[Aylasa Caves] Spelunking We Go! (Full)

by **Radiant** on October 3rd, 2013, 7:16 pm

OOC Info :

Near the Sacred Arch Hotsprings just outside the Main Gates, Early Morning, 45th of Fall 513 A.V

A group of people were gathering just beside the Sacred Arch Hotpsrings, adventurers and hunters by the look of their equipments. The Valini merchant house was funding an expedition to explore the Aylasa Caves, all adventurers were welcome to participate if they shared some of the treasures they could find in the Caves.

A portable desk and a scribe could be seen, taking notes and registrations of every hunter that wished to take part in the quest. A newcomer should talk with the man first before participating. He went by the name "Tasmor".

by **Roderick** on October 3rd, 2013, 7:21 pm

The air was feeling a little brisk that day, so Roderick decided to go for a little bit of a wander, heading down towards the hotsprings; he'd only been there once or twice, and so the feeling of having to make his way around all the different people that were gathered together there was an odd one, despite having the constantly fight his way through the crowds in Syliras - it must have been something to do with the Woods normally being quiet; whenever he was out here he was normally on his own. All the same moving around here involved similar difficulties to the ones he found in Syliras. As he was going along he heard someone mention a chance to explore a cave, with some merchant family of some sort funding an expedition down into a nearby cave system. Interested he had listened in on the conversation, casually checking his nails so nobody would notice him. After he'd gotten a vague idea of where he needed to go he set off, wandering aimlessly for a while before he finally caught sight of the scribe and his desk.

Making his way past proved a little difficult. It seemed fate was conspiring against him and he took to pushing his way past people so he could get by; at one point he damn near fell over a portly woman that seemed set on being in his way. With a rude comment and a shove he passed by her, scowling. She snapped angrily after him but he ignored her and kept going. When he reached the desk he gave the scribe a nod, then introduced himself and asked for his place in the hunt.

by **Noaru** on October 3rd, 2013, 9:39 pm

“ The humans are gathering their things, to do what?”

Noaru stared curiously at the crowd of men and woman; he kept his distance ensuring that he would keep the element of surprise in his favor. He couldn't help but believe the humans were going to do something out of the ordinary and he wanted in on the escapade. The spirit figured he could use some adventure, he had been inactive for quite some time and for the first time in his life...he was starting to feel bored. Noaru could feel a bit of excitement in the air, folk in the crowd had looks of glee and wonder which riles the spirits already curious mind even further.

Noaru notices a young man walking through the thick crowd. He watches the young man, as he momentarily vanishes from his sight amongst the crowd of people and reappears in front of a small desk with a scribe sitting down behind it. The spirit mimic‘s what he sees Roderick doing and levitates above the crowd, only to materialize in front of the desk and have the scribe stare at him oddly. Noaru made sure to keep his appearance as one that was welcoming and calm, he did not wish to have a spiritist or some other hooligan hunting him in the woods.

Noaru gave the scribe a nod but didn't what say, he looks down and notices a piece of paper. He figured the paper was used to gather names of people or objects, maybe to write something else? Noaru didn‘t know but he points to the paper and asks that his name be place there.

“ I ‘am Noaru. I wish to have my name signed here please.”

by **Shiyami** on October 3rd, 2013, 10:00 pm

OOCSorry, I was going to just watch this and read, until I saw 5 PCs. Big quest, big quest! DLC! DLC!

Shiyami floated around -and sometimes through- the trees of the forest, partially against his own will. He was half led blindly from the heart of Bronze Woods, by the smaller ghost who held his hand with much more force than what a ten year old girl should have. With the little girl holding his right hand, and his left hand Sighing, Shiyami finally couldn't stay quiet. "Where are we going, Kimi?", he asked carefully. The only answer he got, was a small grin, filled with mischeviousness. Feeling none the better, Shiyami could do nothing except to be lead on the whim.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity -half a bell-, they reached the Sacred Hotsprings. And it seemed they weren't the only ones here. A crowd of other people seemed to have congregated to this location, for reasons unknown to Shiyami. "Adventure~! Caves~! Explore~?", Kimi said, dispelling any confusion the older ghost might have. Shiyami frowned, already predicting the main reason why he was brought here. "No, I will not bring you places with possible dange-...", starting to scold, before seeing the puppy eyed look on his adopted daughter's face. The Look of Doom..., he thought miserably to himself. Sighing heavily, he shrugged his shoulders in resignation, before walking -dragged- over to the scribe that was writing down the names of the adventurers.

