Depths of Corruption - Phansite Archive

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Hundred-S

Depths of Corruption

[A day has passed since the last ill-fated adventure. A lone crow caws from the branch of a leafless tree that overlooks the old town brought to the Nexus. A person in a dark green cloak slams the door of the inn behind them, muttering to themselves.]

Akamoto_Shinji

A man steps out of the wagon and enters the Inn, ordering a mug of....... Orange juice?

Hundred-S

"...Seriously? Orange juice?" [The cloaked person walks up to the man, holding some vials of strangely-colored liquids. Their mask looks a lot like a bird's face, complete with goggles and what seems to be a beak, and their clothes cover their entire body.] "I highly doubt you'll find that around here. We don't get too much trade from places that far away."

Akamoto_Shinji

*Sigh* How hard is it to stock.... Nevermind.... Pulls a glass of OJ out of his glass and slowly drinks it So plague doc, you have business with me? Or just here to mock my tastes in drink? He smirks

Hundred-S

"No business in particular, unless you happen to know where the person who hired me is. I've been meaning to ask him about payment for treating one of his little servants." [The plague doctor huffs, taking out one of the vials to examine the amber liquid.] "I did it without being directed to, but I need some compensation for the supplies I used up on that Kisaragi girl."

Akamoto_Shinji

Kisaragi? ..................... Ah. He begins thinking to himself Perchance?...... Expedition?......... Turns to the Plague Doctor Your best bet is the mansion. He's the one heading the movement from what I heard from asking the locals.

Hundred-S

"You know that girl? She's resting upstairs. But I digress. I'll be off for that man, although if you want to join in on these expeditions he's arranging, then I don't mind you tagging along." [The plague doctor gives the vial a small shake, then heads towards the door.]

Fujiwara_No_Mokou

Mokou walks into the inn and shouts at the barkeep "Hey barman! Gimme your finest brandy!" She then sits down at the counter waiting for her glass and looking at the other people inside

Akamoto_Shinji

Ah, Yeah, I'll join after finishing my drink. Focuses his attention on Mokou Yo, Aint seen you since..... Tournament? How's it hangin?

Hundred-S

[The plague doctor leaves in search of the Heir.] [The bartender stares at Mokou for a moment, then shrugs and pours her a drink. He roughly slides the glass over to her.]

Fujiwara_No_Mokou

Oh, you're uh.... wait who are you again? Anyway, i'm doin' just fine. I was getting bored so I went out for a walk and ended up here. *she catches the glass as it slides and takes sip* "Ugh, is this really your best? Man leave it to a backwater place like this to have bad alcohol"

(edited by Fujiwara_No_Mokou)

Akamoto_Shinji

Ah, right. Multiverse Shenanigans..... Akamoto Shinji, I know you, but you don't know me, a let's just leave it at that..... Though.... If you're bored.... I may know a way to put your resurrective immortality to good use. Interested?

Hundred-S

[The bartender seems a little agitated, but holds his tongue. Barely.] [The two are having a little chat. How nice.]

Fujiwara_No_Mokou

Oooooh it's you! I think. I don't remember you since you didn't stand out much. Maybe. But sure. If you need my help i'll gladly lend you a hand. If you pay me this drink that is *she gives you a mischievous smileq

Akamoto_Shinji

Sure. Drops a heavy bag of gold on the counter Keep the change Barkeep. I'll be waiting for you at the mansion outside when you're done. Chugs the last of his drink and heads outside

Hundred-S

[Outside, the hamlet is as dreary as ever. A pair emerges from the doors of the mansion at the top of the hill. One is the plague doctor from earlier, while the other person is a well-dressed man in a hooded cloak.]

Fujiwara_No_Mokou

Sure, i'll take my time enjoying this drink. I'll meet you there

Akamoto_Shinji

Shinji makes his way up to the mansion Yo. This where I sign up for the expedition?

Hundred-S

[The man nods, smiling a little.] "Indeed it is. I was planning to have the adventures here assemble today for the Cove, so the more the merrier." [The plague doctor cuts in.] "And I still get my pay, right?" [The man seems a little tired as he replies.] "Yes, you will. You'll also be a very valuable ally, as we haven't gotten a single person with healing capabilities..."

Fujiwara_No_Mokou

*after finishing her drink mokou casually heads over to the mansion looking for shinji*

(edited by Fujiwara_No_Mokou)

Akamoto_Shinji

Alright, Guess we wait till the rest of the party gets here? Sits on the ground and pulls out a book Healing is a necessity if done correctly. If done incorrectly.... well.... I guess it's still pretty useful.... He waves to Mokou before stuffing his face in the book

(edited by Akamoto_Shinji)

Fujiwara_No_Mokou

Hey! Here I am!

Akamoto_Shinji

Yo, Talk to the man in the fancy suit. He's the guy hiring us.

Fujiwara_No_Mokou

*she looks at the man shinji mentioned* Still hirin'?

Hundred-S

[The man nods, glad to have another willing helper.] "Of course. I couldn't possibly refuse in these circumstances."

