Dungeoneering in the Dark Depths (TCEL & Sanaki)

[TCELESBHSUP]

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Name: Mina "Aki" Kawa
Age: 23
Gender: Female

Stats (30 points to spend, max 10)
STR:8
DEX:5
CON:7
INT:3
WIS:4
CHA:3

Appearance: http://gelbooru.com/index.php?page=post ... id=2725848

Perks:
- This Axe of Mine: plus 2 DEX with axe equipped.
- Unfinished Encounter: +2 CON +2 DEX against any foe that went undefeated

Flaws:
- Bloodied Haunt: -2 STR against human undead foe
- Willfully Forgetful: -3 on all attempts of backtracking

Bio:Set in her ways of adventure and excitement 'Aki' left her old life to try her luck at becoming rich and famous, a path that reversed her starry-eyed dream into that of a horrifying night terror she could never escape from. A simple bandit raid, clear an church of its 'unsavory' new owners, monsters that had taken several innocents as hostages to ensure their immunity regarding the town's guard.

It was easy work the slobbering scum were to scared "coerced into it by their boss" they had all cried too scared to actually use the hostages for their first intention as she approached them, axe in hand; their boss was the only one left, cowering just like the others as she charged forth, however her swing was predictable and the boss was not the sniveling rodent she had pegged him for, pulling a kid forth her swing was too fast, her axe too heavy, while the leader fell so did the child staining her hands in a red that seemed darker than the rest, never did she expect she would slay an innocent, and neither did the town but they were quick to judge her for it.

From her horrible memories and that town she fled pledging that one day she would never let a child be put in such a predicament, never would their family be the only ones to grieve, her morals and principles set Aki sought redemption never turning away a job so long as a child was in danger, countless jobs and rescues completed with error she had built up a small-time name enough to garner the attention of a very desperate couple, their life of crimes had caught up to them stealing, murder, anything to get by and provide they did but when the guard came they had not been the ones taken, their daughter took the fall proclaiming the crime-spree had been her doing, and like all criminals caught, she was punished, parental pleas falling on deaf ears their daughter was cast into the pit a dreadful, mind-numbing maze that promised freedom for those who could escape, worried about their daughter's inexperience all hope seemed to be false masking only despair.

Unable to turn away the couple Aki agreed seeking out a rumoured hidden entrance it wasn't long before her wish was granted, weapon firmly gripped in hand she descended into the bleak darkness, if anyone was going to get through this it was her, as she rushed forward down the darkening, foreboding, the sound of the entrance she used closing behind her was all but lost among her panted breath and echoing footsteps.

Darkness. All you could see was darkness, and hear the sound of your own footsteps, your own breath escaping your lips as you descended the stairs into one of the darkest and most vile dungeons in the land. Criminals from all across the world had been sent here, and with good reason- once someone entered, it was very, very rare that they ever came back out. Only the most heinous of criminals were placed within these depths, with little more than the clothes on their back, to survive and find a way to escape in order to earn their redemption. Rumours had it that all sorts of vile monsters and demons inhabited this place, a result of an ancient kingdom's follies, yet they were merely that.

Right? It was simply a dungeon, with only one means of escape. A fabled room in the darkest and deepest part of the prison, supposedly containing a portal that set whoever passed through right outside. It would certainly explain why anyone bothered to keep a garrison outside- other than to open it for prisoners that needed to be tossed in and left to rot.

Eventually, you spotted the familiar, warm glow of fire as you progressed, and came to a large fork. The sounds of water dripping filled the air, as well as the occasional scratch across the floor- perhaps the scurrying of vermin. Large vermin, at that, by the sounds of it, though nothing out of the ordinary. You could head forwards, to your left, or to your right... But not backwards. Not the way you came. Upon the floor, you noticed that the fork surrounded a single, large tile upon the ground. It glowed as you looked at it, the runes lighting up and... Shifting.

WELCOME

[Sanaki]

The sound of footfalls accompanied by heavy breathing seemed to echo through the ebony halls, keeping one hand riding along the nearest wall Aki squinted in vain to see anything beyond the constantly encroaching darkness as she descended down a flight stairs, the rough stonework grinding against her gloved hand threatened to tear the fabric with every odd contour along the wall, the occasional rock seeming to ignore the material between it and her flesh making her hand beg reprieve, but she couldn't grant such a desire, it was her only life-line as of right now not to mention she had bigger problems, her lung weren't faring well the musty air was suffocating she could practically feel it in the air, like it was sticking to her, never before had she wanted to taste sweet fresh air so quickly, spending time here could drive one mad, befitting for a dungeon turned prison.

