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You’re somewhere familiar, that’s certain. What you’re not quite one-hundred-percent sure about is how exactly you ended up in this place. You don’t recall walking, nor anything to have prompted going wherever you are now. Something must have happened before there and now, a crucial something that you are clearly missing. It can’t be safe in here.

The darkness is unnatural. You’ll have to get moving in order to be able to identify where to go.
>You can move 6 spaces + an Action.
>You can convert your Action in 2 more movement spaces.
>Physical moves have 1-tile effective range.
>Special moves have 4-tile effective range.

There’s that aura moving and breathing throughout the surroundings. Without a doubt, this has to be a dungeon. You need to find the way out of here… but… still… how did all of you get here?

There are two passages between the dominating treeline, one heading East, and another going West. It’s deathly silent. You begin to realize that the ground and parts of the forest look ashen and scorched by a fire. Wasn’t…? No…?

Chapter 6: Echoing Forest

>>5855721
"Uh... wait, what just... how'd we get here? I think I spaced out. Why're we back here?"
>Evan moves 6 tiles towards the West

>>5855721
"Ah great, this shit again."
>Mohka moves East 8 spaces.

>>5855727
>WEST*

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>5855721
"Uh...anyone know how we got here?"
>Kaz pans around the forest, observing it, and the attached pathways
Anything to see?

>>5855726
"Hey Snake, hold up!"
>Kaz follows Evan 6 spaces to the West

>>5855721
>ishmael, awaken.
>move 8 west
>>5855726
"I dunno, last thing I remember was doing some speed practice."

>>5855721
"Hm...? What was I...?"
Matchia mutters to herself.
She looks to her team, amongst the others.
"...Let's just find our way out. It's crowded in here, let's split up in teams."
She moves East 8.

>>5855721
"Alright team, letsss get down to buss- wait a minute, why are we here again? Where'ss here?"
>Orner goes through the path to the right. 8 tiles.

>>5855730
"I have no idea, d-does anyone recognize this place?"
>Brook says trying to keep a brave face
>>5855721
>Move 6 paces to the west

>>5855721
Spike's eyes glance over the dark and silent forest.
"Keep your guard. We have enough people here to split into two groups," Spike notes.

>Spike moves 8 spaces towards the east exit.

>>5855721
"'tis must be like that dream from earlier..."
>Move 1 tile west, 1 tile south, and 1 tile west, hanging at the entrance of the west room
"I wonder what's here...?"

>>5855737
"Looks like some kinda woodlands to me, but I guess that's obvious..."
"what it doesn't look is burnt to a crisp, so must be a decent walk from baram town."

>>5855730
>>5855721
"Hey Kaz wait up!"
Darius moves 2 tiles south and 5 tiles west.

>>5855744
(forgot trip)

>>5855741
"Well at least there's a bunch of us here just in case, I hope the other side will be alright."
>he casts a worried look toward the east passageway before turning back to face Kaz

>>5855737
"Looks all burnt. Some fire type stroll through here?"
>Kaz asks, inspecting burn marks

>>5855744
">Kaz waves him over
"Come on Dare! Let's figure a way outta here."

>>5855721
>Katherine is there
>She moves 6 spaces towards the east

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>>5855747
"I got faith in 'em! they'll be fine."

>>5855721
"This is not... no, I had..." Cubone mutters to himself, but he's quick enough on his feet to get going, fully aware that an unfamiliar location with apparent burn marks is a poor place to be questioning the whys and hows, heading four tiles east and one south, peering past the corner as the others make their way down the paths immediately visible to them in their confusion..

>>5855749
"Is saying it was just a forest fire a little too hopeful?"

>>5855755
>the dark fox doesn't say anything but he does smile at hearing Ish's confidence

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Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>5855726
>>5855729
>>5855730
>>5855733
>>5855737
>>5855739
You find that the corridor is only wide enough to allow passage in a single file line. If you need to swap positions with someone, it might get a little tricky. Luckily, it seems Evan has stumbled into a much larger room... there... are ominous faces in the darkness.

What.

>>5855734
>>5855736
>>5855738
>>5855751
>>5855756
Matchia is the first to step through, spotting a narrow corridor formed by the trees, heading south. She can see it bend around the corner, heading eastward. Currently, there's not enough space to get past or really look through that well. Perhaps you should designate an order to this.

>>5855761
"Damn it Matchia, out of the way!" Having to mind the order fucking sucks!

>>5855761
"Uh...oh... we've got company here!"
>Evan moves 6 further west so people can file in behind him, his action is to prep for a dodge

>>5855761
"I sense danger... watch out!"
>1 south and 4 east

>>5855761
"I'm good with detecting foes and taking hits. I'll take the lead-"
>>5855765
"..."

>>5855761
"Hm. . . Let's reorganize, everyone with ranged attacks behind Matchia," Spike orders, moving behind Orner.

"Move forward!"

>Spike moves forwards as far as he can with the group.

>>5855768
"MOVE."
>Orner doesn't really care, just get on with it.

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>5855761
"See anything in there?"
>>5855766
"ah, fair enough."
>Ish, enter. one tile up, 4 left, 1 down. ember the right face to try and get a better view on it

>>5855770
"I suppose I can act as a... Midguard or something."

>>5855761
"I believe I'm the tankiest among us. Lemme take point."
>Mohka motions for Kaz to move further into the room so he can get around him

>>5855765
>>5855768
>>5855772
"I am not complaining if you would rather redirect the fiery ire of... whatever may have struck here." Cubone snarks at Orner, He prefers his corner, thanks.

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>5855766
>>5855761
>Kaz is pushing behind him

"Well then get in there so we can see 'em!"
>Kaz moves left 3, down 3

>Kaz attempts to see these enemies better!
>Are they really faces???
>Or is the GM saving processing power reducing render distance?

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>5855721
>>5855726
>>5855733
>>5855737
>>5855761
>Wallis moves 1 space South and 5 spaces West.
Wanting to stay with Clover Force, Wallis proceeds west.
"Nonono, not more of this mind intrusion crap when we're not aware. Grr!"
She's too slow to get in attacking range. She throws up a Wide Guard for her West allies.

>>5855761
"Sorry, I'll try to go quick!"
>not wanting to hold up the line, Brook takes 4 nervous steps forward and BRACEs his mind (special defense) once he catches a glimpse of the faces lurking in the darkness

>>5855772
"...Fine."
Matchia relents easily, already having changed her mind.

>>5855761
Darius moves one tile up, for tiles west, then one tile south.
"Outta the way!"

>>5855778
>Mohka moves Left 4, Down 2

>>5855761
Espurr quickly surveys their surroundings, taking note of their allies being present. They go East with their team, Skitty, Sagira, and Matchia.

>Espurr hugs the wall whilst waiting for Orner to get un-door stuck.

>>5855721
>>5855761

Skitty's face is tense, and she joins the team on the East after watching everyone else file off. That's where her team is, or most of it.

>>5855784
>>5855770
"I haven't really got much, but I'll just stick in the back," she adds from the back of the line as she activates Foresight to maybe catch something in the darkness as the line moves.

>Skitty used Foresight!

>>5855784
>>5855770
"EITHER OF YOU, GET OUT. OF THE WAY."
>Orner is still sandwiched in the door frame.