Fujiwara_No_Mokou

Cool. Hopefully I'll actually die today!

Akamoto_Shinji

So, what exactly ARE the circumstances? Obviously the usual "Monsters are plaguing us! Kill them!" doesn't seem to apply here. Seems to..... Serious for that.

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Late as usual, the Rider walks over to the group, they have an old, tattered piece of red cloth flowing in the wind behind them. Probably think it looks cool. Regardless, they soon find their way to the group and cheerily exclaim Alright, I heard there were all sorts of cool adventurers around. I take it you're here for questing purposes too? Took me forever to find the tutorial area, but now that I have this game's working prety well

Akamoto_Shinji

................................. After thinking for a bit, Shinji responds to Rider Nice scarf, What drops it? Maybe I'll go grind for it later.

-Diego_Brando-

*Diego suddenly appears next to the rider* "I think I'm ready to do another quest."

Fujiwara_No_Mokou

Well this group doesn't seem weird at all... *she mutters to no one in particular*

Hundred-S

"You see, there's a curse-" [The man is interrupted by Rider's sudden arrival.] "...On second thought, it might be easier for you to see for yourself. Excuse me, mister... I don't know your name, but could you lead these people to the Cove? I gave Badu- the plague doctor- the bag with the map, so you can look at that if needed. It's a shame you lost the previous bag, but at least Kotori still had the key with her when she was found..."

Akamoto_Shinji

Koto-...... Ahh.. Ahahaha.. so SHE'S the Kisaragi you had to deal with. Haha, bet that was fun. Who want's to lead?

Fujiwara_No_Mokou

I will. Give me the map

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Rider chuckles and pats Shinji on the back I got this fabulous cape from the first boss, some weird zombie guy who made skeletons. But knowing how these games work he'll probably respawn. Don't worry about missing it. Now, the cove. Ah the cove, I remember that place. Visited it twice actually. Don't worry, I know the way. Rider would proceed to wave for the group to follow them before following an unnecessarily long and winding path through the wilderness, confident in their ability to traverse mapless

Fujiwara_No_Mokou

Yeah.... I don't trust that. Gove me the map and we'll get there for sure. I'm used to travelling throigh the bamboo forest of the lost so this'll be easy

Ruka_Maaka

*Ruka enters the inn* God, why does the Nexus consist of som many inns, cafÃ©s, what ever? Hey, do you have some Sake?

Akamoto_Shinji

Uhh... Yeah, sorry, I'll follow the one with the map. For safety measures... Shinji opts to follow Mokou

-Diego_Brando-

"I honestly don't care who leads the way."

Hundred-S

[Badu hands Mokou the map, and they set off.] --- [In the inn, the bartender gives Ruka a strange look.] "Sake...? Look, I don't know what that is, and we don't have it." [Out the window, Ruka sees a group of... diverse people. They seem to be going somewhere.] --- [Everyone ends up at the shore at the foot of a cliff. Even Rider made it, although a few minutes late. Waves crash against the rocky shore, which leads to the maw of a dark cave.]

Fujiwara_No_Mokou

Mokou enters without hesitation, creating luminous embers in the palm of her hands to light the way

Ruka_Maaka

What a strange bunch. What ever. Any other booze you have, bartender?

Quintus_Geminus

A young man is seen running put of the inn as he chases after the group. He seems shaky but tries his best to keep up with the others. Hold on a second, your not leaving without me!

(edited by Quintus_Geminus)

Akamoto_Shinji

Uhh..... welp. There goes any attempt at strategy.... Shinji turns to the others So, I'm a sniper, I do best at a distance, mind if I bring up the rear of the party? It should help prevent things from ambushing us from behind as well.

(edited by Akamoto_Shinji)

-Diego_Brando-

*Diego turns to Akamoto* "I don't mind at all, just don't get yourself hurt."

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Rider chuckles as they start to follow Mokou And you people doubted me. Told you I knew the way. Now th.... Rider notices Quintus running to catch up with the group, and stops for him Oh there you are.... Uh.... What's your username? I can't believe I didn't think to ask earlier. Regardless, you're doing pretty well. Glad to be questing with you.

Hundred-S

[The bartender mutters something, then pours some beer into a mug.] --- [Quintus reaches the others just in time for a little pep talk.] --- [As Mokou enters, they immediately notice the saltwater-soaked hallway. Bits of coral grow at the edge of the walls, and there's a stone structure with strange markings. There's also a bit of dried blood near the doorway to the room ahead. Fun.]

Quintus_Geminus

Quintus catches up with Rider and the rest of the group. He seems to be breathing heavy for a moment but soon recovers. He looks up at Rider with a smile. Username? Oh, right. You can call me Quintus or just Quin for short. Also, I'm glad to be questing with you as well.

Akamoto_Shinji

Follows the others, behind them all obviously Ah, right, introductions. Akamoto Shinji, Sniper and Reaper, Nice to meet you all.

