Descent

[bravenewmods]

Iron Mines:
The trip to the eastern mountains is punctuated by the continuing aftershocks. After each one, it may be tempting to glance back at Union to see if any of the towers have fallen yet. The expedition parties move with incredible speed, knowing that the fate of their City hangs on the line.

When they reach the mountains, guided by the coordinates given of the 'strange radio signal', the parties will find that many of the normal entrances and routes have been blocked by cave-ins. In contrast, however, a gaping hole has opened up where none existed before. As this seems to be the easiest way to gain access, the parties slowly lower themselves in...

They will find themselves in the long-sought iron mines.

But there are so many twisting turns and tunnels, it will be impossible to stay together and make any sort of progress. Each group will have to take their own paths from here...

Old City:
Each of the twelve entrances down into the Old City take a different meandering route through the ruins. Though several are blocked off by this time, there are still many potential paths to take. The state of the Old City is poor, being underground as it is, and occasional soft rumblings are certain to cause unease. As the report states, however, there is enough of an interval between quakes that it should be possible to investigate safely.

It would be unwise to venture down alone, but it is impossible, too, for everyone to stay together if they wish to make headway.

Union:
The wild Pokémon continue to come out of the Old City, though the frequency has been somewhat lessened. Rubble lines the streets and though no towers have collapsed as of yet, some seem to be dangerously close and certainly nobody should be staying inside of them. As stated, the towers in Sector 3 are the worse off and construction crews work frantically to attempt to restabilize the foundations of these buildings.

The injured are innumerable, the number of casualties is as of yet unknown, and the chaos and panic is difficult to fend off.

There is a great deal of work to be done.

((Please post below with your groups - in the first comment, please note the members of your group, where you are, and whether or not you intend to keep a threading order. Regardless of threading order, mods will be responding at least once every 24 hours to keep the event moving. Groups should be three to four people in size.

At this time, all characters entering the iron mines will be able to choose to bond with a free extra Pokemon listed under 'Cavern' in the Map and Wild Pokemon post. Please respond there if you intend to make use of this. Characters who have already claimed a free Old City Pokemon may not do so.))

Comments

[for_realsies]

Imogen got to work on trying to boost Ezreal's levels with her healing powers. Her eyes cold and dark as she waited for the swarm to find them. Her voice equally chilled, the edges of her darker lineage showing in her hushed words.

"We're a team, we move together, not all of us can weather the attacks of such an encounter. And if you got hurt, by one of the many ways they could hurt you, we couldn't get to you easily."

Imogen finished, the light pink glow of her fading off. She hoped the light was sparse enough to not draw any attention. She couldn't have gone back for Asemu even if she wished to, and he only was drawn out of that by Ezreal's gifts. "Fortunately someone decided you were worth saving. Don't make him do it again, he gets himself in enough trouble."

"And now, can we please let me scout ahead in the dark before we wake up another swarm?"

[ladyofluminosity]

As Imogen did her work, Lux helped hold the other teen up, all while giving Asemu a harsh look. There was little more that she could add in that regard that hadn't already been said, although hearing it from Imogen was a bit of a shock; she had not seen the other girl ever be anything other than bubbly and exuberant. The stark contrast was a bit jarring, although the blond would never mention it to her face.

Taking a deep breath, she let her light dim, waiting for the Zubats to hopefully pass. Once he was steady on his feet again, she would let Ezreal go. She spoke in a whisper. "I'm not sure if it's a good idea to split up completely. Lanterns and flares might be too bright, but I can keep this dimmed." She brought her hand in front of her, the light moving to hover over her palm, "It's enough for us to be able to see by, but not blinding. Is it too bright for you, Imogen, or are you all right?"

[second_destiny]

Dammit. He didn't need a lecture. Maybe he had gotten a bit overconfident, but the explanation was not necessary. He climbed to his feet and created a beam dagger blade so he could see enough to dust himself off, then deactivated it.

"Wait. Let's get sight and sound working for us. I've got--where is--aha!"

One of the Zubat still remained. However, it flew past the others and started flapping around in circles over Asemu's head.