>>5855795
Spike moves out of the way but gives Matchia and Skitty a look of 'can you believe this?'.

>>5855797
"HOLY-"
>>5855761
>Orner moves once to the left and twice upwards, supposing Spike actually moved more than one tile.

>>5855797
Skitty's facial expression says 'I'm surprised you're asking.'

>>5855797
Matchia just looks vaguely annoyed.

>>5855761
"Beep beep! Move!"

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Rolled 3 (1d20)

>The west group
Evan quickly scampers across the clearing in the forest's dungeon, and you realize how much larger this area is. As everyone floods into the room and your vision clears the dark, you quickly realize whatever these things are, they definitely are not friendly or even Pokémon. Actually, they could be, but you're not certain. They look like shifting columns of darkness, with a wicked face peering through a shattered mirror.

Ishmael preemptively launches an Ember down the room, illuminating with fire. As it zips past the shadow-creature, you realize that the darkness is so deep it swallows even the light from the fire.

Wallis' Wide Guard washes over the group, but nothing happens yet. Brook braces.

>The east group
Files into the corridor, quickly finding it a bit cramped for maneuvering. Skitty's Foresight washes through her mind, and she feels a familiar, racing chill. A blast of air blossoms up right behind her, as the repressed feeling of that DREAM burdens itself in her thoughts.

found

you

The ambient light in the room grows dimmer.

If there is available space, you can pass through allies. If not, you will pile up in an area with the next best available spot. Certain actions or moves can bypass teammates.
>What do you do now?

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>5855814
"What are these things?"
>Evan inspecty the enemy

>>5855814
Matchia is in the lead actually! Orner just wanted out. Anyway.
Matchia used Detect!
She has the feeling a foe's nearby, and is ready to take on anything that jumps out at her.
"Be wary..."

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>5855814
"Hey, where did the ligh-Oh."
>1 down. 2 left. Orner hits the darkness with Aqua Tail.

>>5855814
Unknowing of what lies just behind them, Espurr walks through the path a little behind their allies. They don't spare a glance at Skitty behind them.

>>5855814
Skitty's brain immediately goes into overdrive; fight or flight?

...flight worked last time. Sort of.

"IT'S HERE!" She sprints past Espurr and into the east path, moving 2 East and 6 South.

>>5855814
>>5855815
"I... uh..."
>ishmael observes the columns
"I have no fucking idea. I suggest we don't touch those things until we can figure it out."

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>5855814
>Kaz keep a wary eye on the evil faces and moves 2 spaces right and 4 spaces down

>As he moves, he keeps his eye out for any objects of interest

"Weirdo faces floating in the air. Yup, seems normal for this world."

>>5855814
>>5855822
Spike's feels a sudden spike of panic before hearing Skitty scream.

"Skitty! What's wrong?" Spike asks, turning around.

>>5855814
>>5855821
>>5855822
Espurr gets cut off by the sprinting cat, shouting along the way. They follow her accordingly, pushing past her as to not be the one behind. They aren't getting eaten by darkness monsters.

>>5855824
"Yeah, I agree. This is... beyond me."

>>5855826
"The THING from last time! Fuck!" Her fur is spiked up-- she's even more freaked out that she would never have noticed it behind her if she hadn't activated Foresight. "It said it found me," she continues, out of breath. "We need to move."

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>>5855814
>Brook freezes up when seeing the dark beings
>His breath caught he moves downward, hugging the wall as he heads for an exit his heartbeat sounding like thunder as he tries to avoid attracting their attention as much as possible
>As he moves, he BRACEs his mind once again, there's no telling what these things are capable of

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_BeWdAeJco
...
>Dustin looks around...
"Where am I?"

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>5855814
>2 east, 3 south; Angus rush towards the enemy and smacks it with Rock Tomb
"Dunno what these are but they're creepy!"

>>5855814
>>5855817
"Be steadfas-" Cubone assures Matchia in the lead, about to advance forward, but he stops in place to greet the... newcomer.
>>5855822
>>5855830
"What is? Last time,,?" he wonders, managing to keep himself collected enough to remain whispering.

>>5855834
(I meant 2 west aaaaaaa)

>>5855833
"Hey freak, you ssshould probably ssskip to the chassse and ssstart running!" Orner advises that you don't stay idle writing a novel and shit.

Rolled 2 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>5855814
>Mohka moves One left and 5 Down. As he passes by the Face on the Right, he makes a face at it and clangs his scales a bit. Perhaps an Intimidation attempt?

>>5855825
"I've seen worse. They don't look so tough."

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>5855828
"yeah... I'll try move up ahead, lower right path. will return if I find anything interesting."
>>5855814
>ishmael takes 2 steps right, then as many down as he can manage, using Quick Attack to boost along

>>5855814
>>5855824
>>5855828
>Wallis proceeds 7 spaces south, 1 space west.
With the kinds of pokemon Wallis has seen at this point, she's just assuming they're pokemon.
"I would, but...."
She sees their resident trap-springer Darius is following them on this path.
"You think this is that dark stuff we were told to look out for?"

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>5855832
Darius moves west one tile, then south three.
"Did I see these things before? Ah, whatever!"
Darius used Rock Throw on the southernmost face!

>>5855839
>A poor attempt, evidently.

>>5855838
>"Is it that snake?"
"Hello?"
>North 2, East 4

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>5855830
Spike eyes bulge. He quickly runs over to comfort her, by stroking her back and leading her between Sagira and Matchia.
"Stay with these two, they'll keep you safe- I'll go deal with it."

>Spike moves six spaces north and uses Basic Attack (Special) to attack the dark figure west of him.

>His basic attack should do 5 damage.

>>5855841
"Oh, I didn't think of that. I hope not, that stuff was crazy."

>>5855843
(10 damage.)
>>5855814

>>5855841
"Really, really hope it ain't. but these things ain't natural."

>>5855845
"I-is someone there?"

>>5855839
>>The west group
"Well then how's about you go touch one?"
>Kaz jokingly retorts

>>5855814
Katherine is still following the rest

>>5855846
"The fuck?! How are you even-- forget it."

Skitty.... has used her action this turn!

>>5855852
"I'd rather save my energy. I'm sure I'll be touchin' 'em enough if they warrant touchin'."

>>5855836
Skitty attempts to articulate. "Dream world darkness... being? It's hunting me. Us."

>>5855866
"How... fascinating. I would ordinarily dismiss it, but..." Cubone thinks briefly before spelling out his thought process. "We had best move onwards then. It is my understanding that it would be a poor decision to face it directly?"

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>The west group
Evan attempts to look at them, but it's hard to really make anything out. They're nearly formless, aside from being an evil-looking cloud column with a face peering through.

Kaz doesn't see anything here.

Brook continues to hold his breath, waiting for something to happen.

Mohka attempts to intimidate the shadows, but it doesn't even seem to recognize anything different.

Ishmael darts past quickly, skipping along the forest floor. Wallis shuffles past, moving just as quick.

Angus and Darius begin assaulting the shadows, watching as the rocks practically clash against solid cloud. Plumes of smoke escape, darkening the room.

>The east group
Matchia can feel that there is something waiting around the corner, but she's not entirely sure what it is. There's an aura, but it's malformed. Corrupted.

