[Nexus] Outside XXVI

[Neon Knight]

[Home on the Range]

"Oh Jesus Christ!" Time for full on freak-out mode! The Knight loses his balance and falls over, twisting and turning, slapping and trying to smash the spiders, rolling on the grass like a man on fire, trying to shed as many of the arachnids as possible.

[Shadowcaller]

[Home on the Range]

As the brave knight is trying to get the eight-legged arthropods he will find that one of them have crawled up to his chest and gets a closer look at the creeps.

It isn't a spider, it have eight legs alright but it's shape is all wrong, it looks like a exo-skeleton shaped exactly like the number eight with legs attached to it without any mouth, eyes or other features.

[Neon Knight]

[Home on the Range]

Well, the lack of beady, glinting eyes, the nasty curving fangs, and those nasty little hairs all along the legs does help Dan calm down a bit. He tries to grab the one resting on his chest. "What the heck is this?"

[Lady Serpentine]

"Weirdest caravan I've ever escorted..." Vincent says.

Also, the only one, but what can you do?

"What did you expect when the person hiring you looked like a winged naga, and told you you were going to be doing interdimensional travel?"

The caravan, probably, is moving toward an area of the platform where they can hire a ship and escorts.

[Reinholdt]

[Caravan]

"More xp." They've hardly gotten any! Those bowbolds were way below the groups level.

Of course, this is one of Vincent's primary driving points in life, so I wouldn't concern myself with it.

[Shadowcaller]

[Home on the Range]

There is no answer from the eight with legs, it just attempts to escape from his grip as the rest of them did. He still get that crawling feeling underneath him though, it seems like those things are everywhere.

[Neon Knight]

[Home on the Range]

Dan sets the spider down a bit away from him, hopping to his feet. "Weird... but this is the Nexus." He looks for his armor, and for his mule, Sam.

[Shadowcaller]

[Home on the Range]

Yes, a lot of strange things happens in the nexus.

Brushing of the weird eights away he will find Sam with his equipment, but as he approaches the mule he can see even more of the eights around it.

In fact Sam start to look slightly... off, as he start to shudder when Daniel approaches. It takes another moment to really see what happens as one of the legs of the mule suddenly falls off with a black liquid coming out from the opening.

An closer look reveals that the black liquid is in fact more eights, crawling out from Sam even though the donkey doesn't even seem to notice this fact, it just switches legs and stands there as before.

[Earl of Purple]

Hermitage of Dalachrech- Elezibethele

Elezibethele will lead Mine and the Temple Slaves to a stout oaken door quite a distance away from the Altar Room. She'll open it and gesture for the slaves to go in first. Inside there's manacles dangling from the ceiling, a brazier with eight metal poles inside it, a collection of whips and knives and a large wooden wheel mounted on the wall, sitting in a metal tub of water. Oddly, though, there's also a collection of potions in a rack next to the wall. They look a bit like magical healing potions. "Mine, help me prepare the others for branding, then stand ready for your own marking."

I'd agree with that sentiment; Charynrae generally cares for hers, but wouldn't think twice about punishing them. Elezibethele would think twice, to choose a harsher punishment.

Hermitage of Dalachrech- Azurelle

Azurelle will lead her triplets to an ornate door up a set of stairs and set against the outside wall. She'll open the door and enter, leading the held-hand slave in first. The room has green wallpaper printed with flowers and decorated with tasteful erotic artworks hanging interspersed with weapons and armour. Notably, a particularly shiny breastplate is opposite the door and with an inset winged heart design lacquered onto the metal. The design is such that it doesn't seem like it's Abyssal, it's slightly too large for Azurelle and it doesn't look like a trophy or spoils of war. There's also helmets, weapons, shields and a banner. The equipment is varied in style, size and both nation and species of origin. The bed is large, a four-poster and it matches the rest of the décor.

[Neon Knight]

[Home on the Range]

Okay, that's more than bit freaky. The Neon Knight tries to get over to his armor and weapon, seeing if he can't don them.

___

[Spoooooky Forest]

There is a forest here. It is rather spooky.

....

Ow! What? I can't just leave it at that? Oh, alright.

The spooooky woods are just another patch of strange Nexus terrain that appears to have popped up overnight and might vanish just as quickly. It appears to be a common deciduous forest, notably filled with many, many maple trees. The climb is slightly damp, and the air is cold; where there are not maples there are pines, the forest floor covered with spongy layer of them. It's dark, and slightly misty; it seems to be late in the evening, very close to sunset, despite whatever time it was elsewhere.