"Hello there. I am Shiyami Toten...", here he was interrupted by a small poke to his side. "...and this here is Kimi. Is this where we sign up?", Shiyami finished introducing to the scribe, having absolutely no idea exactly where the caves to be explored were located.

Shiyami

by **Ethan Ironhorse** on October 4th, 2013, 3:37 am

When Ethan had heard about the Valini merchant house receiving funding to go and explore the so called Aylasa Caves, Ethan thought it was a dream come true. Since he was a boy he had heard about how the Caves had been used to keep the survivors safe during the Valterrian. Granted in the Great Bazaar, they were certain street vendors that claimed to have maps or babbles from the caves. Either the brave or stupid attempted the journey based on maps sold for a silver, but somehow Ethan didn’t think the Valini merchant house bought a silver miza map and was leading people to their deaths. No, this expedition wasn’t about some explored cavern or half crazed drunken tale. So Ethan packed up his normal gear in the backpack along with sharpening stone, healing salves, a couple pair of clothes and then put on his armor.

The leather armor had started to become slightly worn since he was practicing in the pit with it. Wear at locations where his arms rubbed against it, as well as sweat stains had started to set in the armor. Ethan had done his best to keep it clean, but life and training had started to tarnish the armor.

Clasping the buckles to his breast plate, Ethan continued and picked up his helmet. He looked at the arms and legs pieces and thought about having to climb and move in a cave, shaking his head, he left the pieces behind when he snapped on his helmet. Ethan continued by picking up his spatha sword and dagger, he realized just how much of his precious armor he would be leaving behind. When he first bought the armor and weapons, Ethan thought about having to try and travel to Zeltiva and the dangers of the road. Now he was looking with experienced eyes and thinking about how much protection would he have and use in a cave. The spatha sword was a bit longer then a short sword, but less so then a longsword. The dagger could always be used in the caves. His steel shield and additional armor would weigh him down, but he would be taking his armor gloves and vambraces, protecting his hands were important, especially if something was going to bite him.

With a sigh Ethan looked around the room for items that he might have forgotten. Looking down at the small tiny five figurines of Gods and Goddess, Ethan rolled them up in a shirt and packed them away in his back pack, careful of placing them so that they wouldn’t break. The figurines were nothing more than small pieces of wood crudely carved, but Ethan paid them homage and hoped that the one day the Gods and Goddesses would help him out of trouble. Looking over the apartment, Ethan ate a heavy last meal that was left in the pot on the hearth. It was going to take several days to explore the caverns and Ethan didn’t want to burn what little food he had. Setting out early in the morning, Ethan felt like he was heading out to Pits to start his early morning routine, but instead Ethan went past them and out to the hot springs.

Ethan had journey out beyond Syliras walls to do work as a farrier in fields and at outposts. However, this was the first real time, he was going to head out to wilderness and was slightly excited and terrified at the same time. Ethan headed down to the desk and waited as the man and girl infront of him had the scribe write their names. Ethan was surprised that a girl would be joining them in the caves, when Ethan thought about the danger in the wilderness. Ethan went up to the scribe and wrote down his own name, smiling Ethan said hello to the scribe known as Tasmor trying to look like someone who knew his business. Then he went over to the father and daughter, “Ummmmmm, Sir, your daughter isn’t coming along with us is she? I don’t mean to question you, but I understand that the Aylasa Caves are dangerous…” Ethan felt horrible about questioning someone on their parenting skills. Yet if the little girl died then Ethan would feel even worst.

However, now that he was closer to the child, Ethan saw as if the light around her was becoming… soft or frayed. She flickered a little bit now that Ethan was paying attention and he began to get the feeling that his concern and lack of attention to the couple in front of him, lead him to say something quite… stupid.

by **Aoren** on October 5th, 2013, 4:03 am

Opportunity seldom just knocked.

It usually banged on the door. At least for those with the mind to notice. Aoren would have had to have been quite oblivious to pass up the opportunity that was knocking on his door now. Metaphorically speaking of course. Earlier in the season he had agreed to go on an expedition into the Ayalasa Caves with a certain blacksmith. The logistics of spelunking were beyond Aoren's grasp on the art of cave diving and he'd been hesitant to undertake the expedition with just the two of them. At the chance to go on not only a group effort but one funded entirely by someone else, well it would seem that Avalis herself was guiding him in the direction he needed to go. He offered up a silent prayer of thanks to his patron goddess in thanks for the chance.