Orner doesn't waste any time and shifts into attacking, slamming her tail into the shadow. It feels like hitting the surface of thickened honey, as her perception slows down and her breathing quickens. Seconds later, her move completed.

Espurr begins walking, but is blown past by a panicking Skitty, who crowds herself into the tunnel. They don't take this too lightly, and squeeze past, leaving Skitty to bring up the rear.

Spike rushes back to the first room, summoning ghostly energy to surround the shadow. It collapses and bursts, releasing a pervasive darkness in the room. You can see, past the worsening light, parts of the forest disintegrating and falling away into shadow. Grasped by the void.

Sagira makes a noise of dissatisfaction. "Then we must move quickly. Matchia!" Her head turns to the movement around the corner.

??? Turn
The two columns shift forward. One blink, and they're in front of you! A warped sensation of bleeding air cuts across the both of you, although only your mind suffers. It stings your thoughts!
>??? attacks Darius for 8 True Damage! You feel cold.
>??? attacks Angus for 8 True Damage! You feel cold.

Another moves to block the path ahead of Matchia.

>>5855870
>Evan darts past the evil smoke column, using his action for 8 spaces directly south.
"ACK! THE SMOKE IS AGGRESSIVE!"

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>5855870
>ish looks behind him, waving to wallis and Kaz
"I'll head down, Kaz, can you handle the right end? Wallis, pick whatever you think works best."
>and he continues, moving as far as he can down with another Quick Attack

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>5855870
"It's you."
The larvitar gathers dark-type energy within his fist.
"I'm gonna finish what I started!"
Darius used Payback!

>>5855870
"What the. . . Orner! Dustin! Get into the hall!" Spike shouts, backing up and yelling down the hall. "The chamber's disappearing! The enemies destroy the rooms they're in!" Spike yells.

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>5855870
"DARE!"
>Kaz moves up 1 and 3 to the left

"Don't mess with the ghost faces!"
>Kaz attacks the one in front of him with Rock Smash!

>>5855878
"I'm kinda busy Ish!"

>>5855879
(14 damage.)

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>5855870
"...That's... Not a Pokemon... Is it?"
Matchia looks vaguely creeped out by it.
She looks back at Sagira for a moment.
"What? What happened?"
She used Fake Out on the shadow!

>>5855881
"understandable, we gotta move quick though!"

>>5855870
>With the exit close, and their attention elsewhere Brook sees his chance and breaks into a sprint heading down at full speed looking to leave the dark beings behind

>>5855884
4+1+3 damage.

>>5855870
>Dustin gets a look at Orner
"Who are you again?"

>>5855870
"Agh, I don't think it did anythin'..."
>Angus flees and goes to the entrance of the south room

>>5855870
>>5855881
4bp + 2stab + 1atk = 7 damage and ??? Defense reduced by 1

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>5855870
>>5855881
"Well, looks like they need some touchin'!"
>Mohka moved one Left, two Up, and whacks the ghost column with a Dragon Tail

>>5855870
Espurr moves down the hall with the group. While waiting, they pay attention to their surroundings. What's the atmosphere like?

>>5855870
"Okay, physsical movess don't work, got it!" Orner got her adrenaline activated by the thing and that void is making her more nervous, so she chooses flight.
>>5855880
>>5855888
"SSSORRYCAN'TTALKRIGHTNOW-"
>Orner moves six tiles to the left. Then uses her action to move twice into the west doorway.

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>5855870
>>5855875
>>5855878
>>5855886
>Wallis moves 1 south and 3 west
With nobody covering it, Wallis opts for the southwest exit.
"Called it. These things sorta look like support beams, at least."
>Wallis uses Mud Shot on the western ???.

>>5855895
"HEY WAIT!"
>Dustin follows Orner

>>5855896
7 ground damage + speed reduced

>>5855870
"Is there anything over there?"
She keeps on following

>>5855891
6bp +1stab +1atk = 8 damage and ??? is thrown(?)

>>5855870
"Move!" Spike shouts down the corridor of trees.
Spike closes his eyes and sends a telepathic message towards Matchia, 'Matchia! We need to move! The room behind us disappeared!'

>>5855902
Matchia startles.
"Gotta get this damned thing out of the way first...!"

>>5855902
Cubone looks backwards again, annoyed, as he's still stuck behind this evil darkness thing being combatted.
"Were that possible, we would have left by now." he snips, peering overtop Sagira.

>>5855890
>It would seem an edit was made to said move
4bp + 1stab +1Atk = 6 damage and ??? defense reduced by 1

>>5855870
>Skitty, trembling, moves 4 South and 1 East to back up Matchia, but lacks a ranged move to properly use the point.

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>The west group
Evan wastes no time in sprinting across the entirety of the room, scrambling with fear and panic.

Ishmael sprints down the entirety of the long corridor, flanked by the imposing ashen forest. Brook chases after him, darting deeper into the forest.

Darius pummels the darkness with his revenge-fueled assault. Kaz wheels up and slams down with a hefty chop, with enough force to shatter a rock. The shadow promptly erupts in smoke, covering the room in darkness.

Angus quickly picks himself up and launches himself as fast as his wings can take him, fluttering to the next... room.

Mohka slams it with his tail, sending it reeling backwards, right as Wallis blasts it with a Mud shot, shattering it into cloudy dust. The room doesn't get any darker than it already is.

Orner (followed by a curious Dustin) darts across the room as the world literally slips into the void. Her heart races as she enters the door and... into another darkened room.

>The east group
Matchia drops, lowering and pivoting on a single knee, waving past a limb before striking with her true intent! It's buffeted, but it doesn't show any sign of being hurt by it. You feel a cool sensation, like a draft of wind, flow over the limb you hit it with.

Sagira looks at Cubone. "Creatures of pure dark I find myself avoiding. And I would move if we were not constrained by our current circumstances." She aims with an Ember and fires, peppering the shadows with fire. It rapidly disperses, blasting the hallway with cold wind.

Spike can see that the darkness is creeping into the hallway.

Espurr notes the atmosphere is somber and unsettling. You hear an unnatural rumbling as parts of this world peel away.

An echoing voice whispers into all of your minds, dotting your thoughts. "Can you hear me? You must head... south... do not let the darkness..." It fades abruptly.

>>5855917
"...! That..."
She looks at her arm for a moment, before looking back up.
"Let's go, then! I'm going to assume that's the Gardevoir!"
She looks back at Skitty for a moment, before dashing through the tunnels. (8 mov)

>>5855917
"The darkness...?"
>Angus continues to wander southwards

>>5855917
"...no way." Skitty sends up a prayer that the voice is who she thinks it is steels herself, and moves ahead down the path as far as she can with her 8 tiles of movement. Foresight is still active, so she's scouting for... something. Optimism?

>>5855917
"GUYSSS DON'T HIT THOSSSE THINGSSS!" Orner has deserted to the west team.
>Orner moves left once and seven times down!

>>5855917
>Mohka hears the voice in his head
"Ah, yeah, the tutorial lady. Haven't thought about her for a hot minute."

>Mohka moves 5 down and 3 left.

>>5855917
>>5855921
>Evan runs in behind Angus (max movement)
"Let's get outta here, man!"

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>5855917
Spike sees the encrouching darkness and lets out a yell, shoving Espurr forward.

"MOVE! MOVE NOW THE DUNGEON IS DISAPPEARING BEHIND US!"

