[Nexus] Underside - The Third

[Morty]

[Goblin Outpost]

The barman looks at his shelf of drinks.
"Stronger? Ha. Well, your funeral. I have Hanger Whiskey. It's called like that because it's made from a kind of lichen that hangs from cave ceilings," he says as he pours a glass.

[Felandria]

[Goblin Outpost]

The barman looks at his shelf of drinks.
"Stronger? Ha. Well, your funeral. I have Hanger Whiskey. It's called like that because it's made from a kind of lichen that hangs from cave ceilings," he says as he pours a glass.

She picks up the glass and downs it in one gulp.

That's more like it........

Her knees buckle and her eyes cross, she shakes it off and sets the glass down.

[Morty]

[Goblin Outpost]

The barman chuckles.
"I knew this one would hit you good. Still, you're taking it better than most topsiders would, I bet. Now, I can ask around and find out where a connection to your floating market might be right now, if you're willing to wait."

[Felandria]

[Goblin Outpost]

The barman chuckles.
"I knew this one would hit you good. Still, you're taking it better than most topsiders would, I bet. Now, I can ask around and find out where a connection to your floating market might be right now, if you're willing to wait."

Sure, the accommodations are welcoming enough.

She smiles at the bartender to let him know she's sincere.

[Hattish Thing]

Goblin Outpost-Tracking Felandria

Clegg appears! He's disguised in peddlers clothes, which include a shabby grey coat, grayish pants, and a brown shirt. He looks rather commonplace, save for the wooden leg. He smells like perfume, for he had to use it in order to mask his salty smell. He also cleaned up himself a little, so there are no visible barnacles and things. If there is a door to the place, he'll knock. Greetings? 'Ello? Anyone?

[Morty]

[Goblin Outpost]

"Not sure how long it's gonna take, but it shouldn't be too long. In the meantime, you can relax here. It's not often we let topsiders in this outpost, but you helped us out, I hear."

Meanwhile, Clegg is stopped at a large iron-shod door by a pair of goblin soldiers with long spears.
"This is a restricted military area," one of them says. "No entry for civilians or outsiders without permission."

[Aric Kale]

Just Outside Goblin Outpost.

Zane is watching from the shadows again...turns out he manages to stay almost invisible by wrapping himself in his black flames. Despite the flickering, if no one is paying attention, he should go unnoticed. He's also holding one of his firespheres.

[Morty]

[Goblin Outpost - Canteen]

The bartender leaves to talk to some other goblins, leaving Felandria temporarily alone. Well, alone as in without a conversation, since the room is full of goblins.

[Hattish Thing]

[Goblin Outpost]

"Not sure how long it's gonna take, but it shouldn't be too long. In the meantime, you can relax here. It's not often we let topsiders in this outpost, but you helped us out, I hear."

Meanwhile, Clegg is stopped at a large iron-shod door by a pair of goblin soldiers with long spears.
"This is a restricted military area," one of them says. "No entry for civilians or outsiders without permission."

Clegg just turns his head, looking for all purposes like a completely ordinary old man. What? But that can't be...You see, I have a message for one, Felandria? From a friend of hers apparently...I need to deliver it to her. It's a verbal message as well. Could you at least escort her outside for a few minutes? I do need to speak to her...as fast as possible please, I"m late for another engagement. He impatiently checks his pocketwatch. I'm terribly sorry for your time...

[Morty]

[Goblin Outpost]

"We don't know about any Felandria," the guard says. They weren't informed of the half-giantess' arrival, since it was rather unofficial. "You must be mistaken. Please leave."

[Hattish Thing]

[Goblin Outpost]

"We don't know about any Felandria," the guard says. They weren't informed of the half-giantess' arrival, since it was rather unofficial. "You must be mistaken. Please leave."

Clegg frowns. This wasn't going well. It was either attack the guards and risk attracting the force of goblins, or somehow get in. Clegg was smart, but ultimately his time being an undead brute has somewhat...diminished his tactical skills. He looks right over at Zane, hiding in the shadows. He could sense his powerful fearblaze magic. Perhaps both of them could take these two guards down without their knowing. Infiltrate the fortress. Clegg looks over at the shadows.

