Ronove' - The Fanalis Challenger [Endolf/Merrze/KILL VIABLE]

Endolf and Merrze would find themselves sucked into the Gate, the portal dragging them from their world, through the nether, and into a place neither had ever seen or even dreamt of before. Surrounding them would be grass and fields, the only thing breaking up the landscape were scattered trees, scarred and burnt from lightning strikes. Nearby, a lightning strike would hit the ground, alerting the pair to what possible dangers this area may hold.

To the north, a tiny road wound between two farm plots, leading to an unknown destination. To the south, a massive tree dwarfed the landscape and cries could be heard from the birds taking shelter there. There seemed to be no defined direction for the pair to take, so it would be up to them to make a decision.


OOC Note: Players will have 48 hours to respond. If within an electromagnetic field, all movement speed will be halved (this includes with the use of any mounts, biological or otherwise). If struck by lightning, the player will suffer disorientation for a single post.

As they were warped into the room they would find themselves in the first room. The fields was a nice area, the lush grass and their possible paths of travel. As it was open there were many choices but there were two specific area that captured the eye of the fanalis. There was the large tree, were birds were making a clamor, the other a path between to farmlands. There were various factors to take in account when deciding what would be the best route of Travel. The area seemed peaceful at first until lightning would strike down near her. As these were most likely common moving out of here quickly would be a good choice, it would be dangerous to stay in one place, it was dangerous to be here in general. The birds were making a lot of noise which was normal for birds but disrupting them didn't sound good. The room was probably littered with monsters in all honesty, and causing a ruckus near the birds could distract them.

"Hop onto Fluffy here, keep any metal you have sheathed just encase. we need to head towards that farmland over there and go down that small path. There's chance of an ambush but it's safer than the tree, those birds make a lot of noise, if we go there we might disrupt them. Dungeons are filled with monsters, so causing a ruckus will lead them to us, we just need to get through here and find the exit to the next room."

She said in stern voice, he probably didn't care to be commanded but she was his best chance at survival. Whether or not the boy hoped on the beast she would walk towards the farm path. With Fluffy's height they would have some view on the chance there was anything hiding below that might try to ambush the pair. The hairs on the back of her neck standing up, the familiar excitement grasping her. As a smirk slid across her face she couldn't help but imagine what life threatening situations she would encounter.

The Fanalis boy would find himself slightly disoriented when they were deposited into the first trial of the dungeon. Standing beside both Mer and her creature, giving his head a quick shake to try and clear it as he had never used that form of travel before. Apparently they had been brought to some sort of countryside. The fields were vast and full of grass with only trees to add an extra layer to the landscape. Of course this was the normal way it would look, if the large blackened patches scattered all over weren’t there. Drawing the boy’s attention was a single bolt of lightning crashing down to the earth they stood on and shaking it with the full force of nature. When the ringing in his ears from the impact of the lightning bolt passed the redheaded boy would be able to hear the sounds of some kind of avian creatures from behind him and looking back for the source he would find a massive tree taking up most of the area behind the pair.
 

Mer would then speak up, drawing his attention back to her as she sat atop her own creature. She would instruct him to get on “Fluffy” and voice that the best option they should take would be to go north along the path through the farmlands. As much as he hated to do it, he followed his former teacher’s instructions once more and climbed up on the back of the creature now know as “Fluffy”. His left arm wound wrap around her waist, giving him a firm grip on her so that he would prevent falling off by accident. “You really named this thing Fluffy?” It was the only thing he would say to her for the moment, instead choosing to travel as far possible in silence or at least until she spoke up first.

The two Fanalis rode to the North, taking the path more frequently traveled between two farm plots. Each plot was growing a unique, odd crop: one that appeared to be growing underground and another something related to peppers, though both plants were singed and scarred from the lightning in the area. As they began to wander on the path between the two plots, the first thing Merrze would be likely to notice is the additional effort Fluffy was required to put in to move, an electromagnetic field slowing his speed considerably. Depending on how closely the pair were watching, as they hit the field, a lightning strike would briefly illuminate the area near the end of the field where two shadows would be guarding the fence posts on either side of the road.

Behind them, at the beginning of the path, another shadow would be faintly seen, effectively trapping the pair along the path. As they came within 15 meters of the two shadows, they would find two massive wolves guarding the path, frozen and staring at the pair of Fanalis and the odd creature the two rode. They would not attack, simply stare and wait for the pair to do something.