>Spike moves as far as his 6 movement will allow.

>Spike closes his eyes and tries using his IQ Skill: Hex Maniac, to try and connect with the voice.

>>5855917
"Uh...is it gettin' darker in here?"
"Crap, we gotta move!"

>Kaz moves 1 to the left and 5 down to the next room
"This way guys!"
>Kaz calls the others in the room

>>5855917
"Got it, dream lady!"
Darius dashes as fast as his stubby legs can take him, down four, left 2, down 2.

>>5855917
"The darkness..?" Cubone wonders. He hasn't heard this individual before.
>>5855920
"You know this... Gardevoir?" he inquires. Peeking back behind him, he uses the full extent of his movement range (+1 from spending AP) to advance forward down the spiraling corridor before the darkness can catch up, though he seems open to letting others pass by him, because apparently manners overwrite survival instinct.

>>5855917
>his heart pounding, and unaware of the creatures having been dealt with Brook takes the first corner, wanting to get out of sight as quickly as possible

>>5855917
Espurr lets out a quiet hiss as Skitty >>5855922 forces herself past them. Irritated, they squeeze past and under those they can, unwilling to be the last in line.

>Espurr moves as far forward to the group as they can.

>>5855923
>Dustin moves left twice and six times down!
"WHAT THINGS ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?"
>Dustin hears the voice.
"You better start explaining stuff here because... I'm mighty scared right now!"

>>5855929
"We saw a Gardevoir in... A dream. Something like this happened during it."

>>5855934
Orner... couldn't care less right now.

>>5855917
>>5855925
>>5855927
Wallis grasps her head as the voice speaks and yells.
"WHY DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENIIIIIIIING?!"
>Wallis, already at the southwest hall of room 6 beside Evan, moves down 8 as she follows him.
"Get out of my head!"
She's follows Kaz's advice despite being too busy snapping at the voice to pay attention.

>>5855917
>>5855930
>ishmael follows, he's running at peak speed to get the hell outta here
"alright, we know what we're doing, we just run, right?"

>>5855942
"That's what I'm doing"
>he calls out from behind, the echoing voice in his head urging him to continue forward

>>5855944
"same here! just, gotta find the exit. once we find our way out I'll try and lead the rest of the crew over."

>>5855937
>Dustin is on the verge of a panic attack the next time he hears another whisper.

>>5855949
>Orner did warn Dustin to just bolt down a hallway first thing, it's not her problem he somehow missed the big pillar of physical darkness smiling right in front of him. It was pretty nice of her, actually.

(im gonna ditch the map thing it isnt working here, im so very sorry for fumbling this session)

Groups West and East, scrambling down their own respective halls, find themselves wandering into the deepest and barren portion of the forest. A towering tree stands in the center of this spacious dungeon "room." In its trunk, a staircase of some kind has been carved into it, spiraling up and up, disappearing into the canopy.

Burnt logs and destroyed trees are scattered over the room, bridging gaps between the void where it has consumed and worn away the ground like a fading memory. Several of the void-like shadow creatures patrol the area, preventing any simple ways across. Considering the ground isn't entirely whole, you could use this to your advantage. Or you might find it your disadvantage.

Portions of the sky seem to have been chunked by the void, leaving behind floating gaps in the world.
>Take the first route, crossing the fallen trees. This one requires some measure of agility considering how little land exists to move on safely. The shadows seem primarily confined to the remaining land.
>Take the second route, following whatever land hasn't been eaten away by the void. This path has the most of the shadows crawling about.
>Take the third route, avoiding the shadows. Parts of the canopy, stripped of their leaves, appear to form a path almost straight to the giant tree. However, there's nothing to stop you if you fall. And if you fall... the only thing to land on is the void.

It'll take around two successful actions to get to the giant tree.

>>5855960
Matchia looks at the paths.
"I hate all of these options."

>>5855960
>>Take the first route, crossing the fallen trees. This one requires some measure of agility considering how little land exists to move on safely. The shadows seem primarily confined to the remaining land.

"Its go time people! Pedal to the medal!"
>Kaz shoots off down his selected path, eager to race for his very life!

Rolled 3 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>5855960
Darius sneaks along the second path, remaining quiet and low to the ground.

>>5855960
>Dustin takes a deep breath and heads down the door...
>He takes the second route.
>He hums panic in the streets to himself.
>He can only hope that orner has a change of heart right now.
>...somehow.
>...maybe.
>He doesn't count on it.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>5855960
>Ishmael decides, route 1
"I've been practicing for this. hope yall don't have much issue!"
>Quick attack! dash from tree to tree!

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>5855960
>>5855966
"Ugh, my training doesn't usually involve a void..."
She moves to dash across the fallen trees...

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>5855960
"Well... ain't that about a bitch. I'll take the middle path and try to clear the area."

>Mohka takes the second route, attempting to use his tail to sweep shadows into the void as he passes

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>5855960
Angus ponders, "The third route looks like a bait, and first route would be bad if I fell..."

>Angus take the second route, flying as high as he could and dodge any shadows on his way

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>5855960
>potential scenarios of failure bounce around in his head as he eyes his potential options, there's no chance he can move quick enough to get over the trees nor does he want to risk getting caught by these things
>with only one option left, Brook takes a gulp as he approaches the canopy trying his best to keep his nerves from getting the better of him

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>5855960
Skitty decides to take the option with the least chance of running into any of those... things...

>Take the third route, avoiding the shadows. Parts of the canopy, stripped of their leaves, appear to form a path almost straight to the giant tree. However, there's nothing to stop you if you fall. And if you fall... the only thing to land on is the void.

Skitty lunges for the canopy with a jump enhanced by Fake Out, attempting to get ahold of something with her claws first.
(Speed II, IQ Skill: Lightweight)

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>5855960
>>Take the third route, avoiding the shadows. Parts of the canopy, stripped of their leaves, appear to form a path almost straight to the giant tree. However, there's nothing to stop you if you fall. And if you fall... the only thing to land on is the void.
Orner slithers through the canopy, with most of her body touching the ground like real snakes tend to do. It should be harder to fall spread like that.

>>5855975
>Mohka can be heard saying "Make way, clear the road!" as he makes his way down the path.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>5855960
"Ooooooh boy. This is gonna suuuuuuuuck... not seeing a lot of options here..."
He takes a moment to psych himself up
"Okay, I can do this. I can do this. I'm perfectly... capable of doing this. Just gotta make sure not to look down..."
>Evan grips into path 3 with his vines, hoping they prove a capable climbing anchor.

>>5855960
>>5855931
Cubone examines his options. None are appealing... least of all what he's about to suggest, but it is his safest idea. He turns to address Espurr. "...Were I to cover the trees in mud, could you use... those psychic powers you have to work as a better foothold?"

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>5855970
"Hmmmm mmmmm mmm..."

Rolled 13 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>5855960
>>5855967
>Roll
>+3 Speed

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>5855960
>>5855982
>Take the third route, avoiding the shadows. Parts of the canopy, stripped of their leaves, appear to form a path almost straight to the giant tree. However, there's nothing to stop you if you fall. And if you fall... the only thing to land on is the void.
Wallis is not one of the group's speed builds, so she's taking it easier, trying not to trip.
"O-Ok, it's shut up for now, at least."
She follows Evan to group 3.