Feet eventually finding the landing with a light sigh her frantic descent turned into a light trot as she continued along the only path to follow, she had to pace herself, the stories of monsters, traps, and all manner of other terrors awaited her down here it would do her no good to approach them wheezing hardly able to even raise her axe, thumb tracing the pommel a glint of the metal caught her eye, fire? Cautiously approaching the lit source Aki had expected a group of some sort, human or otherwise, instead the only to greet her was the crawl of rats amidst drops of water.

Three paths standing before her Aki held her chin in thought, she had no way of properly knowing which path anyone took with the countless amount of others through picking up any sort confirmed direction was hopeless, she would have to rely on instinct as usual, after careful consideration, and the urge to move away from the every growing sound of rats, Aki moved her foot catching on a metal tile, the word 'Welcome' broadly and proudly splayed across the tile, with a snort of disgust at such humour in this hole Aki turned left following the path, the hand that once grind against stone now resting firmly on the hilt.

[TCELESBHSUP]

The left path is as dark and dank as you'd expect from this dungeon- you felt that you were at least thirty feet beneath the ground, based on the stairwell you'd descended to get in here, though the dungeon was far deeper yet. As you walk along the path, your footsteps thud audibly; boots were not exactly the best for sneaking, you note. Yet, you didn't trust the idea of taking them off, with the sound of vermin scurrying about.

Eventually, you come to a door on your right, where you hear the faint sounds of laughter, cheering and... Something else. Something more feminine. You weren't entirely sure what exactly the noise was, but there it was. Light shone dimly beneath the heavy oaken door, flickering merrily like that of flames. It was likely that monsters were beyond this particular door.

You could enter, or continue onwards, down the hallway. Of course, nothing was stopping you from going back immediately to take another path either.

[Sanaki]

Footsteps once more echoing far ahead of her the grip on her axe tightened, while she never usually took the stealthy approach to obstacles who knew how long this echo chamber stretched on for or how far her footsteps would carry till anything with working ears heard and sought her out, preparing to meet violent opposition was her best bet, though what that inevitable opponent could be was worrying, she had range with her axe but that mattered little if the monsters in this befuddling labyrinth were quicker than her.

Eyes flicking over to a depression in the rock walls with the outline of a threshold Aki slowed her steps to a crawl, beneath the door the flicker of light by fire spread out into the hallway, this time accompanied more than just the crackle of fire, cheers and conversation, were this not a dungeon of horrible mutations the sight and sound would be welcoming, like many a tavern that stood above ground, a place where Aki spent many a coin simply trying to forget; but here was neither the time nor the place to think of happier times, with high-strung mind and a shaky hand she gripped the handle, giving the door a slight push she grimaced as it moved, she'd rather to pull but she had no choice, slowly inching the door in adrenaline coursing through her already readying her fight or flight instinct Aki did her best to peek in, best to not enlighten what doesn't know she even exists, holding her breath she prepared for the worst.

[TCELESBHSUP]

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

WIS roll: 4 + 2 = 6 (Fail!)

As you push at the door, your will falters, fear getting the better of you. Your hand shakes more and more as you push it forward, and you hear a light tinkling noise- a bell, positioned above the door, which would be struck by the door swinging inwards. You fail to still yourself in time, pushing the door far enough to cross the threshold, and the bell jingles merrily. A few eyes turn towards you, yet nobody really seems to pay you any mind. Within the room is a blazing hearth, the place looking much like a make-shift sort of tavern. Goblins, kobolds, orcs and... Humans, strangely enough, seemed to be getting along in here; likely due to the obvious amount of liquor, food and merriment. Men and women alike, mostly all humans, danced upon platforms for those that watched. And, you noticed in the darker corners of the room that there was movement under certain tables, where others sat.

Strangely, you find yourself drawn to enter, despite some very intimidating figures being in the room with their weapons in hand, eyes locked right on you as they postured. Maybe they were friendly, but maybe not. All you knew for certain is that you weren't being attacked yet.