"We've got sonar now."

[bravenewmods]

((Please make a note on the Map/Wild Pokemon Page when intending to bond with a Pokemon so we can roll for a level and approve it. Additionally, while it is fine to bond with NPC'd encounters, in the future, we ask that you make your intentions known in advance.))

With everyone back together in one place, the danger, was, at least, mitigated. The flash of light that Lux throws at the Zubats that had homed in on Asemu is enough to send them stun them - upon the teleportation, they lose track of their intended victims, flit about, and return to their caves save for the one caught up in Ezreal's teleportation.

The rest of the flock chasing Imogen is caught up in the momentum of the chase and floods through the cavern. While a few flit around uncertainly, the majority will exit out the tunnels.

It seems they are safe for the moment.

The few Zubats fluttering about in the cavern will eventually fly back the way they came as well.

Scouting is a possibility. There are three potential paths up ahead - there is a glimmer of light at the end of the left path, the middle path abruptly flattens out in a sharp slope downwards, and the right path seems most affected by the earthquakes, being scattered with rocks and debris.

Thankfully there are no stalactites.

[indy_wannabe]

Now that he's had a minute to catch his breath, Ezreal is able to survey the paths.

"Light is pretty unusual down here, it may be a Pokemon but it may be something else. I'm thinking we should head that way."

[for_realsies]

"Whatever it is, let me check it out," Imogen took a few silent steps forward... then immediately came back to the group. "Keep your bat here."

Normally, as is standard practice for Delvers, you stay together. Imogen is always the exception for that lovely rule. She heads quietly and carefully toward the tunnel with the light. Eyes averted from the glimmer so she can catch the details in the rocks the others would miss.

[bravenewmods]

There are no stalactites, as previously stated, or anything else that looks like Pokemon in disguise. The way down this path seems relatively clear.

The light flickers now and then, as if coming from a lantern.

As Imogen watches, it will slowly begin to wane...

[for_realsies]

Imogen figured that she was far more trustworthy than the others when it came to sneaking down dark ominous corridors. Especially when Ezreal shouldn't be teleporting again anytime soon and any bright lights will just attract bats. This didn't even get to the idiot who decided to stand in a swarm of bats.

She'll go forward a little more and see why there was a lantern in this place...

[bravenewmods]

As Imogen sneaks down the hall, there is a not-so-distant roar guaranteed to make anyone's hair stand on end and a smashing noise.

The light winks out.

...She may also hear the distressed squeak of a few Zubat, which might give some satisfaction.

[second_destiny]

That can't possibly mean anything good. As quietly as he can, Asemu orders his Zubat to cautiously fly higher up and use its ultrasonic waves to map out the area ahead. Echolocation is going to be integral if they're about to be forced to fight in the dark.

"Guys? We'd better be ready to fight." He grabbed his hilts and got ready to activate his beam blades.

[ladyofluminosity]

Waiting on standby for a message from Imogen, Lux messed with her warp band a bit. She did not look at it, however, instead staring off at the light at the end of the tunnel, trying to make out her friend's figure in the dark and failing miserably. She didn't like them splitting up, even if Imogen could probably take care of herself.

That sound... The blond stopped, quickly summoning both Martha and Camille for backup. "...What was that?" The grabbed her staff, ready to rush in if need be.

[indy_wannabe]

"Trouble," Ez says. "Im, we need you back here. We're gonna have some trouble."

[for_realsies]

"If this is an attempt to be intimidating, it's very effective..." Imogen plays up her fear as a weapon, hoping the idea she's off her game will make whatever is here overconfident. Whatever it is wanted fear, for whatever reason. Or at the very least didn't care what it scared in it's activities.

"But we can be of use if you're in need, and we don't want trouble." But we will bring it if you insist.

[bravenewmods]

Zubat's ultrasonic waves fan out at frequencies too high for a human to hear.

...For a human.

An even louder roar will sound as Zubat's cries ring through the air. As it flutters past Imogen to map out what's ahead, it will be able to make out something very large and very unhappy in the middle of a cavern beyond the end of the tunnel. ...The creature turns now in the direction of Imogen and the Zubat.