Dare ye enter?

[Shadowcaller]

[Home on the Range]

He will be able to don the armor and the weapon just as Sam's eyes suddenly seem to turn into more eights which start to crawl out of the now empty sockets.

It's by this point he notices that eights also fall from the sky as the leaves of tree he's underneath slowly appears to turn into more eights.

[Rebonack]

[Spooky Forest]

Amil totally dares ye enter.

The bottle of medicine she had been entrusted with is safely stowed away in her hat. All four arms are out. Tail is out. And one hand is armed with a spike pistol just in case something decides to go 'rawr' and jump out at her.

One hand braces against a tree as she climbs. Another pushes a branch out of her way. And a third brushes a stray tendril out of her eye and tucks it behind the carapace earlobes she wears to look just a little more human.

Having nothing but a pair of aural-ducts looks really weird.

Throws off her appearance too much for her taste.

"Alright... This is the place..."

[Lost_Deep]

Spooky Forest

Oh. It's a forest full of spooky trees. Big hairy deal.

Darst does not dare enter. He sees nothing to be afraid of. He just walks in.

He simply walks into the forest.

His mining helmet is lit, spreading light on the trees. His pick is firmly in his hands. He is ready for whatever may come. Let the denizens of the forest try to meet the honed mass of muscle and bone that Darst has carved for himself with the stone of the underdark. His mind has been similarly reinforced against terror, for nothing about this forest is near as scary as the empty tunnels of an old mine. He does not CARE if the forest is spooky. Unless the forest is ABSOLUTELY TERRIFYING he does not care.

And even if it was absolutely terrifying he would still walk in.

Two living weapons walk into a spooky forest...

[bladescape]

There is alot of Jakob to look up and down, "Is this EtherAin House? If not, Jakob has no business with you, and wishes apologies for the mistake."

((I assumed that since Jakob was standing directly in the middle of them, he would be able to spot both, because he only had half the distance to see either, and they were said to just barely able to see each other.))

The Elf Butlery-thing manages to look up and down it pretty efficiently. Perhaps he's had to deal with large people before.

"This is indeed EtherAin Estate."

[Slii Arhem]

EtherAin Estate

Jakob's face splits into a wide grin, and he attempts to clap the elf on the shoulder good naturedly. He's rather gentle about it, for a monstrosity.

"Good! I have spoken with your herald, and he says you have need of soldiers. I would be happy to wade into battle for this house. It is a thing of beauty, and too long has it been since I have made war for such a thing." his face sags in remembrance, a wistful smile momentarily replacing his one of good cheer.

"Yes... far, far too long."

[bladescape]

EtherAin Estate

Jakob's face splits into a wide grin, and he attempts to clap the elf on the shoulder good naturedly. He's rather gentle about it, for a monstrosity.

"Good! I have spoken with your herald, and he says you have need of soldiers. I would be happy to wade into battle for this house. It is a thing of beauty, and too long has it been since I have made war for such a thing." his face sags in remembrance, a wistful smile momentarily replacing his one of good cheer.

"Yes... far, far too long."

The Elf grins rather warmly, surprisingly. "I'd honestly expected most people here to be barbarians, it's good to see that even here there's some appreciation for wonderous Houses. Come in, come in, the master awaits." He opens the door wide, leading into a long hall.

[Slii Arhem]

The Elf grins rather warmly, surprisingly. "I'd honestly expected most people here to be barbarians, it's good to see that even here there's some appreciation for wonderous Houses. Come in, come in, the master awaits." He opens the door wide, leading into a long hall.

Jakob will follow the elf to the master of the house and says just one more thing before he arrives.

"I admit to being somewhat uncultured, certainly I am no scholar, but even we barbarians can appreciate such things. It is something you learn after much time in the Nexus. No two things are ever alike."

[BladeofObliviom]

[FeyClaw Manor]

As promised, a controlled knocking comes to the door. Assuming that it is opened, Jacques is here with his positively absurd array of weaponry.

Considering that Jacques is, well, Jacques, he probably already has analyzed the outward defenses and looked for any visible blind spots.

[Neon Knight]

[Home on the Range]

He will be able to don the armor and the weapon just as Sam's eyes suddenly seem to turn into more eights which start to crawl out of the now empty sockets.

It's by this point he notices that eights also fall from the sky as the leaves of tree he's underneath slowly appears to turn into more eights.