Ah...well, m'sorry fer yer time. I wish ye woul' jus' check inside. I know she's there, and it is my job to ge' these letters t' people. Please? He raises his arms as he speaks, as if he's swatting at a fly. Some stupid bug...agh...I wish they'd leave. At this, as he raises his hands, a very small black dart flies out of his sleeve, most likely landing and puncturing itself in the goblin's neck. The dart is small, and if it makes contact, it will begin to dissolve into nothing, as if it was never there. The dart contains a very potent potion, meant to kill it's target using poison that is meant to kill immediately. Hopefully Zane will get the hint and quickly take out the other one.

[Morty]

[Goblin Outpost]

Unfortunately for Clegg, the goblin's neck is armored. So the dart does precisely nothing.
"Look, we'd know if we had a topsider here. If you don't leave right now, we'll use force," the guard says, sounding annoyed this time. "And if you keep waving your arms around, we'll assume you're trying to cast spells and put you down pre-emptively."

[Aric Kale]

Hmm, Clegg has some interesting abilities.
No matter.
Time to act.
Zane will stealthily move behind the two goblins, no flames but sticking to the shadows, aided by his dark cloak. Assuming he is not noticed, he will throw the orb at the second goblin's head, already reaching for a second sphere.

[Hattish Thing]

[Goblin Outpost]

Unfortunately for Clegg, the goblin's neck is armored. So the dart does precisely nothing.
"Look, we'd know if we had a topsider here. If you don't leave right now, we'll use force," the guard says, sounding annoyed this time. "And if you keep waving your arms around, we'll assume you're trying to cast spells and put you down pre-emptively."

Clegg frowns and sighs as the dart drops to the ground and disappears into thin air. Great. So much for a stealthy entrance. He begins to speak, trying to reason with the guards once more and then fireballs are flung. Clegg jumps backwards quickly. He hated fire, why the hell did he agree to work with a fire-mage?! Bad logic Clegg. Ahg! 'elp! I'm under attack! Might as well earn the goblins trust by betraying a comrade, that's worked for him before! Help! He's now on the ground, pretending to cower while silently pulling a knife out of his pocket.

[Time for Never]

[Outside the Goblin Outpost]

It had been almost a week since Gan Yun had left the Dancing Fox Inn and begun his search of Felandria. The enchanted, makeshift compass he had been given by Vo the witch had proven to be an incredibly useful tool to aid in his pursuit. Travelling on little to no sleep, Gan had tirelessly forced himself onward. He had to make sure that her would-be hunters didn't find her before he did. And so this is where he ended up. In the underbelly of the Nexus, searching through the seemingly endless tunnels that stretched on and on. After a day of being in the Underside he had finally come to where he believed the half-giant to be. A Goblin Outpost.

As he approaches the gate however he sees that something is wrong. There appears to be two other people nearby: one talking to a guard and the other hiding in the shadows. The stealthy types never could sneak by Gan's senses.

Once he gets closer he realizes that they seem familiar. Well they at least smell familiar. That stench. Only one person he knew smelt that awful.

"You seem to make enemies everywhere you go, Clegg. Maybe you should try being friendlier sometime," states Gan coolly.

[Morty]

[Goblin Outpost]

The goblin's head is hit, and his helmet, armor and face are quickly covered in flames. He screams, trying to put it out. The other guard, meanwhile, blows on a horn and an alarm sounds through the tunnels.

Inside the outpost, soldiers grab their weapons and head for the exit. Two hidden doors open on the sides of the big one, from which four goblins in total emerge - one speargoblin and one crossbowgoblin for each exit. The guard points and the crossbowmen fire at the spot the fire sphere was flung from. One of the spearmen drags the injured guard away.

In the distance, more footsteps can be heard, coming from the tunnel. Clegg isn't attacking, so he's ignored for now.

The alarm will be definetly heard in the canteen where Felandria is waiting for the barkeep, and the soldiers there scramble around to respond.

[Aric Kale]

Said goblin is now ash, at least from the waist up, and everyone who gets to close could easily catch on fire. The Fearblaze is like a disease...
yay! more people to bur-aww crap! They're shooting at him. Zane rolls to avoid the arrows and throws the other sphere at the archers' feet. It has a decent splash radius so you.may find yourself short a couple goblins.

