Player Plot: The Crystal Temple's Secret

[princeandscholar]

Who: Characters signed up for this quest
When: 12th
Where: The Crystal Temple in Sen Devadatta
What: The Heroes of Light vs. Bahamut's Temple
Warnings/Notes: None


IC | Arrival

After a long flight to the Empire, a visit to Parasraya, and a meetup at the capital, the expedition members are loaded onto vehicles and delivered to their destination: the magnificent Crystal Temple. Alas, there is no time for a leisurely tour as the company gathers outside with caving gear and weaponry.

Once all party members are assembled, Orcelito addresses everyone:
"Thank you for coming. I know it was a long flight and there was a lot of preparation. Your presence here is appreciated, and we will be underway shortly.”

He gestures towards the Crystal Temple. “Two teams will be escorted into the basement of the temple. The rest will travel into the forest to look for a way in through the network of caverns. We have leads on where to start searching, so we can make the most of our time.

“As mentioned in the letter, the ruins have deteriorated over the years. Bahamut’s Temple is ancient, and parts of it are no longer standing. I’ve been told that some areas may be flooded or unstable.”

Orcelito pauses, scanning the group. He lowers his tone as he adds, "If you find evidence to suggest someone has tampered with the ruins recently, let me know. As well, please refrain from disturbing the ruins more than necessary. We are here on the Empire's good grace, after all."

And one more thing. "I understand it will be inconvenient, but the order not to use the Mognet is especially imperative while we're here. If you need to send a message to another team, ask one of the Moogles. They are here to help."

From where she hovers by his shoulder, Marigold waves the free paw that’s not clutching a lantern. Those traveling with their Moogle companions will notice they've been given similar lights.

Finally, he smiles; Orcelito may not know everyone here, but he's committed to leading each of them out safely. “Don’t take unnecessary risks. Look after each other.”

Once the orientation is complete, the parties are split. Orcelito turns to lead the way into the temple where a researcher stands ready to guide them to the basement. The other group will find a vehicle waiting to carry them to the forest nearby.


Team Thread Links
Team A thread: Orcelito, Tidus, Rutile, Naoto, Snow White
Team B thread : Ashelia, Castor, Terra, Klonoa, Frisk, Madhuri
Team C thread: Finn, Regis, Adrien, Sephiroth, Ursula, Papyrus, Kanji
Conclusion

Comments

[wheretheresawill]

Terra smiles down at Frisk. "I'd appreciate that," he tells them, accepting the SAVE star. "Speed isn't my strong point anyway." If they need to leave in a hurry, there's already a non-zero chance they'll be leaving Terra behind, and not just because he'd appoint himself rearguard. But that probably won't happen!

Beside him, Mogila is taking lantern duty very seriously, but not so seriously that she doesn't wave to the other Moogles. Last time she insisted on going on a mission, it was scary, but she's not going to stay scared forever! This is fine!

[littlemhigan]

Castor flexes a little upon receiving the SAVE star, and she grins down at Frisk. "I'll make good use've this, aye? Now where'd Ben flutter off too..."

Before castor can go far, Orcelito's actions catch her attention, just in time to see the Fairy materialize and work her magic. "Damn," she whispers when all is said and done, "How's that for a find?"

[sassafrisk]

"Got it, chief!" Frisk says, smiling, and they snap their fingers. Finally, people were actually cooperating with them on their abilities rather than just rushing ahead like idiots. "And... huh. That's not supposed to happen, Klonoa, for, erm... obvious reasons when it comes to things like violence at stuff like that. Good for you, though?"

FILE LOADED: Terra (Patience)
Heals 5% health every turn!
Speed down -20%!

With most everyone squared away, Frisk trots after the rest of the group, gawking at the ancient ruins. While Mad'ni was cool in its own way, the... solemnity of this place, the grandness of it, can't help but to take Frisk's breath away. They were intruding on the territory something ancient, and very, very dangerous.

When the wall opens, Frisk's smile broadens. They crack their knuckles and roll their neck. "Well, then. Tally ho or whatever it is old-timey archaeologists say!" Gesturing for the rest of their team to follow them, Frisk strides into the cavern, Mogdyne following close behind them.

[desertbloomed]

Ashelia is always at a loss in these sorts of situations; the amount of ancient tombs and temples she's explored is basically absurd, but she doesn't want to appear aloof or unapproachable - especially not after what happened on the Pravoka. So she keeps to herself, hiding a smile at Kupozencrantz's open-mouthed stare at the path opening before them.

And then Frisk charges ahead. Sighing lightly, Ashelia walks briskly after them. Adept at combat or not, they're still a child.

[wind_in_my_ears]

Klonoa nods to the others, and then again at Luta. "Let's go, Luta!" He says, and follows behind Ashe, readying himself to throw up protective magic once it seems like they're going to run into trouble.

...Which could really be at any second now, if previous experience has taught him anything. Still, the promise of potential puzzles does provide plenty of hope for puzzle-based alternatives.

[princeandscholar]

After the experience at Mad'ni Shrine, Orcelito was prepared for this. Grimoire in one hand, he takes his pocket watch in the other. The day has only begun and everyone is fresh and ready; that gives them time.

"We'll investigate and return here in an hour." Orcelito announces. "If you want to mark the paths you've traveled, use something that can be removed. I don't want to leave a trail. If you make a map, save it privately to your iMog Slate."

On that cautionary note, he directs the teams to start exploring the new passages.

-

Team threads:
Team A: Orcelito, Tidus, Rutile, Naoto, Snow White, Cor
Team B: Ashelia, Castor, Terra, Shiro, Klonoa, Frisk, Madhuri