Random Isekai [IC]

[JNAProductions]

OOC Thread (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?645152-Random-Isekai-OOC&p=25440940)


You sit through the loading screens, waiting inside the helmet as the machine whirs and beeps softly.

Then-it kicks in. You can't see or feel anything, and for a moment, it's scary. But then... It opens up. A vast world, covered in clouds and with bright, sparkling seas... Your senses start to dive down, everything blurring together, until...

You awaken in darkness-but you can still see. It's black and white only, but you can tell that that's because the light is all gone.

You're slumped against a big rock, jutting from the wall of a cave. You look down, and see stony hands-your stony hands.
You awaken in a bed-it's large, comfortable, full of purple linens, and jostling slightly. Your body feels oddly lanky.
You come to in a tree, in a little hammock next to a bird nest. The tree is either ENORMOUS, or you're quite small!

But, as you untangle yourself from the hammock, you notice wings attached to your back. This will be fun!

You also get a small ping, to your upper-right. [PLAYER NEARBY]
You come to in a tree, in a little hammock next to a bird nest. The tree is either ENORMOUS, or you're quite small!

But, as you untangle yourself from the hammock, you notice wings attached to your back. This will be fun!

You also get a small ping, to your upper-right. [PLAYER NEARBY]
You arrive in a small field, full of flowers, with music gently playing from nearby. You stand up, your back slightly sore, but feel odd-and when you look down, you can see why. Your legs are goat legs.

Well... Try 'em out?

[Silent_p]

Jessie had tried VR before, of course, the headset a welcome weight as she rolled her shoulders briefly in a vague attempt to limber up. Should be fine, she thought after the shortest of motions, just as everything vanished. That's new. The feel of the headset went too. Uh... It was starting to get a little concerning before BAM! Light! Scenery!

She was in a tree. Comfortably lying in a hammock. Wow... it's... The thoughts kind of trailed off as she simply took in the sights, the sensations. How is it so comfy? So tactile? A delighted chuckle escaped her as she sat up, noting an unfamiliar presence on her back. Again, there was a real presence to it. She glanced back and spotted wings before giving them an experimental flutter. She laughed again. This. Is. Incredible!

A soft ping! jolted her and she looked up for its source.

[redfeline]

Nicole begins to wake in the game. The fog of sleep carried a strange excitement with it, but why. Her sleep addled mind struggles to catch what was going on. She slides among the sheets of soft satin. her legs slide among themselves and she notices the hairs brushing each other. When did she last shave her legs, was it Saturday? They should still be clear of anything but the smallest stubble.

She opens her eyes and takes in foreign surroundings. That is right, I am in a game. She looked at her hands and notices the soft fur coat that covers her entire body. This technology was incredible, even able to mimic the act of waking up. Was it her imagination or was the dead moving slightly? She begins to take in where she is and what is happening.

[Holy-hunter]

—-(Pre entry)

‘Ultra Fantasy Super Extreme Mega Gameplay!’

The words like a mantra, echoed tirelessly through Micheals head. They kept him calm and focused as he fought off his post purchase guilt and doubts. He cursed loudly and then apologised even though there was no one around to hear him, there was never anyone around, not any more.
The cause of his sudden outburst was the realisation that he had to do something that he absolutely hated to do.

Read the instruction manual.

This piece of extremely complicated, high tech gaming equipment was also insanely expensive. He would be damned if he broke it due to stubbornness. It had cost him near the entirety of his recently acquired inheritance and on top of that, he had lied and said he was someone else just so he could claim it. Fault of the postman for delivering the ticket to him instead of the correct address he thought to himself, guilt still gnawing at his subconscious.

This was supposed to be the most immersive and believable VR yet. ‘Revolutionary’ the man who sold it to him over three hours ago had said. It was not like the console’s of old that Michael was used to growing up. Truth was he hadn’t played games in a while and he had either underestimated how much they changed or greatly overestimated his level of tech savvy.

Eventually he was in his chair and his helmet slid on. Excitement washing away all other thoughts. Darkness over took him and the most surreal feeling of floating followed. As he began to wonder what was coming next he began to feel some options. But it was less like he was choosing and more like the game was reading him. It was a little invasive and he wasn’t exactly sure what they meant.

Before he knew it, it was over.
A world as vibrant and as real as the one he left behind flooded his vision. Scent, smell, touch, sound, it was all there.

——(GM post)

It was not what he expected, he was not what he expected, he didn’t know what else to do but run and jump. He touched everything he could, moved in every way he could, he fought invisible foes and yelled at the top of his lungs. He examined every part of his body. Found his horns. He collected, studied and even tried eating a few of the flowers.

It was unbelievable. He didn’t even stop to try to understand it.
For the first time in a long time he felt alive.
.... but he was still alone.
So he kept moving in search of, well, anything.

[JNAProductions]

Jessie can't place the source of the ping-it's just upper right of her attention. But looking around, she see another fairy-like being not far, in another hammock.


When you've fully awoken, you can see you appear to be in a small carriage-well appointed, and definitely moving somewhere.

The faint sounds of horses trotting and wheels rumbling is audible, now that you're listening for it.


As you cavort about, you head a bit towards the music. You see there a group of other beings playing music, dancing and celebrating. There are other satyrs, fairies, centaurs... All manner of strange creatures, having a good ol' time.