Lightning Wolf:

OOC Note: Players will have 48 hours to respond. If within an electromagnetic field, all movement speed will be halved (this includes with the use of any mounts, biological or otherwise). If struck by lightning, the player will suffer disorientation for a single post.

As they were walking she would notice that something was slowing down the large canine as hey were walking. She had no idea what was slowing him down exactly but she new that it was by no means good. To make matters worse her idea of enemies attacking had proved to be true. There would be a wolf behind them and then in front of them there would be a pair of wolves at the end of the trail watching them as they moved. Well they were certainly in some sort of pickle. She would command the large beast to keep moving. She would show no sign that they would be entering combat but would wait in case the creatures decided to attack. Hopefully these creatures wouldn't initiate combat, but her hopes weren't so high.

Keeping a firm grip around Mer’s waist the Fanalis boy remained seated on her “Fluffy” as they rode along up the path. It was when he noticed the creature moving sluggishly that he realized something was wrong. A bolt of lightning struck the ground up ahead, illuminating for a single moment two creatures sitting there. He could feel them staring at the team and the creature they rode. Choosing to remain seated on Fluffy Endolf simply allowed it to continue to move forward much like Mer was. The creatures seemed to be only staring at them and showed no ill intent and as such Endolf would show them the same kind of respect. He could only hope whatever was restraining Fluffy would pass soon.

The lack of action on the part of the two Fanalis did not stop the Wolf at the back, the creature seeming to have no struggle in the electromagnetic field, though it would never get closer than 15 meters to the pair riding Fluffy. As the pair neared the two wolves at the front, the field would slowly begin to dissipate before disappearing as it came even with the two wolves in the front. They had moved together so they were slightly blocking the path of the challengers but showed no signs of aggression. Once again, they simply waited to see what the pair would do in light of the ‘blockade’ the wolves had created. Retreating was not an option, as the other wolf was standing and waiting.

Lightning Wolf:

OOC Note: Players will have 48 hours to respond. If within an electromagnetic field, all movement speed will be halved (this includes with the use of any mounts, biological or otherwise). If struck by lightning, the player will suffer disorientation for a single post.

The wolves showed no sign of hostility which was good, but they were blocking which would make things more difficult. She would continue to approach with her large canine giving off a vibe of peacefulness and would even have Fluffy give off a slight noise which would signify they meant no harm. It was uncertain what these creatures would plan to do so if they didn't separate or show any sign of allowing them to pass she would have Fluffy attempt to leap over them. Her weapon sheathed, she didn't want to attract and electricity or get attacked by showing hostility. If there was the chance these creatures tried to strike first then the girl would prepare for combat. she was on edge wondering what these canines could or would do. Dungeon animals were definitely mysterious if anything.

Endolf found himself beginning to grow annoyed. The wolves remained in their path, this time moving together to form a sort of blockade in Fluffy’s path. If that wasn’t enough whatever was slowing Fluffy’s movements was having some kind of effect on his own body and he could feel it. Even though he was seated on the canine-like creature. It was more that than the wolves that was annoying him in all honesty. He truthfully enjoyed the wolves and partially wished he’d be able to bring one back from the dungeon’s depths with him when it was all over. “Hey, can’t you use whatever trick you used to tame this big thing on those wolves? Make them let us pass or something?”
 

Despite asking Mer this Endolf was preparing to take some form of action of his own should it be needed. He could feel Fluffy’s muscles tensing, preparing to follow the female Fanalis’ directions and leap the wolves. When that moment came Endolf himself would leap from Fluffy’s back, using the beast to help him jump higher and clear the wolves. Of course his weapons would remain untouched and holstered. A sign he showed no hostility towards the brilliant beasts.

The wolves watched as the pair went to jump over them, making no move to attack either of the Fanalis beings or the unusual beast that rode with them. At the height of their jump, the challengers would find out how foolish their move was, making themselves the tallest thing in the area with no trees around to protect them. Lightning would strike down, hitting all three of them and causing their bodies to jolt slightly and spots to appear in their vision. The wolves would part ways as the disoriented party would land, making no aggressive movements and allowing the pair to continue on their way, though they would find they would need to gather their bearings. When the spots would clear from their vision, the path they had been following would begin to fade before disappearing completely. The party would need to find another means of locating their goal, though if they were especially observant, they would notice numerous trees dotting the landscape, though there would seem to be no pattern there.