>>5855978
Espurr watches as Skitty makes her way through the trees her own way, with an agility the smaller cat simply couldn't keep up with. She really likes to show off, huh? They'll be watching.

>>5855984
Looking for a way to proceed themselves, Espurr glances at Cubone who addresses them. They aren't certain if they can, but it's worth a try, right? What better time to experiment than when your life depends on consistent results? The scientific method wasn't invented by idiots, but they'll be the first idiot to fall into the void if this goes wrong.
Unless Cubone decides to go first. He's as good a test subject as any.

Espurr nods. They point ahead at the path before them. Do your work, dust lizard.

Rolled 5 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>5855960
>>5855990
"...Very well." Cubone takes a deep breath before preparing himself, battering the log with slick mud from a Mud-Slap generated by the remaining ground nearby, and takes a leap of faith, with only the hope their combined skills are adequate.

Rolled 16 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>5855960
>Take the first route, crossing the fallen trees. This one requires some measure of agility considering how little land exists to move on safely. The shadows seem primarily confined to the remaining land.

Spike follows behind Ishmael and Kaz, thinking back to his training in the course instead of worrying. 'Right behind you two!"

Rolled 18 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>5855960
>>5855996
Espurr focuses on one point, being the logs, right as Cubone coats them in mud. Waiting a moment for the others to make their attempts and get further away, Espurr releases the tension of their ears held against their head, revealing the psychic organs underneath which open like eyes. They slowly increase the pressure around them in hopes it will provide a more rigid and secure path for Cubone to take.

+3 Gravitational Potential

>>5855967
>>5855972
>>5855973
>>5855999
>>5855996
>>5856009
Kaz hops onto the ashen trunks, keeping himself steady as he attempts to run past. However, in his haste, he didn't realize how the ash, clinging to his feet, have loosened his grip on the ground. His heart skips as he tumbles forward and rolls to a stop in front of a pair of shadows.

Ishmael attempts to launch himself from between the trees, clinging with his attack boosted hops. It's not nearly as efficient compared to solid ground, however. He does manage to clear the first set.

Matchia is less fortunate, immediately losing her footing and flopping onto the tree. Her breath catches in her throat as she nearly falls to the void. She'll need a moment to reorient herself...

Spike clambers across, keeping steady on the unusual paths. With the ominous silence, you can hear dirt crumbling and rocks shifting. You swear it might fall at any moment.

Mud splatters against the logs as increasing pressure bears down on the logs. There's a loud crunching that reverberates across the log. The both of you watch as it's reduced into a muddied plank mixed with splintered chips of wood. That made it much easier... but for how long?

There are some of the shadows blocking the last part of the route...

>>5855969
>>5855975
>>5855976
>>5855985
Darius isn't all that quiet or that low to the ground, and a shadow immediately begins blink-moving toward him.

However, Mohka rushes in and sweeps the area, dispersing a majority of the shadows from the path! A massive cloud of darkness forms over the entire area and reduces the visibility (Route 2: -3 to rolls) but you no longer have to worry about being attacked. From the sides, you can see more faces forming. Watching.

Angus begins flying, but he quickly realizes how difficult it can be to stop himself from crashing (or falling?) into the pockets of floating void. He swerves out of the way after his depth perception misjudged how far it had actually been.

Dustin encounters, much to his dismay, one of the shadows that hadn't been dispersed by Mohka's sweeping tail. He does have the option to run as fast as he can, however.

>>5855977
>>5855978
>>5855979
>>5855982
>>5855988
Brook slowly shimmies up the old trunks and into the arms of the dead trees, joined shortly by a cat clawing her way up. Skitty and Brook carefully step across the creaking branches, moving with utmost care. Orner, her own biology particularly conducive to this, steadily moves through the branch-paths.

Evan lifts himself into the trees before, gripping onto the branches. His own adrenaline causes him to momentarily teeter in place as his vines creep across with him, acting like his own living climber's rope.

Wallis is not meant for the trees, and it shows. Her body bumps and slips, and she's saved only by her reactionary speed, quickly wrapping her flat hands around a thick branch. She's dangling, suspended above the dark.

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>5856021
>Dustin screams like a girl and runs as fast as he can
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I09cWBNwHac

File: image_2023-12-05_212149029.jpg (46 KB, 750x1000)

46 KB JPG

Rolled 19 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>5856021
It didn't work all that well the first time, but surely if he does the same thing again it will change the result.

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>5856021
"is it the wrong time to call this a race course?"
>keep dashing, keep using priority to get through

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>5856021
Matchia lets outs a rare gasp as she breathes heavily, staring into the void.
She gets up, and tries to press forward. It's clear she's shaken though...

>>5856030
Is what I would say.
The fear of the void seems to have solidified into a cold determination as she moves.

Rolled 13 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>5856021
"Matchia! Hang in there!" Spike shouts, keeping his pace and his focus in an attempt to secure his position first before helping anyone else.

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>5856021
>Not looking down is rule #1 when dealing with things like this, otherwise he would've noticed Wallis having a rough go of it
>instead he stops climbing for just a second and closes his eyes as he focuses on his claws
>immediately they extend and bend, taking a form better suited for diggimg gripping before continuing onwards

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>5856021
"W-Whah!"
Wallis is still shaken by the voice and tightens her narrow grip on the branch and tries lifting herself back up to proceed.
"Uh, looking kinda dark down there...!"

Rolled 11 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>5856021
>Kaz blinks at the specters lined up in front of him
"Oh hey!"
>He gives them a quick wave and runs around them!

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>5856021
"Tch..."
Angus soars down and landed besides Darius, "...I need to lay low..."

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>5856021
Kath bounces behind thr group, following them

>>5856021
Skitty digs her claws in and picks her way to the tree carefully, ears flat and tail carefully balancing her as she moves.

>>5856034
"Tell me if you see anything," she calls softly to the Zorua ahead of her.

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>5856021
>>5856025
>Mohka has cleared most of the shadows and is feeling quite proud of himself, when he hears Dustin's scream. Looking back and seeing him in trouble, Mohka runs back to grab Dustin, flinging a rude gesture at the shadow before carrying him across.

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>5856021
>Orner keeps slithering slow and steady. If it works, don't fix it.

>>5856033
Matchia gives him a glance as she speeds up.
Her face is a carefully neutral one, and she speeds past without a response.

>>5856039
>Brook nods in response, he isn't sure if whoever is behind him could tell but he's too busy trying not to fall to double check

>>5856021
Espurr's eyes lose focus as they fall forward limply. They catch themselves at the last second and stand on all fours, climbing up to the splinted and mud-smoothed remnants of the log. They pass Cubone and give him a glance from the side of their eyes. There's a small line of blood trailing down from their nose. They seem fine otherwise.

>Espurr walks the bridge they and Cubone created, navigating on all-fours for extra security.

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>5856021
>>5856035
"Careful! Uh, just yell out if you're slipping, I'll try to catch you."
>Evan continues along his path, vines and all

>>5856040
>Dustin screams is muffled...
"MMMMM!!"

>>5856021
>>5856046
"Excellent work, I hadn't expected this much precision-" Cubone is cut off by himself as he expresses concern, navigating the newfound bridge. Perhaps that level of psychic prowess was taxing, though he'd only intended to make a foothold rather than a bridge outright. "...Er, are you quite alright?"

