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BEYOND THE SHADOW YOU SETTLE FOR ❅ PART 1
BEYOND THE SHADOW YOU SETTLE FOR
Finding the facility after they know to look was never going to be the problem. Not with the resources and Guardians at their disposal. It was always knowing to look at all. There were rumors of some mysterious entity capturing myths, possibly even human-related, but no specifics.
Now that they know for sure, the place is found through various magical and scientific means.
As they hide around the periphery of the facility, made to look like an unassuming office building on the top level, Jack talks to them all over the comms.
"I hate that we're going in blind when it comes to the underlevels but I don't think there's any way we can find out what's in there - and we don't have time to try. They could've been found out and for all we know, the people in charge will move locations make the facility disappear."
Or kill the three people they promised they'd help, including a kid.
"So just be ready to adapt. Be ready for a fight including against humans, probably with guns. If they can see other myths, they can see us. If we get split up and the comms don't work for whatever reason, instead of looking for each other, just free any imprisoned myths you can and incapacitate any resistance in whatever ways seem appropriate. Use all the spare snow globes to teleport myths out."
The yetis had gathered all of the very smallest snowglobes so that they can all carry more of them. The marble-sized micro-globes can take months to build. This will clean out a solid year's supply in one go.
"If you start facing some heat and get overwhelmed, hit your panic buttons. If it's too much, just portal out. We can only do what we can do."
The information the tech nerds to pull on the place means they know some important things: location, plans for the upper floors, locations of breaker boxes, location of where the building connects to the power grid.
Jack crowdsourced ideas on how to approach. Stacia's idea of tossing roadkill into the main breaker is unconventional but it works and the quick power outage means they'll be scrambling for a bit, giving them time before they realize the power station's guards were knocked out and bound.
Nightwing manages to clock where the cameras are and disable them.
Tim and Branch's ability to infiltrate the vents while tiny is a boon. It's easier to maneuver and avoid tripping traps, letting them dismantle them first. It takes some doing but they find their way past the boundary to the underlevels. The elevator down is a bit of a bottle neck but the both that and the largest vent shafts are a way down.
Disabling security sensors is easy. Thwarting some of the magical defense (how do they have magic to use for traps??) is more complicated.
The basic alarms and traps are one thing but the second they manage to slip in to a fairly large warehouse-sized room everything goes to hell. All of a sudden, there's the sound of clanking and and grinding gears. Walls shift, turn, and flip, floor panels rotate and tilt. The entire area shifts and reassembles itself ins short order, quickly separating everyone, as if the facility is one giant clockwork machine.
Now divided into pairs and trios, they all find themselves split up in dangerous trapped rooms meant to slow them down.
Don't worry, though, it's only forever that they might be in there, not long at all.
❅ Format: The mod will be using prose because there will be a lot of description of traps and responses.
❅ NPCing: This part of the plot will have mod npcing. If you can, please try to tag at least about once a day to your respective threads so the mod can try to block out some semi-predictable time for npc tags. The mod will not comment in after every tag around, since characters may need to discuss things. Instead, the mod will comment in when IC actions are taken manipulating the environment.
❅ Environment: The entire point of this is to attempt to manipulate the environment to get around the traps. Players are encouraged to either have character ICly communicate with each other to figure out each course of action, or to communicate oocly to plan it. Questions to the mod can be asked in the question comment or to the mod plurk about the plot if you want more real-time communication. The mod will answer what questions they can, such as providing more description, or letting players know if a part of the environment can be manipulated, but will not reveal the consequence of a course of action until it is ICly taken.
❅ Status effects: The traps will be dangerous and potentially cause magical status effects or injury. This will be an unavoidable consequence and a requirement of participating in the plot. Before inflicting any effects, though, the mod will tell the players what's about to happen and make sure a slight variation isn't necessary for ooc comfort reasons.
❅ Long-term effects: Players who go with some kind of status effect for a character can optionally have long-term consequences from it if they like. A lot of this has magical and has the capacity to cause long-term damage and scarring.
❅ Resources: Elle will be their man in the chair acting as a coordinator for the mission on the games. Players can handwave that important information was conveyed to or from Elle.
Mini-globes: Mini snow globes the size of marbles will have been given to everyone to use to transport myths out as well as emergency transport to the Pole. For those who don't carry storage with their normal outfits, they'll have been given fanny packs to carry them.
Devices: Courtesy of Miguel, there are mini bombs; spy bots that can fly and scout ahead, transmitting video to their comms; and elemental handheld devices can use to cause localized effects of extreme freeze or extreme heat. The latter is hot enough to melt the door looks to the thick cell doors.