Lightning Wolf:

OOC Note: Players will have 48 hours to respond. If within an electromagnetic field, all movement speed will be halved (this includes with the use of any mounts, biological or otherwise). If struck by lightning, the player will suffer disorientation for a single post.

The sky split open with the loud crack of thunder as a bolt of lightning came crashing down on top of the trio when they leaped over the blockade of wolves. Endolf didn’t even get the chance to launch himself off of Fluffy before they were all struck and instead simply found himself sliding off the animal’s back and into a smoking pile on the rough ground behind the other beasts that had remained watching them. He would remain unmoving for several minutes, his chest barely rising and falling as his body adjusted to the sudden electrical shock it had received.
 

Finally he began to move. Pushing himself up to his knees he wouldn’t get much further before vomiting up the contents of his stomach due to the nauseating disorientation he was feeling.

With the lightning striking them her and her beast would fall mid leap. She felt it course through her body as she realized she should've been smarter about her movements. With this her vision was dazed and confused. With things blurred and her body in slight pain they would slowly start to align as she waited but as she regained sight the female noticed something. The path that they were following had disappeared without a trace. How would they find their goal if there was no clear direction. There were trees everywhere though, she needed to think of the best course of travel based off what she say. There was no clear pattern of where they might lead to but it was their best shot, looking around the girl would look for where the trees were more congregated together or increased more and head that way.

"Follow me End, we need to look for were the trees are more dense to try and find were there might be some sort of path to navigate through or possibly a settlement near that."

The two Fanalis took the punishment of the lightning well, all things considered and soon they were moving again. While there was no clear path for them to follow, moving from one tree to the next was a smart move as lightning struck the natural lightning rods. As they traveled, they might see a wary creature resting beneath the trees, watching as they passed. If they chose to try and rest under a tree, they might find an unwelcome growl greeting them, the creatures not wishing to be disturbed.  If one of them were especially brave, they might consider climbing one of the trees to see if there were something they could spot from there, but it would mean risking getting struck by lightning again.



OOC Note: Players will have 48 hours to respond. If within an electromagnetic field, all movement speed will be halved (this includes with the use of any mounts, biological or otherwise). If struck by lightning, the player will suffer disorientation for a single post (D-tier).

For another minute or two Endolf would remain on his knees vomiting up more of his stomach contents. Using the back of his arm he would wipe his mouth before finally finding his legs and standing back up. Being struck by lightning sucks he decided. The path ahead of them that they had been following was no more, having vanished somehow. It was Merrze that spoke up first, seemingly unphased by having just been turned into a lightning rod, and instructed End to follow her to some trees. Looking back to the wolves that had blocked their way he gave them a small smile. Reaching into a small pouch on his waist he removed some food, some provisions he had brought with him just in case he'd need them, and placed them on the ground in sight of the wolves. "These are for you guys. I wish I could pet you, but I gotta get going." And like that he was off after his partner.

One by one he would move from tree to tree along with the woman and Fluffy, finding they made better lightning rods than the Fanalis duo did. As they passed tree after tree End could make out some kind of creature at each base that seemed wary and cautious of them. They interested the boy but he knew they weren't the reason the team had entered the dungeon. He had to remain focused and determined right now. They needed to get out of this place before more lightning fried them to crisps.

The fanal is would travel along with the beast. They kept their eyes open as they moved tree from tree with weary eyes. She would notice the hungry beast beneath the trees and would simply throw meat near the creature as it looked like it could use some food. But after this she would arrive to the next tree deciding they would need to get a vantage point. It would be a risky move as she could be struck by lightning once again. She would look for one of the smaller trees in the area. She would climb to try and see if there was any clear area to travel to. If it seemed like lightning would strike the fanal is would duck beneath the branches and girl a handful of coins far into the air away from them. But would only do this as a last resort.

When Merrze climbed the tree, the weather seemed to be in her favor and no lightning struck down at her. When she looked around, she would see that in the direction they had come from, there were fields of crops like those they had already passed. In fact, this is what surrounded them on all but one side. To one side, a very faint path could be made out that directed them to another large tree. Perhaps they would have more luck from that vantage point.