[redfeline]

Nicole considers how to inquir of the NPCs briefly as she puts on her clothing. Forgive my sleep addled mind. Remind me where are we heading and for what purpose?

[JNAProductions]

"Ah, you're awake, milady!" the person tending to the horses out front says. He's a young goblin, it looks like. "The fey of Enwor are holding a celebration, and we're going there as a token of goodwill. Are you feeling alright?"

[Mostlymad]

The Georgian couldn't help but crack a smile as the world fell away much like it did for Neo in the Matrix when he was unplugged from the system. At least, for him, it seemed similar when plugging into this new fantastical world.

Essentially waking within his new body, he marveled at the rock-like appendages he raised in front of his face. Using them felt like he had overly large callouses upon his hands and body as he felt out his avatar. Mod thought his experience was malfunctioning at first, as there was a noticeable lack of color, but after a quick look around he realized that he was in some kind of underground cave. His vision was reminiscent of the time the Americans showed him how to operate a NOD (nightvision) only in greyscale instead of greenscale.

Getting a feel for his character, Mod went ahead an began to explore his surroundings. "Perhaps there is something other than just a way out?" he muttered to himself in a gravely low voice.

[JNAProductions]

Nothing immediately presents itself for Olvine, though he does spy a few mushrooms growing in a tiny crack.

Poking his head out of the immediate area, he can see a fork in the path-one side, sloping up gently. The other side, sloping downwards dangerously.

[Mostlymad]

Looking at the two paths he figured that the easy path upwards would lead him out but the more dangerous path already had already piqued his curiosity. Mod decided to test Olivine's powers and cast his first spell. Bringing the intricate signs for the simple cantrip Mold Earth to his mind, the Earth Genasi tried to alter the earthen path to make the slope less dangerous for himself. At the very least he would take a quick peek.

[JNAProductions]

It takes a bit of doing to form a few small handholds, but it's enough to look down without too much risk.

Below, you can see it continue down its slope for about 60', before you can see no more. Though you do hear the faint sounds of water from below.

[Mostlymad]

Curiosity leading him on, Olivine will slowly make his way down until he can see something of interest.

[JNAProductions]

With advantage from your spell helping out.

[roll0]
[roll1]

DC ain't super high. Call it 13, to make it down safely.

On a failure, take [roll2] falling damage.
If you fail with a total of 5 or less, take an extra [roll3] damage.

You begin to descend, casting carefully as you go. As you grow more familiar, you speed up the pace, which ends up being a bad idea. You cast the spell, but partway through, you knock your hand against the wall, pushing you just a bit away. If you were in your normal body, it wouldn't be a big deal-but the bulky stone doesn't recover so easily.

You tumble down, down, down, and come to a stop as it levels out, some 100' or so below.

There is an underground lake there, with gentle waves.

[Mostlymad]

After tumbling spectacularly down the steep, slippery slope Mod groaned as bit of his rock skin chipped off in the fall. "Shegetsi," he cursed as he slowly stood up and looked at his health. He shook his head as he realized that he'd lost over half of it in the fall. What now, he wondered as he looked up at the over 100' height from which he'd fallen. Unsure what, if anything, might come for him after the cacophony he created in falling he began casting and maintaining Blade Ward. With the ward up he began taking in his surroundings trying to get a better grasp at where he was and what was around him.

[JNAProductions]

The cave opens up, extending into a rocky beach. You can see the edge of the beach to your left, but not to your right. The water itself goes past your range of vision. There are more mushrooms too, but nothing moving besides the gentle waves of the water.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Oh, yeah, that's not going to be annoying," says the little blue fairy, waving away the window in the corner of his vision. To all the world, he looks like he's trying to shoo away some invisible bug or spiderweb. He notices his hands and brushes his fingertips. He stretches his legs as he looks around...

"Whoah!"

...and slips out of the hammock, only to instinctively buzz his wings and right himself. He hovers uncomfortably for a second, then clambers onto the branch with the bird's nest. "Uh, okay, that's cool. Very, uh, speed of thought? Hmm..."

He doesn't give himself to much time to worry about it. He examines the texture on the tree branch, the construction of the bird nest... ooh, and perhaps literal eggs? How appropriate!

[JNAProductions]

There's a single whole speckled blue egg in the nest, and some eggshells from other eggs that have already hatched.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"What kind of bird are you?" Tywo asks no one in particular. He brushes the egg with his hand and pokes at it, hoping to get some kind of tool tip or item description. What kind of bird is this that our starter fairy lives with? Is it big enough - or Tywo small enough - to prop one of the eggshells on his head like a helmet? 'Twould make for a nice item tutorial, one imagines.

[redfeline]

"Ah, you're awake, milady!" the person tending to the horses out front says. He's a young goblin, it looks like. "The fey of Enwor are holding a celebration, and we're going there as a token of goodwill. Are you feeling alright?"

Nicole considered what she had gotten herself into Yes I am alright, how much longer will trip be? She looked around and took inventory of what was in the carriage, other than a bed for a strange reason.

[Holy-hunter]

As you cavort about, you head a bit towards the music. You see there a group of other beings playing music, dancing and celebrating. There are other satyrs, fairies, centaurs... All manner of strange creatures, having a good ol' time.