Magic crystals: These can float over the hand to guide the Guardians towards other myths, as well as provide the location of their home habitats so Guardians can tell the snowglobes to right location to transport them home.
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Multiple arms, and those hand poses... she almost looks Hindu, but I don't recognize her. Of course, there are thousands of deities in that pantheon, and I've only met a handful of them.
[ The puzzle seems simple enough, but as Loki said, very obvious. Especially considering the room full of treasure certainly looks like bait for a more sticky-fingered intruder, and there are plenty of ways this could be designed to contain would-be thieves.
You know, more than it already has.
Of course, when you're trapped in the shrine of a deity, there's one method you should always try first. Apollo's been humbled enough to interact with other deities in a more traditional, mortal way — Especially in this new world, where he really has no authority. He tucks an arm in toward his stomach and splays the other out, bowing deeply at the waist. ]
Beautiful Goddess of this Golden Tribute! I, Apollo, apologize for our intrusion and humbly request you grant us safe passage through your shrine.
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Well. Sort of. Aziraphale prefers to seek enrichment on his own terms and not in the middle of a certified daring rescue. But what one wants very seldom has a hand in reality's pocket. At least the company seems pleasant enough.
He doesn't even pretend to think about trying to bother with the comm and it would be in poor taste for an angel of the lord to make sincere overtures towards any separate deity, so shoutout to Loki and Apollo respectively.
Instead he wanders towards the tapestry to have a closer look at it.
Anything that isn't the uncomfortable feeling of being cut off from himself, so to speak, for the first time since the Wilderlands, is worth diverting all his attention towards. ]
I suppose the obvious answers are candidates for the bottom of the checklist, aren't they. [ Unless that's what they want them to think. Unless that in itself is what they want them to think that they think they think. The layers never end. ] How very avant-garde. I think you're quite right, there must be some connection here.
[ If he'd only been practicing his embroidery more!! ]
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On closer look, Aziraphale will see that the tapestry is a messy mass of blobby color, with threads crisscrossing all over the fabric willy-nilly. The golden thread on it matches the gold color of the statue and represents the largest shape on the tapestry.
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Really, now. Any myth that would work with this Prometheus willingly would not let someone through just because they asked politely, and any forced into service would be unable to answer such a plea.
[He does pull out the myth-finding magic crystal they were provided with, but it's completely inert.] Would you like to try dragging the statue with us when we leave, in case it is an enslaved deity and we might use a snow globe to return it home once we are past whatever is suppressing magic?
[Loki's been looking at the tapestry as well, but when Aziraphale moves closer to it, he moves back. He tries to stand well away from both statues, the arms, and the piles of treasure as well.]
I would suggest we avoid grouping together too close. The strongest combatant should likely avoid interacting with anything unless we have no choice. [He's clearly nominating himself for that, though he gives Apollo a challenging look.]
The tapestry... its colors match that of the statue. Not merely the gold thread. There must be some connection. I would trace either the gold, or perhaps the blue.
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I wouldn't say it's out of the question. We can reasses the situation once our powers return.
[ If she is another trapped myth, he'd hate to be this goddess' first glimmer of hope in goodness knows how long only to let her down.
He watches Aziraphale step toward the tapestry. Something about its construction is bugging Apollo, but he can't put his finger on what. He may be the god of inspiring works like these, but the act of crafting them is more Athena's territory.
When Loki suggests the best fighter stay away from potential traps, Apollo sees that challenging look in his eyes. Again, Loki seems to be looking for competition. Well, Apollo isn't interested in playing that game; Especially since Loki has a point. ]
Good idea.
[ He steps closer toward the pedestals of floating arms ]
I'm more of a ranged fighter, anyway, so even if I get snagged, I may still he able to attack if I can get my arms free.
[ He turns to watch Aziraphale again, then glances at the tapestry, brow furrowed... and something clicks in his head. ]
You know... I think that might be the back of the tapestry. See if you can look at the reverse side.
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[ Was Aziraphale, possibly, theoretically, in some fashion, technically created for war? He'd like to think the jury is still out on that. In a roundabout sort of way, yes. In the sense that he was made to do things he was told to do and at some point someone decided war had to be included. But he doesn't like it and he's quite happy to avoid fighting in general where he can.
Stab away if it comes to it, fellas. Godspeed, let him know if help is needed with that, etc. ]
Oh, now that is a thought! Lovely detective work.
[ Look. He doesn't know the meaning of fearing a death-trap unless he thinks it's been done up by God Herself or Heavenly agents, and they're certainly nowhere near this reality at the moment. Aziraphale simply has not bothered with registering most things as real proper threats to his person. Right now he's partly wishing Crowley were here and partly hoping that there's a lever that opens a secret passageway hidden in this room.
