[GAME THREAD] Pick And Mix Play By Post Adventure IC Thread

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
(Hello there. This is the game thread for the Pick And Mix adventure! Please see the linked out of character thread if you would like to join or comment on the ongoing game! You can make a character at any point and stumbling upon the area or falling through space can be arranged as needed. I am your Captain of Gaming, [STATIONARY_FRICTION], and I am in charge of the setting and non-player characters and whatnot.

Anyhow, the starting area is a pretty standard forest. I don't have every single possible life-form for the forest plotted out, so if you're looking for something in particular feel free to let me know.

I'll be doing this introductory post, then let everyone do a response to that. And then I'll do one more reply that's meant to lead people towards the meeting area. Then you do one more, and then we transition to doing things as a group. So basically, you'll be doing around two posts before you meet everyone.)

The sky is overcast, but calm. It is about mid-day, though between the clouds and the dense foliage, this area is reminiscent of night. Luckily, the local wildlife help some with this problem. There are quite a few pieces of wildlife which supplement the light, from some of the fruits on shrubbery, to warning marks on some poisonous bugs, to some of the markings on birds. Hopefully though, any adventurers present haven't forgotten to bring a source of light. You could very well stub your toe on a root or trip on a vine if you're not careful.

Speaking of adventurers, we'll begin with Maxim, who has yet to enter the forest. They're accompanied by the wandering knight, Cliche, who wields around a glaive featuring a large gem. Their traveling companion, a small lizard creature nicknamed Shard, is a mischievous little creature. Cliche is surprisingly decent at navigation and has explored these woods a couple times. They're planning on departing from the nearby town of around seven Beacons (not counting visitors like Maxim or themself) as they believe it's time to continue their ever-meandering journey without end. Luckily, Cliche seems to be able to emit light from their helmet so even if Maxim forgot to bring a flashlight, there'll be enough to see by.

As far as interesting things about the forest of note that Maxim may have heard of...probably ingredients would stand out the most. There's quite a few,from the glowing bittersweet purple fruits on various shrubbery, to the array of small game available ranging from the non-poisonous bugs to some small gliding salamanders that feed on nectar and pollinate plants, there are many opportunities for ingredients. There are a few options for larger game, though they mostly avoid Beacons and would put up a fight. All in all, this should be a relatively safe trip.

Kara on the other hand, likely has no bearings on this situation, as it's yet another unknown exit from The Connection, leaving her once again in an unfamiliar part of Ascent. Notably, a large orange flower with glowing petals is atop a massive thorny shrub. It's light allows you to see a metal hatch, though you would have to find a way to wrest it free from the roots covering a roughly half of the hatch.

Do has likely stumbled out of the Connection at another point in the forest. There, a large, lavender deer-like creature watches carefully. It's roughly four times the size of the average beacon and it seems interested by the odd little creature that just popped into existence. It glows brightly enough that you can see the immediately surroundings decently well. The forest is calm and silent enough you could hear the shadow of a pin drop. No other animals are nearby.

Vembrace....has stumbled upon an interesting little clearing, where the light does actually reach in the forest. There are various small lizards traipsing about an array of oddly shaped flowers. There's also a small piece of metal sticking out of the ground. It seems to be the corner of something. It'd take a bit of work, but one could try to dislodge it. (If you had to make a guess, it's probably a crate.)

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]: (hi this is my first rp so forgive me if i screw something up)

Vembrace quietly hovers in place, observing the lizards for a few moments. It's... relaxing almost, watching the little reptiles scurrying about, doing... whatever it is small lizards do. The flowers are nice, too. It never took the time to notice these things before.

Once Vembrace gets bored of that, it takes notice of the metal chunk and sets to work uncovering it. It hovers in place directly above the exposed corner and descends, armor pieces whirling into the ground and dislodging the dirt and grass.

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara tumbles out of the Connection with about as much grace as someone who was leaning on a wall that suddenly gave way. She quickly stands up and dusts herself off after landing, checking her amulet, sword, grappling hook, and the lyre tied to her back for any damage. Upon finding them all in pristine condition, she puts her hood over her head (a comfort in unfamiliar places, she found) and takes in her surroundings.
She doesn't take long to spot the hatch, and quickly takes hold of her sword and slashes at the roots encapsulating it to try to find a way through.

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
(I'll reply to Kara's actions first, because this actually leads into the next event fairly well.)
Kara hacks at the root. They are swiftly severed. A high pitched screech comes out of the plant as its roots begin to stretch and pull themselves out of the ground. Unfortunately, it seems that plant is alive. It unravels into a mass of writhing roots and thorny brambles. The petals of the flower protrude small spines and twist to form something resembling a great maw.