Addalme

OOC: Can I join?

Hundred-S

ooc: The party, so to speak, is very full, although I think I might be able to handle you. Kind of crowded at the moment, though.

Fujiwara_No_Mokou

Huh, are we introducing ourselves now? I'm Fujiwara no Mokou.

Addalme

OOC: Another time then.

-Diego_Brando-

"My name's Diego Brando, but you can just call me Dio." *He points to the air behind him* "And this is my stand, THE WOR- oh right."

(edited by -Diego_Brando-)

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Nice to meet you Quin. You all can call me Rider, fastest that way. Now then, lets get this quest started. Sooner we're in, sooner we're out, and the sooner we get our loot. Rider poses, pointing towards the entrance of the cove, before running in themselves, soon coming upon Mokou

Akamoto_Shinji

?.... Well, Mokou, Dio, Quintus, Rider. Nice to meet you, it'll be a pleasure to work with you.

(edited by Akamoto_Shinji)

Quintus_Geminus

Quintus follows the Rider inside. He seems nervous but tries to remain confident. They've already done seemingly well before so they're hoping things continue going well. W-well, let's get to it then...

Ruka_Maaka

Huh? Beer, eh?

Hundred-S

[Now that the group has gotten themselves ready, they enter the cave.] [As stated before, coral lines the halls of this oceanic dungeon, illuminated by Mokou's flames. Dried blood is spread near what seems to be a large, stone disk with strange markings. Ahead is a doorway to a room.] -- [The bartender nods. He doesn't seem to be much for conversation at the moment.]

(edited by Hundred-S)

Fujiwara_No_Mokou

Mokou ignores the scenery and brazenly opens the door,thus heading to the next room

Ruka_Maaka

*Ruka pays for the beer and takes one sip, only to get a bit drunk. She really gets drunk with the smallest amount* W-wasn't that a bit too sssstrong?

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Man, We just got in here, and I've already found a ton of loot. Awesome. Well, its more like vendor trash, but still. Rider runs over to some of the coral near the walls and begins breaking it off, with the intent of selling it later. After a short while, they'd find their way to the weird stone and examine it, perhaps the markings are a clue? Ah... Runic whatevers. Those are always important. Its probably some kind of magic..... Is there magic in this game? I hope so, I wanna be a mage.

Quintus_Geminus

Quintus walks over to where the Rider stands and observes the stone as well. Magic, huh? Sounds like it'd be pretty annoying to learn though. Isn't the direct approach usually the better one?

-Diego_Brando-

*Dio just keeps following Mokou*

Akamoto_Shinji

Shinji also looks over the stone before joining the others, Keeping his eyes out for an ambush Hm?

Hundred-S

[Mokou and those that follow enter a large room. In the center is some kind of statue. An idol to a fish god? There is a hallway ahead, and one off to the side as well.] [Rider feels something magical, but it feels more like a curse. His body feels drained for some reason.] [Unlike Rider, Shinji and Quintus feel relaxed just observing the symbols.] --- "Or maybe you just can't hold your beer." [The bartender laughs.]

(edited by Hundred-S)

Fujiwara_No_Mokou

Mokou exams the statue, curious about what kind of legend this thing could be from.

Ruka_Maaka

Whut are yoo l-lauffing for?

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Rider does their best to store away the coral bits they stole. Unfortunately their suit doesn't have much in the way of storage space, and they didn't bring the bag along Who cares if its practical? Magic is super cool. I mean, who doesn't want to throw firebal... *yawn* fireballs around. It would be the best. Plus, its not like they'd ever make me actually learn any of it. Just a bunch of menu stuff.... A.... *yawn* anyways. I guess we should move on Rider slowly wanders to the other door, same one Mokou walked through. They close their eyes as they walk along, though of course its impossible for anyone around to tell.

Hundred-S

[An evil presence engulfs Mokou's soul... She feels as if her whole body is heavier.] [Poor, sleepy Rider.] --- "Yer just very easily drunk, that's all." [The bartender laughs again. He waves to another visitor to the inn. A jester, humming as he strolls in.]

Ruka_Maaka

I ssssupossse yoo are rite... *Ruka tries to concentrate and focusses on keepi g an understandable speech* So when you are drunk... You can talk off your soul very easily, right?

Akamoto_Shinji

So, which way? Ahead? Or taking a detour?

Quintus_Geminus

Quintus leans back on one of the walls as he gives out a passive reply. He holds onto his knife tightly as he looks over the blade in his hand. Whatever way everyone else is going. Whatever works works...

Fujiwara_No_Mokou

Hmm... I somehow feel heavier... maybe if I burn some fat it'll go? Well we'll see about that later. For now we have youkai to slaughter

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Completely ignoring the Statue, Rider bravely runs down the left hallway Everyone knows that the plot point is straight ahead. I'm going to go get some loot, I can catch up to you later. Its probably just a small hall with a chest or whatever. That's how RPGs usually work

Quintus_Geminus

Quintus sighs as he looks ahead nervously before following the Rider. Well, I'm gonna stick with what suits me best and things seem to go well as long as Rider is around. Come or don't, whatever suits the rest of you best.