Aoren was dressed much as he always was. His attire reflecting his disciplined mindset. A travel robe, a leather vest underneath which was a plain linen shirt, leather pants tucked into knee high boots. In his right hand was his trusty quarterstaff. Upon arriving at the hot springs he was not surprised to find a small gathering of people. All of whom he guessed, and rightly so, were intent upon taking advantage of the merchant prince's generosity. There were men and women there from all different walks of life. He could see what looked to be veteran cave divers, would-be adventurers, scholarly archaeologists, and a few gruff hunters.

"Is there room for one more on your expedition?" Aoren rest his quarterstaff against his shoulder fixing the scribe with a largely impassive expression. Glancing around he noted that there were a few familiar faces amongst the crowd. The blacksmith, Ethan Ironhorse being one of them.

NoteNot my finest work. I wanted to get my post up before the spot was filled!

by **Radiant** on October 16th, 2013, 7:36 am

The scribe wrote each of the names, three ghosts, one all black and moody, one looked like a young man doted around by a little girl. Peculiar, but Tasmor was not one to question, if they were interested and didn't cause any trouble, then by all means. They were already dead anyway, no risk of fatality and no clean-up required. The Valini merchant house didn't promise the expedition would be safe, only a fool would believe exploring a pre-valterrian cavern complex to be safe.

Three men were also registering. Good, whatever their motivations were, gold, glory, excitement; they would all serve well to further the needs of the Valini merchant house. The expedition was a ingenious idea by Mr. Valini, he could attract volunteers instead of hiring them, less costly and less hassle caused should it went awry. They were not forced to participate after all, they should know the risks.

It would be some time before the carriages that would carry these voluntters to arrive. Also, one of Valini's experienced guard, a man named "Argen", would be leading the expedition.

OOCAlright, feel free to make groups and introduce each other.

I'll give you guys two rounds of rotation before my next reply. The turn order would be Roderick -> Noaru -> Shiyami -> Ethan -> Aoren

by **Roderick** on October 16th, 2013, 8:14 am

While he waited for his submission to be accepted or refused, the hunter turned about and watched as a number of others steadily introduced themselves to the scribe, so that they might join the expedition into the caves. The first to come was a disturbing specter that introduced itself - himself, really - as Noaru. Blackness seemed to permeate the air about the ghost, sending Roderick's mood into a downward spiral. Dragging his eyes away from the grim sight, he focused instead on the next entrant, seeing a pair of familiar shapes drawing near. At first the hunter was sure he was seeing things, so he blinked one or twice in the hopes of clearing away anything that had covered his eyes. No matter how much he blinked though he knew the ghosts would still be there. What had been the boy's name? Shiyari? Shiyamu? No, Shiyami - that had been the name.

The grim boy - in truth a far older being than the hunter - seemed to be suffering - in as much as a ghost could suffer - because of the young girl he was with, who led him along by the hand towards the scribe. It seemed that no matter what Shiyami did the girl was determined he was going there, so eventually the old ghost decided to go along with things and sign himself up to take part in the expedition., with a little girl leading him along by the hand. Stepping - floating, rather - forward, he said, "Hello there. I am Shiyami Toten...", the girl prodded him, "...and this here is Kimi. Is this where we sign up?" In the silence that followed Roderick considered approaching the ghost and greeting him, but then he considered the fact that he had quite nearly forgotten about the challenge they'd agreed to. Though in truth he hadn't forgotten; he'd simply been pushing it back more and more, never satisfied that he was ready for the challenge. Maybe it was about time he got to it.

The flurry of thoughts faded soon after someone else came along to sign up - this one wonderfully whole and solid. Looking the newcomer over, Roderick noticed the dark red of the man's hair, and the confident way he held himself. Clearly he was no high-ranking man, judging from the state of the roughspun clothes he'd garbed himself in; there were dark stains on the sleeves of his shirt and his boots were well-worn. Feeling more comfortable talking with this man than either of the ghosts that lingered nearby, he waited until the workman - assumed from the markings of hard labouring - had moved away from the desk before he made his way over. In that time the man had started talking to Shiyami and the ghost's young companion - her name eluded him right then, "...daughter isn’t coming along with us is she? I don’t mean to question you, but I understand that the Aylasa Caves are dangerous…” it seemed the man hadn't quite realized the two people he was talking to were dead. As that detail began to dawn on him Roderick quickly stepped in to intercede, feeling a bit of pity for the man's predicament; talking with ghosts wasn't overly relaxing. Nodding in greeting to Shiyami, then finding a little smile coming to his lips as he nodded to the little girl at his side, he finally nodded at the workman "Well met." He smiled and crossed his arms casually, leaning his weight on one leg, "Good to hear your coming along too."he scratched his arm through the wool of his shirt, "So, this the first time you're all going into a cave?" he looked at Shiyami then, "You've probably been in a few in your time, mm?" addressing them all he said, "I had a look in one or two back home, but never properly, with all the gear you'd need."