Without hesitation Michael runs up to the group, still in awe of his strange legs. As he arrives he gives a nervous greeting.
“Ah, hello. How amazing is this! Oh, are you guys players?
Um, I’m Michael.”

He looks at the various creatures one by one, studying and examining them.

[Silent_p]

It takes a second before Jessie realised that it was only the notification that was drawing her gaze upward. Feeling a little silly, she looked about properly, quickly spotting the likely player in question.

The other fairy was looking at the nest as Jessie decided to brave some flight. Flapping her wings, she darted in the direction of a potential new friend, half-startling herself in the process. She landed nearby and, laughing at the joy of the experience, greeted the other fairy. ”Hi there! Looks like we’re sharing the same tree!”

[JNAProductions]

Nicole considered what she had gotten herself into Yes I am alright, how much longer will trip be? She looked around and took inventory of what was in the carriage, other than a bed for a strange reason.

"Nearly there, milady," he tells you.

The carriage has some small amount of equipment, suitable for fighting.

As you start to dress yourself in the gear, the carriage stops. You poke your head out, and see many creatures dancing and playing music and laughing-satyrs and centaurs and fairies, oh my!

"We're here! I'll let you off now, and find a good place to stow the carriage."


As you cavort about, you head a bit towards the music. You see there a group of other beings playing music, dancing and celebrating. There are other satyrs, fairies, centaurs... All manner of strange creatures, having a good ol' time.

Without hesitation Michael runs up to the group, still in awe of his strange legs. As he arrives he gives a nervous greeting.
“Ah, hello. How amazing is this! Oh, are you guys players?
Um, I’m Michael.”

He looks at the various creatures one by one, studying and examining them.

"The players are over there," one of the centuars tells you, gesturing towards a gaggle of musicians. "But come, dance! Play! Be merry, friend Michael!" she says, taking your hand and pulling you into the dancing crowd.

Dexterity (Acrobatics or Performance) check, please! Don't embarrass yourself. :P

[Mostlymad]

The cave opens up, extending into a rocky beach. You can see the edge of the beach to your left, but not to your right. The water itself goes past your range of vision. There are more mushrooms too, but nothing moving besides the gentle waves of the water. Deciding to explore the rocky shore, Olivine cautiously heads to the right while maintaining Blade Ward.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Tywo starts and fumbles with the eggshell in his hands, then looks up to see Jessie. "Uh, yeah, looks like." He puts the would-be hat back down, embarrassed. "Is this where we live, then? What is this place? Who are you?"

[Holy-hunter]

"The players are over there," one of the centuars tells you, gesturing towards a gaggle of musicians. "But come, dance! Play! Be merry, friend Michael!" she says, taking your hand and pulling you into the dancing crowd.


The comment made Michael chuckle to himself. ‘Not what I meant’ he thought as he allowed himself to be dragged into the dancing crowd. Real world he would not do this, but this was not the real world and here he was not Michael.

Feeling no shame or fear he just went with it.
[roll0] (performance)-1 ((11))

After a time he would head over to the musicians and greet them, interested in trying one of their instruments.

[Silent_p]

"Sorry! Didn't mean to startle you. I'm Jesyna." She gives the other fairy a smile before looking past first at the nest, then beyond, turning as she does to take in the view. "So much... Not sure where to start." Looking back at her companion, she flutters her wings briefly, smiling again. "Still. Nice to meet you...?" She trails off, her questioning tone clearly seeking an introduction.

[JNAProductions]

Dexterity, then EITHER apply Acrobatics or Performance proficiency to the roll. So that was a 5 on die, +4 for Dex and Prof. 9 total.

Or, in other words...

Michael's not an awful dancer. But he's still getting used to the goat legs, and so manages to step on a few toes.

He extricates himself with reasonable speed, earning a few bemused looks, and heads for the musicians' area. All the instruments are currently in use, and their focus is on the music. You'll have to get their attention with more than just an "Excuse me."

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Hm. Yeah," the blue fairy nods and follows her gaze to the horizon, somehow expecting that to convey something along the lines of nice to meet you too. When Jesyna continues staring at him, he realizes that she probably needs a name before she'll tell him anything else.

"Oh, uh, Tywo." It doesn't take an expert in Insight to tell he only made it up today and already almost forgot it. "Tywo... Keerwal. Pleasure."

[Holy-hunter]

Currently clutching the shield and spear that he keeps putting down and picking up, he slaps the two together in rhythm, hopefully getting the ‘players’ attention.
He begins to wonder what would happen if he just took an instrument from them. Was it within their programming to retaliate. Could he even take one...

He looks over each creature to see what they are playing and what else of value they might have on them.

[redfeline]

Nicole looks around at the dancing centaurs and tiny fairies dancing merrily. You got lucky Nicole, or should I say crystal. You may have unshaven legs... and other parts but heck you could of been a centaur with 4 unshaven legs and never being able to sit on a couch again, or perhaps a farie so small you could slide into the couch cushions and never return. This game is truly incredible.

I wonder if Tywo is done setting it up now? Crystal laughed to herself, he likely finished the set up an hour before I did. How do I go about contacting my brother in game I wonder? She begins looking at and exploring the menus.