Fujiwara_No_Mokou

Sure let's all follow the delusional one. I'm taking the other side if you don't mind.

Hundred-S

[Rider and Quin enter the left hallway, which widens into a larger room. In the center is a large oyster with something gleaming in its open shell.] --- [Badu nods and follows Mokou.] "I must agree. That man is not right in the head..." [They enter another room, with a barnacle-ridden device on the wall. There's a small keyhole in the top.] --- "Iiiindeed!" [Before the bartender can speak, the jester pipes up in a cheerful tone.] "You're an open book with a little alcohol!"

(edited by Hundred-S)

UnnamedRidePlayer3

SHiny detected, initiating greed protocol. Rider carelessly runs over to the oyster and reaches inside in order to take the shiny bit inside of it I told you there was loot. Talk about Genre Savvy. Looks like its just us again Quin, we'll catch up to and surpass those others soon enough. To the sidequesting go the spoils

Hundred-S

[As Rider's hand brushes against the side, the oyster slams shut, cutting into Rider's arm with its sharp edges. That's gonna leave some bleeding. And some hurt pride.]

Akamoto_Shinji

Blargh, phones suck, Shinji went with Rider and Quint

Quintus_Geminus

Quintus smiles nervously as he looks over the giant oyster from the sides. He seemed to have vague memories of oysters in most video games and something about not getting near them but he can't quite remember so whatever he must be thinking of must not be important. Instead, he takes the time to examine the rest of the room first. Seems like it always ends up just being us but we've survived so far so I think we're usually fine on our own. As long as we work together I doubt there are any enemies that can really hurt us too badly here. Just then Quitus notices the oyster slam shut and begins panicking before pulling out his knife. Seems like he finally remembered that thing about not going near oysters in games. He quickly runs over and tries to pry the oyster open with his knife by ramming the edge between the cracks of its maw.

(edited by Quintus_Geminus)

Ruka_Maaka

So. Would you believe me if I would say I am not human?

UnnamedRidePlayer3

THe Oyster slams shut, leaving Rider to make muffled grunts of pain. Fortunately, their other arm is free, which allows them to pull out their knife-like ride weapon, shift it to pistol form, and begin firing at the oyster Come on you stupid beast. Nothing gets between me and my loot. Especially not some overgrown shellfish.

Akamoto_Shinji

................... Yeah, it's a good thing we have a healer in the party.... Shinji helps pry the oyster open

Hundred-S

[Badu takes out a barnacle-ridden key from the bag and puts it into the device. It begins humming, and the plague doctor turns around.] "That was ea-" [They're cut off by something reaching out for them...] --- [The oyster is pried open enough to free Rider's hand, but it snaps shut once he's free, stubbornly remaining closed.] [A shout comes from back down the hall.] --- "Not human? You seem as human as I, lass! Although to be fair, a face like mine couldn't be human at all!" [The jester cackles at his little joke.]

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Hand now freed, Rider shakes it out, to shake off the pain, then sits down near the Oyster and waits These things are blind. It'll open eventually. Or if its a puzzle, it'll reset. I'm not getting bested this easily. This room HAS to have a purpose, and I'm going to find it, or my username isn't XxRiskyRider6666xX

Akamoto_Shinji

Right, shall we return to the other party? No point in sticking around here after all. That thing won't open back up till the dungeon resets, which will only happen after the boss is defeated. Shinji begins to head back to the crossroads

(edited by Akamoto_Shinji)

Ruka_Maaka

Well, have you looked at my teeth yet? *Ruka showed her teeth with fangs that seemed to be able to pierce easily through skin* You gotta keep it a secret tho.

Hundred-S

[XxRiskyRider6666xX waits patiently. The oyster waits patiently as well.] [Back at the crossroads, Shinji comes across Badu, who is slashing at a tentacle poking out of the doorway that they and Mokou had gone through.] "Out! Get out!" [The thing the tentacle belongs to doesn't seem to fit through the door, so it's probably fine... Speaking of doors, some of the wall has cleared away to reveal a secret passage, courtesy of the device.] --- [The jester's expression is unable to be seen behind his mask, but he snaps his fingers.] "You got it~ Guess you're as much of a freak as I am, eh?"

Quintus_Geminus

Quintus seeing as there is nothing more in the room decides to head back to the crossroads as well. Well, I guess I'll go to see how everyone else is doing for now. This oyster thing seems more like a single-player experience.

Ruka_Maaka

Freak? Hey, I am not a freak, especialÃ¶y if I were with my kind. But I have never seen one other than me...

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Rider waits for a solid two minutes before growing impatient and standing up. Crap, its probably in real time. Stupid MMOs. I mean... I could wait a while, but I'd probably fall behind doing that. Rider fires one last shot at the oyster's shell as farewell before they walk back the way they came Well, whatever it is, its probably not too valuable. I'll return to this dungeon another time. Come on Quin, we've got ADVENTURING to do.