[Sanaki]

Body braced against the door Aki slid her feet over the stone trying to keep her movement as slow as possible but every part of her was shaking, keeping this pace was agonizing she wanted to charge in, take them by surprise not peer in and risk being spotted but she suppressed the urge, she had already learnt the lesson of charging in recklessly. She was about to lean forth to peer inside when the wood struck metal a soft *ting* signaling her of the presence of a bell, of course they would have an alarm system in place, her breath caught though, her body lurched, with her foot catching a protruding rock her body weight continued opening the door, the cheery light ringing of the bell creating a welcoming tune, but for Aki it sound like death as she broke into a cold sweat.

Wide-eyed in terror Aki quickly scanned the room, one, two, four, how many were there!? as her eyes took in more of scene and no monster made a move to strike her frantic heart slowed however the rhythmic pumping of her heart still pounded away in her ears all the same, this place more like the taverns she frequented rather a cave hollowed by monsters, she'd believe it to be a trick of the mind if not for her frequent blinking and eye-rubbing, from the guards, to whom she challenged with her own glare, to the dancing shadows, which she'd rather not investigate too closely, it was too much like a regular room for to feel even remotely comfortable, but with how many patrons the place held starting a fight would wind up more than she could possibly dream of handling; perhaps if this farce of a bar insisted on upholding its facade she'd play along until one of these many unruly creatures gained the bravery or even the notion to try their luck in combating her, until she had an excuse to lop the heads of such foul beasts she'd treat this place of peace as she would any human-run establishment, which always involved taking to the bar-keep themselves.

Avoiding any close contact with the animals that pretended to play civil she waited for the owner of the bar to make their appearance, until then she mauled over the question swirling with her mind, such animals had built an establishment here, was this labyrinth merely a front of a branching town or city? no that was wishful thinking, that would mean people could easily escape, which would mean she would've never been offered this chance, perhaps there was other methods besides the monsters keeping them here? Aki shivered at the thought of dealing with anything her axe couldn't cut, perhaps she had more questions about the labyrinth then just navigation for the barkeep.

[TCELESBHSUP]

Your glares were primarily met with sneers from the guards- who consisted mostly of burly goblins, it seemed like, though a few of them simply smirked and winked. Ugh. How vile they were... How could you possibly be interested, and what in their mind made you think that they stood a chance with you, let alone against you? It was doubtful that they'd even fought someone as skilled as you in combat, or someone quite as well armed.

As you approach the bar, a figure pops up from beneath it. A drow, it appeared- a very handsome and sharply dressed drow male, at that. Dark skin, short white hair, violet eyes, and a charming smile... Almost enough to make you swoon. "Hail." He spoke, his voice rich and lustrous. "Something tells me you haven't been sentenced to the depths like other humans. Pull up a chair regardless. Don't make trouble, and we won't trouble you. This is neutral ground."

Neutral ground...? If that was true, then it'd explain why everyone was getting along here. Though, now that you were in the 'tavern' and could get a proper look around, you found that there were most definitely tensions brewing between certain races. "My name is Kelafein. What brings a pretty thing like you into this horrible place, mm? I can't imagine you wanted to see the scenes..." He leaned over the bar slightly, his eyes locking on yours. You could get lost in those beautiful, vibrant eyes of his...

[Sanaki]

Though positive she had scanned the majority of the bar for whatever monsters this alcove held the last place should would expect a potential threat to, literally, pop up was the barkeep's choice of location, hand already wrapping around the shaft of her axe it took every ounce of will to force her muscles to not move upon their own accord, she made this mistake before, she shall not make it again, still what could a demon of the dark abyss possibly have beneath the counter? More curious was to how this monster could be so appealing to the human eye, perhaps even handsome could be applicable to this thing, however a monster was a monster no matter how pleasing, pushing her crazy imaginations aside Aki sat upon the offered chair face still twisted in a scowl.

Listening to the constantly prattling of the drow Aki could only roll her eyes before offering a retort with a snarl "I sentenced myself to this rocky maze, on a mission, not that it should concern you, however i do have some use for you, i have inquires of this place, for example you deemed this congregation of beast neutral ground? do other places such as this exist deeper within in the caves? and what purpose do they serve if not merely various watering holes?".

As she spoke Aki's eyes continued to flick around the room still suspecting an attack, though that was only when her eyes had not connected with his, they held a certain fascination one that made her stomach twist in disgust, keeping her eyes locked elsewhere on the barkeeper's face she leaned back for every inch he leaned forward continuing her questioning Secondly if you have a map of some sort i would like to request it for the time-being, i'm looking for someone however i'd rather not wind up in some sort of dead-end if faced with any real opposition, though i doubt such exist if such weak-looking creatures are this place's 'guards' it wouldn't take much for this neutral ground to become a battleground." hands still resting upon her axe's grip she cracked her neck, simply waiting for an answer as she examined the room once more, she'd rather not catch any stray eyes resting upon her, however it could tip her off if any patrons planned to strike at her once she vacated the scene.