>>5856047
"I-I know that!"
She says, still shaken. Is she counting on him or dismissing him?

>>5856025
>>5856026
>>5856040
>>5856037
Dustin doesn't actually run as far as he'd hoped, and watches as the shadow blink-steps in his direction. In the seconds as it appears to close in on him, Mohka scoops him up and stomps away, taking a chilling strike to the arm that grabbed him
>??? attacks Mohka for 8 True Damage! You feel cold.

Darius, with much less to contend with on this path, shuffles away like some sort of rock penguin, waddling quietly and carefully. For the most part, the shadows are preoccupied anyway. Angus forgoes the gift of flight and copies the Larvitar's approach, with good success.

>>5856027
>>5856030
>>5856033
>>5856046
>>5856054
Ishmael rushes past brazenly, and clips one of the shadows. He can feel his heart freeze as everything skips a beat for him. He tumbles and bounces as he moves across. As he gasps for air, he realizes... when did he stop breathing?
>Ishmael took 12 True Damage! You feel frozen...

Matchia's near-descent into the yawning darkness have steeled her spirit, granting her, in this moment, full clarity of mind. She quickly moves through the obstacles in a state of zen mastery.

Spike continues, steadily, moving far enough to avoid having to deal with the shadows. He's small enough to be able to dart through the fallen logs. Kaz, while not sharing this advantage, does juke the shadows trying to grab him, sidestepping their attempts.

The bridge tilts for a brief moment, but goes no further than that. It's safe enough to cross.

>>5856034
>>5856035
>>5856039
>>5856043
>>5856047
Brook holds on with everything he can muster, and keeps his mind focused. He can't allow for any slip-ups. The claws momentarily weaken the integrity of some branches, and he gasps as he nearly falls through, but his own planning has saved him. Skitty follows right behind, careful to avoid the missteps of the Zorua in front. Good day to have claws, hm?

Wallis, with her strength, manages to pull herself up back from the brink to continue the journey. The branches bend and flex underneath her, but it appears to hold for now. She can see Orner moving past with some ease, her snake-like movements somewhat smoothly gliding along. Evan, still nearby, continues to shuffle to the end.

>>5856038
Katherine moves along, using her leaves like little blades to propel herself across.

Almost everyone has made it through. You can see the parts of the dungeon vanishing beneath a cloak of darkness, taken away from sight like props on a stage. Unsettling, watching it all blink away. It just looks like Cubone, Espurr, and Wallis are at the trailing end...

You can always just take the stairs right now. No need to hang around, right?

>>5856058
>Dustin feels the cold air.
>Speechless for words, he can only gloom at Mohka hoping that he feels what he's feeling.

>>5856058
Matchia waits a moment for the remaining three to make it through.

>>5856054
Espurr isn't giving any indication that they're distressed. Or, not any more distressed after their self-exertion. Though, they do let out a quiet hiss at nobody in particular. They didn't exactly ask to be put in this situation, but they can't always get what they want, can they? Maybe next time the group gets magically-kidnapped, they'll get left out of it. A cat can dream, right?

>>5856058
They quickly readjust their footing as the bridge shifts slightly. They dart across without hesitation afterwards. Why not have Cubone follow? Unless he'd prefer to get eaten by the shadow demons. Not their thing, personally.

>Espurr isn't having a second more of this if they don't have to. They are NOT happy about this situation.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>5856058
>ishmael stops after reaching the exit, being cold like that is... not natural with a body like this
>it reminds him of... no, don't think there, shake it off, we gotta be sure everyone is okay first.

>>5856058
Darius waits for everyone else to pass, refusing to leave until everyone else has made it out.
He keeps his eyes trained upon the void.

>>5856060
>Mohka shivers, but his face is stone.

>>5856058
>He chooses to wait with Matchia for the others, setting Dustin down at the base of the tree.

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>5856058
Wallis grunts and keeps at it. She's not racing anyway, especially when she's still getting used to her new body.
"Of all the..."

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>5856058
Skitty paces anxiously as she waits with Matchia, watching Espurr and the others and keeping an eye out for any further threats or any violent impulse from the void, Foresight still active and adrenaline still going.

>>5856058
"Ssssomeone keep an eye on the ssslowpokess, I'm out."
>Orner leaves.

>>5856064
>he shakes it off, maybe he can explain later but for now, more important stuff to worry about.
>>5856068
>and he turns to go try help Wallis, even if he can't do much

>>5856058
"...Well, if you're capable-" Cubone notes before the bridge tilts, gathering his footing and keeping the pace gentle as he proceeds, with caution being his primary focus instead of direct speed. Not missing a beat after, he finishes his statement. "-then we ought to leave.
>>5856068
"And Lady Wallis seems to be handling herself fine..." he notes as he glances over in her direction, likely well past the point Espurr is paying attention to his assessment. "So we should make hast-" he ceases as soon as it has become apparent Espurr is already well on their way out. He'd like to be, too, so he doesn't even huff about the impoliteness of running off on his way to the exit.

>>5856058
>Once reaching solid ground again, he nearly collapses. Heart hammering and his legs feeling like jelly even after the danger of falling off the canopy and into the depths below had passed
>but it's too early to stop here, with the exit within sight he nearly rushes in before noticing some stragglers
"H-hurry up guys!"
>he calls out, waiting by the stairs for the others despite every instinct screaming at him to bolt now

>>5856068
"You're okay... you're okay... just uh, take it slow..."

>>5856073
>>5856079
"Hey! Forget it and l-let's go!"
Wallis says as she crosses on all fours.
>>5856075
"Oh great, they probably saw that..."

>>5856068
>>5856082
Her dogged tenacity does her give her some measure of help, allowing her to balance walk across without any further complications. As she hops down, the branches behind her vanish into the darkness, taken away forever.

>>5856063
>>5856075
Espurr, correctly prefering to leave, doesn't hesitate in simply booking it to safety, leaving Cubone to deal with his own machinations, thoughts, and the dark shadows. Cubone realizes this, and quickly makes post-haste. The two of them, making their way through as quickly as possible, feel a stark, chilling jolt rock through their spines as a grasping shadow clips the both of them. It nearly causes both of them to tumble, but they soldier through, right as the bridge tips backward to collapse into the void.
>??? attacks Espurr and Cubone for 8 True Damage! You feel cold.

Time to leave now...

Climbing the stairs, you feel a pang of... longing? What?

...quest complete?

+40EXP

>>5856085
Wallis looks back to Cubone and Espurr's crossing as she momentarily hesitates, then shakes her head with some sparkles as she escapes up the stairs.
"Whatever's up there better be better- this place sets the bar pretty low!"

>>5856085
The cat rolls and leaps up the staircase without a moment's rest, feeling the sting and shiver of ice which burns their core. They loudly hiss and screech at the sudden and unwarranted attack. This place instills primal fear.

>>5856085
>ishmael dashes off up the stairs, he's trying to hide fear, but he can't just sit around and describe why yet.