It takes in its surrounding for a bit, giving a good chance to either move in to try to get a solid strike in...
or to flee. The hatch is now uncovered, if one wishes to try to slip in quickly.


(There's no issues at all Star. Everything is alright.)
The reptiles take notice of the commotion and keep their distance, still busy with their duty of feasting on flowers.

The crater is removed from the earth. It's about as large as you are. It is effectively unlocked. The markings are rather unsettling, given it's one of the less polite ancient factions that your creator liberally stole from. They were followers of the god slain by pinnacle. It seems the case's lock has been damaged by age. One could open it easily. If they dare. (Open the spoiler if you actually do open this. Or if you don't and are just curious.)

Show Content

SpoilerIf despite this grim origin, one were to open it they would find a massive axe of immense heft, incredibly ornate with detail put into every part of it. The head is widely large, and sports some sort of odd opening on the top of the pole, above the massive axe head. On the other side of the axe head is a fairly solid pick end. The weapon seems a bit ominous.

Regardless of what one does with the crate, the howling screech of some grand creature is quite audible from the clearing. It seems something is going on. Vembrace could easily head that direction if desired.

(Maxim and Do will likely be able to hear the commotion after they finish their initial post. So, for the moment the commotion has only reached Vembrace [and Kara, given the. immediate presence of danger.].)

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara reels back with the plant's piercing screech, and glances around warily weighing her options. She would normally make a break for it in this situation, but she hadn't gotten a good haul from one of her trips for a good while now... ah screw it.

She sticks her sword in the gap between the panels of the hatch and does her best to pry it open. If it doesn't work immediately, she's going to run. If she could open it and hide within it though, that might give the beast a chance to settle down again, which might work better seeing as she wasn't entirely sure if it's the sort that can take chase or not.

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]: Vembrace rushes towards the noise immediately, acting on deep-seated instinct- or perhaps programming. It's hard to say. It stops a few feet short of Kara and the plant creature, seemingly assessing the situation. After a moment, a cold, monotonous voice emerges from somewhere within the whirling mass of metal.

"PROTECTION OR SUPPORT?"

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
The hatch can be opened without issue.
You have enough time to have a quick exchange and then swiftly go down the hatch, run, or otherwise do something else.
(Or you can wait out of character for the others to start up, and then hear the commotion.)

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara lets out a short yelp the minute Vembrace enters the scene, and hops through the hatch shortly after opening it.

"I don't care WHAT you do, just be QUIET! I don't know if that thing has eyes!"

She composes herself after a moment, but her tail is still swishing back and forth as if irritated.

"Just please get in the hole first and we can talk after. Unless you WANT to be fertilizer for that plant thing. I'll say...Support, I guess, if you need to hear one or the other for your programming."

[skinstealer]

[TASTY_TREAT]:

Maxim prepares herself for the journey ahead...she's nervous about setting off, but she wants to see what this forest has to offer. She doesn't know much about this Cliche person- but they do seem to have a good head on their shoulders!

After checking through all of her things twice and making sure all of her spices are good to go, she straps a knife to one leg and a flashlight to the other. Ready for adventure!

[sarcovyn]

[3D]:

What a beast, this thing! thinks Do, wincing to see the purplish deer past the bright light. It tries not to tremble, as if it were necessary to assert some kind of power over this thing to avert its judgment through that stare. It knows better than to turn its back to this thing, but for some reason it feels like this thing will lurch towards it like a mantis if it broke eye contact. A mantis with hooves. It fails to hold together and trembles before the beast.

(Do finds itself, it realizes, at the mercy of an unfamiliar ecosystem. It knows it has no idea what kind of role this staring contest adversary takes. Better safe than sorry.)

Do scuttles sideways in a large, elliptical half-orbit around the deer like an awkward party guest watching their friend-that-invited-them talk to much cooler strangers, eye(s?) still locked with the deer's. It weighs in its ball-shaped head whether or not it should break off and leave.

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
Cliche doesn't particularly have much to say at the moment, as they look over their equipment a couple more times while they lead the way forward. This continues until a distant immense shriek is heard. "...ah hell. What in blazes...I'll have to check that out. I don't think that's a sign of anything good." They tense up and stretch, presumably preparing themselves to charge into the woods at breakneck pace.

The deer carefully watches Do, taking note of the odd being's movement. The intent in its eyes is blurred by the light and it also being a weird deer. The awkward scuttle occurs and it stays still, watching carefully until a violent shriek is heard in the distance. It quickly breaks eye contact and dashes away towards the distant sounds. It seems it's found something more apt to take interest in. Do can of course, also hear the shriek.