[JNAProductions]

Currently clutching the shield and spear that he keeps putting down and picking up, he slaps the two together in rhythm, hopefully getting the ‘players’ attention.
He begins to wonder what would happen if he just took an instrument from them. Was it within their programming to retaliate. Could he even take one...

He looks over each creature to see what they are playing and what else of value they might have on them.

The musicians, including a normal human woman, are playing a mixture of instruments. There are lutes and pan flutes and percussion, and even a harp held by one of the playing centaurs.

[Silent_p]

Jessie beamed back at him. "Excellent. Well, let's get started, hmm?" She glanced around again, scanning the surroundings for anything of interest outside of the tree. "Unless you've got something going on here...?" She asked absently nodding at the nest and eggs.

Perception check to look around [roll0]

[JNAProductions]

There's not much in the immediate area, but now that you're listening, faint melodies are audible from not too far away, beyond the trees.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Hm? Oh, that. I was just trying to see what I can do with stuff," says Tywo. "I haven't found any item descriptions or anything yet. I guess they didn't want to clutter up the interface?"

Investigation/History to realize something about this tree and our apparent residence therein. One thought: Have the hammocks been hung recently, or have they been attached for a while? The bark would wear down and eventually start growing around it. [roll0]

Nature/Raw Int to identify the bird eggs: [roll1]

"But yeah, we can come back to that. Though, what if something changes..." For lack of any apparent inventory system, Tywo fumbles around his character model for any of the equipment he remembered picking out. He doesn't find anything but armor, but it does draw attention to how different this feels from his real body. He makes a mental note to try a male one later, just to see what it's like.

When he turns around, he notices a heavy-looking tool bag with a crowbar strapped to it, tied to the branch alongside his hammock. He flies over and rummages through, relying on reflex and instinct to hover as he finds a pocket-sized roll of tools and a matchbox. Then he goes above the area for a good vantage point and scratches something on the top of the box.

"Ha! Okay, ready!" He flies excitedly back to Jesyna and presents a matchbox bearing an image of the starting hammock and bird nest. "Check it out: diagetic screenshots! If anything budges from its initial state, we'll spot it when we get back."

Using Arcane Tinkering to make the image appear on the tinderbox indefinitely. He vaguely remembers this being a mechanic from his brief glimpses at the menus before he accidentally clicked through them.

[JNAProductions]

The hammocks seem recently strung, and the working of the peg holding it to the tree was clearly made by tiny hands.

[JNAProductions]

Deciding to explore the rocky shore, Olivine cautiously heads to the right while maintaining Blade Ward.

Olvine finds the rightward side of the lake's shore curves around a bit, but narrows. As his voice echoes over the water, he's taken by surprise!
A crab, standing at least three feet tall, pounces from the water, and tries to pincer him!

Init: [roll0]

You're surprised, so Crab gets advantage:

[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
Grappled (DC 11 to escape) on a hit.

Init for you: [roll4]

[Holy-hunter]

The musicians, including a normal human woman, are playing a mixture of instruments. There are lutes and pan flutes and percussion, and even a harp held by one of the playing centaurs.

The human women stood out to Michael more than the other creatures, her being a plain human in this fantasy world he had found himself in.

[roll0] (diplomacy’s) he approached her with the intent to speak formally yet kindly and found himself using words he didn’t know he knew, this broke his flow.

He stood directly in front of her until he had her attention. With a greeting and a smile he asked her what was going on here, where was he and if she had any quests for him.

[JNAProductions]

You stumble over your words a bit, but manage to avoid saying anything bad. The woman gives a confused smile. "Quests? I mean, I suppose there's always something that needs to be done somewhere, but what an odd way to phrase it."

[Holy-hunter]

With a chuckle he indulges the game. With a deep flourishing bow he says.
”Fair maiden my services are at your disposal, I offer aid to you and yours in any way I can.”

‘hopefully there was some sort of tutorial around here somewhere.’

[JNAProductions]

She backs off slightly. "Oh no, this is one of those 'bargains', isn't it? No. No, and no."

Something about the repetition of no seems to matter to her.
Giving a response, or other such phrase, three times to the (proper) fey is binding.

Said once by a non-fey, eh, maybe they're confused.
Said twice, could be a joke.
Three times? That cinches it.

[Holy-hunter]

“Huh” Michael says, growing confused. “No wait, never mind.”
He adds feeling defeated. What was the point arguing with an NPC. Perhaps he wasn’t supposed to be here yet. ’Did he go the wrong way, did he miss something?’
He quickly removes himself from the woman’s presence and the rest of the musicians, a bit annoyed about not getting to try an instrument. He wondered if his real life skills would translate to the game.

He approached the dancing group once again, looking a little less lively this time. He was looking at all their faces to see who was judging him and to see if he was welcome back in. ’maybe the original Centaur was who he was supposed to talk to.’

[roll0] Insight
[roll1] Nature

[Silent_p]

Jessie looks from the matchbox to the area in the image and nods at Tywo. "Nice work! Not sure we'll need to worry too much yet but definitely no harm in being prepared."

"You hear that music?" She asked, gesturing vaguely in the direction from which she'd heard it. "We should check it out, right? Who knows what we'll find!" She flaps her wings excitedly.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Tywo simply nods and lets the other fairy lead the way.