Baram Town is completely still today. Not for anything insidious; Clan Elders from all over Air Continent have organized a mass prayer to their Patron, The Spirit of the Free Sky, Rayquaza. This Twilight Syndrome plaguing everyone has grown far beyond anyone's control, and it would take a breakthrough heavier than any one Pokemon to start solving the affliction and its spread.
To that end, almost the entire population of Baram Town has migrated to The Dragonhymn, a holy passage not too far from the village...along with droves of Pokemon from all the nomadic clans populating the Air Continent.
Teams Stylish, Ruckus, Clover, Gildscales, and Stardust have all been contracted to participate in the ceremony, to deliver an unwieldy and massive offering to Rayquaza through the mystery Dungeon. It's about time to head out for your responsibilities, but on your way out you can still see a gang of dour-looking Pokemon resting at the Château's booths. Surface Skipper, his friends, and the bar's ghostly regulars are still ashen from an unsuccessful investigation into Twilight Syndrome, rewarded for their bravery with...the sight of Surface Skipper's mother attempting an assassination on her own child.
They all look unnervingly grim, and they're not at all up for conversation...but you have a job for the entire continent to get to.

>>5863388
"Wooo! It'sss been a while sssince I've been to the Dragonhymn. You guysss better not embarrasss me!" Orner has some personal investment it the job. Not so much in the little brats.

>>5863388
>Evan is quiet. Seems he's not over yesterday.

>>5863388
>>5863403
"Same to you-- try not to act how... you generally do. Might be a bad idea... not to say it's not always a bad idea. It is."

>>5863462
"Puh-leassse Pinky, confidence iss only bad when it'ss unearned, you ssshould know that!" Orner is referencing something from Element that the lurkers won't get and I won't elaborate. Though the same could be said for the session's starting post so it's all fair game.

>>5863403
"How often're they held?"

>>5863483
"Not very? In my ssshort life I've only been to one ceremony, and then I kinda got banned from the pilgrimage." It occurs to you that you don't know how old is Orner so the accuracy of her statement is a bit vague.

>>5863403
"Hoping to gain clout or is there someone attending that'll recognize you?" Spike asks, tapping his paw against the floor as if agitated by something- likely yesterday's display.

>>5863488
"Well I'd never sssay no to clout. And monss from
Clan Almandine attending will probably be ssurprissed to ssee me, likely thinking there wasss a misstake or sssome form of nepotisssm... Heh!"

>>5863490
"Rivals of yours?" Spike asks.

>>5863388
"Wonder if this Rayquaza guy likes races."
>Kaz muses as he travels with the others
"Ground races though. The sky's cheatin'."

>>5863388
"I hope the reason we got chosen for this is the other teams passed on a known to be boring job, I think I've had enough excitement after last night."
>He says as he slowly walks along the path with everyone else

>>5863493
"Oh no, that'sss my family. Mossstly sssiblingss like Crisspy Ssmile, Crimsson Tail, Tassty Red, Dicey Jaw, Nomel Head- and ssstepmomss like Melting Gale, Spring Flower, Big Jaw- there'sss a lot of them, we'd be here all day ssso I'll drop it."

>>5863500
Spike raises a brow and decides not to ask who the heck her father is.

>>5863495
He turns to Kaz. "I would imagine so, but we're not sure how symbolic this whole ritual is."

>>5863506
"With how crazy this place is, ya sure ya wanna call *anything* symbolic?"
>Kaz snorts
"One a us could probly see that big lizard flyin' through the sky on our way there."

At the entrance to the Dragonhymn, space is sparce. Those of you from worlds with Pokemon might still be impressed by the number of individuals present, only a handful of them familiar. This is a big event, it seems. Your badges are presented and identified, and you're let forward to the beginning of the dungeon, marked by a few posts. It opens with a deep, round fissure burrowing into the ground, as if a titanic weapon had burrowed or blasted a path straight through the land...but more noteworthy is the giant, gold-plated dish sitting in the middle of the road. It's near overflowing with goods, some discernible like pretty scarves, TMs, and others an imparsible masss of wheats, baskets and jars of exotic and shiny flora, and so on. It towers well over even Mohka, and the dish it's all set on has four handles to hold onto for...relative convenience. This must be the offering.

The mass makes a pretty exact conical shape and touches every corner of its platform, so it'll be pretty clear to All if any effects are missing from the gift by the end of your travel.

Time to head in...
Chapter 7: Holy Grounds, Holy Airs
Stone Tower Temple - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkpJfvCR7U0

>>5863521
Mohka looks over the offering dish, impressed at it's size.
"Well, ain't that a sight... No wonder these ain't held all to often, must take an age to accumulate all this... stuff."

>>5863521
Wallis glances at the offering, but is preoccupied with feeling the wind. Her earliest memory is a tremendous windstorm, but... Could this place really be the source? She wears an expression of dread.

>>5863521
>Evan looks around. He seems impressed by the amount of stuff being offered to their god.
"So do we report somewhere or...?"

>>5863521
"Daaaaaaamn!"
>Kaz rushes over and looks at himself in the dish's reflection
"Is that solid gold??"

>>5863521
>>5863526
"I mean, yeah... my question is who's carrying it. Must be heavy."

>>5863521
>Ishmael
"Man... Ain't that a view?"
>he looks over the canyon
"So, what's the plan, we got people to escort, others scout?"

>>5863521
"Whew! That looksss... kinda heavy." Orner notices the group is lacking in the size department so she might have to put in some grunt work. "...Dammit."

>>5863521
Matchia seems to just be taking in the sight.

>>5863521
"How... excessive." Cubone seems to disapprove of the offering. Wherever his (or perhaps more accurately, the tribe's) values lie, it isn't in materialism, and he finds it grossly indulgent. He makes no further comment on it, but given his stature, he isn't going to be of any real use dragging it around, either.

>>5863521
Spike blinks in surprise and awe at the tribute gathered. He feels an odd tingling sensation looking at it, like it has some significance beyond material wealth.

"Alright, who's lifting this? We can get two on each handle I think," he turns to Mohka and Darius who have proven stronger than average for their size.

>>5863521
*Brook looks upon the offering for a moment, trying to see how many items on the dish he can actually recognize "not many" he thinks to himself before bringing his gaze over to the entrance itself*
*once facing away the wind constantly blows his scarf this way and that, it takes a moment to adjust it in such a way it doesn't end up blocking his view*
>>5863534
"I'm not sure what exactly we were hired to do, I just hope nobody expects us to lift that giant thing. My back is aching from just the thought."

>>5863521
Angus is awestruck by the offering. "Th-this is a lot!"

>>5863539
"Don't think I can, built more for speed than power."
>>5863540
"I don't think most of us would be capable unless we went and all worked together, my hope is that if the smaller of us keep the coast clear it'll be easier for the rest to transport."

>>5863521
Darius gets into position at the left side of the offering.
"I got this part!"

File: EspurrSnack.png (398 KB, 1020x575)

398 KB PNG

>>5863521
What a peculiar view. These valuables add up to more than Espurr's weight in gold, yet nobody is around trying to take it for themselves. Strange offerings for even stranger and unseen gods...

The tiny cat brings their focus away from it. Chances are, they have no shot at taking anything from it without consequence- it doesn't belong to them, anyway. They're no cat burglar.

They peer down into the hole in the Earth. Just how far does this rabbit hole go?
Time to go, I suppose.

>>5863539
"You're gonna need a whole village ta lift this thing."
>Kaz presses a hand to the golden dish
"Even if this ain't solid gold, all a this stuff makes it weigh like, 10 tons. Gonna need a whole village!"

