@DragonWarrior333 @dorklord @wingworm @Quinineer @Rocwylde @Ellapinky @80MinToMidnight @wetdog15 @Lundlaeva @Stanzascale @Watercolour @Nishiboys @emmasquema @Hoefler @Jetfeather @Oakensoul @Bluecupcake52 @aformofmotion @Ashtar
Okay! The first Chapter is up (I apologize now for the change in tenses throughout the stories, I'm really bad about that...)! I'm sorry for the delay I've been trying to get this event under control lol. The second chapter (and Monday's Daily Challenge) will go up between 21:00 and rollover today.
There's one additional rule: Every third "Obstacle" a random piece of Equipment that your Champion is carrying will break (ToDI and Potions are not included in this). Your Champion will discard the broken Equipment and will then have space to replace it.
This is because more people are playing than I expected you are all leveling machines lol. So this should keep a more regular level of participation.
Thank you all!
Okay! The first Chapter is up (I apologize now for the change in tenses throughout the stories, I'm really bad about that...)! I'm sorry for the delay I've been trying to get this event under control lol. The second chapter (and Monday's Daily Challenge) will go up between 21:00 and rollover today.
There's one additional rule: Every third "Obstacle" a random piece of Equipment that your Champion is carrying will break (ToDI and Potions are not included in this). Your Champion will discard the broken Equipment and will then have space to replace it.
This is because more people are playing than I expected you are all leveling machines lol. So this should keep a more regular level of participation.
Thank you all!
Today's Chapter
As the ground reverberates with the toppling of the ancient giants two of the four Champions dart rapidly forward. Dahlia rushing over the grassy clearing and Aehobak through the loam-scented air. Hestia stands and gazes contemplatively at the four openings; her mind churning she thinks through all she’s learned of the maze and which path might serve her best. Hearing a low chuckle she glances over at Marcel who has also stayed behind. Puzzled she quirks her head as he makes a few small motions with his agile claws. Scintillating through the air Aehobak comes to an abrupt tumbling halt while Dahlia’s feet seem to tangle beneath her. Frustrated snarls emanate from the two Champions as they try in vain to get their limbs to cooperate.
“That’s not very sporting of you,” chides Hestia.
Marcel winks at her, “No rules in the Labyrinth.” Whistling quietly he waits for Hestia to choose her route. Eyeing him closely she starts off for the Southernmost opening. Sweeping a low bow in her direction he heads off towards the furthest entrance.
Before reaching his destination he waves casually behind him, releasing the small hex he placed on Dahlia and Aehobak.
With an angry hiss Aehobak speeds off in pursuit of Marcel. Reaching the mouth of the tunnel two paces behind the Skydancer he starts in after his quarry before the Ancient Guardian shouts a warning, “One Champion per route! No other rules apply.” Turning around in frustration he chooses the entrance directly to the left.
Climbing to her feet with amused resignation Dahlia watches this small show play out before traipsing towards the remaining green maw. She offers a jaunty wave to the watching crowd before swiftly entering its dark depths.
Marcel moves five spaces today, thank to a Major Flask of Fleet Feet! Due to wingworm’s timely Daily Challenge post Marcel moves first today! Space One: Pass. Space Two: Pass. Space Three: Obstacle (Agility). Space Four: Pass. Space Five: Pass
Stepping into his chosen route moments before feeling the irritated presence of the green Spiral behind him Marcel pauses, waiting to see if the Labyrinth magic will prevent two Champions in the same space. Hearing the Guardian’s shout he gives a small smile and starts forward. Warily watching the thick growth the Skydancer travels in a straight line for a little while before coming to face to face with a large rock-fall.
Edging around the tumbled stones he quickly realizes that there’s no way to get around, he’s going to have to climb. Resigned he tucks his staff more securely along his flank before carefully approaching the impediment. Pocked with deep, pulsating holes, the rocks don’t seem to be particularly sturdy… taking a steadying breath Marcel begins to climb the pile. With some relief he reaches the top while suffering nothing more than a slight queasiness from being so close to the malignantly pulsing holes.