[JNAProductions]

You head for the music, and then...

All four of you in the area get a "Player Nearby" ping. But the two fairies notice it's a little subtler than last time.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Huh. I guess they really want us to work together right from the get-go," says Tywo as the notification fades into the background. He looks down into the carousing crowd below. "Zero indication of who it is and who's an NPC, though. Am I missing something, or are we supposed to just... ask?"

[Silent_p]

Jesyna looked over the assembled group, trying to get a sense of who is who. ”That’s a really good question,” she said after a moment. She tried calling up her notifications, see if that could shed any light.

Investigation roll to try to find her notifications and/or assess the group for likely Players: [roll0]

[JNAProductions]

There doesn't seem to be any kind of UI available.

There is, however, a satyr stumbling and bumbling around, seeming to not know what he's doing.

[redfeline]

Nicole having been completely unable to find the in game, well any system at all, gave up on trying and focused on the smooth dancing of the NPCs and the gentle music of the players. It almost was enough to forget she was in a game. They even programed a drunk goat man moving about. For the time being Nicole or rather Crystal decided this was her reality.

Suddenly in the corner of her vision a messaged popped up and a sound was heard, 'player nearby'. She nodded to herself and looked the goat man. I suppose he is not drunk so much as just out of place. Might as well start there.

@Holy Hunter

A sort of attractive and very well groomed bugbear female approaches you with what may pass as a smile in a species that has oversized fangs. "Hello, I am visiting a distant land. Are you also new to this area?"

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Hmm. Goat man looks like he's still getting used to the controls, so it might be him. I'm gonna go listen in."

Tywo floats down and hovers next to the two of them with all the tact and subtlety of a typical RPG protagonist; that is to say, none whatsoever. He only catches the last part of what the buff catgirl princess is saying. "Mm, definitely an NPC," he mutters as though no one can hear him.

[Holy-hunter]

Maybe it was the integration of his modern moves that made him stand out and caused others to give him a bit of a wide berth as they danced.


‘Finally’ Michael thought to himself as he was approached. ”What took you so long?” He asked the weird looking monster acting formal, this must be the tutorial.
From his previous encounters he had learnt that he should stay in character or they might freak out.

”Ahhem, I mean yes I too am a traveler who is eager to learn of this land. I am quite good at moving now thanks to these dancers but I’m ready to learn new things, like how to use these.” He bashes his spear on his shield. ”You look like a fighter. Is there anything around here to fight. How does combat work? What happens if I die? Do I have any magical abilities?”

[redfeline]

Hearing "Mm, definitely an NPC" Crystal looks up at the fairy as the goatman says "What took you so long?" Yep definitely a drunk NPC, strange thing to program but heck adds realism. The satyr bangs its gear together " I mean yes I too am a traveler who is eager to learn of this land. I am quite good at moving now thanks to these dancers but I’m ready to learn new things, like how to use these.” He bashes his spear on his shield. ”You look like a fighter. Is there anything around here to fight. How does combat work? What happens if I die? Do I have any magical abilities?"

"No I am a player character Mr. fairy, and going off of what our spear wielding friend here is saying they also seem to be at dive device. That said, She turns back to the Satyr Maybe put that stuff away for a few minutes the AI is very advance and weapons at a party is odd."

[Holy-hunter]

”Oh wow, your both really players. Sweet. How good is this, I mean look at us!” Michael makes a point of looking over his body and bouncing on his goat legs. ”Wait, how are you even flying fairy? he ask, prodding at the fairies wing with his spear butt.
”I can’t get over how real this all feels, it’s amazing, but. Like, what do we do now? I haven’t learnt much about this game yet and these NPC’s are no help. Have you got a map or any quests yet? Maybe it’s more about survival and we need to find shelter.”

[Silent_p]

Eyeing the satyr, Jesyna had to agree that he was almost certainly another player. She follows Tywo at a distance, taking in the activities before engaging with anything. With the notifications and the verbal confirmations, she flew over to join the group, smiling. "Hey, easy there!" She said with a frown as the satyr poked rudely at Tywo. "Let's not get off on the wrong foot, we're all in this together. Or, well, we could be, I guess." A smile returned to her face. "I'm Jesyna."

[JNAProductions]

The fey creatures continue to cavort about. You're just past the edge of the dancing right now, letting you talk in relative peace.

[Mostlymad]

Olivine's green eyes went wide as a crab burst forth from the water's and quickly grappled him with it's large pincers. Luckily his Blade's Ward kept its claws from squeezing the life from him. In a desperate attempt at survival, until he could regain the initiative, the Earth Genasi used his racial ability to speed his recast of Blade Ward hoping to last one more round where he could hopefully stabilize.

Use Merge with stone (1/2) to cast Blade Ward as a Bonus Action.



Olivine finds the rightward side of the lake's shore curves around a bit, but narrows. As his voice echoes over the water, he's taken by surprise!
A crab, standing at least three feet tall, pounces from the water, and tries to pincer him!

Init: (1d20+2)[11]

You're surprised, so Crab gets advantage:

(1d20+3)[6]
(1d20+3)[12]
(1d6+1)[7]
Grappled (DC 11 to escape) on a hit.