"Rrrrrrrrrrrrr...."

Imogen and Zubat will see nothing for a few moments but a pair of legs. Then... a head swings down towards the tunnel entrance and an eye blinks for a moment.

That's all the warning they get before it lunges forward and smashes into the tunnel.

[for_realsies]

"Sky Dragon save us, WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT THE BAT!?" Imogen threw both her hands forward and sent a wave of darkness, to Quash whatever it was so the others had time to prepare. Not that this trick bought a huge amount of time.

And now she's getting out of that tunnel because they were in absolute trouble again. Thanks Bidoofus, Imogen did say not to do that! She made that clear!

[second_destiny]

"We don't know that's what -- dammit, this isn't the time, let's just get ready!"

The Zubat flew back past Asemu's head as he called upon Sielg. Immediately, the Koffing launched forward and expelled as much gas as it could, to obscure the vision of...whatever the hell that was. Then it, too, pulled back as Asemu swapped one of his saber hilts for his rifle.

[indy_wannabe]

"Savior what did you piss off!?"

Ezreal's going torun up to the others, bringing out Spark and Smasher.

[ladyofluminosity]

One moment, she was ready to run toward Imogen, then the next that... thing decided to say hello in quite possibly the rudest way possible. Scrambling, Camille squealed and jumped back, her partner in tow. Thankfully far more on top of things than the other two, Martha grabbed both by their collars, lifting them by her mouth and ushering them behind her and out of the way.

[bravenewmods]

Incredibly, the move Quash is actually quite useful here as the feeling of a tremendous weight momentarily stops the rampaging Pokemon's momentum in its tracks.

...There is about a 5 second relief while everyone brings out their Pokemon to prepare before it crashes through! The gas hanging in the air momentarily obscures its face; as it slowly clears, the enemy becomes recognizable...

A wild Tyrantrum has appeared!

In that moment of recognition, a gleam can be seen running up and down its body. ...The shiny Tyrantrum attacks!

With a roar, it lunges forward, jaws gnashing, at the spot where the group currently stands.

[indy_wannabe]

Gathering psychic power around his arm, Ezreal unleashes a powerful burst of psychic energy at the Tyrantrum's open jaw as it goes down to attack.

[second_destiny]

Asemu, meanwhile, unloaded two shots at its mouth from his rifle, then leaped out of the way. He used a burst of energy to further propel him.

"Supersonic!"

Zubat let out a series of sound waves. It was just one Zubat this time, so it didn't have the same effect on the party as the swarm earlier, which was fine -- Asemu just wanted to confuse the Tyrantrum.

[for_realsies]

Imogen had pressed herself to the back wall of the cavern so when the whatever it is busted through she could get behind it. A wicked gleam in her eye as they returned to their normal dark hue.

Wind was rustling her skirt, not like there was much natural wind in the cavern. It circled up her body gathering more pink energy and dust to it before Imogen launched the Fairy Wind at the Tyrantrum's back. Hopefully it can't focus on both parties at once.

She was so sad this wasn't a good time for diplomacy, because the big guy was gorgeous.

[ladyofluminosity]

It took her a moment before she could do anything, because, much like Imogen, she wanted to admire this gorgeous yet terrifying creature.

"Camille, help us out!" The Dratini stretching upward, it took in a deep breath, unleashing a fiery dragon rage at the Tyrantrum open jaws.

[bravenewmods]

Psychic blasts, gunshots, fairy winds, and dragon rages are enough to give Tyrantrum indigestion. Its jaws snap shut, and it veers away in disgust, choking up some flames.

The Supersonic strikes! The high-pitched sound once again incites even further rage from Tyrantrum; it's unclear whether or not it's confused, but its Stomps aren't exactly well aimed as it rampages around the cavern in a rage which seems to indicate success. Still, it's flailing around so much that the party remains in great danger of being crushed.

[indy_wannabe]

"Back! Give it space!"

Ezreal is going to fall back and away from the Tyrantrum, keeping his hand charged. He doesn't want to engage this if he can avoid it.