"Okay, this is just starting to get trippy. I feel like I'm back in college." The Neon Knight checks his armor over. Hopefully, it would be alright. Then he stands for a moment, pondering the eights. "Hey, can you understand me?"

___

[Spooky Forest]

Amil totally dares ye enter.

The bottle of medicine she had been entrusted with is safely stowed away in her hat. All four arms are out. Tail is out. And one hand is armed with a spike pistol just in case something decides to go 'rawr' and jump out at her.

One hand braces against a tree as she climbs. Another pushes a branch out of her way. And a third brushes a stray tendril out of her eye and tucks it behind the carapace earlobes she wears to look just a little more human.

Having nothing but a pair of aural-ducts looks really weird.

Throws off her appearance too much for her taste.

"Alright... This is the place..."

Spooky Forest

Oh. It's a forest full of spooky trees. Big hairy deal.

Darst does not dare enter. He sees nothing to be afraid of. He just walks in.

He simply walks into the forest.

His mining helmet is lit, spreading light on the trees. His pick is firmly in his hands. He is ready for whatever may come. Let the denizens of the forest try to meet the honed mass of muscle and bone that Darst has carved for himself with the stone of the underdark. His mind has been similarly reinforced against terror, for nothing about this forest is near as scary as the empty tunnels of an old mine. He does not CARE if the forest is spooky. Unless the forest is ABSOLUTELY TERRIFYING he does not care.

And even if it was absolutely terrifying he would still walk in.

Two living weapons walk into a spooky forest...

The gloomy darkness is pervaded by a mapley, bacony stench as they plunge deep into the blackness of the spooooooky woods. It's not rough going, and they don't encounter any major impediments before they see the looming black square shape of a hut amongst the trees. The sun has fully set, though. Good thing it's a bright, starry night out, with a full moon hanging high.

[bladescape]

[FeyClaw Manor]

As promised, a controlled knocking comes to the door. Assuming that it is opened, Jacques is here with his positively absurd array of weaponry.

Considering that Jacques is, well, Jacques, he probably already has analyzed the outward defenses and looked for any visible blind spots.

(See description two pages back, the less pristine one, also quoted on this or last page, I forget.)

There don't appear to be any blind spots, although there certainly are not quite as strong points in the estate. The knocking is answered by a smaller, almost pinched elf who nods at Jacques. "You here for the mercenary contracts?" He asks in an odd musical voice which doesn't quite fit with the rest of his body.

Jakob will follow the elf to the master of the house and says just one more thing before he arrives.

"I admit to being somewhat uncultured, certainly I am no scholar, but even we barbarians can appreciate such things. It is something you learn after much time in the Nexus. No two things are ever alike."

"Yes, this isn't our world anymore. We must get used to such changes."

Then led on to the master of the house!

After being led through innumerous corridors each with different paintings and rugs and other works of art, too much to describe, they reach the central chamber. The small throne-like seat contains a tall-thin stick-like elf in flowing emerald and silver robes. The small vortex symbol that is everywhere on the EtherAin household is prominent on the chest of the robe.

Upon Jakobs entry, the bookish lord waves away his attendants, other than guards, including a younger lady who you would assume was his daughter, and looks at the new arrival. "So this is the first mercenary?" He asks, his voice sounding older than he looked, and somewhat weary, "Yes, Lord EtherAin."

He sighs almost tiredly. "Does [Insert average mercenary fee with a little extra here] sound enough for your aid in this fight?"

He seems just a little annoyed from having to resort to mercenaries.

[BladeofObliviom]

[FeyClaw Manor]

"Yes. Yes I am here to inquire about said contract."

[Slii Arhem]

EtherAin Estate

Jakob scoffs brusquely, then takes a moment to compose himself.

"Forgive, my lordship, but you have made me laugh. My brothers are exceedingly rich, and I want for nothing. I have come here not to make money, but to revel in combat. In fact..." from a pouch on his trousers, Jakob pulls a brick of gold and flings it expertly. It lands with a ringing clang just before the throne, and Jakob's smile darkens, "I should be paying you for the honor."

[Murkus]

[Town]

"No that's okay. I think I could use some sleep. We did a lot of walking today." While this is very true, Sakura isn't sure how easily she'd be able to sleep in this place. More importantly they'll get some privacy so they can talk openly.

"Oh, come now, you have to--"

Adir interrupts her, not minding if it sounds rude. "No, thank you."

She looks at him blankly a second, then shrugs. "Oh well. The guest room's through there, to the right of the stairs." Yaeta gestures, and Adir will try to lead Sakura that way a little hastily. A frown is clear on his face.