Init for you: (1d20-1)[3]

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Tywo's face goes oddly blank as he watches Crystal's speech and mannerisms.

"...Nikki?"

Before Crystal can respond, the satyr jams his stick in Tywo's quietly-fluttering dragonfly wings. Any other game would let them clip through each other or push Tywo aside, but here...

*BZRRRT* "Gnahh!"

Tywo involuntarily cartwheels to the side...

...and probably catches himself as he stumblingly reaches the ground, but I think he could absolutely wipe out on a failed dex save: [roll0]

Given that Nicole was looking for him, Tywo's mannerisms are similarly easy to identify, probably. Crystal could respond with a similarly infuriating nickname for Taylor if E.W. doesn't immediately come to mind.

[redfeline]

Having missed the earlier name drop. Crystal looks at the satyr annoyed. You know this game has a physics engine and a good one. You should of guessed stopping the wings of a flying creature would make it crash. Besides all that you must of noticed that while pain is reduced it isn't stopped and being poked with a stick hurts. So lets just keep our tools to ourselves and talk politely. Crystal looks around And perhaps discretely, I am apparently here as a good will ambassador.

[Holy-hunter]

”Of course!” The Satyr beams with an excitement and profound realisation that did not match what was just said. Then to test the theory for himself he slid his grip along the spear and after a short examination of the point, pressed his thumb firmly against it.

Blood swelled around the steel and dribbled down his hand. Wide eyed he stared at it mouth open...
“Ouch!!!” he proclaimed.
“What! How? Why?
Am I really bleeding, like for real? What’s happening to my body right now? This feels way too real.”
Concern and panic began to creep through the visage of excited curiosity as he waved his bloody thumb around for all to see before sticking it in his mouth.

”Ehen da daste id de dame” he mumbles, brows now definitely furrowed.

[JNAProductions]

At this point, a few of the other fairies have hovered over. "Is he stupid?" one of them asks, gesturing towards the satyr with a thumb in his mouth.

[Silent_p]

Watching the situation deteriorate, Jesyna swiftly intercepted the approaching fairies. "One too many blows to the head recently," she says, with what is intended to be a reassuring smile. "We're new to the area and just getting our bearings. You'll have to excuse some eccentricities." She finishes with a light chuckle.

Deception for the first part, maybe: [roll0] and perhaps Persuasion for the last bit: [roll1]

[JNAProductions]

The crab lands a small but telling blow on your stony body.

[Mostlymad]

The crab squeezed and Olivine winced as the Blade Ward cracked along with one of the rocks that made up his chest. With his grip tightening in pain on his arcane staff, the Earth Genasi went through the arcane invocations and gestures for a spell. An arcane symbol appeared on his chest flared to life, emitting a blue flame that settled back into the joints of his large frame. Again, using his given racial ability, quickly cast another flash of blade whirled around him until disappearing into a shimmer around his body.

Action: Cast Armor of Agathys +5 Temp HP and +5 Cold Damage when injured.
Bonus Action: Cast Blade Ward
HP: 2/13 + 5/5 Temp

[redfeline]

Crystal joins into the lie. "It may also have a bit to do with the alcohol, he has been acting funny since I spotted him." She smiles politely at the other fairies before turning to the fallen pc.

I believe you were starting to say something when you were knocked out of the air.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Uh, yeah, never mind I guess," Tywo says, side-eyeing the other fairies as he massages his wing. "At least my wing's not that sensitive. I think it's kind of an exoskeleton situation."

Rather than double-down on doxxing her, he gets the matchbox back out and annotates it with a note. "Here, check out this, uh, picture."


(Nicole, is that you? Why are we coddling the NPCs?)

Of course, the matchbox offers no means to reply in kind. Tywo may have failed to realize that this isn't a universal game mechanic.

[JNAProductions]

Deep in the bowels of the earth, the crab misses. It seems about ready to start leaving its hardy prey, heading to the safety of the water, but is unwilling to grant its opponent an opportunity.

[Mostlymad]

Keeping his blade ward active, Olivine glares down at the crab that still has a hold of him. "You gonna let go?" he asks while indicating what he means by tapping on the claw that still has a hold of him. If the crab wants a draw the earth genasi is willing to grant it.

[JNAProductions]

The crab retreats.

Disengage.
You're still underground, with no apparent way back up.

[Mostlymad]

Relieved to be released, Olivine hobbles back toward the wall from which he fell and settles down to take a short rest.

[redfeline]

Nicole looks at the fairy and nods slightly. "Perhaps we should take our friend away from the party and let him get some air to sober up."

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Yeah, okay," Tywo agrees. "Come on, goatsm'n, let's, uh, get you home and sort out your thumb situation."

He doesn't take no for an answer. He flies to the satyr's left shoulder, looks up to Jesyna and nods for her to take his right. They can then push the satyr along as they follow Crystal wherever she's going.

[Silent_p]

Jesyna shrugged and gave the NPC fairies another smile before joining Tywo by taking hold of the satyr’s right shoulder. She followed his lead in trying to guide the larger player away.

[redfeline]

I lead the 4 of us out into a field some distance from the party. "Sorry about the distance, the ai just seems so real it makes me uncomfortable to think of them as fake... Tywo, your so small!"