Aziraphale was born to be the guinea pig for first touching-an-item risks. He's going for it. Powers that be, can a local angel flip the tapestry a bit to see if there's a cohesive image on the other side? ]
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And if Aziraphale turns it, he'll see that Apollo was right - they were looking at the back of the tapestry, at all the messy hidden threads not meant to be seen. The opposite side has a nearly full-sized depiction of the goddess statue. Her upper and lower arms even match the real one, oriented in the right positions.
And more importantly: the tapestry shows a pair of middle arms. They're made of gold, just like the other arms, and the hands are extended outward like they're giving a gift.
It's a great hint, right? And they have plenty of time to figure out what it means.
...except they don't. Near the side of the room they came in through, there's a rising hum and a loud crackle. Their hair stands slightly on end and the air starts smelling of ozone.
The source of the crackle becomes apparent when water starts to drip from the ceiling on the other side of the room. There are sudden flashes of electricity jumping between metal objects and the wet floor. The water at least seems to be draining somehow instead of flooding their side of the room but the curtain of dripping water and the electrical bolts seem to be very slowly be inching towards their side.
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Trap has activated. Possibly lethal. We have some time, but if you do not hear from us within ten minutes, assume we are lost.
[Elle warned, Loki turns back to his companions. He's been scanning the treasure piles, looking for anything that might fit with the statues, including rings that could fit on fingers. Nothing stands out.]
My guess: the clasped hands, if we put the right offering in them, she will spread her arms and the door will open. I do not know what.
[He looks over the tapestry again, and a new idea occurs to him. He hurries over to it, waving Aziraphale out of the way, and starts cutting the fastenings holding it to the wall with his dagger.]
We might- use it as a shield- drape it over the statue- fit into the alcove. Might be enough protection from the shocks.
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Apollo glances around the room for a moment before he sees what Loki's doing. Well, it's a plan, which is already leagues ahead of Apollo! He bounds across the room to the other end of the tapestry, pulling an arrow from his quiver and chopping the tapestry's fastenings with the arrowhead. It's working, but not as fast as a sword or a knife would.
He frowns, glancing back at the statue and the wooden arms, then the electrified curtain of water coming toward them.
Fuck it, we
dodgeball.Apollo darts for the wooden arms, making a split second decision. The meditation hands seem like the closest match to the tapestry. He grabs them and makes a beeline for the statue. If he's not interrupted, he'll slot the arms into the larger statue's center slots. ]
no subject
Little bit garish. [ Can't believe the villains didn't consider his personal death trap standards when they designed their dungeons. Wow.
Whether or not he agrees that this trap has lethal potential doesn't much matter. At the very least, it would be unpleasant to experience. Embarrassing, certainly. And not good for the state of his coat. Better to try to avoid that.
Well! In for a penny.
If they're angling for layers and Apollo could use less potential obstacles while he tries his luck, then Aziraphale will go ahead and try to remove the cloak from the goddess statue. Throw all the spaghetti at the wall. ]
sorry missed the arms
Revealing a hidden set of arms secured in very tightly to some brackets on the statue's back. They're made of gold, not wood. If they examine the hands, they'll see they're a direct match to the tapestry.
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Cap... [Well, there's one thing that immediately brings to mind, but Captain Rogers is very clearly not here, and wouldn't be uniquely helpful if he were.
[He's been moving towards the statue, to quickly enact his squeeze and shelter plan, so when the cloak comes off, he spots the new set of arms.]
Cape!
[This is the most promising yet, but Loki's not ready to abandon his backup plan yet, and he probably would have to drop the tapestry to retrieve and manipulate the new arms. He holds out his dagger to the other two.]
They may need to be pried or cut loose.
saved by shenanigans
Oh, that makes so much more sense.
[ After Loki speaks, Apollo looks at the brackets, then the wooden arms he's holding. He drops one and wedges the hand of the other into one of the brackets, intending to use it like a crow bar. He pulls and jostles it, hoping to loosen the bracket. ]
iconic
He takes back 75% of his pettiness from a few seconds ago. Now he loves the drama. ]
It's ridiculous. [ Bold claim for someone who sounds delighted. C'est la vie.
He will accept that dagger, though, since Loki is being such a gentleman about it. ] How very kind, thank you.
[ Using a weapon for fighting? Not his cup of tea. Using it to help pry a pair of statue arms out of a bracket? Ideal. More than happy to do so.
Even though realistically, Apollo will be the one who accomplishes the most on that front. ]
Re: iconic
They better do something with the arms quickly, though. The electricity and sheet of water is now only feet away.
no subject
Be ready to run.