Akamoto_Shinji

Shinji draws his Rifle, aiming it at the tentacle and loading a shock round Yo,calm down, it can't get us. Where's Fujiwara?

Hundred-S

[Badu calms down a little, lowering their knife.] "I... That thing... It got her. She's probably dead." [A hint of that cold, matter-of-fact tone comes back to their voice. They point their knife at the hole in the wall.] "We should hurry and finish this stupid quest." [The tentacle retreats, disappointed that its prey is out of reach.] --- "I guess so~ But even so, there's a lot of freaks around here. Some of us have nowhere to go, and some of us don't know where to go. So we end up here and get ourselves killed~" [He strums his lute with a cheerful hum.]

Akamoto_Shinji

Puts the rifle away Eh,don't worry about her, she's immortal. Though, depending on the type of tentacles those were, she might have a few kids next time we see her. He chuckles at his own joke The others should be here any second.

(edited by Akamoto_Shinji)

-Diego_Brando-

*Dio, who's still with the group, snaps back to reality* "Huh, what did I miss?"

Ruka_Maaka

*Ruka sobers a bit uo* killed by who?

Hundred-S

ooc: Your GM shall be gone for a tiny bit to c o n s u m e food. Don't blow the place up kiddos.

Ruka_Maaka

OoC: I will go to sleep now anyways. Good night.

Akamoto_Shinji

Turns to Dio Uhh, Rider almost got eaten by a shell, and Mokou is probably giving birth to a tentacle monsters babies right now, that's all that really happened.

-Diego_Brando-

*Dio just blankly looks at Akamoto for a few seconds and then talks* "...Alright then."

Akamoto_Shinji

Hey, that's life sometimes.

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Rider runs over to the hole in the wall Badu pointed towards, as brave as ever. Alright mister NPC man. Letâ€™s clear this quest and fast.

Hundred-S

ooc: I return [Well, the tentacle monster is gone. And the group is (surprisingly) together this time. A hole in the wall leads to their destination. Everyone ready? At the very least, Rider is.]

(edited by Hundred-S)

Quintus_Geminus

Quintus takes a deep breath before approaching the hole. He climbs through it slowly unprepared for whatever may come next. Let's just get this done. I've already had enough of this place.

Akamoto_Shinji

Shinji climbs through once everyone else has Hey now, don't go calling our healer an Npc, that's just rude.

-Diego_Brando-

*Dio climbs through the hole as well*

Hundred-S

[Our heroes enter the hole and head into the unknown. The tunnel seems to constrict around them as they struggle to keep their balance on the slick, rocky floor. Suddenly, the path widens into a massive cavern with a pool of water surrounding the patch of dry land they are standing on. From the depths, the bow of a ship breaks the water's surface. Two blue-skinned humanoids, bound to the broken ship by chains, drag themselves out of the water, while a third person in an important-looking hat rings a bell.] "AaL HaNDs On dECk!" [Their garbled cry causes a wave to push Shinji towards the ship, and a fourth humanoid splits from the ship, holding its anchor.]

Quintus_Geminus

Quintus looks at the undead crew with horror. Suddenly that horror transforms into anger as he faces the undead abominations. Something from within turns within him as if he's almost offended by the site of the unholy monstrosities. Why do the dead always have to wake back up? Quintus readies his knife as he tries to keep a distance. He notices the anchorman off to the side and decides to strike out at him first readying his knife before rushing the anchorman and plunging the blade into its head.

Akamoto_Shinji

Shit! Well, there goes my plan to hide in the cavern.... Shinji draws his scythe Good thing I have this....

UnnamedRidePlayer3

The captain is obviously the boss, since the others arenâ€™t doing much. We take him out first. Rider steps to the back of the group and points their weapon, still in pistol form, straight at the undead captain, firing a single round at him. Oh yeah, come to think of it. This looks like a wolfpack Boss. Maybe we should aim for all of them?

Akamoto_Shinji

Gotcha. Shinji switches to his grimoire and let's off a wave of flame in the enemy's direction

-Diego_Brando-

*Dio pulls out a fuel can from somewhere in his pants and throws it at the enemies* "Take this!"

(edited by -Diego_Brando-)

Hundred-S

[The anchorman deflects Quin's strike with its anchor, but still gets slashed across the face. The captain takes the shot, but the wound in his head mostly closes up. Flames lick the entire crew, and they wail in agony before a wave puts the flames out. The fuel can had added to the flames for massive damage.] [The anchorman yells something unintelligible as it throws the anchor at Shinji. The chain wraps around his body. He can still attack, but... It's suddenly incredibly hard to breathe, and salty air fills his lungs...] [One of the crew waves a bottle at Rider, splashing a vile liquid on him.] [Another pirate picks up a hooked pole from the ship's railing, and stabs at Quintus, giving him a nasty cut.] [Badu is preparing something, judging by the clinking of vials.]