As he crests the top a small shudder shakes the stones beneath him. Alarmed he looks down to see long, spiky, worm-like things slithering out of every single one of the dozens of holes scattered throughout the rocks. With jaws ringed in razor sharp, jutting teeth the serpentine creatures turn towards the briefly paralyzed Skydancer. Realizing what exactly has formed those perfectly circular holes in stone he turns to leap off the small hill. Making a frantic bid for the sky his foot slips off one of the smaller rocks. As he begins to tumble snout-over-tailfeathers (Agility Roll: Fail) a warm incandescent glow wraps around him. With sounds like rock on glass the creatures scurry back into their holes as Marcel is gently deposited upon the ground a good distance from the rock pile. With a small puff of pent-up breath he bows fluidly to the fading energy, “Your Grace, My eternal thanks are yours.” An amused warmth brushes his wings before the presence vanishes. He scans the path ahead carefully and moves out.
Outcome: Marcel had fives spaces to move today, but failed his agility roll. Using his Talisman of Divine Intervention he kept all 5 spaces and his health. Leaving him at space #5 and 4 bars of health.
Dahlia moves five spaces today, thanks to a Major Flask of Fleet Feet! Space One: Pass. Space Two: Pass. Space Three: Obstacle (Strength). Space Four: Obstacle (Strength). Space Five: Pass
Moving at a swift pace Dahlia quickly barrels down the damp pathway, nimbly avoiding stray rocks, holes, and shrubbery. K nowing she’s the quickest over rough terrain she imagines the other dragons slowly plodding along. She chuckles to herself, “Sure Aehobak is quick in the air, but there’s no flight here! At least not so high that it matters.”
Moving so quickly as to be a blur she crashes into a large and rotted pine. With a horrendous groan the tree topples from the momentum of a determined and distracted Bogsneak. A shooting pain spears her front paw as the woody behemoth hits the ground. A breathless shriek rips out of the Champion’s mouth. Protectively trying to pull her paw to her chest the shooting pain causes her to lose her breath. Freezing and taking a few deep, steadying breaths she slowly lowers herself to the ground to get a better look at her paw. A large limb from the tree has become stuck crosswise underneath the trunk, pinning her in place. Cursing, she gently sets herself against the tree trunk and puts the full force of her weight and muscle against it. With a dry creaking, the tree releases enough of its resting place for her to slowly pull herself free (Strength Roll: Pass). “How to get by this…”, resting for a moment she eyes the tree. Resettling herself against its trunk she strains forward attempting to shift it out of the path. With stubborn resistance the pine shifts not even an inch. Grunting and cursing Dahlia strains harder and adds a bit of magic to her push… and flops back muscles pulled and quivering when the tree still doesn’t give even an inch in apology for her injury (Strength Roll: Fail) . Overheated and trembling she decides to rest here.
Outcome: Dahlia had five spaces to move today. She succeeded with her first test of Strength, but failed the second leaving her with 2 bars of health and at space #4.
Hestia moves three spaces today! Space One: Obstacle (Intelligence). Space Two: Pass. Space Three: Pass.
Slowly entering the path Hestia comes to an abrupt halt. Not even ten paces into the maze a stone wall obstructs the entire passageway.
“Well, that’s not very conducive to forward movement…” The Coatl studies the wall, thinking. More than two Imperials tall it can’t be flown or climbed over… Tilting her head she notices glimmer in the very bottom of the stone. Moving closer the glimmers resolves into runes. Delight swirls through her, “Ancient Draconian! I can read that!” She claps her hands happily and translates the text, By holding me strong dragons are made weak. “Hmmm….” thoughtfully she looks up at sky still visible through the dark green latticework above. Watching the branches sway lithely in the fragile breeze a grin breaks over her face. “Breath!” She declares triumphantly.
Unmoved the stone stares her down. “But… it is breath. Isn’t it?” Moving closer she looks at the stone again. “Oh!” Shaking her head at her foolishness she repeats it in the Ancient Language. Silently the stone sinks into the ground leaving no trace of its passing (Intelligence Roll: Pass). Thrilled at passing her first test Hestia moves deeper into the Labyrinth.
Outcome: Hestia had three spaces to move today. She passed her Intelligence Obstacle leaving her at space #3 and 2 bars of Health.
Aehobak moves three spaces today! Space One: Obstacle (Intelligence). Space Two: Pass. Space Three: Pass
Muttering under his breath Aehobak darts into his hastily chosen route. Feeling magic pressing down on him his altitude is slowly lowered until he is mere feet above the ground. Oh right, no flying, he remembers sourly.
He lets out an explosive breath and consciously releases his anger at Marcel and his dirty tricks. Besides that prancing Skydancer isn’t nearly as quick or hardy as this maze will require him to be. Just gotta beat him to the relic...
Moving at a quick and steady pace the Spiral relaxes slightly in the buzzing silence and peace. A large shape steps out and settles onto the path a few yards in front of him. Coming to a smooth stop he regards the large Manticore studying him with a small smile and lazy eyes.