[TCELESBHSUP]

"Now, now. Have some manners, dear. If you want information, you have to play along- be thankful that my assistant isn't behind the counter right now, else you'd have likely had your skull split open." The drow seemed all too amused by your feisty attitude. "Even if we try to get along here, we don't appreciate people getting too big for their boots. I'm sure you understand. Even we have some modicum of civility in these neutral grounds- which, yes, there are more of. Few and far between, but there are. Of course... We won't impede 'justice', if you happen to aggravate any of the locals by, say, killing their kin." Seemed he was giving you a basic run-down of the 'law' around here.

The elf leaned back at your inquiry towards a map, frowning. "... No, there isn't any maps. Believe me, there have been many a 'brave' soul- typically kobolds- who have tried to map this place. However, any attempts at recording a map tend to end in failure. Either by those brave souls being killed, or by them ending up something's plaything for the rest of their lives. Most don't take well to others invading their territory without their permission, understand?" You felt he was holding something back there, but... Bah, he probably wouldn't share, no matter how talkative he seemed. Even if you could listen to him talk for hours. He had such a lovely voice.

As for the others? They didn't seem to mind your presence. Sure, a few eyes still rested upon you, though they didn't seem aggressive. More curious, really, considering how well-armed and armoured you were in this place. You doubted anyone was better equipped than yourself in these depths. "Care for some advice? Or a drink? Or would you rather leave us 'monsters' as soon as you can, miss...?"

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

WIS Roll: 5 + 2 = 7 (Failure!)

You find your eyes locked upon his once more in an instant, somehow, and his words sink into your mind once more. You felt yourself quiver a bit, your loins heating despite yourself, as the handsome elf speaks to you. (-1 LP) You couldn't help but instantly give your name- perhaps a bit too fast, to the charming and beautiful male before you. "... Mina? A pretty name. One I hope to hear again soon enough, my dear."

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

HP: 13/13
LP: 11/12

[Sanaki]

Leaning back into the creaking seat Aki crossed her arms begrudgingly taking in the information that was being painstakingly explained to her allowing her mind to wander making snide comments whenever the topic of strong beasts arose, as if she could lose to such a sorry bunch, these weren't threatening creatures but rather useless sport, things you threw into a bloodthirsty Colosseum so that low-ranking fighters may stage horrifying acts of strength permitting them to crawl through the ranks to where actual opposition would wait. Listening to the end of the bartender's high praises of what they called guards, Aki couldn't help but roll her eyes while muttering to herself "Isn't assuming your assistant is competent enough to strike me getting a little too big for their boots?" though she would desire nothing more than to put such useless prattling in its place she locked her observation to the armour upon her shoulder, she didn't want to make eye-contact with the elf anymore than needed she felt shame from looking anywhere but the beast's as if he was above her in some method, but his eyes, they confused her made her feel lost but an endless expanse it was a frustrating predicament.

Next came her second inquiry as she focused her gaze on his cheeks, anywhere but his eyes, she'd fake deep thought with her eyes closed if she wasn't certain one of the fiends behind her would take such a opportunity to run her through with a sword, she'd have to remain vigilant for this piece of information, the maps, supposedly lost within the labyrinth itself, products of kobolds that wound up dead or worse, still it gave her what little knowledge she needed, if she could find enough fragments of uncompleted maps she could piece them together herself, she could be cut out wandering the pit in half with that in hand.

With a side goal in mind Aki and begun to rise from her seat before the elf continued his chattering the prospect of knowledge and drink was tempting, though partaking in any form of demonic alcohol would spell disaster, reluctantly she sat back down may as well garner as much knowledge of the depths as possible , as she rose her head to give her answer she made the mistake she swore not to perform again, a glint in his eyes caught hers and before she knew what to say her lips spilled forth her name to the creature, realizing her foolish act, her hand tightened upon her axe handle to the point where is would leave and imprint should she let go, his eyes contained some sort of magic, the urge forcibly remove them from his skull chanted within her mind as her lips peeled into a snarl, leaving her open hand to grip the wooden armrest she spoke as calmly as her hatred allowed, to think such a beast would be privy to her real name, the embarrassment alone could slay her "If your lips are truly that loose then spill what you know, though i'd rather know what spell your eyes hold so that i may never fall for it again." as she spoke she made sure her eyes never glanced anywhere near his face lest they take hold of her again.