While he was waiting for a reply he heard another man draw near and turned about to see an interesting fellow; dressed in travel robes, he walked over to the scribe, quarterstaff in hand, asking if there was a place for him in the expedition. Looking around briefly the man laid his eyes across the three ghosts, then Roderick, finally connecting to the man the hunter was talking to. Nodding in greeting at the newly arrived man, Roderick smiled and said, "Good t' meet you." before turning his attention back towards the workman, "Friend o' yours?" he gave a slight gesture with his head at the robed man, "My name is Roderick, by the way. The ghost lad here is Shiyami, and the girl is..." he closed his mouth and frowned briefly as he thought, "...Kimi." He said after a few moments, giving an apologetic look to her, "I'm terrible with names." the hunter told her quietly, leaning down to her height. Straightening he turned his gaze about the entire group, waiting for them to say something.

by **Noaru** on October 16th, 2013, 8:49 pm

“ The more souls that join... the better. I’d better introduce myself to someone and then quietly wait for things to start. ”

Noaru notices Roderick's gaze, it was brief and gave him the impression that his encroaching presence would disturb the young-man even further. The spirit turns around and he notices that two other ghosts were in the crowd with him. Noaru couldn’t bring himself to approach them; he didn’t want to repeat the cycle of meeting ghosts and gradually watch them lose themselves. That sadness and feeling of complete impuissance wasn't something Noaru wanted to feel again. So, he didn’t approach them and walks away from the scribe and the table towards the center of the crowd.

The people, some people moved away from Noaru once they realized he and the piercing cold that emanated from him was there. Those people moved out of his path in a way water would travel around a large stone in a stream. The spirit didn’t feel the need to look at the strangers around him, he could feel their stares of concern and distrust towards him. Noaru grinned, now he knew that at least a few people were being attentive to their surroundings. When he reaches the back of the crowd, he overhears Ethan talking to someone. The young man’s words didn’t sound harsh and his voice was of a tone that wasn’t aggressive either. The spirits disappears from where he was standing and appears next to Ethan Ironhorse.

“I’m sure they’ll come to understand your concern.”

by **Shiyami** on October 17th, 2013, 2:20 am

While standing around, waiting for the rest of the soon-to-be volunteers to sign up, Shiyami's eye glance around, flitting over as many faces as possible. He wasn't doing this out of caution or anything. It was only out of habit, one that seemed rather useful. A small smile -half smile, to be exact- tugged the corner of his lips, as he saw a familiar face among the crowd. Ah, it's been what, a season? He still hasn't gone in the hunting trip with me just yet., Shiyami laughed mentally. He felt soulmist nearby, signaling either the arrival of a spiritists, or another fellow ethereal. Before he had a chance to turn around and greet the ghost, a man with dark red hair and pale skin -Inarta?- approached, and questions him about Kimi. "See? Even other people are saying...you...shouldn't...", he started, but his voice quickly died down, as Kimi gave him the 'Look of a Spoiled Child'. Which is just the wide-eyed look that kids give to obtain mostly anything they wanted. Shiyami only sighed, and gave a shrug, before telling the man that Kimi was coming along with a hopeless "Yes...she's coming along...".

With Roderick grouping together with them, Shiyami smiled. "Good to see a familiar face again, right youngling?", he said, probably surprising anyone watching, that what seems to be a fourteen year old boy speaking as if the twenty year old was younger. He really meant no offense with that, it just became a habit whenever he associated with the younger generation of the living. Hearing the question asked by the man, Shiyami have a half hearted shrug, and answered, "Only a few.", with a careless tone. Truthfully he went in only twice, and both times not more than five meters, before he was bored of staring at the walls.

His eye glanced over Roderick's shoulder, and noticed another volunteer, wearing travel wear, and wielding a quarter staff. Looking back, Shiyami was about to introduce himself to the red haired man, but Roderick beat him to it. Although the man did nearly forget Kimi's name, who wasn't to happy about it. Ruffling the hair of a pouting Kimi, Shiyami turned his attention back to the dark and gloomy ghost. ...why the petch not?. With that in mind, he floated over to the ghost, before he called out, "You have chakrams?", more so as a spur of the moment joke. The only other ghost he has ever met in Syliras was Kouri, so that was the first thing that came into mind.

Shiyami

Quest [Aylasa Caves] Spelunking We Go! (Full)