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"I know, right?" Taking the subtle hint, Tywo remembers to remove the annotation from the match box as he replies. "I don't know how anyone thought this could be balanced, but if it lets me clip into places I don't belong, that's a win for me. I see you went more the buff cat princess route."

"Anyway. What's the AI been doing that has you so creeped out? I should really be writing this down..." Of course, the interface is nowhere to be found when he needs it to override whatever induced paralysis he's under. He tries a reverse of the swiping motion he used to shoo off the first notification.

[Holy-hunter]

The satyr had been quite for quite some time, he looked to be in a state verging on panic, like he might break any moment. Lost somewhere between deep thought and fear.
Steadily he mentally manoeuvres away from that dangerous edge.

“It’s clear we all know as little as each other. I can’t exit this game. I don’t know how and there’s no bloody help menu. And I’m damn sure as hell not keen to find out what happens if we die, it might be a way out, I don’t know.

Any volunteers?

If we are stuck here let’s learn where here is, it’s probably safer to spend the day and night with the local company anyway. Let’s gather our bearings learn what we can and head off for a town in the morning.

Sound like a plan?”

[Silent_p]

Jesyna gave the satyr a look of alarm. "What?!" She made a more concerted effort to interact with whatever interface might be available: her hands swiping around, eyes darting around, and blinking in strange and slightly manic patterns. "How...?" She whispered. "How do we...?"

She took a steadying breath, though appearing far from calm, and looked at the others. "What's going on?" She asked in a very quiet voice.

[JNAProductions]

"Ah, you finally noticed!" you hear a voice come from above. "But please, keep panicking. It's funny."

[redfeline]

Crystal starts to let out a sigh of relief, she isn't the only one that can't figure out the menu system. Then a voice creeps into her ear and the panic doubles.

"Alright, so you've hacked out accounts and locked our menus. What's next?

[Holy-hunter]

"Ah, you finally noticed!" you hear a voice come from above. "But please, keep panicking. It's funny."

Startled by the voice the Satyr stumbles back as his eyes shoot up.

“What’s going on!” He demands.

[JNAProductions]

You see... Well, you're not entirely sure what. It appears partly as a grey mist, partly as a humanoid (ish) figure, partly as some kind of twisting aberration... It's easier to just listen, and not look.

"I've hacked nothing-you think I would touch any of that godless technology? No, it's entirely on your end," the voice says. "Or perhaps not. You see, you've been entirely switched-the people who once were here, are now there; and you from there, are now here."

The mist-figure-monster drops down with alarming speed. It lands in front of you. "You had some prewarning, but alas, those who were here did not-didn't look hard enough. I do hope they're enjoying your bodies, though."

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Oh! I get it! Cool!" Tywo blurts out. He flies up to the misty apparition, excitedly trying to examine its form despite his eyes' natural aversion to looking at it. "Alright, Ziggy! What do we need to do to get home, then? Take care of our characters' unfinished business? Fight an eldritch horror that no one in this world is allowed to know about?"

[JNAProductions]

The thing laughs. "You aren't going home. This is the price the developer paid for my assistance-chaos, anarchy, destruction... Though there was supposed to be another one of you. If he cheated me, hell will come."

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Okay, I guess that means we need to defeat you then," sighs Tywo. "This could take a while."

He backs off to huddle with the group and think this through at an increasingly agitated whisper. "It's definitely illegal to lock us in like this, right? And if they don't care about that, we can't rule out that they've really gone full Saw villain here."

[Holy-hunter]

“So your trying to tell us that this is not a game? We have stolen or swapped bodies with... creatures from another world.. and now they are somewhere else doing things in ours?

Who did you work with? If this really is another world how is it connected to ours? The creatures that swapped with us, did they know what they were doing?”

Michael played along for now, trying to fully understand what this ‘thing’ was saying. He searched its words for a flaw or hint that this was all part of the game. The measures taken for a full immersive experience were a bit extreme but no more extreme then the alternative. Could a developer really go this far or was there more to this. He ignored those around him and tried to recall any clues he might have seen when setting up the machine.

[Silent_p]

Jessie was horrified by the mist creature’s revelations as she desperately resumed her attempts to log out or even just access the UI.

Her panic left her unaware of most of the conversation going on around her as the others questioned their tormentor.

[JNAProductions]

“So your trying to tell us that this is not a game? We have stolen or swapped bodies with... creatures from another world.. and now they are somewhere else doing things in ours?

Who did you work with? If this really is another world how is it connected to ours? The creatures that swapped with us, did they know what they were doing?”

Michael played along for now, trying to fully understand what this ‘thing’ was saying. He searched its words for a flaw or hint that this was all part of the game. The measures taken for a full immersive experience were a bit extreme but no more extreme then the alternative. Could a developer really go this far or was there more to this. He ignored those around him and tried to recall any clues he might have seen when setting up the machine.

"James Marsden, developer of this 'technology'. What-you think a few wires and batteries can do all this?" the creature says. "But I believe Mr. Marsden will be having a few nightmares-he promised me five of you. And I only count four. Good bye-and have fun!"