[Hattish Thing]

Clegg is on the ground. Prepared to end Zane's life to preserve his own un-life. He watches the goblin burn to ash. Not good...very bad. Bad fire. Fire bad. He looks over at Zane, and stands up. He will then throw his poisoned dagger, aiming for Zane's chest. He's a very good aim. Help! The fire-mage is crazy! Help me! Help! After he throws the poisoned knife, he turns around to look for "help". Then...he sees Gan. Actually, Clegg smells of heavy perfume. He practically bathed in it to hide his stench. He also has skin, and looks like the man in my avatar. He stares at Gan. Argh....you again, do you just follow me around or something? Honestly, now is not the time. That mage has gone insane and is going to burn this place down and kill my targe-friend. So, friends? At least temporarily? Kill the mage. He raises his hands up in peace and then pulls out a rifle from a pocket. Huh. He also pulls out a long navy trenchcoat and puts it on and closes it around him. The coat was his armor. He raises the black and silver magic rifle. He had won it at The Hunting Grounds. It never missed. So Gan, whatcha say? Afterwards we can finish our duel and maybe hunt down that pony. Never had horse.

[Time for Never]

Spoiler

Show

Clegg is on the ground. Prepared to end Zane's life to preserve his own un-life. He watches the goblin burn to ash. Not good...very bad. Bad fire. Fire bad. He looks over at Zane, and stands up. He will then throw his poisoned dagger, aiming for Zane's chest. He's a very good aim. Help! The fire-mage is crazy! Help me! Help! After he throws the poisoned knife, he turns around to look for "help". Then...he sees Gan. Actually, Clegg smells of heavy perfume. He practically bathed in it to hide his stench. He also has skin, and looks like the man in my avatar. He stares at Gan. Argh....you again, do you just follow me around or something? Honestly, now is not the time. That mage has gone insane and is going to burn this place down and kill my targe-friend. So, friends? At least temporarily? Kill the mage. He raises his hands up in peace and then pulls out a rifle from a pocket. Huh. He also pulls out a long navy trenchcoat and puts it on and closes it around him. The coat was his armor. He raises the black and silver magic rifle. He had won it at The Hunting Grounds. It never missed. So Gan, whatcha say? Afterwards we can finish our duel and maybe hunt down that pony. Never had horse.

Firing darts at sentries, turning guards into ash with black fire, crossbow bolts flying around and magical rifles. Things were getting interesting very quickly. Gan hadn't expect for the search to turn out like this so soon. He had hoped to find Felandria without needless bloodshed. Nevertheless, something had to be done before it got any worse.

"Turning on your allies already huh? I can't say I'm surprised. But you're right, he needs to be taken care of before he brings every goblin in the Underside down on our heads. I wouldn't want them to think that I'm with him after all."

Gan sighs and shakes his head in annoyance.

"Fine. I'll help you for now Clegg, but don't expect it to last. Especially if you keep aiding Deadra."

The monk was never fond of ganging up on an opponent and thus was waiting to see where events went from here. Should the goblins need his help he would interfere before more of them died. Otherwise, it looks like Zane was already in a bad position as it is.

[Felandria]

[Goblin Outpost]

The goblin's head is hit, and his helmet, armor and face are quickly covered in flames. He screams, trying to put it out. The other guard, meanwhile, blows on a horn and an alarm sounds through the tunnels.

Inside the outpost, soldiers grab their weapons and head for the exit. Two hidden doors open on the sides of the big one, from which four goblins in total emerge - one speargoblin and one crossbowgoblin for each exit. The guard points and the crossbowmen fire at the spot the fire sphere was flung from. One of the spearmen drags the injured guard away.

In the distance, more footsteps can be heard, coming from the tunnel. Clegg isn't attacking, so he's ignored for now.

The alarm will be definetly heard in the canteen where Felandria is waiting for the barkeep, and the soldiers there scramble around to respond.

Felandria hears the alarm and turns to the barkeep.

What does that mean?

[Morty]

[Goblin Outpost]

The goblin is burnt to ash, then. His comrades know to stay away from the fire, and they're even more determined to kill Zane. They step back when the sphere lands and respond with another volley - this time it's fire crossbow bolts and four rifle bullets aimed at where they know Zane is throwing the spheres from. They're targeting a large area to make sure he can't dodge. Meanwhile, a little flash is thrown from the back at the fire, containing alchemical ice which should put it out - it's designed specifically for that purpose, as goblins use fire themselves very often.

Clegg will find several spears pointed at him by glaring goblin soldiers. The same goes for Gan.

By now the reinforcements from down the tunnel have arrived, and four more bolts along with a bullet fly Zane's way from that direction. It seems the goblins think there's no such thing as overkill.