(edited by Hundred-S)

Akamoto_Shinji

Aww come o-! He closes his mouth immediately and holds his breath as he fire's a bolt of lightning at the anchorman who seems to have it out for him

Quintus_Geminus

Quintus reels back as the poll stabs his side leaving a wide cut. He holds his side for a moment before turning his attention back onto the anchorman. He once again rushes at the anchorman this time stabbing at the arm it's using to hold the anchor down on Shinji. Just go back to being dead!

Phillip

In the distance, aboard a small wooden boat, is a strangely dressed man rowing along. Beside him is a maroon book labeled "Rowing". "Apparently this is good for your arm muscles! If Shotaro could have been here, we'd be working our way toward a proper team." Phillip glances off to the side and catches sight of the group fighting, but can't make out any specific details. "Ah, a waterside show? I know in certain times, many spectators would board naval crafts to observe shows performed on stage, to think I've stumbled upon one!"

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Rider isnâ€™t hurt by the disgusting liquid, not much anyways, but is somewhat insulted Oi!!! What if you hit the game? That... Actually, I guess it couldnâ€™t short-circuit itself... Anyways, uh... Wolfpack... Ah hah!! Rider has the genius idea of firing more than one shot. Wow. Now he fires one at each member of the crew, four shots in total.

Akamoto_Shinji

OOC: Philip is cute

-Diego_Brando-

"THE WORLD!!" *Suddenly, about 45 knives start flying towards the enemies*

Hundred-S

[The lightning bolt sends a jolt through the anchorman's body, and the gunshot distracts it long enough for its arm to be cut clean off. It dissolves into a pool of water as the anchor is pulled back into the ship. The feeling of water pressing around Shinji's body disappears with being freed from the chain.] [The knives strike, most of them hitting the ship harmlessly.] [The crew does not take kindly to the bullets, and the ghoul with the spear slashes Rider's chest with a screech.] [The ghoul with the bottle mumbles something and takes a drink of the stuff. He offers it to Quintus. Something about this is just disturbing.] [The captain rings a bell, signaling for the anchorman to come back as Diego is pulled forward.] [The stranger takes notice of what seems to be a ghost ship battle?]

(edited by Hundred-S)

Akamoto_Shinji

That's better...... Much better.... Shinji runs to the back of the group and loads 3 shock rounds

Quintus_Geminus

As Quintus tries to drive his attention away from the crewmember offering him a drink he notices that a new anchorman has been summoned and that Diego is already being pulled forward. I already know where this is going and I'm not gonna let you do that! Quintus strikes out at the new anchorman aiming for his head like the last one and hoping that this strike doesn't get deflected this time.

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Riderâ€™s Armor sparks as the spear rakes across them. They stumble back, trying to regain their bearings before firing a single shot at the spear crew member Are any of the others even doing damage? Looks like weâ€™ll have an easy fight after all. Lame.

-Diego_Brando-

*As Dio is being pulled forward, he smirks* "Idiots." *It looks like he's plotting something*

Hundred-S

[Shinji is getting prepared...] "Here it is!" [Badu's stalling paid off, and a vial is thrown at the crew, bursting into a greenish smoke. The crew groans, and the captain even coughs a little.] [The anchorman takes the shot right to the skull, but it heals up instantly as it throws the anchor at Diego. The chain wraps around him, and the scent of saltwater fills his mind. Claws at it.] [The spearman holds up the spear, but is too slow and gets shot in the chest. He thrusts the spear at Badu, who stumbles back from the blow.] [The ghoul with the bottle is too drunk to act.]

Akamoto_Shinji

Shinji hides himself and takes aim at the captain, slowing his breath and calming his mind as much as possible

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Hey, Quin, you know what we should do? Rider asks as they fire another shot at the spearman We need to think of a cool victory pose. For after we beat a boss. Maybe a catchphrase too. I dunno, something generic like "Game Over". Or something cooler like.... Uh.... "Sweet Dreams". Yeah, that might work. Rider jumps and laughs a little Oh, I've got it, I can say Game Over, you can say Sweet Dreams. That would be totally rad..... But we still need to think of a pose.

-Diego_Brando-

"Now!" *THE WORLD appears in front of DIO and catches the anchor* "Ugh, this saltwater smell is too strong."

Quintus_Geminus

Rinse and repeat I guess... Quintus decides to resort to his previous tactic and attempt to slice off the anchorman's arm once again. He holds his knife steady before burying the blade into the anchorman's arm. Let them go! That's, uh, an order from your captain! Quintus looks over to Rider while still trying to use the knife to cut off the anchorman's arm. A pose? Uh, I'm not sure if I've done anything like that before but the catchphrase thing sounds interesting.

(edited by Quintus_Geminus)

Hundred-S

[The spearman falls limp, only being held up by the chains. The crew member with the bottle stares at him... Then roars, picking up its comrade's spear and striking Rider with it. The "player's" HP is getting low...] [The anchorman tugs the anchor back, but in vain. It still gets struck on the arm. The captain watches all of this with a glare. He adjusts his hat and gives the order.] "HeAVe tO!" [With the inspiration from its captain, the anchorman tugs the anchor free, using its momentum to wrap the chain around Quintus. The boat shifts a little. Quintus can feel water pressing around him, making it hard to breathe. Water that isn't there threatens to burst into his lungs.]