“Welcome to the Labyrinth little wyrm,” she greets sibilantly and with a now wide, wide smile, “are you here to discuss the secrets of the universe?”
“Uhm, sure?” Uncertainly Aehobak balances lightly waiting for the tell-tale twitch that will betray the coming attack.
Tensing he watches tensely as the Manticore gives a quiet laugh and paces slowly forward to stop just a few steps away. “O, Champion, tell me, what is the first principle of flight?”
Untensing Aehobak thinks about it, “I don’t remem-” (Intelligence Roll:Fail)a flashing rivulet of fire ignites his veins as the Manticore lashes her tail forward and then steps daintily backwards and the Spiral collapses to the ground in a paroxysm of pain.
“Perhaps next time you will offer more compelling conversation?” Laughing again she strolls off into the undergrowth.
Outcome: Aehobak had three spaces to move today. He failed his Intelligence Obstacle losing one space and one bar of Health leaving him at space #2 and with 2 bars of health.
“That’s not very sporting of you,” chides Hestia.
Marcel winks at her, “No rules in the Labyrinth.” Whistling quietly he waits for Hestia to choose her route. Eyeing him closely she starts off for the Southernmost opening. Sweeping a low bow in her direction he heads off towards the furthest entrance.
Before reaching his destination he waves casually behind him, releasing the small hex he placed on Dahlia and Aehobak.
With an angry hiss Aehobak speeds off in pursuit of Marcel. Reaching the mouth of the tunnel two paces behind the Skydancer he starts in after his quarry before the Ancient Guardian shouts a warning, “One Champion per route! No other rules apply.” Turning around in frustration he chooses the entrance directly to the left.
Climbing to her feet with amused resignation Dahlia watches this small show play out before traipsing towards the remaining green maw. She offers a jaunty wave to the watching crowd before swiftly entering its dark depths.
Champion Stories
Marcel moves five spaces today, thank to a Major Flask of Fleet Feet! Due to wingworm’s timely Daily Challenge post Marcel moves first today! Space One: Pass. Space Two: Pass. Space Three: Obstacle (Agility). Space Four: Pass. Space Five: Pass
Stepping into his chosen route moments before feeling the irritated presence of the green Spiral behind him Marcel pauses, waiting to see if the Labyrinth magic will prevent two Champions in the same space. Hearing the Guardian’s shout he gives a small smile and starts forward. Warily watching the thick growth the Skydancer travels in a straight line for a little while before coming to face to face with a large rock-fall.
Edging around the tumbled stones he quickly realizes that there’s no way to get around, he’s going to have to climb. Resigned he tucks his staff more securely along his flank before carefully approaching the impediment. Pocked with deep, pulsating holes, the rocks don’t seem to be particularly sturdy… taking a steadying breath Marcel begins to climb the pile. With some relief he reaches the top while suffering nothing more than a slight queasiness from being so close to the malignantly pulsing holes.
As he crests the top a small shudder shakes the stones beneath him. Alarmed he looks down to see long, spiky, worm-like things slithering out of every single one of the dozens of holes scattered throughout the rocks. With jaws ringed in razor sharp, jutting teeth the serpentine creatures turn towards the briefly paralyzed Skydancer. Realizing what exactly has formed those perfectly circular holes in stone he turns to leap off the small hill. Making a frantic bid for the sky his foot slips off one of the smaller rocks. As he begins to tumble snout-over-tailfeathers (Agility Roll: Fail) a warm incandescent glow wraps around him. With sounds like rock on glass the creatures scurry back into their holes as Marcel is gently deposited upon the ground a good distance from the rock pile. With a small puff of pent-up breath he bows fluidly to the fading energy, “Your Grace, My eternal thanks are yours.” An amused warmth brushes his wings before the presence vanishes. He scans the path ahead carefully and moves out.
Outcome: Marcel had fives spaces to move today, but failed his agility roll. Using his Talisman of Divine Intervention he kept all 5 spaces and his health. Leaving him at space #5 and 4 bars of health.
Dahlia moves five spaces today, thanks to a Major Flask of Fleet Feet! Space One: Pass. Space Two: Pass. Space Three: Obstacle (Strength). Space Four: Obstacle (Strength). Space Five: Pass
Moving at a swift pace Dahlia quickly barrels down the damp pathway, nimbly avoiding stray rocks, holes, and shrubbery. K nowing she’s the quickest over rough terrain she imagines the other dragons slowly plodding along. She chuckles to herself, “Sure Aehobak is quick in the air, but there’s no flight here! At least not so high that it matters.”