[TCELESBHSUP]

"Spell...? Oh, right. Sorry about that. Drow have the 'unfortunate' and uncanny ability to charm others with their eyes. It's an innate magic that we hold. Sadly, I can't exactly turn it off. Not as far as I know, at the very least." Kelafein confessed, drumming his fingers lightly upon the counter. The male soon leaned back, before fishing for something from under the counter. Two glasses, and a bottle. He filled one, keeping it for himself, leaving the no doubt alcohol-filled bottle and glass before you. A drink was tempting at this time, to calm your nerves some. Even inebriated, you could probably take these savages in a fight. "Here. Have this. Or don't, I don't particularly mind; it's your choice, after all. What else do you want to know, miss?"

Apparently, he wasn't too intent on using your name, much to your comfort. The fact that he knew it still bothered you, but it was tolerable that he wasn't going to call you by it. Looking around, you find that none of the beasts are paying you any mind at this point, save for a single guard. Just a goblin, but you weren't sure what his gaze meant. It didn't seem hostile, but it didn't seem entirely friendly or safe at the same time. Wary, perhaps? No, you'd recognise that... What could that glint in his eye mean?

Apart from that one goblin, however, you notice two groups of some interest. A small band of orcs, no stronger than five men, seemed to be discussing something of clear importance (at least, to them), well-armed and armoured- almost as well as yourself. Where did they get such fine steel? Perhaps there was a blacksmith down here? It'd be nice to know, in case of you either misplacing or damaging your own equipment. Beyond that, you see a pair of what you assume to be mages- one looking like a busty human woman, and the other a (gaudily-dressed and frankly laughable) kobold, playing some sort of board game. Whenever their pieces met, they engaged in a duel, striking each other down after a bloody bout. Interesting little spectacle, at least.

[Sanaki]

Aki's brow furrowed to the drow's answer, an innate magical ability to charm those around them from simple eye contact, how disgusting, befitting such a lowly creature, no doubt a product of generations of cowardice when faced with opposition, instead of fighting they took to flight looking to weasel their way out of whatever unpleasant situation they fell into, yet it served as a bridge for Aki to further ponder the abominations of the labyrinth, perhaps other beasts held such hidden magic within their genes waiting to unleash it upon the unsuspecting. Her unpleasant musings were broken by the sound of the bottle being set on top the counter, a drink, one she didn't care for, retched swell undoubtedly laced with some form of poison that only mutated monsters within this suffocating confinement could guzzle down, meant to trick her into an early trip to down to the land six feet under, or perhaps she is simply still high-strung, if her paranoia proved to be just that the drink could help, needing to be in peak physical form to fight here was a joke.

Undecided upon the liquor Aki peeked over her shoulder to take a new survey of her surroundings as she spoke "Any other 'magic' you'd care to enlighten me on?", it appeared that the patrons had either been intimidated by her or knew better than to prolong their gaze, all except one, a puny goblin guardsman who regarded her with a look, one that confused her, a suspicious glint rested within his eye, years worth of combating thugs and resting at seedy inns taught her the all the looks she needed to know from malevolence to guarded, much like the creature itself the gaze disturbed her, turning back to the bartender she gestured with her thumb towards the nosy little critter "Your goblin furniture piece is eye-balling me, is his grimy gaze something all clientele must endure or am i receiving an unwelcome signal? despite her attempts to act what these low-life monster called civil/subservient her voice dripped with disgust.

Looking elsewhere a randy bunch of orcs intrigued her, their armour was also worthy of contesting hers, more importantly it was fitted to their frames so the plausibility of it once belonging to a different owner that ventured in here was impossible, narrowing her eyes towards towards the group Aki chose to speak low least they managed to hear her "Are aware of a blacksmith here? those orcs have a unfitting quality to their armour, what possible currency is run down here?"the chance of there being a competent blacksmith was worrying, it could spell some very nasty encounters with armed horrors, though that depended on the common beast's ability to wield a weapon.
Nearby the game between mages was...interesting to say the least she was never much of a competent board game player, her opponents always seemed two steps ahead of her not matter what the game, yet the magical figures fighting to a bloody end was 'enchanting' though the thought of encountering spell-slingers in the maze sent an shiver through her, nothing she had to question though, besides the kobold's sense of fashion.