Kara gets through the hatch. There's a ladder to grab onto if she's quick enough, otherwise taking a short tumble down into a room that seems to have some sort of bulkhead. That seems to have a little doorbell and panel with a screen and a speaker. There's also a small table and a pair of chairs. Otherwise, the ladder back up is present. If desired, one could try to bar the hatch from this side.

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]:
[ASTRAL_ABBERATION] wrote:
Just please get in the hole first

Support, I guess,

"UNDERSTOOD."

Vembrace swiftly breaks apart into its component sections, flying one by one down the hole. Each section rotates quickly in place as it goes, and some of them slash the plant monster on the way down. It reconstitutes near the bottom of the hole and takes on a new form, sharp edges poised to strike upwards at the hatch, should the vines attempt to pursue.

[skinstealer]

[TASTY_TREAT]:

"Alrighty! We got this!" Maxim's already taking off, unsheathing her knife with a bit of fumbling. 

Subtlety is not her strong suit.

[sarcovyn]

[3D]:

The shriek makes Do jump a bit higher than one would expect for such stubby legs. But it sighs in relief as its opponent seems to have scrambled off...

...then it weighs its curiosity against its dread. Whatever made that scream couldn't possibly make pleasant company... but something compels it. Against its better judgment, Do skitters towards the source of the noise.

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
After recomposing itself, the plant in fact does attempt to pry open the hatch and reach tendrils in...which Vembrace swiftly takes care of after entering. The terrifying megadeer is the next on the scene, trampling shrubberies, small trees, and more on its search for a worthy foe. It reaches the scene a few moments after Cliche and Maxim are within range to see what's going down outside the hatch.

Specifically, the ginormous cervine launches the plant with immense force, knocking over about five trees before the plant lands. there are many major wounds on the plant-creature, but it seems to recover decently quickly, attempting to use nearby shrubbery to heal some. It backs off as the deer slowly walks toward it, menacingly, waiting to begin some sort of odd duel.

Do arrives on the scene shortly after, able to see the deer still slowly approaching the plant while the plant continues to backpedal while composing itself. Do can also of course, see the hatch, Maxim, and Cliche.

Cliche just sort of looks over at that mess, and then at the hatch, before pointing at the hatch. "...I don't remember anything like those creatures being in the forest. Perhaps we should uh. Pay a visit to whoever lives there. I'm not certain I know what's going on with those creatures and they could probably snap me in two."

They then look over at Do. "Oh, uh, hello there."

(The deer and plant are still slowly getting further and further away, as they prepare for a duel.)

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara watches as Vembrace makes quick work of the pursuing vines, and gives it an appreciative nod. "Glad you tagged along, that could've been brutal. Nice work."

She walks over to the screen and speaker, and the doorbell beside them. "If that thing doesn't let up, I can bar it with my sword. Normally I wouldn't think it'd hold, but it's gone through worse, without a scratch. It's weird."

She takes a step back and takes in the setup as a whole. She pauses.

"If it DOES let up, though... would you happen to know about how anything here works? I'd assume you press the button...but I'm not sure. It could very well be a trap."

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]: Vembrace turns towards the panels and buttons lining the walls and speaks again, noticeably gentler and less monotonous this time.

"This is only a guess, but it appears to be some form of audiovisual technology. Given its location, I assume it's meant for communication with visitors in order to determine whether they should be allowed access. Essentially, a fancy doorbell. I believe it's safe, but I'll allow you to decide whether to attempt to operate it or not."

[sarcovyn]

[3D]:

(( I think I'll use colors to denote Do making an Educated Guess. Again feel free to ignore it if you have your own plot in mind. Also Do is kind of self-centered do not take it as affecting the plot ))

Do quickly scramples towards the hatch, next to Cliche. It may not know what the lavender creature is, but Do definitely knows what a Beacon is. It doesn't have the neck to look into the hatch, so it looks up at Cliche.

"Aaahhhh, Beacons, I surmise? Yes yes yes yes, I can spare my infinite wisdom. The purple beast you saw, it pays no mind to us - it seems quite docile to us Little Guys. We engaged face-to-face earlier, and it didn't want to hurt me at all..."

Do seems pleased with itself. How highly these Beacons would think of its intelligence when they realize Do is correct! It continues.

"I'm sure if there is anyone in there, they'll be pleased to know we've saved them from the beast. We ought to pass them the message."

[skinstealer]

[TASTY_TREAT]:

Maxim's already hopping down the hatch, not waiting to hear for further confirmation. "I'm on it, then!"

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
"I think I'll go for it, then. Could you protect me if things go-"
Kara cuts herself off as Maxim enters the hatch, clearly taken aback. It takes her a few moments to understand that it's another Beacon.
"...Wrong."