In the direction they had come from, a lone shadowy figure followed at a cautious distance, careful to never approach enough to be determined a threat or to even really be noticed. It would stop and sniff at the offering left by Endolf, taking a bite before following once again.

OOC Note: Players will have 48 hours to respond. If within an electromagnetic field, all movement speed will be halved (this includes with the use of any mounts, biological or otherwise). If struck by lightning, the player will suffer disorientation for a single post.

As the girl managed to climb up the tree she would look around, taking in her surroundings. She would notice a large tree the seemed like the best place to go, she would also notice how they were surrounded by crops. It appeared they were still near the form as she cold see where they came from but believed traveling forward was the best option at the moment. After climbing down the girl would start to walk leading Endolf and fluffy towards the large tree. Hopefully the plant would give them more insight of where to go when the arrived. But there was also the risk of getting struck by more lightning when they got there.

"Alright End, Fluffy I surveyed the area, there's a large tree in the distance that will probably be help to us."

Endolf could only remain beside "Fluffy" and watch as Merrze began to climb the nearest tree. Part of him wanted her to get struck by another bolt of lightning but he honestly knew that it would be detrimental to his attempts at getting the power in the dungeon's depths if his teammate were to become a charred mess on the ground rather than be useful to him. He would watch as her luck seemed to be favorable and no lightning struck her. He wasn't sure which of them was the luckier for that. Once she had climbed down and was back on the ground she would report that she had seen a much larger tree in the near distance and suggest that they head towards it. With no other real options the redhead would simply follow after her quietly.

The trip to the next tree would be uneventful, the lightning holding off as they made their way across the darkness. If they chose to climb the next tree and waited for another strike of lightning, they would see a small building in the distance, a silhouette of a wind mill acting like a beacon to one of the only human-appearing structures in the dungeon thus far.

---

Ronove’ hummed softly as she watched the two Fanalis make their way through the first room of tests, confusion flickering across her face. While Merrze appeared to be the one leading, the King Candidate seemed more to be dragging her companion through and the djinn soon realized that Endolf was the one that intended to challenge her, not Merrze. The female Fanalis seemed to treat the male like a much younger brother, giving constant orders instead of offering advice and acting like he was incapable of making a decision.  On the other hand, Endolf held an air of hostility towards the woman, acting like she owed him this dungeon for some reason. He had offered no input and was perfectly happy to let her give direction while taking no initiative on her own. He had been friendly and respectful towards the wolves, one of them even still following sedately behind them, but his behavior towards his ‘supporter’ made Ronove’ question why he had even chosen her as a companion in this unusual world she called her own.

She would continue to watch as they made their way to the windmill and see how the pair fared.

OOC Note: Players will have 48 hours to respond. If within an electromagnetic field, all movement speed will be halved (this includes with the use of any mounts, biological or otherwise). If struck by lightning, the player will suffer disorientation for a single post (D-tier).

The trio seemed to have been able to make it to their next location without so much as a minor annoyance. However that in itself was more than enough of a major annoyance for the still redheaded Fanalis. He had heard all these rumors about the dungeons that had come and gone and how they had been full of danger and challenges but this one wasn’t proving to be anything of the sort. He was beginning to wonder if he might have set his expectations too high before entering. For the moment he would just have to settle for being the one to climb the tree this time, using the claws from the gauntlet of his right hand to scale it faster and easier than Mer had climbed her own.

Should a bolt of lightning threaten to strike the tall wooden structure he would be prepared to toss his own sword up into the air above him, the chain unattached, to use as a deterrent and protect himself. From what he could see he would have to wait and take that risk as without any strikes from the heavens it was rather difficult to see past the fields he had already been informed were surrounding them. As it would so happen a flash of light ripped through the sky and illuminated the horizon where Endolf would see a building. Memorizing the direction he would use his gauntlet’s claws to slide down the tree and back to the ground.

“There’s a building on the horizon. I say we head for it.” Without really waiting for a response from his former teacher the redhead would begin making his way in the direction of the windmill he had seen, knowing Mer and Fluffy were likely to follow.

As they were heading towards the large tree they would arrive to her partner climbing up the tree first. As he climbed down and would speak to her mentioning a structure in the distance she knew it was probably their best option. She was proud the boy was taking a bit of his initiative, while she was here to guide him this type stuff was important. She would start speaking to the boy, offering her words hoping that he would listen now that she knew they were most likely away from others. She didn't want others to over hear encase they were inexperienced with dungeons.