Moving so quickly as to be a blur she crashes into a large and rotted pine. With a horrendous groan the tree topples from the momentum of a determined and distracted Bogsneak. A shooting pain spears her front paw as the woody behemoth hits the ground. A breathless shriek rips out of the Champion’s mouth. Protectively trying to pull her paw to her chest the shooting pain causes her to lose her breath. Freezing and taking a few deep, steadying breaths she slowly lowers herself to the ground to get a better look at her paw. A large limb from the tree has become stuck crosswise underneath the trunk, pinning her in place. Cursing, she gently sets herself against the tree trunk and puts the full force of her weight and muscle against it. With a dry creaking, the tree releases enough of its resting place for her to slowly pull herself free (Strength Roll: Pass). “How to get by this…”, resting for a moment she eyes the tree. Resettling herself against its trunk she strains forward attempting to shift it out of the path. With stubborn resistance the pine shifts not even an inch. Grunting and cursing Dahlia strains harder and adds a bit of magic to her push… and flops back muscles pulled and quivering when the tree still doesn’t give even an inch in apology for her injury (Strength Roll: Fail) . Overheated and trembling she decides to rest here.
Outcome: Dahlia had five spaces to move today. She succeeded with her first test of Strength, but failed the second leaving her with 2 bars of health and at space #4.
Hestia moves three spaces today! Space One: Obstacle (Intelligence). Space Two: Pass. Space Three: Pass.
Slowly entering the path Hestia comes to an abrupt halt. Not even ten paces into the maze a stone wall obstructs the entire passageway.
“Well, that’s not very conducive to forward movement…” The Coatl studies the wall, thinking. More than two Imperials tall it can’t be flown or climbed over… Tilting her head she notices glimmer in the very bottom of the stone. Moving closer the glimmers resolves into runes. Delight swirls through her, “Ancient Draconian! I can read that!” She claps her hands happily and translates the text, By holding me strong dragons are made weak. “Hmmm….” thoughtfully she looks up at sky still visible through the dark green latticework above. Watching the branches sway lithely in the fragile breeze a grin breaks over her face. “Breath!” She declares triumphantly.
Unmoved the stone stares her down. “But… it is breath. Isn’t it?” Moving closer she looks at the stone again. “Oh!” Shaking her head at her foolishness she repeats it in the Ancient Language. Silently the stone sinks into the ground leaving no trace of its passing (Intelligence Roll: Pass). Thrilled at passing her first test Hestia moves deeper into the Labyrinth.
Outcome: Hestia had three spaces to move today. She passed her Intelligence Obstacle leaving her at space #3 and 2 bars of Health.
Aehobak moves three spaces today! Space One: Obstacle (Intelligence). Space Two: Pass. Space Three: Pass
Muttering under his breath Aehobak darts into his hastily chosen route. Feeling magic pressing down on him his altitude is slowly lowered until he is mere feet above the ground. Oh right, no flying, he remembers sourly.
He lets out an explosive breath and consciously releases his anger at Marcel and his dirty tricks. Besides that prancing Skydancer isn’t nearly as quick or hardy as this maze will require him to be. Just gotta beat him to the relic...
Moving at a quick and steady pace the Spiral relaxes slightly in the buzzing silence and peace. A large shape steps out and settles onto the path a few yards in front of him. Coming to a smooth stop he regards the large Manticore studying him with a small smile and lazy eyes.
“Welcome to the Labyrinth little wyrm,” she greets sibilantly and with a now wide, wide smile, “are you here to discuss the secrets of the universe?”
“Uhm, sure?” Uncertainly Aehobak balances lightly waiting for the tell-tale twitch that will betray the coming attack.
Tensing he watches tensely as the Manticore gives a quiet laugh and paces slowly forward to stop just a few steps away. “O, Champion, tell me, what is the first principle of flight?”
Untensing Aehobak thinks about it, “I don’t remem-” (Intelligence Roll:Fail)a flashing rivulet of fire ignites his veins as the Manticore lashes her tail forward and then steps daintily backwards and the Spiral collapses to the ground in a paroxysm of pain.
“Perhaps next time you will offer more compelling conversation?” Laughing again she strolls off into the undergrowth.
Outcome: Aehobak had three spaces to move today. He failed his Intelligence Obstacle losing one space and one bar of Health leaving him at space #2 and with 2 bars of health.