[He's saying that to himself, too. He stops well before the door and looks around, ready to catch any signs of changes from any other direction. The displayed arms were decoys, perhaps the exit is as well.]
Possibly in a different direction.
shrine of the silver monkey flashbacks...
Apollo casts a worried glance at Loki, then gets to work. Trying to switch places now would just waste time. The best way to protect Loki would be to remove the threat entirely. As fast as he can, he'll slot the right golden arm into the right-hand slot, then reach for the left arm. ]
no subject
He's just going to stay out of the way of Apollo's work and keep a watchful eye on their surroundings. As much as one can when they're limited to physical eyes only, anyway. ]
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Nothing happens.
Until the statue's eyes suddenly open. They glow a bright light, shimmering like a kaleidoscope of rainbow colors, beautiful and alien.
The middle arms move, one of them unfurling to point at a wall that opens up - separate from any of the doors in the room. She no longer looks like a statue, the gold is liquid and alive.
This is not supposed to happen. She is a failsafe. She is meant to trap any escaped myths that fall into her room, but in case they ever get stuck by accident, Prometheus employees know the trick of where the true arms are, to safely get out. They also keep magical methods on hand to put her back to sleep against her will before she can fully wake up and fight back.
Punishment. Made into nothing more than a lock and key as punishment for escaping.
But she has woken up. Her captors are not here to put her to sleep again before she can fight.
When she speaks, it sounds like some kind of choir singing, divine and deeply alien. She is not of the myths of this world. She is perhaps some alien world's equivalent to an angel, if that world's God were some sort of divine computer, her wings caught in Prometheus' bird netting upon arrival to a world that wasn't her own.
Unit ]]> Gratitude expression //: Lower-dimensional lifeform designates.
Unit ]]> travels home.
Mode of Dimensional Metempsychosis //: Implicate Order Field Annihilation, localized effect ]]> fatal to lower lifeforms. Secondary classification ]]> weapon, Theological Implications.
Safety vectors, 50 interdims (translation: 尺, pie, feet, piedoj, pes) horizontal distance ]]> required.
You are of the flesh. Result if not obeyed ]]> molecular liquefaction.
Suggested default action ]]> Run.
She is waiting for the ones with heavy feet and loud weapons before leaving but the ones that freed her need to run.
no subject
Our thanks for your assistance, and may your vengeance be swift and thorough.
[He doesn't fully understand what she said, but it seems like she has her own plans for escape, or at least an attack when the guards arrive.
[Their benefactor acknowledged, he sheds the tapestry cloak and makes for the new exit, only slowing briefly to look back and make sure the others are following.]
I think we should take her advice and be well away.
no subject
Yes, good idea.
[ He starts for the new door as well, glancing back to make sure Aziphrale is following, and to acknowledge the statue. ]
Thank you, my Lady, and safe travels!
no subject
Oh, Crowley would love this. (Source not found on how much the death trap would have overshadowed that.)
Dare Aziraphale say, this feels like it's been a great success. ]
Mind how you go. [ His tone is all warmth. He very quickly tosses the cloak over her outstretched arm like the world's most obviously-adopted fussy uncle before hurrying towards the new door himself.
It might get cold going between dimensions. Can't be too careful. ]
no subject
As they run, there are the sounds of booted footfalls, yells, and gunfire.
Only when they are exactly fifty feet down one of the nearby halls is a high-pitched whine that rises higher and higher in pitch.
The yells turn to screams of agony. The trio can feel the heat coming from behind them; the air crackles with ozone.
Then there is the hollow vorp of reality briefly bending and opening up, then the hiss of it resealing again.
no subject
Well. Thanks to her, not only have we escaped, but I believe we have some breathing room. A pity we did not have a chance to chat, but she certainly seemed eager to return home.
[He tries a little magic; a cloaking spell, to make the hallway they're in appear empty. His grin widens as it works.]
I believe we should plan our next moves. Starting with reassuring our coordinator that we are well.
[He's already pulling out his comm as he says that, and he quickly summarizes the mechanics of the trap to Elle.]
If the others are trapped as we were, I would predict that theirs will also contain decoys, as well as some easy but hidden solution. And quite possibly some other myth pressed into service.
no subject
I can't say I blame her. Who knows how long they've kept her here? I'm certain going home was all she could think about.
[ As he speaks, he pulls an arrow from his quiver and taps the tip a couple times, focusing on it. For a moment, a dark mist seems to hover around the arrowhead, flickering like a flame. Anyone with the power to recognize or sense such things might notice the mist is some kind of illness. It fades out after just a second. Apollo frowns. ]
Almost had it. I'll give it another shot in a bit. They'll still work as regular arrows for now.
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