"Alright now that we're alone I wanna say we need to keep our eyes open, make sure to think about every action. Dungeons test certain things about you so sometimes there are multiple solutions to every challenge. When it comes to the difficult stuff I will advise you but I want you to make your own decisions. But feel free to ask for my help even if you may not want it sometimes."

Endolf’s advice was sound and, as they moved towards the windmill, the wolf that had been following behind them would rush forward, past them. The canine creature would beat them to the door to the windmill, standing there and staring between them and the door that held the portal to the next area, his body tense. It would not be easily discernible if he was guarding or welcoming, that would be up to the two Fanalis to figure out.

OOC Note: Players will have 48 hours to respond. If within an electromagnetic field, all movement speed will be halved (this includes with the use of any mounts, biological or otherwise). If struck by lightning, the player will suffer disorientation for a single post (D-tier).

The former student/teacher duo, accompanied by Fluffy, seemed to make their way to the windmill Endolf had seen without any problems arising. It was while they walked that Merrze decided to begin talking to him about the subject she had mentioned before they entered. She would go on to explain to him about how dungeons would test things about him and how they would need to keep their eyes open and think about every possible solution before acting. The rest he began to tune out somewhat, knowing how the speech went from past interactions with the older woman. Like always she would tell him he could ask her for help even if he didn’t want it and that she would be able to offer advice when it came to difficult things but for the most part Endolf would be on his own.

It was exactly what he had come to expect from the woman who at one point had the opportunity to be his teacher. In the past she had told him similar things and failed to pull through when it came to actually teaching him. In the end he had just simply given up on looking to her for guidance and now was more than accustomed to doing things himself. Before the two were able to reach the base of the windmill, where End could see a door set, a shadowy blur raced pass them only to sit itself to the side while staring back and forth between the contestants and the door they were approaching. ‘I guess this is the right way if he’s showing up like this’ The redhead would think to himself as he studied the rather stunning creature. It seemed as if it were tense throughout its body but it didn’t seem as if it was ready to attack them or move out of the way in any manner.

Calmly the male Fanalis would reach once more for his bag of provisions, a gentle smile on his face as he took one single step towards the beast. “Hey there handsome. Were you with the others earlier?” Removing his hand he would produce another small handful of food. Taking a knee he would extend his hand to the beast, offering it the food. “Were you looking for more of this? Or did you smell it and want some for yourself too? Either way is fine, I’ve got more than enough to share with you.” Nothing about his body language would read that he was in any way threatening the wolf or even prepared for a fight against it. Instead he would remain calm and kind towards the beast.

If Mer had wanted him to make the choices in this dungeon then this would be his first.

The female fanal is would keep an eye on the boy as They approached the windmill. The wolf that ran past them would be standing guard or something by the looks of it, but the creature seemed harmless. She wondered how End would choose to handle this little task, after her experience with Buer she knew that not every dungeon creature wanted you dead. It would interest her how the boy would choose to deal with a wolf. She watched as the as he calmly walked up to the beast and tried to feed it. A slight smirked slid across her face, this was a choice she respected. From her experience most people preffered brute force, which used to be her way also. But this was of handeling things was calmer and her preferred choice. The fanalis would wait for a result as she felt a small amount of respect for the lad.

The wolf whimpered softly in uncertainty before sniffing at the food and licking it out of the man’s hand. Swallowing as it moved, the wolf backed up before it could be caught in a trap, an uneasy trust showing in its eyes. After eyeing Merrze and Fluffy for a moment, the wolf moved to the door of the windmill, nudging it open before bowing its head at Endolf and then turning and running off across the plains.

If the adventurers chose to enter the windmill, they would find a massive gate on the side opposite the door, much too large for such a small building. Etched into the door was two handprints, the perfect size for the two Fanalis in the group. In the middle of the room, between the entrance and the gate, sat a table. On the table was a small stone with a blue lightning bolt etched into it. Nothing else would be found in the room.


OOC Note: Players will have 48 hours to respond. If within an electromagnetic field, all movement speed will be halved (this includes with the use of any mounts, biological or otherwise). If struck by lightning, the player will suffer disorientation for a single post (D-tier).