Akamoto_Shinji

Gotcha. Shinji fire's off a shock round at the captain, aiming for the torso to get the best effect from the bullet Load out Shock Round *Fired* Shock Round Shock Round Shock Round

-Diego_Brando-

*Dio nods his head just as THE WORLD swiftly charges at the anchorman and tries to give him a devastating punch to the face*

Quintus_Geminus

Quintus falls to the ground as he becomes unable to move. The water slowly pressing against him as he gasps for air. It's cold...why does this feel so familiar? I-I...It doesn't matter. I just need to finish this quickly! He slowly tries to get up as he grips his knife and attempts to strike out at the anchorman's arm once again.

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Rider is knocked back by the blow... A display in their helmet informs Rider of their general condition T... Ugh, figures a boss would do that. An... It might not be a Wolfpack after all. J... Just need to focus down the captain then. Rider takes a deep breath.... They seem to be trembling a little? Rider steadies themself and fires a single shot into the captain Anyways. Yeah, a pose. For example. with my cool new cape, I could totally stick this knife-thing I've got into the ground and put one foot on it while my cape billows heroically into the wind. That sort of thing. You've gotta have something Quin.

Hundred-S

[The anchorman is nearly torn apart, but it stubbornly holds on, even as its captain's chest is riddled with bullet holes. The captain salutes, and the boat shifts once more.] "SeT saIL!" [With a strong push from the newly-promoted spearman, the chained ship plunges into the waters... dragging Quintus down with it.]

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Rider's helmet makes their expression unreadable, but based on them running over to the shore and firing randomly into the ocean, its easy to tell they're upset. GET BACK HERE WITH MY LOOT YOU JERKS. STUPID... CUTSCENES.

Phillip

Phillip stands up in his boat, taking a minute to not fall overboard. He claps with a smile of pure bliss. "Bravo! Not many live performances can boast these special effects! Too bad only two of the characters are really interesting to watch... I believe I could write a better performance, if I had the budget and crew!"

Akamoto_Shinji

Shinji prepares to fire, thinking this was the perfect time for a shock round, but remembers Quintus Shit.... He empties the bullets and loads his gun again Loudout: Frost Round Compression Round Frost Round Compression Round

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Rider takes a deep breath before turning to and addressing their spectator You know, this may not be particularly fantastic as far as RPGs go, but with all these super realistic graphics it really is ahead of its time. Mind you, I would appreciate more tutorials, and perhaps menus for the many items around, but at least it is interesting.

Quintus_Geminus

Quintus struggles feebly as the chains pull him down into the murky depths below. The cold of the ocean waters surrounds him as he begins to panic. In his mind he recognizes this feeling...everything growing colder and colder until it's all just numb. He wonders to himself why he remembers this feeling so well. Something stirs in his mind as he can feel what little will he has left being clawed at by the unforgiving cold.

-Diego_Brando-

*A distorted version of Dio's voice comes from THE WORLD* THE WORLD: "JUST DIE ALREADY!!!" *THE WORLD tries to swiftly punches the anchorman with its right hand four times*

(edited by -Diego_Brando-)

Hundred-S

[The anchorman, by some miracle, is struck by one of the shots. It looks up at the source, only to be punched right off the chain by a seemingly invisible force in the water. The chain loosens, and Quintus is free... but still at the mercy of the water.] [On the shore, Rider's treasure-seeking eye spots two glass disks on the ground. They sparkle with a magical aura. Perhaps this is the next part of the statue...]

Akamoto_Shinji

Badu! The hell are you doing!? Help us out somehow! Go grab Quint! Shinji focuses and aims again at the captain

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Rider immediately runs up to anything shiny, adventurer's intuition, and grabs hold of it, putting it away in some sort of pocket or another Does that mean we won? Shouldn't there be like, a congratulations or something? Startng to dislike this realism thing. Its weird. No excuse to be missing basic mechanics I tell you

Hundred-S

"A-ah, right! Dammit... I was too distracted with my own wounds..." [Badu snaps out of their daze and wades into the water, groping around for the boy.] [The captain gives Shinji one last glare as it sinks into the depths. Both it and its crew are headed back to Davy Jones's locker where they belong.]

(edited by Hundred-S)

Quintus_Geminus

Within the water Quintus' eyes open as memories of the past filled their mind and clouded their vision. All they can think of now is the dream...the eternal dream that'll never end. Quintus' body floats up to the surface of the water and begins to bob.

Phillip

Phillip takes a seat again, and crosses his legs to support his elbow which he props his head on in thought. "So the interesting one is dead, and the clever one breaks the fourth wall... I'm not sure how to assess this storyline... Maybe the interesting one will stay dead, that'd break the cliche!"

