maybe one of those Skrunglers had managed to break skin. Whatever. Whatever whatever whatever.

Awesome freaking helmet spotted.

She nosed it, moving it around in preparation of donning it immediately (Just in case) when she found a singular, iridescent coin. She wasn't... entirely clear on how money worked yet, but she got the sense that shiny = valuable, and that this little disc was incredibly shiny. Relic did not have pockets, but the fabric wrapped around her foreleg would do. She needed her mouth for chomping.

Okay. Deeply ominous hallway. This did not make her feel better. She braced for impact as she traveled down. She was being studied. She was being tested - and she was the only one here who knew that.