[bladescape]

[FeyClaw Manor]

"Yes. Yes I am here to inquire about said contract."

The half-ugly steward nods quickly, opening the door wider. Beyond the massive doors is a sizable entrance hall, little pieces of memorabilia and trophies of past lords are decorating the wall, along-side several obviously ceremonial weaponry. "Come in, come in. The Master is intruiged to meet the mercenaries that come."

EtherAin Estate

Jakob scoffs brusquely, then takes a moment to compose himself.

"Forgive, my lordship, but you have made me laugh. My brothers are exceedingly rich, and I want for nothing. I have come here not to make money, but to revel in combat. In fact..." from a pouch on his trousers, Jakob pulls a brick of gold and flings it expertly. It lands with a ringing clang just before the throne, and Jakob's smile darkens, "I should be paying you for the honor."

The scholarly man grins widely at the large man, "Then I welcome you into the service of EtherAin as long as this conflict lasts. I have set up quaters for the mercenaries that come to answer my offer, and I will call you down once any others have arrived." He waves for a servant to come and lead the large man away as the doorman walks back down the hall.

[BladeofObliviom]

FeyClaw Manor

I will oblige your master, then. Please, lead the way.

Jacques follows, further looking around for points that might be holes in the security. He isn't looking to backstab the FeyClaw, he's mostly just curious.

[bladescape]

FeyClaw Manor

I will oblige your master, then. Please, lead the way.

Jacques follows, further looking around for points that might be holes in the security. He isn't looking to backstab the FeyClaw, he's mostly just curious.

The hallways inside the house look like a bonus to security, considering they twisted and twirled around each other. The fortress was almost like a maze on the inside.

After a little while of walking, the steward brings the tactician into a rugged rock room, with a map of the nearby Outside on the table, enchanted to have figures and landmarks almost pop out of the map. The Thicker Built Elf standing in the center of the Elvish generals appears to be the Lord, His eyes quickly rising to the new entrants.

"Ah. This must be the Tactician that Reserus found. Welcome to FeyClaw House, Strategist." The Elf seems to be sizing Jacques up.

The map shows that the forces themselves seem to be tipped in your opponents favour, as well as that the other Estate is situated on the higher ground, and will have a better chance at seeing approaching squads.

(Any further tactical information will be supplied upon request.)

[Slii Arhem]

EtherAin Estate

Jakob won't follow the servant just yet, "I suspect if they are as beautiful as the rest of your homestead that you will have a hard time convincing the men to leave the barracks and fight!"

Now Jakob takes his leave, laughing uproarously as he follows the servant out.

[Lost_Deep]

Devan Mountain

Deavan mountain is a cold, desolate place.

Also, high. Not the highest mountain in the region, but still pretty high. The air is thin enough to give most people altitude sickness, and the weather is cold enough to do damage to anyone not properly equipped.

Thankfully, the mountain does not seem to sport much in the way of wildlife. The occasional mountain goat can be seen maneuvering the rocks, but no large supernatural predators patrol the mountainsides.

For the moment, the only thing you have to fight is the elements.

Hope you brought a warm coat.

[Gullara]

[Town]

"Oh, come now, you have to--"

Adir interrupts her, not minding if it sounds rude. "No, thank you."

She looks at him blankly a second, then shrugs. "Oh well. The guest room's through there, to the right of the stairs." Yaeta gestures, and Adir will try to lead Sakura that way a little hastily. A frown is clear on his face.

Once they get into the room Sakura turns to face Adir, her worry much more clear on her face now. "I don't like this, Adir. I'm scared. We should leave. I can still walk for a while, and we can always take a break once we're away fro here."

[Zefir]

Devan Mountain

Deavan mountain is a cold, desolate place.

Also, high. Not the highest mountain in the region, but still pretty high. The air is thin enough to give most people altitude sickness, and the weather is cold enough to do damage to anyone not properly equipped.

Thankfully, the mountain does not seem to sport much in the way of wildlife. The occasional mountain goat can be seen maneuvering the rocks, but no large supernatural predators patrol the mountainsides.

For the moment, the only thing you have to fight is the elements.

Hope you brought a warm coat.

Devan Mountain

Other clothes than his one? That would be a bad idea and deni his style. In other words he uses magic to fight the elements, more likly blue magic, which makes him more resistant to the cold, well it's still cold, but at the moment he doesn't mind it.

"I just hope this person didn't trick me."