The figure in the mist begins to fade, and the mist itself follows.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Hey, hey! Where're you going? You haven't told us who you are yet!" Tywo tries to catch the entity's attention before it vanishes, but of course that won't stop a god from leaving if it wishes.

"Great," he groans. "Now we'll have to wait until Q gets bored enough to toy with us again. Assuming this whole thing doesn't crash first." He flies in circles muttering to himself, trying to wrap his head around the situation. "Alright. Magic isn't real, I'm just going to rule that out right now, but who knows what's going on in real life. Whoever did this probably wouldn't be shy about killing us if we die in the game. They've still not given us an objective. Do they care about the number five for some reason...?"

This would be a lot easier if he had something to write with. Better yet, the leadership skills to start a proper brainstorming session.

[Holy-hunter]

Michael demanded the groups attention as he started clearly and precisely dealing out his his full name, address and any other details he thought useful.

“If anything happens and someone finds themselves out of this place. Come wake me up and I’ll do the same for you! Ok?” He proposes.

He waits long enough for everyone else to dish out their info, repeats it to himself over and over again and then starts making his way towards the crowd.

“Doesn’t matter what the truth is, either way we are still trapped here with very little clue as to what is going on or how things work.” he calls back.

“I’m gonna try make some friends.”

————

Michael rejoined the party and steadily approached the woman again with an apologetic smile.

“Sorry my lady, it appears we misunderstood each other, I’m not sure what you thought I was implying but I guarantee that I was not. Please forgive any grievance I caused, these are not my lands and I am unfamiliar with your customs, intricacies and ways. I have traveled far and have not properly rested in a while. After a little drink I fear sense left me all too quick.”

[Mostlymad]

Feeling refreshed after resting, the earth genasi stares up at the perilous climb he's about to attempt. He figures if he is careful about it he can make it out eventually.

Takes the hour to climb out.
Short rest healing: [roll0]
Athletics Check Climbing w/ advantage (DC12): [roll1] [roll2]

[redfeline]

Crystal was quiet for a long while. "Tywo, as the saying goes, sufficiently advanced technology is no different from magic. Especially if you don't understand how it works. So until we figure out this technology I see little point in debate machine, god, or the god in the machine. The important thing is we are family and we are going to get out of here together." She looks about the others "We are all going to get out together."

She takes a breath "Now let's assume, that the character we just encountered had a purpose beyond gloating. He said there should be five of us and perhaps there is. That would be an important discovery, as it would establish this entity does not have full awareness of this... game world. Nor, us I would wager. Any suggestions on how to begin a search for this missing person."

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Tywo gives a curt answer when Michael asks for contact info, only coughing up a last name and an address until Crystal reins him in.

"Yeah, okay," Tywo accedes and stops circling. "We could fly up and scout around. We have no way to know them if we see them, but Jess picked out Mike pretty quick."

[Silent_p]

Jessie was taken aback by the satyr’s demands and, followed Tywo’s lead in giving out minimal identifying information. The revelations from the malevolent entity, coupled with their inability to log out has left her badly shaken. She watched the Mike make his way back to the… are they really not NPCs?

Turning back, she caught the end of Crystal’s reasoning and nodded along with Tywo. ”I can fly around and see if we can spot them. The new player notification helped a lot,” she added, then glanced over to where Mike was. “We shouldn’t split up too much, though.”

[redfeline]

"I agree we definitely should stay close. I know my character... host or person maybe, is not from here. I imagine Micheal is also not from around here. Do you two know if your... bodies are from here? Do locals know you well? If not maybe we are all travelers."

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Uh, yeah, about that. Jess and I had these hammock setups to start out with." Tywo reintroduces the matchbox as evidence. "See? That said, they looked like they were set up recently. I might conclude that we're either new in town or just staying overnight for the party." He raises a finger to his chin. "Speaking of, did anyone catch what the party was about? Is it some kind of monster holiday, maybe?"

[redfeline]

"**** I think my cab driver told me why we were here but I do not remember where here is or anything more than it is a party. How are you making these pitchers?" Nicole asks.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Thieves' tools," Tywo replies, holding up something resembling a dentist's pick. "If you prod objects the right way, you can make them record sounds and images and stuff. It's sort of like a spray mechanic?" He looks at his tools, suddenly doubting himself. This is only getting harder to explain the more he thinks about it. "Maybe it's just an artificer thing."

[Silent_p]

"Should be careful calling them 'monsters', might be taken the wrong way..." Jessie murmured, mostly to herself.

Getting ready to take flight, she paused as the other two discussed Tywo's ability. "Oh! You went with artificer?" She asked, brightening. "I picked bard. What about you?" She added, looking at Crystal.

[redfeline]

I figured rogue had a good skill set. Jessie has a good point, as some one who looks like a werewolf we need to be careful not to ruffle feathers and should not call people monster... Wait a moment, did I go rogue or you bard? We are supposedly in random people do we even have the abilities we thought we did? Why did he let us pick?

[Mostlymad]

Taking his time Olivine managed to climb his way out of the cavern he fell into. Back in his starting area, he decides to climb the ramp towards the light leading, presumably, to the outside world.

[JNAProductions]

Olivine finds his way out of the cave, coming to a bright clearing in the midst of some trees. There's some music audible a decent distance away, and some indistinct voices nearer.

Said voices are the rest of the party.