"Plated. Pure gold wouldn't hold all of this weight. Probably." Pokemon make weird things. "Speaking of, if we're to get this to the peak of the dungeon...?" Cress grabs hold of one of the four handles, struggling to start dragging the massive plate.
The request to everyone should be obvious.

The dungeon is almost canyon-like, if not for the abundant short-grasses lining the path. Everywhere you look, perfectly circular holes in the stone formations whistle and wail with strong winds passing through them. In fact, they're strong enough for the currents to be visible. Fortunately they're tailwinds, but you'll be blown around if you're not weighed down or with a plan...
The myriad whistles from all the soundholes come together to form an omnipresent, solemn hum. It makes you feel accompanied by a whole choir despite the absence of civilians within, but that's neither here nor there.

This dish is going to need multiple Pokemon to transport, though. Cress and Darius are on two ends. It should only take about two more to get it moving, albeit slowly...

>>5863548
"Well, let's have Mohka, Orner, Matchia, Darius, and you try lifting it- we can set it down if anything happens." Spike suggests.

"The rest of us will scout ahead to make sure the offering is safe."

>>5863552
Matchia decides that she'd probably have a good build to help, and moves to grab an end.

>>5863552
"Don't look at me, I can't lift that thing."
>Evan shrugs

>>5863552
Mohka grabs an end.

>>5863552
"I can help!"
Kath steps below the group to serve as a cushion if they drop the plate

>>5863552
Angus shakes his head, "err, I don't think I can lift these..."

>>5863555
>>5863557
"Oh, thank the lord..." Orner is glad that she won't have to lift a thing.

>>5863552
>>5863554
"Eh, sure I've give it a lift."
>Kaz picks up a position at the front right end
"All right pe-Pokemon, lets get this moving!"

>>5863521
>>5863552
She looks at the strange sight, dawning upon how much they have to “escort.” Sagira’s eyes give it another once over. “There is no current way for me to contribute to this and still be considered useful. How likely is it for things to fall off? I am not filled with any level of confidence.”

>>5863552
>The dark fox extends and retracts a front leg as he looks up at the giant offering
"S-surely you guys don't need me for this. I'll just uhh sit this one out."

>>5863552
>>5863556
>>5863567
>Ish waves over to Brook and Evan
"No way I can lift that either, think we can help make sure any trouble doesn't reach it?"

>>5863552
Wallis uses her species' innate storm sense as she prepares to guard the offering. She's prepared to lift if something happens to one of the other four. In the calm before the storm, she takes in the sound of the wind.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>5863552
"Well... Let's get a move on!"
>Dustin tries his best not to look like a tourist.

"Let's get moving, and remember- don't let anything touch the offering. I don't think we can piece it back together if it falls apart." Spike says, moving to the front.

>>5863573
>Dustin is just now noticing the dish on the floor.
>He's a little fascinated but puts it aside
"Any of you need a hand?"

>>5863569
"Probably. Or I can at least draw whatever fire comes our way, and you guys can do the fighting."

>>5863577
"Dustin!"
>Kaz calls
"Pull up on a corner, we gottta get this thing movin'!"

>>5863552
Seeing the struggle of the tallest members, Espurr doesn't bother helping push or pull the haul. They're easily the smallest individual here, so why bother?

>>5863565
Sagira speaks Espurr's mind. Good job, Sagira, asking the questions that need answers. This is going to be a tedious job for all those involved. They stand in one place, wandering off to follow the slow-moving stuff.

>>5863582
Matchia looks annoyed.
"We got 4 already, just act as a scout or something!"

>>5863579
"You're able to handle anything water-y that I can't. that's definitely going to be a benefit."

>>5863552
>>5863565
"Exceedingly." Cubone cuts in immediately. "That said..." he gestures vaguely at Espurr, who is in the Cautious Pragmatic People Gang,
>>5863585
"Your... psychic abilities, I think," Sagira isn't actually a Psychic type yet, but her powers are close enough, "would be useful should we need to restabilize it. Hopefully it shall not ocme to that."

>>5863586
"Do we just walk in a circle around you guys? This is gonna be a long dungeon..."

>>5863569
"Sounds good to me, I'll do my best but I really hope nobody actually tries to attack."
>he says with a nervous smile

>>5863590
"We've all got our strong areas."

>>5863586
>Kaz smirks at Matchia
"Ya ever heard of doublin' up?"

>>5863594
"M-Me neither."
Wallis says warily.

>>5863596
>>5863593
Matchia gives an annoyed face, but already seems resigned to losing.

>>5863602
"I suppose we should move further ahead, wouldn't want to be near that thing in case it fall- I-I mean gotta scout ahead!"
>with that he picks up the pace and moves closer to the front of the group

>>5863591
They aren't doing much psychic-ing right now, but that won't last. Espurr yawns. Those are some pretty big teeth for such a tiny, harmless, innocent kitty...

>>5863557
>>5863558
>>5863555
>>5863544
Darius, Mohka, Matchia, and Katherine pitch in to carry along with Cress. It's slow work, but it goes. Seeing Kath's stature, some of you might feel pressured to lift better than usual. Cress sure is...

>>5863565
The construct is heavy set, and the bearers move meticulously enough that only external factors should disturb the offering, but...it wouldn't take much of one.

"Agh. I'm not used to labor this heavy-anymore..." If the restof you could scout ahead and clear a path for us, that'd be great..."
The aforementioned path being an uphill slope, dotted with movement in the distance. Must be Pokemon, but the rest of you are going to be more capable of doing things about it than the bearers. They're kicking up a lot of dirt and dust, that may be a problem.

Moreover, behind you all is a flock of airborne Pokemon riding the tailwinds significantly faster than your group is moving. They look to be hungry Gligar, but they're not upon you yet. So much to consider!

Cress mutters a slew of swears seeing the slope like an oversized Yosemite Sam.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>5863610
"Okay."
>Evan scouts on ahead!

>>5863591
“To feel as if my skills have any meaningful contribution…” she mutters. “I fear the wind will pick up parts of the offering. I fail to see anything securing it to the plate aside from the hopes of gravity playing along.”

>>5863610
Mohka continues supporting his end of the offering plate. Not like there's much else he can do right now, other than shit talk his compatriots.

>>5863610
>>5863607
>>5863602
>>5863612
>ish nods, then calls to the rest of his team
"Best to stick together, let's go!"

>>5863610
Darius continues lifting his portion without complaint.

Rolled 16 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>5863610
>Kaz gives a short salute
"You got it boss bunny. Watch out fer bumps!"
>And away he goes!
>+3 Speed

>>5863610
>Dustin makes a late move and finally chimes in to final help moving it!

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>5863610
"Roger that"
>Angus flaps his wings and scouts the area

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>5863610
"Kay'..." Orner goes further into the dungeon, hopefully the Gligar won't be there before she's back.

>>5863620
(Damn forgor name)

Rolled 13 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>5863610
>Seeing the mons trailing makes him nervous, and with their big team members stuck carrying the offering they must look like easy pickings
>catching a glimpse of Mohka behind gives him an idea
"Maybe they'll stay away if they see another Mohka hanging around...."
>he jumps in the air and tries to copy Mohka's apperance