The barkeep has returned by now with directions and tells Felandria: "We're under attack. Some nutjob with fire weapons accompanying a foul-smelling creep." He frowns. "I think they were asking for you, actually, but the gate guards had no idea you're here. When they were denied entry, they attacked."

[Aric Kale]

Greeeaaaat. Zane takes Clegg's dagger square in the chest and stumbles back...
Arrows and bullets fly in harmony, seeking to end the pyromancer.
Luckily, Zane's flames deny the majority of toxins and all alcohol. (assuming he's not trying to get drunk). Darkstar's usually vibrant, blue eyes start to kindle into a solid black...the air around him starts to shimmer from the heat that seems to radiate from him. Zane curls into a ball of nearly impossible heat. The ground around him is cracking, the arrows are bursting, and the bullets are-dammit! bullets...those plow into him...the flames lose their intensity for a good five seconds.

[Time for Never]

Spoiler

Show

[Goblin Outpost]

The goblin is burnt to ash, then. His comrades know to stay away from the fire, and they're even more determined to kill Zane. They step back when the sphere lands and respond with another volley - this time it's fire crossbow bolts and four rifle bullets aimed at where they know Zane is throwing the spheres from. They're targeting a large area to make sure he can't dodge. Meanwhile, a little flash is thrown from the back at the fire, containing alchemical ice which should put it out - it's designed specifically for that purpose, as goblins use fire themselves very often.

Clegg will find several spears pointed at him by glaring goblin soldiers. The same goes for Gan.

By now the reinforcements from down the tunnel have arrived, and four more bolts along with a bullet fly Zane's way from that direction. It seems the goblins think there's no such thing as overkill.

The barkeep has returned by now with directions and tells Felandria: "We're under attack. Some nutjob with fire weapons accompanying a foul-smelling creep." He frowns. "I think they were asking for you, actually, but the gate guards had no idea you're here. When they were denied entry, they attacked."

[Goblin Outpost]

Gan turns his attention to the glaring, spear-wielding goblins. He puts his hands on the back of his head as he addresses them to show that he means no harm. Quickly mulling over his options, Gan thinks how to show his innocence amongst all of this violence.

"It's not me whom you must worry about, my goblin friends. I have had no part of this disturbance. In fact, I arrived here a moment just before you did yourselves. As you can see, my weapons are sheathed and my hands are clean of any traces of blood. I have no issue with your kind."

The monk gives them a sincere smile to try and dispel possible skepticism. Hopefully the guards in the outpost would at least vouch for him once this is over. He did understand how it must look however, since not many strangers all congregate outside a goblin outpost in the Underside for no reason after all. Maybe they'll be understanding though. Or not. Who knows?

[Felandria]

[Goblin Outpost]

The goblin is burnt to ash, then. His comrades know to stay away from the fire, and they're even more determined to kill Zane. They step back when the sphere lands and respond with another volley - this time it's fire crossbow bolts and four rifle bullets aimed at where they know Zane is throwing the spheres from. They're targeting a large area to make sure he can't dodge. Meanwhile, a little flash is thrown from the back at the fire, containing alchemical ice which should put it out - it's designed specifically for that purpose, as goblins use fire themselves very often.

Clegg will find several spears pointed at him by glaring goblin soldiers. The same goes for Gan.

By now the reinforcements from down the tunnel have arrived, and four more bolts along with a bullet fly Zane's way from that direction. It seems the goblins think there's no such thing as overkill.

The barkeep has returned by now with directions and tells Felandria: "We're under attack. Some nutjob with fire weapons accompanying a foul-smelling creep." He frowns. "I think they were asking for you, actually, but the gate guards had no idea you're here. When they were denied entry, they attacked."

Why would someone be looking for me?

I only know one or two people here and that doesn't sound like them.

Should I go out there?

[Hattish Thing]

[Goblin Outpost]

Gan turns his attention to the glaring, spear-wielding goblins. He puts his hands on the back of his head as he addresses them to show that he means no harm. Quickly mulling over his options, Gan thinks how to show his innocence amongst all of this violence.

"It's not me whom you must worry about, my goblin friends. I have had no part of this disturbance. In fact, I arrived here a moment just before you did yourselves. As you can see, my weapons are sheathed and my hands are clean of any traces of blood. I have no issue with your kind."

The monk gives them a sincere smile to try and dispel possible skepticism. Hopefully the guards in the outpost would at least vouch for him once this is over. He did understand how it must look however, since not many strangers all congregate outside a goblin outpost in the Underside for no reason after all. Maybe they'll be understanding though. Or not. Who knows?