-Diego_Brando-

THE WORLD: "Ha, useless!!" *THE WORLD disappears*

Akamoto_Shinji

*Sigh* Shinji gets up, walks to the edge of the water, then aims into the air and fires 4 shots in respect At least you went down with your ship....... ........................... After a moment of silence, Shinji relaxes and turns to the others Welp, shall we go?

UnnamedRidePlayer3

After greedily storing away the plot-relevant items, possibly never to be seen again, Rider notices Quintus bobbing in the water Huh, wasn't an NPC after all. I should probably do something. Rider slowly wades into the water near Quintus and shakes them, to see if they're still alive. We never got to do our pose. I had a cool idea and everything. Dang it

Akamoto_Shinji

Shinji jogs up to Quintus and Rider Anyone know first aid?

-Diego_Brando-

*DIO walks over to the others* "Well, that was an intense battle."

Quintus_Geminus

Quintus' eyes blink a few time before looking around wildly. They begin mumbling under their breath. I don't want to see the masked man again. Year...centuries...how long have I been asleep? This dream will never end... They begin moving around as they slowly head towards the shore where they just seem to stand with their head held down. The cold...then the numb...the cycle is never broken...

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Rider continues staring at Quintus for a little while The helmet is giving their writer a hard time, unable to give facial expressions Uh.... Dude, are you ok? Is this info going to be plot-relevant? Dang it, I thought you were another player. how many NPCs could one game possibly need?

Akamoto_Shinji

Sighing, Shinji walks over to Quintus and uses magic to draw any excess water out of his lungs before speaking to him Hey, you all there?

Akamoto_Shinji

Also, Rider, what the heck gives you the idea that we're NPCs?

(edited by Akamoto_Shinji)

Quintus_Geminus

Quintus looks up to Shinji, his eyes wild and frantic. No, I will never be whole again. I can never be home again. Quintus grabs at his own chest in a panic as he begins breathing heavily.

Phillip

Phillip snaps his fingers, disappointed. "Aw, such a shame, but at least one of the more interesting characters is still alive."

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Oh, that much is easy blue-haired. Every game needs NPCs, its a basic part of their function. And none of you are wearing armor like I am, so obviously you can't be a player character. Rider shrugs, apparently totally unconcerned with Quintus's condition. After all, if they're not a person, there's no reason to be concerned Though Quin really had me going for a while. Kinda thought they just refused to turn the game on for some reason

Akamoto_Shinji

Shinji watches Quintus for a bit, Eventually deciding against smacking him back to his senses *Sigh* I ain't no therapist. But sometimes, going back home isn't as good as the place you find yourself. It's a matter of your own perspective.

-Diego_Brando-

"So, are we moving on?" *Dio looks kind of impatient*

Akamoto_Shinji

*Facepalm* So you're one of those nerds who missed the patch notes? Dude, the Armor hasn't been necessary for a while now. New update made them obsolete.

Quintus_Geminus

Quintus begins walking back out of the cover still muttering under their breath. Their eyes are hollow and they don't seem to respond any further.

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Rider simply laughs at Shinji. Patches, the first week? How ridiculous Look, I get that this might be a little quirky, but I don't think its a bad game by any means. Besides, shouldn't any patch notes be on the loading screen.... Actually, shouldn't there be a loading screen? Rider shrugs and begins walking back to the hamlet Whatever, weird design decisions, but that doesn't make them bad necessarily.

Akamoto_Shinji

Heh. You don't play many games do you? First day patches are pretty damn common my friend. Shinji follows

UnnamedRidePlayer3

First Day Patches are common for minor bugs and glitches, not a MASSIVE AND INTEGRAL MECHANIC. I mean, if you were gonna change your mind so soon, why even implement the automatic armor system? Ridiculous.

Phillip

Phillip continues watching, still hoping for some action. "I've never found background characters to be interesting, so far all I can gather is the person in armor, and his valiant squire, go on an adventure to fight ghost pirates! Everyone else accompanying him is fighting for selfish reasons, but the knight doesn't let it bother him!"

Akamoto_Shinji

Two words, new management. The creators management changed, and they implemented a patch because they hated the Armor system. Or do you think you're literally the only player in this game? Cuz that, my friend, is ridiculous.

-Diego_Brando-

*Dio's horse, Silver Bullet, charges in and Dio jumps on the horse* "Let's go." *They both follow the others*

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Maybe you'd have a point if there was a way to take off my armor without turning the game off, but there isn't. Wait, why am I arguing with an NPC? This game is really, really meta

-Diego_Brando-

"What's an NPC anyway?"

Akamoto_Shinji

Non-player Character, basically he's denying your existence. And have you even tried to take the Armor off?

-Diego_Brando-

"Well, I'm pretty sure that I exist." *He lays down on Silver Bullet*

UnnamedRidePlayer3

Of course I have, first thing I did was check my inventory. It can't be unequipped unless I turn the game off. Which, btw, is a totally weird feature. Oh well, none of my business really.