Clegg groans. He could probably take on a few waves of goblins...but then he'd be destroyed. Might as well surrender, he's not stupid enough to take on an entire fortress with Zane. He looks over at Gan. I'm a bounty hunter, as I've told Gan here. He speaks to the goblins now, his accent gone. I've been hunting for Zane, the one over their for a while now. He thought I was his ally. I have nothing against you, goblin friends...Gan is an old friend of mine, eh Gan? WE go back a while. He then grins at Gan and attempts to brotherly elbow his arm. Clegg always was an excellent liar. Now if you could stop pointing sharp things at my face, I can get to assisting you kill off Zane.

[Morty]

[Goblin Outpost]

The goblins use those five seconds to fire another volley of bolts and bullets at Zane.

Meanwhile, if Clegg was a good liar he probably would have come up with a better story. As it is, his explanation only makes the goblins bring the spears a little closer to his face.

"And he just happened to attack us after we denied you entry? And after you started to wave your hands around? Stay put and we'll decide what to do with you after he's dead," one of the soldiers says.

"Are you really a friend of his?" another soldier asks Gan.

The barkeep shrugs at Felandria's question, then nods. "Might be a good idea."

[Time for Never]

Spoiler

Show

[Goblin Outpost]

The goblins use those five seconds to fire another volley of bolts and bullets at Zane.

Meanwhile, if Clegg was a good liar he probably would have come up with a better story. As it is, his explanation only makes the goblins bring the spears a little closer to his face.

"And he just happened to attack us after we denied you entry? And after you started to wave your hands around? Stay put and we'll decide what to do with you after he's dead," one of the soldiers says.

"Are you really a friend of his?" another soldier asks Gan.

The barkeep shrugs at Felandria's question, then nods. "Might be a good idea."

Gan shakes his head, smile disappearing from his face. The monk wasn't one to lie, especially if it would put him in even worse circumstances.

"More of an opponent. We fought in a duel after he threatened me about a week back. He shot at me, stabbed at me, and tried to eat me, so no, there isn't much lost love between the two of us. The fact that we both arrived here roughly the same time just happens to be a very interesting coincidence."

[Aric Kale]

Behold, the reason Zane has a max power rating of B-. The arrows burst into flame as they approach the Darkstar, the arrow heads melt and splatter against his cloak, the bullet hits his shoulder, causing it to bleed. Zane stands, ignoring the pain from his wounds, looks upon the goblins.... and combusts. He is a solid flame, the heat being intense enough to melt a man where he stands. But that isn't all, oh no, The blaze around this dark pyromancer forms into a dome and rapidly expands outward. Only a very powerful ice mage can stop it. Within five minutes, everything in a 50 foot radius will be ash or melted ore...the only way to escape is to RUN...now.

[Hattish Thing]

Goblin Fortress

Clegg groans as Zane goes supernova. He looks around quickly. If he ran the police would find him later and he would look guilty, if he was killed he'd just reform in some marsh in a few days. So he begins to ignore the goblin soldiers and slowly stride towards Zane, murderous intent in his eyes. The fire burns him, and soon his skin is crackling and melting. He attempts to throttle Zane even as he burns. "Run Gan, yer pretty much me closest friend...I will reform, and be back...Remember this, I wa' once a good man! Now, run! Get away from 'ere...an' ge' Felandria away...Ack, go to Blue Lake, in Outside. With Felandria, please. We'll meet and discuss Dearda's threats. Please, do wha-" Then, his lungs burn and he can't speak, but he still charges Zane.

[Felandria]

Goblin Fortress

Clegg groans as Zane goes supernova. He looks around quickly. If he ran the police would find him later and he would look guilty, if he was killed he'd just reform in some marsh in a few days. So he begins to ignore the goblin soldiers and slowly stride towards Zane, murderous intent in his eyes. The fire burns him, and soon his skin is crackling and melting. He attempts to throttle Zane even as he burns. "Run Gan, yer pretty much me closest friend...I will reform, and be back...Remember this, I wa' once a good man! Now, run! Get away from 'ere...an' ge' Felandria away...Ack, go to Blue Lake, in Outside. With Felandria, please. We'll meet and discuss Dearda's threats. Please, do wha-" Then, his lungs burn and he can't speak, but he still charges Zane.

Felandria opens the door but quickly closes it upon seeing all the fire.

Maybe I'll give it a minute.